Archive for June, 2011
Wednesday Open Thread: June 22, 2011
Today in History: June 22
1944 – U.S. President Franklin D. Roosevelt signs into law the Servicemen’s Readjustment Act of 1944, commonly known as the G.I. Bill
1984 – Virgin Atlantic Airways launches with its first flight from London Heathrow Airport.
1990 – Checkpoint Charlie is dismantled in Berlin.
2009 – Washington Metro train collision: Two Metro trains collide in Washington, D.C., USA, killing 9 and injuring over 80.
So…what’s on your minds this Wednesday?
What are people talking about in your part of the world?
Labor union lawyer, Thomas Geoghegan, says that things built in the South are inferior.
- Thomas Geoghegan…Union Lawyer Thug
This story really gets my hackles up. In yesterday’s Wall Street Journal, labor lawyer Thomas Geoghegan wrote an article about why Boeing is making a drastic mistake by moving their Dreamliner plant from Washington state to South Carolina. The title of the article is….
Boeing’s Threat to American Enterprise
When major firms move to the South, it’s usually a harbinger of quality decline. Why let that happen?
Quality decline? Really? So this elitist union lawyer from Chicago (yes, Chicago) is saying that here in the South, we are stupid idiots that don’t know how to build anything and that Boeing is jeopardizing safety by moving the plant to South Carolina.
He goes on to write” Why is Boeing, one of our few real global champions in beefing up exports, moving work on the Dreamliner from a high-skill work force ($28 an hour on average) to a much lower-wage work force ($14 an hour starting wage)? Nothing could be a bigger threat to the economic security of this country.” Well….another name for “high-skill” work force could be “overpaid- with- big- fat- benefits- packages” work force.
There are a number of companies that have moved to the South not only because of the Right to Work law but also because the cost of living is lower, it’s a friendly place to do business and…we have just as high a skilled work force as elsewhere in the country. BMW has a plant in Spartanburg, South Carolina… Kia Motors has a manufacturing plant in West Point, Georgia…Gulfstream builds business jets in Savannah, Georgia… and the F-22 Raptor is built by Lockheed Martin in Marietta, Georgia. The opening of these plants has had a very positive impact on the local economy and I haven’t heard anyone complain about “low quality”.
I know I’m just being thin skinned because I am a Southerner and I know that Mr. Geoghegan is nothing more than an elitist union lawyer dweeb that answers to the union thugs.
I encourage you to read the entire article….and make sure that you read the almost 700 comments at the end…..
I’m not the only one that is riled up.
Allen West admits he made a mistake on Pigford.
(h/t The Right Scoop)
Allen West has come out and admitted that he made a mistake the other day when he voted “no” to stop the funding of Pigford. He says that it was a lack of “due diligence” on his part. How many times does a politician admit that he’s wrong? It doesn’t happen very often but I think that “we the people” were so verbal about how we feel about the insanity of Pigford that it is making a difference. Our representatives need to be held accountable for their vote.
So…if you haven’t yet signed the Pigford Petition, I urge you to do so. Let’s stop this monstrosity of wasteful (and fraudulent) spending of our tax dollars.
I think this qualifies as a Red Team Action Item.
Tuesday Open Thread: June 21st, 2011
Welcome to the first day of Summer 2011.
Summertime brings back vivid childhood memories.
I remember the feeling of complete boredom. The blissful feeling of having absolutely nothing to do. Reading on the porch on a hazy, hot and humid day ( the infamous 3 H’s in the south)….waiting for those wonderful afternoon thunderstorms that rolled in at 4pm every day.
Ahhh…to be a kid again.
So….What are your fondest summertime memories?
What else is on your minds this Tuesday?
What are people talking about in your part of the world?
