An Ol' Broad's Ramblings
Archive for February 2011
Obama: Bought and Paid For
Putting Politics Over Security, Obama Moves to Unionize TSA
The Foundry
Last night, on a purely partisan 47–51 vote, the Senate rejected an amendment that would have stopped government unions from organizing Transportation Security Administration (TSA) employees. The vote was made possible by an announcement two Fridays ago by President Barack Obama political appointee and TSA Administrator John Pistole. Pistole rejected TSA’s original policy that collective bargaining’s inherently adversarial process would impair TSA’s ability to protect American air travelers. Pistole’s decision, coupled with Democratic control of the Senate, will net the labor movement—a majority of whom already work for the government—45,000 new members and $18 million a year in dues that are ultimately paid for by you, the taxpayer.
The Showdown
Union leaders say overhauls of rules for public- and private-sector unions being considered in Wisconsin, Ohio and about a dozen other states threaten to accelerate the decline in membership nationwide and hurt organized labor’s finances and political clout.
Here’s a thought. How about dissolving ALL unions, and let the employees keep their money, save it up, and use as they see fit? Whether it’s to pay for their own health care, like the rest of have to do, or save for their retirement, and make their own investments for their future. Novel concept, eh?
On Monday, presidents of more than a dozen of the nation’s biggest unions met to strategize, and pledged more than $25 million to counter efforts to scale back bargaining rights that in many cases would give employees the option of not belonging to a union or paying dues, according to a union official familiar with the matter.
Where did they get that $25 MILLION to make such a pledge? Well, from those poor working people who are forced to hand over their money to the union thug bosses. That money is just a drop in the bucket compared to other amounts they’ve spend on other ‘campaigns’. Can you imagine if the unions actually hung on to that money for their workers retirement, instead of trying to turn the country into another communist failure?
Unions have told the Obama administration that the state fights could affect the 2012 presidential election by draining unions’ political resources, especially in states like Wisconsin and Ohio. “I think it can put him in some [political] danger,” Mr. McEntee said of the president.
Kind of sounds like a veiled threat to me, but then, I’m always suspicious of the thugs and their tactics. The violence they have shown, time and time again, tends to make one suspicious, don’t you think?
Unions spent more than $400 million in 2008 to help elect President Barack Obama and other Democrats, with public-sector unions such as AFSCME among the biggest contributors.
$400 MILLION of the under paid, over worked (/snark) workers money…..to get an incompetent man/child into office. How’s that workin’ out for ya, eh? Haven’t quite made to your ‘worker’s paradise’ yet, have we. THANK GOD!
Thus, new curbs aimed at public sector-workers could, besides reducing the number of total unionized workers, ripple across the whole work force, labor leaders say.
A downward spiral in membership would weaken unions’ political influence, particularly in key states such as Ohio and Wisconsin, according to some labor-movement observers.
Works for me! Under Obama, the communist organizations, such as large unions have wielded way too much power to the detriment of the rest of the country. I’d like to see them so ‘weakened’ as to completely disappear altogether!
In Wisconsin, lawmakers could vote as early as Thursday to take away most bargaining rights for about 170,000 public-sector workers. The proposal from Republican Gov. Scott Walker would limit collective bargaining for most state and local government employees to issues of wages, and exclude pensions and health care. It would also require government workers, who currently contribute little or nothing to their pensions, to contribute 5.8% of their pay to pensions, and pay at least 12.6% of health care premiums, up from an average of 6%.
Holy crap! You mean they’d actually have to CONTRIBUTE to their own health and well being rather than suck the pockets of Wisconsin taxpayers dry? Mean ol’ Scott Walker! (insert dripping sarcasm here)
Hey….Scott….. 
A note to unions: Your state is broke, or on the brink of total self destruction. Stop being so freakin’ selfish and consider those who are struggling to make ends meet that actually PAY for all your lovely benies for a change! Your income should be a day’s wage for a day’s work. You want extras? Pay for them yourselves…..like grownups!
