It just doesn't end, does it ? Do any of these clowns remember the disaster of the unconstitutional Nixon price controls? So, now Congress, knowing how companies are run, and especially oil companies, are proposing price controls via fear and intimidation. And when you hear conservatives say in frustration that there is no difference between Democrats and Republicans, and hear many "conservative" talk show hosts say there is a huge difference, remember this quote from the left: " Congressional Democrats, meanwhile, chided Republicans for now pushing a proposal that Democrats tried to get through last fall after the run-up of gasoline prices in the aftermath of Hurricane Katrina. " And Never mind that price is one of those economic signals that allows the market to function. Oh, no. Not from OUR Congress that knows better that millions of Americans making independent decisions.
And as Bruce Barlett points out, what about anti-gouging in pharmaceuticals, real estate,banking, software? Coca-Cola and Yahoo made bigger profit margins. And especially the government where every dollar they bring in is coerced? And again, not a single paragraph, sentence or even word about cutting the gas tax, from the state or feds.
Republicans...
Wednesday, May 03, 2006
Tuesday, May 02, 2006
Bullwinkle and Congress, Part II
Thanks to Thomas Brewton over at The View From 1776 , he has an excellent posting showing what Senator Norm "Bio-diesel" Coleman and his friends and predecessors in Congress have been spending our money on and what the vote pimps in Congress call Big Oil price gouging.
Oh, and ethanol ? Again, a contrived fraud by, well, you know.
Yup. The Senate and House idea to produce more oil and gas? Punish success. That's the ticket!
Oh, and ethanol ? Again, a contrived fraud by, well, you know.
Yup. The Senate and House idea to produce more oil and gas? Punish success. That's the ticket!
Hey Rocky, watch me lower gas prices! This time for sure!
Most of you who are Boomers will recognize the title of this entry. The Rocky and Bullwinkle Show was an adult cartoon series, badly drawn (another of it's endearing qualities) that was loved by kids like me. The hapless Bullwinkle with Rocky...I'll still watch them over 45 years later. One of the beginning sequences was Bullwinkle telling Rocky that he was going to pull a rabbit out of a hat. Time after time, no rabbit. A lion, rhinoceros, wrong hat, wrong size. But never, ever a rabbit. Despite many attempts and each attempt preceded by a promise, no rabbit. Which brings me Senator Norm "Bio Diesel" Coleman.(The reason for the "Bio Diesel" sobriquet was at the 2002 CD2 Convention, Senate Candidate Coleman said that he was against drilling in ANWR because he believed in bio-diesel. I posited the questions as to how much lubricants, plastics, gasoline, explosives, fiber cable, paint could be gotten from "bio-diesel"? I have a friend who flies for Northwest. If he were to fuel up with "bio-diesel" in Gandor on a flight to Amsterdam, would his wife and daughter ever see him again? And what is the mileage efficiency in many cars with a tankful of "bio-diesel" propelling them down the road? "Bio-diesel" Norm!).
So, "Bio-diesel" and the rest of the Senate and House are now hot on the path to correct what Big Oil has done to the economy...and to you! Ladies and gentlemen, we have for your pondering in total and consuming awe and amazement: The Enhanced Energy Efficiency Act of 2006!!!!! Yup. I kid you not. It's true. Wonder all you like and wish, but they've done it again. Read the clip so you'll be totally convinced (if perchance you weren't already) as to how this wonderfully insightful and mystically crafted piece of legislation will allow at least 10,000,000 less, oops, sorry, more barrels of oil to flow into America and gas will be $10.00 a ,uh,no, yah ,$.10, yup I'm sure $10, no, no,it's $.10 , yah it's $.10 a gallon, I'm sure, with the ultimate end that all machinery will run on pure thought, with no use of oil ever again! And we'll all have teleporters to eliminate the automobile forever! We won't even hear of the Kyoto Protocol anymore because ALL energy requirements will have been met. It's all in The Enhanced Energy Efficiency Act of 2006!!! Remember, you heard it here first---. Now, we can ignore a few minor past failings of the House and Senate- like the Senate and House having had 70 years to correct and get the disaster called Social Security right, 40 years to get Medicare on sound financial footing, and the Senate let ting $600 toilet seats go unchecked for years, and we still have honey, mohair and kapok subsidies, still stockpile helium for lighter than air ships (blimps and dirigibles), 8 months after Katrina New Orleans is still a disaster despite billions of dollars and FEMA. Oh, and that the first oil crisis was 33 years ago and the Senate and House have done nothing but spent billions of dollars on, well, I don't know, but that ethanol is exactly what they say we need, but we have an ethanol shortage (that Congress created) but we need it to satisfy the forced use of ethanol, but Congress has imposed a $.54 a gallon tariff on imported ethanol to protect the subsidized ethanol industry that Congress created. But, this time, for sure, they will get it absolutely right and everything that's in that bill will come true!!! After all, they promised!
Say, Bullwinkle-how ya doing on that rabbit?
So, "Bio-diesel" and the rest of the Senate and House are now hot on the path to correct what Big Oil has done to the economy...and to you! Ladies and gentlemen, we have for your pondering in total and consuming awe and amazement: The Enhanced Energy Efficiency Act of 2006!!!!! Yup. I kid you not. It's true. Wonder all you like and wish, but they've done it again. Read the clip so you'll be totally convinced (if perchance you weren't already) as to how this wonderfully insightful and mystically crafted piece of legislation will allow at least 10,000,000 less, oops, sorry, more barrels of oil to flow into America and gas will be $10.00 a ,uh,no, yah ,$.10, yup I'm sure $10, no, no,it's $.10 , yah it's $.10 a gallon, I'm sure, with the ultimate end that all machinery will run on pure thought, with no use of oil ever again! And we'll all have teleporters to eliminate the automobile forever! We won't even hear of the Kyoto Protocol anymore because ALL energy requirements will have been met. It's all in The Enhanced Energy Efficiency Act of 2006!!! Remember, you heard it here first---. Now, we can ignore a few minor past failings of the House and Senate- like the Senate and House having had 70 years to correct and get the disaster called Social Security right, 40 years to get Medicare on sound financial footing, and the Senate let ting $600 toilet seats go unchecked for years, and we still have honey, mohair and kapok subsidies, still stockpile helium for lighter than air ships (blimps and dirigibles), 8 months after Katrina New Orleans is still a disaster despite billions of dollars and FEMA. Oh, and that the first oil crisis was 33 years ago and the Senate and House have done nothing but spent billions of dollars on, well, I don't know, but that ethanol is exactly what they say we need, but we have an ethanol shortage (that Congress created) but we need it to satisfy the forced use of ethanol, but Congress has imposed a $.54 a gallon tariff on imported ethanol to protect the subsidized ethanol industry that Congress created. But, this time, for sure, they will get it absolutely right and everything that's in that bill will come true!!! After all, they promised!
