It's always a little tough to make up for lost time if we take a couple of days off and this week is no exception. The biggest problem is "finding your place." It's like putting a book down and trying to figure out exactly where you left off and to pick up the story line.
First-a blogger's confession: I'm sure you all know that we are served by a "host" who gives us a daily/weekly count of how many folks visit the site. What gets me is the inverse relationship between the reaction (comments) and visitors. In other words, I would expect that in the weeks when the numbers of visitors are down in the low hundred range, there would be few, if any, comments. Not so. Those posts usually generate the most reaction although even I don't think they are all that interesting or motivating. This past couple of weeks we've had only two comments from the 500, give or take, visitors. I just don't get it. Unless the questions from candidates are just absorbed and put in your data banks. Oh, well.
Maybe it's the summer doldrums, but I'm just kinda bored with the repetitive news on the national level and the only "exciting" state news has to do with taxing soda pop. Maybe it's an age thing--I drink iced tea.
I was hoping to be able to attend a couple of events during the summer recess and look for Mark Schauer to try to defend his record at a Town Hall or Congressman on the Corner as he usually does, but last week we all rec'd a big card with all his contact information on it so we could call his various offices which was followed by a blurb in the paper a few days ago indicating he would be so very, very busy that he wouldn't be holding any public meetings.
I'm thinking that after he was almost laughed out of the Jackson library earlier this year he knows that he can't get away with lying to this constituency like he did when he was a state rep. The folks in Jackson are holding his feet to the fire. It doesn't do any good, of course, he asks "how high and which way" whenever Pelosi or Obama snap their fingers and say 'jump.' A letter to the editor yesterday figured that San Francisco was benefitting by getting Schauer plus Pelosi to represent them and we get nothing.
Maybe things will look better tomorrow--
God bless..............
Friday, July 31, 2009
Thursday, July 30, 2009
Charlie Rangel has no right to use the term: Moral
And why not? Let's start at the beginning. Congressman Rangel, Chmn. of the House Ways and Means Committee, is leading the fight for a 5.4% income tax surcharge and calls it "the moral thing to do."
Most of us have heard the stories about his resort property in the Dominican Republic's luxury Punta Cana Yacht Club which he purchased in 1987. He has failed to report the income from the property for a number of years with a number of excuses. Now that he has been caught, he has said he would amend his tax returns and pay the arrearage by May 15. That date has come and gone and as of a few days ago he had not filed nor had he paid. The amount in dispute was suspiciously low at $75,000 over the years, but apparently the IRS accepted it.
Note: It is reported that this desirable property rents for $500 off season and $1100 at peak times and last year it was fully booked from December 15 to April 15. Now, remember these numbers. At the high end that would be $132,000 and the lower figures would work out at $66,000. So take your pick.
Here's where it gets interesting. Old Charlie undoubtedly wants to keep his income low since he is the tenant of four rent-stabilized apartments in Harlem and needs to keep his income below $175,000 to remain eligible for hardship rent control. (He uses one of the apartments for an office which is against the rules, but let's just shrug our shoulders at that one.)
And like Chris Dodd, he "didn't know that the developer had changed his $52,000 mortgage to an interest free loan" in 1990. Doesn't that violate the House rules on gifts (loans) which are not available to the general public?
There's one more piece to this puzzle. The National Legal and Policy Center says that Mr. Rangel owned or owns a home in D.C. on which he claimed a homestead exemption so he could save money on his property taxes. Guess what? The New York rent-stabilized apartments in New York have the same requirement for his "homestead" apartment.
Remember the numbers on renting the Yacht Club property? The New York apartments require that tenants NOT earn more than $175,000 to qualify. How much does he earn as a Congressman? Base pay for all Congressmen is $174,000 with additional remuneration for those who are committee chairs, etc. Even if he refused extra pay for the chairmanship, which he is free to do, he could only rent the villa for one night without going over the limits in New York.
Oh, what a tangled web----
God bless...........
