The video below depicts school children singing on the set of CNN, a painfully rehearsed political ditty in favor of "Health Care Reform" to the tune of "Party in The USA". Politico has the video here, with comments: here. The comment: "Pathetic! Using kids for political purposes, this is outrageous. They have no shame!" says it all. This video is the latest in a string of politically charged songs sung by children in a variety of settings; children too young to understand what they are singing about, let alone that they are singing at the obvious "behest" of a "leader". It is an obvious fact that adults are using children, in the hopes of making a political statement or impact it is, in a word, cultish.
Wednesday, October 07, 2009
$1.5 Billion HUD “Stimulus” Homelessness Prevention and Rapid Re-Housing Program Hits the Streets. Temporary Assistance without Long-Term Solutions.
The U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD)’s Homelessness Prevention and Rapid Re-Housing Program, recently began accepting applications for assistance. The programs design, in brief:
It is obvious that the need for assistance for assistance in this nation, specifically for the homeless and those who are fiscally strapped due to fixed income restraints (specifically the elderly who rely on minimal social security benefits), is severe, that said, the premise of the program, with an intent towards “short-term” assistance to those who are currently homeless or about to become homeless – the crux, they must be able to fend for themselves after receiving said aid. If one is homeless, chances are great that one also does not have a job, and has also exhausted unemployment benefits. With the unemployment rate at 9.8%, the chances of gaining employment is minimal, therefore, the program itself (handing out checks without a program in place that offers re-education or resettlement) is little more than a “temporary” fix.
In Detroit $15 million was made available to “help residents pay bills and their rent or find temporary housing for the homeless.”
According to WDIV Detroit, thousands lined up for applications, falsely believing that they were going to receive a “stimulus check” for $3,000. A video is available on WDIV here
The report further states:
A host of other cities are reporting on the HUD Stimulus including:
St. Louis, Missouri, Camden, PA, and Manatee, Florida. Grants per city range from $8.4 million to a $10 Million dollar award to a homeless shelter in Los Angeles.
One has to wonder, however, if this program may have worked better if the resettlement and assistance for those who are able-bodied and have even limited job skills had come with, at the very least, employment of some sort. It is to the point, where a “workfare” program would serve the populace and the nation (similar to the programs instituted by FDR), allowing those who are merely seeking additional “entitlements”, the ability to “opt” out if they chose not to work, while giving those who have no employment prospects, the opportunity to build a work history, or maintain a work history, which will stand them in good stead, once the job market improves. With Government run programs, however, the risks remain. One merely needs to look at Massachusetts’ program to house the homeless in hotels to understand that programs are often designed in haste, permanently trapping individuals in poverty, who would otherwise contribute to society, if only given the opportunity.
Granted, what is being suggested is another government program, that said, one in which taxpayers dollars are spent to a)aid those who cannot aid themselves (the elderly), and those who are able, to offer temporary housing, utility payments in exchange for employment that would serve both the individual and the public. Understandably, it would still be big government, and subject to the natural course of corruption associated with most programs, yet, to those who are living without hope of any kind, it would offer an opportunity to provide for themselves and their families with dignity and the hope of a future.
A note: On the occasion of meeting a volunteer for a local soup kitchen, and asking what was most needed, the big request was for shower curtains – curtains are used to cover tents, where families, where both parents have lost jobs, and home, live under a City bridge. The shower curtains act as insulation. It is not that these families live there by choice; rather, if one owns a car, one is not able to receive housing assistance in Massachusetts – a ridiculous aspect of government regulations. Many would hold onto the vehicles for shelter as well as the hope of a job, and the ability to drive to and from, with an eye towards eventually being able to return to safe and secure housing. It is with this in mind, that monies given to those made homeless (and it is a situation that could happen to anyone at anytime), would be better spent if opportunity, even short term state and/or federal employment were offered.
"HPRP funding is focused on providing short-and medium-term rental assistance to individuals and families who are currently in housing, but at risk of becoming homeless, and individuals and families who are homeless. Approximately $1.489 billion will be allocated for these purposes to states, metropolitan cities, urban counties and territories.”