Say, Bullwinkle-how ya doing on that rabbit?
Monday, May 01, 2006
Why I can't wait for November!
Mark Dayton reported back to the true believers on Portland Avenue today.
"When I began my Senate term in January 2001, our country was at peace, the federal budget was in surplus, and, shortly thereafter, Senate Democrats were in the majority. "
and all was right with the world, eh Senator????
"But the terrible attacks on Sept. 11, 2001, drastically altered my legislative agenda, as they did so many other plans for America. "
Yeah - the voters of America woke up to what you and your fellow Democrats were doing with our national security Senator!
"Losing Paul's seat put Senate Democrats in the minority for the next two years. "
Yeah that's the ticket....losing St. Paul's seat is what put the Democrats in the minority. It surely couldn't have had anything to do with the Dems lack of vision and ideas now could it???
"I have been unable to accomplish much of my legislative agenda. It was not for lack of trying. Six times I tried to amend Senate bills to fully fund the long-promised federal share of special education. It would have given Minnesota's schools an extra $250 million this year, money that is badly needed."
I couldn't bring the pork home because of those evil Republicans.....they hate children...heck they EAT children for breakfast - did you know that????
"At the same time, tax cuts for the rich and super-rich, which I opposed, will cost the U.S. government over $200 billion this year. "
Maybe when Senator Dayton comes home in January, King Banaian can show the esteemed Senator how those tax cuts that the Senator opposed increased the amout of tax dollars that the federal government took in!
Remember - this is the same Mark Dayton who just last week gave himself an "F" grade for his term in office. Yet here he is bragging about all of the legislation that he sponsored and would have passed if it weren't for those evil House Conferences. Maybe someone forgot to tell the Senator that conference committees are a vital part of our political process!
What is funny is that Senator Dayton, in listing out all of the agenda items that he tried so hard to get passed, didn't list that he sponsored a bill to form a new cabinet level department....the Department of Peace and Non-Violence. You would think he would be proud of that particular piece of legislation.
"When I began my Senate term in January 2001, our country was at peace, the federal budget was in surplus, and, shortly thereafter, Senate Democrats were in the majority. "
and all was right with the world, eh Senator????
"But the terrible attacks on Sept. 11, 2001, drastically altered my legislative agenda, as they did so many other plans for America. "
Yeah - the voters of America woke up to what you and your fellow Democrats were doing with our national security Senator!
"Losing Paul's seat put Senate Democrats in the minority for the next two years. "
Yeah that's the ticket....losing St. Paul's seat is what put the Democrats in the minority. It surely couldn't have had anything to do with the Dems lack of vision and ideas now could it???
"I have been unable to accomplish much of my legislative agenda. It was not for lack of trying. Six times I tried to amend Senate bills to fully fund the long-promised federal share of special education. It would have given Minnesota's schools an extra $250 million this year, money that is badly needed."
I couldn't bring the pork home because of those evil Republicans.....they hate children...heck they EAT children for breakfast - did you know that????
"At the same time, tax cuts for the rich and super-rich, which I opposed, will cost the U.S. government over $200 billion this year. "
Maybe when Senator Dayton comes home in January, King Banaian can show the esteemed Senator how those tax cuts that the Senator opposed increased the amout of tax dollars that the federal government took in!
Remember - this is the same Mark Dayton who just last week gave himself an "F" grade for his term in office. Yet here he is bragging about all of the legislation that he sponsored and would have passed if it weren't for those evil House Conferences. Maybe someone forgot to tell the Senator that conference committees are a vital part of our political process!
What is funny is that Senator Dayton, in listing out all of the agenda items that he tried so hard to get passed, didn't list that he sponsored a bill to form a new cabinet level department....the Department of Peace and Non-Violence. You would think he would be proud of that particular piece of legislation.
Donate Now - Watch the Savage Republican Have a Heart Attack
In an effort to show how out of shape I am, I will be running in a 5K this weekend to raise money for Alpha Pregnancy Resource Center.
It is my way of doing more than just putting a "Pro Life" bumper sticker on my car.
It is a small way to help out an organization that truly saves lives by helping Mothers and Fathers with an unexpected pregnancy get the help they need. They even have a home to help Mother's before and after the birth (and one of the coolest house moms I have met).
Anyway if you want to help you can donate directly with them as a way to sponsor me in the run.
No big donations necessary (but certainly appreciated). Even a donation of $5 can help out.
If you donate, leave me a note using the info tab or just e-mail me at info@savagerepublican.com
I'll put up details of the totals.
Here is the address for Alpha:
http://www.alphaprc.com/supportus.htm
Now back to out regulary scheduled Opinion pages.
It is my way of doing more than just putting a "Pro Life" bumper sticker on my car.
It is a small way to help out an organization that truly saves lives by helping Mothers and Fathers with an unexpected pregnancy get the help they need. They even have a home to help Mother's before and after the birth (and one of the coolest house moms I have met).
Anyway if you want to help you can donate directly with them as a way to sponsor me in the run.
No big donations necessary (but certainly appreciated). Even a donation of $5 can help out.
If you donate, leave me a note using the info tab or just e-mail me at info@savagerepublican.com
I'll put up details of the totals.
Here is the address for Alpha:
http://www.alphaprc.com/supportus.htm
Now back to out regulary scheduled Opinion pages.
Sunday, April 30, 2006
Open mouth, insert foot.
