Wednesday, March 04, 2009
Theory of the Day
The amount a local or state government spends touting opportunities for businesses is proportionate to the number and degree of business-hostile policies that they have enacted.
Tuesday, March 03, 2009
Right to Bare Arms
I don't know why people are making a fuss about Michelle Obama's apparent preference for sleeveless shirts.
Sunday, March 01, 2009
Econ 101
The Sheperd Express has announced that Charlie Sykes is this weeks "Jerk of the Week."
"Charlie Sykes, who is still arguing that this package will not stimulate the economy because it is a variety of Democratic programs. Charlie either doesn't understand Economics 101 or he does and chooses to misinform his listeners. So Charlie, are you dumb or just a liar?" asks the SE.
And, argues the SE, "If people were paid to dig a hole and bury a newspaper, it would have the same stimulus impact (as Obama's plan) because these shovelers would then spend their wages and create more jobs." Why bother with the shoveling? Why not just give people vouchers so that they spend it?
Count me among those that don't understand Econ 101, if this is how it is being taught these days. Sure, I understand that spending stimulates, but the SE seems to be making the leap that any spending will be good for the economy.
How can this be so? What the SE fails to account for is the fact that the money paid to dig holes will have to be paid back. And where will that money come from? Money spent will either be wasted or it will be used to generate wealth. If it wasted, how will we pay the money back?
In the long run, whether government spending is good for the economy depends on whether it is well spent. The same is true in the private sector. If I make a wise investment I will generate additional wealth. If I spend it on a stimulating substance, say cocaine, I will certainly harm my own financial situation.
The idea that any spending will automatically help the economy in the long run makes no sense to me. Any Obama defenders want to take a shot at explaining this to me, in plain English please?
"Charlie Sykes, who is still arguing that this package will not stimulate the economy because it is a variety of Democratic programs. Charlie either doesn't understand Economics 101 or he does and chooses to misinform his listeners. So Charlie, are you dumb or just a liar?" asks the SE.
And, argues the SE, "If people were paid to dig a hole and bury a newspaper, it would have the same stimulus impact (as Obama's plan) because these shovelers would then spend their wages and create more jobs." Why bother with the shoveling? Why not just give people vouchers so that they spend it?
Count me among those that don't understand Econ 101, if this is how it is being taught these days. Sure, I understand that spending stimulates, but the SE seems to be making the leap that any spending will be good for the economy.
How can this be so? What the SE fails to account for is the fact that the money paid to dig holes will have to be paid back. And where will that money come from? Money spent will either be wasted or it will be used to generate wealth. If it wasted, how will we pay the money back?
In the long run, whether government spending is good for the economy depends on whether it is well spent. The same is true in the private sector. If I make a wise investment I will generate additional wealth. If I spend it on a stimulating substance, say cocaine, I will certainly harm my own financial situation.
The idea that any spending will automatically help the economy in the long run makes no sense to me. Any Obama defenders want to take a shot at explaining this to me, in plain English please?
Thursday, February 26, 2009
Thought of the Day
Who would have thought that buying a dog would require more deliberation than saving the U.S. economy?
Racy Discussion at UWP
I have been invited, by a Parkside student, to a discussion at Parkside today (5 pm, Molinaro Hall, no info on UWP web site) concerning homphobia in black churches. Given that this discussion is coming on the heels of the California vote concerning gay marriage, and the widely discussed fact that blacks voted to preserve traditional marriage, or oppose gay marriage, (choose your own narrative) I can't help but wonder whether the underlying assumption of the discussion will be that opposition to gay marriage is synonymous with homophobia. Anyway, I guess I will have to go to find out. But it is pretty gutsy of Parkside to have two traditionally liberal groups go head to head. If any sparks fly, I will report back later.
Tuesday, February 24, 2009
Not Really Black
Kay at Kay's Blue Racine has questioned the blackness of Republican Party Chairman Michael Steele. So I, not wanting to be among the cowardly in our nation, called her on it.
Seemingly, authentic blackness has less to do with skin color or national origin and everything to do with the degree to which you accept liberal orthodoxy.
Reaching this conclusion about black people requires a few intermediate steps. First, you must assume that black people do not possess the intelligence necessary to detirmine their own political viewpoints. Second, you need to assume that black people are not individuals with varied thoughts, upbringings, and experiences but rather are members of a monlithic group with identical cultural experiences that should result in identical political affiliations. And thirdly, you must confer upon yourself the authority as final arbiter of all things black, even if you are a white woman from a small town in Wisconsin.
I don't meet anyone's definition of black, but if I did, I am quite certain I would want nothing to do with people holding such condescending views.
Seemingly, authentic blackness has less to do with skin color or national origin and everything to do with the degree to which you accept liberal orthodoxy.
Reaching this conclusion about black people requires a few intermediate steps. First, you must assume that black people do not possess the intelligence necessary to detirmine their own political viewpoints. Second, you need to assume that black people are not individuals with varied thoughts, upbringings, and experiences but rather are members of a monlithic group with identical cultural experiences that should result in identical political affiliations. And thirdly, you must confer upon yourself the authority as final arbiter of all things black, even if you are a white woman from a small town in Wisconsin.
I don't meet anyone's definition of black, but if I did, I am quite certain I would want nothing to do with people holding such condescending views.
Monday, February 23, 2009
Shall We Overcome?
The Racine Journal Times ran an article today about some Horlick student agitators gathering to sing some old civil rights song called "We Shall Overcome." The group is working to overcome some obstacles like the self segregation that was happening at school and issues in the community such as unemployment.
Tucked at the very end of the article is this paragraph:
"Horlick senior Breana Stephens said too often she sees there are classes at school where there are mostly students of one particular race. For instance, she said advanced placement classes often have mostly white students. It's one of the issues she said that the community still needs to "overcome" as the old protest song says."
Unless Horlick has a whites-register-for-classes-first policy, I think it is an aversion to studying that needs to be overcome. Neither a lovely singing voice or a heartfelt concern for minorities will help much in Calculus class.
Tucked at the very end of the article is this paragraph:
"Horlick senior Breana Stephens said too often she sees there are classes at school where there are mostly students of one particular race. For instance, she said advanced placement classes often have mostly white students. It's one of the issues she said that the community still needs to "overcome" as the old protest song says."
Unless Horlick has a whites-register-for-classes-first policy, I think it is an aversion to studying that needs to be overcome. Neither a lovely singing voice or a heartfelt concern for minorities will help much in Calculus class.
Sunday, February 22, 2009
Harding for Mayor #2
I enjoy grappling with tough issues. And the recent flap about mayoral candidate Jody Harding is a tough issue.
A year or so ago, Harding wrote that people on the government dole should not be able to vote while on the dole. These people include those who are on food stamps, housing assistance, farmers who receive subsidies and others. The Racine Post has all the details.
The word "crestfallen" probably best describes my initial reaction to this news. But after a day or two of reflection, I have a different view.
For starters, Harding was discussing a real problem. It is a problem when a person votes to enrich themselves. In virtually all other circumstances in real life, this is considered a conflict of interest that should be avoided via a recusal.
For the record, I disagree with Jody Harding. There is no legislative solution for this problem. Detirmining who is or is not voting for selfish reasons is simply not possible. People should not vote for selfish reasons, certainly, but education and morals are the needed antidote to this problem, not disenfranchisement.
And finally, the mayor of Racine would have no authority to disenfranchise anyone, so this whole issue is just a bit of political philosophizing on her part. Granted, it does suggest that Harding may be a bit prone to saying what is on her mind but I like that in a politician. I still hope she wins.
A year or so ago, Harding wrote that people on the government dole should not be able to vote while on the dole. These people include those who are on food stamps, housing assistance, farmers who receive subsidies and others. The Racine Post has all the details.
The word "crestfallen" probably best describes my initial reaction to this news. But after a day or two of reflection, I have a different view.
For starters, Harding was discussing a real problem. It is a problem when a person votes to enrich themselves. In virtually all other circumstances in real life, this is considered a conflict of interest that should be avoided via a recusal.
For the record, I disagree with Jody Harding. There is no legislative solution for this problem. Detirmining who is or is not voting for selfish reasons is simply not possible. People should not vote for selfish reasons, certainly, but education and morals are the needed antidote to this problem, not disenfranchisement.
And finally, the mayor of Racine would have no authority to disenfranchise anyone, so this whole issue is just a bit of political philosophizing on her part. Granted, it does suggest that Harding may be a bit prone to saying what is on her mind but I like that in a politician. I still hope she wins.
Thursday, February 19, 2009
Nation of Cowards
Attorney General Eric Holder recently said that we are a nation of cowards when it comes to speaking candidly on the subjest of race. Is he right?
I think he is. The problem is the political correctness that has been brought to us by leftist intellectuals. The only acceptable conversation on race goes something like this:
The larger society (whites) have oppressed and continue to oppress minorities and must work to rid themselves of the racist attitudes that are the cause of whatever social problem exists in a given minority community.
If you depart from the acceptable conversation, there is a good chance you will be thought a racist.
And since very few people want to go out of their way to be considered racist, they simply avoid the conversation.
And yes, this is cowardly.
We can't just complain about political correctness. We must confront it and the problems that it causes. And, IMHO, the politically correct attitude concerning race encourages minorities to give up while holding racist views themselves, that whites are the cause of their problems. And this prevailing attitude is very harmful to minorities. It is also cowardly to blame others for your own problems.
So yes, we are a nation of cowards.
I think he is. The problem is the political correctness that has been brought to us by leftist intellectuals. The only acceptable conversation on race goes something like this:
The larger society (whites) have oppressed and continue to oppress minorities and must work to rid themselves of the racist attitudes that are the cause of whatever social problem exists in a given minority community.
If you depart from the acceptable conversation, there is a good chance you will be thought a racist.
And since very few people want to go out of their way to be considered racist, they simply avoid the conversation.
And yes, this is cowardly.
We can't just complain about political correctness. We must confront it and the problems that it causes. And, IMHO, the politically correct attitude concerning race encourages minorities to give up while holding racist views themselves, that whites are the cause of their problems. And this prevailing attitude is very harmful to minorities. It is also cowardly to blame others for your own problems.
So yes, we are a nation of cowards.
Unasked Question
How often in recent weeks did you hear some version of the following question?
#1) Liberal journalist to Republican opponent of the stimulus spending: "Why is it that you now oppose spending but you did not try to stop the excessive spending that occured during the Bush administration?"
Now how often have you heard this question?
#2) Republican to liberal journalist: "Why, if spending was excessive during the Bush administration, as your question suggests, does it make sense to massively increase spending?"
Question #1 is meant to embarrass Republicans and, truth be told, they deserve it. But question #2 is the far more important question and yet it never was asked.
#1) Liberal journalist to Republican opponent of the stimulus spending: "Why is it that you now oppose spending but you did not try to stop the excessive spending that occured during the Bush administration?"
Now how often have you heard this question?
#2) Republican to liberal journalist: "Why, if spending was excessive during the Bush administration, as your question suggests, does it make sense to massively increase spending?"
Question #1 is meant to embarrass Republicans and, truth be told, they deserve it. But question #2 is the far more important question and yet it never was asked.
Wednesday, February 18, 2009
Partner Wanted
I know a married woman who was listed as "partner" of a gay man. This allowed said woman to fly for free around the country, as her "partner" worked for an airline that extended certain benifits to domestic partners.
Governor Doyle is proposing a new domestic partner classification that would, among other things, provide health care coverage for partners. "This isn't an issue of being gay or straight - we are not judging people's lives here" Governor Doyle said.
Very well then. I am glad Governor Doyle won't be judgemental. Though I am already married, I wouldn't mind having a partner, provided he or she is an employee of the state. People form all sorts of partnerships for all kinds of reasons- who are we to judge?- and I would like a partner who can provide my family medical care.
Won't you be my partner?
Governor Doyle is proposing a new domestic partner classification that would, among other things, provide health care coverage for partners. "This isn't an issue of being gay or straight - we are not judging people's lives here" Governor Doyle said.
Very well then. I am glad Governor Doyle won't be judgemental. Though I am already married, I wouldn't mind having a partner, provided he or she is an employee of the state. People form all sorts of partnerships for all kinds of reasons- who are we to judge?- and I would like a partner who can provide my family medical care.
Won't you be my partner?
Tuesday, February 17, 2009
Stimulus Trial and Error
Milwaukee County Executive Scott Walker has an interesting idea. It isn't going to happen but he wants to use stimulus money to eliminate the sales tax for the remainder of the year and issue property tax refunds.
I think it is a good idea. If states or municipalities could use the money as they saw fit, we could learn something from the multitude of likely uses of the money. Some cities would build useless libraries while others would reduce taxes. Some would invest in the stock market while others would build solar powered windmills for their rain gardens.
And then, some years down the road, we would have data. We would know what worked and what didn't. But don't expect anything of the sort from this spending package. It will come with specific instructions from Washington.
I think it is a good idea. If states or municipalities could use the money as they saw fit, we could learn something from the multitude of likely uses of the money. Some cities would build useless libraries while others would reduce taxes. Some would invest in the stock market while others would build solar powered windmills for their rain gardens.
And then, some years down the road, we would have data. We would know what worked and what didn't. But don't expect anything of the sort from this spending package. It will come with specific instructions from Washington.
Sunday, February 15, 2009
Understanding Liberals
Just so there is no misunderstanding, the title of this thread is not meant to suggest that liberals are understanding but rather to suggest a means by which others may begin to understand one of the commonly held and mistaken views of liberals.
Liberals (and many others) mistakenly equate or link business and business people with the free market. Business, in their view, is private sector profit-seeking activity and the free market is merely the place where such profit seeking behavior takes place. Liberals have a very limited view of business and a very expansive view of free markets.
Now contrast this with my views of business and free markets. I tend to view business much more broadly and the free market much more narrowly. For example, I think we are all in business. I am in the business of selling stuff. Others may be in the business of selling their time and skills to an employer. Still others are in the business of loafing while seeking to ensure that others provide for their needs. One can engage in any of these business activities without believing in or desiring free markets. The free market is a belief that each of us should be as free as possible to engage in business without harm from others or interference from government. Don't confuse business activity with a free market.
Now let us consider our current economic problem and view it in light of the differing definitions of business and free markets. Liberals see businesses grovelling for bailout cash and conclude that the free market is a failure. I see businesses engaging in profit seeking behavior with no regard for free markets. I see businesses that have failed in a free market and, for the sake of their survival, turn to the market distorters, or politicians, for a solution. I see businesses moving away from free markets and towards distorted, government-run economic activity. It is a mistake or a lie to suggest that these businesses are engaging in free market activity when in fact they are doing just the opposite.
