A collection of interesting articles and discussion from around the Internet
Tuesday, May 31, 2011
Nuclear Power, how it works, is it safe, what about coal?
After the Problems in Japan, many concerns have been raised about the safety of Nuclear Power. A Short article here explains the basics of how Nuclear Power works. We need to look honestly at our policies to make sure that Nuclear energy is safe in the US. while at the same time, recognizing that most of our energy comes from coal and that coal pollutes the environment
Memorial Day
In honor of Memorial Day.
Sports Illustrated published this incredible piece about Bob Kalsu, player that was drafted by the NFL. But decided not to use that to avoid the Vietnam War. Tragically he did not return from Vietnam. But his valor and selflessness should not be forgotten.
Sports Illustrated published this incredible piece about Bob Kalsu, player that was drafted by the NFL. But decided not to use that to avoid the Vietnam War. Tragically he did not return from Vietnam. But his valor and selflessness should not be forgotten.
Better Understanding the Debt Ceiling
A couple of FAQ (Frequently asked questions) about the debt ceiling.
Monday, May 30, 2011
Paul Ryan's Serious Proposal: Debate or Demagoguery
Charles Krauthammer asks will Paul Ryan's Serious entitlement proposal be met with serious debate, or serious demagoguery.
British Boots on the Ground in Libya
A Few British were spotted with Rebels in Libya. Reports have been coming in that they are MI-6 acting as spotters for NATO war planes.
Sunday, May 29, 2011
Herman Cain, In his Own Words.
He doesn't care that people are skeptical he's out to prove that he is a legitimate candidate for President.
We Need Government, to Be Functional
We have lost sight of the common good. We have fallen into a trap of governing thinking that central planning can solve all of our problems, and that if we fill out enough forms, our government will run better.
In an enlightening interview with Jon Stewart, Philip K. Howard discusses what we need to do to make government better. By limiting paperwork, bureaucracy and replacing it with common sense and accountability.
This ten minute interview is an excellent look at politics and government.
In an enlightening interview with Jon Stewart, Philip K. Howard discusses what we need to do to make government better. By limiting paperwork, bureaucracy and replacing it with common sense and accountability.
This ten minute interview is an excellent look at politics and government.
Politicians in Public and in Private
It seems that politicians never live up to who we would hope they'd be, politics lately has been dominated by absurd over the top rhetoric instead of real debate.
President Clinton was caught on camera having a candid moment with Congressman Paul Ryan, where he states that he hopes the democrats don't use the special election victory in New York as a signal to do nothing on Health Care. He then tells Ryan that if he needs to talk to give him a call.
That candid conversation is exactly what should be expected of our politicians, to talk honestly about policy without demagoguing.
Sadly, just moments later when Clinton was on stage he characterized Ryan's plan would encourage Seniors to "Use less care, and die quicker".
Why can't they just be decent human beings all the time.
Netanyahu addresses Congress
Netanyahu Adresses a joint session of Congress. Tells congress that Israel won't budge on any Israel with Palestinians, in fact goes so far as to say that they aren't occupying the West Bank, the most extreme rhetoric he could muster was met with widespread applause from Congress.
Is it time that America views the Middle East as honest brokers for peace, or at the very least base our foreign policy based on our own self interest. Or will we continue to be unconditional supporters of whatever Israel does?
Is it time that America views the Middle East as honest brokers for peace, or at the very least base our foreign policy based on our own self interest. Or will we continue to be unconditional supporters of whatever Israel does?
Governor Walker on Cavuto
The two discuss Boeing and the NRLB, and Union Rules in Wisconsin. In a short five minute interview.
Musharraf: Obama statements Arrogant
Former Pakistani President calls Obama's statements arrogant in regards to Obama stating that the US may continue to run covert operations into Pakistan to kill terrorists.
Meanwhile Hillary Clinton is trying to mend fences in Pakistan. She is pushing the Pakistani's to go after the terrorists harder within their own borders, or else potentially lose the US aid.
Meanwhile Hillary Clinton is trying to mend fences in Pakistan. She is pushing the Pakistani's to go after the terrorists harder within their own borders, or else potentially lose the US aid.
Saturday, May 28, 2011
How President Obama got the Health Care law Pass
Frontline exposes how backroom deals, buying off lobbyists and special interests got the health care deal passed. In part, how the Cornhusker kick back allowed the President to Buy Ben Nelson's Seat
The Warning About the Financial Crisis, Ignored
In the Late 90s Brooksley Born tried to warn congress about the implications of unregulated derivatives. She was ignored, even though there was a small derivatives crisis months after her warning. Unfortunately that didn't prompt any changes, or protections.
