April 15, 2006
MORE Cash for Education
Will there ever be an end to the continuous lies and deception used to take money from those who work and earn it so it can be given to those who DO NOT work? Well, not as long as there are Democrats in North Carolina, apparently.
Erskine Bowles, a lifetime far-left liberal Democrat was recently installed as president of the North Carolina University System. He's strongly supported by the also far-left liberal Charlotte Observer, who strongly encourages him to spend more, more, more, and MORE money that they didn't earn. A few choice quotes from the Observer:North Carolina's public university system is among the nation's best. In no small part, that's because the state's taxpayers have supported it generously and because its leaders focused on keeping costs low and keeping academic integrity high.
Well, if you define "best" as costing the most -- not the students, mind you, but to the taxpayers; and as a rubber-stamp institute where you get a degree for paying the money without actually learning anything; then sure, they're the best.
Yet the challenges facing the state's 16-campus system are formidable -- perhaps more so than at any time since its inception some 35 years ago.
That's the liberal way -- create a crisis. It's the end of the world. Give money or people will die. Also, please note: 35 years ago. In other words, just 35 years ago, there was no state university system. Does that mean NO ONE got education? Was there no way to be education beyond high school before the state got in the way? Obviously not. And if the state university system were to go away tomorrow, the only people who would suffer would be government bureaucrats. EVERYONE else would prosper, prices would drop, there would be massive competition, and huge amounts of employment all over the state. But the Democrats in Raleigh would lose control and would not be able to spend as much money. So, what's bad for everyone else is good for Democrats -- and the Democrats will support that every day of the week.
Students should pay no more than 25-30 percent of what it costs to build and operate our state universities.
Why not? The Observer attempts to sell this as being "affordable." It's crap. There is no reason at all that the citizens of North Carolina should be forced to pay 75% of the cost of an education that has little value to anyone. The more college degrees you give away, the less value they ALL have. Education is expensive. It's not for everyone. But anyone who wants the money can GET the money -- without it being forced from taxpayers. If the taxpayers had more money, there'd be MORE grants and scholarships for the students who really NEED and can EARN the money. And no, criminal invaders should not get a deal on their "higher" education, either.
Mr. Bowles needs to persuade the state legislature that taxpayer dollars must support a larger share of colleges' costs
Once again with the money. This is how socialism and the Observer work -- they want more money taken from people who work so that it can be spent on people who do not work. Tell me why I should work again? I can just keep going to North Carolina schools and actually get PAID to do so. Leeches unite behind the Observer and the Democrat-controlled legislature.
Public universities have an obligation to use resources to address onerous social problems and economic needs.
Again, the socialist bent of the Observer comes out in force here. For those who don't understand that position outlined, it goes like this: We need to take money from those who work and use it to advance our own, personal social and economic agenda, because we can't find any people who will actually support it! In the free marketplace of ideas, the Observer and their positions lose -- and they KNOW it. Therefore, the only way they can advance their ideas is by forcing people to pay for them against their will. And their only hope to continue that path is to get more socialists and Democrats in charge in North Carolina -- despite what the actual working people of North Carolina want and desire.
Posted by: Ogre at 11:01 AM | Comments (15) | Add Comment | Trackbacks (Suck)
April 14, 2006
Illegals: An Economic Impact
Wow. Indian Cowboy has a great piece up clearly illustrating the economic impact of illegal, criminal aliens. There's three simply, clear arguments -- my personal favorite is argument #2. It includes this gem:
Now, either government service gets 16.6% crappier, or they put the squeeze on the guys making 30 and 40 a year. The guys making 30, although probably paying less as a percentage or overall, will feel the hit harder than the guys making 40. The guys making 30 are our middle class.
Go read the whole thing.
Posted by: Ogre at 05:01 PM | Comments (8) | Add Comment | Trackbacks (Suck)
NC 95th House District
I received a rather long comment on a post I had covering the "debate" between candidates for the 95th House district in North Carolina: Robert Brawley and Karen Ray. This comment is from a supporter of Mr. Brawley (obviously), and I reproduce it here for all to judge.