Now this is no innocent mistake and it has profound implications for society. The failed-free-market theory provides the argument for just about every bad idea advanced by liberals. If the free market is a failure, then we have to turn to government for the answers, right? Isn't that what liberals do?
It is no accident that liberals dominate in the businesses that are least free and most dominated by government. Thus liberals are merely engaged in their own type of business when they trash the virtues of the free market. They do this in order to ensure greater government control of the economy because, in the short term at least, it is in their own economic self interest. More public school teachers, more government jobs, more welfare handouts for people who won't work etc...
If you have made it this far, thank you for hanging in there through my rambling and please consider my main point, that business and free markets are NOT the same thing.
Liberals (and many others) mistakenly equate or link business and business people with the free market. Business, in their view, is private sector profit-seeking activity and the free market is merely the place where such profit seeking behavior takes place. Liberals have a very limited view of business and a very expansive view of free markets.
Now contrast this with my views of business and free markets. I tend to view business much more broadly and the free market much more narrowly. For example, I think we are all in business. I am in the business of selling stuff. Others may be in the business of selling their time and skills to an employer. Still others are in the business of loafing while seeking to ensure that others provide for their needs. One can engage in any of these business activities without believing in or desiring free markets. The free market is a belief that each of us should be as free as possible to engage in business without harm from others or interference from government. Don't confuse business activity with a free market.
Now let us consider our current economic problem and view it in light of the differing definitions of business and free markets. Liberals see businesses grovelling for bailout cash and conclude that the free market is a failure. I see businesses engaging in profit seeking behavior with no regard for free markets. I see businesses that have failed in a free market and, for the sake of their survival, turn to the market distorters, or politicians, for a solution. I see businesses moving away from free markets and towards distorted, government-run economic activity. It is a mistake or a lie to suggest that these businesses are engaging in free market activity when in fact they are doing just the opposite.
Now this is no innocent mistake and it has profound implications for society. The failed-free-market theory provides the argument for just about every bad idea advanced by liberals. If the free market is a failure, then we have to turn to government for the answers, right? Isn't that what liberals do?
It is no accident that liberals dominate in the businesses that are least free and most dominated by government. Thus liberals are merely engaged in their own type of business when they trash the virtues of the free market. They do this in order to ensure greater government control of the economy because, in the short term at least, it is in their own economic self interest. More public school teachers, more government jobs, more welfare handouts for people who won't work etc...
If you have made it this far, thank you for hanging in there through my rambling and please consider my main point, that business and free markets are NOT the same thing.
Friday, February 13, 2009
Just Say No
The city of Racine wants some of that stimulus money. Top on the wish list is a new $36 million library to be located on Racine's west side.
I hope we don't get a dime from the federal government. It is not that the cash couldn't come in handy, but in the hands of our elected officials, they will obviously just make things worse.
A new library is a perfect example. For starters, we don't need one. We have a beautiful library already. I go there with some regularity and it is never crowded. Usually there are no more than a few people looking at books. Certainly the computers are almost always in use, but addressing this problem could be easily accomplished by renting some of the abundant available retail space and buying 40 new computers. There, I just saved the federal government $35 million.
OK, so they build a sparkling new library using overpaid union labor as required by law. After overpaying for labor, we will then have to hire a slew of union librarians that we don't need. And we will be paying for their health care and pensions for the next fifty years.
If our local officials are going to use federal money just to expand the government, as the wish list suggests, then we will be better off without it. No thanks President Obama.
I hope we don't get a dime from the federal government. It is not that the cash couldn't come in handy, but in the hands of our elected officials, they will obviously just make things worse.
A new library is a perfect example. For starters, we don't need one. We have a beautiful library already. I go there with some regularity and it is never crowded. Usually there are no more than a few people looking at books. Certainly the computers are almost always in use, but addressing this problem could be easily accomplished by renting some of the abundant available retail space and buying 40 new computers. There, I just saved the federal government $35 million.
OK, so they build a sparkling new library using overpaid union labor as required by law. After overpaying for labor, we will then have to hire a slew of union librarians that we don't need. And we will be paying for their health care and pensions for the next fifty years.
If our local officials are going to use federal money just to expand the government, as the wish list suggests, then we will be better off without it. No thanks President Obama.
The Racine Lie
Remember just a few months ago when some of our elected officials were touting Racine Promise? The initiative was to be based on a program in Kalamazoo Michigan where PRIVATE donations funded college tuition for graduates of Kalamazoo's public schools. No tax money would be used for this program, we were assured. Well, what do you know, Racine Promise is looking for $5 million from the misnamed federal stimulus bill. Credit must go to JT blogger Twister who pointed out this new, uh, twist in the Racine Promise idea.
One more reason not to believe in political promises.
One more reason not to believe in political promises.
Thursday, February 12, 2009
Question of the Day
My son recently gave me a book entitled "10 books that screwed up the world." Just for fun I asked a few people to guess the books that were included. A few people guessed that the bible was or should be included. Does the bible belong alongside the Communist Manifesto and Mein Kampf as among the most destructive books ever produced?
Personally I don't think so, not by a long shot. But I am especially interested in hearing from those who think the bible has had a powerful negative influence on the world.
Personally I don't think so, not by a long shot. But I am especially interested in hearing from those who think the bible has had a powerful negative influence on the world.
Tuesday, February 10, 2009
Ethical Dilemma
I received a letter today from a collection agency. They claim that I owe $70 to a local business. I called the local businessperson to inquire about the claim. According to her, in 2006 I agreed to a $70 advertisement in a local publication. I have no recollection of making any such agreement (though I recall the offer) and neither I or my wife recall receiving a bill of any kind, though the lady claims she sent two notices. Apparently the advertisement was run, though I never saw it nor did I receive any acknowledgement of it from customers. Additionally, the lady is a somewhat frequent customer of ours but never mentioned the bill in person. And lastly, she indicated that she remembers my agreement but that it was never a contract in writing.
I floated the idea of meeting her half way but she didn't seem to interested. Additionally, I confess to being a bit annoyed that she took this small claim to a collection agency even though she also apparently forgot about the bill-she recently discovered it on her computer when she sold her business. Will the claim harm my credit rating?
Chime in readers. How would you handle this?
I floated the idea of meeting her half way but she didn't seem to interested. Additionally, I confess to being a bit annoyed that she took this small claim to a collection agency even though she also apparently forgot about the bill-she recently discovered it on her computer when she sold her business. Will the claim harm my credit rating?
Chime in readers. How would you handle this?
Honest Debate?
More than once I have heard President Obama describe the stimulus debate as a choice between his plan and doing nothing. BO's presentation of the stimulus question is disingenuous.
As I see it, there are three options. There is BO's plan or some modified version of it which involves massive government spending. And then there is doing nothing. And finally, government could slash taxes and entrust taxpayers to lead the economic recovery.
Now my point on this thread is not to debate the merits of the three options but rather to point out that our president is pretending that there are only two and hoping that you won't notice. He is attempting to create a straw-man Republican that wants to do nothing. We deserve a more straightforward and honest argument from our president.
As I see it, there are three options. There is BO's plan or some modified version of it which involves massive government spending. And then there is doing nothing. And finally, government could slash taxes and entrust taxpayers to lead the economic recovery.
Now my point on this thread is not to debate the merits of the three options but rather to point out that our president is pretending that there are only two and hoping that you won't notice. He is attempting to create a straw-man Republican that wants to do nothing. We deserve a more straightforward and honest argument from our president.
Monday, February 09, 2009
Question of the Day
In 1930, there was a higher rate of employment among blacks than whites. In 1931, a federal minimum wage law was enancted. In 1931 and thereafter, the rate of unemployment for black people has exceeded that of whites. Coincidence?
Sunday, February 08, 2009
Stimulus Question
President Obama's criticism of Republicans went something like this: Republicans got us in this financial mess. Bush never vetoed a spending bill. Now they are opposing the spending that will stimulate the economy.
OK, BO is correct that Republicans spent too much and that their current obstructionism exposes the inconsistency of Republicans on spending.
But if excessive government spending got us into this mess, why would an even greater amount of spending get us out of it?
OK, BO is correct that Republicans spent too much and that their current obstructionism exposes the inconsistency of Republicans on spending.
But if excessive government spending got us into this mess, why would an even greater amount of spending get us out of it?
Thursday, February 05, 2009
Election Politics
A month or so ago, nearly everyone in Racine's government appeared to favor a proposed multi-unit apartment complex in West Racine. Fastforward a month and the whole proposal is shot down without a single vote in favor of the project.
There was significant vocal opposition to the project and this no doubt was a factor. But I have lived here long enough to know that politicians are quite adept at ignoring the concerns of their constituents..... except come election time.
Yes, I suspect the upcoming mayoral election had a silent but powerful effect on the vote to shelve this project. Nobody running for mayor wants to tick off and energize large numbers of folks in West Racine. But remember folks, some (or most or all?) of the pols now running for mayor were behind this project just a month ago. If this was such a good idea for Racine then, why isn't it a good idea now?
There was significant vocal opposition to the project and this no doubt was a factor. But I have lived here long enough to know that politicians are quite adept at ignoring the concerns of their constituents..... except come election time.
Yes, I suspect the upcoming mayoral election had a silent but powerful effect on the vote to shelve this project. Nobody running for mayor wants to tick off and energize large numbers of folks in West Racine. But remember folks, some (or most or all?) of the pols now running for mayor were behind this project just a month ago. If this was such a good idea for Racine then, why isn't it a good idea now?
Sunday, February 01, 2009
The Rosa Parks of Welfare Scammers
When I read letters like one written by Jennifer Dragseth (MJS letter to editor) I fear for this country. Dragseth was responding to a series of articles in the Milwaukee Journal Sentinel that exposed welfare fraud in Wisconsin.
"The real scammers are those who pay so little that the state must subsidize them... Reform that will stop the cycle of poverty is to ensure that all workers are paid a living wage... Mothers who choose to stay home with their babies rather than work for a minimum and unliveable wage are not the problem with society: indeed, this civil disobedience might be the solution."
So women who defraud the taxpayers of the state by claiming fictitious jobs and racking up fictitious child-care expenses are not the problem. The problem is people like me, who own businesses and pay people a mutually agreeable wage, because we are not paying enough. The solution, according to Dragseth, is for more women to engage in criminal fraud. Only then, I suppose, will money magically appear in my bank account such that I can then offer my employees a liveable wage.
"The real scammers are those who pay so little that the state must subsidize them... Reform that will stop the cycle of poverty is to ensure that all workers are paid a living wage... Mothers who choose to stay home with their babies rather than work for a minimum and unliveable wage are not the problem with society: indeed, this civil disobedience might be the solution."
So women who defraud the taxpayers of the state by claiming fictitious jobs and racking up fictitious child-care expenses are not the problem. The problem is people like me, who own businesses and pay people a mutually agreeable wage, because we are not paying enough. The solution, according to Dragseth, is for more women to engage in criminal fraud. Only then, I suppose, will money magically appear in my bank account such that I can then offer my employees a liveable wage.
Thursday, January 29, 2009
Harding for Mayor
I am impressed with mayoral candidate Jody Harding. I won't offer biographical info as you can look that up yourself at www.JodyForMayor.com.
Though interested in politics and even more so policy, I usually prefer to keep my distance from politicians. But I think I will make an exception for Jody Harding.
Harding is not by any stretch of the imagination part of any good old boys network in Racine. She is not a backslapper. What she is, it appears to me, is a mature, competent, experienced, decent, committed individual genuinely interested in the betterment of Racine.
Now the same might be said about many of the other candidates. The difference between her and them, to the best of my ability to discern, is that she will take the exact opposite approach to improving Racine.
So instead of more government, she will try to shrink it. Instead of higher taxes, she will try to lower them. Instead of more regulations on garage sales etc... she will seek fewer regulations.
If you want big government, don't vote for Jody Harding. But if you think 50 consecutive years of liberalism hasn't worked out so well for Racine, I suggest taking a good long look at Jody Harding for mayor of Racine.
Though interested in politics and even more so policy, I usually prefer to keep my distance from politicians. But I think I will make an exception for Jody Harding.
Harding is not by any stretch of the imagination part of any good old boys network in Racine. She is not a backslapper. What she is, it appears to me, is a mature, competent, experienced, decent, committed individual genuinely interested in the betterment of Racine.
Now the same might be said about many of the other candidates. The difference between her and them, to the best of my ability to discern, is that she will take the exact opposite approach to improving Racine.
So instead of more government, she will try to shrink it. Instead of higher taxes, she will try to lower them. Instead of more regulations on garage sales etc... she will seek fewer regulations.
If you want big government, don't vote for Jody Harding. But if you think 50 consecutive years of liberalism hasn't worked out so well for Racine, I suggest taking a good long look at Jody Harding for mayor of Racine.
Thought of the Day
Offer your time and money and you are engaged in volunteerism and charity. Offer another's time and money and you are engaged in slavery and theft.
On Public Discrimination
According to an AP article: Congress on Tuesday sent to the White House a bill that makes it easier for women and others to sue for pay discrimination. Obama is expected to sign the bill into law.
Meanwhile, State Rep Bob Turner has "introduced a bill in the Assembly that would require all employers in Wisconsin to grant a paid leave of absence on Veterans Day to employees who are veterans" according to a JT article.
I wonder if the new federal bill will allow Wisconsins non-veterans to sue Bob Turner for wage discrimination.
Meanwhile, State Rep Bob Turner has "introduced a bill in the Assembly that would require all employers in Wisconsin to grant a paid leave of absence on Veterans Day to employees who are veterans" according to a JT article.
I wonder if the new federal bill will allow Wisconsins non-veterans to sue Bob Turner for wage discrimination.
Wednesday, January 28, 2009
Questions of the Day
Why is there such a thing as a stimulus spending package but not recessulus or depressulus spending packages? Is all spending stimulative?
Monday, January 26, 2009
More on Local Child-care Scams
I called County Executive Bill McReynolds today hoping to talk to him about the child-care scams recently exposed by the Milwaukee Journal Sentinel. See two most recent posts. McReynolds returned my call and set up a meeting between me and Debra Jossart, Director of Human Services Department and three supervisors responsible for approving payments to child-care providers and rooting out fraud.
Bottom line, I have no idea whether county employees are doing an exceptional job, a mediocre job, or a lousy job of preventing fraud.
