...is dead.
He will be missed as a voice of common sense.
RIP.
Saturday, February 28, 2009
Our responsive government
How astute of Congress to call hearings on the matter of bird strikes. Just what was it that prompted these hearings? It was publicity, of course.
And how ironic that the pilot, crew, and air traffic controller were invited to testify this week. Why that’s the same week as the state of the union address.
Just exactly what does a pilot know about engines or geese? Well, not much. His testimony centered around the cut in pay that is typical for pilots, tied in to the safety angle of surviving the crash.
But someone from the FAA testified at the hearing and indicated that we have invested a great deal of money identifying the remains of bird strikes. Margaret Gilligan said:
“The FAA has an interagency agreement with the Smithsonian Institution to analyze bird remains at the Feather Identification Laboratory (National Museum of Natural History) to determine species identifications. In 2003, the FAA purchased a DNA sequencer to assist in building a DNA library and improve the identification capability of the laboratory. Airports can mail small remains from bird strikes to the feather laboratory at the Smithsonian. The laboratory then analyzes the remains and provides the species information to the airport and the FAA Wildlife Strike Database. Species information is vital for the airports and wildlife managers when considering appropriate mitigation measures. Additionally, engineers use the data provided on species weights to test new engine designs. The Feather Identification Lab identified over 700 cases for the FAA in 2008.”
In true form, Congress arrives on the scene to hold hearings when it is politically advantageous. The same missed signals are characteristic of our government. Think of the Fannie Mae mess and, of course, immigration. Always too little, too late. Always self-serving in nature.
From the book, “That’s not what we meant to do,” Steven Gillon explains the problem of subgovernments, unelected groups that really run our government:
“The vacuum of power has led to the proliferation of ‘iron triangles’ of power, in which subgovernments made up of interest groups, congressional committees, and corresponding executive agencies can shape and frequently distort the intentions of legislators…They are not under the control of the ‘general’ government and are able to make laws and policies without the assent of superior authority.”
When you add the tendency of the courts to redefine the law, you clearly lose the intent of what we normally think of as the laws passed by Congress and signed by the President.
That’s exactly what we are seeing when it comes to immigration. It is logical to think that we are subject to existing law until such time as Congress passes reform. Not so. We are subject to the whims of Homeland Security and the most recent court rulings. As we’ve come to find out, the laws on the books do not apply.
The only entertainment value comes when the environmental bureaucrats tussle with the aviation safety bureaucrats over the fate of the Canada Goose.
And how ironic that the pilot, crew, and air traffic controller were invited to testify this week. Why that’s the same week as the state of the union address.
Just exactly what does a pilot know about engines or geese? Well, not much. His testimony centered around the cut in pay that is typical for pilots, tied in to the safety angle of surviving the crash.
But someone from the FAA testified at the hearing and indicated that we have invested a great deal of money identifying the remains of bird strikes. Margaret Gilligan said:
“The FAA has an interagency agreement with the Smithsonian Institution to analyze bird remains at the Feather Identification Laboratory (National Museum of Natural History) to determine species identifications. In 2003, the FAA purchased a DNA sequencer to assist in building a DNA library and improve the identification capability of the laboratory. Airports can mail small remains from bird strikes to the feather laboratory at the Smithsonian. The laboratory then analyzes the remains and provides the species information to the airport and the FAA Wildlife Strike Database. Species information is vital for the airports and wildlife managers when considering appropriate mitigation measures. Additionally, engineers use the data provided on species weights to test new engine designs. The Feather Identification Lab identified over 700 cases for the FAA in 2008.”
In true form, Congress arrives on the scene to hold hearings when it is politically advantageous. The same missed signals are characteristic of our government. Think of the Fannie Mae mess and, of course, immigration. Always too little, too late. Always self-serving in nature.
From the book, “That’s not what we meant to do,” Steven Gillon explains the problem of subgovernments, unelected groups that really run our government:
“The vacuum of power has led to the proliferation of ‘iron triangles’ of power, in which subgovernments made up of interest groups, congressional committees, and corresponding executive agencies can shape and frequently distort the intentions of legislators…They are not under the control of the ‘general’ government and are able to make laws and policies without the assent of superior authority.”
When you add the tendency of the courts to redefine the law, you clearly lose the intent of what we normally think of as the laws passed by Congress and signed by the President.
That’s exactly what we are seeing when it comes to immigration. It is logical to think that we are subject to existing law until such time as Congress passes reform. Not so. We are subject to the whims of Homeland Security and the most recent court rulings. As we’ve come to find out, the laws on the books do not apply.
The only entertainment value comes when the environmental bureaucrats tussle with the aviation safety bureaucrats over the fate of the Canada Goose.