You all remember when Senator Dean Johnson said (to a group of fellow pastors) that the Marriage Amendment was not necessary because he had the assurances of certain members of the State Supreme Court that they would not touch marriage because "we stand for election too". Well, now the state board of judicial standards is investigating the 7 sitting Supreme Court Justices to make sure that no inappropriate conversations took place. If (as Senator Johnson first claimed) the Justiced did indeed assure Senator Johnson that they would not act on the current marriage statute, then they are guilty of making a "ruling" on a case before a case is even brought before them. If (as the Senator now contends) those conversations did not take place, that Senator Johnson "embellished" the story, when then he is guilty of lying to these pastors! Either way, Senator Johnson is in trouble.
Friday, April 28, 2006
A boat, a dock and a foot on each
I like Ann Coulter. A lot. She has a great way of pointing out the gross hypocrisy of the left. And no more so than in her recent column.
The left has been screaming at us about global warming. Their 2000 hero, Al Gore, equated the internal combustion engine as satan incarnate and a greater threat than nuclear weapons (strange though. I never remember seeing him ride a bike cross country or take the train. Oh that's right, he's a lefty. He knows best for me. Therefore he needn't take his own advice or lead from the front.) And so with John Kerry wanting to tack on a $.50 a gallon tax, Harry Reid saying we aren't taxed enough on gasoline, a number of proposals that would add $.25 or more a gallon, now the lefties are screaming that the price of gasoline has risen. Haven't they finally gotten their wish? And they're upset that they finally got what they've wanted!
Go read Ann Coulter's column. She makes mincemeat of these hypocritical pukes.
And Dr. Thomas Sowell weighs in on the economics vs. politics in the oil and gasoline markets. And another great read.
The left has been screaming at us about global warming. Their 2000 hero, Al Gore, equated the internal combustion engine as satan incarnate and a greater threat than nuclear weapons (strange though. I never remember seeing him ride a bike cross country or take the train. Oh that's right, he's a lefty. He knows best for me. Therefore he needn't take his own advice or lead from the front.) And so with John Kerry wanting to tack on a $.50 a gallon tax, Harry Reid saying we aren't taxed enough on gasoline, a number of proposals that would add $.25 or more a gallon, now the lefties are screaming that the price of gasoline has risen. Haven't they finally gotten their wish? And they're upset that they finally got what they've wanted!
Go read Ann Coulter's column. She makes mincemeat of these hypocritical pukes.
And Dr. Thomas Sowell weighs in on the economics vs. politics in the oil and gasoline markets. And another great read.
Thursday, April 27, 2006
The mainstream media....missing in action
"I'm sitting in the dark on the edge of a camp for displaced people in Darfur. I can hear the loud, persistent crying of one child rising above the murmur of the camp as the people settle down for the night. "
Thus begins a BBC News article on a subject that you probably have not heard anything about here in the US media.
"A UN force for Darfur is still in the planning stages, an attempt to punish Sudanese leaders with sanctions has been blocked, and relief agencies have been denied access to 300,000 people desperately in need of emergency supplies."
Says this article from the Independent (UK - payment required).
This sad, sad story has been brewing for years. Twenty one years to be exact and it is yet another example shining example of the actions of the "religion of peace" - for you see the aggressors in this are Muslim militias!
When are we going to see something about this story in the American media?
Thus begins a BBC News article on a subject that you probably have not heard anything about here in the US media.
"A UN force for Darfur is still in the planning stages, an attempt to punish Sudanese leaders with sanctions has been blocked, and relief agencies have been denied access to 300,000 people desperately in need of emergency supplies."
Says this article from the Independent (UK - payment required).
This sad, sad story has been brewing for years. Twenty one years to be exact and it is yet another example shining example of the actions of the "religion of peace" - for you see the aggressors in this are Muslim militias!
When are we going to see something about this story in the American media?
Whose windfall profits shall we tax?
The US Senate, in it's ultimate wisdom, has decided that it needs to consider imposing a "windfall profits" tax on the profits of big oil companies. That is a ludicrous proposition on a number of levels.
Level #1 - the Federal goverment makes an 18.4 cent per gallon profit on every gallon of gas that you and I buy.
Level #2 - the State government makes an average 18.7 cent per gallon profit on every gallon of gas that you and I buy. The state of Minnesota takes 22 cents per gallon out of our pocket.
Level #3 - the oil companies make a paltry 7.4 cents per gallon profit on every gallon of gas that you or I buy.
Level #4 - read Amendment X's most excellent post on the circumstances that led us to be in this predicament. It is Economics 101 and is a must read for any and all of our representatives in Washington DC.
Hopefully now we can put to rest the meme that it is "big oil" that is profiting from these near record high gasoline prices. Then we can get around to doing something that will make it less painfull to the consumer. And no Amy, adding more regulations to the already burdensome regulations already in place is not going to do that. A good start would be for the states and federal governments to repeal (even temporarily) the sales taxes that they impose on customers and thus take care of their own "windfall profits".
Level #1 - the Federal goverment makes an 18.4 cent per gallon profit on every gallon of gas that you and I buy.
Level #2 - the State government makes an average 18.7 cent per gallon profit on every gallon of gas that you and I buy. The state of Minnesota takes 22 cents per gallon out of our pocket.
Level #3 - the oil companies make a paltry 7.4 cents per gallon profit on every gallon of gas that you or I buy.
Level #4 - read Amendment X's most excellent post on the circumstances that led us to be in this predicament. It is Economics 101 and is a must read for any and all of our representatives in Washington DC.
Hopefully now we can put to rest the meme that it is "big oil" that is profiting from these near record high gasoline prices. Then we can get around to doing something that will make it less painfull to the consumer. And no Amy, adding more regulations to the already burdensome regulations already in place is not going to do that. A good start would be for the states and federal governments to repeal (even temporarily) the sales taxes that they impose on customers and thus take care of their own "windfall profits".
Nick is wrong, but right
Nick Coleman...nah, I'm not gonna beat him up..too badly.
Today he screams that "democracy is getting nuked" by the stadium deal.
