KLP Musings

My Health At Age 57

2012-02-04T18:03:00.000-07:00

I don't know if this is wise.

Actually, it probably isn't.

So why am I writing this? So I can have it in writing.

I turned 57 on Jan 12, 2012, which was three weeks ago, plus a few days.

First, I'm what's called a pseudo-hemophiliac, which means I have one of the non-major forms of a hemorrhagic diathesis. It's called Von Willebrands Disease. That's the most minor thing as I grow older, though is potentially serious should I get in an accident...

I've had 5 surgeries on my eyes with 12 total (including eye surgeries). In the eye category, I've had 3 cornea transplants (one wore out) and a cataract implant. The other surgery was to remove a cyst given to me by a 3-year-old sunbeam while he sat on my lap when Betty and I team-taught his class. He raised his arms suddenly, hitting me in the eye with his thumbnail and cutting it. I had a visit and was given an anti-biotic, however the cut was deeper and a pocket of infection stayed... That's the short version.

The other surgeries are my knees, a shoulder, an angio-plasty and a back surgery. I can't remember the other 2 but will after I post this, should I be inclined to think about it.

There's some history. Yes, abridged and missing incidentals.

Currently I have a degenerative bone issue. So far I've lost 1.5 inches of height, and the increasing pressure on the spinal column is causing enough pain that when I don't take pain medications I slip into a pain-induced depression that is worse if I do anything physical at all with sharp pains in seemingly unrelated parts of my extremities... and elsewhere, too.

That and having been diagnosed with diabetes during the past few months. Last night my bgl (blood glucose level) dropped to 84 and I thought I was going to die. Since 84 is in the normal range of 80-120, I felt miserable because my bgl has been so high for so long and I wasn't used to it being 'normal'.

So, I'm not medicating for diabetes as my diet seems to be working well, however it's frustrating not to be able to eat what I want, especially when my employer is now stocking the place with free pop, juice, cocoa, water, etc...

But other than having to take 1600mg of gabapentin (generic for Fanatrex, Gabarone, Gralise, Horizant, Neurontin), 60mg to 180mg of codeine and then 50mg to 150mg of tramadol (generic for Ultram, Rybix, Ryzolt) every 4 hours exactly, so as much as 5 times a day if I don't get much sleep, which is common. I can't sleep more than 8 hours or I have trouble getting up in the morning because of the pain I grow during the night. Oh, and I take a double dose of Allertec, Costco's generic for Zyrtec, ever day. And if I get stung by a wasp/hornet (and I don't know what else), I have to take a bunch of Benedryl and get medical help, "just in case".

I used to sleep in on Saturdays, but now it appears I sleep in, however it's because I stay up later on Friday nights so I can take one last dose, then go to bed, which means 8 hours later is between 9am and 10am, which is how late I slept when I would actually sleep in. I would get to bed earlier than 1am or 2am back then.

So, I have to lose weight, and I think if I make that happen, which I am a little at a time, my diabetes will go away to come back when I'm older than my current age, which I indelicately pointed out above.

So there you are. Boring stuff to all but me and my sweetheart. She's worried sick about me and is certain she can heal me by changing my diet. Hopefully she's right. There is one more thing I get to suffer, but which is a delicate subject I hate to share. Suffice it to say one of the side effects of the drugs I take is that I give birth every 4 or 5 days to a concrete brick that pinches and tears it's way along the old alimentary canal. That's a recent development as well.

I have a good doctor who is uncomfortable with the amounts of drugs I take, however is prescribing them on the word of the neurologist he referred me to, who he told me before I went, is the only one he knows that isn't nuts. She is cute, however, but unfortunately a bit of a bimbo, too. It's embarrassing, actually, and makes both my wife and I uncomfortable. I don't need to see a cute little Vietnamese neurologist's cleavage when I need a serious discussion about my "18 year old's brain and nerves" as she puts it.

I don't have a lot of confidence in her, however, because the nerve conduction test she did where she put electrodes on my body here and there, then ran electricity through them to see where the nerves have issues, did something strange to me which she ignored. My right arm almost tickled, but my left arm just about killed me. It was agonizingly painful. She said they were the same. How can that be? I brought that up to my regular doctor and he explained that the test just measures nerve conduction, not how painful that conduction is. Ah, so the fact that one hurt like the dickens and the other didn't has nothing to do with conduction? Go figure.

But, back to her comment about me having nerves and brains that test out to be only 18 years old. I guess as we age, things dim, so it stands to reason that "younger brains feel stronger pains", as I just thought of and said (wrote). So it's obvious to anyone who knows me that my nerves and brain never grew up! Dang, huh? But there you go. I guess I have always known my brain never grew up and figure it never will. So, as my brain goes, so do I.

Of course, she pointed out a couple spots on my brain that will eventually cause a stroke, which is awesome, right? Uh? - - no.

Okay, now I'm done with this little diatribe, however there are things I didn't cover, like my doctor prescribing enough so I can experiment with larger and smaller doses and different combinations and etc, etc, etc... I think I about have it figured out. I may quit the tramadol and take a lot of the gabapentin and codeine, plus the other stuff, like B-12, which I have to have to think at all, and a B-complex, eye-specific thing, and some other stuff too annoying to go look at and figure out better.

I really don't think I can go through writing all this again, so may just copy and paste if I want to do a new entry on this nonsense. Better yet, I'll just edit this one and let good enough stay here.

Why Is There A Love Affair With Guns In America?

2011-11-01T00:29:00.000-06:00

I've been asked this question off and on for years. Surprisingly, I've been asked this by a few relatives of mine.
I don't know quite how to answer in some circumstances. Not because I don't know the answer, but because I'm so totally shocked at the obvious ignorance of the questioner that I'm left speechless.
Okay, let me make that a bit more clear. They don't actually ask the question the way it's stated in this blog's topic. They typically ask me something like, "Why are you so 'one note frankie' about the 2nd Amendment?" or even less annoying, "I think the 1st Amendment is more important than the 2nd Amendment, don't you agree?"
No, I don't agree. It's just that they had to put one of them first and the second one seemed so obvious to them they almost didn't put it in at all.
There was discussion about not even having a "Bill of Rights" because they thought it was so obvious what they were after. Just read this simple, well-written part of the Declaration of Independence:

We hold these truths to be self-evident, that all men are created equal, that they are endowed by their Creator with certain unalienable Rights, that among these are Life, Liberty and the pursuit of Happiness.

Originally, "pursuit of Happiness" was "right to own property" which wasn't included because they feared those words, cannonized into the body of U.S. law, would make the abolition of slavery impossible, or incredibly difficult. Had they been able to foresee the civil war, prophesied by Joseph Smith, they might have included the words anyway. Some knew that "Happiness" is a fleeting thing which can't be defined accurately by anyone, especially by, or for, those who suffer with severe bouts of depression.
So, I won't bore you with more. Instead I'm going to point you to an article written by Randy Cassingham on his "This Is True" blog.
You can read a much better answer to this blog's topic by following this link:
http://www.thisistrue.com/blog-guns_in_america_why.html
Notice that I'm not just copying it here. I'd have to get his permission. Just linking to it is my way out of that dilemma. So, have at it, and when you are done, you will either understand why we own guns in America, or you will be confused and still wonder. If you are part of the latter group, I'm sorry for having wasted your time. But more than that, I'm sorry you aren't bright enough to understand the simpleness of there actually being evil in the world, but maybe more importantly, that God gave us liberty, and the constitution is a tool to help us keep it.
Yes, I'm offensive, but only if you give me the power to control your 'offense button' for you.
I'm Karl, and in this, I'm definitely right!

This could have just happened...

2011-10-11T12:29:00.000-06:00

I believe in the afterlife. I don't, however, believe in this version, however have a curious enough of an existentialist view of things to be able to suspend reality long enough to appreciate the humor of this artists rendition of what might have happened.

So, without further ado, take a gander at this one:

Now comes the wonderment I have of the OS and the vast number of implications that consideration brings... But alas, I haven't the time nor the patience to "go there"

Yes, still Karl

2 Stories of Modern "Miracles"

2011-10-06T22:41:00.000-06:00

The first story is about me and the second is in a video.

First Story: I wear contacts, and as I type this, glasses, too. My right eye doesn't focus at all. My left eye is aging and doesn't do very well focusing.

When I was in high school, I found out that I had Keratoconous (see http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Keratoconus for an explanation, and to see how my vision was affected, though my pattern was different, see this one http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=QUq80t5Ya2o at Youtube). I had transplants in both eyes in my early twenties, then just over 2 decades later, I had a second transplant in my right eye, and a few years after that, had to have a cataract (see http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Cataract if you don't know what it is) implant. The stories about how all that came about isn't important for this story. The point was that after my vision, that had slowly deteriorated over decades, was restored, I felt elation and joy at having a gift restored. I have an abiding love for God for creating the beauty all around me. I love color and the detail in creation.

My story of sight restored is nothing when compared to never having had the gift of sight. I knew what I had lost, but I never really completely lost my sight.

Second Story: Imagine having been born with hearing. Now imagine that the miracle of modern medicine, which is also a gift from God. Imagine having the chance to have your hearing given to you for the first time. 29 year old Sarah Churmann was in that situation. The following video is of her hearing for the first time. http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=LsOo3jzkhYA&NR

I know there are the cynics who would say these are not examples of miracles, just manifestations of the superior intelligence man has evolved into. Or the faithless who might see the negative side and state foolishly, "Why would a god, if there is one, allow you both to go through those infirmaties in the first place?"

To either, and any others who can't see these as miracles, and because more of an answer would capitulate the argument to the idiots among us, I say, "Uh, you're dumb!"

Yes, It's now obvious:

I'm Karl

The Most Ethical Administration?

2011-09-26T22:19:00.001-06:00

Certainly The Most Corrupt Administration Ever!

Chicago mob politics on a national level, and attempting to spread to the international level.

Of course, they will have a very difficult time being more corrupt than the United Nithings. Find out what word means at these 2 sites (same article; one at the source and the other a reprint):
- http://www.israpundit.com/archives/40000
- http://www.americanthinker.com/2011/09/palestinian_statehood_and_the_united_nithings.html

Chicago politics are the most corrupt because they have no conscience and they are brazenly open and shocked when anyone thinks they are doing wrong.

And, they keep going from bad to worse! Have you heard about Obama's healthcare czar, the guy who owns a medical records company, getting the contract to set up Obamacare for the Coast Guard? I'm sure THAT's just a coincidence. -- Colin Jack

My answer to Colin: Of course it is, like every other massively profitable coincidence surrounding this, and the past few demoncrat administrations.

I have some good friends who are democrats. How can they justify staying in the party of graft? I know they think they might have an influence for good to save the party. They've said so.

But, did any of the Nephites stay with the Gadianton robbers for the same reason?

Anyone who can think knows it only takes a drop of acid to spoil a cup of drinking water, but a drop of the freshest drinking water will never make any difference in a cup of acid.

YES it is the same type of analogy.

Evil destroys Good every chance it gets. Good has no influence on Evil.Only Evil can change itself, and that change must come, and always does come, from within.