But the larger problem is the program itself. In order to encourage work, the state, with federal funds, will pay for child care expenses. Under some circumstances this could be a great idea. However, when the state pays a child-care provider $85,000 so that someone can earn $20,000 at a minimum wage job, I have to question the value of such a program. Because of the large difference between a minumum wage salary and the state payout for child-care services, an opportunity exists to defraud the system. Even without outright fraud, I fail to see how the larger society gains by paying huge sums of money so that someone can work a minimum wage job.
And I must admit, I don't know what to do with or for poor, single women and their multiple children. But I do think we should remove the incentives that exist for women to have multiple children and then use them to milk the government for profit.
And lastly, I have asked Bill McReynolds, via voice mail, what, if anything, county employees or county government could do to reduce the fraud. If I hear anything, I will let you know.
Bottom line, I have no idea whether county employees are doing an exceptional job, a mediocre job, or a lousy job of preventing fraud.
But the larger problem is the program itself. In order to encourage work, the state, with federal funds, will pay for child care expenses. Under some circumstances this could be a great idea. However, when the state pays a child-care provider $85,000 so that someone can earn $20,000 at a minimum wage job, I have to question the value of such a program. Because of the large difference between a minumum wage salary and the state payout for child-care services, an opportunity exists to defraud the system. Even without outright fraud, I fail to see how the larger society gains by paying huge sums of money so that someone can work a minimum wage job.
And I must admit, I don't know what to do with or for poor, single women and their multiple children. But I do think we should remove the incentives that exist for women to have multiple children and then use them to milk the government for profit.
And lastly, I have asked Bill McReynolds, via voice mail, what, if anything, county employees or county government could do to reduce the fraud. If I hear anything, I will let you know.
Sunday, January 25, 2009
On Stingy, Child-Abusing Taxpayers
I love this tidbit from Charity Elison, executive director of the Wisconsin Council on Children & Families, a nonprofit advocacy organization that has been studying W-2 and the Wisconsin Shares programs.
In a Milwaukee J-S article (see previous post) exploring Wisconsin Shares child-care scams, Elison defended the program, saying that "without child-care assistance, parents have been forced to leave their children in locked cars or in other unsafe situations."
Got that taxpayers! You are forcing parents to lock their children in cars. Shame on you!
In a Milwaukee J-S article (see previous post) exploring Wisconsin Shares child-care scams, Elison defended the program, saying that "without child-care assistance, parents have been forced to leave their children in locked cars or in other unsafe situations."
Got that taxpayers! You are forcing parents to lock their children in cars. Shame on you!
Racine Scam-child-care Industry Exposed
The Milwaukee Journal Sentinel has a very lenghty investigative article on child-care scams in Wisconsin. I would recommend reading the article, but in case you don't have a spare half hour, I will provide some of the lowlights and my observations.
The scam goes something like this: A woman with multiple children teams up with someone claiming to be a child care provider and someone claiming to be an employer. Even the most ridiculous employment claims are unquestionably accepted. So the state pays the child care provider money to take care of the children, and, presumably, the mother and the fake child care providers share in the take.
Now on to a few particular cases from Racine. One scammer, convicted cocaine dealer Katia Wright used her seven children to scam the state out of $85,000. She teamed up with a Kenosha man who claimed to employ her, though the Wisconsin Department of Revenue has no record of taxes filed for the business. Also, the fictitious business carried no worker's compensation insurance, and this should have disqualified him as an eligible employer.
And then there is Talisha Burkhart, a check forging mother of six, also from Racine. Her scam is much like Wright's, so I will spare you those details. But here is what she had to say when confronted by the Sentinel reporter: "I work. I work. It's 50,000 child-care providers around here... My auntie's a child-care provider, my uncle's a child-care provider, cousins are child-care providers, everybody's a child-care provider around me, but this is the only person that I know ya'll have talked to."
Even if everything is above board, as in real children, a real employer, and real day care providers, does it really make sense to pay someone $85,000 so that a mother of seven can earn less than $20,000 at a minimum wage job? It would be far less ridiculous to just pay the woman minimum wage to take care of her own children.
The scam goes something like this: A woman with multiple children teams up with someone claiming to be a child care provider and someone claiming to be an employer. Even the most ridiculous employment claims are unquestionably accepted. So the state pays the child care provider money to take care of the children, and, presumably, the mother and the fake child care providers share in the take.
Now on to a few particular cases from Racine. One scammer, convicted cocaine dealer Katia Wright used her seven children to scam the state out of $85,000. She teamed up with a Kenosha man who claimed to employ her, though the Wisconsin Department of Revenue has no record of taxes filed for the business. Also, the fictitious business carried no worker's compensation insurance, and this should have disqualified him as an eligible employer.
And then there is Talisha Burkhart, a check forging mother of six, also from Racine. Her scam is much like Wright's, so I will spare you those details. But here is what she had to say when confronted by the Sentinel reporter: "I work. I work. It's 50,000 child-care providers around here... My auntie's a child-care provider, my uncle's a child-care provider, cousins are child-care providers, everybody's a child-care provider around me, but this is the only person that I know ya'll have talked to."
Even if everything is above board, as in real children, a real employer, and real day care providers, does it really make sense to pay someone $85,000 so that a mother of seven can earn less than $20,000 at a minimum wage job? It would be far less ridiculous to just pay the woman minimum wage to take care of her own children.
Friday, January 23, 2009
No Current Aldermen for Mayor
I can not, in good conscience, recommend any of Racine's current aldermen to be the next mayor. Here is why:
I have personally brought to the attention of the entire city council that one of their ordinances is unconstitutional. I have also witnessed several others make nearly identical claims.
Here in the US of A, we have a right to appeal to the judicial branch of government when the executive branch accuses us of something. Remember that separation of powers, three branches of government stuff from civics class? Yet, when Racine's Unified Neighborhood Inspection Team (UNIT) fines residents for various infractions, said residents no longer have the right to state their case in court. Instead, they have to appeal to the same people that fined them in the first place. This is simply not right and it is not how we do things in this country.
I suppose I am just a crank for caring about such things. Even so, when EVERY member of the city council is able to casually dismiss serious charges without, to the best of my knowledge, any attempt to refute said charges, I must conclude that each and every one of them is quite comfortable with curtailing the rights of the citizens they claim to represent.
I have personally brought to the attention of the entire city council that one of their ordinances is unconstitutional. I have also witnessed several others make nearly identical claims.
Here in the US of A, we have a right to appeal to the judicial branch of government when the executive branch accuses us of something. Remember that separation of powers, three branches of government stuff from civics class? Yet, when Racine's Unified Neighborhood Inspection Team (UNIT) fines residents for various infractions, said residents no longer have the right to state their case in court. Instead, they have to appeal to the same people that fined them in the first place. This is simply not right and it is not how we do things in this country.
I suppose I am just a crank for caring about such things. Even so, when EVERY member of the city council is able to casually dismiss serious charges without, to the best of my knowledge, any attempt to refute said charges, I must conclude that each and every one of them is quite comfortable with curtailing the rights of the citizens they claim to represent.
Wednesday, January 21, 2009
Back from Vacation
Sorry readers for the extended blog break. I went on vacation to San Antonio and while their I tried to avoid thinking about politics. I failed.
In San Antonio, there was news that the city had "found" $30 million from unspent bonds or something. The pols were positively giddy about the ways they would spend the money. Giving the money back to taxpayers was not among the proposals. Politicians thinking they know best is not a problem unique to Racine.
I talked with a shopkeeper in SA who was worried that the city would sell the property and that new owners would raise the rent. Or, to put it another way, a shopkeeper has enjoyed artificially reduced rents (for thirty years) while consumers, taxpayers and retail competitors have paid the price. At least Racine isn't in the commercial real estate business, thank goodness.
And San Antonio is quite nice. They have a famous river walk area, the people were friendly, the food was good and the weather was sunny and 60's and 70's.
In San Antonio, there was news that the city had "found" $30 million from unspent bonds or something. The pols were positively giddy about the ways they would spend the money. Giving the money back to taxpayers was not among the proposals. Politicians thinking they know best is not a problem unique to Racine.
I talked with a shopkeeper in SA who was worried that the city would sell the property and that new owners would raise the rent. Or, to put it another way, a shopkeeper has enjoyed artificially reduced rents (for thirty years) while consumers, taxpayers and retail competitors have paid the price. At least Racine isn't in the commercial real estate business, thank goodness.
And San Antonio is quite nice. They have a famous river walk area, the people were friendly, the food was good and the weather was sunny and 60's and 70's.
Friday, January 16, 2009
Move On Racine
I don't wish to pile on here but Mayor Gary Becker should resign or be removed from office. If you read the entire complaint against the mayor, you will understand.
The mayor of a city is the public face of a city. Our public face would hereafter be met with snickering or disgust or even rage. How could we possibly move forward with this baggage? What would we attract to Racine if we become known as a pedophile tolerant city? Yes, the question does sort of answer itself.
This is no longer about Gary Becker. The issue now resides squarely with the city council. They should move now to remove Becker from office, not for retribution sake, but for the health of our community. Gary Becker will have his day in court as he should. But Racine needs to move on with new leadership.
The mayor of a city is the public face of a city. Our public face would hereafter be met with snickering or disgust or even rage. How could we possibly move forward with this baggage? What would we attract to Racine if we become known as a pedophile tolerant city? Yes, the question does sort of answer itself.
This is no longer about Gary Becker. The issue now resides squarely with the city council. They should move now to remove Becker from office, not for retribution sake, but for the health of our community. Gary Becker will have his day in court as he should. But Racine needs to move on with new leadership.
Thursday, January 15, 2009
Stimulating Voters/Harming the Country
Receiving money is stimulating, no doubt. Conversely, giving it up, or paying taxes, is destimulating. So when governments hand out cash or advantages that will result in cash, some people are being stimulated while others, namely those who are paying more in taxes than they are receiving in cash, are being destimulated.
The Obama administration will no doubt seek to stimulate those who voted for him and hope that the rest don't notice how much they have been destimulated. The problem for the entire country is that too much stimulus given to less productive people or entities (public education, unionized auto manufacturers, cost inneffective green businesses etc...)and too much destimulation of the productive will cause great harm to the economy which will in turn destimulate, or depress, productive and unproductive alike.
But it worked politically for FDR and I suspect it will work politically for BO, even as it damages the country.
The Obama administration will no doubt seek to stimulate those who voted for him and hope that the rest don't notice how much they have been destimulated. The problem for the entire country is that too much stimulus given to less productive people or entities (public education, unionized auto manufacturers, cost inneffective green businesses etc...)and too much destimulation of the productive will cause great harm to the economy which will in turn destimulate, or depress, productive and unproductive alike.
But it worked politically for FDR and I suspect it will work politically for BO, even as it damages the country.
Inauguration Indoctrination
According to a Journal Sentinel article, MPS School Board president Peter Blewett has called for a special meeting in order to encourage MPS schools to
"suspend the use of its normal curriculum and encourage teachers to develop appropriate lessons focused on presidential inauguration activities.... Milwaukee Public Schools should instill in its students a keen awareness of the presidential inauguration as a sign of continuity or the peaceful transfer of power in our democracy and encourage active participation of schools in emphasizing the importance and historical significance of the Inauguration."
Sounds great, but I don't recall a similar effort to urge students to participate in the peaceful transition of power from Bill Clinton to George Bush.
I wonder what it is about this particular inauguration that captures the fancy of Peter Blewett.
"suspend the use of its normal curriculum and encourage teachers to develop appropriate lessons focused on presidential inauguration activities.... Milwaukee Public Schools should instill in its students a keen awareness of the presidential inauguration as a sign of continuity or the peaceful transfer of power in our democracy and encourage active participation of schools in emphasizing the importance and historical significance of the Inauguration."
Sounds great, but I don't recall a similar effort to urge students to participate in the peaceful transition of power from Bill Clinton to George Bush.
I wonder what it is about this particular inauguration that captures the fancy of Peter Blewett.
Tuesday, January 13, 2009
Helping the Poor
There is a fellow over at RacinePost grousing that he didn't get a $5.6 million subsidy for his low income housing project. You can read more about it here: http://news.racinepost.com/2009/01/state-agency-down-on-racine-one.html
According to the article, the $9 million project would have included 4500 square feet of retail and 24 housing units. Even if they spent $1 million on the retail portion, that would mean each of the housing units would have cost $333,333 each. And that is considered low income housing?
The developer claims "his market study showed a need for large, nice housing units for low-income families."
Interesting. My market study shows that the poor need 80ft yachts, country club memberships and vacation homes in the Hamptons.
I realize that I am regularly criticized for just writing and/or complaining. I am ready to step up now and help the poor. I will provide for all their needs so long as the rest of you subsidize my efforts. Deal?
According to the article, the $9 million project would have included 4500 square feet of retail and 24 housing units. Even if they spent $1 million on the retail portion, that would mean each of the housing units would have cost $333,333 each. And that is considered low income housing?
The developer claims "his market study showed a need for large, nice housing units for low-income families."
Interesting. My market study shows that the poor need 80ft yachts, country club memberships and vacation homes in the Hamptons.
I realize that I am regularly criticized for just writing and/or complaining. I am ready to step up now and help the poor. I will provide for all their needs so long as the rest of you subsidize my efforts. Deal?
Racine Unified Budget Info
Racine Unified has a projected spending budget of just under $260 million for the 08-09 school year. That amounts to roughly $12,380 per each of the 21,000 or so students. This information can be obtained by securing a copy of the budget or by reading this blog. It can't be obtained by listening/reading the false statements of Unified's chief financial officer quoted at the Racine Post: http://news.racinepost.com/2009/01/tough-budget-times-ahead-for-racine.html
I will be looking into the budget a bit more in the coming days, but for now just realize that the CFO at Racine Unified misunderestimated the budget by about $50 million. That kind of thing could have gotten him in trouble if he worked at, say, Enron.
I will be looking into the budget a bit more in the coming days, but for now just realize that the CFO at Racine Unified misunderestimated the budget by about $50 million. That kind of thing could have gotten him in trouble if he worked at, say, Enron.
Monday, January 12, 2009
City Discrimination Ordinance is Discriminatory
Thanks to Dustin at Racinepost, I have been scrutinizing a City of Racine ordinance concerning discrimination. The following is how the city defines discrimination:
Discriminate, discrimination and discriminating refer to any type of act or refusal to act prohibited by this article, which is based to any degree on a consideration by the actor of the age, sex, race, color, veteran’s status, disabled veteran's status, religion, disability, national origin, marital status, sexual orientation, familial status or economic status of any other person.
