Update from the Heartland
No.401
17.8.09 – 23.8.09
Blog version: http://heartlandupdate.blogspot.com/
No.401
17.8.09 – 23.8.09
Blog version: http://heartlandupdate.blogspot.com/
To all,
The follow-up news items:
-- The New York Times reported the CIA hired contractors from the security services company Xe {FKA Blackwater [305-310, 329, 365, 374, 377]} to perform targeted assassinations as part of the War on Islamic Fascism. As much as I have defended the use of contractors as a product of necessity – since we lacked the political will to mobilize the nation for war – I must say this action crossed over the line of acceptability or tolerance. If true and I suspect it is, the Government went too far. If we cannot wage war properly and successfully, then don’t pull the trigger. Hiring contractors for offensive operation is nothing more than a lame attempt to plug the gaps in fighting a war with half-measures.
-- The Washington Post reported that the Justice Department has been interviewing military defense attorneys, representing Guantánamo detainees, regarding allegations photographs of CIA personnel, including covert officers, were unlawfully provided to their clients. If confirmed, I hope those damnable lawyers are prosecuted to the fullest extent of the law as well as disbarred and imprisoned to the maximum confinement. For all the CIA has been maligned during the War on Islamic Fascism, such action verges upon treasonous. Those detainees are NOT criminals; they are NOT even prisoners of war; they are extra-national battlefield combatants who hold the absolute minimum of any legal rights and deserve nothing more.
In a widely covered event, convicted Libyan, PanAm-103 bomber, Abdel Baset Ali Mohmet al-Megrahi, was released from a Scottish prison and flown by private jet back to his homeland and a hero’s welcome. Scottish Justice Minister Kenny MacAskill announced the release of al-Megrahi on compassionate grounds, despite the protests of victims’ families and the public opposition of the U.S. government. He is reportedly in the terminal stage of prostate cancer. Al-Megrahi was sentenced in 2001 to a minimum of 27 years in prison for his involvement in the 21.December.1988, bombing of the B-747 over Lockerbie, Scotland, killing all 259 people on board and 11 people on the ground. Let it suffice to say, I condemn the foolish sense of compassion by the Scottish government shown al-Megrahi, the lack of respect to the victims of the Lockerbie bombers, and the insulting display in Tripoli.
Since Congress adjourned for the summer recess, I wanted to summarize the various bills I am watching that are still under consideration.
-- HR 45 – Blair Holt Firearm Licensing & Record of Sales Act of 2009 – remains in the House Committee on the Judiciary; referred to the Subcommittee on Crime, Terrorism, and Homeland Security – this is the kind of bill that raises enormous suspicions among those of us who fear Federalism
-- HR 780 – Student Internet Safety Act of 2009 – passed House: 416-0-0-17(2); remains in the Senate Committee on Health, Education, Labor, and Pensions – there are several of these feel good bills that produce far wider unintended consequences
-- HR 1409 – Employee Free Choice Act of 2009 (EFCA) – remains in the House Committee on Education and Labor, referred to the Subcommittee on Health, Employment, Labor, and Pensions; the companion bill S.560 remains in the Senate Committee on Health, Education, Labor, and Pensions – this bill has some positive Federal elements, however the bill will inordinately bias employer-employee relations in favor of unionization. This bill is bad law.
-- HR 2159 – Denying Firearms and Explosives to Dangerous Terrorists Act of 2009 – remains in the House Committee on the Judiciary; referred to the Subcommittee on Crime, Terrorism, and Homeland Security, where this foolish legislation should die a quiet death; another one of those feel good bills
-- HR 2454 – American Clean Energy and Security Act of 2009 – this is the so-called Cap & Trade bill – sets threshold for carbon emissions and the process of trading for credits beyond assigned thresholds – passed House: 219-212-0-3(1); placed on Senate Legislative Calendar, which suggests the Senate leadership might try a quick vote. I think something should be done to push industry to cleaner technology; I am not convinced this is the correct way
-- HR 2965 – Enhancing Small Business Research and Innovation Act of 2009 – passed House: 386-41-0-5(4), as noted also a vote on the S.1233 amended bill. The Library of Congress record is rather strange on this one, and there is insufficient information upon which to form an opinion, so far; however, what is available bothers me, i.e., what is between the lines or behind the curtain
-- S.436 – Internet Stopping Adults Facilitating the Exploitation of Today's Youth Act of 2009, or SAFETY Act – remains in the Senate Committee on the Judiciary; the companion bill HR 1076 – remains in the House Committee on the Judiciary, referred to Subcommittee on Crime, Terrorism, and Homeland Security; this is one of the bills that reminds me of a wolf in sheep’s clothing.