It's a bit long, so I placed it in the extended entry. If there's anyone reading who can question any of the assertions put forward here, or any supporters of Karen Ray who want to weigh in on the issue, I'd be glad to post your responses as well.Posted by: Ogre at 03:01 PM | Comments (3) | Add Comment | Trackbacks (Suck)
PORK -- For the Children
Ah, it's time for more pork. And no, it's not the good kind, served up with BBQ sauce and baked beans. And it's highly likely to get lots of support -- you see, "It's for the Children"(TM).
A "statewide child protection task force panel" -- okay, I'm already discrediting anything that comes out of a panel with that sort of name. There's almost nothing good that can come out of a government agency that's going to do "something" to protect children -- it's almost always going to me a reduction of MY personal freedom. And we all know about those who will give up freedom for perceived safety. The panel has decided on a few "suggestions" for the Democrat-controlled General Assembly -- for the children (TM), of course.a bill that would require all motor vehicle passengers to wear seat belts.
Sorry, that's old news, and it's still crap. NO ONE should be required to wear a seat belt, period. If YOU want to not wear one, you just go right ahead. Of course, the argument is "what about the injuries?" Sorry, people in a FREE country are allowed to engage in risky activities -- IT'S CALLED FREEDOM. Oh, and the medical costs borne by the taxpayer? Don't pay them. Screw 'em. It's called responsibility. If you get the government out of the way, the free market really does work, every time it's tried. Let insurance companies agree to give discounts to those who wear seat belts and not cover those who don't. It's called capitalism. Unfortunately, all these words are foreign to the current NC General Assembly.
spend more than $700,000 toward infant mortality reduction efforts
Oh, who could be opposed to stopping infant deaths? Hello, Straw Man! That's $700,000 of money that could be used by free people A LOT more efficiently than the government. It's likely that over $400,000 of that money will be used for "administrative" costs instead of actually DOING anything. It's called a bureaucracy, and it stinks.
spend $150,000 for youth suicide prevention training
Well gee, we have to tell kids not to kill themselves, don't we? Otherwise, they'd all be dead. It's for the children(TM), right? What a total damn load of stinking, you-know-what. Complete and total pork, right here in North Carolina, without any sauce. So, what's your Democrat legislator done to destroy your freedom today?
Posted by: Ogre at 01:01 PM | Comments (6) | Add Comment | Trackbacks (Suck)
Cash for Government Shutters
Reading stories like this one really get me annoyed. At issue is not whether, but HOW the North Carolina State government will determine what sort of shutters you will be ALLOWED to have on your house in New Hanover and Brunswick County.
WHAT BUSINESS IS IT OF THEIRS? The state government has absolutely NO right to determine what kind of shutters I have on my damn house. They claim that by having more strict limits on shutters, people will save $1.4 million in insurance premiums. Guess why? BECAUSE GOVERNMENT REGULATIONS! Hello, moron State Sen. Julia Boseman, let me introduce you to a radical concept that I'm sure you won't understand: it's called THE FREE MARKET. Here's how it works: one person decides they want to build a home. As part of the cost, they decide to buy insurance. The insurance company and the person come to an agreement as to how much that insurance will cost. It's called a contract. But NO, that sort of freedom simply cannot be permitted in North Carolina -- Democrats STRONGLY oppose that sort of freedom. It's REAL easy to do, Senator -- BUTT OUT! If people want to build homes in flood plains, let them, but stop paying them to do so! FREEDOM -- it's not a four-letter word, even if you Democrats in the NC Legislature can't comprehend that. Oh how I yearn for freedom.Posted by: Ogre at 11:02 AM | Comments (6) | Add Comment | Trackbacks (Suck)
April 13, 2006
Playing Cards for Politics
Need a laugh this afternoon? take a peek (Not safe for the thin-skinned liberal).
Posted by: Ogre at 06:48 PM | Comments (5) | Add Comment | Trackbacks (Suck)
Send A Brick
Oh, this is a great idea.
The Send-A-Brick Project was created by concerned citizens to send bricks to Washington encouraging our Congressmen to stand tough on border security.
Yes, really, it does promote sending a brick. I am absolutely going to do this. I'm buying three bricks on my way home today to send to my Representative and both Senators. I strongly suggest you do, too. Just imagine Congress if they get thousands of bricks sent to them! Picture the scene on the floor of Congress! DO IT NOW -- a few dollars is a small price to pay to let Congress know that we really do want our borders secured.