Very well. So you can't act or refuse to act, to ANY degree, based on a person's sex, race etc...
And yet, in the very same ordinance, Racine attempts to tackle the problem of unequal employment in the following manner:
(b) Since the prohibition of discriminatory practices is not sufficient to effectuate the principle of equal employment without affirmative and direct action, the city adopts this article designed to increase the representation of under-represented groups in all departments, job classifications, and salary categories in city employment. The city, in developing the affirmative action plan, shall require an affirmative action plan from vendors, contractors, and firms with which it does business of $10,000.00 or more per contract.
If discrimination is acting or refusing to act based in ANY way on a persons race, gender etc... then any attempt to help under-represented groups is an action based to some degree on race, gender etc...
In other words, the attempt by Racine to help under-represented groups violates their own policy regarding discrimination.
Discriminate, discrimination and discriminating refer to any type of act or refusal to act prohibited by this article, which is based to any degree on a consideration by the actor of the age, sex, race, color, veteran’s status, disabled veteran's status, religion, disability, national origin, marital status, sexual orientation, familial status or economic status of any other person.
Very well. So you can't act or refuse to act, to ANY degree, based on a person's sex, race etc...
And yet, in the very same ordinance, Racine attempts to tackle the problem of unequal employment in the following manner:
(b) Since the prohibition of discriminatory practices is not sufficient to effectuate the principle of equal employment without affirmative and direct action, the city adopts this article designed to increase the representation of under-represented groups in all departments, job classifications, and salary categories in city employment. The city, in developing the affirmative action plan, shall require an affirmative action plan from vendors, contractors, and firms with which it does business of $10,000.00 or more per contract.
If discrimination is acting or refusing to act based in ANY way on a persons race, gender etc... then any attempt to help under-represented groups is an action based to some degree on race, gender etc...
In other words, the attempt by Racine to help under-represented groups violates their own policy regarding discrimination.
Sunday, January 11, 2009
God Bless Armed Robbers
I have never been robbed at gunpoint, so I can't know for sure how I would react. But somehow I doubt I would say "God bless you" to the perpetrators as they left with my cash.
But this is how one Hilary Chavez, in a Journal Sentinel letter to the editor, claims to have reacted after having been robbed recently. While being robbed Chavez thought that perhaps the young perpetrators were "looking for a little Christmas money" or "may have had problems with addiction." Her larger point was to defend the idea of "restorative justice" which "provides the opportunity to show criminals that their actions have consequences for others" and that we can't "incarcerate our way out of the drug problem." Chavez is the Program Coordinator of Milwaukee Treatment Initiative, Community Advocates Public Policy Institute.
I don't claim to know much about "restorative justice", but I can state, unequivocally, that we should be highly suspicious of any policy proposals coming from someone who's first instinct is to excuse and even bless the behavior of armed robbers.
But this is how one Hilary Chavez, in a Journal Sentinel letter to the editor, claims to have reacted after having been robbed recently. While being robbed Chavez thought that perhaps the young perpetrators were "looking for a little Christmas money" or "may have had problems with addiction." Her larger point was to defend the idea of "restorative justice" which "provides the opportunity to show criminals that their actions have consequences for others" and that we can't "incarcerate our way out of the drug problem." Chavez is the Program Coordinator of Milwaukee Treatment Initiative, Community Advocates Public Policy Institute.
I don't claim to know much about "restorative justice", but I can state, unequivocally, that we should be highly suspicious of any policy proposals coming from someone who's first instinct is to excuse and even bless the behavior of armed robbers.
Thursday, January 08, 2009
On Middle East Peace
Dr. Kenneth Yorgan, chairman of the Racine Coalition for Peace and Justice, has a commentary in today's Journal Times entitled "It's time for Israel to make a real commitment to peace."
How does Israel achieve peace with an armed enemy acting on their plainly stated goal of ending Israel's existence?
A prerequisite for peace, it seems to me, would be an acknowledgement that Israel and Jews have a right to live. And unless that acknowledgement is forthcoming from Israel's enemies, peace is obviously not possible.
Why is this not obvious to Dr. Yorgan and the members of the Racine Coalition for Peace and Justice?
How does Israel achieve peace with an armed enemy acting on their plainly stated goal of ending Israel's existence?
A prerequisite for peace, it seems to me, would be an acknowledgement that Israel and Jews have a right to live. And unless that acknowledgement is forthcoming from Israel's enemies, peace is obviously not possible.
Why is this not obvious to Dr. Yorgan and the members of the Racine Coalition for Peace and Justice?
Tuesday, January 06, 2009
JT Endorses Racine's Subprime Housing Ventures
The following are excerpts from the Journal Times' editorial endorsing the city of Racine's continued forays into the subprime housing business, interspersed with my comments:
JT: Hope isn't a feeling that normally lingers around forclosures, but it might be soon.
DN: Hope... or willful delusion? We will see.
JT: The city of Racine plans to apply for federal funding to buy and renovate forclosed homes....Officials are prepared for ther own version of "Flip This House," but the city shouldn't be in this game for the profit.
DN: No need to worry about profit.
JT: If leaders receive the full $2 million they're requesting, that could cover up to 20 homes. That might not make a huge dent, at least initially. The difference will be measured years down the line.
DN: Very well. We are now "years down the line" from the city's previous forays into the subprime housing market. How about we measure how those investments panned out?
JT: The small size of the project should also inhibit any desires government might have to gentrify the city and push out existing residents.
DN: Yes, this gets to the heart of the problem. The government of Racine, and the JT evidentally, share the view that policy should favor government dependents over taxpayers. Thus they both want to take money from wealth producers and funnel it to people who aren't productive enough to buy a home.
JT: Left to the market, forclosed homes could easily land in the hands of slum landlords.
DN: Let's do away with the market and have the Journal Times decide who gets to buy homes and for how much.
JT: As buildings fall into disrepair and fill with unscrupulous tenants...
DN: Maybe it would make sense to gentrify and "push out existing residents," especially the unscrupulous.
JT: Owners are the ones most invested in a community, and they're more likely to pounce on a home that's already in decent shape.
DN: So who's stopping anyone from buying these homes now? Oh wait, I get it. You want these homes to go to people who can't afford to pay for them.
JT: Racine is already piling up experience in real estate, having taken on several homes from the defunct Southside Revitalization Corp and a few others that were forclosed for nonpayment of city-issued loans.
DN: In other words, the city has experience FAILING in the real estate business.
JT: Affordable homes must be exactly that, and prospective buyers should be scrutinized to ensure the forclosure cycle doesn't start anew.
DN: Banks traditionally are the ones that "scrutinize" prospective home buyers. Anyone who passes this scrutiny can buy these homes now, so this entire program is pointless.... except the purpose here is to get homes into the hands of people that the bank considers too risky. Ie, these are subprime loans we are talking about.
JT: We would hope the city learned enough lessons from the financial crunch to handle this carefully.
DN: Ha, this is funny. The financial crisis was caused by banks loaning to people who couldn't pay pack the loans. And now the city wants to loan money to people that banks are taking a pass on. What has the JT learned from the financial crunch?
JT: Times are too dire for leaders to sit back and wail about what's going wrong.
DN: Yes, dry your eyes and do the same thing that didn't work the last time.
JT: Let's hope the key fits.
DN: It doesn't.
JT: Hope isn't a feeling that normally lingers around forclosures, but it might be soon.
DN: Hope... or willful delusion? We will see.
JT: The city of Racine plans to apply for federal funding to buy and renovate forclosed homes....Officials are prepared for ther own version of "Flip This House," but the city shouldn't be in this game for the profit.
DN: No need to worry about profit.
JT: If leaders receive the full $2 million they're requesting, that could cover up to 20 homes. That might not make a huge dent, at least initially. The difference will be measured years down the line.
DN: Very well. We are now "years down the line" from the city's previous forays into the subprime housing market. How about we measure how those investments panned out?
JT: The small size of the project should also inhibit any desires government might have to gentrify the city and push out existing residents.
DN: Yes, this gets to the heart of the problem. The government of Racine, and the JT evidentally, share the view that policy should favor government dependents over taxpayers. Thus they both want to take money from wealth producers and funnel it to people who aren't productive enough to buy a home.
JT: Left to the market, forclosed homes could easily land in the hands of slum landlords.
DN: Let's do away with the market and have the Journal Times decide who gets to buy homes and for how much.
JT: As buildings fall into disrepair and fill with unscrupulous tenants...
DN: Maybe it would make sense to gentrify and "push out existing residents," especially the unscrupulous.
JT: Owners are the ones most invested in a community, and they're more likely to pounce on a home that's already in decent shape.
DN: So who's stopping anyone from buying these homes now? Oh wait, I get it. You want these homes to go to people who can't afford to pay for them.
JT: Racine is already piling up experience in real estate, having taken on several homes from the defunct Southside Revitalization Corp and a few others that were forclosed for nonpayment of city-issued loans.
DN: In other words, the city has experience FAILING in the real estate business.
JT: Affordable homes must be exactly that, and prospective buyers should be scrutinized to ensure the forclosure cycle doesn't start anew.
DN: Banks traditionally are the ones that "scrutinize" prospective home buyers. Anyone who passes this scrutiny can buy these homes now, so this entire program is pointless.... except the purpose here is to get homes into the hands of people that the bank considers too risky. Ie, these are subprime loans we are talking about.
JT: We would hope the city learned enough lessons from the financial crunch to handle this carefully.
DN: Ha, this is funny. The financial crisis was caused by banks loaning to people who couldn't pay pack the loans. And now the city wants to loan money to people that banks are taking a pass on. What has the JT learned from the financial crunch?
JT: Times are too dire for leaders to sit back and wail about what's going wrong.
DN: Yes, dry your eyes and do the same thing that didn't work the last time.
JT: Let's hope the key fits.
DN: It doesn't.
Tax Inequity Exposed
City officials are reacting favorably towards a proposed $7.2 million West Racine residential/retail development. The project is dependent on a $5.2 million tax credit according to an article in today's JT.
According to my back of the envelope calculations based on my own property tax obligations, I figured that a $7.2 million property would owe approximately $170,000 per year in property taxes. Therefore, a $5.2 million tax credit would amount to thirty years worth of property taxes waived, or more accurately, assumed by those who do pay property taxes.
As some of you may know, I recently concluded my own redevelopment project. My taxes are now over $11,000 per year. Not having to pay property taxes for thirty years would mean $330,000 more in my pocket. And I am sure any property owner reading this would be more than happy to be relieved of thirty years worth of property tax obligations.
Now I am all for tax relief, don't misunderstand me. But it should be fairly applied. In this case, out of town developers are getting a thirty year tax break while you and I get stuck paying their share of the tax burden for the next thirty years. Why would we want this?
According to my back of the envelope calculations based on my own property tax obligations, I figured that a $7.2 million property would owe approximately $170,000 per year in property taxes. Therefore, a $5.2 million tax credit would amount to thirty years worth of property taxes waived, or more accurately, assumed by those who do pay property taxes.
As some of you may know, I recently concluded my own redevelopment project. My taxes are now over $11,000 per year. Not having to pay property taxes for thirty years would mean $330,000 more in my pocket. And I am sure any property owner reading this would be more than happy to be relieved of thirty years worth of property tax obligations.
Now I am all for tax relief, don't misunderstand me. But it should be fairly applied. In this case, out of town developers are getting a thirty year tax break while you and I get stuck paying their share of the tax burden for the next thirty years. Why would we want this?
Monday, January 05, 2009
On Second Thought
Regarding the fairness of the JT, during the last 10 days or so I have seen the following photos on the front page: a bloody Palestinian reaching out from a pile of rubble, Israeli soldiers firing guns, A Palestinian woman holding up a red (signifying blood) hand in protest of Israel's military actions, an Israeli tank near the border of the Gaza strip, a crater and severely damaged buildings resulting from an Israeli bomb, a Palistinian man crying while holding the body of one of his children, and finally, today a young Palestinian girl crying because, according to the caption, a relative had been killed during an Israeli air strike.
The message being sent via these heartbreaking pictures is unrelenting Israeli aggression and loss of innocent Palestinian life. The message is a lie.
The message being sent via these heartbreaking pictures is unrelenting Israeli aggression and loss of innocent Palestinian life. The message is a lie.
Sunday, January 04, 2009
Fair and Balanced JT
Not surprisingly, the Journal Times covered the publicity seeking Racine Coalition for Peace and Justice's protest of Isreal's offensive against the rocket launchers in Gaza.
Very surprisingly, they also wrote an article entitled "There's no reason for Isreal to commit national suicide" which was essentially a response from members of a local Jewish congregation.
Congratulations JT for being fair and balanced. And if you need a person on staff that can consistently articulate the position of the other side, well, you know where to find me.
Very surprisingly, they also wrote an article entitled "There's no reason for Isreal to commit national suicide" which was essentially a response from members of a local Jewish congregation.
Congratulations JT for being fair and balanced. And if you need a person on staff that can consistently articulate the position of the other side, well, you know where to find me.
Saturday, January 03, 2009
Identify the Course Offerings
I am thinking about taking a course at Parkside. The following are some of the course I am considering. Try to identify the bogus course offerings.
1)Understanding White Privilege
2)Feminism in Philosophy
3)Dead White Male Appreciation
4)Capitalism and Economic Growth
5)LGBT Studies
6)Lesbian Literature
7)History of Conservative Thought
8)Literature Classics
9)Problems in Industrial Society
10)Problems in Socialist Society
1)Understanding White Privilege
2)Feminism in Philosophy
3)Dead White Male Appreciation
4)Capitalism and Economic Growth
5)LGBT Studies
6)Lesbian Literature
7)History of Conservative Thought
8)Literature Classics
9)Problems in Industrial Society
10)Problems in Socialist Society
Tuesday, December 30, 2008
Question of the Day
My brother owns a home in Maryland. It is worth in the neighborhood of $700,000 and his property taxes are roughly $4,000 per year.
I own property in Racine. It was assessed at $478,000 and my tax bill was over $11,500.
The Maryland property has a tax rate of approximately $5.70 per $1,000 of property value while my tax rate was over $24 per $1,000 of value. Racine residents pay over four times the property tax than does my brother in Maryland.
Now my question for readers, especially liberals, is this: How do property tax rates affect property value and the behavior of property owners?
I own property in Racine. It was assessed at $478,000 and my tax bill was over $11,500.