News from the economic front:
-- U.S. Secretary of Transportation Ray LaHood announced the US$3B CARS Program [PL 111-047; AKA “cash for clunkers”] will end on Monday, 24.August {FWIW, the extension in the law authorized the program through 30.September.2010; US$3B committed in less than two months.}. Stories abound on the massive paperwork and significant delays in the USG paying on its commitments. There is no question the law stimulated automobile sales. We shall have to wait to see if this program was worth the price.
-- At the annual conference of central bankers and global finance officials – this year in Jackson Hole, Wyoming – Federal Reserve Chairman Ben Bernanke said, “economic activity appears to be leveling out in the United States and abroad.” Ben predicted a return to growth, but expected the economic recovery to be relatively slow, with unemployment remaining at relatively high levels – the so-called jobless recovery.
-- The National Association of Realtors announced that existing-home sales rose to a seasonally adjusted 5.24 million annual rate – +7.2%, the highest month-over-month percentage increase in more than a decade. The June to July sales increase was the highest level in nearly two years. Foreclosures and short sales reflected 31% of sales in July. The median price for an existing home last month was $178,400 – -15.1% from July 2008.
Comments and contributions from Update no.400:
Posted on the blog:
“I think Alaska politicians have had enough publicity lately, so I'll let the latest nonsense rest without mentioning the name.
“I will leave commentary on aviation issues mostly in your more capable hands. I do want to agree with your comment on the difficulty of restricting airspace in a place as busy as New York City.
“I understand and agree with your analysis of Chief Justice Rehnquist's remark. This is only one of the reasons that I fear and dislike Rehnquist along with Roberts and Thomas. Attention has not been brought to them in the way it has been to Bush, Cheney and other high government officials, but they matter a great deal in the long-term health or illness of our form of government.
“One economic note. I have been thinking this one over, and I think we can look forward to a backfire of the ‘Cash for Clunkers’ program. People who own vehicles worth a few hundred dollars (true ‘clunkers’) will certainly be sold vehicles at prices that they cannot afford in the long run. I have seen local advertising for this with no down payment and 6-year loans. So even as the economy gradually improves, those people will predictably find the payments beyond their capacity. The ‘Cash for Clunkers’ program operates on the same flawed logic that brought the economy as a whole into its current condition.
“Social Security came up in a comment on a prior blog. We hear a good deal from politicians and experts about the demographics of the Baby Boom in this connection and about various instances of waste and what not. The central problem with Social Security typically goes unmentioned because neither major political party wants to talk about the fact that both parties raid the fund to pay for unrelated projects. Obama undoubtedly sees this as one way to pay for some of his current stuff; no doubt W's people used it for some of their stuff. That's one more reason that each party can usually attack the other's numbers about paying for programs: the numbers don't mention all the funding sources. That unwelcome, semi-secret habit goes much further back than W, though. I imagine that this would be even more difficult to change than campaign financing. When both major parties oppose the well-being of the people, that's a massive problem.”
My reply posted on the blog:
No argument. Let it suffice for me to say that we have far too many knee-jerk reactions in the aftermath of aviation accidents. Two pilots made a tragic mistake, but that is insufficient reason to restrict flight for all other pilots.
In the general sense, yes, I agree . . . we have plenty of reason to remain vigilant and critical of government – all three branches, and especially los Federales. I believe my opinion regarding the Federalists and moral projectionists is quite clear – no matter what their political ideology.
Interesting observation on the CARS Program. Another form of what Alan Greenspan called “irrational exuberance.” You may well be correct. Time shall tell the tale.
I do not know, as proving such things with politicians is usually quite difficult, but I truly believe every administration going back to at least President Johnson and every congress since the 88th, have been raiding the social security fund, the highway fund, and any other Federal withholding pool fund they can put their slimy hands on, to pay for their pet porky projects to garner favors with the money men. Of course, they want us [We, the People] to pay for all their largesse. I have a hard time looking at any senator or representative and thinking they have any citizen’s interest in mind . . . well, other than their own and their buddies’ interests. Wait, there was at least one good law that has helped many at-risk citizens extend their lives or cure fatal diseases – the National Organ Transplant Act of 1984 (NOTA84) [PL 98-507; S.2048] – the progenitor legislation that lead to the National Marrow Donor Program (NMDP).
My very best wishes to all. Take care of yourselves and each other.