Posted by: Ogre at 06:02 PM | Comments (12) | Add Comment | Trackbacks (Suck)
Stop the ACLU
Once again, this week's Stop the ACLU Blogburst, by Jay at Stop the ACLU:
I thought it would be interesting and informative to illustrate what our Nation might be like if it caved into all of the radical ideals of the ACLU. It ended up quite scary, and if we were to follow the law of consequence to its end, I'm certain I have only scratched the surface. On October 27, 1787, Alexander Hamilton predicted that a "dangerous ambition" would one day tyrannize the gangling young American Republic, all the while lurking "behind the specious mask of zeal for the rights of the people." It could almost be said that Hamilton had a prophecy of the ACLU.Posted by: Ogre at 04:23 PM | Comments (3) | Add Comment | Trackbacks (Suck)
NC 98th House District
I just now found out that there's an election in the 98th House District! This is a district that was drawn to place a large number of Republicans in one place so that the Democrats can retain power in the legislature. This means there's more than the average number of people in the district, and it reliably votes Republican. There is no Democrat filed in this district, so the winner on May 2nd wins the seat.
The seat is currently occupied by John Rhodes. That's the same John Rhodes who was attending the North Carolina Conservative Leadership Conference last weekend. The challenger is Thom Tillis. I found out about this race from an article where the candidates were disagreeing on whether or not the government should tell people what to eat. Apparently Mr. Tillis thinks that the government SHOULD tell people what to eat, because It's For The Children (TM). Mr. Rhodes, however, was the ONLY legislator to vote against setting "child nutrition standards." I say, "Good job, Mr. Rhodes!" Ok, 1 point for Rhodes, 0 for Tillis. Looking around, I see Mr. Tillis complains that Mr. Rhodes is "out of touch" with the Republican leadership in the House. Well, the "Republican Leadership" is the people who are voting with the Democrats. They're incredibly wrong, and their attitude is "go along to get along." In other words, no conservative principles, just vote with Democrats to avoid arguments. If you agree with them, you're not only advocating bad government, but you're dishonest and have no principles. Another point for Rhodes. Checking Mr. Tillis' web site, he says it was a hard decision to run against another Republican. However, he's better fit for the job because he's got the endorsements of 10 of 15 public officials Cornelius and Huntersville. I'm not sure why he thinks that's a good thing. House Representatives should be more interested in the views of the PEOPLE that elect them than other governments. Yet another point for Rhodes. I also see that Sue Myrick, Congresswoman from the 9th district endorsed Rhodes. Despite the previous statement about government official support, this one is a good thing because I know Ms. Myrick personally, and she works hard for conservative ideas and supporting PEOPLE over government. Another point for Rhodes. I also have personally followed John Rhodes' time in the House. He's not afraid to tell things like they are. I don't always agree with every decision he makes (I still think that whole speed camera thing is just wrong, John), but he's almost always on the conservative side, no matter what the consequences are. He also gave us the honor of visiting with the Iredell County Republican club a few months back. Another point for Rhodes. So, what was the score? Oh, right: Rhodes 5, Tillis 0. Sorry, Mr. Tillis, I've never met you, but based on what I've seen and read, the endorsement of the Ogre has to go with John Rhodes.Posted by: Ogre at 02:04 PM | Comments (7) | Add Comment | Trackbacks (Suck)
Government Insurance Solutions?
Apparently one big issue this year in the North Carolina General Assembly will be health insurance. Want to see the problem?
We have 1.3 million people who don't have insurance in the state. Without a commitment to control health costs from both the state and federal level, we cannot solve this problem.