US to encourage foreign travel to the US with $10 fee
The US is trying to generate more interest in having travelers come to the US, to raise the money to pay for the program they will charge travelers a $10 fee to come to the US.
The heritage foundation takes issue with the new policy for several reasons. One of course being that a $10 tax doesn't seem like a great way to encourage people to visit the US.
The heritage foundation takes issue with the new policy for several reasons. One of course being that a $10 tax doesn't seem like a great way to encourage people to visit the US.
Don't Scorn Ryan's attempt at Serious Reform
Joe Nocera is not impressed with Paul Ryan's plan, but he is disappointed that Democrats seem more interested in using Ryan's plan to play politics and win elections, then they are in having a serious debate about the need to Medicare reform.
Is ObamaCare constitutional?
George Will raises some interesting questions about whether or not the new Health Care law is constitutional.
Paul Ryan is talking to Americans like Adults, Will Obama?
Fareed Zakaria points out in his piece that Paul Ryan's budget is far from perfect. But that it is one of the only honest attempts put forward to tackle our nation's long term debt issues. President Obama has repeatedly said, that it's time to have an adult conversation about the issues. Well, Mr. Ryan has started it, will President Obama join him.
A Remedy to Fix Medicine: True Legal Reform
If you want to save money on medical costs you have to fix the problem of defensive medicine. Which needs more than just caps on pain and suffering.
Friday, May 27, 2011
Abortion, an Honest Discussion
Mike Huckabee and Jon Stewart have a nice, honest, non-heated discussion on abortion. It is a rarity to see this level of discourse for such a contentious issue, it is refreshing.
The interview lasts about fifteen minutes part two is here. and part three is located here.
The interview lasts about fifteen minutes part two is here. and part three is located here.
Fox News, only News from 9am-4pm and 6pm-8pm
Fox News received criticism from the White House for not being fair and balanced, which is there slogan. Fox countered by stating that they only do News during 9am-4pm, and then again from 6pm-8pm. So the people like Bill O'Reilly, Sean Hannity, Greta, Beck are not news (according to Fox, they are opinion people)
The hard hitting news people on Fox, are people like Megyn Kelly, so when she reviews the health care plan from president obama she is being fair an balanced... except she's terrible.
Fox News does some good things. Being Fair and Balanced, isn't one of them.
The hard hitting news people on Fox, are people like Megyn Kelly, so when she reviews the health care plan from president obama she is being fair an balanced... except she's terrible.
Fox News does some good things. Being Fair and Balanced, isn't one of them.
A Return to Clinton Tax Rates, or Carter Tax rates?
Democrats have repeatedly stated that all they want is for the Bush Tax cuts to expire and have the tax code revert to what it was in the Clinton Administration. But with a surtax here, and removing the cap on social security there, plus the dash of an extra .9% from the ObamaCare law. And they are looking at a 62% marginal tax rate
New Republican Primary Poll: Waste of Time
According to a new poll Giuliani leads in the Republican primary. Polls this early are a waste of time, money and well really just a waste of everything.
The voice of reason of the matter is the daily show pointing out how useless it is to prognosticate so far in advance. As they point out, the early 2008 front runners were Clinton vs. Giuliani. And in 2004 Joe Lieberman was all set to take on Pres. Bush 15 months before the election too.
The voice of reason of the matter is the daily show pointing out how useless it is to prognosticate so far in advance. As they point out, the early 2008 front runners were Clinton vs. Giuliani. And in 2004 Joe Lieberman was all set to take on Pres. Bush 15 months before the election too.
Medicare, Scare tactics and Lies
When it comes to an honest debate on Medicare Reform, good luck. Instead we get fear mongering, distortion and out right lies. Which is useful for winning elections, but not helpful in tackling our long term debt issues.
Egypt, is still a military dictatorship
Yes, Hosni Mubarak is gone. But Egypt is still a military dictatorship. The work isn't finished. Time will tell what will come of the Arab Spring. But for now Egypt isn't free, they still live under tyranny.
Fed's Raid Home of 91 grandmother who sells kits that help people end their lives
An FBI raid raises questions about whether or not a terminally ill person has the right to end their life.
Do terminally ill people have the right to die? Or are we obligated to stay alive as long as possible, even if that means suffering through terrible pain.