Well, no it's not. This is democracy on parade and display. This is exactly what democracy looks like and how it works. The residents of Hennepin County are in the minority compared to the rest of the state. Nicky asks what we have here in Minnesota: a representative democracy, corporate government or just plain tyranny? Yes to two and possibly the third. We have a representative democracy in function. What we are supposed to have is a representative republic that is constitutionally mandated and therefore constitutionally limited. In a democracy might and the majority make right. Period. Not so in what should be our constitutional republic. In a democracy the minority have no protection. In a constitutional republic each citizen is protected.No groups can have either rights or privledges as it's the citizen that is protected. In a democracy the rule of people is supreme. In a constitutional republic, the law is supreme. A democracy can be called the tyranny of the masses. What the majority want, the majority gets. Or without the constraints of a constitution,what the majority of the representatives want, they get. I once heard that a gang rape and a lynching are democratic events.
So, Hennepin County...too bad for you. We have a democracy, not a republic. And really, too bad for all the non-Minneapolis residents as the stadium is not a travelling stadium. After all, look at the great deal Sharon Sayles Belton and the Minneapolis City Council did with the Target Center. Wonder why they didn't want to repeat that great inner city victory and triumph of left wing thinking ?
The Founding Fathers did not trust democracy. Nowhere in the Declaration of Independence or the Constitution does the term "democracy" exist.And the reason it doesn't is evidenced by the Stadium deal.
So, Nicky, how does it feel to be hoisted on your own petard? Adios constitutional republic, hello, hail and welcome to democracy.
It sure do hurt,don't it Nicky?
Now, go read Bastiat's "The Law".
Today he screams that "democracy is getting nuked" by the stadium deal.
Well, no it's not. This is democracy on parade and display. This is exactly what democracy looks like and how it works. The residents of Hennepin County are in the minority compared to the rest of the state. Nicky asks what we have here in Minnesota: a representative democracy, corporate government or just plain tyranny? Yes to two and possibly the third. We have a representative democracy in function. What we are supposed to have is a representative republic that is constitutionally mandated and therefore constitutionally limited. In a democracy might and the majority make right. Period. Not so in what should be our constitutional republic. In a democracy the minority have no protection. In a constitutional republic each citizen is protected.No groups can have either rights or privledges as it's the citizen that is protected. In a democracy the rule of people is supreme. In a constitutional republic, the law is supreme. A democracy can be called the tyranny of the masses. What the majority want, the majority gets. Or without the constraints of a constitution,what the majority of the representatives want, they get. I once heard that a gang rape and a lynching are democratic events.
So, Hennepin County...too bad for you. We have a democracy, not a republic. And really, too bad for all the non-Minneapolis residents as the stadium is not a travelling stadium. After all, look at the great deal Sharon Sayles Belton and the Minneapolis City Council did with the Target Center. Wonder why they didn't want to repeat that great inner city victory and triumph of left wing thinking ?
The Founding Fathers did not trust democracy. Nowhere in the Declaration of Independence or the Constitution does the term "democracy" exist.And the reason it doesn't is evidenced by the Stadium deal.
So, Nicky, how does it feel to be hoisted on your own petard? Adios constitutional republic, hello, hail and welcome to democracy.
It sure do hurt,don't it Nicky?
Now, go read Bastiat's "The Law".
Pariahs of the Republican Party (Unclean! Unclean!)
This morning I received an email from a good friend of mine who seems to share a common thought with other liberty loving, Constitution respecting, smaller government desiring soon to be former voters for Republicans. The thought we share is in the last seven words of the previous sentence. His suggestion was to sit out the November elections. Or even vote for a Democrat. His, and our frustration boileth over. And all our elected representatives, from locals to state to federal, are oblivious or nearly so. I sense that the "I'll hold my nose and vote for him/her" feeling of the past is rapidly evaporating as many of us see only one political party: The Party of Big, Intrusive Government with it's two wings-The Left Wing where no tax is high enough, no amount of money is ever enough for any program, any slow down of the rate of increase in spending is termed "draconian cuts" any and all taxes are on the backs of the poor. And we have the Right Wing where they believe the same thing, but just a little less. And the politicos will leap to their own defense-and fail miserably. When we see all these increases in spending and intrusiveness.
A decade ago I received this Imprimis in the mail. I read it and was very heartened. We Reagan conservatives were off the beach and into the interior. We were on our way. We had opened up a front in the 1994 elections. We kept Bill Clinton in check. And I kept thinking about Imprimis over the next ten years as I watched Republicans become more and more like the lefties I thought we had finally defeated. And over the last five years I've watched "us" morph into "them". I wrote to Mr. Norquist about his article. And he wrote back that, in essence, it was taking more time than he thought it would. I wrote that I was rapidly losing hope. He replied that I should hang in there. That people of my political bent were needed. I doubt it. I'm only pandered to with statements. Words are cheap. And this from Arlen Specter:"the Republican party of the 21st Century is "now principally moderate, if not liberal.""And we had a real conservative to run against Arlen. But GWB campaigned against him in the run up to the primary to support Arlen.
And the Hugh Hewitts of the world keep exhorting us to keep voting for these same people with the warning "It could be worse!!!"
I find no comfort with a broken arm with a Hugh Hewitt telling me "The Democrats would have broken BOTH arms!" These Republicans will be breaking my other arm soon enough.
A decade ago I received this Imprimis in the mail. I read it and was very heartened. We Reagan conservatives were off the beach and into the interior. We were on our way. We had opened up a front in the 1994 elections. We kept Bill Clinton in check. And I kept thinking about Imprimis over the next ten years as I watched Republicans become more and more like the lefties I thought we had finally defeated. And over the last five years I've watched "us" morph into "them". I wrote to Mr. Norquist about his article. And he wrote back that, in essence, it was taking more time than he thought it would. I wrote that I was rapidly losing hope. He replied that I should hang in there. That people of my political bent were needed. I doubt it. I'm only pandered to with statements. Words are cheap. And this from Arlen Specter:"the Republican party of the 21st Century is "now principally moderate, if not liberal.""And we had a real conservative to run against Arlen. But GWB campaigned against him in the run up to the primary to support Arlen.
And the Hugh Hewitts of the world keep exhorting us to keep voting for these same people with the warning "It could be worse!!!"
