Can anyone explain why $700 million should be spent on fish barriers, bees, and remodeling the Department of Commerce?
How do any of these things create new jobs to stimulate the economy and save us all from financial ruin?
Here’s how just $700 million of the Obama-Pelosi-Reid Trillion Dollar Spending Bill is allocated. Please correct us if you can argue otherwise, but we fail to see how any of the below will create new jobs. All measures will make some people very wealthy, to be sure, because the specialized companies who handle medium-sized fish passage barriers and honey bee hives will see big profits heading their way, but it doesn’t seem like this spending will suddenly create a whole new fish passage barrier industry across the nation to employ workers without jobs now.
It doesn’t even sound like this will incentivize the fish barrier people and the bee people to hire more people to do the important things they do, wherever they do them. Over at the Honey Comb Hideout, they pretty much have all the bee people who exist now, buzzing around, being the best they can be. How long will it take to train new bee experts to participate in this beautiful bounty of stimulus spending? Might be a while, as those buggers are hard to come by.
Same with the fish barrier folks. That’s mighty specialized, whatever the heck it is.
How is any of this supposed to help the economy?
Can anyone explain this?
• $20 million “for the removal of small- to medium-sized fish passage barriers.” (Pg. 45 of Senate Appropriations Committee report: “20,000,000 for the removal of small- to medium-sized fish passage barriers)
• $400 million for STD prevention (Pg. 60 of Senate Appropriations Committee report: “CDC estimates that a proximately 19 million new STD infections occur annually in the United States …The Committee has included $400,000,000 for testing and prevention of these conditions.”)
• $25 million to rehabilitate off-roading (ATV) trails (Pg. 45 of Senate Appropriations Committee report: “$25,000,000 is for recreation maintenance, especially for rehabilitation of off-road vehicle routes, and $20,000,000 is for trail maintenance and restoration”)
• $34 million to remodel the Department of Commerce HQ (Pg. 15 of Senate Appropriations Committee report: $34,000,000 for the Department of Commerce renovation and modernization”)
• $70 million to “Support Supercomputing Activities” for climate research (Pgs. 14-15 of Senate Appropriations Committee Report: $70,000,000 is directed to specifically support supercomputing activities, especially as they relate to climate research)
• $150 million for honey bee insurance (Pg. 102 of Senate Appropriations Committee report: “The Secretary shall use up to $ 50,000,000 per year, and $150,000,000 in the case of 2009, from the Trust Fund to provide emergency relief to eligible producers of livestock, honey bees, and farm-raised fish to aid in the reduction of losses due to disease, adverse weather, or other conditions, such as blizzards and wildfires, as determined by the Secretary”)
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obama just announced that 20 million dollars will go to Gaza for relief. Could we possibly have a few people in this country that would have been happy to see some help?
I am so sick to my stomach… I am so glad republicans voted no!!!
Obama’s Bill Hands ACORN $5.2 Billion Bailout
http://www.newsmax.com/headlines/obama_bailout_bill/2009/01/27/175729.html?s=sp&promo_code=78EC-1
There is a huge problem in the agricultural word with bees dying out. There is something wrong with them and they need to try really hard to find out what it is. Most experts think it is realted to pollution, but they really do not know. Bees are essential for pollination of many of our crops and when they are threatened, so is the world food supply. I think investing in finding out why the bee population has dropped drastically worldwide is a an excellent use of the funds. More crops, more food, less hunger for the entire world.
But the $150 million isn’t for honey bee research it’s for honey bee insurance. How that is connected to raising livestock or farming fish, I haven’t a clue.
• $150 million for honey bee insurance (Pg. 102 of Senate Appropriations Committee report: “The Secretary shall use up to $ 50,000,000 per year, and $150,000,000 in the case of 2009, from the Trust Fund to provide emergency relief to eligible producers of livestock, honey bees, and farm-raised fish to aid in the reduction of losses due to disease, adverse weather, or other conditions, such as blizzards and wildfires, as determined by the Secretary”)
Everday Jane alternative solutions to pork
$20 million “for the removal of small- to medium-sized fish passage barriers.” ENLIST THE NEAREST CHAIN GANG TO REMOVE THEM, AND FINE the various state DOTs that built the culverts and such incorrectly in the first place. (“We don’t want any infrastructure funding to go to skilled construction workers”)
$400 million for STD prevention: MEN: KEEP FLIES ZIPPED AND UNDERPANTS ON. WOMEN: KEEP KNEES TOGETHER.