It is obvious that the need for assistance for assistance in this nation, specifically for the homeless and those who are fiscally strapped due to fixed income restraints (specifically the elderly who rely on minimal social security benefits), is severe, that said, the premise of the program, with an intent towards “short-term” assistance to those who are currently homeless or about to become homeless – the crux, they must be able to fend for themselves after receiving said aid. If one is homeless, chances are great that one also does not have a job, and has also exhausted unemployment benefits. With the unemployment rate at 9.8%, the chances of gaining employment is minimal, therefore, the program itself (handing out checks without a program in place that offers re-education or resettlement) is little more than a “temporary” fix.
In Detroit $15 million was made available to “help residents pay bills and their rent or find temporary housing for the homeless.”
According to WDIV Detroit, thousands lined up for applications, falsely believing that they were going to receive a “stimulus check” for $3,000. A video is available on WDIV here
The report further states:
To qualify, a person must have been a resident of Detroit for more than six months must be homeless or facing eviction and must be able to maintain housing after receiving assistance.
Also, a resident must make 50 percent less than the median area income, which would be less than $24,850 for single Detroit residents and less than $35,500 for a family of four.
No mortgage assistance will be available through this program.
A host of other cities are reporting on the HUD Stimulus including:
St. Louis, Missouri, Camden, PA, and Manatee, Florida. Grants per city range from $8.4 million to a $10 Million dollar award to a homeless shelter in Los Angeles.
One has to wonder, however, if this program may have worked better if the resettlement and assistance for those who are able-bodied and have even limited job skills had come with, at the very least, employment of some sort. It is to the point, where a “workfare” program would serve the populace and the nation (similar to the programs instituted by FDR), allowing those who are merely seeking additional “entitlements”, the ability to “opt” out if they chose not to work, while giving those who have no employment prospects, the opportunity to build a work history, or maintain a work history, which will stand them in good stead, once the job market improves. With Government run programs, however, the risks remain. One merely needs to look at Massachusetts’ program to house the homeless in hotels to understand that programs are often designed in haste, permanently trapping individuals in poverty, who would otherwise contribute to society, if only given the opportunity.
Granted, what is being suggested is another government program, that said, one in which taxpayers dollars are spent to a)aid those who cannot aid themselves (the elderly), and those who are able, to offer temporary housing, utility payments in exchange for employment that would serve both the individual and the public. Understandably, it would still be big government, and subject to the natural course of corruption associated with most programs, yet, to those who are living without hope of any kind, it would offer an opportunity to provide for themselves and their families with dignity and the hope of a future.
A note: On the occasion of meeting a volunteer for a local soup kitchen, and asking what was most needed, the big request was for shower curtains – curtains are used to cover tents, where families, where both parents have lost jobs, and home, live under a City bridge. The shower curtains act as insulation. It is not that these families live there by choice; rather, if one owns a car, one is not able to receive housing assistance in Massachusetts – a ridiculous aspect of government regulations. Many would hold onto the vehicles for shelter as well as the hope of a job, and the ability to drive to and from, with an eye towards eventually being able to return to safe and secure housing. It is with this in mind, that monies given to those made homeless (and it is a situation that could happen to anyone at anytime), would be better spent if opportunity, even short term state and/or federal employment were offered.
Tuesday, October 06, 2009
Update: Massachusetts 4th District 2010 Congressional Race – Barney Frank vs. Earl Sholley
Earl Sholley, Candidate for U.S. Congress, Massachusetts 4th District
Although still early in the 2010 political season, one has to take a hard look at Barney Frank’s district race this year – in the past, Congressman Frank ran virtually unopposed – that is no longer the case. The Sholley for Congress Campaign appears to have the backing and, from what is understood, internal polling, to have launched a social media campaign, including a savvy new website entitled: Frankfumbles.com (click here to view) It is known that Lisa Camp, Sholley Campaign manager, is a who’s who of the Huckabee for President 2008 campaign, and that one can bet the house (literally), the Massachusetts 4th will be an interesting race to watch in the next 9 months. Although the district is known to be “Democrat safe”, the highest percentage of voters are “unenrolled”, therefore, it will be up to both Frank and Sholley to appeal to those voters, the base, in both cases, cannot deliver a win in this district.