Change in evil is not accomplished by someone who is outside of the evil. Those who think they are making a difference are as a sliver in evil's finger, annoying them to do good and thinking they are making progress, but always failing.

Did I make my point well enough?

Yes, still Karl, aging and in constant pain now.

---
There is something fascinating about science. One gets such wholesome returns of conjecture out of such a trifling investment of fact. -- Mark Twain
---

TurboTax Is A Problem

2011-08-02T21:09:00.001-06:00

At the end of tax year 2009, TurboTax charged me an outlandish fee for e-filing through them. That fee was assessed without my prior approval.

The chairman of TurboTax responded to my outcry with an apology, but that was too late. I have no sympathy and accept no apology from a corporation who knew what they were doing, and did so with forethought and malice.

They showed no sincerity and offered no recompense. A tax form and tax refund should never cost over $140 when I've done nothing more than use their service and had previously agreed to pay them around $80. The terms of our agreement were broken by their lack of integrity.

In a person I can forgive an indiscretion, however a corporation that shows no conscience I cannot and will not forgive.

I now use a competitor and will stay there, unless they break my trust in like manner.

Okay, with that said, I present a further sign of their lack of corporate integrity; an email footer to an unsolicited email that has no method of unsubscription. This matches the definition of SPAM completely. In the footer, they lie about the intent of the law. Here it is for your consideration:

Intuit respects the personal nature of e-mail. This message is legally required under the Gramm, Leach, Bliley Act (GLB). Please note that if you have chosen not to receive marketing messages from Intuit, that choice applies only to promotional materials. You will continue to receive notifications that are legally required or could affect your service or software.

This e-mail was sent to the following address: karlp@ourldsfamily.com
To update your e-mail address, go to: www.TurboTax.com, choose "Sign-in." Then sign in and choose "View/Edit My Account." Enter your username and password and update your e-mail address.

© 2011 Intuit Inc. All rights reserved. Intuit, the Intuit logo and TurboTax, among others, are registered trademarks and/or registered service marks of Intuit Inc. in the United States and other countries. Other parties' trademarks or service marks are the property of their respective owners.

Intuit Inc., Customer Communications, 2800 E. Commerce Center Place, Tucson, AZ 85706.

I offer no apology for this post and hope it is shared far and wide.

I'm Karl
Note: see my previous post where I included a note about TurboTax on one of my older blogs: http://klpmusings.blogspot.com/2010/04/congress-matheson-shows-his-true-colors.html

The Problem With Public Housing

2011-07-22T23:45:00.007-06:00

The problem with public housing is that the residents are not the owners. The people that live in the house did not earn the house, but were loaned the property from the true owners, the taxpayers.

Because of this, the residents do not have the "pride of ownership" that comes with the hard work necessary. They do not appreciate the value of the property and see no need to maintain or respect it in any way.

The result is the same whether you are talking about a studio apartment or a magnificent mansion full of priceless antiques. If the people who live there do not feel they earned the privilege, they will make this known through their actions.

This picture illustrates the point.

The Resolute Desk was built from the timbers of the HMS Resolute and was a gift from Queen Victoria to President Rutherford B. Hayes. And is considered a national treasure and an icon of the presidency.

Hey dipstick! You are not in a hut in Kenya or public housing in Chicago.

With all due respect, get your *&%&#^% feet off our desk!

I thought to myself how I could write this? But decided that it's actually a rhetorical question. I had no problem writing it because someone emailed me a picture that struck a chord. I don't know if any other president has acted as our current president has, but frankly, I don't care. They are either dead, or out of sight and mind. Well, other than by the "Blame Bush" crowd of morons and lunatics.

I'm Karl, and I approve of this post, in a round about sort of right-handed way. Okay, I approve Extremely of the disdain I hope to encourage in others towards this administration as a whole.

Who Said That?

2011-05-21T20:04:00.001-06:00

Name The United States Senator who knows enough of fiscal responsibility to make the following statement, then decide if you are going to vote for him if he runs in 2012:

The fact that we are here today to debate raising America’s debt limit is a sign of leadership failure. It is a sign that the U.S. Government can’t pay its own bills. It is a sign that we now depend on ongoing financial assistance from foreign countries to finance our Government’s reckless fiscal policies... Increasing America’s debt weakens us domestically and internationally. Leadership means that the buck stops here. Instead, Washington is shifting the burden of bad choices today onto the backs of our children and grandchildren. America has a debt problem and a failure of leadership. Americans deserve better.

This quote is from debate on the floor of the senate on March 20, 2006 made by Senator Barack Obama (D-IL)

Surprised? Me too.

For those wondering, after reading paragraph #1 above, if I voted for Barack, consider this: I will vote for Barack Hussein Obama just as soon as he admits he enjoyed the sermons of Reverend Wright, who he listened to for 20 years, and apologizes for his hatred of the United States. I'll also consider voting for him when the person he married admits she's never been proud of The United States.

I'm Karl

I sometimes wonder how many times a liberal can change their colors to promote themselves. It's expediency at its best.

Some Types Of Road Rage Can't Be Controlled

2011-05-14T00:34:00.005-06:00

These photos are from Thursday, Feb. 17 by someone from Centurion in Pilanesberg game reserve, South Africa.

The guy in the Volkswagen was trying to get past the elephant.

Road rage, it affects us all...

He Did a good job, eh? I'd like to have one of those around when I'm annoyed by an idiotic driver.

Great fun and I'm still Karl

OBAMA: by the editor of the London Daily Telegraph

2011-05-04T22:53:00.004-06:00

LONDON DAILY TELEGRAPH - March 11th, 2010

Did you know that the Obamas were omitted from the Royal Wedding guestlist this past April?

After reading this article, you'll no longer wonder.

One of the senior contributors to the editorial section of the London Daily Telegraph writes
"Barack Obama has made me want to boycott America"

Source article:
http://blogs.telegraph.co.uk/news/alexsingleton/100029555/why-barack-obama-has-made-me-boycott-america/

Let me be clear: I'm not normally in favor of boycotts, and I love the American people. I holiday in their country regularly, and hate the tedious snobby sneers against the United States . But the American people chose to elect an idiot who seems hell bent on insulting their allies, and something must be done to stop Obama's reckless foreign policy, before he does the dirty on his allies on every issue.

____________

One of the most poorly kept secrets in Washington is President Obama's animosity toward Great Britain , presumably because of what he regards as its sins while ruling Kenya (1895-1963).

One of Barack Hussein Obama's first acts as president was to return to Britain a bust of Winston Churchill that had graced the Oval Office since 9/11. He followed this up by denying Prime Minister Gordon Brown, on his first state visit, the usual joint press conference with flags.

The president was "too tired" to grant the leader of America 's closest ally a proper welcome, his aides told British journalists.

Mr. Obama followed this up with cheesy gifts for Mr. Brown and the Queen. Columnist Ian Martin described his behavior as "rudeness personified."

There was more rudeness in store for Mr. Brown at the opening session of the United Nations in September. "The prime minister was forced to dash through the kitchens of the UN in New York to secure five minutes of face time with President Obama after five requests for a sit down meeting were rejected by the White House", said London Telegraph columnist David Hughes. Mr. Obama's "churlishness is unforgivable", Mr.. Hughes said.

The administration went beyond snubs and slights last week when Secretary of State Hillary Clinton endorsed the demand of Argentine President Cristina Kirchner, a Hugo Chavez ally, for mediation of Argentina 's specious claim to the Falkland Islands , a British dependency since 1833. The people who live in the Falklands, who speak English, want nothing to do with Argentina. When, in 1982, an earlier Argentine dictatorship tried to seize the Falklands by force, the British -- with strong support from President Ronald Reagan -- expelled them.

"It is truly shocking that Barack Obama has decided to disregard our shared history," wrote Telegraph columnist Toby Young. "Does Britain 's friendship really mean so little to him?" One could ask, does the friendship of anyone in the entire world mean anything to him?

"I recently asked several senior administration officials, separately, to name a foreign leader with whom Barack Obama has forged a strong personal relationship during his first year in office," wrote Jackson Diehl, deputy editorial page editor of the Washington Post, on Monday. "A lot of hemming and hawing ensued." One official named French President Nicolas Sarkozy, but his contempt for Mr. Obama is an open secret. Another named German Chancellor Angela Merkel. But, said Mr. Diehl, "Merkel too has been conspicuously cool toward Obama."

Mr. Obama certainly doesn't care about the Poles and Czechs, whom he has betrayed on missile defense. Honduras and Israel also can attest that he's been an unreliable ally and an unfaithful friend. Ironically, our relations with both Israel and the Palestinian Authority have never been worse.

Russia has offered nothing in exchange for Mr. Obama's abandonment of missile defense. Russia and China won't support serious sanctions on Iran. Syria 's support for terrorism has not diminished despite efforts to normalize diplomatic relations. The reclusive military dictatorship that runs Burma has responded to our efforts at "engagement" by deepening its ties to North Korea.

And the Chinese make little effort to disguise their contempt for him.

For the first time in a long time, the President of the United States is actually distrusted by its allies and not in the least feared by its adversaries. Nor is Mr. Obama now respected by the majority of Americans. Understandably focused on the dismal economy and Mr. Obama's relentless efforts to nationalize and socialize health care, Americans apparently have yet to notice his dismal performance and lack of respect in the world community. They soon will.

-- London Daily Senior Editorialist -- Alex Singleton

I'm Karl,
and I support England over Obama. Of course, I'd like to see them reverse their liberty-stealing socialistic tendencies, but that's a topic for another time.

Obama Is Not The Problem!

2011-04-29T15:29:00.003-06:00

The following is a comment left on an article by Victor David Hanson:

The danger to America is not Barack Obama but a citizenry capable of entrusting a man like him with the Presidency. It will be far easier to limit and undo the follies of an Obama presidency than to restore the necessary common sense and good judgment to a depraved electorate willing to have such a man for their president.

The problem is much deeper and far more serious than Mr. Obama, who is a mere symptom of what ails America . Blaming the prince of the fools should not blind anyone to the vast confederacy of fools that made him their prince.

The Republic can survive a Barack Obama, who is, after all, merely a fool. It is less likely to survive a multitude of fools such as those who made him their president.

Yes, I'm Karl
and I wholeheartedly agree

Bedbugs and Islamic Maniacs

2011-04-25T13:25:00.002-06:00

I'm hoping that some of the readers of this blog, if not every single reader, has a brain that can recognize sense. Not common sense, but real, literal, accurate and honest sense.

From that statement, you now know that I don't believe 'sense' is common any more. The politically correct movement has destroyed sense as we once knew it.

Okay, I'm a bit off topic now. Back to the point of this posting...

The video is an Englishman. He doesn't mince words, and if your I.Q. is higher than that of a common stone, you'll get it. If you are offended by the message, you're dumber that a rock, so there's no hope for you.

Human rights travesty
* Duration: 06:45
* Posted by: patcondell
* 5 months ago
* Views 1,488,455
* Translations 7

A New Low For The United Nations

In researching this guy, I find he hates any kind of formal organized religion. He loves Jesus, but can't stand what Christianity has become. I find that pretty common amongst those who have been watching the 'born again' movement. They come across as loving Christ, but they are as intolerant as Muslims, without the 'honour killing' part. But, they do all they can to destroy those who disagree with them in financial or political ways.