The Maryland property has a tax rate of approximately $5.70 per $1,000 of property value while my tax rate was over $24 per $1,000 of value. Racine residents pay over four times the property tax than does my brother in Maryland.
Now my question for readers, especially liberals, is this: How do property tax rates affect property value and the behavior of property owners?
Sunday, December 28, 2008
City Will Fail in Housing Business
The city of Racine now wants to buy and flip forclosed homes in marginal neighborhoods with your money. Read about it here: http://www.journaltimes.com/articles/2008/12/27/local_news/doc4956ea55c1ee0781977341.txt
Not a good idea. The city "already owns six houses which it has obtained through defaulted home improvement loans" according to city development director Brian O'Connell. In other words, taxpayers are holding the bag for the city's previous failed efforts in the housing business. What will be done differently this time? Did someone at city hall get fired for squandering our money the last time? Nothing and no are the correct answers I suspect.
The city officials will fail again and again in the housing business because they fail to recognize an obvious truth: People who can afford to but a home in Racine's rough neighborhoods don't want to live there and many people who do live there aren't stable enough, economically or otherwise, to be successful homeowners. This leaves renting as the only realistic option for the homes in question.
Not a good idea. The city "already owns six houses which it has obtained through defaulted home improvement loans" according to city development director Brian O'Connell. In other words, taxpayers are holding the bag for the city's previous failed efforts in the housing business. What will be done differently this time? Did someone at city hall get fired for squandering our money the last time? Nothing and no are the correct answers I suspect.
The city officials will fail again and again in the housing business because they fail to recognize an obvious truth: People who can afford to but a home in Racine's rough neighborhoods don't want to live there and many people who do live there aren't stable enough, economically or otherwise, to be successful homeowners. This leaves renting as the only realistic option for the homes in question.
Saturday, December 27, 2008
Unions and Ponzis
This might be a stretch, but here goes. There are significant similarities between unions (perhaps not all or even most) and ponzi schemes.
Getting in early is key. Early investors in a ponzi scheme often do quite well before the gig is up. Similarly, early participants in unions often will cash in with higher wages, health care expenses paid in large part by the younger healthier union members, and pensions. Before the union ultimately destroys the source of the money, some more realistic negotiations may start to take place. Sometimes these include sacrificing new employees with two tiered compensation packages, so the new guys continue to fund the original union/ponzi members.
The unions destruction of the money source can take decades. The more clever and powerful unions then set their sights on a deeper reservoir of cash, taxpayers. But, as we will eventually find out, bailouts and hidden obligations to municipal employees etc... will bankrupt communities and individuals alike. There is no such thing as a free lunch.
Getting in early is key. Early investors in a ponzi scheme often do quite well before the gig is up. Similarly, early participants in unions often will cash in with higher wages, health care expenses paid in large part by the younger healthier union members, and pensions. Before the union ultimately destroys the source of the money, some more realistic negotiations may start to take place. Sometimes these include sacrificing new employees with two tiered compensation packages, so the new guys continue to fund the original union/ponzi members.
The unions destruction of the money source can take decades. The more clever and powerful unions then set their sights on a deeper reservoir of cash, taxpayers. But, as we will eventually find out, bailouts and hidden obligations to municipal employees etc... will bankrupt communities and individuals alike. There is no such thing as a free lunch.
Friday, December 26, 2008
Coming Clean
I have a confession, of sorts, to make. My son, age 13, has discovered the joys of anonymous blogging. He was active on a recent post concerning climate change, claiming that Florida will be under water soon and that the clown fish will soon be extinct etc...
Yes I was aware of his antics and I even begrudgingly gave permission. Sorry Sam, Nemo, UP. I will discourage, but not forbid, anonymous postings by my son.
But there was some value there IMHO insofar as it demonstrates just how easy it is to parrot liberal positions.
Yes I was aware of his antics and I even begrudgingly gave permission. Sorry Sam, Nemo, UP. I will discourage, but not forbid, anonymous postings by my son.
But there was some value there IMHO insofar as it demonstrates just how easy it is to parrot liberal positions.
Wednesday, December 24, 2008
Unions Prevail Over Taxpayers
The Journal Times reports today that several people were protesting outside of City Hall yesterday. The protesters say the city's heating and air conditioning contractor is not paying the prevailing wage. "Josh Garner, a union member, said the nonunion Kenosha company Southport Heating and Cooling pays 50% percent less than prevailing local wages mandated by the state."
I have no way of knowing whether the city's contract is lawful or not, but I think it ought to be. If the city can get the job done, employ willing workers, and save taxpayers 50% on labor costs, they should be allowed to do so.
It seems that "prevailing wage law" is designed to protect overpaid union labor while sticking it to the taxpayer.
I have no way of knowing whether the city's contract is lawful or not, but I think it ought to be. If the city can get the job done, employ willing workers, and save taxpayers 50% on labor costs, they should be allowed to do so.
It seems that "prevailing wage law" is designed to protect overpaid union labor while sticking it to the taxpayer.
Monday, December 22, 2008
Evidence of Climate Change
The other day I was rifling through my car, looking for an ice scraper. Though none was to be found, I did find three umbrellas and some sun screen.
I am starting to believe in climate change.
I am starting to believe in climate change.
Friday, December 19, 2008
Michael Gibson Does Something
The near completion of an unsustainable, wasteful, feel-good environmental project atop a dilapidated school building prompted local student Michael Gibson to announce that "It just shows something can be done with this location in the inner city. It shows something can be done with this group of students."
Wednesday, December 17, 2008
Opposition or Hatred?
I went to the city council meeting last night intending to speak in opposition to a proposed ordinance concerning landlords. I was also aware that a battle was brewing over a proposed LGBT center.
When I arrived I became involved in a brief discussion with, I think, the would be proprietor of the LGBT center. I asked him why there was opposition to the center and he responded that it was all about bigotry and hatred by Christians. I thought that this was not a very charitable assessment of his opponents motives, so I asked what his opponents might offer as a reason for their opposition. He didn't know.
In my previous post I suggested that a council meeting about a conditional use permit was probably not the proper venue for Christians to hold forth on the immorality of homosexual activity. But is this hatred?
No, it is disagreement. And disagreement and hatred are not necessarily synonymous. And disagreement resolved through an open, fair and just process is what we should aspire to as citizens.
I didn't see hatred coming from the Christian speakers last night. I saw strong, though misguided, opposition coupled often with a stated concern (whether sincere or not I don't know)for gay people.
After perusing the JT and Racine Posts blogs on the subject, it seems that many supporters of the LGBT center are quick to declare that hate is what motivates their Christian opponents. Which makes me wonder whether it is hateful to assume that an opponent is hateful.
When I arrived I became involved in a brief discussion with, I think, the would be proprietor of the LGBT center. I asked him why there was opposition to the center and he responded that it was all about bigotry and hatred by Christians. I thought that this was not a very charitable assessment of his opponents motives, so I asked what his opponents might offer as a reason for their opposition. He didn't know.
In my previous post I suggested that a council meeting about a conditional use permit was probably not the proper venue for Christians to hold forth on the immorality of homosexual activity. But is this hatred?
No, it is disagreement. And disagreement and hatred are not necessarily synonymous. And disagreement resolved through an open, fair and just process is what we should aspire to as citizens.
I didn't see hatred coming from the Christian speakers last night. I saw strong, though misguided, opposition coupled often with a stated concern (whether sincere or not I don't know)for gay people.
After perusing the JT and Racine Posts blogs on the subject, it seems that many supporters of the LGBT center are quick to declare that hate is what motivates their Christian opponents. Which makes me wonder whether it is hateful to assume that an opponent is hateful.
Christians Right?
Efforts to block the opening of a LGBT community center at last nights city council meeting relied almost entirely on religious arguments. Homosexual activity is immoral, the bible says this or that, the end is near etc.... were just some of the arguments offered by members of the public to try to put a stop to the center. But the issue before the city council was not whether homosexuality is right or wrong but whether to approve a conditional use permit. The permit requirement is used by city officials to try to ensure that permit seekers will genuflect (keeping with the religious theme) to the council and promise to cut the grass, paint the exterior etc...
While Christians are certainly free to view homosexuality as sin, in this case they should be careful what they wish for. I recall not to long ago that a Christian church opening was delayed and nearly prevented by this very same permit requirement. Mayor Becker and the city had hopes for condo development along the river and they used the permit requirment to try to block the project. Requiring a conditional use permit was wrong then and it is wrong now.
Christians and gays should work together to protect private property rights and allow the legal use of property to proceed without government or public interference.
While Christians are certainly free to view homosexuality as sin, in this case they should be careful what they wish for. I recall not to long ago that a Christian church opening was delayed and nearly prevented by this very same permit requirement. Mayor Becker and the city had hopes for condo development along the river and they used the permit requirment to try to block the project. Requiring a conditional use permit was wrong then and it is wrong now.
Christians and gays should work together to protect private property rights and allow the legal use of property to proceed without government or public interference.
Tuesday, December 16, 2008
Landlord Law Enforcement
It appears as though there is already a law on the books in Racine that permits the city to fine lanlords for the trangressions of their tenants. In today's JT local section, one Diana DeChenne was contesting a nuisance citation issued to her because her tenant allegedly fixes cars commercially in the garage. DeChenne asked, rather sensibly, why she was receiving a citation when her tenant has not, to which the judge replied that it was the law. For DeChenne to be in compliance with the law she must make an effort to prevent her tenant from fixing cars commercially.
Wow! So DeChenne must now become part time investigator and law enforcement official. She is now required to somehow detirmine if her tenant is recieving payment for his work or whether he is working on his own car or doing a favor for a friend or whatever. Perhaps she should set up a sting operation, FBI style, then swoop in arrest her tenant, cuffing him to the steering wheel.
As ridiculous as is the present law, the city is considering a change that would, in addition to requiring lanlords to become unpaid law enforcers, seek to prevent them from having their day in court. "If a revised ordinance passes it would send nuisance cases to the Public Safety and Licensing Committee and City Council rather than to Municipal Court."
And so the city's attacks on property owners continues.
Wow! So DeChenne must now become part time investigator and law enforcement official. She is now required to somehow detirmine if her tenant is recieving payment for his work or whether he is working on his own car or doing a favor for a friend or whatever. Perhaps she should set up a sting operation, FBI style, then swoop in arrest her tenant, cuffing him to the steering wheel.
As ridiculous as is the present law, the city is considering a change that would, in addition to requiring lanlords to become unpaid law enforcers, seek to prevent them from having their day in court. "If a revised ordinance passes it would send nuisance cases to the Public Safety and Licensing Committee and City Council rather than to Municipal Court."
And so the city's attacks on property owners continues.
Sunday, December 14, 2008
Hubris or Experience?
Renowned Democrat Donna Brazile asks and answers the following question: "What in the name of all that is holy made Illinois Gov. Rod Blagojevich think he could put a U.S. Senate seat on the auction block? There's only one answer: hubris."
Really? Only one answer? How about experience? If a governor has spent years selling government favors, it seems to me perfectly rational that he would think he could sell a senate seat. And what about buyers? Every seller needs buyers. Blago had lined up at least one buyer for the senate seat and he clearly had buyers for his other nefarious schemes.
So, to answer Donna Brazile's question, to hubris I would add experience, buyers and a culture of corruption as the reasons that Blago thought he could sell a senate seat.
Really? Only one answer? How about experience? If a governor has spent years selling government favors, it seems to me perfectly rational that he would think he could sell a senate seat. And what about buyers? Every seller needs buyers. Blago had lined up at least one buyer for the senate seat and he clearly had buyers for his other nefarious schemes.
So, to answer Donna Brazile's question, to hubris I would add experience, buyers and a culture of corruption as the reasons that Blago thought he could sell a senate seat.
Ending Legal Corruption
It is perfectly legal for a political candidate to accept money and/or support from an individual or group and it is perfectly legal for the politician to make and deliver on promises to said individual or group. It is not legal to explicitly state that campaign contributions are the impetus for favorable legislation. So it seems that exchanging campaign contributions for favorable legislation is legal so long as you never say that that is what you are doing.
Obviously there is but a very fine line between legal representation and illegal corruption and there is such a thing as legal corruption.
As I see it, the only solution to the problem of legal and illegal corruption is well informed voters.
Obviously there is but a very fine line between legal representation and illegal corruption and there is such a thing as legal corruption.
As I see it, the only solution to the problem of legal and illegal corruption is well informed voters.
Saturday, December 13, 2008
Bush Betrayal?
Whatever the merits of an auto bailout might be, using TARP money for that purpose would constitute a betrayal of taxpayers who were assured that TARP money would be used to rescue the financial system, not the manufacturing system.
Tuesday, December 09, 2008
A Case for Limited Government
Illinois Governor Rod Blagoyavich, a Democrat, was arrested this morning by the feds after a lengthy corruption probe. Soon he may be joining former Illinois Governor George Ryan, a Republican, in jail.
It amazes me the quantity of people who continue to believe they are on the side of the good guys, when it should be abundantly clear that there is corruption among both Dems and Repubs.
Rather than pretend that your guys are virtuous and the other guys are scoundrels, it seems to me far more sensible to be wary of all people seeking power. Additionally, we should grant the least amount of power possible to our government officials such that there is less power available to abuse.
It amazes me the quantity of people who continue to believe they are on the side of the good guys, when it should be abundantly clear that there is corruption among both Dems and Repubs.
Rather than pretend that your guys are virtuous and the other guys are scoundrels, it seems to me far more sensible to be wary of all people seeking power. Additionally, we should grant the least amount of power possible to our government officials such that there is less power available to abuse.
Sunday, December 07, 2008
Wednesday, December 03, 2008
Who We Got?
Many have rightly criticized GW for being a poor speaker and many consider BO to be a great speaker. Yes BO can deliver a great speech but he is a bit of a mess when speaking extemporaneously. Lots of long pauses interspersed with uh's and um's. Today I listened to him answer questions and it was painful. And when he wasn't sure who was to ask the next question, he asked "who we got?" Yikes.
Troublemakers Welcome
The city of Racine is apparently considering an ordinance wherein landlords may be fined for the behavior of their tenants. A public hearing on the subject will be held at City Hall on December 16th, 7 pm.
And so continues the trend in Racine to allow miscreants and misdemeanants to carry on while holding others accountable for their behavior.
Why stop with landlords? My understanding is that some of our public schools have enough of a nuisance problem that the police have opened mini stations inside of our schools. Perhaps we should fine the principal when the children act out.