Cheers,
Cap :-)
The follow-up news items:
-- The New York Times reported the CIA hired contractors from the security services company Xe {FKA Blackwater [305-310, 329, 365, 374, 377]} to perform targeted assassinations as part of the War on Islamic Fascism. As much as I have defended the use of contractors as a product of necessity – since we lacked the political will to mobilize the nation for war – I must say this action crossed over the line of acceptability or tolerance. If true and I suspect it is, the Government went too far. If we cannot wage war properly and successfully, then don’t pull the trigger. Hiring contractors for offensive operation is nothing more than a lame attempt to plug the gaps in fighting a war with half-measures.
-- The Washington Post reported that the Justice Department has been interviewing military defense attorneys, representing Guantánamo detainees, regarding allegations photographs of CIA personnel, including covert officers, were unlawfully provided to their clients. If confirmed, I hope those damnable lawyers are prosecuted to the fullest extent of the law as well as disbarred and imprisoned to the maximum confinement. For all the CIA has been maligned during the War on Islamic Fascism, such action verges upon treasonous. Those detainees are NOT criminals; they are NOT even prisoners of war; they are extra-national battlefield combatants who hold the absolute minimum of any legal rights and deserve nothing more.
In a widely covered event, convicted Libyan, PanAm-103 bomber, Abdel Baset Ali Mohmet al-Megrahi, was released from a Scottish prison and flown by private jet back to his homeland and a hero’s welcome. Scottish Justice Minister Kenny MacAskill announced the release of al-Megrahi on compassionate grounds, despite the protests of victims’ families and the public opposition of the U.S. government. He is reportedly in the terminal stage of prostate cancer. Al-Megrahi was sentenced in 2001 to a minimum of 27 years in prison for his involvement in the 21.December.1988, bombing of the B-747 over Lockerbie, Scotland, killing all 259 people on board and 11 people on the ground. Let it suffice to say, I condemn the foolish sense of compassion by the Scottish government shown al-Megrahi, the lack of respect to the victims of the Lockerbie bombers, and the insulting display in Tripoli.
Since Congress adjourned for the summer recess, I wanted to summarize the various bills I am watching that are still under consideration.
-- HR 45 – Blair Holt Firearm Licensing & Record of Sales Act of 2009 – remains in the House Committee on the Judiciary; referred to the Subcommittee on Crime, Terrorism, and Homeland Security – this is the kind of bill that raises enormous suspicions among those of us who fear Federalism
-- HR 780 – Student Internet Safety Act of 2009 – passed House: 416-0-0-17(2); remains in the Senate Committee on Health, Education, Labor, and Pensions – there are several of these feel good bills that produce far wider unintended consequences
-- HR 1409 – Employee Free Choice Act of 2009 (EFCA) – remains in the House Committee on Education and Labor, referred to the Subcommittee on Health, Employment, Labor, and Pensions; the companion bill S.560 remains in the Senate Committee on Health, Education, Labor, and Pensions – this bill has some positive Federal elements, however the bill will inordinately bias employer-employee relations in favor of unionization. This bill is bad law.
-- HR 2159 – Denying Firearms and Explosives to Dangerous Terrorists Act of 2009 – remains in the House Committee on the Judiciary; referred to the Subcommittee on Crime, Terrorism, and Homeland Security, where this foolish legislation should die a quiet death; another one of those feel good bills
-- HR 2454 – American Clean Energy and Security Act of 2009 – this is the so-called Cap & Trade bill – sets threshold for carbon emissions and the process of trading for credits beyond assigned thresholds – passed House: 219-212-0-3(1); placed on Senate Legislative Calendar, which suggests the Senate leadership might try a quick vote. I think something should be done to push industry to cleaner technology; I am not convinced this is the correct way
-- HR 2965 – Enhancing Small Business Research and Innovation Act of 2009 – passed House: 386-41-0-5(4), as noted also a vote on the S.1233 amended bill. The Library of Congress record is rather strange on this one, and there is insufficient information upon which to form an opinion, so far; however, what is available bothers me, i.e., what is between the lines or behind the curtain
-- S.436 – Internet Stopping Adults Facilitating the Exploitation of Today's Youth Act of 2009, or SAFETY Act – remains in the Senate Committee on the Judiciary; the companion bill HR 1076 – remains in the House Committee on the Judiciary, referred to Subcommittee on Crime, Terrorism, and Homeland Security; this is one of the bills that reminds me of a wolf in sheep’s clothing.