So sayeth David Moore, a health insurance broker in Burlington. No, the problem is NOT that there's uninsured, the problem is that you idiots think government can insure everyone! There's people who don't WANT to be insured! LET THEM! 100 years ago, not everyone had insurance, either. SO WHAT? Let people be responsible for their own actions and let people who WANT insurance, buy insurance. What's that? It's too expensive? That's BECAUSE of the government "programs" that absolutely destroy the free market. Want to see the price of insurance absolutely drop? Get government 100% out of the insurance industry. Get rid of the entire department of insurance at the state level. Let people make contractual agreements between two people without limitation by the government. Prices will drop through the floor. Sure, there will be high premiums for some -- those that engage in risky behavior. Again, it's a concept that Democrats cannot grasp, but it's called RESPONSIBILITY. If you engage in risky behavior, your insurance SHOULD cost more! LET IT! But alas, it's more likely that the DEMOCRAT-controlled NC state legislature will instead make insurance cost even MORE by creating a "high risk" pool that will "cap" the price of insurance -- which means that more people who are NOT high risk will have to pay the extra money that those who ARE high risk normally would pay. Does anyone know where I can find a free country? Maybe a place where people are free to make choices and contracts? A place where government does not interfere with the free market in the name of "saving people?"
Posted by: Ogre at 01:03 PM | Comments (4) | Add Comment | Trackbacks (Suck)
Republican Strategy: 2006
Ben Shapiro, a writer whose writings I usually enjoy, has suggested the Republican strategy for winning elections this year:
Vote for us -- we're not as bad as the other guy.
Unfortunately, that appears to be the national strategy. Vox Popoli points out the capitulation of the Republicans as well. Right now we have two parties in Washington that are both arguing that the other wants to be tough on illegal immigration while they, in turn, do not! Hey, Republicans might be spending money like crazy and avoiding doing the right thing on various issues, but gee, the Democrats are even worse. Oh, but the Democrats have an even better reason: "Vote for us because we're not Bush." Yeah, that really makes me want to go vote. Hey "The Body," are you availiable for an independent presidential run?
Posted by: Ogre at 12:01 PM | Comments (9) | Add Comment | Trackbacks (Suck)
Another "Interest Group" Against Freedom
Whenever I read about a "public interest group," I immediately get suspicious. It's one thing to have governments attempt to do things that are best for me, but what's with other people who AREN'T in government trying to determine what's "best" for me? Case in point is the North Carolina Public Interest Research Group.
This appears to be a "group" with a "staff" of one person. From all looks at the web site, it's one person who likes liberals and Democrats and wants to tell people what to do. Why does it appear to be a Democrat supporter? Because they have a "scorecard" online, and nearly every single legislator that scored 100% IS a Democrat. This "group" wrote a anti-American essay in the Charlotte Observer -- and of course they published it, because despite their "disclaimer," they completely agree with this writer's idea. What's his idea? To remove free speech from North Carolina. Seriously, that's the idea this person is putting forth. He's claiming that since Jim Black is a slimy crook that no one should be able to donate any money to any cause they believe in. Instead, only the elite should be allowed to run for office, and they can only use tax money to run. Gee, sounds like communism to me. No, Mr. Thompson, the solution is NOT to stop allowing people to spend money. The solution is to stop GOVERNMENT from spending so much money. If they weren't spending the money, organizations and people wouldn't try to bribe them so much. I fully support anyone giving any amount of money to any politician -- with one condition -- immediate disclosure. So, if Bill Gates wants to buy a legislator, let him give as much money as he wants (it's called free speech) -- just publish it so everyone who is voting will know.Posted by: Ogre at 11:04 AM | Comments (5) | Add Comment | Trackbacks (Suck)
April 12, 2006
John William Pope Civitas Institute
For those are regular readers here, you know that the Ogre was liveblogging the North Carolina Conservative Leadership Conference this past weekend. The conference was sponsored by a number of good organizations that are working to advance conservative ideas in North Carolina. One of those is the John William Pope Civitas Institute.
Civitas Institute is a research and public policy organization dedicated to providing conservative solutions for North Carolina's pressing issues. The Institute carries out its mission by conducting sound research and analysis of public policy issues; conducting monthly tracking polls; conducting institutes for newly elected officials, community leaders, undergraduate and graduate students, and candidates; and communicating with the public and elected officials through the news media, Civitas website, monthly newsletter and quarterly magazine.
The Institute's monthly tracking polls are a great source of information about politics and issues in North Carolina. Their polls are carefully conducted to ONLY poll actual voters, instead of the public at-large. That tends to give a much more accurate view of the people who actually care about government. Be sure to check out their extensive list of polls and results online. They also run various training sessions:
to prepare students for participation in democratic politics, providing them with the critical thinking, knowledge and skills necessary to succeed in professional careers in applied politics.