Of course this would be widely seen as unfair, even ridiculous, and rightly so. But when it comes to landlords we seem to have lost our sense of fairness.
What city officials fail or refuse to recognize is that too many losers have chosen Racine as a place to live. Come to think of it, Racine officials are complicit in this choice insofar as they are making Racine a place where troublemakers won't be held accountable for their own behavior. What better place to live if you are a troublemaker?
And so continues the trend in Racine to allow miscreants and misdemeanants to carry on while holding others accountable for their behavior.
Why stop with landlords? My understanding is that some of our public schools have enough of a nuisance problem that the police have opened mini stations inside of our schools. Perhaps we should fine the principal when the children act out.
Of course this would be widely seen as unfair, even ridiculous, and rightly so. But when it comes to landlords we seem to have lost our sense of fairness.
What city officials fail or refuse to recognize is that too many losers have chosen Racine as a place to live. Come to think of it, Racine officials are complicit in this choice insofar as they are making Racine a place where troublemakers won't be held accountable for their own behavior. What better place to live if you are a troublemaker?
Sunday, November 30, 2008
Suspected Gunman
Mark Steyn is a must read on Islamic terror issues. He also wrote a great book called America Alone that I would highly recommend. And he is very funny. The following is an excerpt from his latest article that you can read at:
http://www.ocregister.com/articles/ideology-mumbai-gunman-2242227-muslim-terrorists
There was a photograph that appeared in many of the British papers, taken by a Reuters man and captioned by the news agency as follows: "A suspected gunman walks outside the premises of the Chhatrapati Shivaji Terminus or Victoria Terminus railway station." The photo of the "suspected gunman" showed a man holding a gun. We don't know much about him – he might be Muslim or Episcopalian, he might be an impoverished uneducated victim of Western colonialist economic oppression or a former vice-president of Lehman Brothers embarking on an exciting midlife career change – but one thing we ought to be able to say for certain is that a man pointing a gun is not a "suspected gunman" but a gunman. "This kind of silly political correctness infects reporters and news services worldwide," wrote John Hinderaker of Powerline. "They think they're being scrupulous – the man hasn't been convicted of being a gunman yet! – when, in fact, they're just being foolish. But the irrational conviction that nothing can be known unless it has been determined by a court and jury isn't just silly, it's dangerous."
http://www.ocregister.com/articles/ideology-mumbai-gunman-2242227-muslim-terrorists
There was a photograph that appeared in many of the British papers, taken by a Reuters man and captioned by the news agency as follows: "A suspected gunman walks outside the premises of the Chhatrapati Shivaji Terminus or Victoria Terminus railway station." The photo of the "suspected gunman" showed a man holding a gun. We don't know much about him – he might be Muslim or Episcopalian, he might be an impoverished uneducated victim of Western colonialist economic oppression or a former vice-president of Lehman Brothers embarking on an exciting midlife career change – but one thing we ought to be able to say for certain is that a man pointing a gun is not a "suspected gunman" but a gunman. "This kind of silly political correctness infects reporters and news services worldwide," wrote John Hinderaker of Powerline. "They think they're being scrupulous – the man hasn't been convicted of being a gunman yet! – when, in fact, they're just being foolish. But the irrational conviction that nothing can be known unless it has been determined by a court and jury isn't just silly, it's dangerous."
Thursday, November 27, 2008
Compassion for Victims, not Terrorists
As I write this, a terrorist attack in India is ongoing. Hundreds have been killed or wounded. The Indian government has captured some of the terrorists. Undoubtedly the terrorists have valuable information that could save lives in the future if the information leads to the capture or killing of some of their co-terrorists.
So the Indian government has two choices. They could show compassion to these alleged terrorists, give them three meals a day, a Koran, cable TV etc... or they could show compassion to future, would be victims of terrorists by extracting information from these thugs via calm persuasion or, if necessary, torture.
I know, this is an ugly choice. But it is the choice.
And my choice would be to show compassion to future terrorist victims by using whatever means necessary to extract info from the terrorists in order to capture their support network that will otherwise plot to kill more innocents.
So the Indian government has two choices. They could show compassion to these alleged terrorists, give them three meals a day, a Koran, cable TV etc... or they could show compassion to future, would be victims of terrorists by extracting information from these thugs via calm persuasion or, if necessary, torture.
I know, this is an ugly choice. But it is the choice.
And my choice would be to show compassion to future terrorist victims by using whatever means necessary to extract info from the terrorists in order to capture their support network that will otherwise plot to kill more innocents.
Tuesday, November 25, 2008
MPS Incentives
The Milwaukee Public School system has apparently been offering Ipods as an incentive to children so they will sign up for and attend school breakfast programs. See Charlie Sykes for more detail.
Hunger has always been a sufficient incentive to get me to eat. Apparently many MPS students are not hungry enough to accept a free meal. Why not leave it at that?
Speaking of incentives, there is obviously some unknown incentive driving MPS to spend money trying to get well fed children to accept a free meal before school. My guess is that MPS is somehow rewarded financially for increasing the size of this program.
Hunger has always been a sufficient incentive to get me to eat. Apparently many MPS students are not hungry enough to accept a free meal. Why not leave it at that?
Speaking of incentives, there is obviously some unknown incentive driving MPS to spend money trying to get well fed children to accept a free meal before school. My guess is that MPS is somehow rewarded financially for increasing the size of this program.
Consultants to Run From
Note to Racine area elected officials. Beware of the following consultants:
1) Nebraska deep sea fishermen
2) North Dakota orange growers
3) Saudi Arabian brewers
4) Michigan economic development officials
1) Nebraska deep sea fishermen
2) North Dakota orange growers
3) Saudi Arabian brewers
4) Michigan economic development officials
Sunday, November 23, 2008
Private Accountability
Teachers union president Pete Knotek argued, in a November 19th JT commentary, that school vouchers divert tax dollars to "unaccountable private schools."
I don't think Pete Knotek understands private sector accountability. Private schools are accountable to their customers, namely students and their parents. If the parents are not satisfied, they will send their children to a different school. An unaccountable private school is one without students.
Public sector accountability is another matter entirely. The public school system is accountable to politicians, not parents, as it is politicians that control the purse strings. A public school system could produce abysmal educational results and continue to attract enormous sums of tax dollars, so long as political relationships are nurtured. Where is the accountabilty for educational results in the public sector?
I don't think Pete Knotek understands private sector accountability. Private schools are accountable to their customers, namely students and their parents. If the parents are not satisfied, they will send their children to a different school. An unaccountable private school is one without students.
Public sector accountability is another matter entirely. The public school system is accountable to politicians, not parents, as it is politicians that control the purse strings. A public school system could produce abysmal educational results and continue to attract enormous sums of tax dollars, so long as political relationships are nurtured. Where is the accountabilty for educational results in the public sector?
Tuesday, November 18, 2008
Students Expelled
It has come to my attention that two students were expelled recently from a local private school for stealing a test from a teacher.
No doubt this is a very sad and difficult time for these children and their parents, but I am going to look at this from the bright side.
For the expelled students, they are learning a painful and necessary lesson. There are consequences for criminal behavior. You will not always get a second chance.
For the rest of the students, there is also a lesson. You are expendable. Bad behavior will not be tolerated. An education in a private school in not a right. You are expected to behave properly and respectfully and if you don't, we will replace you will someone else.
Isn't that a bit like real life?
No doubt this is a very sad and difficult time for these children and their parents, but I am going to look at this from the bright side.
For the expelled students, they are learning a painful and necessary lesson. There are consequences for criminal behavior. You will not always get a second chance.
For the rest of the students, there is also a lesson. You are expendable. Bad behavior will not be tolerated. An education in a private school in not a right. You are expected to behave properly and respectfully and if you don't, we will replace you will someone else.
Isn't that a bit like real life?
Monday, November 17, 2008
New Species Identified
Local blogger and scientist, Kay, of BlueRacine.blogspot.com has identified a new species. This new species Kay calls a "potential." This amazing new creature lives its entire life, approximately nine months, as a parasite inside of female homo sapiens. The "potential", also known as humanus potentialus, is the only species that is capable of morphing into another species. The "potential" will change into the species of its host, the homo sapien, upon passage through the hosts vagina. The symbiotic relationship between the "potential" and female homo sapian is quite remarkable as apparently the homo sapien is the only species that does not reproduce but instead allows the humanus potentialus to morph into a homo sapien. As of this writing, Kay has yet to identify how the "potential" reproduces or how the "potential" arrives in its host homo sapien.
The stork story is far less complicated. I'm sticking with that.
The stork story is far less complicated. I'm sticking with that.
Sunday, November 16, 2008
JT Endorses Consideration of School Vouchers
The Racine Journal Times (http://www.journaltimes.com/articles/2008/11/16/opinion/doc491f47151d55e097979090.txt) has endorsed the idea of considering school vouchers.
Wow! I never thought I would see the day. Now they haven't actually endorsed vouchers and there is no way that the Democrats in charge will actually implement the idea, but still, the JT took a step in the right direction.
The next step obviously is for the JT to render an opinion on the subject.
Wow! I never thought I would see the day. Now they haven't actually endorsed vouchers and there is no way that the Democrats in charge will actually implement the idea, but still, the JT took a step in the right direction.
The next step obviously is for the JT to render an opinion on the subject.
The Leftist Imposition
"Don't impose your beliefs on me!!!"
You will invariably get some version of the above argument if you ever discuss the abortion question with a liberal, so be prepared for it.
Never mind that I was not imposing anything on anybody. Rather, I was trying to sort out their beliefs on just what is that mass of matter inside a pregnant woman. I pleaded for scientific evidence or any evidence whatsoever that the material was something other than a human life. They (liberals over at Blueracine.blogspot.com) had no evidence to offer but they nonetheless insisted that I stop imposing my beliefs on them.
Anyway, imposing beliefs or values is what active citizens and governments do. Advocating for universal health care is an attempt to impose beliefs/values on others. So is lowering or raising the tax rate. So is installing a stop sign.
So the next time a liberal insists that you stop imposing your values or beliefs on them, realize that what they are actually saying is that they should impose the laws and you should obey them.
You will invariably get some version of the above argument if you ever discuss the abortion question with a liberal, so be prepared for it.
Never mind that I was not imposing anything on anybody. Rather, I was trying to sort out their beliefs on just what is that mass of matter inside a pregnant woman. I pleaded for scientific evidence or any evidence whatsoever that the material was something other than a human life. They (liberals over at Blueracine.blogspot.com) had no evidence to offer but they nonetheless insisted that I stop imposing my beliefs on them.
Anyway, imposing beliefs or values is what active citizens and governments do. Advocating for universal health care is an attempt to impose beliefs/values on others. So is lowering or raising the tax rate. So is installing a stop sign.
So the next time a liberal insists that you stop imposing your values or beliefs on them, realize that what they are actually saying is that they should impose the laws and you should obey them.
Thursday, November 13, 2008
The More Things Change...
President elect Obama and the Dems appear to be pushing for a massive bailout of the auto industry. I thought huge corporations, driven as they are by greed, are the problem. Besides, cars contribute to global warming. Wouldn't we all be better off if big government stopped rewarding their big money friends who are intent on destroying the environment? I was hoping for change.
Wednesday, November 12, 2008
JT's Forced Argument
The Journal Times is right that, regarding opposition to proposed smoking bans, that "the only argument that could stand up is the one which asserts a private property right; that the owner of an establishment should have the right to set rules." But alas, "no right is absolute" they conclude and thus they are comfortable doing away with one more.
A little further on in the commentary: "Here individual rights again come into play. There is no right of a tobacco user to FORCE (my emphasis) his use upon everyone else. There is not necessarily an ability to avoid it because in many cases, for example, when one is traveling, eating in a restaurant or tavern is a necessity."
Don't be fooled by the Journal Times' misuse of the word "force". A person invited by an owner of a private business to smoke is not forcing anyone to inhale the second hand smoke. Anyone who is inhaling the smoke is doing so voluntarily, as nobody is forcing them into the establishment.
The only use of force going on here is government forcing more rules on private businesses. And that "right" of our government to the use of force appears more and more absolute with every passing day.
You can read the JT's commentary at: http://www.journaltimes.com/articles/2008/11/12/opinion/doc491a1c5e116a5792698637.txt
A little further on in the commentary: "Here individual rights again come into play. There is no right of a tobacco user to FORCE (my emphasis) his use upon everyone else. There is not necessarily an ability to avoid it because in many cases, for example, when one is traveling, eating in a restaurant or tavern is a necessity."
Don't be fooled by the Journal Times' misuse of the word "force". A person invited by an owner of a private business to smoke is not forcing anyone to inhale the second hand smoke. Anyone who is inhaling the smoke is doing so voluntarily, as nobody is forcing them into the establishment.
The only use of force going on here is government forcing more rules on private businesses. And that "right" of our government to the use of force appears more and more absolute with every passing day.
You can read the JT's commentary at: http://www.journaltimes.com/articles/2008/11/12/opinion/doc491a1c5e116a5792698637.txt
Monday, November 10, 2008
On Gay Marriage
The voters of California recently voted to keep the meaning of marriage intact, that is, as a union between one man and one woman. Gays in California and elsewhere are upset. I have been following the controversy and I must say that I am saddened but not surprised by the quality of arguments coming from those who wished to change the definition of marriage.
Read more at http://www.latimes.com/news/local/la-me-protests9-2008nov09,0,7790800.story
As I see it, in this country, marriage has been understood to mean a union between one man and one woman. And the question today is whether the institution should be redefined to include men marrying men and women marrying women.
Or to put it another way, do we wish to change marriage from a union between men and women to an institution based on a persons sexual orientation. Because if marriage is changed in such a way to include those with a same sex orientation, we would remove any rational argument to exclude other orientations.
Certainly some people would claim to be oriented toward both men and women and others no doubt would push the envelope even further, seeking to enter into some bizzare entanglements with multiple partners, inanimate objects etc... On what rational basis could those unions be denied if we have changed marriage to an orientation based institution?
And let us not forget that we have laws pertaining to children, divorce, inheritance etc... that could be made infinitely more complicated than they are today. How would our current laws resolve a divorce and custody issues if one person wishes to dissolve a marriage between several partners? Do the remaining members of the union remain married? What happens to the children?
Now some of you no doubt think I am getting a bit ridiculous and that marriage should be between two people only. But if we have changed to an orientation based system of marriage, do we then discriminate against the bisexuals that wish to marry both men and women? Aren't we all about ending discrimination?