Glenn Beck 02/15/11
Animals
CBS News’ Lara Logan Assaulted During Egypt Protests
In the crush of the mob, she was separated from her crew. She was surrounded and suffered a brutal and sustained sexual assault and beating before being saved by a group of women and an estimated 20 Egyptian soldiers. She reconnected with the CBS team, returned to her hotel and returned to the United States on the first flight the next morning. She is currently in the hospital recovering.
There are many things I could say about the ever so ‘peaceful protests’. I won’t. My anger might get the better of me. I will just say I wish this young lady a speedy recovery. It will take time for the emotional healing, and I pray she will be strong.
Another Monumental Obama = Fail
Obama Budget Doubles Down on Deficit Spending Failure
The Foundry
Standing in front of a Baltimore County middle school yesterday, President Barack Obama said, “Even as we cut out things that we can afford to do without, we have a responsibility to invest in those areas that will have the biggest impact in our future. And that’s especially true when it comes to education.” Accordingly, the President’s budget includes a $13 billion increase in Department of Education spending from the 2010 budget. But this is hardly the first time a White House has significantly raised education spending.
In fact, since 2001 federal education spending has already increased by 100 percent. And going back to 1970, it has almost tripled. And what have been the results of this federal “investment” in our future? Nothing. Department of Education spending has completely failed to raise student achievement over the past 30 years. This is the story of President Obama’s budget: too much spending, too much taxes, and too much borrowing—all of which has already failed to create jobs today and will make it harder for our children to find jobs in the future.
Coffee & Chicory
When I was 11, I was just happy being a kid. Still rode my bike, played with a doll or two, but was out growing it, and was starting to look at boys. THIS? I don’t think I ever knew a kid my age who could have, or would have, done such a thing.
A pretty cool discovery.
Time and time again, the states have said no. Just what part of “NO” is so impossible to understand?
Just think, if Obama had stepped up for the Iranians in 2009, instead of backing the pigs in power, the lives of many would not be in jeopardy. Maybe. We’ll never know, will we. How many have already been murdered for speaking out in Iran?
Sure looking like this whole Egyptian push for ‘freedom and democracy’ was a total sham. Why else would a dictator like Hugo Chavez, along with several other iron fisted tyrants praise it?
I can’t say as I blame Canada for wanting to limit their legal immigrants. When a country is being over run by foreigners, especially a certain demographic, you tend to actually LOSE your country to said foreign influence. Sad, but, there it is.
I have no doubt the man has never balanced a checkbook. We know he’s never run a business, is NOT a Constitutional scholar, and when ya get right down to it, is nothing more than a child trying to play grown up, and fairly miserably.
Looks to me like the guy is blowing snot out of his nose. But then, what do I know. Heh.
Insert alcohol, exit any ability for rational thinking.
Hamas threatening the PA with Egyptian style revolt. Gee. Who’da thunk it? The military wing of the Muslim Brotherhood making threats. Gosh.
The role of the First Lady apparently has changed an awful lot. Instead of being a classy lady, with closely held views, allowing the president husband do the job they were elected to do, recent First Lady’s have stepped into the lime light. The current one apparently believes she is better equipped to raise our children than we are. I’m thinking a First Lady’s role is to exude grace and charm, and share some good old fashioned mom wisdom. But then, I guess I’m a tad old fashioned. 
Isn’t it a shame that D.C. can’t come up with the same sort of common sense legislation that we’re seeing from Arizona?
Y’know….this sounds like a pretty good way to thank LEOs and clean up abandoned neighborhoods at the same time. I’m sure there’s a drawback somewhere though. When the gubmint is involved, there always is.
Uh….excuse me….but there should be NO taxpayer money going to Planned Parenthood at all! This is a for profit business, and their business is the blood of babies!
Are they not aware of whose Justice Department they are dealing with here? It’s not like the department is full of honorable, or Constitution supporting, people, y’know.