Barney Frank, Incumbant U.S. Congressman, Massachusetts 4th District
ACORN Federal Funding Continues, Despite Congressional Calls for Funding Ban, Bank of American and Ford Foundation sever ties. ACORN the Corporation
ACORN received a grant from FEMA little more than two weeks ago. Apparently, despite the slew of investigations, videos and 8 X 10 color glossies’ depicting Acorn affiliates in a myriad of stages of fraud (voter to tax evasion), FEMA awarded the group a grant to the tune of $997,402, for fire prevention in New Orleans’. Apparently, those in the grant awarding business do not watch the news. It is a strong case for less is more, regarding government bureaucracy.
The release of video’s highlighting Acorn officials in offices coast to coast, advising prostitutes on how to avoid taxes and detection while using underage illegal immigrants in a child prostitution ring, was added to the multi-state indictments for voter fraud, and was the tipping point which called for a full investigation into the organization as well as a ban on Federal Funding.
Several other organizations have severed ties with the Community Organizing Corporation, including Bank of America, and the Ford Foundation, until such time as the “non-profit” is found to be stable, and/or defunct.
One must understand that given the nature of the Organization (with over 100 affiliates) , it is comparable to a Fortune 500 company, with the difference being perception – non-profits tend to have a persona of good, while large corporations are often considered corrupt (and for the right reasons, see ENRON). That said the size and scope of ACORN, the operating budget and the ability to request grants from 100 different affiliates, makes them comparable. Additionally, as they are receiving, for the most part, funding from taxpayers, they should be held to a higher accountability. If therefore, the heads of corporations who have played fast and loose with Federal laws have seen indictments and jail time, then it follows that the same should fall upon the corporate leaders of non-profits, who are essentially guilty of the same. This would prevent future like-minded organizations from doing the same – any entity, non-profit, who receives Federal funding, should, in effect, be squeaky clean – or face the consequences.
The release of video’s highlighting Acorn officials in offices coast to coast, advising prostitutes on how to avoid taxes and detection while using underage illegal immigrants in a child prostitution ring, was added to the multi-state indictments for voter fraud, and was the tipping point which called for a full investigation into the organization as well as a ban on Federal Funding.
Several other organizations have severed ties with the Community Organizing Corporation, including Bank of America, and the Ford Foundation, until such time as the “non-profit” is found to be stable, and/or defunct.
One must understand that given the nature of the Organization (with over 100 affiliates) , it is comparable to a Fortune 500 company, with the difference being perception – non-profits tend to have a persona of good, while large corporations are often considered corrupt (and for the right reasons, see ENRON). That said the size and scope of ACORN, the operating budget and the ability to request grants from 100 different affiliates, makes them comparable. Additionally, as they are receiving, for the most part, funding from taxpayers, they should be held to a higher accountability. If therefore, the heads of corporations who have played fast and loose with Federal laws have seen indictments and jail time, then it follows that the same should fall upon the corporate leaders of non-profits, who are essentially guilty of the same. This would prevent future like-minded organizations from doing the same – any entity, non-profit, who receives Federal funding, should, in effect, be squeaky clean – or face the consequences.
Monday, October 05, 2009
From Weekend Update to SNL - Obama: The Gift that Keeps On Giving
On Thursday of last week, SNL's Weekend Update did a spoof on the Obama-Oprah Olympic pitch - adding in a jab about health care. The weekend brought it home - with what is the most honest assessment of the administration to date coming from a mainstream source.
h/t Politik Ditto
Although, one can add a few to the list of "Obama accomplishments" (i.e., Failure of Cash for Clunkers, a greater divide in American Political Think than thought possible, and a penchant for placing the country in greater peril by following the policies of the only state (commonwealth) that has implemented policies that have so far produced the result of bleeding population to the extent that congressional districts have been lost - see Massachusetts under Deval Patrick, the original "yes We Can", man(another Axelrod Student)and an actual how-to manual on "Destroying a State in One Term or Less".)