Changing the definition of marriage would have far reaching consequences that we can't even fathom right now. I have not heard of any convincing arguments that address any of the issues that I have brought up. In California, some of the protesters would consider me a hateful bigot.
Hatred for gays is by no means the only reason why a person might vote to keep marriage the way it is. Certainly changing marriage could lead to profound changes in society and it is not too dificult to imagine that some of those changes would not be good.
The advocates of gay marriage have not made a convincing enough case to change an institution thousand of years in the making.
But I am interested in opposing points of view. Bring em on.
Read more at http://www.latimes.com/news/local/la-me-protests9-2008nov09,0,7790800.story
As I see it, in this country, marriage has been understood to mean a union between one man and one woman. And the question today is whether the institution should be redefined to include men marrying men and women marrying women.
Or to put it another way, do we wish to change marriage from a union between men and women to an institution based on a persons sexual orientation. Because if marriage is changed in such a way to include those with a same sex orientation, we would remove any rational argument to exclude other orientations.
Certainly some people would claim to be oriented toward both men and women and others no doubt would push the envelope even further, seeking to enter into some bizzare entanglements with multiple partners, inanimate objects etc... On what rational basis could those unions be denied if we have changed marriage to an orientation based institution?
And let us not forget that we have laws pertaining to children, divorce, inheritance etc... that could be made infinitely more complicated than they are today. How would our current laws resolve a divorce and custody issues if one person wishes to dissolve a marriage between several partners? Do the remaining members of the union remain married? What happens to the children?
Now some of you no doubt think I am getting a bit ridiculous and that marriage should be between two people only. But if we have changed to an orientation based system of marriage, do we then discriminate against the bisexuals that wish to marry both men and women? Aren't we all about ending discrimination?
Changing the definition of marriage would have far reaching consequences that we can't even fathom right now. I have not heard of any convincing arguments that address any of the issues that I have brought up. In California, some of the protesters would consider me a hateful bigot.
Hatred for gays is by no means the only reason why a person might vote to keep marriage the way it is. Certainly changing marriage could lead to profound changes in society and it is not too dificult to imagine that some of those changes would not be good.
The advocates of gay marriage have not made a convincing enough case to change an institution thousand of years in the making.
But I am interested in opposing points of view. Bring em on.
Saturday, November 08, 2008
The Other Others
It has recently come to my attention that Racine Unified has a curriculum unit entitled "Accepting others makes life better."
Oh really, we should just accept everyone and life will be better. Hmmmm, how about child pornographers. Will the lives of Racine Unified students be better if they learned to accept child pornographers? Obviously not.
So which "others" should we accept to make our lives better? Now we already know that Unified has taught that the acceptance of a certain liberal black presidential candidate would make their lives better. And I'm quite certain that the "others" to be accepted include minorities, women, Muslims, gays etc....
But I am also curious about the other "others." You know, the ones not mentioned during the "Acceptance of others makes life better" unit. Are the students also being taught that accepting Christians or conservatives will make their lives better?
Somehow I doubt it.
By the way, I learned of this curriculum unit at Racine Post: http://news.racinepost.com/2008/11/racine-unified-no-policies-violated-in.html
Oh really, we should just accept everyone and life will be better. Hmmmm, how about child pornographers. Will the lives of Racine Unified students be better if they learned to accept child pornographers? Obviously not.
So which "others" should we accept to make our lives better? Now we already know that Unified has taught that the acceptance of a certain liberal black presidential candidate would make their lives better. And I'm quite certain that the "others" to be accepted include minorities, women, Muslims, gays etc....
But I am also curious about the other "others." You know, the ones not mentioned during the "Acceptance of others makes life better" unit. Are the students also being taught that accepting Christians or conservatives will make their lives better?
Somehow I doubt it.
By the way, I learned of this curriculum unit at Racine Post: http://news.racinepost.com/2008/11/racine-unified-no-policies-violated-in.html
Thursday, November 06, 2008
Change Has Come ... In News Reporting
Correct me if I'm wrong, but the most significant news event on Tuesday was the election. Yet AP business story on the large drop in the stock market on Wednesday started like so: "A case of postelection nerves sent Wall Street plunging Wednesday as investors, LOOKING PAST BARACK OBAMA'S PRESIDENTIAL VICTORY, (caps are my emphasis) returned to their fears of a deep and protracted recession.
So we must all accept as fact that the slide in the stock market was not a reaction to the election and that the millions of investors who dumped stocks were all looking past the election results.
As for me, I think the stock market slide was due to the unexpected news of Guam's 2.4% decline in housing starts.
So we must all accept as fact that the slide in the stock market was not a reaction to the election and that the millions of investors who dumped stocks were all looking past the election results.
As for me, I think the stock market slide was due to the unexpected news of Guam's 2.4% decline in housing starts.
Election Reaction
I am saddened but not suprised by the election of Barack Obama. We have chosen charisma over character. We voted for undefined change and we will get it. Some change can be good, some terrible. Soon we will find out what kind of change we will get.
On a positive note, Obama is probably the only politician capable of leading the kind of change I think we need to see in the education department. He could shine a light on the horrible performance of urban public school systems and he could shame Democrats into supporting school choice. This would allow large numbers of poor and black students to access education options outside the public school system. There is no reason to believe that he will, but I can hope, can't I?
On a positive note, Obama is probably the only politician capable of leading the kind of change I think we need to see in the education department. He could shine a light on the horrible performance of urban public school systems and he could shame Democrats into supporting school choice. This would allow large numbers of poor and black students to access education options outside the public school system. There is no reason to believe that he will, but I can hope, can't I?
Monday, November 03, 2008
The Denis Promise
My most recent post questions the wisdom of the Racine Promise idea that would offer free college tuition to graduates of Racine public schools. The program, in addition to offering free tuition, promises to increase jobs, the housing market, disposable income, population, and businesses while generating economic growth in the surrounding communities. This plan does not go far enough.
Consider the Denis Promise: Everything in Racine will be free. We can even call it Free Racine. Yes, I will freely give my blog name for the benifit of everyone.
When everything is free in Racine, you can be sure that our local population will boom as never before. The housing market would boom as people flock to Racine to scoop up our vacant buildings. New housing would then spring up made from free materials and built with free labor. Jobs would be free for the taking though most would probably prefer the vast amounts of free time made available by all the free products and services which would free us from the need to work.
The Denis Promise has been successfully implemented in the past. Check out the USSR Promise web site for details.
Consider the Denis Promise: Everything in Racine will be free. We can even call it Free Racine. Yes, I will freely give my blog name for the benifit of everyone.
When everything is free in Racine, you can be sure that our local population will boom as never before. The housing market would boom as people flock to Racine to scoop up our vacant buildings. New housing would then spring up made from free materials and built with free labor. Jobs would be free for the taking though most would probably prefer the vast amounts of free time made available by all the free products and services which would free us from the need to work.
The Denis Promise has been successfully implemented in the past. Check out the USSR Promise web site for details.
Racine Promise Questions
Some city officials are exploring the idea of offering free college tuition to graduates of Racine high schools. The program would be modeled after the Kalamazoo Promise. More detail is available at the Racine Post.
The grant proposal seeking to explore this program suggests that the program would transform RUSD such that all children would be prepared for a post secondary education. It would increase the incentives to finish high school and college, it would result in more disposable income for racine families, it would attract people and businesses to Racine, improve the local housing market and would improve the regional economy.
A few thoughts in no particular order:
Do we really want to look to Michigan for economic development and population retention ideas? The economy of Michigan is tanking and people are fleeing to other states.
The Kalamakoo web site touting the program mentions nothing about who is paying for the program.
The program in Kalamazoo is for public school students only. Would Racine graduates of St. Catherines be discriminated against by this program?
The grant proposal seeking to explore this program suggests that the program would transform RUSD such that all children would be prepared for a post secondary education. It would increase the incentives to finish high school and college, it would result in more disposable income for racine families, it would attract people and businesses to Racine, improve the local housing market and would improve the regional economy.
A few thoughts in no particular order:
Do we really want to look to Michigan for economic development and population retention ideas? The economy of Michigan is tanking and people are fleeing to other states.
The Kalamakoo web site touting the program mentions nothing about who is paying for the program.
The program in Kalamazoo is for public school students only. Would Racine graduates of St. Catherines be discriminated against by this program?
Random Election Thoughts
The union guy showing up at your house to steal your McCain signs today (see Racine Post, Real Debate, Caledonia Unplugged) may soon show up at your house to oversee your vote for unionization once the Obama administration does away with secret ballots.
A youngish girl showed up at my store asking for me to give her an item that I am selling for $10. I told her that giving away product destroys businesses. She said I should give it to her because she is poor. I told her she should consider getting a job. Nobody is hiring, gas prices to high were among her excuses. I hope she isn't old enough to vote.
My non-white wife was accused, via the phone, of the racism that Obama has to deal with when she called to discuss a long overdue bill with a customer. Bring on the healing!
I was listening to a Chicago radio program yesterday wherein many callers and the hosts thought that rioting and violence would likely occur at Grant Park on Tuesday, regardless of the outcome of the election. I am glad not to be politically aligned with large numbers of people promising violence.
A youngish girl showed up at my store asking for me to give her an item that I am selling for $10. I told her that giving away product destroys businesses. She said I should give it to her because she is poor. I told her she should consider getting a job. Nobody is hiring, gas prices to high were among her excuses. I hope she isn't old enough to vote.
My non-white wife was accused, via the phone, of the racism that Obama has to deal with when she called to discuss a long overdue bill with a customer. Bring on the healing!
I was listening to a Chicago radio program yesterday wherein many callers and the hosts thought that rioting and violence would likely occur at Grant Park on Tuesday, regardless of the outcome of the election. I am glad not to be politically aligned with large numbers of people promising violence.
Friday, October 31, 2008
Dear Taxpayer
Hello taxpayer,
My job is to educate your children and by any objective measure I'm doing a terrible job. Just this last year I lost another 400 students even though my service is free. Out of ten comparable school districts, I am doing the worst in just about every category.
But I can turn this thing around. I have an audacious plan. I am going to make sure that all of the people who are responsible for this education disaster will keep their jobs. And I am going to pay them all more than last year. That ought to work.
But I am going to need more money to pull off this much needed education reform. And this is where you come in. I will be raising your taxes another 10%. I know, I know, we have done this every year for the last thirty years and things keep getting worse. This year will be different, I promise. Yours truly, RUSD.
My job is to educate your children and by any objective measure I'm doing a terrible job. Just this last year I lost another 400 students even though my service is free. Out of ten comparable school districts, I am doing the worst in just about every category.
But I can turn this thing around. I have an audacious plan. I am going to make sure that all of the people who are responsible for this education disaster will keep their jobs. And I am going to pay them all more than last year. That ought to work.
But I am going to need more money to pull off this much needed education reform. And this is where you come in. I will be raising your taxes another 10%. I know, I know, we have done this every year for the last thirty years and things keep getting worse. This year will be different, I promise. Yours truly, RUSD.
Thursday, October 30, 2008
Building Bridges
Sometimes all this disagreement and division can get downright discouraging. For example, Michael Gibson thinks the RUSD/Voces get out the vote effort is non partisan while I think the purpose is to increase voter turnout among Democrats. But this post is not about our differences. This post is about building bridges.
Michael, I am about to start a new business and I want you and your schoolmates to join in the fun and excitement. You probably didn't know this about me but I have a side business that is really starting to take off and I need your help. And that business is bridges. Not just any bridges mind you. These are 100% renewable, organic, sustainable bridges made from hemp. Hemp has other potential uses as well Michael but let's not burn these bridges. Also these bridges are pedestrian-only so they are great for the environment and they encourage exercise!
All I need from you and your friends is some capital. Sorry to use that dirty word. We all know bridges should be free. Aside from capital all I will need is your enthusiasm and an unquestioning devotion to my vision. Let us unite behind a common vision for the common good. Cash is preferred or you can write a check to Bridges To Everywhere LLC.
I will need the cash soon though Michael. To get this business rolling, er started, I need make a big upfront hemp purchase. Sincerely,
Denis
Michael, I am about to start a new business and I want you and your schoolmates to join in the fun and excitement. You probably didn't know this about me but I have a side business that is really starting to take off and I need your help. And that business is bridges. Not just any bridges mind you. These are 100% renewable, organic, sustainable bridges made from hemp. Hemp has other potential uses as well Michael but let's not burn these bridges. Also these bridges are pedestrian-only so they are great for the environment and they encourage exercise!
All I need from you and your friends is some capital. Sorry to use that dirty word. We all know bridges should be free. Aside from capital all I will need is your enthusiasm and an unquestioning devotion to my vision. Let us unite behind a common vision for the common good. Cash is preferred or you can write a check to Bridges To Everywhere LLC.
I will need the cash soon though Michael. To get this business rolling, er started, I need make a big upfront hemp purchase. Sincerely,
Denis
Wednesday, October 29, 2008
Feeling Green
One year after challenging Walden students on their greening efforts (archives, Nov 20th 2007 Response to Walden Green Students) I got a comment from Shannon, a senior at Walden.
His last paragraph:
"I suppose what I really want to get accross is that no matter what you think, Green School is happening and no one is going to stop it. Even if you think our effect is so "miniscule" on the environment (which its not), it's more than that. It's about creating something that our school can identify with and feel proud to be a part of. That is priceless."
I know Shannon, I have known this all along. This is largely about pride and positive feelings, which you view as priceless. That might explain why so many took my challenge so personally. It's not really about the environment, its about feeling good, perhaps even superior to less enlightened saps like me.
And so I suppose what I really want to get accross Shannon is that, with respect to environmental and other important issues, your feelings and your pride are irrelevant. What matters is that we make the smartest possible decisions regarding the issue at stake. And it is clear thinking that will get us there, not your priceless feelings.
His last paragraph:
"I suppose what I really want to get accross is that no matter what you think, Green School is happening and no one is going to stop it. Even if you think our effect is so "miniscule" on the environment (which its not), it's more than that. It's about creating something that our school can identify with and feel proud to be a part of. That is priceless."
I know Shannon, I have known this all along. This is largely about pride and positive feelings, which you view as priceless. That might explain why so many took my challenge so personally. It's not really about the environment, its about feeling good, perhaps even superior to less enlightened saps like me.
And so I suppose what I really want to get accross Shannon is that, with respect to environmental and other important issues, your feelings and your pride are irrelevant. What matters is that we make the smartest possible decisions regarding the issue at stake. And it is clear thinking that will get us there, not your priceless feelings.