While I disagree with that last part (professional careers in politics is WRONG), they appear to be trying hard to get more people involved in politics. In North Carolina, that will be a good thing, because the majority of the voters in North Carolina self-identify themselves as conservative. Now if we can just get the politicians to stop lying about which ones are conservative, we could make some progress. So, if you're interested in conservative politics and you've got a little extra time today, be sure and stop by their website and have a look around.
Posted by: Ogre at 05:01 PM | Comments (4) | Add Comment | Trackbacks (Suck)
Fair Tax
By the time the FairTax Blogburst appears next week, millions of Americans will have succumbed to the Internal Revenue Service, dutifully filing taxes on their income by Monday, April 17 at midnight local time. Some will owe the IRS and might not have the money to pay. Others may get a refund, which means that the government used that money for a period of time and did not pay you interest. (Incidentally, if you do owe taxes over a certain amount, the government will not only fine you for having not paid your taxes on a quarterly basis during the year, but will also charge you interest on your money that you kept from them!)
Posted by: Ogre at 03:05 PM | Comments (4) | Add Comment | Trackbacks (Suck)
NC Senate District 31
I just spotted an article that compares the three candidates for the NC Senate in District 31. These three candidates are all Republicans, and there's no Democrat running in that race, so whoever wins the primary (May 2nd) will be the winner of the seat.
Two of the candidates, I do not know: Gloria Whisenhunt and Pete Brunstetter. The third, however, I am familiar with: Nathan Tabor. He's been a visitor and even bought some ads here, so I'm already biased towards him -- oh, and he was also in attendance at the NCCLC this past weekend (see his link in the upper left), so that's two points for him as far as the Ogre is concerned. Looking at some of the details in the article, Brunstetter's right out, as far as the Ogre is concerned. He supports welfare for businesses (called "incentive" programs). Sorry, I'm for SMALLER government, not larger, so I can't possibly support him. Tabor also supports tort reform -- stopping all those lottery lawsuits that people use to suck money from anyone who has any. AND he came down big on the second amendment, mentioning that he'd oppose the various gun restrictions that DO show up every year. That seals it for me. The Ogre officially endorses Nathan Tabor for Senate in the 31st District (for whatever that's worth).Posted by: Ogre at 01:03 PM | Comments (6) | Add Comment | Trackbacks (Suck)
NC Money Pit: Indian Cultural Center
The Indian Cultural Center is just booming these days. What? You haven't heard about the wonderful Indian Cultural Center in Pembroke?
You might recognize it as yet another liberal 503(c) organization that got HUGE piles of cash from the state. In 1994, the state gave them 450 acres for $99 rent -- to cover the next 99 years of rent. Yes, that's a pile of cash that the state took off the tax rolls, which effectively reduced tax income for the next 99 years. Why? Because the organization was supposed to generate $20 million a year.Yes, I'm aware that a 503(c) is supposed to be "non-profit," but when you're dealing with the state, that doesn't really matter. The organization actually LOST their 501(c) status due to massive mismanagement of money (but the lease is still active and free). So, if you're a Democrat in the North Carolina State Legislature, what's the logical next step? That's right -- give them more money! Seriously! State Representative Ron Sutton, Democrat, is planning on filing a bill to give them MORE state money! And even more interesting, the local Lumbee Indian tribe doesn't even want to have anything to do with this Indian Culture Center! But hey, if the legislature can spend money on it, you can count on the Democrats to vote for it -- even if it doesn't actually make sense to anyone.
Posted by: Ogre at 11:02 AM | Comments (4) | Add Comment | Trackbacks (Suck)
April 11, 2006
NC Supreme Court and Illegal Medicine
Quite an interesting ruling from the North Carolina Supreme Court. One of the prime reasons that immigrants break the law and come to the United States of America is for all the free things they will get when they are here -- like free medical care.