Most of us have heard the stories about his resort property in the Dominican Republic's luxury Punta Cana Yacht Club which he purchased in 1987. He has failed to report the income from the property for a number of years with a number of excuses. Now that he has been caught, he has said he would amend his tax returns and pay the arrearage by May 15. That date has come and gone and as of a few days ago he had not filed nor had he paid. The amount in dispute was suspiciously low at $75,000 over the years, but apparently the IRS accepted it.
Note: It is reported that this desirable property rents for $500 off season and $1100 at peak times and last year it was fully booked from December 15 to April 15. Now, remember these numbers. At the high end that would be $132,000 and the lower figures would work out at $66,000. So take your pick.
Here's where it gets interesting. Old Charlie undoubtedly wants to keep his income low since he is the tenant of four rent-stabilized apartments in Harlem and needs to keep his income below $175,000 to remain eligible for hardship rent control. (He uses one of the apartments for an office which is against the rules, but let's just shrug our shoulders at that one.)
And like Chris Dodd, he "didn't know that the developer had changed his $52,000 mortgage to an interest free loan" in 1990. Doesn't that violate the House rules on gifts (loans) which are not available to the general public?
There's one more piece to this puzzle. The National Legal and Policy Center says that Mr. Rangel owned or owns a home in D.C. on which he claimed a homestead exemption so he could save money on his property taxes. Guess what? The New York rent-stabilized apartments in New York have the same requirement for his "homestead" apartment.
Remember the numbers on renting the Yacht Club property? The New York apartments require that tenants NOT earn more than $175,000 to qualify. How much does he earn as a Congressman? Base pay for all Congressmen is $174,000 with additional remuneration for those who are committee chairs, etc. Even if he refused extra pay for the chairmanship, which he is free to do, he could only rent the villa for one night without going over the limits in New York.
Oh, what a tangled web----
God bless...........
Wednesday, July 29, 2009
Explanation of Pension Benefits Guarantee Corp
I apologize for making the assumption that younger folks all know what PBGC is and does. And what was happening with Delphi relative to their pension fund as a part of the bankruptcy action. Since the pension funds, if not fully funded, cannot be considered assets, they become liabilities and whoever buys the company necessarily buys both assets and liabilities. Logically, who wants to buy liabilities? With GM's relationship with Delphi it was necessary to come to an agreement which would put Delphi into the PBGC arena making the bankruptcy of GM move along as quickly as it did.
The Pension Benefits Guarantee Corp. was enacted into law in the mid-seventies and the largest, so far, has been the United Airlines debt. This fund has saved many a family who had depended on a pension as a part of their retirement income and continues to do so. When a company or union pension funding falls below 80% they are usually considered "endangered" and if below 65% are considered in the "critical" status and are required to come up with a plan to get off probation within ten years. Many companies have shown declines in recent years which cannot all be blamed on the stock market and therefore we have many who are in trouble. And, as you know, bankruptcy has become commonplace recently, so guess what? PBGC is underfunded and will add to the deficit in relatively short order.
That's where the part of the post having to do with the unions came in. We were talking about retirement benefits, not wages/salaries. The union hierarchy having so much better benefits than their members was the point of the SEIU story and yes, I guess I was telling two stories at the same time and it may have been confusing.
Again, sorry. (I don't know enough about SEIU to explain the connection between them and ACORN. Perhaps someone can clue us in.)
Tomorrow we'll talk a little about Charlie Rangel's brush with the IRS, but not all of it has to do with the resort property. His Harlem property and its uses are as scandalous or more so.
See ya tomorrow-
God bless............
The Pension Benefits Guarantee Corp. was enacted into law in the mid-seventies and the largest, so far, has been the United Airlines debt. This fund has saved many a family who had depended on a pension as a part of their retirement income and continues to do so. When a company or union pension funding falls below 80% they are usually considered "endangered" and if below 65% are considered in the "critical" status and are required to come up with a plan to get off probation within ten years. Many companies have shown declines in recent years which cannot all be blamed on the stock market and therefore we have many who are in trouble. And, as you know, bankruptcy has become commonplace recently, so guess what? PBGC is underfunded and will add to the deficit in relatively short order.