What is heartening is that, finally, the ridiculous (and one would suspect plummeting poll numbers for both the President and incumbents in 09 and 10), has allowed Saturday Night Live's writers to rise to the occasion - and one would hope, that those that continue to defend the indefensible (i.e.: journalists) will follow suit. That said, that the general fall-back to Obama's foibles is still in place: ("Chicago Politician's Blame Bush for Olympic Loss"(Hot Air)) therefore, it is but a matter of time before the blame for Obama's inability to produce (for the left - or for that matter the nation) while enjoying a super-majority and the aid of Nancy Pelosi and Harry Reid, will fall squarely on the shoulders of the Bush Administration.
To date, the "blame Bush" strategy appeared to work on the campaign trail (08), without regard to the fact that McCain was to Obama, as Dole was to Clinton - unfortunately, those "masses" the elite are so sure would remain clueless (with the help of media and Community Organizations (dare we say ACORN), are more in tune with what this administration is (or isn't') doing, than at any time in American History (and with more fervor than the other exception of the late 1970's Carter debacle). This is Obama's greatest achievement - he has awoken the American spirit, and it is regardless of Party, it is misery to the right and misery to the left, which, having no crystal ball - however that may not be necessary, one can expect a change in leadership on the horizon (2010 and 2012).
h/t Politik Ditto
Although, one can add a few to the list of "Obama accomplishments" (i.e., Failure of Cash for Clunkers, a greater divide in American Political Think than thought possible, and a penchant for placing the country in greater peril by following the policies of the only state (commonwealth) that has implemented policies that have so far produced the result of bleeding population to the extent that congressional districts have been lost - see Massachusetts under Deval Patrick, the original "yes We Can", man(another Axelrod Student)and an actual how-to manual on "Destroying a State in One Term or Less".)
What is heartening is that, finally, the ridiculous (and one would suspect plummeting poll numbers for both the President and incumbents in 09 and 10), has allowed Saturday Night Live's writers to rise to the occasion - and one would hope, that those that continue to defend the indefensible (i.e.: journalists) will follow suit. That said, that the general fall-back to Obama's foibles is still in place: ("Chicago Politician's Blame Bush for Olympic Loss"(Hot Air)) therefore, it is but a matter of time before the blame for Obama's inability to produce (for the left - or for that matter the nation) while enjoying a super-majority and the aid of Nancy Pelosi and Harry Reid, will fall squarely on the shoulders of the Bush Administration.
To date, the "blame Bush" strategy appeared to work on the campaign trail (08), without regard to the fact that McCain was to Obama, as Dole was to Clinton - unfortunately, those "masses" the elite are so sure would remain clueless (with the help of media and Community Organizations (dare we say ACORN), are more in tune with what this administration is (or isn't') doing, than at any time in American History (and with more fervor than the other exception of the late 1970's Carter debacle). This is Obama's greatest achievement - he has awoken the American spirit, and it is regardless of Party, it is misery to the right and misery to the left, which, having no crystal ball - however that may not be necessary, one can expect a change in leadership on the horizon (2010 and 2012).
Sunday, October 04, 2009
How to Tract Your Representatives Earmarks for FY 2010 – R. Neal (D-MA), Requests $53 Million for Out-of-State Programs – In State $30 Million
With unemployment raging at 9.8% and the threat of inflation on the horizon one would think that a dwindling tax base would prompt Congressional Representatives from tacking earmarks onto their 2010 fiscal year “wish list” – not so. When all is said and done, the only feasible way for members of Congress to continue to spend with abandon will be to increase taxes on those individuals still left employed. Therefore, it is best to find out what one's representative plans on using tax dollars.
Beginning in a Massachusetts back yard: Massachusetts Democrat, Richard Neal (2nd Hampden), has earmark priorities totaling over 80 million dollars, the majority going to programs outside of his congressional district. and the Commonwealth of Massachusetts How does your representative fare? You may find easy access to this information as these appropriations are now available on-line. One just has to look for them.
There are several ways to go about this – One is through each individual congressional member’s website, a rather laborious process. There is a link at sunshine.gop.gov/earmarks which offers a fair database, however, a comprehensive list is also available at realtimeinvestigations.com.
If one is curious as to why their representatives are spending like there’s no tomorrow, a connection may be found at Open Secrets.org, a site that lists campaign contributions to individual members of Congress. This particular website offers insight into lobbyists, top donors to individual representatives (example: 72% of Rep. Neal’s contributions come from PAC’s (Political Action Committees). There is also information regarding which organizations spend the most money to influence how your tax dollars are spent and how it is distributed by politicalparty.