Thursday, February 26, 2009
Stop worshipping Obama
Read what Denver Archbishop Charles J. Chaput told an audience in Toronto earlier this week (the emphasis is mine):
I like clarity, and there’s a reason why. I think modern life, including life in the Church, suffers from a phony unwillingness to offend that poses as prudence and good manners, but too often turns out to be cowardice. Human beings owe each other respect and appropriate courtesy. But we also owe each other the truth -- which means candor.
President Obama is a man of intelligence and some remarkable gifts. He has a great ability to inspire, as we saw from his very popular visit to Canada just this past week. But whatever his strengths, there’s no way to reinvent his record on abortion and related issues with rosy marketing about unity, hope and change. Of course, that can change. Some things really do change when a person reaches the White House. Power ennobles some men. It diminishes others. Bad policy ideas can be improved. Good policy ideas can find a way to flourish. But as Catholics, we at least need to be honest with ourselves and each other about the political facts we start with.
Unfortunately when it comes to the current administration that will be very hard for Catholics in the United States, and here’s why. A spirit of adulation bordering on servility already exists among some of the same Democratic-friendly Catholic writers, scholars, editors and activists who once accused prolifers of being too cozy with Republicans. It turns out that Caesar is an equal opportunity employer.
First, all political leaders draw their authority from God. We owe no leader any submission or cooperation in the pursuit of grave evil. In fact, we have the duty to change bad laws and resist grave evil in our public life, both by our words and our non-violent actions.
Second, in democracies, we elect public servants, not messiahs.
Here’s the third thing to remember. It doesn’t matter what we claim to believe if we’re unwilling to act on our beliefs. What we say about our Catholic faith is the easy part. What we do with it shapes who we really are.
Here’s the fourth and final thing to remember, and there’s no easy way to say it. The Church in the United States has done a poor job of forming the faith and conscience of Catholics for more than 40 years. And now we’re harvesting the results -- in the public square, in our families and in the confusion of our personal lives.
I like a man who speaks plainly. They are so rare these days.
Complete text here: http://www.catholicnewsagency.com/document.php?n=790
I like clarity, and there’s a reason why. I think modern life, including life in the Church, suffers from a phony unwillingness to offend that poses as prudence and good manners, but too often turns out to be cowardice. Human beings owe each other respect and appropriate courtesy. But we also owe each other the truth -- which means candor.
President Obama is a man of intelligence and some remarkable gifts. He has a great ability to inspire, as we saw from his very popular visit to Canada just this past week. But whatever his strengths, there’s no way to reinvent his record on abortion and related issues with rosy marketing about unity, hope and change. Of course, that can change. Some things really do change when a person reaches the White House. Power ennobles some men. It diminishes others. Bad policy ideas can be improved. Good policy ideas can find a way to flourish. But as Catholics, we at least need to be honest with ourselves and each other about the political facts we start with.
Unfortunately when it comes to the current administration that will be very hard for Catholics in the United States, and here’s why. A spirit of adulation bordering on servility already exists among some of the same Democratic-friendly Catholic writers, scholars, editors and activists who once accused prolifers of being too cozy with Republicans. It turns out that Caesar is an equal opportunity employer.
First, all political leaders draw their authority from God. We owe no leader any submission or cooperation in the pursuit of grave evil. In fact, we have the duty to change bad laws and resist grave evil in our public life, both by our words and our non-violent actions.
Second, in democracies, we elect public servants, not messiahs.
Here’s the third thing to remember. It doesn’t matter what we claim to believe if we’re unwilling to act on our beliefs. What we say about our Catholic faith is the easy part. What we do with it shapes who we really are.
Here’s the fourth and final thing to remember, and there’s no easy way to say it. The Church in the United States has done a poor job of forming the faith and conscience of Catholics for more than 40 years. And now we’re harvesting the results -- in the public square, in our families and in the confusion of our personal lives.
I like a man who speaks plainly. They are so rare these days.
Complete text here: http://www.catholicnewsagency.com/document.php?n=790
The Top Down Administration
Did you ever work for a boss who had to supervized every move you made, even if it was "by the book"?
It appears that Janet Napolitano over at Homeland Security is upset about an ICE raid on a company in Bellingham, Washington. She's peeved because she didn't know about it. This is the first worksite raid of the Obama administration.
Did it turn out badly? Well, no. They had done their homework and found exactly what they expected during the raid: People working who did not have a lawful right to do so because they were immigrants with fake papers or no papers at all.
The employer was cooperative after a criminal illegal alien had been deported. It turns out he used to work there, which started the investigation.
They arrested 28 people.