That's where the part of the post having to do with the unions came in. We were talking about retirement benefits, not wages/salaries. The union hierarchy having so much better benefits than their members was the point of the SEIU story and yes, I guess I was telling two stories at the same time and it may have been confusing.
Again, sorry. (I don't know enough about SEIU to explain the connection between them and ACORN. Perhaps someone can clue us in.)
Tomorrow we'll talk a little about Charlie Rangel's brush with the IRS, but not all of it has to do with the resort property. His Harlem property and its uses are as scandalous or more so.
See ya tomorrow-
God bless............
Tuesday, July 28, 2009
Union Pensions in the Red
The headline is taken from the WSJ of yesterday and was probably written in response to that part of the bankruptcy of Delphi resulting in the government taking over and paying off the pensions of Delphi so GM doesn't have to absorb them in their takeover. The kicker of the article, however, is when it segues into a story on labor unions as follows:
"Only last week, the country's largest union local re-opened the contract for its 145,000 members two years early and gave up raises and reduced retirement benefits for future hires." Apparently they are talking early so they can "fix" the problem of their under-funded pension funds. It goes on
"....bigger mystery is that the unions do a far better job with funds created for their officers and employees than for mere workers. The SEIU Affiliates, Officers and Employees Pension Plan--which covers the staff and bosses at its locals--was funded a of 2007 at 102.2%. The plan for the folks at SEIU international headquarters was funded at 84.8%.
Union officer benefits are also far more generous than anything dues-paying workers enjoy. Consider again the SEIU, probably the country's most powerful union. Their officers and employees get a yearly 3% cost of living increase, but SEIU members get none; officers qualify for an early pension at 50 or after more than 30 years of service, but workers can't retire early with a pension; officers qualify for disability retirement after a year's service, but workers need 10 years. In the land of union retirement, some workers are more equal than others."
The conclusion was that no doubt most workers have no idea of this kind of discrepancy. Also concluded was that this should be of great interest to the 93% of the private workforce that doesn't belong to a union, but may be forced into it if The Big Labor's agenda becomes law under card check or whatever they are calling their "plan for the future" now.
Sleep well-
God bless..........
"Only last week, the country's largest union local re-opened the contract for its 145,000 members two years early and gave up raises and reduced retirement benefits for future hires." Apparently they are talking early so they can "fix" the problem of their under-funded pension funds. It goes on
"....bigger mystery is that the unions do a far better job with funds created for their officers and employees than for mere workers. The SEIU Affiliates, Officers and Employees Pension Plan--which covers the staff and bosses at its locals--was funded a of 2007 at 102.2%. The plan for the folks at SEIU international headquarters was funded at 84.8%.
Union officer benefits are also far more generous than anything dues-paying workers enjoy. Consider again the SEIU, probably the country's most powerful union. Their officers and employees get a yearly 3% cost of living increase, but SEIU members get none; officers qualify for an early pension at 50 or after more than 30 years of service, but workers can't retire early with a pension; officers qualify for disability retirement after a year's service, but workers need 10 years. In the land of union retirement, some workers are more equal than others."
The conclusion was that no doubt most workers have no idea of this kind of discrepancy. Also concluded was that this should be of great interest to the 93% of the private workforce that doesn't belong to a union, but may be forced into it if The Big Labor's agenda becomes law under card check or whatever they are calling their "plan for the future" now.
Sleep well-
God bless..........
Sunday, July 26, 2009
Sunday evening - Attorney General Wrap-up
Question #9 - Do you have a pet peeve about state government in general or the Attorney General's office in particular which we have not covered?
Bill Schuette: I believe that our next AG needs to be a tough fighter for job providers, businesses that issue paychecks. Michigan needs more paychecks. Economic development need to be an additional tool in the Attorney General's toolbox. For example, I support Attorney General Mike Cox's efforts to support clean coal technology which would mean power plants would be built in Michigan, providing thousands of new jobs for workers in Michigan. I am sick and tired of people leaving our state and having to seek employment opportunities elsewhere.
Bruce Patterson: In general, state government is cursed with a lack of "Risk-Reward" structure. The concept of being BOLD, heaven forbid Visionary, is nearly non-existent. Thus, proposed Solutions are too narrow and generally driven by politics Rather than policy. Moreover, actions are implemented too late to do any real, meaningful good for We the People."