Yes, I'm Karl, and I approve of my message.

A short lesson on government spending

2011-04-10T15:23:00.002-06:00

Why do the politicians in Washington act as though they are considering something so important and consequential that we, their actual bosses, have no idea the gravity and repercussions facing our economy if they don't get their way.

It seems obvious they are fighting for one thing, and it's not the economy. They are fighting to see how fast the economy can be destroyed and we, the citizenry, can be enslaved completely, or more accurately, totally.

They are seeking a totalitarian government where they control every facet of our lives.

Look at the pie and you will know why and then you'll see how ludicrous and ridiculous their inane and insipid foolish little minds have become.

I'm Karl
and I thank the cartoonist who penned the pie.
Now THIS is a valid reason to pass your math classes in school

Is it Stupidity or is some of this based in Corruption?

2011-03-01T19:04:00.004-07:00

Who elects people this smart?

The Wright Brothers did their thing in 1901. The civil war was when?

Someone knows how to put on the camo

We had no idea anyone was buried there.

I was taught we weren't supposed to pick and choose

This one says it all

Wow, what are the odds?

Uh, I would have guessed after age 19

Another headline writer that graduated from 3rd grade...

As John Wayne is purported to have said, "Life's tough. It's tougher if you're stupid."

I don't think I should be quite so cynical, but then what would I be? Without my cynicism I would have no worldview at all.

Yes, I'm Karl

I'm For Term Limits

2011-01-28T08:11:00.000-07:00

For many years I wasn't for term limits. Why? Because I had trust in the voters that they had the will to elect those who actually represent their views.

I was wrong.

Do you know how much that hurts? It hurts to realize that the majority of the people are now too proud; too wicked to vote for good people.

Another thing I've noticed, from personal experience by watching friends win elections and serve, that once a good person works in politics for a relatively short time, they become part of the problem.

So with those thoughts still fresh, please consider the information below I received in several emails:

The 26th amendment which grants the right to vote for 18 year-olds, took only 3 months & 8 days to be ratified! Why? Simple! The people demanded it. That was in 1971 before computers, before e-mail, before cell phones, etc.

Of the 27 amendments to the Constitution, seven (7) took 1 year or less to become the law of the land...all because of public pressure.

I'm asking you to forward this email to a minimum of twenty people on your address list; in turn ask each of those to do likewise.

In three days, most people in The United States of America will have the message. This is one idea that really should be passed around.

Congressional Reform Act of 2011
1. Term Limits of 12 years of these possible options
A. Two Six-year Senate terms
B. Six Two-year House terms
C. One Six-year Senate term and three Two-Year House terms

2. No Tenure / No Pension.

A Congressman collects a salary while in office and receives no pay when they are out of office.

3. Congress (past, present & future) participates in Social Security.
All funds in the Congressional retirement fund move to the Social Security system immediately. All future funds flow into the Social Security system, and Congress participates with the American people.

4. Congress can purchase their own retirement plan, just as all Americans do.

5. Congress will no longer vote themselves a pay raise. Congressional pay will rise by the lower of CPI or 3%.

6. Congress loses their current health care system and participates in the same health care system as the American people.

7. Congress must equally abide by all laws they impose on the American people.

8. All contracts with past and present Congressmen are void effective 1/1/11.

The American people did not make the current contract with members of Congress. Congressmen made all these contracts for themselves.

Serving in Congress is an honor, not a career. The Founding Fathers envisioned citizen legislators, so ours should serve their term(s), then go home and back to work.

If each person contacts a minimum of twenty people then it will only take three days for most people (in the U.S. ) to receive the message.

MUCH OF WHAT WE FACE IN TERMS OF PRIVILEGE AND SELFISHNESS IN THIS COUNTRY MIGHT BEST BE CHANGED STARTING FROM THE TOP DOWN.

If you agree with the above, pass it on. If not, just delete
You are one of my 20. I INVITE YOU TO KEEP IT GOING. WHATEVER YOU CHOOSE -- THANKS

That's the email. I disagree with the penultimate paragraph. For change to come to the union, it must start with the individual. However as I said at the outset, I believe the majority of Americans are wicked, thus unable or unwilling to choose that which is right above that which is easy.

Therefore, I put forth my view that this may be an acceptible answer to prevent the power-hungry career politician to be forced to change careers. Perhaps we can be rid of the likes of our current administration.

One additional thing I would recommend is that those who work for the government not be allowed to work in their position for longer than 10 years. The minions in the federal government are much of the problem because when we elect new presidents, many of them don't replace the previous administration's plants. At least the more conservative presidents haven't. How much good does it do to replace a president if those who actually do the work of government are the worthless and wicked drones who have been working there for years?

In "throwing the bums out" can we please also throw those surrounding the bums out, too?

Yes, I'm Karl and I'm feeling older...

Bar Stool Economics

2010-11-11T14:10:00.002-07:00

I've seen this sent via email several times over the past few years. I decided to save it here so it will be saved somewhere public.

A couple things first, however, before you read on:

For those who understand, no explanation is needed.
For those who do not understand, no explanation is possible.

Bar Stool Economics

Suppose that every day, ten men go out for beer and the bill for all ten comes to $100 and If they paid their bill the way we pay our taxes, it would go something like this:

The first four men (the poorest) would pay nothing.
The fifth would pay $1.
The sixth would pay $3.
The seventh would pay $7.
The eighth would pay $12.
The ninth would pay $18.
The tenth man (the richest) would pay $59.

So, that's what they decided to do.

The ten men drank in the bar every day and seemed quite happy with the arrangement, until one day, the owner threw them a curve. "Since you are all such good customers," he said, "I'm going to reduce the cost of your daily beer by $20." So drinks for the ten now cost just $80.

The group still wanted to pay their bill the way we pay our taxes so the first four men were unaffected. They would still drink for free. But what about the other six men - the paying customers? How could they divide the $20 windfall so that everyone would get his 'fair share?'. They realized that $20 divided by six is $3.33. But if they subtracted that from everybody's share, then the fifth man and the sixth man would each end up being paid to drink his beer. So, the bar owner suggested that it would be fair to reduce each man's bill by roughly the same amount, and he proceeded to work out the amounts each should pay.

And so:

The fifth man, like the first four, now paid nothing (100% savings).
The sixth now paid $2 instead of $3 (33%savings).
The seventh now pays $5 instead of $7 (28%savings).
The eighth now paid $9 instead of $12 (25% savings).
The ninth now paid $14 instead of $18 (22% savings).
The tenth now paid $49 instead of $59 (16% savings).

Each of the six was better off than before. And the first four continued to drink for free. But once outside the restaurant, the men began to compare their savings.

"I only got a dollar out of the $20," declared the sixth man. He pointed to
the tenth man," but he got $10!"

"Yeah, that's right," exclaimed the fifth man. "I only saved a dollar, too. It's unfair that he got ten times more than I!"

"That's true!!" shouted the seventh man. "Why should he get $10 back when I got only two? The wealthy get all the breaks!"

"Wait a minute," yelled the first four men in unison. "We didn't get anything at all. The system exploits the poor!"

The nine men surrounded the tenth and beat him up.

The next night the tenth man didn't show up for drinks, so the nine sat down and had beers without him. But when it came time to pay the bill, they discovered something important. They didn't have enough money between all of them for even half of the bill!

And that, ladies and gentlemen, journalists and college professors, is how our tax system works. The people who pay the highest taxes get the most benefit from a tax reduction. Tax them too much, attack them for being wealthy, and they just may not show up anymore. In fact, they might start drinking overseas where the atmosphere is somewhat friendlier.

David R. Kamerschen, PhD.D.
Professor of Economics
University of Georgia

----

I'm Karl
I wish I were bright enough to have thought of this. I wasn't very good at story problems in math either.

World View Of The Progressive

2010-11-06T21:35:00.003-06:00

I hear all the time how there's no Hell, or no God; man evolved from lower life forms; science will eventually solve all our ills; government is for the purpose of protecting us, but more, the government has the responsibility of protecting us from ourselves, thus seat belt laws, smoking laws, laws to control what we eat, and the list goes on.

I'm sure some who read this will say, "but I agree with seatbelt laws!" as though somehow, letting the government tell us that IS for our own good. But is it? I mean honestly, where DO you draw the line? The seatbelt laws are the camel's nose in the tent. The government must be held accountible and be taken out of our lives.

So, again I ask, "where do you draw the line?"

The line should have been drawn during President Wilson's regime where he preached the doctrine of "Manifest Destiny" and destroyed Divine Providence. This single-handedly changed us from a religious society into a secular society. The use of propaganda became an art form, thus spending large amounts of money to re-educate Christians and Jews alike into turning from God for help, and turning to the government for solutions.

One huge result of this paradigm shift is the 'opening' of the minds of the people so they could accept the anti-Christ theory of evolution which is a mainstay of secularism.

A quote I came across demonstrates clearly how hamstrung the populace has been made by removing God. Though the quote isn't specific to this discussion, it nonetheless shows the principle, which is this: If you don't know enough, or are unwilling to consider opposite views from your own, or if you refuse to believe in divinity, you are closing your mind to consideration of all possibilities, thus making your declarations sound as ridiculous as this quote:

The astronomer Francesco Sizi, a contemporary of Galileo, argues that Jupiter can have no satellites:

There are seven windows in the head, two nostrils, two ears, two eyes, and a mouth; so in the heavens there are two favorable stars, two unpropitious, two luminaries, and Mercury alone undecided and indifferent. From which and many other similar phenomena of nature such as the seven metals, etc., which it were tedious to enumerate, we gather that the number of planets is necessarily seven. [...]

Moreover, the satellites are invisible to the naked eye and therefore can have no influence on the earth and therefore would be useless and therefore do not exist.

That last line envelopes the logic of the progressive world view. That world view is currently in power everywhere, including the United States. It will destroy personal liberty and has as its primary goal the destruction of The Kingdom of God. Who's on the Lord's side?

I am.

And I'm Karl

Woe Unto Those Who Call Evil Good . . .

2010-10-14T17:33:00.002-06:00

This was submitted to my LDS Conservatives email group (learn more at http://ldsconservatives.ourldsfamily.com) by one of the members who takes time to write up email.

---------------------------- Original Message ----------------------------

"Woe unto them that call evil good, and good evil; that put darkness for light, and light for darkness; that put bitter for sweet, and sweet for bitter!" (Isaiah 5:20)

Here is the English "Dear Abby": http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=5RAAhTL4Arg (Note: this lady is a "Fabian" in England, which is known as the "Progressive" movement (Hillary's affiliation) in America.)

This is a series of commercials produced by England's "Al Gore" (WARNING – very graphic): http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=WjVW6roRs-w (it's been clear for a long time that Warmers were anti-human, now I'm thinking in-human.)

The Green Police (less graphic, just as scary): http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=zVhT7P0lDfI (I hated it the first time I saw it during the SuperBowl.)

Is there such a thing as "moderate Islam?": http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=agOU2R6MTbg (Yep, right next to the unicorns.)