John Stewart Slams LSM Coverage of Sarah Palin Emails
Several alert Hillbuzz readers have posted this video and I finally had a chance to watch it this weekend. I’ve watched it five times since then…it’s just a genius piece of media analysis. Good on John Stewart for noticing that the LSM have become caricatures of themselves.
| The Daily Show With Jon Stewart | Mon – Thurs 11p / 10c | |||
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Hillbuzz Gold Team Action Item: Write Your Own Caption
- U.S. President Barack Obama (C) poses with Chinese ambassador to the U.S. Zhou Wenzhong (L) and U.S. ambassador to China Jon Huntsman at the Great Wall of China in Badaling in this November 18, 2009 file photo. (H/T MSNBC. Eww.)
Here’s a bit of fun for the Gold Team (Creativity). The Lamestream Media will be saturated in the days to come with love notes, written in perfumed glitter gel pen on college-ruled paper, and passed at recess to their new BFF, John Huntsman. I know, you’ve never heard of him before, but believe it or not, he’s the “leading” new “serious” GOP candidate that the Dems are “secretly afraid of.”
Huntsman was appointed the U.S. Ambassador to China by Barak Hussein (“though I personally have never ever ever been a Muslim personally myself, ever, the sound of the Muslim call to prayer in Arabic every morning is the most beautiful thing I have ever heard in my whole entire life”) Obama. He recently resigned to run for president. As a Republican.
By virtue of having purchased most of America’s debt, in the form of Treasury bonds, China owns us. And the higher deficit spending goes, the more of the U.S. China owns.
Hmmm.
So anyway, this Republican, John Huntsman, was appointed U.S. Ambassador to China. By a Marxist.
Wonder why, since so many ambassadorships are used to pay off political supporters. Weird.
Anyway, here’s a photo of Teh Won with LSM-Approved GOP candidate John Huntsman and the Chinese ambassador.
See if you can write a better caption for it than the one supplied by PMSNBC. (If you have Photoshop skills, and want to make this into a helpful campaign poster for Mr. Huntsman, I’m sure he’d appreciate it. So knock yourself out.)
A letter about Trig
This may be old news to some of you but I heard about this on the Bill Bennett radio show this morning and it was so touching that I felt it worth a post….mainly because you probably won’t hear anything about it in the LSM (at least nothing positive).
Below is one of the emails that Governor Palin sent to her family and friends. It was meant to be private and it’s very personal but…when her emails were released to the media a couple of weeks ago this one was included. It’s an email that she sent while she was pregnant with Trig. It was after she and Todd found out that Trig would have Down’s Syndrome. She wrote it as if it were from God speaking to her and her family about Trig and it is absolutely beautiful.
Grab a Kleenex…here goes…
To the Sisters, Brother, Grandparents, Aunts, Uncles, Cousins, and Friends of Trig Paxson Van Palin (or whatever you end up naming him!):
I am blessing you with this surprise baby because I only want the best for you. I’ve heard your prayers that this baby will be happy and healthy, and I’ve answered them because I only want the best for you!
I heard your heart when you hinted that another boy would fit best in the Palin family, to round it out and complete that starting five line-up. Though another girl would be so nice, you didn’t think you could ask for what you REALLY wanted, but I knew, so I gave you a boy because I only want the best for you!
Then, I put the idea in your hearts that his name should be “Trig”, because it’s so fitting, with two Norse meanings: “True” and “Brave Victory”. You also have a Bristol Bay relative with that name, so I knew it would be best for you!
Then, I let Trig’s mom have an exceptionally comfortable pregnancy so she could enjoy every minute of it, and I even seemed to rush it along so she could wait until near the end to surprise you with the news – that way Piper wouldn’t have so long to wait and count down so many days – just like Christmastime when you have to wait, impatiently, for that special day to finally open your gift? (Or the way the Palins look forward to birthday celebrations that go on for three, four days… you all really like cake .) I know you, I knew you’d be better off with just a short time to wait!
Then, finally, I let Trig’s mom and dad find out before he was born that this little boy will truly be a GIFT. They were told in early tests that Trig may provide more challenges, and more joy, than what they ever may have imagined or ever asked for. At first the news seemed unreal and sad and confusing . But I gave Trig’ s mom and dad lots of time to think about it because they needed lots of time to understand that everything will be OK, in fact, everything will be great, because I only want the best for you!