Mike Bishop: I have experience in several businesses and have held numerous administrative positions in the private sector. My biggest pet peeve with government is that it functions at a snail's pace, and many times, without common sense and reason. The "politics" of government can be very frustrating. I have a genuine problem with those who put "politics" over people or over doing what's right.
Question #10 - If you could be King for a Day what would you do- on a professional level and on a personal level.
Bill Schuette: On a professional level, my desire is to have secure and safe streets, neighborhoods and schools for Michigan families. Lawbreakers need to serve their time in jail. We must operate our prisons more efficiently instead of releasing criminals from jail.
On a personal level, I would hope to foster reconciliation and understanding between and among groups and people who may have differing attitudes, perspectives and philosophies on key issues of the day. While agreement on every contentious issue may be difficult, if not impossible, civil discussion and understanding of differing views would help build a stronger Michigan.
Mike Bishop: In the immediate future, I would pass the Senate Republican plan for the Fiscal Year 2010 Budget and right-size our state government, balancing our budget with cuts alone and no tax increases.
On a personal level: Spend an uninterrupted day with my wife and children.
Bruce Patterson: Abdicate!! As a Conservative/Republican, someone who truly believes in a limited, republican form of government, I have no desire or willingness to serve as King, even for a single day.
And there we have it! And now I am looking at the Attorney General's race in a totally different light. Why you ask? Because even though I've always been fascinated with the law and the expertise and the need to investigate from all angles and the necessity of thinking logically and methodically and actually have always thought I look at problems in that way, I see that I'm WRONG!
Because the one thing that is absolutely necessary to me in myself and generally in my friends and associates is a sense of humor. And I always expect just a little hint of humor in my King/Queen for a Day question. But these guys are serious!
Really, really serious. And now that I think about it, that's undoubtedly a good thing in this job. But let me tell you, fellas, you need to giggle now and then.
I always consider that a day I can make God laugh, has been a success.
God bless..........
ps-I'll be away tomorrow-see you Tuesday evening.
Bill Schuette: I believe that our next AG needs to be a tough fighter for job providers, businesses that issue paychecks. Michigan needs more paychecks. Economic development need to be an additional tool in the Attorney General's toolbox. For example, I support Attorney General Mike Cox's efforts to support clean coal technology which would mean power plants would be built in Michigan, providing thousands of new jobs for workers in Michigan. I am sick and tired of people leaving our state and having to seek employment opportunities elsewhere.
Bruce Patterson: In general, state government is cursed with a lack of "Risk-Reward" structure. The concept of being BOLD, heaven forbid Visionary, is nearly non-existent. Thus, proposed Solutions are too narrow and generally driven by politics Rather than policy. Moreover, actions are implemented too late to do any real, meaningful good for We the People."
Mike Bishop: I have experience in several businesses and have held numerous administrative positions in the private sector. My biggest pet peeve with government is that it functions at a snail's pace, and many times, without common sense and reason. The "politics" of government can be very frustrating. I have a genuine problem with those who put "politics" over people or over doing what's right.
Question #10 - If you could be King for a Day what would you do- on a professional level and on a personal level.
Bill Schuette: On a professional level, my desire is to have secure and safe streets, neighborhoods and schools for Michigan families. Lawbreakers need to serve their time in jail. We must operate our prisons more efficiently instead of releasing criminals from jail.
On a personal level, I would hope to foster reconciliation and understanding between and among groups and people who may have differing attitudes, perspectives and philosophies on key issues of the day. While agreement on every contentious issue may be difficult, if not impossible, civil discussion and understanding of differing views would help build a stronger Michigan.
Mike Bishop: In the immediate future, I would pass the Senate Republican plan for the Fiscal Year 2010 Budget and right-size our state government, balancing our budget with cuts alone and no tax increases.
On a personal level: Spend an uninterrupted day with my wife and children.
Bruce Patterson: Abdicate!! As a Conservative/Republican, someone who truly believes in a limited, republican form of government, I have no desire or willingness to serve as King, even for a single day.