I find no comfort with a broken arm with a Hugh Hewitt telling me "The Democrats would have broken BOTH arms!" These Republicans will be breaking my other arm soon enough.
Our historic President
I am an amatuer historian. Have been for a long time. WWII is my specific area of high interest, but, when a historic moment occurs, I like to take note of it. And GWB has a place in history. Seems he is only the second U.S. President to go through an entire term without ever using a veto. The first? President John Quincy Adams. Been a long, long time.
Read here in the WSJ some of the bills that escaped the now dusty veto pen. Wonder even if the ink is good anymore ?
Read here in the WSJ some of the bills that escaped the now dusty veto pen. Wonder even if the ink is good anymore ?
Monday, April 24, 2006
The goods on government and gasoline
The hailstorm of lefty (and RINO's) rhetoric on gas prices continues showing why we desperatly need people who understand real world (versus Marxian or Keynesian) economics. There are reasons for gas and oil prices spiking:
As Gerald Ford once said "Government couldn't brew beer for less than $50 a six pack."
Oh, and to date, I don't hear anyone, anyplace, anytime screaming for Congressional investigations into the bottled water industry where we spend $5-$10 a gallon...for water-that from the tap costs a quarter of a penny per gallon.
- ANWR- Here's a shocker-anyone know why and how ANWR came into existence? Oil. Not as a dating service for caribou. In 1923 ANWR was designated as a strategic oil reservation. It was originally called the Naval Petroleum Reserve Number 4. When oil was found on the North Slope (Prudhoe Bay) attempts were made to develop the oil reserves in Naval Petroleum Reserve Number 4. All that changed in 1980 because of the watermelons (green on the outside, red on the inside) with the Alaska National Interest Lands Conservation Act . And you know nothing good is coming from an act with a name like that. There is absolutely NO good reason that the field in ANWR is not online right now. ANWR has been debated for decades. And again, no good reason. Radical enviromentalism and laws and regulations (passed and enforced by government) has stopped oil production there and elsewhere. Reason 1-government interference.
- Lack of refinery capacity versus demand. One of my clients has an oil well service company. I asked him over a year ago when was the last oil refinery built in America. He said over 30 years ago. I asked him why? Way too many enviromental regulations, way too much ongoing compliance and lawsuits. And he mentioned there have been many refineries that have closed because of the onerous compliance hurdles. There is a view that it's more profitable to import gas and diesel. Could be because it costs too much to build and run a refienry here because of regulations and compliance, all that add to costs and cut profit. So you have a Reason 2-government interference.
- Katrina and Rita. Taking #2 above with the 2005 hurricane season, we have this comment from a year before Katrina and Rita :Despite this (minimal) expansion (at existing refineries), however, domestic refining capacity is still stretched to the limit, as utilization at U.S. refineries is now averaging nearly 90% -- leaving no cushion room if something unforeseen happens." And now we've been hit. and with no cushion to begin with, supply is behind demand. Reason 3-natural forces coupled with government interference.
- Regional blends. The gas here in Minnesota is different than the gas in California that is different than New York that is different than Louisiana. Mostly due to environmental "concerns". And all the laws demanding different blends. Reason 4- government interference.
- Ethanol. With the new ethanol blending regulations the refineries are trying to keep up...and can't. Just a little something that those "smarter than EVERYONE else" politicos overlooked when they passed ethanol blend laws. Oh, and the fact that ethanol doesn't work, pollutes more, gives less mileage, costs more and drives up the cost of the food you eat...well, the politicos don't care. They're busy "doing something". Reason 5-government interference.
- Onerous taxes and Windfall profits taxes versus profits. Remember a low hanging fruit maxim of economics- if you want less of something, tax it. If you want more of something, subsidize it. Now, combine that with the term "the profit incentive" and see that the average oil company gross profit margin is 9%, which is normal American corporate profit. The Feds and states get between 300%-600% more than that in taxes. And that tax is paid by you. And you heard once, even once anyone in government even remotely suggesting that taxes be lowered ? That government take even a penny a gallon less? I haven't. And all they spew is that executives are paid too much. And with the threat of Windfall Taxes the incentive to go out and find more oil is gone. Why work more when your efforts result in less? Reason 6-government interference.
- Summer driving. Summer is car trip season. The refineries need to switch over to summer blends (see above). And they can't do that in a week. Higher driving demand, higher imported crude costs versus a seasonal changeover = higher cost.Reason 7- real world economics.
- Increased world demand. With decreased national exploration and an increase world demand (particularly in China and India) America competes for oil in a global market. Oil is a commodity. Reason 8- real world economics.
- "Alternative energy resources". This delusion has been around, and heavily subsidized, now into four decades. And with billions and billions of dollars spent and wasted, what do we have? Same thing we did at then outbreak of the first oil crisis in 1973. So, your money has been spent, again, on what "the smartest people in the world", politicians and regulators, know is best. Reason 9-government waste...and interference.
As Gerald Ford once said "Government couldn't brew beer for less than $50 a six pack."
Oh, and to date, I don't hear anyone, anyplace, anytime screaming for Congressional investigations into the bottled water industry where we spend $5-$10 a gallon...for water-that from the tap costs a quarter of a penny per gallon.
Sunday, April 23, 2006
When you can't admit you're wrong...
Christopher Hitchens has been a one man wrecking crew when it comes to destroying Ambassador Joe Wilson's credibility on the whole Iraq/Niger uranium story. He has had two articles in as many weeks that take about Ambassador Wilson's report, point by point.
For those who don't know, Mr. Hitchens is a former Socialist and self described "contrarian". He has the typical biting British wit that those of us who grew up watching Monty Python have grown to love. He was a very vocal critic of Presidents Reagan and George HW Bush and he criticized the first Gulf War, claiming that Saddam Hussein was "lured" into the war - so one could hardly mistake him for a long time Republican apologist! He has, however been a vocal critic of radical Islam and "theocratic facism".
Now in addition to this, the revelations from the "Saddam tapes" have been flowing out fast and furious. All of which leads a thinking person to ask "why has the media insisted on maintaining the claim that Saddam had no a)WMDs and b) connections to al Qaeda?". I don't know if we will ever know the answer to that for sure, but some believe that it is simply that the press loathes to admit that maybe, just maybe the "cowboy" knew more about what was going on than they did. Maybe it's because the press can not admit that they were wrong!