I’ve given Trig’s mom and dad peace and joy as they wait to meet their new son. I gave them a happy anticipation because they asked me for that. I’ll give all of you the same happy anticipation and strength to deal with Trig’s challenges, but I won’t impose on you…
I just need to know you want to receive my offer to be with all of you and help you everyday to make Trig’s life a great one.
This new person in your life can help everyone put things in perspective and bind us together and get everyone focused on what really matters . The baby will expand your world and let you see and feel things you haven’t experienced yet. He’ll show you what “true, brave victory” really means as those who love him will think less about self and focus less on what the world tells you is “normal” or “perfect”. You will grow and be blessed with greater understanding that will be born along with Trig.
Trig will be his dad’s little buddy and he’ll wear Carhartts while he learns to tinker in the garage. He’ll love to be read to, he’ll want to play goalie, and he’ll steal his mom’s heart just like Track, Bristol, Willow and Piper did. And Trig will be the cuddly, innocent, mischievous, dependent little brother that his siblings have been waiting for in fact Trig will – in some diagnostic ways – always be a mischievous, dependent little brother, because I created him a bit different than a lot of babies born into this world today.
Every child is created special, with awesome purpose and amazing potential. Children are the most precious and promising ingredient in this mixed up world you live in down there on earth. Trig is no different, except he has one extra chromosome. Doctors call it “Down’s Syndrome”, and Downs kids have challenges, but can bring you much delight and more love than you can ever imagine! Just wait and see, let me prove this, because I only want the best for you!
Some of the rest of the world may not want him, but take comfort in that because the world will not compete for him. Take care of him and he will always be yours!
Trig’s mom and dad don’t want people to focus on the baby’s extra chromosome. They’re human, so they haven’t known how to explain this to people who are so caring and are interested in this new little Alaskan. Sarah and Todd want people to share in the joy of this gift I’m giving to the Palin family, and the greater Alaska family. Many people won’t understand… and I understand that. Some will think Trig should not be allowed to be born because they fear a Downs child won’t be considered “perfect” in your world. (But tell me, what do you earthlings consider “perfect” or even “normal” anyway? Have you peeked down any grocery store isle, or school hallway, or into your office lunchroom lately? Or considered the odd celebrities you celebrate as “perfect” on t.v.? Have you noticed I make `em all shapes and sizes? Believe me ,, there is no “perfect”!)
Many people will express sympathy, but you don’t want or need that, because Trig will be a joy. You will have to trust me on this.
I know it will take time to grasp this and come to accept that I only want the best for you, and I only give my best. Remember though: “My ways are not your ways, my thoughts are not your thoughts… for as the heavens are higher than the earth, my ways are higher than yours!”
I wrote that all down for you in the Good Book ! Look it up! You claim that you believe me – now it’s time to live out that belief!
Please look to me as this new challenge and chapter of life unfolds in front of you. I promise to equip you. I won’t give you anything you can’t handle. I am answering your prayers. Trig can’t wait to meet you. I’m giving you ONLY THE BEST!
Love,
Trig’s Creator , Your Heavenly Father
That’s just wonderful.
Monday Open Thread: June 20th, 2011
Today in History: June 20th
1944 – World War II: The Battle of the Philippine Sea concludes with a decisive U.S. naval victory. The lopsided naval air battle is also known as the “Great Marianas Turkey Shoot”.
1963 – The so-called “red telephone” is established between the Soviet Union and the United States following the Cuban Missile Crisis.
1972 – Watergate scandal: An 18½-minute gap appears in the tape recording of the conversations between U.S. President Richard Nixon and his advisers regarding the recent arrests of his operatives while breaking into the Watergate complex.
1990 – Asteroid Eureka is discovered.
So…what’s on your minds this Monday?
What are people talking about in your part of the world?
What “Healthcare Crisis?” or, What I Won’t Be Able To Do Under Obamacare
H/T Ah, Shoot
Leftists are fond of screeching that there’s a “healthcare crisis.” When what we really have is a “government interference in the healthcare and insurance industries” crisis.