"For we wrestle not against flesh and blood, but against principalities, against powers, against the rulers of the darkness of this world, against spiritual wickedness in high places." (Ephesians 6:12)

Here you go – the evil minions of Satan think the coast is clear and that they have the run of the place, so they are coming out of the closet – just in time for November's elections:

Who planned and attended the "10-2-10" rally in DC?: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=wVwSxJ_lwr4&feature=related (hint: union dues were used to bus these people to DC.)

Trashy 10-2-10 Rally in DC: http://www.breitbart.tv/hate-rally-protesters-shame-america-with-trash-left-behind/ (these are the folks who claim to care about the environment?)

Parks employee compares conservatives and liberal rallies: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=A0Hn-fDLk58&feature=related

The US debt is just a myth: http://www.thefoxnation.com/business/2010/10/06/watch-dem-rep-calls-deficit-debt-myth (who knew?)

White middle-class highly-skilled construction workers not eligible for government funded projects: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=opxuUj6vFa4 (Umm… then who's building the new bridges?)

"Wherefore, because that Satan rebelled against me, and sought to destroy the agency of man, which I, the Lord God, had given him, and also, that I should give unto him mine own power; by the power of mine Only Begotten, I caused that he should be cast down;" (Moses 4:3)

This isn't just left vs. right, republican vs. democrat; this is liberty vs. tyranny, agency vs. slavery, salvation vs. damnation. With that lens, you can discern what is right and what is wrong, what is evil and what is good.

------------------------------- End ---------------------------------

I'm Karl, and I support this message.

Oh, and if you don't think you have the gift of discernment (see D&C 46) so you know truth when you hear or see it, pray earnestly for it as often and as hard as you must until you get it. You must, of course, live your life in harmony with the Gospel of Jesus Christ, to get that gift.

Milton Friedman defends capitalism to Socialist, Phil Donohue

2010-09-28T17:07:00.000-06:00

This may be the best short sermon on capitalism.

Milton Friedman to Phil Donohue

http://www.eyeblast.tv/public/eyeblast.swf?v=hdkUnzkU8z

Never Forget What Ronald Reagan Said

2010-09-14T22:26:00.002-06:00

Rememeber This Guy?

If you do, you may remember him to be one of the best presidents we've had. Oh I know he had faults, and made some mistakes, but they were when he was trying to do the right thing, but was misled by bureaucrats, who are just about always weasels.

"Socialism only works
in two places:
Heaven where they don't
need it and hell where they already have it."
-Ronald Reagan
'Here's my strategy on
the Cold War:
We win, they lose.'
- Ronald Reagan

'The most terrifying words
in the English language are:
I'm from the government
and I'm here to help.'
- Ronald Reagan

'The trouble with our liberal friends is not that they're ignorant; it's
just that they know so much that isn't so.'
- Ronald Reagan

'Of the four wars in my lifetime, none came about because the U.S. was
too strong.
- Ronald Reagan

'I have wondered at
times about what the
Ten Commandments would
have looked like if Moses
had run them through
the U.S. Congress..
- Ronald Reagan

'The taxpayer:
That's someone who works
for the federal government
but doesn't have to take the
civil service examination.'
- Ronald Reagan

'Government is like a baby:
An alimentary canal with a
big appetite at one end and
no sense of responsibility
at the other'
- Ronald Reagan

'The nearest thing to eternal
life we will ever see on
this earth is a
government program.'
- Ronald Reagan

'It has been said that politics is the second oldest profession.
I have learned that it bears a striking resemblance to the first'
- Ronald Reagan

'Government's view of the economy could be summed up in a few short phrases:
If it moves, tax it.
If it keeps moving, regulate it. And if it stops moving,
subsidize it'
- Ronald Reagan

'Politics is not a bad profession. If you succeed,
there are many rewards;
if you disgrace yourself,
you can always write a book.'
- Ronald Reagan

'No arsenal, or no weapon in the arsenals of the world, is as formidable as the will and moral courage of free men and women.'
- Ronald Reagan

'If we ever forget that we're one nation under GOD, then we will be a nation gone under.'
- Ronald Reagan

If you agree, please point folks to this group of quotes. If you don't agree, get a brain transplant. Clearly, yours is broken.

Yes, I'm still Karl

Censored Ground Zero Protest

2010-08-02T23:27:00.001-06:00

Did you see this on TV news or any of these photos in your local Daily Rag?

It happened on June 16, 2010, New York, N.Y.
Original by El Marco
http://www.lookingattheleft.com/2010/06/stop-the-mosque-at-ground-zero-part-ii/

Americans Stand Up Against Radical Islam in New York – We Will Not Submit!

Not one major network sent a satellite truck or camera crew to this event. Without bloggers this newsworthy event would have remained unknown to the public and history

On Sunday, June 6th, a multi-ethnic, multi-racial coalition of Americans opposed to Islamic violence and intolerance rallied at the site of the World Trade Center in New York City. 9/11 families were joined by immigrants from India, Russia, Egypt, Israel, Africa, Iran and Europe to show opposition to the construction of a mega-mosque at Ground Zero. Others flew in from overseas to speak or just to share their particular ethnic communities’ experiences at the hands of Muslims.

These are parents and spouses of firefighters killed on 9/11. The rally took place just a minute’s walk from Ladder 10 Firehouse, where their loved ones were stationed for duty that terrible day. Ladder 10 lost seven firefighters. Crowd estimates ranged from 5,000 (NYPD) to 10,000. The crowd overflowed the police barrier enclosures that ran the full length of two city blocks. This photo shows the enclosure in front of the stage at the intersection of Liberty and Church Streets. The second enclosure ran the length of the next block and can be seen on the other side of the traffic lights.

Thousands of additional participants filled the treed area of Zuccotti Park. Robert Spencer and Pamela Geller are the founders of STOP ISLAMIZATION OF AMERICA, which sponsored the rally. Ms. Geller is a citizen journalist and blogger who runs the human rights web site Atlas Shrugs. Mr. Spencer is the author of several books on Islam and head of the influential web site Jihad watch. Pamela Geller:

“Ground Zero is a war memorial, Ground Zero is a burial ground. We are asking for sensitivity…It is unconscionable to build a shrine to the very ideology that inspired the jihadist attacks at Ground Zero, right there. We are asking the imam Rauf and Daisy Khan to be sensitive. For mutual respect and mutual understanding that is demanded of us every day. There’s a hair-trigger sensitivity in the Muslim world, you can’t run the cartoons, you can’t say Mohammed, this is offensive. This is an offensive mosque. To build a shrine, an Islamic flag of conquest on the sacred ground the cherished site, of a conquered land. This is historic, this is Islamic history. It’s what they do. The St. Sofia in Turkey, the al-Quds, at the holiest Jewish site in Israel. Not here. This is where we take a stand. We must take a stand. We must say no.”

I do not believe that the landmarks commission controlled by Mayor Bloomberg, is going to stop this mosque. It’s not going to happen. Here’s Omar Muhamedi, on his human rights council, a CAIR lawyer, who sued the airlines and the Jane and John Does that saw something and said something on those airplanes, if you remember. That’s who’s on his human rights commission. It ain’t gonna happen with Bloomberg. We have to make it happen. You have to get involved.” (Pamela Geller)

Police enclosure on left, with crowd flowing out of park on right. The new Tower 7 and World Trade Center site are in the background. The green tent, center, is located immediately behind the stage. Port Authority and NYPD officers kept watch over the rally and were well aware of the need for heightened security at this event. One of their own Port Authority officers, WTC Sergeant Alan T. De Vona was on duty at the World Trade Center on 9/11, 2001, and was one of the first to help victims of the terrorist attack. He spoke these words to the SIOA rally:

“It’s almost nine years. I’m hoping that America is watching. I’m hoping that America is remembering. Because, make no mistake. September 11 was an act of war. And thank the military that has lost almost 5,000 troops from that day, defending us. I don’t know what to say to jar America’s memory. I want America to remember. The issues at stake will certainly affect the heart of American freedom, democracy, cultural values and tolerance. America is a tolerant country that allows for the free worship of all its citizens. But our tolerance has limits. Do we have to tolerate intolerant Islamic ideology and Muslims who preach intolerant Islam?”

Bhupinder Singh Bhurji, Pamela Geller, and Robert Spencer. Singh Bhurji is the president of the NAMDHARI SIKH FOUNDATION. The foundation is a member of the Human Rights Coalition Against Radical Islam (HRCARI). HRCARI is a coalition of Hindus, Sikhs, Christians from Sudan, Egypt and Iraq, moderate Muslims and Jews — who are victims and targets of radical Islam around the globe. He said, at another rally:

“Radical Islamists are killing people in India, trying to dominate that nation. And here too they come with violence against “infidels.” We are “infidels united,” standing together, brown, black and white, against this epoch’s fascist movement. Radical Islam wants to dominate entire world. They want everyone to surrender. Islam radical or otherwise. They want to put the Islamic flag on White House.”

Because of Islamic terrorism, America and the world have seen massive new security measures become a way of life. Anyone openly critical of Islam, or terrorist ideology, must surround themselves with security, or live in hiding. Those courageous enough to confront Islamism are criticized by the cowards and appeasers of the left who seek safety by supporting the enemy. Moderate Muslims were silent when Theo van Gogh was brutally murdered in Amsterdam, just as moderate Muslims in the United States are generally reluctant to speak out against violent Islam. Moderate Muslims also face great danger in speaking out.

Stephen Dyer and Gary Jules journalism students at York College, with Pamela Geller. Not one major network sent a satellite truck or camera crew to this event. Without bloggers this newsworthy event would have remained unknown to the public and history.

Geller and Spencer will press on despite the danger. They hope to inspire Americans to stand up and say enough of political correctness and work to stem the galloping islamization of America and Europe.

Hindu human rights activists Narain Kataria, Prasad Yalamanchi and unidentified friend came from Mississippi and Chicago with banners and flyers highlighting the radical statements of imam Rauf and his jihadist roots.

Pamela Geller is greeted by Hindu human rights activists Prasad Yalamanchi and Narain Kataria.

Port Authority Police and FDNY firefighters are seen here gathered beneath this banner.

_____________________________________________________________

When Will The Media Wake Up? Never! Why? Because they are part of the conspiracy to take our freedoms away. If you don't like the use of the word conspiracy you are part of the problem. Anyone who doesn't believe in conspiracies doesn't understand the nature of evil. I've even met some who don't believe there's really anything that's truly evil. I pity them. They are like the 5 sleeping virgins and will be woefully unprepared when they are most needed.

And yes, I'm Karl . . .

Is School Worthless?

2010-05-18T20:31:00.001-06:00

I've often wondered why we are being told how incredible education today is when compared with The Old Days. Is it really? I don't think so.

Remember hearing old people say their grandparents only had an 8th grade education? As Exhibit A I present the following 8th grade final exam from Salina, Kansas for your review. It was reprinted from the Salina Journal.