Once again, I will say it! Women do NOT belong in war zones! But, that being said, the lack of action on the part of the military against the accused rapist is a slap in the face of every woman in this country! It shows a real lack of character!
Even Britain has it’s priorities skewed. Instead of cutting all those handouts, they cut on defense. Where is the common sense here? And what kind of ball-less boob notifies someone they’ve been canned through an email? Don’t we have enough guts to go face to face anymore? Jeeeez!
Good economic news for a change. Well, at least for Memphis and Shelby County. 
There is something about this that I find really disturbing.
Considering what a major pain air travel has become, how invasive, and down right unconstitutional with all the probes and such, I’m REAL surprised they are predicting a rise, instead of a decline. Oh, and lets not forget the increases in fees for everything from fuel to napkins. We’ve decided, if we can’t drive, we ain’t going.
Wonder how many Code Pink, and commie union types have been ‘training’ those in Bahrain? Middle East = Powder Keg. Fueled by ………????
Needed: One Strong Backbone
ISRAEL PREPARES FOR – ANYTHING!
Nuclear Holocaust in the Middle East?
by J. D. Longstreet
A snippet:
In an article by Reuters, Gaddafi is quoted as having said: “All Arab states which have relations with Israel are cowardly regimes.” (SOURCE) He went on to issue a call to Muslim countries to join forces against Western powers.
Now, ordinarily, this would not trouble me a great deal. But, I must tell you, with Obama in the White House, I am convinced the Middle Eastern Madmen feel they have not just an extremely weak, indecisive, leader of the west but, I am also convinced, they see Obama as a friend and an ally.
All the while, Israel, the only county in the Middle East the US can actually consider a friend, is being hung out to dry by the Obama Administration. Obama’s conduct towards Israel is shameful.
Read entire post here.
The U.S. has, sadly, been taken over by a generation of cowards. Yep. I said it. C-O-W-A-R-D-S!
–adjective 2. lacking courage; very fearful or timid. 3. proceeding from or expressive of fear or timidity: a coward cry.
That pretty much covers what we see on a daily basis, don’t you think? Fear of standing up to dictators, for fear of offending someone? Watching students die, in the name of freedom, and standing back, saying and doing nothing, as with Iran a couple of years ago. Yet behaving all bad and bold in support of communists, socialists and islamsists.
There was a time when I remember there were men who were to be looked up to for their leadership, their moral compass in evidence. Now? We look to a bunch of pantywaist weasels for leadership?
Oh, there are heroes out there alright….just none in positions of power. A young man on his way to Afghanistan, voluntarily. The father who gathers up his family to head to church, and bows his head, thanking God for the gifts He has bestowed on him. A young woman, staying at home to raise her own children, instead of foisted them off on the public school system. The kid who works 2 jobs to put himself through college because he doesn’t believe anyone owes him a thing. The police officer that puts his life on the line every day for total strangers, in hope of keeping them safe. The fireman rushing into a burning building to make sure everyone else got out. THESE are heroes.
We look to D.C. for leadership in times of trouble. What we see now, are a large group of men and women, not only creating more trouble, for us, but actually promoting it, as something good. Since when did evil become good, and good evil?
Obama’s policy towards our one true ally in the Middle East has been less than admirable. His lack of standing firm with Israel has emboldened the tin pot dictators and Islamists to even great sword rattling. Their sense is if they attack their “sworn enemy”, the U.S. will sit back, and do nothing. With this current administration, my greatest fear? They are right.
Those making the most noise against Israel, right here in this country, are the ones who believe in nothing. They are not willing to fight and die for families, much less their country. The ‘community organizers’, friends of the Obama administration, rail against how evil Israel is, without ever know how much good they have done in this world. Without Israel, the world will truly collapse, and that includes the U.S. of A.
My advice to the current occupant of the White House? Get your balls out of Michelle’s pocket, figure out where you left your backbone, and stand up like a man. Inform all the sabre rattlers the United States of America will NOT be sitting back, and watching from the sidelines as you threaten, and/or attack Israel. Inform Israel you have been a complete ass, apologize to THEM for you whining, and PROVE YOU ARE AN AMERICAN. Americans don’t bow to the rest of the world, you know.