Allow me to share my personal story.
I had been feeling under the weather and exhausted most of the week, but unfortunately, for an entrepreneur under the Obama Regime, that is not unusual, so I ignored it.
The “unusual” waited until Friday morning to show up: a large, painful swelling under my jaw and a 101-degree fever.
My company pays about $195 a month for a high-deductible health insurance policy for me. I’m responsible for the first $3,000 of medical expenses every year. After that, the insurance policy covers everything. I’m generally extremely healthy–one doctor visit in the past two years. So this arrangement works great for me, and if I need medical care, I just buy it like I buy food or utilities or any of the other necessities of life.
So when I woke up Friday morning feeling like death on toast, I called my doctor’s office to get an appointment. My doctor was already booked. But her partner had an opening at 4:15 that afternoon, which I snapped up.
I explained to the intake nurse that I had insurance, but it was a high-deductible policy, so I wanted to pay the out-of-pocket price if that was lower than the negotiated rate. The nurse said she wasn’t sure, but she thought that would be $50. I said that was about all I could afford and that would be fine.
I showed up for my appointment and wrote the doctor a check for $50. There was no paperwork to fill out.
The doctor saw me about 30 minutes later (not bad, considering it was the end of the day on Friday and I was the last patient.) The diagnosis–an incredibly infected gland under my jaw. The treatment–antibiotics.
I told the MD I didn’t have drug coverage. So I asked him for any free samples he might have in the drug cabinet in the back. (Drug reps from the pharmaceutical companies give doctors cases of free drug samples every year–you just have to ask for them.) He didn’t have any antibiotics in the drug stash, but he told me that Meijer, a regional chain similar to Target, offers several antibiotics FOR FREE.
The doc went through Meijer’s “free” list, crossed off the antibiotics I’m allergic to, and wrote a script. It happened to be one that gives me bad heartburn, so I asked him to write me a script for one that I knew I tolerated better–I could call around and get prices on it. Since the office would be closed until Monday, he agreed (I promised him I would throw away the script I didn’t fill.)
In the end, I decided on the free antibiotic at Meijer. When I showed up to fill the prescription, the pharm tech checked my insurance coverage just in case. It turned out I had Rx coverage, and the other antibiotic would be just $20 and I’d only have to take it for 5 days.
Sold.
Within 12 hours of waking up incredibly sick, I was in and out of the doctor’s office for $50 and had a $20 antibiotic that started to kick in the next day. I already feel better. (And I could have chosen the free option.)
So my first question is, “WHAT healthcare crisis?!?!?”
My second question is, would any of this have been possible under Obamacare? Hell to the no.
According to the Association of American Medical Colleges, physician shortages will start in 2014 and continue to get worse. As reported at Hot Air,
“While previous projections showed a baseline shortage of 39,600 doctors in 2015, current estimates bring that number closer to 63,000, with a worsening of shortages through 2025,” the group said in a statement.
After Obamacare kicks in, will my company still pay less than $200 a month for my insurance? Probably not. Since Obamacare was passed, my insurance company has raised rates by 26%.
Will Meijer still offer free antibiotics as a “loss leader” to get non-regulars like me into their store? Who knows. Once the government takes over healthcare, perhaps they’ll decide to “acquire” the pharmaceutical industry, too.
Will I be able to get into the MD the same day (on a Friday, no less?) Of course not. We’ll have Canadian and UK-style waiting lists.
Obamacare must be stopped. Obama must be stopped. Or we can all look forward to this long list of job-killing, old-people-killing, economy-killing, side-effects.
Sunday Open Thread: June 19th, 2011
Today is a very special day. I hope that you all have a most wonderful Father’s Day.
Take time to relax and enjoy the company of your family and friends.
Tell us how you are spending your day? Any special plans?
I’m having breakfast with my father-in-law and then I’m spending the afternoon with my dad (and the rest of my family)….having B,B&B (barbeque, brunswick stew and beer). Southern happiness 