Grammar (One hour)

Give nine rules for the use of capital letters.
Name the parts of speech and define those that have no modifications.
Define verse, stanza and paragraph.
What are the principal parts of a verb? Give principal parts of 'lie,' 'play,' and 'run'.
Define case; illustrate each case.
What is punctuation? Give rules for principal marks of punctuation.
(8, 9 & 10) Write a composition of about 150 words and show therein that you understand the practical use of the rules of grammar.

Arithmetic (One hour fifteen minutes)

Name and define the Fundamental Rules of Arithmetic.
A wagon box is 2 ft. Deep, 10 feet Long, and 3 ft. Wide. How many bushels of wheat will it hold?
If a load of wheat weighs 3,942 lbs, what is it worth at 50cts/bushel, deducting 1,050 lbs for tare?
District No 33 has a valuation of $35,000. What is the necessary levy to carry on a school seven months at $50 per month, and have $104 for incidentals?
Find the cost of 6,720 lbs. Coal at $6.00 per ton.
Find the interest of $512.60 for 8 months and 18 days at 7percent per annum.
What is the cost of 40 boards 12 inches wide and 16 ft long at $20 per metre?
Find bank discount on $300 for 90 days (no grace) at 10 percent.
What is the cost of a square farm at $15 per acre, the distance of which is 640 rods?
Write a Bank Check, a Promissory Note, and a Receipt.

U.S. History (Forty-five minutes)

Give the epochs into which U.S. History is divided.
Give an account of the discovery of America by Columbus.
Relate the causes and results of the Revolutionary War.
Show the territorial growth of the United States .
Tell what you can of the history of Kansas .
Describe three of the most prominent battles of the Rebellion.
Who were the following: Morse, Whitney, Fulton , Bell , Lincoln , Penn, and Howe?
Name events connected with the following dates: 1607, 1620, 1800, 1849, 1865.

Orthography (One hour)

What is meant by the following: alphabet, phonetic, orthography, etymology, syllabication?
What are elementary sounds? How classified?
What are the following, and give examples of each: trigraph, subvocals, diphthong, cognate letters, linguals?
Give four substitutes for caret 'u'.
Give two rules for spelling words with final 'e.' Name two exceptions under each rule.
Give two uses of silent letters in spelling. Illustrate each.
Define the following prefixes and use in connection with a word: bi, dis, pre, semi, post, non, inter, mono, sup.
Mark diacritically and divide into syllables the following, and name the sign that indicates the sound: card, ball, mercy, sir, odd, cell, rise, blood, fare, last.
Use the following correctly in sentences: cite, site, sight, fane, fain, feign, vane , vain, vein, raze, raise, rays.
Write 10 words frequently mispronounced and indicate pronunciation by use of diacritical marks and by syllabication.

Geography (One hour)

What is climate? Upon what does climate depend?
How do you account for the extremes of climate in Kansas?
Of what use are rivers? Of what use is the ocean?
Describe the mountains of North America.
Name and describe the following: Monrovia, Odessa, Denver, Manitoba, Hecla, Yukon, St. Helena, Juan Fernandez, Aspinwall and Orinoco.
Name and locate the principal trade centers of the U.S. Name all the republics of Europe and give the capital of each.
Why is the Atlantic Coast colder than the Pacific in the same latitude?
Describe the process by which the water of the ocean returns to the sources of rivers.
Describe the movements of the earth. Give the inclination of the earth.

If you can pass this 5-hour exam without going to the books, the Internet or someone intelligent, shake your hand, pat yourself on the back, and then mourn the loss of the English Language, Mathematical Skill and a lot of other things our schools today aren't teaching because their primary job now is to do what the Secular Humanist movement teaches. What is that? To be the prophets of a new religion where the old rotting corpse of Christianity is finally buried.

If you don't believe that's their purpose, you have no clue what the founders of the public education system envisioned their role in educating children to be. Secular Humanism is now the official State Religion of nearly every industrialized nation, but most especially, The United Stated of America, which is now more socialist than democratic. Of course, it isn't supposed to be a democracy. The U.S. Constitution is meant to be the very foundation of a Judeo-Christian Republic.

So, to be educated, read the writings of those gone before. Read especially the words of our founding fathers. If you can't understand what they write, study until you can. The English Language is nearly dead. It's not taught in our schools, so teach it at home lest those with guile use it against us.

That's my opinion, and it's true, period.

I'm Karl.

Why are REAL MEN republicans?

2010-05-13T11:05:00.001-06:00

As you know, I'm an old(ish) guy. I'm pretty much set in my ways. I like guns, fishing, my bride, who is prettier than your wife, or you, if you are the wife. I like my grandkids, who are smarter, cuter and nicer to me than your grandkids.

But, in all this, I began to wonder, after receiving an image, or more accurately a chart, in an email, if my tastes are reflected by anyone else. I think the image speaks better than I can to the topic. So here it is:

As you can see, there's a stark difference between the upper and lower section of this graphic. Quite remarkably, someone has done a bit of work, and updated the chart. Here's the new one:

Like most pictures in blogs, you can click on these and get larger images.

I wonder how I looked when I was seeing those progressive people portrayed posing perturbed...

Yes, I like my conservative wife who makes all others look average in comparison. I'm not going to post any photos of her because... well it should be obvious. You understand she probably wouldn't want to be seen on the same page as me. Yes, I accept that. She's (as some men might say) a perfect arm ornament to satisfy my vanity, though she's not just great eye-candy, she's my all, my life, my strength and above all, my one and only sweetheart.

I'm Karl and I approve this blog... probably.

CongressDude Matheson Shows His True Colors

2010-04-19T11:55:00.005-06:00

I received another newsletter from "my congressman", Jim Matheson. Though I seldom agree with the content of his newsletters, this one just got to me, especially in the context of having just completed my tax-filing.

(OT: I used Turbo-tax online which I've done for 11 years. New this year: I got to pay some unknown 'bank' $30 extra without being notified that making the choice to have the $90 deducted from my federal tax return would actually cost me $120. Showing such lack of integrity in fee assessment makes me wonder if they are unethical in their tax software. So, No More Turbo-Tax For Me. But I'm not going to miss much, because in previous years, they imported much of my tax return into the new year so I had much less to enter. That kept me as a customer because it made filing so convenient. That didn't happen this year, so my final reason for keeping them is gone.)

Back to the topic at hand...

Here's a quote from his newsletter:

Dear Friend,

Federal income taxes due on April 15th are lower for nearly all working Utahns, because of the tax relief included in the federal Recovery Act that passed in 2009.

On average, working Utahns received $1,128 from the tax breaks in the legislation

So, since that got under my skin, because it's so blatantly false, I went to his website on the federal government servers, and entered the following:

I just received and read today's email newsletter. Receiving $1128 in incentives, or as you put it, "tax breaks" is misleading. Why? Because NOT A SINGLE TAX WAS REDUCED. One-time payments to citizens (soon to be subjects) does not constitute a tax break, but rather more dole from mommy-government.

I cannot vote for you because you are obviously part of the progressive lie, not part of the solution which will give me back liberties this government has stolen by ignoring the constitution.

So, take it for what it's worth, and I could/should have said it stronger, but hey, I'm writing for someone who doesn't get it, so using stronger language will just close the little brain more, won't it?

I'm:
---
Karl Pearson

Owner/Administrator of the sites at
http://ourldsfamily.com
---
"To mess up your Linux PC, you have to really work at it;
to mess up a microsoft PC you just have to work on it."
---
Democracy is two wolves and a lamb voting on what to have
for lunch. Liberty is a well-armed lamb contesting the vote.
--Benjamin Franklin
---
Children seldom misquote you. In fact, they usually
repeat word for word what you shouldn't have said.
---

A Failed Left Turner...

2010-04-16T21:23:00.000-06:00

I am helping my realtor son, Glenn, get my mother's home in a bit better condition so it will sell easier. We did some work on it yesterday, then came home.

As we got off the freeway in Lehi, Utah at about 6:20pm, I noticed a car coming straight towards us. I flashed my brights a few times because hey, driving off the freeway and seeing a car coming up the off-ramp isn't my idea of a good way to meet people.

The other car didn't do anything. As a matter of fact, the other car was stopped at the intersection at the bottom of the off-ramp, left turn signal flashing, and oblivious to anything else. Glenn took a picture and sent it to me so I could post it.

If you look closer (click to enlarge the image), you'll notice her left turn signal is lit as Glenn caught the picture as it went on. Nice work, huh? The red car to the left of the white car in front of us was in the 'real' left turn lane. Notice the double orange 'dividing' line between the two cars? The red car got there after we had been at the light for a bit.

So, should the Lehi City Police Department enlarge this picture and find the driver and cite her for reckless endangerment or something? Too bad the picture isn't clear enough to see the plate.

After the traffic from the right was gone, the turn signal for the cards from our left came on, and they had to drive around her into the right lane.

All in all, I'd say this is A FAILED LEFT TURN. Wouldn't you?

Yes, I'm Karl, and thank goodness she was turning left and not going straight.

Oh, and go take a look at Glenn's realty page at UtahRealtyZone.com

The Current State of "Science"

2010-04-12T10:06:00.005-06:00

Last evening, I watched with interested disappointment, a science channel program displaying and discussing the field of earthquake forecasting. As the program unfolded, it became obvious that there is no consensus on whether earthquakes can be predicted with any degree of certainty. Okay, there is no consensus among the progressives who think they are scientists.

They discussed several types of predictions that have, or are being studied. They included animal activity prior to earthquakes, and also some newer research being done on the forces within a fault-zone which actually results in the creation of electricity. This phenomenon is being studied by one scientist using mega-ton presses. He's largely funded the million dollar effort himself because of lack of interest in the general scientific community. As the program discussed his findings, it was obvious that what he said made good sense, was measurable and also being tracked. One small earthquake in California was preceded by a couple of weeks data indicating higher electrical charges in just the rock surrounding the area where the quake occurred.

Yet, the thrust of the program seemed to be driven by nay-sayers and frankly, liberal idiots. They had an agenda, which is typical of the liberal/progressive scientific world (remember global warming? Since the earth has been cooling for over a decade, they now force us to call it global climate change. It's not about the climate, it's about progressivism, or governmental control and secular humanism). One 'scientist' said, "We shouldn't be worrying about predicting earthquakes. We should quit buying guns and buy better cement." while a colleague stated, "Predicting earthquakes will cause more people to die as they stampede out of cities to escape a falling building that if not told about the earthquake, they would remain in the building and it wouldn't fall anyway because we know so much better how to build earthquake-proof buildings." They used Haiti as an example. It is obvious that many people died there because of the government's failures to build safe buildings. Government is their god, thus is able to provide everything necessary to protect us. Okay, I disagree; heartily.

They do not believe it is appropriate to waste money figuring out how to predict earthquakes, but rather just let people live through them because government can protect them. That is the ultimate display of "Government Will Take Care of You", or "Government as Mommy" and should raise the hackles of every liberty-minded person.

The first comment, about guns, shows a political agenda that isn't worth considering, other than to lament the poor fool's state of mind. The second comment, however, reminds me of the following poem:

A Fence or an Ambulance
[A poetic case for the value of prevention]

'Twas a dangerous cliff, as they freely confessed,
Though to walk near its crest was so pleasant;
But over its terrible edge there had slipped
A duke and full many a peasant.