Should one feel strongly about their representatives handling of their taxpayer dollars, direct contact information for each representative and senator can be found here at Congress.org It is of import to understand how representatives spend, as comfortably entrenched politicians appear to care little for the needs of their constituents ; with 2009 and 2010 elections on the horizon, making informed decisions on either retaining or firing your particular representative is critical to the stability of the nation, regardless of party, or political affiliation, One should remember that voting is a privilege and a responsibility. To find out what your choices are in the upcoming 2009 and 2010 election cycle may be: visit: the Federal Election Committee to see who has filed with intent to run for office.
Beginning in a Massachusetts back yard: Massachusetts Democrat, Richard Neal (2nd Hampden), has earmark priorities totaling over 80 million dollars, the majority going to programs outside of his congressional district. and the Commonwealth of Massachusetts How does your representative fare? You may find easy access to this information as these appropriations are now available on-line. One just has to look for them.
There are several ways to go about this – One is through each individual congressional member’s website, a rather laborious process. There is a link at sunshine.gop.gov/earmarks which offers a fair database, however, a comprehensive list is also available at realtimeinvestigations.com.
If one is curious as to why their representatives are spending like there’s no tomorrow, a connection may be found at Open Secrets.org, a site that lists campaign contributions to individual members of Congress. This particular website offers insight into lobbyists, top donors to individual representatives (example: 72% of Rep. Neal’s contributions come from PAC’s (Political Action Committees). There is also information regarding which organizations spend the most money to influence how your tax dollars are spent and how it is distributed by politicalparty.
Should one feel strongly about their representatives handling of their taxpayer dollars, direct contact information for each representative and senator can be found here at Congress.org It is of import to understand how representatives spend, as comfortably entrenched politicians appear to care little for the needs of their constituents ; with 2009 and 2010 elections on the horizon, making informed decisions on either retaining or firing your particular representative is critical to the stability of the nation, regardless of party, or political affiliation, One should remember that voting is a privilege and a responsibility. To find out what your choices are in the upcoming 2009 and 2010 election cycle may be: visit: the Federal Election Committee to see who has filed with intent to run for office.
Friday, October 02, 2009
SNL Weekend Update: If Obama Can't Deliver The Olympics How Can He Deliver HealthCare - Rio Wins 2016 Olympic Bid
Rio de Janeiro won the rights to host the 2016 Olympic Games besting Madrid in the final round of voting. Chicago was out in the first round - prompting a Drudge Report Headline "The Ego Has Landed" - October 1'st Saturday Night Weekend Update featured a skit regarding Obama delivering the Olympic Games to Chicago - One segment of the sketch had "Dennis Franz" and "John Malkovich" discussing Chicago as being a better choice than Rio - "Franz" jokes - (approximate - see video below) "If Obama can't deliver the Olympics, what can he do for health care" - comedy imitates life.
SNL Weekend Update, entire episode: (fast forward to "Ohphra")
SNL Weekend Update, entire episode: (fast forward to "Ohphra")
ACORN – Internal Email – Lawyers Suggested Fix, ACORN kept status quo - The General Election 2008 – Worked with Obama Campaign
Acorn Workers Protesting on Behalf of Bigger Government - image: realbarackobama.wordpress.com
An exclusive at Big Government.com entitled “ACORN legal memo confirms Depths of Troubles” (The full article is at American Spectator reveals the contents of a faxed email and delves into the aspects of the organizations problems – a copy of which is shown below. What is of concern - an organization, that has had its hands in our government (from voter registration, to mortgages (see Barney Frank), to relationships with the International Revenue Services (now severed), and is poised to receive additional grants through the Obama administrations Stimulus program) chose to continue, against the advice of its own legal counsel, to thumb its nose at the law.