News from the economic front:
-- U.S. Secretary of Transportation Ray LaHood announced the US$3B CARS Program [PL 111-047; AKA “cash for clunkers”] will end on Monday, 24.August {FWIW, the extension in the law authorized the program through 30.September.2010; US$3B committed in less than two months.}. Stories abound on the massive paperwork and significant delays in the USG paying on its commitments. There is no question the law stimulated automobile sales. We shall have to wait to see if this program was worth the price.
-- At the annual conference of central bankers and global finance officials – this year in Jackson Hole, Wyoming – Federal Reserve Chairman Ben Bernanke said, “economic activity appears to be leveling out in the United States and abroad.” Ben predicted a return to growth, but expected the economic recovery to be relatively slow, with unemployment remaining at relatively high levels – the so-called jobless recovery.
-- The National Association of Realtors announced that existing-home sales rose to a seasonally adjusted 5.24 million annual rate – +7.2%, the highest month-over-month percentage increase in more than a decade. The June to July sales increase was the highest level in nearly two years. Foreclosures and short sales reflected 31% of sales in July. The median price for an existing home last month was $178,400 – -15.1% from July 2008.
Comments and contributions from Update no.400:
Posted on the blog:
“I think Alaska politicians have had enough publicity lately, so I'll let the latest nonsense rest without mentioning the name.
“I will leave commentary on aviation issues mostly in your more capable hands. I do want to agree with your comment on the difficulty of restricting airspace in a place as busy as New York City.
“I understand and agree with your analysis of Chief Justice Rehnquist's remark. This is only one of the reasons that I fear and dislike Rehnquist along with Roberts and Thomas. Attention has not been brought to them in the way it has been to Bush, Cheney and other high government officials, but they matter a great deal in the long-term health or illness of our form of government.
“One economic note. I have been thinking this one over, and I think we can look forward to a backfire of the ‘Cash for Clunkers’ program. People who own vehicles worth a few hundred dollars (true ‘clunkers’) will certainly be sold vehicles at prices that they cannot afford in the long run. I have seen local advertising for this with no down payment and 6-year loans. So even as the economy gradually improves, those people will predictably find the payments beyond their capacity. The ‘Cash for Clunkers’ program operates on the same flawed logic that brought the economy as a whole into its current condition.
“Social Security came up in a comment on a prior blog. We hear a good deal from politicians and experts about the demographics of the Baby Boom in this connection and about various instances of waste and what not. The central problem with Social Security typically goes unmentioned because neither major political party wants to talk about the fact that both parties raid the fund to pay for unrelated projects. Obama undoubtedly sees this as one way to pay for some of his current stuff; no doubt W's people used it for some of their stuff. That's one more reason that each party can usually attack the other's numbers about paying for programs: the numbers don't mention all the funding sources. That unwelcome, semi-secret habit goes much further back than W, though. I imagine that this would be even more difficult to change than campaign financing. When both major parties oppose the well-being of the people, that's a massive problem.”
My reply posted on the blog:
No argument. Let it suffice for me to say that we have far too many knee-jerk reactions in the aftermath of aviation accidents. Two pilots made a tragic mistake, but that is insufficient reason to restrict flight for all other pilots.
In the general sense, yes, I agree . . . we have plenty of reason to remain vigilant and critical of government – all three branches, and especially los Federales. I believe my opinion regarding the Federalists and moral projectionists is quite clear – no matter what their political ideology.
Interesting observation on the CARS Program. Another form of what Alan Greenspan called “irrational exuberance.” You may well be correct. Time shall tell the tale.
I do not know, as proving such things with politicians is usually quite difficult, but I truly believe every administration going back to at least President Johnson and every congress since the 88th, have been raiding the social security fund, the highway fund, and any other Federal withholding pool fund they can put their slimy hands on, to pay for their pet porky projects to garner favors with the money men. Of course, they want us [We, the People] to pay for all their largesse. I have a hard time looking at any senator or representative and thinking they have any citizen’s interest in mind . . . well, other than their own and their buddies’ interests. Wait, there was at least one good law that has helped many at-risk citizens extend their lives or cure fatal diseases – the National Organ Transplant Act of 1984 (NOTA84) [PL 98-507; S.2048] – the progenitor legislation that lead to the National Marrow Donor Program (NMDP).
My very best wishes to all. Take care of yourselves and each other.
Cheers,
Cap :-)
2 comments:
I'll limit my comment on this one to agreeing that cap-and-trade setups will not function well. They do not motivate the industry changes that they supposedly are intended to drive, and they involve amounts of money that will certainly lead to corruption.
MrMacnCheese,
We share a common opinion. The familiar odor of yet another money trough scheme wafts over the countryside.
Cheers,
Cap
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