$25 million to rehabilitate off-roading (ATV) trails: IN NEVADA, WE REFER TO ATV RIDERS AS “DUST HOLES” (as in “a-holes). IF YOU NEED A TRAIL, YOU SHOULDN’T BE ON AN ATV IN THE FIRST PLACE. (All-terrain vehicle)
$34 million to remodel the Department of Commerce HQ: LIVE WITH IT AS IS…OR ENTER EXTREME HOME MAKEOVER
$70 million to “Support Supercomputing Activities” for climate research: I CAN DO YOUR PREDICTING FOR YOU: EVEN IF PEOPLE LIVE A MORE ECOLOGICALLY SENSITIVE LIFESTYLE, WHICH IS ADVISABLE, MOTHER EARTH WILL STILL GO THRU MASSIVE CHANGES, AS ALWAYS. PANGAEA, ANYONE?
$150 million for honey bee insurance: HOW ABOUT USING THIS MONEY TO FIGURE OUT WHAT’S WRONG WITH HONEYBEES? IF YOU USE EVEN HALF OF IT TO FUND THOSE SCIENTISTS WHO’RE ALREADY WORKING ON FINDING THE CAUSE, YOU WON’T NEED INSURANCE.
My thoughts exactly Julianne! Bravo-
Also, the honey bees are probably dying out because of the huge pesticide usage. BUT-can we really protect ourselves from a company such as MONSANTO? That’s who we’d be insuring the bees against. They’re everywhere and nobody can/will stand up to them and survive- Have them disclose their “inactive ingredients” in their poisons-then you’ll find out one big reason why the bees are dying. (and we aren’t far behind)
Part of this bill also states: “50,000,000 per year, . . . from the Trust Fund to provide emergency relief to eligible producers of livestock,. . .to aid in the reduction of losses due to disease, . . .as determined by the Secretary”)” Shouldn’t a pesticide/poison clause be in there too??
MORE of this money will most likely be collected from the MEAT aka “Lifestock” companies which is big business- right up there w/ the pharmaceutical goods and Monsanto. Tell me the products of the huge feedstock companies aren’t diseased already.
Also stated: “. . as determined by the Secretary” Can the Secretary not be influenced by the lobbyists, and these big businesses to “determine” what is valid and what isn’t. Scary-
$400 million to remind people to use a condom? Right, new jobs there … not.
And, yes, as FLMom said, it’s not the bees that are being researched, they are being INSURED against loss (along with livestock and fish). To me this is a cost of doing business, to insure against loss. Why should the government (aka US) pick up this cost.
And here’s a clue to save the bees, quit spraying crops with toxic substances to prevent infestation of “pests.” Duh, yeah, the bees aren’t gonna stick around or survive if they’re being poisoned. Now research for more organic means to eliminate pests that keep the bees coming back, THAT I could get behind. Though I’ve always wondered why they didn’t just cultivate ladybugs and other natural predators of most crop pests …. but I digress.
This “stimulus” is just a big fat pork pile that will only benefit those in power(more votes from their constituents who get the goodies).
Our children and grand children are royally screwed.
OK you guys here’s the list of senators with email addresses.
http://www.senate.gov/general/contact_information/senators_cfm.cfm
I just emailed all the Dems (except the ones my email trashes), Independents, and a few wishy, washy R’s. It doesn’t take long if you copy and paste the same letter. C’mon you guys, this is what it’s all about.
Good job!!!
It’s “remove” fish barriers. I’m guessing the idea is to aid salmon in the NW, which have suffered from these things that keep them from going upriver to spawn. It is a job issue in the NW, but as with the rest of the pork in this barrel, is it really going to work?
Two words concerning the bee problems, STOP IMPORTING!!!
The latest problem, here in CA, (besides the fact the we’re broke) is Australian bees. I can’t recall if they brought over a virus, or they’re too aggressive, (the bees) but they are not the magic fix they were supposed to be.
Another case of man trying to “help” nature along rather than let things play out naturally.
How did nature survive for millions of years without man’s engineering and interference? A mystery for the ages to be sure.
“How did nature survive for millions of years without man’s engineering and interference? ”
There weren’t pesticides and deforestation ging on. Exactly, let nature do her thing, I think she’s more equipted then we are!
Read this guy’s blog. He explains why the stimulus package CANNOT work in the simplest way I’ve read to this date. And he is not a Democrat nor a Republican. EXCELLENT article!
http://blog.robertringer.com/2009/01/30/stimulus-packages-vs-wealth-creation-part-ii/
Well they can send me the money for why the bee population has dropped. I am an avid gardener and there is an over abundance of bees on my property for the simple reason that there are flowers her, DUH! We have built nothing but McMansions in the past 10 years with zero lot lines and no one has any property or a garden. NEXT?