So the people said something would have to be done,
But their projects did not at all tally;
Some said, "Put a fence 'round the edge of the cliff,"
Some, "An ambulance down in the valley."

But the cry for the ambulance carried the day,
For it spread through the neighboring city;
A fence may be useful or not, it is true,
But each heart became full of pity

For those who slipped over the dangerous cliff;
And the dwellers in highway and alley
Gave pounds and gave pence, not to put up a fence,
But an ambulance down in the valley.

"For the cliff is all right, if you're careful," they said,
"And, if folks even slip and are dropping,
It isn't the slipping that hurts them so much
As the shock down below when they're stopping."

So day after day, as these mishaps occurred,
Quick forth would those rescuers sally
To pick up the victims who fell off the cliff,
With their ambulance down in the valley.

Then an old sage remarked: "It's a marvel to me
That people give far more attention
To repairing results than to stopping the cause,
When they'd much better aim at prevention.

Let us stop at its source all this mischief," cried he,
"Come, neighbors and friends, let us rally;
If the cliff we will fence, we might almost dispense
With the ambulance down in the valley."

"Oh he's a fanatic," the others rejoined,
"Dispense with the ambulance? Never!
He'd dispense with all charities, too, if he could;
No! No! We'll support them forever.

Aren't we picking up folks just as fast as they fall?
And shall this man dictate to us? Shall he?
Why should people of sense stop to put up a fence,
While the ambulance works in the valley?"

But the sensible few, who are practical too,
Will not bear with such nonsense much longer;
They believe that prevention is better than cure,
And their party will soon be the stronger.

Encourage them then, with your purse, voice, and pen,
And while other philanthropists dally,
They will scorn all pretense, and put up a stout fence
On the cliff that hangs over the valley.

Better guide well the young than reclaim them when old,
For the voice of true wisdom is calling.
"To rescue the fallen is good, but 'tis best
To prevent other people from falling."

Better close up the source of temptation and crime
Than deliver from dungeon or galley;
Better put a strong fence 'round the top of the cliff
Than an ambulance down in the valley.

-- Joseph Malins (1895)

Mr. Malins puts it very well indeed. The scientists who apparently created the program for the science channel I was watching are the ones who would fight for an ambulance down in the valley. It's not a perfect fit, but I think you get the gist.

My thoughts became more concrete on this matter when I read the following 'Linux Fortune' from my own server:

Once, when the secrets of science were the jealously guarded property of a small priesthood, the common man had no hope of mastering their arcane complexities. Years of study in musty classrooms were prerequisite to obtaining even a dim, incoherent knowledge of science.

Today all that has changed: a dim, incoherent knowledge of science is available to anyone.

-- Tom Weller, "Science Made Stupid"

A Dim Incoherent Scientist is also available on your television, fighting for progressivism and government control. The colleges and universities, as temples of secular humanism, have been working tirelessly propounding the gospel of no-god, and their cultists are among us, spouting foolishness for a living.

I'm Karl

A Myriad Of [powerful, essential . . .] Meanings

2010-04-08T10:15:00.003-06:00

Setting a standard for future Public Service Ads, the following Youtube video is a powerful reminder of many things, including staying safe through prevention, the power of a family's love and a few other things you can think up.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=h-8PBx7isoM

I'm Karl

Recall The Socialst Rascals

2010-03-22T00:49:00.002-06:00

Incidentally, Rascals isn't the word I first considered using, but it's the best I can do without requiring a serious discussion with my ecclesiastical leader about my spiritual standing.

Obamanational Health [un]Care...

So it's passed. Yes, it was a close vote.

PLEASE, if you have any guts, demand a recall election against every single moron who supported or voted to Socialize Healthcare. Now we get people of the intelligence of the motor vehicle offices all across the country telling us where to get, and how to get, medical attention. Welcome to The Soviet Socialist Hell that is progressivism.

The reform we needed was to eliminate Tort attorneys, not provide them a new playground!

Government for the people and by the people? Not from this bunch of weak-minded arrogant, socialism-never-worked-before-because-we,-the-most-intelligent-crackheads-in-the universe,-didn't-do-it, fools!

Yes, I'm Karl, and I'm a bit put out by, or with the arrogant neanderthals in D.C.

Oh, and just a bit of a disclaimer here: I don't condone, support or approve of any type of Oklahoma City-style bombing that is going to happen if this government doesn't pull their heads out and repeal this atrocity. But, mark my words, there will be blood flowing sooner than later now that this administration has proven they don't care what the people say.

History Revisited: My Thoughts Regarding 9/11/2001

2010-03-05T20:10:00.007-07:00

I wrote this article in September of 2001 and just re-read it and decided to place it here. I've included most of the original, but not all.

To view it online where I originally posted it, you may visit http://ourldsfamily.com/wtc.shtml

My Thoughts Regarding
The World Trade Center Terrorist Attacks
that occurred on September 11, 2001

I have prayed and cried many times during this terrible day (and since, each time a survivor has been found, or when viewing the images of those working to find survivors). In constructing this page, I considered using a black background, but I thought better of it because I believe there's hope in this evil.

Our vulnerability has been exposed. What went wrong? How could our security have failed us so badly? What could have been done to prevent this terrible act of heinous disregard for everything holy?

First of all, I think God lets evil men alone so at the last and judgment day, they have no excuse. Their acts have sealed them Satan's forever as the blood of their innocent victims cry loudly from the dust against them. Eternal damnation might even be too good for such vile wickedness. Other thoughts include such things as:

If the security officers at the other end of those hi-jacked flights had done their jobs this couldn't have happened
Pilots and flight crew that do not mill about with passengers should be armed
The number of U.S. Marshalls who fly armed should be increased
commensurate with the need
If American citizens were allowed to carry concealed handguns, the terrorists would have died aboard the planes they attempted to hi-jack without the chance to complete their work of death
The passengers who thwarted one terrorist flight would have killed the hi-jackers and would not have sacrificed their lives had they been armed
Removing the door to the cockpit, and adding an external door just for the flight crew will prevent access to the cockpit completely
The people of New York and Washington D.C. need support, love, caring, help and God
Life is too short to worry about hate, fear and evil
If good men do nothing, evil men will conquer
Evil men cannot conceive that others are not conspiring against them and Good Men cannot conceive of others conspiring to do them harm
When will Good Men learn this one lesson?
There ARE conspiracies working against us continually
Thank God we now have a president in the White House with principles, scruples and a firm resolve to do what's right
God Bless President Bush, his associates and co-workers!
Join in prayer for the bereaved regardless of your personal faith
We have all become bereaved from this
"Thank You" to the volunteers, the professional medical and technical workers who are risking their all for victims they haven't met yet
Admiral Yamamoto speaks from the dust: the terrorists have "awoken a sleeping giant filled with dreadful resolve"
Terrorists beware
President Bush will hold governments who harbor terrorists equally responsible
Terrorists, begin to tremble now while you are not yet extinct
Do Americans realize that there are civilizations (un-civilizations) where terrorism is endemic?
To eradicate terrorism, we will be required to destroy entire civilizations
The Gadianton Band of thieves and murderers for gain could be contained in only 2 ways:
1. Execution
2. Conversion to the gospel of Jesus Christ
Are we prepared to execute?
Are we prepared to convert?
Americans must not be willing to relinquish liberty for security
Greater Liberty will ensure Greater Security
An Armed Society is a Polite Society
Israeli Citizens Are Armed
They deal with terrorism daily
Learn From Israel

I am saddened by this terrible day beyond comprehension. Join me in a moment of silence each day at your convenience. Please include a loved one. Suffering alone is unbearable. Don't let others suffer alone.

May God Bless All Who Care For Human Life, born or unborn. There is a God. We are His children regardless of race, creed or other divisions. Forgive everyone, but don't allow forgiveness to rob victims of justice. God won't allow it and we will be held accountable if we allow it either as a society or in our hearts. Governments were instituted among men by God to protect and serve. President Bush, Protect Us By Eradicating The Vermin That Attacked Our People! President Bush, Grant Us Our Full God-given Liberties To Protect Ourselves! Allow Us To Be Armed Nation-wide as Israel Has Allowed It's People!

Again, to see the original, with some pictures, click the link in the 2^nd paragraph above.

I'm Karl and I'm getting nervous about the progressives among us who, like wolves in sheep's clothing await our destruction with anticipation as though part of Satan's mesmerizing evil.

Happy Purim

2010-02-28T14:25:00.004-07:00

To all you who know what that is, great. I don't.

Sometime I'll do a bit of study on Jewish traditional holidays so I know when someone is referring to Esther's account of Haman casting lots to decide when to exterminate the Jews. But that will have to wait for another time... ;-)

But in any case, happy Purim to you.

You ask, why are you even writing this? Well, because of not knowing enough, or anything about Purim, I got thinking.

I'm hoping for the time when we can celebrate Obamanation Day here. It will be the commemoration of the embarrassing defeat of Barrack Obama in a mid-term disgrace ousting...

Yes, I dream a lot.

And I'm Karl . . . .

Gary L. and Paula Packer

2010-02-13T11:34:00.002-07:00

Gary L. and Paula Pearson Packer

New mission president
Published: Saturday, Feb. 13, 2010

Seven new mission presidents and their wives have been called by the First Presidency to begin their service about July 1. The only couple I know are my sister, Paula, and her husband, Gary. Here's the brief biological sketch as it appeared in the Church News of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints:

Gary Lowell Packer, 59, and Paula Pearson Packer, five children, Democratic Republic of Congo Lubumbashi Mission; Compton Bench Ward, Farmington Utah North Stake. He serves as the executive secretary to the Area Presidency of the Africa Southeast Area and is a former temple missionary in the Johannesburg South Africa Temple, real estate missionary in the Africa Southeast Area, bishop, high councilor and missionary in the Franco-Belgian Mission. Retired corporate vice president and commercial department manager, First American Title Insurance Agency of Utah. Born in Brigham City, Utah, to Lowell Wight and Dorothy La Venna Marble Packer.

Sister Packer serves as the assistant executive secretary to the Area Presidency of the Africa Southeast Area and served with her husband in the Johannesburg South Africa Temple and Africa Southeast Area and is a former ward Relief Society president and counselor, ward Primary president, counselor in a ward Young Women presidency and ward Relief Society teacher. Born in Provo, Utah, to Glenn Laurentz and Ardith Amelia Hunsaker Pearson.

This newly created mission is considered a 'hardship mission' so the period of service for my sister and her husband will be 2 years rather than the customary 3 years. What does that mean? It means they probably won't get to shower or eat normal food for 2 years. They may live in a flat with dirt floors and have to carry water in buckets from a shared source. Shared with crocodiles, lions, hyenas and other dangerous wildlife. Probably...

I'm Karl, and I can't wait to begin hearing how things go for them.

Are Microsoft Users Idiots or Victims?

2010-02-08T12:56:00.002-07:00

You decide, but not until you go read this posting in the Linux Gazette.

http://linuxgazette.net/170/starks.html

And yes, I'm still Karl...