Well, the current administration might not, but I, for one……
Glenn Beck 02/14/11
Get Out Your Calculator
From ATR:
Under the Obama budget, tax revenues will grow from 14.4% of GDP in 2011 to 20% of GDP in 2021. By comparison, the historical average is only 18% of GDP.
Tax hike lowlights include:
- Raising the top marginal income tax rate (at which a majority of small business profits face taxation) from 35% to 39.6%. This is a $709 billion/10 year tax hike
- Raising the capital gains and dividends rate from 15% to 20%
- Raising the death tax rate from 35% to 45% and lowering the death tax exemption amount from $5 million ($10 million for couples) to $3.5 million. This is a $98 billion/ten year tax hike
- Capping the value of itemized deductions at the 28% bracket rate. This will effectively cut tax deductions for mortgage interest, charitable contributions, property taxes, state and local income or sales taxes, out-of-pocket medical expenses, and unreimbursed employee business expenses. A new means-tested phaseout of itemized deductions limits them even more. This is a $321 billion/ten year tax hike
- New bank taxes totaling $33 billion over ten years
- New international corporate tax hikes totaling $129 billion over ten years
- New life insurance company taxes totaling $14 billion over ten years
- Massive new taxes on energy, including LIFO repeal, Superfund, domestic energy manufacturing, and many others totaling $120 billion over ten years
- Increasing unemployment payroll taxes by $15 billion over ten years
- Taxing management capital gains in an investment partnership (“carried interest”) as ordinary income. This is a tax hike of $15 billion over ten years
- A giveaway to the trial lawyers—not letting companies deduct the cost of punitive damages from a lawsuit settlement. This is a tax hike of $300 million over ten years
- Increasing tax penalties, information reporting, and IRS information sharing. This is a ten-year tax hike of $20 billion.
Add it all together, and this budget is a ten-year, $1.5 trillion tax hike over present law.
I keep hearing Obama is attempting to do a Clinton. Right. I mean….left….I mean… Well, he ain’t no Clinton, that’s for sure!
What Is That?
Well, that is what is left of the snow! A small blob! Heh. After hitting 70 this afternoon, I was REAL surprised to see it just laying there in the parking lot. Buh bye!!!!
Proof….
….criminals have more “rights” than homeowners in England, and that country has gone 100% bonkers!
Shed owners warned wire on windows could hurt burglars
A spate of thefts in several towns and villages in Kent and Surrey over the past few months led to many householders taking action to protect their property.
Some have been warned by police that using wire mesh to reinforce shed windows was ”dangerous’’ and could lead to criminals claiming compensation if they ”hurt themselves’’.
Are they flippin’ serious????? Criminals might hurt themselves? Who freakin’ cares? They can come in, take what you worked hard to get, and sue you if you decide it’s your stuff, and don’t want to share it with thieves? Shoot the SOBs, and there won’t be a problem, will there!
A “Food” Review?
Lucky me! I got to go down to Corinth and spend a few hours waiting around for my heart doctor this afternoon. Yeah, I’m fine. Just a check up on some things that were going on. Not to worry.
Well, I have been seeing that ad for Sonic’s Red Velvet Cheesecake Blast.
I don’t usually fall for the commercial push for any particular item, but I really like red velvet cake (hey….I’m a Southerner….it’s in the DNA), so I figured after spending so long waiting, and getting more and more hungry, I deserved something full of calories. And it would get this urge for that thing out of my system.
Well, it worked! Not because I have any strength to resist such hinder spreading goodies. No, it worked, cuz now I know……
BLECH!
Who’s bright idea was that anyway? Sheesh! Did I finish it? Umm…. yeah….I did. Why? Well, there IS ice cream involved, y’know. 
Evidently, I’m not the only one with this opinion. Wish I had read that BEFORE I gave in to my urge.