Do terminally ill people have the right to die? Or are we obligated to stay alive as long as possible, even if that means suffering through terrible pain.
Thursday, May 26, 2011
Wednesday, May 25, 2011
Ryan Speaks Candidly on the Budget
Ryan admits that the debt is both parties fault. Points out that only Republicans have offered a tangible budget.
Also points out that Medicare is going broke.
A Fantastic interview from a great conservative congressman.
Also points out that Medicare is going broke.
A Fantastic interview from a great conservative congressman.
Tuesday, May 24, 2011
Not Intended to be a Factual Statement
Jon Kyl blasts planned parenthood by saying that over 90% of their services are abortion, which his office then clarified as "not intended to be a factual statement".
Colbert lampoons Kyl over the idea that one should take such liberties with the truth.
It's ok to oppose planned parenthood, it's not ok to lie.
In a different segment related to the not intended to be a factual statement Colbert makes Fox and Friends look silly, which isn't hard to do, because Fox and Friends essentially stated that Walgreens and Planned Parenthood are the same.
Colbert lampoons Kyl over the idea that one should take such liberties with the truth.
It's ok to oppose planned parenthood, it's not ok to lie.
In a different segment related to the not intended to be a factual statement Colbert makes Fox and Friends look silly, which isn't hard to do, because Fox and Friends essentially stated that Walgreens and Planned Parenthood are the same.
Government to Buy electric cars, just over 100 of them
In a pilot program, the government has decided to buy just over 100 electric vehicles, a drop in the bucket compared to its 600,000 vehicle fleet, and install charging stations.
Monday, May 23, 2011
Teacher Fired over Looking At Porn costs School $300,000 in legal fees
Teacher Fired for looking at pornography at school cost the district $300,000 in legal fees.
The most incredulous part is that the union claimed "Union leaders said they're not defending the teacher's behavior. They said the issue is that the discipline was unjust and based on unclear standards."
Unclear Standards? Don't look at pornography at work. Does that rule need to be written down?
The most incredulous part is that the union claimed "Union leaders said they're not defending the teacher's behavior. They said the issue is that the discipline was unjust and based on unclear standards."
Unclear Standards? Don't look at pornography at work. Does that rule need to be written down?
"Common Controversy", Fake Controversies from Fox News
The Daily Show's Jon Stewart points out Fox News overwhelming ridiculousness when it comes to drumming up 'fake controversies'
Unfortunately, Fox News likes to report on ludicrous social problems like "a war on christmas".
Their latest problem was that they took a number of Common's lyrics out of context, and tried to make it into a big thing. Even though the violent lyrics that they all took issue with, as Stewart pointed out, was in fact about how youth need to give up violence to make their community a better place. But sometimes accuracy is not a key goal of Fox News.
Unfortunately, Fox News likes to report on ludicrous social problems like "a war on christmas".
Their latest problem was that they took a number of Common's lyrics out of context, and tried to make it into a big thing. Even though the violent lyrics that they all took issue with, as Stewart pointed out, was in fact about how youth need to give up violence to make their community a better place. But sometimes accuracy is not a key goal of Fox News.
Unquestioned support of Israel
The White House is questioning a US policy of unconditional support for Israel.
The onion article provides a bit of humor pertaining to the idea that any questioning in regards to the US supporting Israel less than 100% is career suicide.
The onion article provides a bit of humor pertaining to the idea that any questioning in regards to the US supporting Israel less than 100% is career suicide.
Sunday, May 22, 2011
The Need for legal reform
It takes the government years to start any project and then years more to complete any, and it's because of our outdated legal system.
We need to change the way government can do business, so that government can do business.
We need to change the way government can do business, so that government can do business.
Americans is in a crisis of Individual Freedom
An Excess in Law has handcuffed teachers from acting reasonably, and is the reason five year olds end up arrested. Teachers and principals do not have the authority (or do not feel that they do) to hold the arm of a five year old throwing a temper tantrum. So they call the police, and the child is arrested.
More importantly, Howard explains how to fix our overly litigious society.
More importantly, Howard explains how to fix our overly litigious society.
US Tax Policy Pushes Business and Jobs overseas
60 minutes does a good job showing how US tax policy has pushed jobs and business overseas in this video, and they point out that companies are holding a collective 1.5 Trillion dollars abroad to avoid US taxation.
If US corporate taxes were lower, that would mean we could boost job growth.