For those who don't know, Mr. Hitchens is a former Socialist and self described "contrarian". He has the typical biting British wit that those of us who grew up watching Monty Python have grown to love. He was a very vocal critic of Presidents Reagan and George HW Bush and he criticized the first Gulf War, claiming that Saddam Hussein was "lured" into the war - so one could hardly mistake him for a long time Republican apologist! He has, however been a vocal critic of radical Islam and "theocratic facism".
Now in addition to this, the revelations from the "Saddam tapes" have been flowing out fast and furious. All of which leads a thinking person to ask "why has the media insisted on maintaining the claim that Saddam had no a)WMDs and b) connections to al Qaeda?". I don't know if we will ever know the answer to that for sure, but some believe that it is simply that the press loathes to admit that maybe, just maybe the "cowboy" knew more about what was going on than they did. Maybe it's because the press can not admit that they were wrong!
Coming soon to a state near you
Sharia law????? It is a possibility if you believe some people. The Australian government has already told its Muslim population that Sharia law would not be a possibility there (link not available anymore).
"SYDNEY (AFP) - Muslims who want to live under Islamic Sharia law should get out of Australia, a senior government minister has said, hinting that some radical clerics might be asked to leave. Australia was a secular state and its laws were made by parliament, Treasurer Peter Costello told national television late Tuesday. "If those are not your values, if you want a country which has Sharia law or a theocratic state, then Australia is not for you," said Costello, who is seen as heir-apparent to Prime Minister John Howard. "I'd be saying to clerics who are teaching that there are two laws governing people in Australia, one the Australian law and another the Islamic law, that that is false. "
That led to this Front Page Magazine symposium. Why the concern about Sharia law, you may ask. Well this story tells the tale.
"Lawyer Osman Karahan said Bigley's death sentence was based on Islamic law.
"According to Shariah, according to Islamic law, they sentenced him to death," Karahan said.
"He was guilty of helping non-believers in invading Muslim lands and providing all kinds of support, technical logistical support. Isn't that true?" he said"
So according to this, anyone over there helping the Iraqi people are guilty of a crime - just for being there! Lovely...
But then again what crime did these teachers commit to deserve beheading?
"Separate groups of gunmen entered two primary schools in Baghdad and beheaded two teachers in front of their students, the Ministry of State for National Security said.
"Two terrorist groups beheaded two teachers in front of their students in the Amna and Shaheed Hamdi primary schools in Shaab district in Baghdad," a ministry statement said.
A ministry official said he believed the attacks were aimed at: "intimidating pupils and disrupting learning".
That would definatly disrupt learning...What about this poor child? What did he do to deserve death?
That can't happen here you say. Don't be so sure.
"The Times has obtained extracts from medieval texts taught to the students in which unbelievers are likened to pigs and dogs."
It is way past time for the so-called "moderate Muslims" to speak out against the hate that is being taught in the "name of Allah". Until such time as they do, the outrage against Islam will continue to grow. Don't wait too long, or it will be too late for us all.
"SYDNEY (AFP) - Muslims who want to live under Islamic Sharia law should get out of Australia, a senior government minister has said, hinting that some radical clerics might be asked to leave. Australia was a secular state and its laws were made by parliament, Treasurer Peter Costello told national television late Tuesday. "If those are not your values, if you want a country which has Sharia law or a theocratic state, then Australia is not for you," said Costello, who is seen as heir-apparent to Prime Minister John Howard. "I'd be saying to clerics who are teaching that there are two laws governing people in Australia, one the Australian law and another the Islamic law, that that is false. "
That led to this Front Page Magazine symposium. Why the concern about Sharia law, you may ask. Well this story tells the tale.
"Lawyer Osman Karahan said Bigley's death sentence was based on Islamic law.
"According to Shariah, according to Islamic law, they sentenced him to death," Karahan said.
"He was guilty of helping non-believers in invading Muslim lands and providing all kinds of support, technical logistical support. Isn't that true?" he said"
So according to this, anyone over there helping the Iraqi people are guilty of a crime - just for being there! Lovely...
But then again what crime did these teachers commit to deserve beheading?
"Separate groups of gunmen entered two primary schools in Baghdad and beheaded two teachers in front of their students, the Ministry of State for National Security said.
"Two terrorist groups beheaded two teachers in front of their students in the Amna and Shaheed Hamdi primary schools in Shaab district in Baghdad," a ministry statement said.
A ministry official said he believed the attacks were aimed at: "intimidating pupils and disrupting learning".
That would definatly disrupt learning...What about this poor child? What did he do to deserve death?
That can't happen here you say. Don't be so sure.
"The Times has obtained extracts from medieval texts taught to the students in which unbelievers are likened to pigs and dogs."
It is way past time for the so-called "moderate Muslims" to speak out against the hate that is being taught in the "name of Allah". Until such time as they do, the outrage against Islam will continue to grow. Don't wait too long, or it will be too late for us all.
Religious Freedom redux
Just a quick follow up to my post here about the tolerance that is shown to Christians in this country. Read this article and weep - a man is being made to choose between his job and his desire to evangelize (via a Christian radio program)! We are not talking about a situation where the radio job would interfere with his primary job. What is this country becomming?
Here is the million dollar line in the story?
"Kelly McBride, who teaches journalism ethics at the Poynter Institute in St. Petersburg, Fla., said Turner's behavior, on and off the air, casts doubts on his journalistic objectivity... "There is this standard in the industry that you forgo much of your personal First Amendment rights so that the (news) corporation can exercise its First Amendment rights," she said..." (emphasis mine)
Katie Couric....Meridith Viera...please call you agents....your contract could be in jeopardy!
Here is the million dollar line in the story?
"Kelly McBride, who teaches journalism ethics at the Poynter Institute in St. Petersburg, Fla., said Turner's behavior, on and off the air, casts doubts on his journalistic objectivity... "There is this standard in the industry that you forgo much of your personal First Amendment rights so that the (news) corporation can exercise its First Amendment rights," she said..." (emphasis mine)
Katie Couric....Meridith Viera...please call you agents....your contract could be in jeopardy!