Here's where the micromanaging comes in. Napolitano has ordered an investigation because she wasn't advised of the raid in advance.
She tipped her hand that raids will focus on employers and relegate to "victim" status those who purchased fake IDs and took jobs from Americans.
It is all in keeping with the campaign of Illinois congressman Luis Gutierrez called "Family Unity" where he is going around the country saying we must stop the raids.
Clearly the Obama platform is taking shape. Those who work here illegally are to be left alone and the employers must be made to pay for hiring them.
I say they both must pay. Employers who hire illegals should be fined like the McDonalds franchise in Reno. But it makes no sense to give the illegal alien workers a free pass. Punishing them with deportation is obviously part of the equation as well. Otherwise, they'll just move on to another job and the magnet will continue to attract more people without work authorization.
I know this doesn't sit well with the libs, but the laws are on the books.
And here are some quotes from previous federal commissions who studied the illegal alien problem years ago. Their points are far more valid today.
A credible immigration system requires the effective and timely removal of aliens determined through constitutionally-sound procedures to have no right to remain in the United States. As the Commission stated in its 1994 Report, if unlawful aliens believe that they can remain indefinitely once they are within our national borders, there will be increased incentives to try to enter or remain illegally. US Immigration Commission -1997
The Commission recommends the elimination of the admission of unskilled workers. Unless there is another compelling interest, such as in the entry of nuclear families and refugees, it is not in the national interest to admit unskilled workers. This is especially true when the U.S. economy is showing difficulty in absorbing disadvantaged workers and when efforts towards welfare reform indicate that many unskilled Americans will be entering the labor force. US Immigration Commission -1995
It appears that Janet Napolitano over at Homeland Security is upset about an ICE raid on a company in Bellingham, Washington. She's peeved because she didn't know about it. This is the first worksite raid of the Obama administration.
Did it turn out badly? Well, no. They had done their homework and found exactly what they expected during the raid: People working who did not have a lawful right to do so because they were immigrants with fake papers or no papers at all.
The employer was cooperative after a criminal illegal alien had been deported. It turns out he used to work there, which started the investigation.
They arrested 28 people.
Here's where the micromanaging comes in. Napolitano has ordered an investigation because she wasn't advised of the raid in advance.
She tipped her hand that raids will focus on employers and relegate to "victim" status those who purchased fake IDs and took jobs from Americans.
It is all in keeping with the campaign of Illinois congressman Luis Gutierrez called "Family Unity" where he is going around the country saying we must stop the raids.
Clearly the Obama platform is taking shape. Those who work here illegally are to be left alone and the employers must be made to pay for hiring them.
I say they both must pay. Employers who hire illegals should be fined like the McDonalds franchise in Reno. But it makes no sense to give the illegal alien workers a free pass. Punishing them with deportation is obviously part of the equation as well. Otherwise, they'll just move on to another job and the magnet will continue to attract more people without work authorization.
I know this doesn't sit well with the libs, but the laws are on the books.
And here are some quotes from previous federal commissions who studied the illegal alien problem years ago. Their points are far more valid today.
A credible immigration system requires the effective and timely removal of aliens determined through constitutionally-sound procedures to have no right to remain in the United States. As the Commission stated in its 1994 Report, if unlawful aliens believe that they can remain indefinitely once they are within our national borders, there will be increased incentives to try to enter or remain illegally. US Immigration Commission -1997
The Commission recommends the elimination of the admission of unskilled workers. Unless there is another compelling interest, such as in the entry of nuclear families and refugees, it is not in the national interest to admit unskilled workers. This is especially true when the U.S. economy is showing difficulty in absorbing disadvantaged workers and when efforts towards welfare reform indicate that many unskilled Americans will be entering the labor force. US Immigration Commission -1995
Wednesday, February 25, 2009
A model to follow
I don't know how Obama did it, but in a month he has been able to finally get good cooperation between local police and Homeland Security.
Hooray! Finally, some real change.
Local police needed federal support and within hours they were investigating the complaint and taking action.
Here's what happened. A guy gets pulled over in Oklahoma City on the way to work. Before dinner the feds had interviewed him and searched his home.
His crime? He put a hand-made sign on the back of his truck that read: "Abort Obama, not the unborn."
And by afternoon the Secret Service was face-to-face with this suspect. Obama was not in town at the time.
The police have admitted that they overreacted and gave him the sign back. But the Secret Service still jumped on the case.
I think this model of response from Homeland Security bodes well for immigration enforcement. Just imagine what will happen the next time a local police department tells ICE they have an illegal alien in custody. Following the Oklahoma City example they will be there within a few hours to pick him up and do a complete investigation.