If US corporate taxes were lower, that would mean we could boost job growth.
Explaining Cobra (Health Insurance)
A Quick explanation of what Cobra is, related to insurance. The Video is only three and a half minutes long. But it provides a quick explanation to anyone that is curios to learn.
Disability Insurance, SSI, SSDI
There are couple of judges who have been granting 100% of the disability claims that have come before them, and yes that 100% is not a typo. This passing out of disability payments has led to Senators Hatch, and Coburn wanting to investigate the practice, and restore accountability.
Saturday, May 21, 2011
Friday, May 20, 2011
College for Profit
An Hour long episode of Frontline, exposing some of the Issues facing students at for profit colleges.
An Alarming thing is the incredibly high percentage of defaults on student loans are from students attending for profit colleges. And they are enabled through federal government student loan programs.
An Alarming thing is the incredibly high percentage of defaults on student loans are from students attending for profit colleges. And they are enabled through federal government student loan programs.
Libya and the War Powers Act
Gary Johnson explains that the War Powers act limits any military action that is not authorized by Congress to 60 days. And those 60 days are up in Libya.
Battling Obesity in Mississippi
Battling Obesity in Mississippi
An Excerpt
An Excerpt
"And half the battle, he says, is just getting people to own up to the fact that their weight is the problem....That's the way local fry-cook Gracie Williams sees it. She's a diabetic and considers that she is doing pretty well because she hasn't gained any weight in five years. She's stayed a steady 265 pounds on a 5-foot-5 frame.
"To me overweight is when you're going past 300-something and you're having a hard time walking and breathing, that's when you're overweight," she says.
Santorum, "McCain doesn't understand enhanced interrogation"
In a recent interview Santorum stated that McCain doesn't understand enhanced interrogation. McCain's office stated they would not dignify that remark with a comment.
Longtime McCain adviser Mark Salter (who advised McCain during the 2008 presidential election) did offer this "Ron Paul may be the wackiest candidate in the GOP field. But for pure, blind stupidity, nobody beats Santorum. In my 20 years in the Senate, I never met a dumber member, which he reminded me of today,"
Longtime McCain adviser Mark Salter (who advised McCain during the 2008 presidential election) did offer this "Ron Paul may be the wackiest candidate in the GOP field. But for pure, blind stupidity, nobody beats Santorum. In my 20 years in the Senate, I never met a dumber member, which he reminded me of today,"
Thursday, May 19, 2011
Budgeting Money for Uniforms
Money is being spent by New Jersey for Uniforms, For Employees that don't wear uniforms, and In New Jersey they don't even need receipts
School Board Member Wants to Return Docked Pay
Madison teachers who failed to show up to work during the Budget Protests were docked pay. One School Board Member would like to return that money to them in the form of a $200 gift card.
Jon Stewart on The O'Reilly Factor
Stewart visits O'Reilly to talk about the ludicrous nature that is the "common controversy", about rapper Common visiting the white house. Fox News has made a fuss that common believes a cop killer is innocent and has "celebrated" them. Stewart points out, if by Fox's standards that would prohibit Common from going to the white house Then Bob Dylan can't go to the white house, neither can Bruce Springsteen nor Bono. Bono wrote a song about a man convicted of killing two federal agents, but Fox made no fuss when he visited the White House.
14,000 Properties
The US government has 14,000 properties that it doesn't need. It is difficult to sell them because their are 20 laws that regulate sale of government buildings. Because of the red tape, unused buildings stay on the government books.
Wednesday, May 18, 2011
Drowning in Red Tape
So much Red Tape involved with schools, they couldn't even Accept a donated prom dress from a mother. The purpose being that less fortunate girls wouldn't have to buy expensive dresses. But red tape got in the way of common sense, and put a stop to that.
Whole Foods Approach to Health Care
Whole Foods is a unique company. That's obvious if you have ever shopped their. They also have a unique form of health care. Their employees health coverage includes high deductibles and Health Savings accounts or HSAs. The owner of Whole Foods makes an argument for why the way they do health care is so effective.
Understanding HSA's
This quick 3 minute video explains what an HSA is.If you don't have a degree in economics, or have worked in insurance. You might not understand exactly what an HSA is, that's ok.
Understanding Medicare In Four Minutes
Medicare Is confusing, but in this quick four minute video explains the basics of Medicare A through D. If we want to talk about reform. It's best to understand how it works.