Oh, I have a garden and a littlbe land-but my neighbors do too- and they love to spray pesticides and dust with poisons because it’s easier than getting off their out of shape tails and actually pulling the weeds or mowing the grass or drinking their morning coffee while they hose off the white flys from their orange tree.
Tammy,
Thanks for the link. He’s hit the nail on the head.
I set out my solutions to the bulleted items (heh-heh), but they haven’t posted yet. Though I think Gianna and Ten have already solved the bee problem! lol
If humans would have stayed out of the bees business, we wouldn’t have this huge problem with the Africanized bees. They are hybridizing with our European bees, and yes the agressive gene has taken over. If you live down South you have African(killer bees) around somewhere. Human error, of course, is the reason we have these killers here. If some of the money is used to control Africanized bees than I’m all for it.
supporting the beekeepers (small and big) will help cut out the africanized bees. A well maintained beehive is much more likely to be a friendly hive (requeened when/if necessary) than that of a feral hive.
Although, I have caught very nice feral bees and have never had to requeen any of my hives- I support the natural selection.
Here is a reply I received from my email blitz
Thank you for your recent correspondence regarding H.R.1,
the “American Recovery and Reinvestment Act of 2009.” I
appreciate your taking the time to write.
I understand your concerns and welcome your interest in this matter. On January 28, 2009, the House of Representatives passed H.R. 1 by a vote of 244-188. This $819 billion economic stimulus legislation now moves to the U.S. Senate for consideration. I voted against this legislation because with the South Carolina
unemployment rate continuing to rise, this bill does little to create
jobs and grow the economy in the immediate future. For example,
some of the approximately $550 billion in direct government
spending within this massive economic spending bill would be
allocated for renovation of the National Endowment for the Arts. I
fail to understand how this measure promotes economic activity
and creates real economic growth. It is clear that this spending
package has become a one stop shop for every item on a spending
agenda – a massive and unprecedented spending bill aimed to
bypass the normal appropriations process and subsidize a broad
range of existing and new government programs. It passes massive
debt onto our children and could mean future tax increases on
hardworking Americans as well as hyperinflation.
It is my hope that Congress can work in a bipartisan
manner to bring forward legislation that will stimulate more jobs
for South Carolinians. A targeted stimulus package of tax relief
and assistance for small businesses would fuel this nation’s
entrepreneurial spirit and help private industry and individuals
create jobs. Our focus should be on growing the American
economy-not on growing our already massive government.
Additionally, I believe Congress can promote job growth through
legislation that reduces the corporate tax rate and eliminates the
capital gains tax. Please be assured that I will keep your thoughts
in mind as the debate on the economic recovery package moves
forward.
It is an honor to represent the people of the Second
Congressional District of South Carolina, and I value your input.
If I may be of further assistance to you, please do not
hesitate to contact me.
Very Truly Yours,
Joe Wilson
Member of Congress
Wake up USA! Like him or not, agree with him or not, Beck is presenting facts from the Federal Reserve Bank of St. Louis. Please watch the video and share with your friends. We MUST contact our representatives with our outrage. THIS IS SCARY! http://www.glennbeck.com/content/articles/article/198/20816/
OhioDee:
The biggest problem is apathetic Americans. I saw that graph on the Glenn Beck show and was absolutely shocked.
This bill will financially destroy our country for the next 50 years. It’s frightening…
Joe Biden says paying higher taxes is patriotic, therefore Pres. Carney Hucksters pick for treasury and SSHS are incredibly unpatriotic!
Maria3: It is not surprising Obama is giving billions to ACORN. After all, he made ACORN into what it is, along with the rest of the dems. This whole financial crisis goes back to banks being forced to give loans to people who were not qualified. Obama,as their lawyer was directly responsible. Here is a video in his own words. Maybe if the MSM had reportered this we would not be in such a mess:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ivmL-lXNy64
HB guys:
How about a story on the Chicago ties here?
Jullianne- Love the “Everyday Jane Alernative Relief Package” LOL – great ideas..
I just heard that Dashale has had some tax issues/// HO HUM. I guess we get yet another tax cheat ( because they already approved the first one).. Lobbyists even though he said no lobbyists.. How many days are we in?
I certainly HOPE things CHANGE.
Billions to ACORN, sod for a mall and new ATV trails among the crap. He finds money for al lthat nonsense but is telling the pentagon to cut the defense budget by 10%.
Money, or the lack of it will be the least of our worries
HB “Can anyone explain why $700 million should be spent on fish barriers, bees, and remodeling the Department of Commerce?”
Easy; we live in a Kakistocracy.
Kakistocracy: Government by the least qualified or most unprincipled citizens.
This is the fault of both parties leadership. They have chosen people of poor character time and time again. US Political power totem of corruptible vultures.