New Implant Will Help Terrorists Commune With God

2010-01-05T12:38:00.002-07:00

I'm sure this has made the rounds, but I saw it the first time today. I really enjoyed it and hope you do as well.

Nicknamed "THE PATRIOT MICROCHIP" is intended to be implanted in terrorists, specifically in the forehead, however, it is also successful if implanted in the center of the chest as well.

When properly installed, it will allow the one implanted to speak with God.

It comes in various sizes:

The exact size of the implant will be selected by a well-trained and highly skilled technician.

The implant may or may not be painless. Side effects, like sudden headaches and even nausea, are very temporary.

Some bleeding or swelling may occur at the injection site.

Please enjoy the security we provide and best regards,

See? I thought you'd like it.

I'm Karl

Very Sad Commentary

2009-12-30T22:50:00.002-07:00

OUR CONGRESS AT WORK.

Should we buy them larger screen computers - or - a ticket home, permanently?

Nothing else need be said. This is one of their THREE DAY WORK WEEKS that we all pay for. I am ready to start from the beginning by voting out all elected officials and not letting any of them stay in office for more than two terms. No more lifelong healthcare, retirement, voting in their own pay raises, taking perks on our taxes, etc.

House Minority Leader Lawrence F. Cafero Jr., R-Norwalk, pictured standing, far right, speaks while colleagues Rep. Barbara Lambert, D-Milford and Rep. Jack F. Hennessy, D-Bridgeport, play solitaire Monday night as the House convened to vote on a new budget. (AP) The guy sitting in the row in front of these two... he's on Facebook, and the guy behind Hennessy is checking out the baseball scores.

These are the folks that can't get a budget out on time!

So, we've got a 30 day budget extension. Well, guess what, 30 days from now we will be in the same boat. I guess this makes it easy for the news reporters as all they have to do is recycle the same headlines from this week and from 2 years ago. And these yo-yos will still be playing SOLITAIRE!!!

I'm all for voting ALL out and start with a clean slate! Max terms and no life time benefits!!!

Shouldn't America Know So They Can Wake Up?

It's time for Term limits, no benefits, no retirement, PLUS, they should be required to abide by the same laws they pass and quit giving themselves a 'pass'.

I'm Karl and I'm getting angry...

A "Green" Plan I Am Behind, 100%

2009-12-21T20:33:00.004-07:00

If this plan is implemented, America Will Work! (in more ways than one)

Go visit KickThemAllOut.com and FireCongress.org (these 2 links go to the same page, so you only need to choose one)

I'm Karl, and I support this ad...

Thoughts From Thunder Ranch

2009-11-30T12:01:00.002-07:00

I'm not sure if these quotes are from Clint Smith, but I've heard him say similar things on Outdoor Channel. So if anyone has information verifying (or not), please let me know.

Okay, to start, consider this quote:

"How fortunate for governments that the people they govern don't think." -- Adolph Hitler

Now read and think...

Clint Smith, Director of Thunder Ranch, is part Drill Instructor, and part stand up comic. Here are a few of his observations on tactics, firearms, self defense and life as we know it in the civilized world.

"The handgun would not be my choice of weapon if I knew I was going to a fight....I'd choose a rifle, a shotgun, an RPG or an atomic bomb instead."

"The two most important rules in a gunfight are: Always cheat and Always win."

"Every time I teach a class, I discover I don't know something."

"Don't forget, incoming fire has the right of way."

"Make your attacker advance through a wall of bullets. I may get killed with my own gun, but he's gonna have to beat me to death with it, cause it's going to be empty."

"If you're not shootin', you should be loadin'. If you're not loadin, you should be movin', if you're not movin', someone's gonna cut your head off and put it on a stick."

"When you reload in low light encounters, don't put your flashlight in your back pocket... If you light yourself up, you'll look like an angel or the tooth fairy...and you're gonna be one of 'em pretty soon."

"Do something. It may be wrong, but do something."

"Nothing adds a little class to a sniper course like a babe in a Ghilliesuit." (See http://www.theghilliesuits.com/ )

"Shoot what's available, as long as it's available, until something else becomes available."

"If you carry a gun, people will call you paranoid. That's ridiculous.. If I have a gun, what in the hell do I have to be paranoid for."

"Don't shoot fast, shoot good."

"You can say 'stop' or 'alto' or use any other word you think will work but I've found that a large bore muzzle pointed at someone's head is pretty much the universal language."

"You have the rest of your life to solve your problems. How long you live depends on how well you do it."

"You cannot save the planet. You may be able to save yourself and your family."

"Thunder Ranch will be here as long as you'll have us or until someone makes us go away and either way it will be exciting." (See http://www.thunderranchinc.com/ )

=====================================================================

More Thoughts

- The purpose of fighting is to Win!

- There is no possible victory in defense. The sword is more important than the shield, and skill is more important than either.

- The final weapon is the brain. All else is supplemental.

- Don't pick a fight with an old man. If he is too old to fight, he'll just kill you.

- If you find yourself in a fair fight, your tactics suck.

- I carry a gun cause a cop is too heavy.

- When seconds count, the cops are just minutes away.

- A reporter did a human-interest piece on the Texas Rangers. The reporter recognized the Colt Model 1911 the Ranger was carrying and asked him 'Why do you carry a 45-' The Ranger responded, 'Because they don't make a 46.'

- An armed man will kill an unarmed man with monotonous regularity.

- The old sheriff was attending an awards dinner when a lady commented on his wearing his sidearm. 'Sheriff, I see you have your pistol. Are you expecting trouble-' 'N o ma'am. If I were expecting trouble, I would have brought my rifle.'

- Beware the man who only has one gun. He probably knows how to use it!

"The true Soldier fights not because he hates what is in front of him, but because he loves what is behind him." G. K. Chesterton

- A people that values its privileges above its principles will soon lose both.

"Those who hammer their guns into plows will plow for those who do not." Thomas Jefferson

"A general dissolution of principles and manners will more surely overthrow the liberties of America than the whole force of the common enemy." Samuel Adams

"Those who would give up essential liberty to purchase a little temporary safety, deserve neither liberty nor safety." Benjamin Franklin

=======================================================================

A Thanksgiving Lesson

2009-11-20T12:07:00.005-07:00

[KLP: This article is well worth the read, by you, your children and grandchildren.]

Chip Wood is the geopolitical editor of PersonalLiberty.com. He is the founder of Soundview Publications, in Atlanta, where he was also the host of an award-winning radio talk show for many years. He was the publisher of several bestselling books, including Crisis Investing by Doug Casey, None Dare Call It Conspiracy by Gary Allen and Larry Abraham and The War on Gold by Anthony Sutton. Chip is well known on the investment conference circuit where he has served as Master of Ceremonies for FreedomFest, The New Orleans Investment Conference, Sovereign Society, and The Atlanta Investment Conference.

A Thanksgiving Lesson

November 20, 2009 by Chip Wood

Did you know that our Pilgrim forefathers tried communism when they first landed at Plymouth Rock?

How’s that for a dramatic beginning to a story? Years ago, when I used to give a lot of talks to high school classes, this was one of my favorites. It always got the students’ attention. And I have to admit, I also enjoyed seeing some liberal teachers get so upset with me they almost lost their lunches.

Here’s the story I told those students in those long-ago presentations.

The Pilgrims who arrived at Plymouth Rock in 1620 were incredibly brave and hardy souls. They were motivated by the noblest of virtues. They vowed, each and every one, to be as selfless as possible—to always put the needs of the group first. They agreed to own everything in common and to share everything equally.

And their naïve piety almost killed the entire colony.

We all know how the adventure begins. A group of devout Christians, seeking religious freedom for themselves and eager to "advance the Gospel of the Kingdom of Christ" in the New World, sets sail from Plymouth, England in 1620. An investment consortium known as the Merchant Adventurers of London paid the expenses for the trip, including chartering the Mayflower and its 40-man crew.

The deal was simple: The Pilgrims agreed to establish a colony in northern Virginia where they would plant crops, fish the waters and hunt in the forests. They would return a certain percentage of each year’s bounty to London until their debt had been repaid.

Things went wrong from the start. First, the syndicate changed the deal, drastically reducing the amount they would loan the Pilgrims. The brave adventurers were forced to sell many of their own possessions, and much of their provisions, to pay for the trip. As a result, they landed in the New World badly short of supplies.

Next, the small ship they had purchased in Holland, which was to accompany them to America so they could fish the waters off the coast, had to be abandoned in England.

Shortly after they set sail, the ship, badly misnamed the Speedwell, became "open and leakie as a sieve," as its captain reported. They returned to Dartmouth, where the boat was dry-docked for three weeks as repairs were made.

But to no avail. After leaving Dartmouth, the group sailed less than 300 miles when the captain decided the Speedwell "must bear up or sink at sea." This time the ships put in at Plymouth, England, where it was decided to go on without the Speedwell. On Sept. 16, 1620, the Mayflower set out alone to cross the Atlantic.

A month later, when they had reached the halfway point, fierce storms battered the ship and threatened the lives of passengers and crew. Many wanted to turn back for England. But if they abandoned the journey, they would lose everything they had invested. The Pilgrims decided to trust in God and sail on.

Despite the storms, the hazards, the crowding and the poor food, only one Pilgrim died during the voyage, a young servant. His death was balanced by the birth of a son to Stephen and Elizabeth Hopkins, who named their child Oceanus.

There were 102 passengers on board the Mayflower—50 men, 20 women and 32 children—along with a crew of 40. The captain set a course along the 42nd parallel, a bearing that would carry him to Cape Cod. From there he intended to swing south and follow the coast to northern Virginia.

A little over two months later, on Nov. 19, land was finally sighted and the captain turned the ship south, toward Virginia. However, they soon encountered such "dangerous shoals and roaring breakers" that they turned back to Massachusetts. It was then that the grumblings of dissent turned into a full-fledged roar. Many of the passengers insisted on landing in Massachusetts, where "none had power to command them."

The Pilgrim leaders decided to meet the explosive situation by asking each male on board, except for the crew, to sign a formal document that would lay "the first foundation of their government in this place." Thus the Mayflower Compact was born.

The Pilgrims were a diverse lot. Many of them were illiterate. Yet in creating the Mayflower Compact they showed an extraordinary political maturity. They agreed to establish a government by the consent of the governed, with just and equal laws for all. Each adult male, regardless of his station in life—gentleman, commoner or servant—would have an equal vote in deciding the affairs of the colony. Of the 65 men and boys on board, all but 24 signed the agreement. The only ones who did not were the children of those adults who did sign, or men who were too sick to do so.

The first decision made under the covenant was to abandon efforts to reach Virginia and instead to settle in New England. The first explorers landed at Plymouth on Dec. 21, 1620.

Weather delays kept the majority from seeing their new home for nearly two weeks. On Jan. 2, 1621, work began on the first building they would erect—a storehouse.

Because provisions were so scanty they decided that the land would be worked in common, produce would be owned in common, and goods would be rationed equally. Not unlike the society Karl Marx envisioned of "from each according to his ability, to each according to his need."