Children Used
Two local liberal organizations, Racine Unified and Voces de la Frontera, will be using children next Tuesday to promote their political agenda of electing Democrats.
Unfortunately, it is children who will be most harmed by their own political activism because Racine Unified's primary political goal is to prevent their own students from attending private schools, even if those schools provide an excellent education at a lower price.
Unfortunately, it is children who will be most harmed by their own political activism because Racine Unified's primary political goal is to prevent their own students from attending private schools, even if those schools provide an excellent education at a lower price.
Tuesday, October 28, 2008
Disenfanchisement at Horlick
Now we all know that the reason Republicans have been pushing for a photo ID requirement for voters is because they want to disenfranchise and otherwise bring harm to black people.
In a related topic, spectators for tonight's Horlick football game "should be prepared to show a form of picture identification" to gain entry.
Why doesn't Horlick want black people to attend their football games?
In a related topic, spectators for tonight's Horlick football game "should be prepared to show a form of picture identification" to gain entry.
Why doesn't Horlick want black people to attend their football games?
Affirmative Racism
Cory Mason has been campaigning door-to-door for Barack Obama and some voters "are having a hard time coming to terms with voting for an African-American... They say 'I just simply won't vote for a black.'" And some people "are more hostile and use stronger language." according to Mason. You can read the whole article, written by Dustin Block at racineinsider.blogspot.com.
Further on in the article: "While there are racist voters, there are also new voters excited about the possibility of an African-American president." and further still, "Efforts to encourage minority residents to get registered and vote early could also offset racial prejudice."
So if I understand this correctly, not voting for someone because they are black is bad and racist but encouraging minorities who are presumably "excited" to vote for a black candidate is good because it could offset racial prejudice.
The basic message: white racism bad, black racism good.
Don't worry, we will soon be unified.
Further on in the article: "While there are racist voters, there are also new voters excited about the possibility of an African-American president." and further still, "Efforts to encourage minority residents to get registered and vote early could also offset racial prejudice."
So if I understand this correctly, not voting for someone because they are black is bad and racist but encouraging minorities who are presumably "excited" to vote for a black candidate is good because it could offset racial prejudice.
The basic message: white racism bad, black racism good.
Don't worry, we will soon be unified.
Sunday, October 26, 2008
Saturday, October 25, 2008
Have a Little Faith
The Racine Interfaith Coalition wants to tackle the violence problem in Racine. On Tuesday evening, 7pm at the Miracle Center, 1100 Grand Avenue, they will unveil their plan, called the Violence No More Initiative.
According to the Journal Times article, the plan will focus on employment, conflict resolution and education. Uh Oh.
I don't know what it is like to plunge a knife into someone or to shoot someone with a gun, but I suspect it has far less to do with employment status or educational success and far more to do with spiritual poverty and a disregard for human life.
Does the Racine Interfaith Coalition have faith in faith? I am beginning to wonder.
As I see it, a criminal with no regard for his victims is in the midst of a profound and perhaps lifelong spiritual crisis. And this is where a faith based organization should start their intervention.
How do we help a person with a chronic disregard for life to begin to respect his own life and the lives of others? I am not entirely sure but I think one must begin to challenge the attitude, mindset and faithlessness that surely is part of the makeup of a violent person.
Thereafter we can worry about jobs, education and conflict resolution.
According to the Journal Times article, the plan will focus on employment, conflict resolution and education. Uh Oh.
I don't know what it is like to plunge a knife into someone or to shoot someone with a gun, but I suspect it has far less to do with employment status or educational success and far more to do with spiritual poverty and a disregard for human life.
Does the Racine Interfaith Coalition have faith in faith? I am beginning to wonder.
As I see it, a criminal with no regard for his victims is in the midst of a profound and perhaps lifelong spiritual crisis. And this is where a faith based organization should start their intervention.
How do we help a person with a chronic disregard for life to begin to respect his own life and the lives of others? I am not entirely sure but I think one must begin to challenge the attitude, mindset and faithlessness that surely is part of the makeup of a violent person.
Thereafter we can worry about jobs, education and conflict resolution.
Thursday, October 23, 2008
What Constitution?
I addressed the city council the other day. I told them that when the city fines its residents and calls it a fee, thereby depriving citizens of the right to contest the charges in court, the city is violating the constitution.
Now I am not the first person to make this claim. But the city council members have done nothing. None have disputed the claims. All have ignored the claims to the best of my knowledge.
This suggests to me that all of our elected city representatives and our mayor are entirely comfortable violating the rights of Racine citizens and ignoring the constitution.
Does anyone care and if so, what to do?
Now I am not the first person to make this claim. But the city council members have done nothing. None have disputed the claims. All have ignored the claims to the best of my knowledge.
This suggests to me that all of our elected city representatives and our mayor are entirely comfortable violating the rights of Racine citizens and ignoring the constitution.
Does anyone care and if so, what to do?
Wednesday, October 22, 2008
Walden Outside Reading
I just finished reading a book that will never see the inside of a Racine Unified school. All the more reason to read it.
The book is Climate Confusion by Roy Spencer, a former NASA climatologist. Spencer takes on the doomsdayers, explains the issues in an understandable style. Yes, the temperature on earth is warming, slightly. It is far from proven that this slight warming has been caused by man. Humans prosper in warmer climates. Plants benefit from increased CO2. We don't understand fully (or anywhere near it) how our exceedingly complex earth stabilizes itself naturally. As such, computer models are overly simplistic and tend to overstate the effect of "mankind's tiny enhancement of the greenhouse effect." Spencer also argues that many proposed solutions (Kyoto) will harm economies and do little good and bring possible harm to the environment.
The book is Climate Confusion by Roy Spencer, a former NASA climatologist. Spencer takes on the doomsdayers, explains the issues in an understandable style. Yes, the temperature on earth is warming, slightly. It is far from proven that this slight warming has been caused by man. Humans prosper in warmer climates. Plants benefit from increased CO2. We don't understand fully (or anywhere near it) how our exceedingly complex earth stabilizes itself naturally. As such, computer models are overly simplistic and tend to overstate the effect of "mankind's tiny enhancement of the greenhouse effect." Spencer also argues that many proposed solutions (Kyoto) will harm economies and do little good and bring possible harm to the environment.
Palin Envy
One could criticize Sarah Palin without hating her. She is inexperienced, sarcastic, unintelligent, corrupt, ambitious etc... one could say. I would disagree but that is not the point of this post.
But for many, their feelings for Sarah Palin go far beyond rational criticism. There is a palpable hatred of her that often exceeds that directed at world's most hated man, George Bush. What is this about?
Is this hate transfer? It might be tough to get too worked up over our lame duck president, so is it time to find another hate outlet? It took years to develop Bush hatred and arguably it could be tied to his policy decisions. But Sarah Palin, new on the scene? What has she done to generate this kind of hatred?
And from what I have observed, this hatred is most intense coming from women. Now before anyone gets their undies in a bunch, I am by no means talking about all women or even most women. What I am saying is that the hatred intensity appears to me to be greater coming from women, generally.
My theory: Envy is the source of this hatred. An insecure woman especially could secretly resent a beautiful, powerful, accomplished, popular, seemingly content woman. Envy is not an emotion that many are readily willing to admit to, so it is instead expressed as the irrational unwarranted hatred that it is.
But for many, their feelings for Sarah Palin go far beyond rational criticism. There is a palpable hatred of her that often exceeds that directed at world's most hated man, George Bush. What is this about?
Is this hate transfer? It might be tough to get too worked up over our lame duck president, so is it time to find another hate outlet? It took years to develop Bush hatred and arguably it could be tied to his policy decisions. But Sarah Palin, new on the scene? What has she done to generate this kind of hatred?
And from what I have observed, this hatred is most intense coming from women. Now before anyone gets their undies in a bunch, I am by no means talking about all women or even most women. What I am saying is that the hatred intensity appears to me to be greater coming from women, generally.
My theory: Envy is the source of this hatred. An insecure woman especially could secretly resent a beautiful, powerful, accomplished, popular, seemingly content woman. Envy is not an emotion that many are readily willing to admit to, so it is instead expressed as the irrational unwarranted hatred that it is.
Tuesday, October 21, 2008
Union Can't Compete
I went to the city council meeting tonight. Three speakers addressed the issue of "prevailing wage" requirements that the city of Racine was allegedly not living up to. Most interestingly, one of the speakers noted that the unionized Racine labor could not compete with outside, non unionized labor. I am not suprised that unionized labor can't compete with non union workers, but I am not sure why the city taxpayers should needlessly pay extra money for union labor. The city should seek to get the best deal for their constituents, and unions should improve their businesses such that they can compete with non union companies.
"Independent" for Obama?
Scott Dizack writes in to the JT and claims to be an independent for Obama. In his letter, he urges us to "step aside from the irrational fulminations emanated by the McCain campaign in order to digest the rational words of wisdom" of Colin Powell, including his criticism of "the distortions, out right lies and abscence of solutions in the McCain camp." We need a government "with an agenda of unifying our great nation, not one that viciously attacks and erodes our moral fiber." Dizack urges "rational Republicans" to choose "sound ideology" and a leader who will "mobilize every American's support and energy in a constructive modality... (whatever that means)to overcome our hurdles rather than choose the candidate that attempts to "terrorize citizens for their vote" who will "divide us as a nation."
And finally, this self proclaimed independent supports the "conjugate vision" of Barack Obama.
Now really, why bother calling yourself an independent when you write like the loony left?
As for me, I'm voting for McCain, you know, the vicious irrational lying terrorist with the unsound ideology who will divide our nation and erode my moral fiber while unleashing my energy in a deconstructive modality.
And finally, this self proclaimed independent supports the "conjugate vision" of Barack Obama.
Now really, why bother calling yourself an independent when you write like the loony left?
As for me, I'm voting for McCain, you know, the vicious irrational lying terrorist with the unsound ideology who will divide our nation and erode my moral fiber while unleashing my energy in a deconstructive modality.
Wednesday, October 15, 2008
Indoctrination at Racine Unified
In a response to the Fred Dooley (realdebatewisconsin.blogspot.com) led flap over the Obama section of a Racine Unified textbook, curriculum director Jeff Weiss said "There is no unit on indoctrination."
Perhaps that is because an indoctrination unit would be redundant. Take the text book in question. It is a literature textbook chosen because of its emphasis on diversity in the reading selections, according to Weiss. "We want to find materials that reflect our student body, which is a diverse and multicultural student body." The book contains excerpts from American Indians, Japanese, Hispanics etc...
And this is not indoctrination? Why not read the best, age appropriate written material regardless of the skin color or ethnicity of the writer? Should Unified be promoting a multiculturalist agenda without any apparent consideration of the harm that might do to children and society?
Make no mistake about it folks. Unified is teaching leftist ideas in the schools. They could choose textbooks that disregard the color of the writer. They could remain neutral on the merits of multiculturalism.
But no, they have detirmined that the curriculum should be infused with notions of multiculturalism and diversity, thereby rejecting individualism and American exceptionalism.
And they claim not to be indoctrinating our students.
Perhaps that is because an indoctrination unit would be redundant. Take the text book in question. It is a literature textbook chosen because of its emphasis on diversity in the reading selections, according to Weiss. "We want to find materials that reflect our student body, which is a diverse and multicultural student body." The book contains excerpts from American Indians, Japanese, Hispanics etc...
And this is not indoctrination? Why not read the best, age appropriate written material regardless of the skin color or ethnicity of the writer? Should Unified be promoting a multiculturalist agenda without any apparent consideration of the harm that might do to children and society?
Make no mistake about it folks. Unified is teaching leftist ideas in the schools. They could choose textbooks that disregard the color of the writer. They could remain neutral on the merits of multiculturalism.
But no, they have detirmined that the curriculum should be infused with notions of multiculturalism and diversity, thereby rejecting individualism and American exceptionalism.
And they claim not to be indoctrinating our students.
Friday, October 10, 2008
Constitution Vandalized
About ten days ago, I noticed that my building was tagged with gang graffiti. So I went to the paint store to buy some spray paint with which to cover the graffiti. It was much to windy that day and the next to apply the spray paint. Then I went out of town for business.
Meanwhile, I received a notice from the city concerning the vandalism and today another notice that we have not addressed the problem (we have), coupled with the news that we will be sent a bill of $50 for an inspection fee.
Of course this is not actually a fee, it is a fine pretending to be a fee. The reason to call it a fee is to avoid the sticky problem of people contesting their fines in court and the expenses associated with said contests. You know, denying people their constitutional right to defend themselves in court.
I think the vandalism by our city officials is worse than the gang vandalism. At least I can spray over the grafitti.
Meanwhile, I received a notice from the city concerning the vandalism and today another notice that we have not addressed the problem (we have), coupled with the news that we will be sent a bill of $50 for an inspection fee.
Of course this is not actually a fee, it is a fine pretending to be a fee. The reason to call it a fee is to avoid the sticky problem of people contesting their fines in court and the expenses associated with said contests. You know, denying people their constitutional right to defend themselves in court.
I think the vandalism by our city officials is worse than the gang vandalism. At least I can spray over the grafitti.
Thursday, October 09, 2008
Phone Home
The Racine Library wants to expand into Mount Pleasant. They have an endowment of $3 million which might be enough to purchase the land from the city of Racine. An aside: Why does Racine own land in Mount Pleasant? Anyway, it is not known "at this point ... exactly how the library would generate money for the materials and operating costs" according to the JT article.
I have a suggestion for the library board that might shed some light on where the money will come from. Call your own reference desk. Ask them how the current library is funded. This may provide valuable clues as to how additional libraries will be funded.
I have a suggestion for the library board that might shed some light on where the money will come from. Call your own reference desk. Ask them how the current library is funded. This may provide valuable clues as to how additional libraries will be funded.
Thursday, October 02, 2008
Eye Spies
After the presidential debate, McCain was criticized for not looking at the camera. After the vice presidential debate, Palin was strongly criticized, by Chris Matthews, for looking at the camera. I'm thinking dark sunglasses are in order for the next debate.
Wednesday, October 01, 2008
Racine Redevelopment Renamed
What do facade grants, artist relocation efforts, the Unfied Neighborhood Inspection Team and a fresh coat of paint on a crack ridden tennis court have in common?
Answer: They are all a part of Racine's "Lipstick on a Pig" redevelopment strategy.
Answer: They are all a part of Racine's "Lipstick on a Pig" redevelopment strategy.
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