Happy Made Up Hallmark Holiday
It’s No Secret….
……I don’t much care for unions! If more people were aware of just how much damaged they have caused in this country, and how connected they are with the communists, I’m fairly sure, there would be many more who feel the same way I do. But, sadly, there are way too many who choose to be willfully ignorant on the subject.
Does anyone know why we have no manufacturing industry in this country any more? Why many products that are made here now are inferior? Quality isn’t important when your union can keep your sorry ass from being fired because you are incompetent. Many unions have brought about the slow demise of companies that provided jobs and supported communities. Many companies have left the country due to union influence. Why would I keep a company here, have to support a mediocre employee from ‘cradle to grave’, when I can move my company to a country that has people who actually want to EARN their income, and I can pay the going rate for said country, and hire MANY more people for the same money I would employee just one right here in the U.S.? It doesn’t make any business sense.
The connection between the unions and the left>progressives>socialists>communists is quite well documented, and, as Beck says, “Do your own homework.” From one of the many union publications:
Without the American labor movement there is no American left, and the debate taking place right now could very well determine if the movement survives.
By all means….kill it! The slow demise of this nation can be laid directly at the feet of such feckless beings.
The most incompetent in our time? The teachers and their unions. The biggest of which is NEA and its affiliates. Here in Tennessee, that would be TEA. One major plus for Tennessee though, we are a ‘right to work’ state. My understanding, you can’t be forced to join a union and support their left wing agenda with your money. Not to mention you won’t be paying for the top union officials play time at fabulous resorts.
Now, I’m not saying that all teachers are incompetent. Quite the contrary. There are many excellent teachers out there who actually CARE about the education of the nation’s children. The dream of becoming a teacher is strong in so many, they want to give, to teach, to aid, to mold minds of mush into rational thinkers. Sadly, they have been hamstrung by the unions. Unions with so much power, parents no longer have a say in how their children are education, or what they are taught.
Who decided some mindless union bureaucrat had that kind of power over our children? Actually, we did. We handed off our responsibilities, and it is way past time to take it back.
The State of Tennessee is making an effort to take away some of the union’s power with two bills, SB 113 and HB 130. Obviously, the union doesn’t like these bills. Why would they? Removing power from a union? Hey…works for me though. And it should be of utmost importance to every parent, grandparent, and future parent in the state!
Collective bargaining sounds pretty good on the outside….kind of like everyone is being looked after, and no one gets hurt, however, the nuts and bolts are anything but. It does not address the issue of the kids, just the teachers, and the union. If the left is all fired concerned with ‘the chillllllruns’, why is it that our children’s education has suffered so miserably through the power of the unions? When it is our tax dollars supporting unions, I think we should stand up and just say, not just no, but HELL NO! No other teacher’s union in the South East, or other public union in the state of Tennessee, has such a power. Why does the TEA?
Call, or write your state senators and representatives, and let them know you support these bills! If at all possible, show up at the Capital, EARLY (committee meeting starts at 10am, February 16, building opens at 8am). You can be sure, the unions will do what they always do…..bus in as many people as possible in opposition to these bills. (Aren’t they suppose to be working???? Teaching our children how to read, write, add, subtract….how to THINK? For themselves???)
Did you catch that? Power. And that’s what it is really all about. Power.
Power corrupts, and absolute power corrupts absolutely. – Lord Acton
I Really Shouldn’t Laugh
*snicker*
The Pope and Obama are on the same stage in Yankee Stadium in front of a huge crowd.
The Pope leans towards Mr. Obama and says, “Do you know that with one little wave of my hand I can make every person in this crowd go wild with joy? This joy will not be a momentary display, but will go deep into their hearts and they’ll forever speak of this day and rejoice!”
Obama replied, “I seriously doubt that! With one little wave of your hand…show me!”
So the Pope backhanded him and knocked him off the stage!
AND THE CROWD ROARED & CHEERED WILDLY!
Kind of brings a tear to your eye, doesn’t it?
Shared by Sharon.