Income Gap between Specialist and Primary Care
There is a shortage of primary care physicians in this country. It's no wonder, considering for the same amount of work. They could earn significantly more, being a specialist. Fee for service medicine has gotten us to a place, where more money is to be made treating sick people than preventing disease.
Zero Tolerance, Zero Common Sense
Two Lacrosse players were suspended for bringing deadly weapons to their high school campus. The two boys who are model students were suspended for Having a lighter and a pen knife, which are used to fix their lacrosse sticks. The school classifies the lighter as "an explosive device"
It's reasonable to have a policy against weapons on school grounds, in fact it makes perfect sense. What makes no sense is when school officials fail to use any judgment in the matter what so ever.
It's reasonable to have a policy against weapons on school grounds, in fact it makes perfect sense. What makes no sense is when school officials fail to use any judgment in the matter what so ever.
Tuesday, May 17, 2011
Reforming Military Spending
The Cato institute offers five ways to cut the military. It's just a start to a path towards fiscal responsibility
We must stick together on globalization
Gordon Brown Argues that the way forward is to stick with globalization.
Tying the Hands of Government Officials
Stephen Goldsmith, deputy of New York City Talks about how red tape ties the hands of officials
Monday, May 16, 2011
America's Future
America can have a bright future, but we need politicians to make long term plans. Other Countries are doing it. So can we.
Preventive Health Care Myths
It's a myth that preventive Health Care saves money its a fun one to repeat, because we then think that there are easy solutions to the health care crisis.
Postal Service to become more efficient, it would like to
The postal service operates in the red every year. But it is not permitted to close its least profitable branches.
Power of Public Sector Unions
Public sector unions have thrived for the past 50 years Is there run coming to an end? An economist articles wonders just that.
Sunday, May 15, 2011
Health Care, Caring about Costs
When it comes to one type of health care, everybody knows what everything costs. That is health care for animals. Costs are clear and transparent, and the consumers make decisions based on cost and likely outcomes.
Real Budget Cuts
Rand Paul is serious on budget cuts talking to Wolf Blitzer
At least one person is serious about budget cuts. He says something telling "Conservatives have to be willing to cut military spending, and liberals have to be willing to cut some welfare spending". Finally, A politician who is able to state the obvious truth.
At least one person is serious about budget cuts. He says something telling "Conservatives have to be willing to cut military spending, and liberals have to be willing to cut some welfare spending". Finally, A politician who is able to state the obvious truth.
Lawsuits and Swing Sets
Because of lawsuits, swing sets are being removed from playgrounds. Its sad that in the name of protecting kids, they lose the ability to play. Kids might get hurt, so lets take down the playgrounds.
How much do we spend on education?
How much money are we spending per pupil? Why are school districts under-reporting how much they spend per student? Regardless of political party can't we all agree transparency is a good thing. That we should be able to follow the money?
Three Tiers of Government for Education
Since education is funded from three different sources: local, state and federal, there are often central mandates put on local school districts that make no sense. It isn't hard to imagine why, the needs of school children in Juneau may be different from those in Brooklyn but in Mobile.
This State Mandate requires a school bus seat for every child and prevents the school from using the money more efficiently, and causes them to waste $2 million dollars a year.
Saturday, May 14, 2011
Wisconsin, Collective Bargaining
Just one reason Governor Walker was right in trying to change the rules that allow unions to keep open facilities that are no longer needed. Unions force nearly empty juvenile facility to stay open, even though there is only one juvenile there, the cost is over $300,000.
Is it unreasonable to think that our government should be better?
Is it unreasonable to think that our government should be better?
Time to draw down in afghanistan.
With the Death of Bin Laden. It is time to draw down in Afghanistan.
Time to Draw down in Afghanistan
Time to Draw down in Afghanistan
Friday, May 13, 2011
A Quick Explanation of Health Care terms
For those of you who want to understand Insurance, and then be able to understand the health care reform bills. This is for you. It's a pretty basic explanation of insurance.
A 3 minute video explaining basic insurance terms
A 3 minute video explaining basic insurance terms
Auto Bailout
Dan Ikenson states why the auto bailout is not a success, even after GM has become profitable.
Even though, Obama states that the tax payer is going to be made whole from the deal. Even though this rhetoric is mostly fantasy.
GM profits nothing to gloat about
Even though, Obama states that the tax payer is going to be made whole from the deal. Even though this rhetoric is mostly fantasy.
GM profits nothing to gloat about