Prune an oak, get a...bigger oak
I rarely disagree with Captain Ed, but we depart on point.
In a recent post he referred to the disaster in New Orleans. No, I don't mean Katrina. I mean the man made disaster called "government help". Near the end of his post, he says "Bureaucracies don't work for emergency response efforts, and FEMA isn't unique among government agencies either. Solving the problem requires a different model, one that puts more of the decision-making power into local hands while assisting them financially." I would add the word "local" or "state" before financially. There is no such a thing as "small" or "minute" or in government. Nothing shrinks. FEMA started as a very small independent agency. Little Jimmy "I Want a Nobel Prize So Badly, I'll Sell Myself Out" Carter decided that bigger is more efficient (which seems to be a virus that seems to infect all people whose principal office is either oval or under a marble dome).
FEMA was once non-existent. San Francisco came back from a $300,000,000,000 disaster a century ago without FEMA. Same for Chicago in 1871. Same for Gavelston, TX in 1900.
So, Ed, never ever think anything in government will stay small.
Ever heard of Medicare?
In a recent post he referred to the disaster in New Orleans. No, I don't mean Katrina. I mean the man made disaster called "government help". Near the end of his post, he says "Bureaucracies don't work for emergency response efforts, and FEMA isn't unique among government agencies either. Solving the problem requires a different model, one that puts more of the decision-making power into local hands while assisting them financially." I would add the word "local" or "state" before financially. There is no such a thing as "small" or "minute" or in government. Nothing shrinks. FEMA started as a very small independent agency. Little Jimmy "I Want a Nobel Prize So Badly, I'll Sell Myself Out" Carter decided that bigger is more efficient (which seems to be a virus that seems to infect all people whose principal office is either oval or under a marble dome).
FEMA was once non-existent. San Francisco came back from a $300,000,000,000 disaster a century ago without FEMA. Same for Chicago in 1871. Same for Gavelston, TX in 1900.
So, Ed, never ever think anything in government will stay small.
Ever heard of Medicare?
Saturday, April 22, 2006
My man Howie is back in the news!
DNC Chairman Howard Dean, the conservative bloggers best friend, was back in the news this week. Chairman Dean announced this week that border control was a "top priority" for the DNC in this election. Unfortunately, he is still calling for a version of anmesty for the illegals that are here.
" Mr. Dean said he wants "immigrants who obey the law and pay taxes to be able to apply for citizenship. We support earned legalization vigorously. And, much to my surprise, so do the American people."
However, this new found interest in immigration reform puts him at odds with thise members of his party in the House and Senate.
" Not true, said Mr. (Steve) King (R-IA), who represents a district along the Missouri River in western Iowa. He said 200 Democrats voted against a bill passed by the House in December that mandates stronger border security. "
Meanwhile, Conservatives in the House and Senate are taking notice of Chairman Dean's newfound interest in the issue.
"Mr. Dean's advocacy of "tough border control" this week -- at an event at which the DNC chief outlined his party's November election strategy -- shows clearly that Mr. Dean has seen polls showing that Americans are fed up with the federal government's failure to secure the nation's borders, said Rep. Tom Tancredo, Colorado Republican. "It's another indication of just how stupid the Republican Party is when they say we better not go after immigration as an issue, we better not go after border security as an issue," said Mr. Tancredo, a longtime advocate of immigration reform."
Meanwhile the Las Vegas Sun points out the one thing that, if the RNC is smart they will take advantage of in a hurry!
"Ask Democratic leaders to identify their party's election-year message and you get everything but consensus.
Ahead in polls, Democrats are divided over whether they already have - or even need - a national theme that tells voters exactly where the party stands.
"One message? Hmmm. I don't know. Let me think about it," Alvaro Cifuentes said after a long pause. Several minutes later, the head of the Democratic National Committee's Hispanic Caucus said, "You can't try to simplify your politics with a slogan. You can't."
As long as the Democrats continue to drift with no cohesive message, the Republicans should have no problems gaining seats in November. Of course that depends on whether the Republicans remember what it means to be a Republican and they legislate that way. If they continue to legislate as Democrats, then the base will stay home on Election Day and they (the Republican leadership in the House and Senate) will be the ones responsible for handing over to the Dems, the keys to the Capital.
" Mr. Dean said he wants "immigrants who obey the law and pay taxes to be able to apply for citizenship. We support earned legalization vigorously. And, much to my surprise, so do the American people."
However, this new found interest in immigration reform puts him at odds with thise members of his party in the House and Senate.
" Not true, said Mr. (Steve) King (R-IA), who represents a district along the Missouri River in western Iowa. He said 200 Democrats voted against a bill passed by the House in December that mandates stronger border security. "
Meanwhile, Conservatives in the House and Senate are taking notice of Chairman Dean's newfound interest in the issue.
"Mr. Dean's advocacy of "tough border control" this week -- at an event at which the DNC chief outlined his party's November election strategy -- shows clearly that Mr. Dean has seen polls showing that Americans are fed up with the federal government's failure to secure the nation's borders, said Rep. Tom Tancredo, Colorado Republican. "It's another indication of just how stupid the Republican Party is when they say we better not go after immigration as an issue, we better not go after border security as an issue," said Mr. Tancredo, a longtime advocate of immigration reform."
Meanwhile the Las Vegas Sun points out the one thing that, if the RNC is smart they will take advantage of in a hurry!
"Ask Democratic leaders to identify their party's election-year message and you get everything but consensus.
Ahead in polls, Democrats are divided over whether they already have - or even need - a national theme that tells voters exactly where the party stands.
"One message? Hmmm. I don't know. Let me think about it," Alvaro Cifuentes said after a long pause. Several minutes later, the head of the Democratic National Committee's Hispanic Caucus said, "You can't try to simplify your politics with a slogan. You can't."
As long as the Democrats continue to drift with no cohesive message, the Republicans should have no problems gaining seats in November. Of course that depends on whether the Republicans remember what it means to be a Republican and they legislate that way. If they continue to legislate as Democrats, then the base will stay home on Election Day and they (the Republican leadership in the House and Senate) will be the ones responsible for handing over to the Dems, the keys to the Capital.