Since hospitals are barred by law from refusing care to anyone, the criminal invaders will go to the emergency room for any ailment, from a broken leg to a runny nose -- and they are normally seen and treated, all at taxpayer expense. In this case, the court actually ruled there is a limit to the taxpayer money. I know Raven keeps a close watch on taxpayer money given away to those who don't earn it. In this case, a criminal was diagnosed with cancer and was started on the best medical treatment available in the world, thanks to US medicine. Good friend GM Roper is well aware of the costs of quality cancer treatment -- he's worked hard, paid insurance premiums for MANY years, and he's paying the "co-pay" now for his treatments. He's worked for that money he's paying out. However, the criminal alien, who has broken the law and is absolutely not being held accountable for it, decided to get his own treatment -- the exact same treatments anyone else would get -- only he didn't pay for a single penny of it -- the US taxpayer did. No, he didn't earn it, he didn't pay at all, but he got the same treatment. Tell me again why I should have insurance? But, at least in this case, the NC Supreme Court ruled that he couldn't get that treatment for free. Of course, all this means is that Hector Diaz is now liable for the bill -- if you can find him... and if you can get any money out of him. Since you won't, all this means is that the hospital will write off the cost and recoup their cost from the other paying, working people. This is just one reason that illegal immigration NEEDS to be stopped.Posted by: Ogre at 05:52 PM | Comments (14) | Add Comment | Trackbacks (Suck)
Actual Illegal Signs
Checking out the signs from the criminal invasion protest yesterday, here's a few that the crack staff here at Ogre's Politics and Views found that REALLY reflect the reality of the invaders:
Posted by: Ogre at 03:04 PM | Comments (16) | Add Comment | Trackbacks (Suck)
Choose Your Side
A key theme in the current battle for America is that you must choose sides. You must make a decision.
A theme throughout the NCCLC weekend I attended was that people must decide their position, then determine through what political vehicle that position will be advanced. In other words, don't select a party because they're a party, but determine your position on an issue, then check to see which political party agrees with YOU. In the case of illegal immigration, the Democrats have made their decision:
So, if your position is that you want open borders, you want amnesty and total forgiveness for all those who are currently, actively violating US law, including terrorists who are entering our country; and you support leaving that border open and free for any and all to cross; and you support giving away hundreds of billions of dollars of tax money to reward those criminals, the Democrat Party should be your party of choice. Wizbang thinks that this is a really bad thing for non-Democrat Americans:
If Democrats manage to corner the Hispanic vote like they have cornered the black vote, Republicans won't win the White House for a very long time. This is the Democrats' dream, so they are trying very hard to collectivize the Hispanic community by turning the immigration issue into another civil rights issue.
However, I think that if the word gets out here, the Democrats will suffer tremendous losses! In North Carolina, 90% of likely voters think that immigration is a serious problem. Only 20% want amnesty. 75% DO NOT want illegals to get free EMERGENCY health care. 70% do not want illegals to get free education. Just get the word out: Democrats are clearly in opposition to what the VAST majority of people want. Pick which side you're on, and then try and find a political party to match your feelings. For most, it won't be the Democrat Party.
Posted by: Ogre at 01:04 PM | Comments (8) | Add Comment | Trackbacks (Suck)
Easley Offends Teachers
Governor Easley (Democrat), is trying to make drunk sailors look bad. Now that the lottery has started in North Carolina, he's trying to spend even MORE money than even the lottery might bring in. His latest expenditure to buy more votes is to suggest spending $5,000,000.00 for reading coaches in middle schools.
So apparently, Governor Easley (Democrat) thinks that the current crop of middle school teachers are simply not doing their job. That's NOT me that thinks that, it's North Carolina's Governor Easley. Why else would he find the dire need for such expenditures?There's so many children who can read beautifully and comprehend almost nothing.
That's the governor of North Carolina, telling middle school teachers that they are not doing their job and they're simply not capable of doing their job. He wants to hire 100 new people to do the teacher's jobs for them, and he wants to eventually expand it to 250 new people hired to do the teacher's jobs. And yes, the Democrats in the legislature are likely to go along with his expenditure because tax revenues are up this year. So if you're a teacher, why do you support this man? He is clearly insulting you, saying that you cannot do your job. Governor Easley believes that middle school teachers in North Carolina are incompetent and only by hiring more people to do their job will children learn to read. Of course, there's no word from various private and charter schools about having the same problem. So apparently, according to the North Carolina governor, only middle school teachers in government-run schools are incompetent. And yet I bet he, and the Democrats, who agree with him, still get their votes.
Posted by: Ogre at 11:01 AM | Comments (6) | Add Comment | Trackbacks (Suck)
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