Both Governor Palin and Senator Gillibrand climbed the ranks DESPITE their parties wishes. This should tell us something about both them, and their parties.
I know Gillibrand was appointed, but her Independent cred checks out. Look at her run for Congress against the wishes of Pelosi. She won…Ha.
Sharon: Thanks, you’re too kind. My alt. ideas are not up to HB standards, but at least they inspire me to greater heights of levity.
I heard about Daschle, too, last evening. I know the Native peeps in S. Dakota were counting on him to address their health concerns (esp. diabetes, which is killing many NAs). What’s with these criminals–er, politicians–that they think they’re above the law? Maybe we regular citizens need to boycott the IRS and withhold our federal and self-employment taxes. What’re they gonna do, send us all to Gitmo?
Stacy says: “Kakistocracy: Government by the least qualified or most unprincipled citizens.”
I say: Way cool. We older Americans know it as the “Peter Principle,” in which people rise to the highest level of their incompetence. “Kakistocracy” is more fun to say. Thanks!
Ten and PVG: Thanks for solving the honeybee problem! Your bailout checks are in the mail!!!
PVG
I took your advice and wrote to the senators. But I have to say that I did not think I could convince Harry (Reeks) Reid to vote no on this bill so I decided to send him a special note from an annoying stinking tourist whose hard earned tax dollars are being squandered on his pork projects. I also thought I should write thank you note to Pelosi for crafting such a pork infested spend-fest and that it brings new meaning to the clique “lipstick on a pig”.
Jiliannebarbato for President!
Since I have fought illegal immigration for years, I can tell you it finally turned the Republicans around. But it took many phone calls, faxes, and emails to do so.
At first you start out nice, when you find out you just get form letters or ignored altogether, you get a little more forceful in your letters and phone calls!
I’ve actually told them they would never get my vote again, or that I would work hard to see that they were never re-elected, that’s when I saw some action.
I have already faxed, emailed my Reps. on this bill, and I hope they stick to saying NO, on this.
The sad part is, it’s becoming a full time job to keep tabs on our politicians, and that is a shame!
Way to go Lynn!
You’re a better woman than I. Because I trashed pelosi, reid, dodd, Frank, and Schumer, in my letter/email, I skipped them. I should send them a “special” letter.
This will be fun.
BTW, Juliann, I’m still waiting for THAT check.
Barbara, which border state do you live in? I’m shocked you got any results. CA is completely broke, largely due to IA. That, and our leftislature, who again shot us in the foot yesterday and voted against offshore drilling.
Wait…let’s don’t criticize too much. Perhaps the POTUS has come up with the best relief package yet for the national debt — just keep nominating people for Cabinet positions who have evaded taxes over the years, and as they pay it back, poof, the deficit goes away. At this rate, the administration may singlehandedly solve the entire problem!
Isn’t it a bit of an irony that Obama came out blasting the Wall Street executives for their “bonuses” and then says America can’t survive without spending billions on pork? He can’t have it both ways. Or, at least, he shouldn’t have it both ways. Ok, so he can have it both ways. My husband and I just got our W2′s. Both of us are retired educators. When I saw how much of our retirement is paid in fed and state taxes, I almost screamed. The worst part is this: We were taxed on the income as we made it. Now that we are drawing retirement, we are taxed again. If someone would please nominate me or hubby for a cabinet post, next year we can not pay our taxes and take a long, long cruise!
Granny: ROTFL! Now that would REALLY be putting the Peter Principle to the test!
Mama Girl: Oh, that’s rich…love it!
Girlpower: I would also love to see HB do a big honking expose (acute accent on that last e) on ACORN. It galls me that Dems refuse to believe how ACORN stole the primary for Bobo. My caucus, capped off by that RBC travesty of democracy, prompted me to tear my Dem voting card and send it to Herr Doktor Dean, with a copy of my reregistration as a nonpartisan. When the DNC nevertheless kept sending me requests for $, I, along with many other PUMAs, sent them fake PUMA money.
HB: Please rag on ACORN big-time!!! There’s a ton of good research on Dr. Lynette Long’s site (www.caucusanalysis.org) and Dems on camera (MANY disheartened peeps of color) at http://www.wewillnotbesilenced2008.com. Uberlefties keep spouting their amazement that we aren’t all agog at the Master’s triumph. Well, excuse me, but it’s a HOLLOW, unearned victory, STOLEN from a woman. So what else is new? Principles before Party.
Julianne: GET A LIFE!
Now Julianne, you shouldn’t be so harsh on Julianne … uh … er …. nevermind.
I just wanted to make a comment, and ask where are the trolls? Funny, they aren’t here in this discussion.