We simply believe that everyone who lives in our state abides by our laws.
So says Georgia Governor Sonny Perdue in signing a sweeping immigration reform law. Let's just leave that statement sit there for a minute. While I understand what the Governor is implying here, does this mean that there are no inmates in Georgia prisons?
Now I have pretty much stayed out of the immigration debate because, like many in this country my family immigrated here. Also, like many of those protesting the immigration reform bills, my family immigrated to America from Mexico legally. I personally do not think that it is too much to ask that people here in this country abide by American laws, however I do understand what drove many to immigrate here legally and illegally. I have worked with Mexican immigrants whose immigration status has been questionable and they were largely like you and I - your average Joe just trying to make a living.
However, what is happening now is a danger to our country. The horror stories abound....hospitals closing emergency rooms in California, uninsured drivers causing fatal traffic accidents - there are probably as many horror stories as there are illegal immigrants in the country. Stories are one thing, statistics are another and the statistics here are truly frightening.
"In the past two years, FAIR has issued fiscal cost studies for California, Arizona, Texas and Florida looking at the same cost factors studied by the Urban Institute 10 years earlier, i.e., education3, emergency medical care and incarceration. Our findings of the annual net fiscal costs were:
California $8.8 billion ($1,183 per native household)
Arizona $1.03 billion ($717 per native household)
Texas $3.73 billion ($725 per native household)
Florida $.91 billion ($315 per native household)
These studies were done in 2004 and 2005, and the rapid continuing increase in the illegal immigrant population in each of these states would result in higher estimates of the fiscal cost today. "
Lest you think that this problem is solely confined to the border states, here is what it costs the Minnesota taxpayers now and what we can expect to pay in 2010 and 2020 should things remain unchanged:
"Minnesota $345 million (current) $589 million(2010) $1.023 billion(2020)"
Now many of the protestors say that this is a "civil rights" issue. However, as this Los Angeles Times opinion piece suggests, that might not be the case.
"Activists seem focused on a political agenda that is fiercely anti-capitalist and intent on removing all border constraints."
As the opinion piece concludes, the immigration process absolutely needs to be an "orderly and lawful" process. Anything less than that does a disservice to any and all who sacrificed everything in order to come here legally. Giving open ended "amnesty" to illegal immigrants from all nations cheapens the citizinship that the majority of all Americans cherish more than life itself.
For those who dislike the word "amnesty" - what would you call it when you suspend current law and give prefferential citizenship standards to one group over all others? Would you call that fair? I sure wouldn't.
Now I have pretty much stayed out of the immigration debate because, like many in this country my family immigrated here. Also, like many of those protesting the immigration reform bills, my family immigrated to America from Mexico legally. I personally do not think that it is too much to ask that people here in this country abide by American laws, however I do understand what drove many to immigrate here legally and illegally. I have worked with Mexican immigrants whose immigration status has been questionable and they were largely like you and I - your average Joe just trying to make a living.
However, what is happening now is a danger to our country. The horror stories abound....hospitals closing emergency rooms in California, uninsured drivers causing fatal traffic accidents - there are probably as many horror stories as there are illegal immigrants in the country. Stories are one thing, statistics are another and the statistics here are truly frightening.
"In the past two years, FAIR has issued fiscal cost studies for California, Arizona, Texas and Florida looking at the same cost factors studied by the Urban Institute 10 years earlier, i.e., education3, emergency medical care and incarceration. Our findings of the annual net fiscal costs were:
California $8.8 billion ($1,183 per native household)
Arizona $1.03 billion ($717 per native household)
Texas $3.73 billion ($725 per native household)
Florida $.91 billion ($315 per native household)
These studies were done in 2004 and 2005, and the rapid continuing increase in the illegal immigrant population in each of these states would result in higher estimates of the fiscal cost today. "
Lest you think that this problem is solely confined to the border states, here is what it costs the Minnesota taxpayers now and what we can expect to pay in 2010 and 2020 should things remain unchanged:
"Minnesota $345 million (current) $589 million(2010) $1.023 billion(2020)"
Now many of the protestors say that this is a "civil rights" issue. However, as this Los Angeles Times opinion piece suggests, that might not be the case.
"Activists seem focused on a political agenda that is fiercely anti-capitalist and intent on removing all border constraints."
As the opinion piece concludes, the immigration process absolutely needs to be an "orderly and lawful" process. Anything less than that does a disservice to any and all who sacrificed everything in order to come here legally. Giving open ended "amnesty" to illegal immigrants from all nations cheapens the citizinship that the majority of all Americans cherish more than life itself.
For those who dislike the word "amnesty" - what would you call it when you suspend current law and give prefferential citizenship standards to one group over all others? Would you call that fair? I sure wouldn't.
The culture of corruption
Interesting......we hear all of this talk (out of our friends on the left) about the "Republican" culture of corruption and then we get this.
"The top Democrat on the House ethics committee, Alan Mollohan, will leave the panel — at least temporarily — while he defends his own financial conduct, Democratic leader Nancy Pelosi said Friday. "
Apparently Representative Mollohan has something in common with former Representative Duke Cunningham - a penchant for funneling taxpayer dollars to people that contribute to his campaign.
"The Wall Street Journal reported two weeks ago that Mollohan steered millions of dollars to nonprofit groups in his district — with much of the money going to organizations run by people who contribute to the lawmaker's campaigns."
I believe that there is an old saying that is quite apropos here...those who live in glass houses really should not throw stones.
"The top Democrat on the House ethics committee, Alan Mollohan, will leave the panel — at least temporarily — while he defends his own financial conduct, Democratic leader Nancy Pelosi said Friday. "
Apparently Representative Mollohan has something in common with former Representative Duke Cunningham - a penchant for funneling taxpayer dollars to people that contribute to his campaign.
"The Wall Street Journal reported two weeks ago that Mollohan steered millions of dollars to nonprofit groups in his district — with much of the money going to organizations run by people who contribute to the lawmaker's campaigns."
I believe that there is an old saying that is quite apropos here...those who live in glass houses really should not throw stones.
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