And there we have it! And now I am looking at the Attorney General's race in a totally different light. Why you ask? Because even though I've always been fascinated with the law and the expertise and the need to investigate from all angles and the necessity of thinking logically and methodically and actually have always thought I look at problems in that way, I see that I'm WRONG!
Because the one thing that is absolutely necessary to me in myself and generally in my friends and associates is a sense of humor. And I always expect just a little hint of humor in my King/Queen for a Day question. But these guys are serious!
Really, really serious. And now that I think about it, that's undoubtedly a good thing in this job. But let me tell you, fellas, you need to giggle now and then.
I always consider that a day I can make God laugh, has been a success.
God bless..........
ps-I'll be away tomorrow-see you Tuesday evening.
Saturday, July 25, 2009
Winding Down - Attorney General Q & A Numbers 7 and 8
Question #7 - If the Governor and the Attorney General are from differing political parties, should provision be made for personal counsel for the Governor?
Mike Bishop: No. The Attorney General is legal counsel to the Governor and all state agencies, regardless of political affiliation. While the Governor traditionally has personal legal counsel, the Attorney General's constitutional role is not diminished. I would vehemently oppose any effort to circumvent our constitution by allowing the Executive to hire an independent attorney for counsel on issues that are constitutionally delegated to the Attorney General.
Bill Schuette: As the State's attorney, the Attorney General must prosecute and defend all actions in which the people of the State are a party or interested. The Attorney General may also intervene in actions when the people of the state are interested, as determined by the Attorney General or requested by the Governor or either branch of the legislature. As an example, I support the decision of Attorney General Mike Cox to defend our 2nd Amendment rights in a recent legal matter. I have an excellent record working with members of different parties, and as Attorney General will work with a Governor from the GOP or a different party to appropriately and steadfastly represent the people of the State of Michigan to the best of my ability.
Bruce Patterson: As the head of the Executive Branch of our Constitutionally-mandated Tri-Partite form of government, the Governor may choose to create staff positions to assist in the discharge of sworn duties. (see Article V, section 1)
Question #8 - What particular experience would you be bringing to the office and what is its importance?
Mike Bishop: I bring broad work experience from the private sector, strong political credentials as a statewide Republican candidate and record of principled, tough leadership.
As a private practicing attorney, I represented people and businesses. I wrote briefs and argued cases in court. I've negotiated settlements and complex legal matters. I've been in the trenches fighting for people and the constitution. I also served as a local prosecutor where I learned the skill of enforcing state law and protecting citizens from dangerous people-drunk drivers, domestic abusers, and other violent criminals. I know what is means to protect people and I know what it means to ensure that justice is done.
From my private practice to my role as Senate Majority Leader, I have a strong record of conservative leadership and a strong resume in the private sector, where I represented people, businesses and even governments.
Bill Schuette: I have served our state and our nation in all 3 branches of government, as a U.S. Congressman, as Director of the Michigan Department of Agriculture, as a Michigan State Senator and as a Judge on the Michigan Court of Appeals.
As a Judge on the Michigan Court of Appeals, I made decisions on over 800 criminal cases. As a Judge, I stood with the sheriffs, prosecutors and police officers. As a Judge, I protected the Constitution of the State of Michigan when partisan, Democrat interest groups attempted to hijack the Constitution, eliminate conservative Justices on the Michigan Supreme Court and impose one party control of the legislative re-districting process during the summer of 2008.
The depth and breadth of my experience, my set of credentials, has prepared me to help lead Michigan in the years ahead. I will be ready on day 1, to be part of a new team, with a fresh approach to realign Michigan. I have a strong record of leadership being tough on crime, cutting taxes and reducing spending and supporting families in my service to Michigan and America.
Bruce Patterson: I am the most senior attorney in the Michigan Senate. I was sworn in to practice law in Michigan courts some thirty-seven years ago. That is approximately the age of certain aspirants for the position being discussed.
My state Bar assigned practitioner number is 18701. As an indicator of experience it connotes far more background and preparation than any other person thus far indicating an interest in being Attorney General. This statement includes Republicans and Democrats.