What is even more disturbing is the relationship between this particular organization and our last general election. One may recall that then candidate Obama’s campaign had hired ACORN < ahref=” http://www.pittsburghlive.com/x/pittsburghtrib/news/election/s_584284.html”> (Pittsburgh Tribune) or, as the campaign noted “one of the (many) offshoots” to “get out the vote” to the tune of $800,000 (chump change for that particular campaign, which is still operational). This was largely ignored or "pooh-poohed" by both the campaign and the press. The New York Times even admitted to "killing" the story during the campaign (click here for full article).
It is not so much that everyone involved in the organization is particularly guilty of voter fraud, or a host of other methods of cheating the government that funds them, it is that the organization was rotten from the top down, and apparently, chose to ignore the advice – therefore making everyone involved suspect. One has to question, how this was allowed to continue, if it were not for protection of some sort – additionally the organization is akin to Enron and similar corporations that blatantly defrauded the citizens and the government (same) therefore, those at the top, should face the same penalties as the infamous Ken Lay. The document is shown below – it is stunning.
Vadum_TheKingsleyMemo_CapitalResearchCenter -
Thursday, October 01, 2009
War in Afghanistan Rages on - As Casualties Mount – Obama Needs “Several Weeks” to Decide U.S. Course of Action
Afgan Soldiers Treat Wounded U.S. Service Member - Military Time
American Casualtiesin Afghanistan are on the rise; with a total of 43 service men and women having died since August 30. President Obama, meanwhile, will wait several weeks before making a decision regarding the Afghan War – this according to an AP Report yesterday. The President is weighing the advice from both civilian and military members within his administration, while the 68,000 troops serving in Afghanistan face increasing pressures from Taliban/Al Queda Insurgents. Secretary of Defense, Robert Gates is in favor of adding additional troops, in an effort similar to the counter-insurgency that worked in Iraq (until such time as the President withdrew U.S. combat divisions, leaving those military forces in Iraq vulnerable).
This is advice given by Stanley McChrystal, who asked for an additional 40,000 troops. Gates is not in favor of a proposal to use drones and limited military in order to strike at Al Queda camps – citing that this strategy was used pre-9/11.
The crux of the matter is that the President has found himself in a boondoggle as regards Afghanistan, a country that has yet to be conquered by any force, including those of Alexander The Great. On the one hand, should he commit to further increasing the military option, he runs the risk of an already comparative Viet Nam, as troops become scarce, the need for a draft will be evident. On the other hand, should he commit to a smaller police force, with limited back-up, the same situation will occur, emboldening Al Queda further, and leading other nations to assume the Paper Tiger is back (see Carter). The civilian advisors would rather limited involvement in Afghanistan, and those advisors are the Presidents base, without which, and during an upcoming election, he may not be able to do without, and the possibility that the President himself, shares the distaste for military action equal to his peers. Therefore he is stuck between a rock and hard place, with few discernible leadership skills, while American Troops are under fire in two theaters.
Obama options, according to the Washington Post, are somewhat limited. The President may rely on the G.O.P. members of both Houses to help him should he take the commander’s advice of adding more troops in the theater. Although that would be a good strategy after the 2010 election, should the GOP gain a majority (polls lean in that direction now), at the moment, there are too few Republicans to make much of a difference vis a vis, and extremely left-leaning majority. With the likes of Massachusetts Senator (I don’t’ know what Cap and Trade Means) John Kerry pontificating on the Viet Nam comparisons, using the fact that during the administrations of both Kennedy and Johnson, troop increases failed to make a difference. (He fails to mention which administrations). What Kerry does not mention is the fact that troops on the ground were hamstrung by political nonsense such as the demilitarized zone, which was honored by the U.S. Forces, not the Viet Cong. Additionally, they were mainly made up of 18 and 19 year old draftees, normally coming from poor urban areas, with little training, and less chance of survival – This is very unlike the volunteer military the U.S. enjoys today.
With the pressure mounting, the President must weigh all the facts before, deciding the fate of those in-country and the fate of those yet unnamed who will surely follow, or face the derision of the world, specifically those countries and terrorist organizations who are still bent on destroying the U.S. (despite the election of one Barack Obama). It will remain to be seen, if the President will weigh in on the side of the military for the first time in his very short presidency or allow his own political ideology (in concert with his civilian advisors) to shape the course of events similar in scope to those decisions made during the Johnson and Carter administrations.
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