Thank you, Mr. President for a responsive executive branch.
Hooray! Finally, some real change.
Local police needed federal support and within hours they were investigating the complaint and taking action.
Here's what happened. A guy gets pulled over in Oklahoma City on the way to work. Before dinner the feds had interviewed him and searched his home.
His crime? He put a hand-made sign on the back of his truck that read: "Abort Obama, not the unborn."
And by afternoon the Secret Service was face-to-face with this suspect. Obama was not in town at the time.
The police have admitted that they overreacted and gave him the sign back. But the Secret Service still jumped on the case.
I think this model of response from Homeland Security bodes well for immigration enforcement. Just imagine what will happen the next time a local police department tells ICE they have an illegal alien in custody. Following the Oklahoma City example they will be there within a few hours to pick him up and do a complete investigation.
Thank you, Mr. President for a responsive executive branch.
Tuesday, February 24, 2009
Collateral damage
No, it isn't about the victims of war...or even illegal aliens inadvertently picked up in a raid.
This is about financial collateral, the stuff you put up with the bank when you take out a loan.
Typically, good collateral is the equity in your home, stocks and bonds, and your ability to bring home a paycheck every week.
Not so good right now. Home values are off 20% and still falling, the Dow has gone from 14,000 to 7,000 in a year, and unemployment is rising.
This is not too relevant until the bank closes. That's when they have to figure out what this "virtual" pot of money is really worth at this point in time. No wonder the prez wants to avoid bank closures, especially the big ones like CitiBank and Bank of America.
To nationalize the banks cheapens ALL the banks, even the responsible ones who aren't in trouble.
From an individual standpoint it is a great lesson about building equity in your home. Being upside-down on a new car is inevitable. It loses thousands in value when you drive out of the dealership with it. And you have to hold on to a car for a LOOOOOOONG time for it to begin growing in value.
Homes generally grow in value, but we've fallen prey to spending the equity. It isn't new. I remember watching TV in the 1960's and the banks were touting the H.E.L.P. or Home Equity Loan Plan. "Make your house work for you," they said.
And there may be times when it is wise...say to put a new roof on the house.
But we decided to borrow to build the home theater room or buy the hot tub or go to China for the Olympics with that money.
Some people stayed afloat by refinancing to pay off the credit cards with the appraised value of the home.
But they never built equity. Now home values have tanked they are upside-down on the mortgage. And responsible home owners are getting hit with the collapse as well. 20% is a lot to make up. And if you have to move, you are really stuck.
You have to wonder where we would have been without the loose lending practices that led to this bursting of the bubble. Sure, the appreciation of our homes would have been much more gradual and less dramatic; but we wouldn't have seen a total collapse of our credit market.
We didn't learn anything from the S & L crisis.
This is about financial collateral, the stuff you put up with the bank when you take out a loan.
Typically, good collateral is the equity in your home, stocks and bonds, and your ability to bring home a paycheck every week.
Not so good right now. Home values are off 20% and still falling, the Dow has gone from 14,000 to 7,000 in a year, and unemployment is rising.
This is not too relevant until the bank closes. That's when they have to figure out what this "virtual" pot of money is really worth at this point in time. No wonder the prez wants to avoid bank closures, especially the big ones like CitiBank and Bank of America.
To nationalize the banks cheapens ALL the banks, even the responsible ones who aren't in trouble.
From an individual standpoint it is a great lesson about building equity in your home. Being upside-down on a new car is inevitable. It loses thousands in value when you drive out of the dealership with it. And you have to hold on to a car for a LOOOOOOONG time for it to begin growing in value.
Homes generally grow in value, but we've fallen prey to spending the equity. It isn't new. I remember watching TV in the 1960's and the banks were touting the H.E.L.P. or Home Equity Loan Plan. "Make your house work for you," they said.
And there may be times when it is wise...say to put a new roof on the house.
But we decided to borrow to build the home theater room or buy the hot tub or go to China for the Olympics with that money.
Some people stayed afloat by refinancing to pay off the credit cards with the appraised value of the home.
But they never built equity. Now home values have tanked they are upside-down on the mortgage. And responsible home owners are getting hit with the collapse as well. 20% is a lot to make up. And if you have to move, you are really stuck.
You have to wonder where we would have been without the loose lending practices that led to this bursting of the bubble. Sure, the appreciation of our homes would have been much more gradual and less dramatic; but we wouldn't have seen a total collapse of our credit market.
We didn't learn anything from the S & L crisis.
Friday, February 20, 2009
Which is which
Which of these photos are of William Devane, the actor?
And which are of Rod "The Vain" Blagojevich?
(answers in the comments)
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