Over two decades of trial practice saw me rise from clerk to associate to partner to President of a multi-member law firm. In 2001-2002 I was considered for Presidential appointment to the position of U. S. Attorney.
We'll wrap this up tomorrow evening. Have a good Sunday.
God bless................
Mike Bishop: No. The Attorney General is legal counsel to the Governor and all state agencies, regardless of political affiliation. While the Governor traditionally has personal legal counsel, the Attorney General's constitutional role is not diminished. I would vehemently oppose any effort to circumvent our constitution by allowing the Executive to hire an independent attorney for counsel on issues that are constitutionally delegated to the Attorney General.
Bill Schuette: As the State's attorney, the Attorney General must prosecute and defend all actions in which the people of the State are a party or interested. The Attorney General may also intervene in actions when the people of the state are interested, as determined by the Attorney General or requested by the Governor or either branch of the legislature. As an example, I support the decision of Attorney General Mike Cox to defend our 2nd Amendment rights in a recent legal matter. I have an excellent record working with members of different parties, and as Attorney General will work with a Governor from the GOP or a different party to appropriately and steadfastly represent the people of the State of Michigan to the best of my ability.
Bruce Patterson: As the head of the Executive Branch of our Constitutionally-mandated Tri-Partite form of government, the Governor may choose to create staff positions to assist in the discharge of sworn duties. (see Article V, section 1)
Question #8 - What particular experience would you be bringing to the office and what is its importance?
Mike Bishop: I bring broad work experience from the private sector, strong political credentials as a statewide Republican candidate and record of principled, tough leadership.
As a private practicing attorney, I represented people and businesses. I wrote briefs and argued cases in court. I've negotiated settlements and complex legal matters. I've been in the trenches fighting for people and the constitution. I also served as a local prosecutor where I learned the skill of enforcing state law and protecting citizens from dangerous people-drunk drivers, domestic abusers, and other violent criminals. I know what is means to protect people and I know what it means to ensure that justice is done.
From my private practice to my role as Senate Majority Leader, I have a strong record of conservative leadership and a strong resume in the private sector, where I represented people, businesses and even governments.
Bill Schuette: I have served our state and our nation in all 3 branches of government, as a U.S. Congressman, as Director of the Michigan Department of Agriculture, as a Michigan State Senator and as a Judge on the Michigan Court of Appeals.
As a Judge on the Michigan Court of Appeals, I made decisions on over 800 criminal cases. As a Judge, I stood with the sheriffs, prosecutors and police officers. As a Judge, I protected the Constitution of the State of Michigan when partisan, Democrat interest groups attempted to hijack the Constitution, eliminate conservative Justices on the Michigan Supreme Court and impose one party control of the legislative re-districting process during the summer of 2008.
The depth and breadth of my experience, my set of credentials, has prepared me to help lead Michigan in the years ahead. I will be ready on day 1, to be part of a new team, with a fresh approach to realign Michigan. I have a strong record of leadership being tough on crime, cutting taxes and reducing spending and supporting families in my service to Michigan and America.
Bruce Patterson: I am the most senior attorney in the Michigan Senate. I was sworn in to practice law in Michigan courts some thirty-seven years ago. That is approximately the age of certain aspirants for the position being discussed.
My state Bar assigned practitioner number is 18701. As an indicator of experience it connotes far more background and preparation than any other person thus far indicating an interest in being Attorney General. This statement includes Republicans and Democrats.
Over two decades of trial practice saw me rise from clerk to associate to partner to President of a multi-member law firm. In 2001-2002 I was considered for Presidential appointment to the position of U. S. Attorney.
We'll wrap this up tomorrow evening. Have a good Sunday.
God bless................
Friday, July 24, 2009
AG Questions 5 & 6
#5 - Please describe any changes you have in mind for staffing and budget emphasis.
Bill Schuette: We need to realign Michigan government to do more with fewer people and to eliminate the Michigan Business Tax (MBT) and reduce government spending. As Michigan's next Attorney General, I will review closely how to continue efforts within the Attorney General's office to streamline its operations and enhance the efficiency of the organization.
Bruce Patterson: My staff will be comprised of professionals. Persons serving in the department will be dedicated to lean, effective government operation all the while aggressively seeking to protect and defend citizen's constitutional rights.
Mike Bishop: In this contracting economy, state resources must be marshaled with great care. As the Leader of the Michigan Senate, I have asked every department to do more with less. The Attorney General's office is no different. Immediately upon assuming office, I will assess the budget of the office to reassess priorities and ensure the office is properly and efficiently administering essential services. Staffing and resources will be focused in areas consistent with primary responsibilities of the office - protecting the citizens of our state and our constitution.
#6 - How do politics influence the choices of the Attorney General in making staffing decisions?
Bill Schuette: Politics should have no role in determining personnel decisions within the Attorney General's office. Performance, quality, individual initiative and a strong work ethic will be the keystones of personnel decisions when I am Michigan's next Attorney General.
Bruce Patterson: Attorney General Bruce Patterson won't allow it.
Mike Bishop: I am a firm believer in finding the best person for the job. As the Republican Attorney General, I will focus on finding the most competent people who share my beliefs in the role of the office and who respect the law and the constitution.
Paranoia is setting in again--
If we had the details of the costs of ObamaCare would we find that the reason he says those costs will not add to the deficit be due to 1) hundreds of thousands of babies aborted rather than needing a lifetime of medical attention, 2) the fact that there is a compulsory counseling session for every senior citizen once every five years stressing the benefits of palliative and hospice care with the underlying message being we have a duty to die, and 3) [I know this is far out] but maybe next winter's epidemic of swine flu will knock off a whole bunch more.
We should be asking our Democrat congressmen if they really plan to vote for a bill which will force all of us to pay for abortion on demand at the early stage of life and use rationing and "counseling" for senior citizens at the later stages of life. I'll let you know what Mr. Schauer says.
We need all the prayers we can get-
God bless........
Bill Schuette: We need to realign Michigan government to do more with fewer people and to eliminate the Michigan Business Tax (MBT) and reduce government spending. As Michigan's next Attorney General, I will review closely how to continue efforts within the Attorney General's office to streamline its operations and enhance the efficiency of the organization.
Bruce Patterson: My staff will be comprised of professionals. Persons serving in the department will be dedicated to lean, effective government operation all the while aggressively seeking to protect and defend citizen's constitutional rights.
Mike Bishop: In this contracting economy, state resources must be marshaled with great care. As the Leader of the Michigan Senate, I have asked every department to do more with less. The Attorney General's office is no different. Immediately upon assuming office, I will assess the budget of the office to reassess priorities and ensure the office is properly and efficiently administering essential services. Staffing and resources will be focused in areas consistent with primary responsibilities of the office - protecting the citizens of our state and our constitution.
#6 - How do politics influence the choices of the Attorney General in making staffing decisions?
Bill Schuette: Politics should have no role in determining personnel decisions within the Attorney General's office. Performance, quality, individual initiative and a strong work ethic will be the keystones of personnel decisions when I am Michigan's next Attorney General.
Bruce Patterson: Attorney General Bruce Patterson won't allow it.
Mike Bishop: I am a firm believer in finding the best person for the job. As the Republican Attorney General, I will focus on finding the most competent people who share my beliefs in the role of the office and who respect the law and the constitution.
Paranoia is setting in again--
If we had the details of the costs of ObamaCare would we find that the reason he says those costs will not add to the deficit be due to 1) hundreds of thousands of babies aborted rather than needing a lifetime of medical attention, 2) the fact that there is a compulsory counseling session for every senior citizen once every five years stressing the benefits of palliative and hospice care with the underlying message being we have a duty to die, and 3) [I know this is far out] but maybe next winter's epidemic of swine flu will knock off a whole bunch more.
We should be asking our Democrat congressmen if they really plan to vote for a bill which will force all of us to pay for abortion on demand at the early stage of life and use rationing and "counseling" for senior citizens at the later stages of life. I'll let you know what Mr. Schauer says.
We need all the prayers we can get-
God bless........
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