Unfortunately, thanks to illness, injury and attitude, the system did not work. Pilferage from the storehouse became common. Suspicions of malingering were muttered. Over the course of that first, harsh winter, nearly half of the colonists perished. Four families were wiped out completely; only five of 18 wives survived. Of the 29 single men, hired hands and servants, only 10 were alive when spring finally came.

The colonists struggled desperately for two more years. When spring arrived in April 1623, virtually all of their provisions were gone. Unless that year’s harvest improved, they feared few would survive the next winter. The Pilgrim leaders decided on a bold course. The colony would abandon its communal approach and permit each person to work for his own benefit, not for the common good.

Here is how the governor of the colony, William Bradford, explained what happened then. This is taken from his marvelously readable memoir (if you can make adjustments for the Old English spellings), History of Plimoth Plantation:

The experience that was had in this commone course and condition, tried sundrie years, and that amongst godly and sober men, may well evince the vanitie of that conceite of Plato & other ancients, applauded by some of later times;—that ye taking away of properties, and bringing it in communitie into a commone wealth, would make them happy and flourishing; as if they were wiser than God.

For this communitie (so farr as it was) was found to breed much confusion & discontent, and retard much employment that would have been to their benefite and comforte. For yet young men that were most able and fitte for labor & services did repine that they should spend their time & strength to worke for other men’s wives and children with out any recompense.

Once they replaced communal efforts with individual responsibility the differences were dramatic—and life-saving. Men went into the fields earlier and stayed later. In many cases, their wives and even their children (some barely past the toddler stage) worked right alongside them. More acres were planted, more trees were felled, more houses were built, and more game was slaughtered because of one simple change: People were allowed to keep the fruits of their own labors.

The Pilgrims arrived deeply in debt to the London merchants who sponsored them. They worked for more than 20 years, as individuals and as a community, to pay off the crushing burden. In 1627, they borrowed money to pay off the Merchants Adventurers. By 1645, they had paid off the entire debt to the company which had advanced them the sums to pay off the Merchants.

When their debt had been paid in full (at the astronomical interest rate of 45 percent per year), the company that had advanced the sums wrote the Pilgrims:

Let it not be grievous to you, that you have been instruments to break the ice for others who come after with less difficulty. The honour shall be yours to the world’s end.

As we celebrate this coming Thanksgiving Day, some 380 years after the Pilgrims celebrated the first of this uniquely American holiday, let us remember the sacrifices they made… the devotion they showed… and the lessons they learned.

Until next time, keep some powder dry.

—Chip Wood

------------------------------------------------

And I'm Karl

and very much approve of Chip's sentiments.

Have You Seen Any Weirder Creatures Ever?

2009-11-06T14:34:00.008-07:00

The Planet Earth is populated with plenty of bizarre and astonishing creatures without the need for resorting to fiction. Some are rare; some may even be on the verge of extinction. Here are 16 of the most peculiar creatures known to mankind.

Angora Rabbit

Aye-aye

Blobfish

Komondor Dog

Pink Fairy Armadillo

Proboscis Monkey

Pygmy Marmoset

Sloth

Star-nosed Mole

Sucker-footed Bat

Sun Bear

Tapir

White-faced Saki Monkey

Yeti Crab

Left-Winged Dingbat

Nope, I didn't think so. I've not seen such things as this in my entire life, other than when I've looked at them at other times. Then I saw them, but didn't really give them as much thought as I am now when seen in a group.

I'm Karl (more or less)
Oh, and if you actually counted and see only 15, I guess I'm the other one, okay then?

There's one serious note however, about the Left-winged Dingbat pictured above. The caption would more aptly be Left-winged Baby Killers Funding Specialist. Why? Well, her version of the Obamanation that is federalized health-care includes a provision requiring anyone enrolled in the federal health-care plan to pay a monthly premium that includes an amount earmarked for government funded abortion. Yes you read that right. Pelosi is evil through and through. Advocating the murder of the unborn is evil, period. Don't ever mistake 'nice' for 'good'. Oh, she's not nice either? Go figure.

Whose Heroes Are These people?

2009-11-02T14:40:00.002-07:00

But first, my thought on this topic, plus another famous quote by a conservative democrat, but a philandering despot as well. Who was that? President John F. Kennedy, who began the changing of the people's understanding of their relationship to government when he said:

"Ask not what your country can do for you; ask what you can do for your country"

That statement misses everything about a representational Republic that can be missed. It being quoted as a 'great quote' is foolishness and demonstrates a lack of understanding of what liberty and a free society really is. As for me? Keep the government out of my life completely. They shouldn't even own property, including roads. That's something Ezra Taft Benson and my father discussed. They agreed. KLP

--------------------------- Original Message ---------------------------

Here are some quotes by some infamous people from the past. Those who look to them for their philosophies (Obama and his kind) are shown for who they are, anti-liberty Marxists

"A lie told often enough becomes the truth." Lenin

"While the State exists, there can be no freedom. When there is freedom, there will be no state." Lenin

"We shall support whatever the enemy opposes and oppose whatever the enemy supports." Mao Tse-Tung

"What luck for rulers that men do not think." Adolf Hitler

"The great masses of people....will more easily fall victims to a great lie than to a small one." Adolph Hitler

"The last capitalist we hang shall be the one who sold us the rope." Karl Marx

"Don't worry if they are Democrats or Republicans. Give them service and they'll become Democrats." Richard J. Daley

"It is the absolute right of the state to supervise the formation of public opinion." Joseph Goebbels

"Think of the press as a great keyboard upon which the government can play." Joseph Goebbels

"All within the state, nothing outside the state, nothing against the state." Benito Mussolini

"It is the state which educates its citizens in civic virtue, gives them a consciousness of their mission and welds them into unity." Benito Mussolini

"I want you to know that everything I did, I did for my country." Pol Pot

And as far as living tyrants go, Fidel Castro summed up their opinions quite well in the following short sentence:
"How can we help President Obama?"

And I don't want anyone to help Obama, except to help him find the door.

I'm Karl

One Of The Formost Experts Speaks

2009-10-21T15:59:00.002-06:00

Open Letter to President Mohamed Nasheed of the Maldives

Mr. President,

You have recently held an undersea Cabinet meeting to raise awareness of the idea that global sea level is rising and hence threatens to drown the Maldives. This proposition is not founded in observational facts and true scientific judgements, Accordingly it is incorrect.

Therefore, I am most surprised at your action and must protest to its intended message. In 2001, when our research group found overwhelming evidence that sea level was by no means in a rising mode in the Maldives, but had remained quite stable for the last 30 years, I thought it would not be respectful to the fine people of the Maldives if I were to return home and present our results in international fora. Therefore, I announced this happy news during an interview for your local TV station. However, your predecessor as president censored and stopped the broadcast.

When you became president, Iwas hoping both for democracy and for dialogue. However, I have written to you twice without reply. Your people ought not to have to suffer a constant claim that there is no future for them on their own islands. This terrible message is deeply inappropriate, since it is founded not upon reality but upon an imported concept, which lacks scientific justification and is thus untenable. There is simply no rational basis for it.

Let me summarize a few facts (see Fig. 1, and evidence presented in Mörner, 2007):

(1) In the last 2000 years, sea level has oscillated with 5 peaks reaching 0.6 to 1.2 m above the present sea level.
(2) From 1790 to 1970 sea level was about 20 cm higher than today.
(3) In the 1970s, sea level fell by about 20 cm to its present level.
(4) Sea level has remained stable for the last 30 years, implying that there are no traces of any alarming on-going sea level rise.
(5) Therefore, we are able to free the Maldives (and the rest of low-lying coasts and island around the globe) from the condemnation of becoming flooded in the near future.

When I was president for the INQUA commission on Sea Level Changes and Coastal Evolution (1999-2003), we spent much effort on the question of present-to-future sea level changes. After intensive field studies, deliberation within the commission and discussions at five international meeting, we agreed on a “best estimate” for possible sea level changes by the year 2100. Our figure was +10 cm ±10 cm. This figure was later revised at +5 cm ±15 cm (as given in Fig. 1). Such changes would imply small to negligible effects.

From our sea level curve in Fig. 1, we can directly see that such a small rise would pose no threat for the Maldives. Rather, it would be a natural return to the conditions existing from 1790 to 1970; i.e. to the position before the sea level fall in the 1970s.

The same non-rising sea level story is recorded for all other areas claimed to be under a flooding already in progress; viz. Tuvalu, Vanuatu and Venice (Mörner, 2007b). Besides, the proposed global trend derived from satellite altimetry have been tampered by a “personal correction” in order to create a rising trend (Mörner, 2008), actually not measured.. Thermal expansion of the water column may affect the ocean level by some centimetres to a decimetre. At the shore, however, the effect is zero (Mörner, 2000, 2005a, 2009a).

Fig. 1. The Maldives Sea Level Curve of the last 500 years (blue) and the proposed best estimate of possible sea level changes by year 2100 (violet). This curve is a detail (without error bars, anchor points and curved breaking points) from the one presented by Mörner, (2007). Sea level has been stable for the last 30 years. Future changes in the next century are by no means alarming; at the most it would imply a return to the pre-1970 situation with an about 20 cm higher sea level as was the case from 1790 to 1970. These are the observational facts and the consequences to face for the future: i.e. no real problems and certainly no reason for any alarm and SOS message.

So, Mr. President, when you ignore to face available observational facts, refuses a normal democratic dialogue, and continue to menace your people with the imaginary threat of a disastrous flooding already in progress, I think you are doing a serious mistake.

Let us be constructive. Let us discuss available observational facts. Let us continue and extend our sea level project to new sites in the huge Maldivian atoll archipelago.

And let us, for Heaven’s sake, lift the terrible psychological burden that you and your predecessor have placed upon the shoulders of all people in the Maldives, who are now living with the imagined threat that flooding will soon drive them from their homes, a wholly false notion that is nothing but an armchair fiction artificially constructed by mere computer modelling constantly proven wrong by meticulous real-world observations.

Your cabinet meeting under the water is nothing but a misdirected gimmick or PR stunt. Al Gore is a master in such cheep techniques. But such misconduct is dishonest, unproductive and certainly most un-scientific.

Stockholm, Sweden, October 20, 2009

Nils-Axel Mörner
Head of Paleogeophysics & Geodynamics at Stockholm University, Sweden (1991-2005)
President of the INQUA Commission on Sea Level Changes and Coastal Evolution (1999-2003)
Leader of the Maldives Sea Level Project (2000 on)
Chairman of the INTAS project on Geomagnetism and Climate (1997-2003)
Awarded the Golden Condrite of Merit from Algarve University (2008) “for his irreverence and contribution to our understanding of sea level change”

Acknowledgements:
Our international research group have had the pleasure to undertake very sophisticated studies in the Maldives. Personally, I have been there six times in this mission, including three one month-long research expeditions. We have become much in love with the remarkable nature and the wonderful local people of the Maldives. My critics should be seen as a sign of this respect in combination with a non-negotiable conviction that we must base our claims and actions on observational facts.

Primary references
Mörner, N.-A., 2000. Sea level changes and coastal dynamics in the Indian Ocean. Integrated Coastal Zone Management, Spring 2000 Ed, p. 17-20, IGC Publ. Ltd.
Mörner, N.-A., Tooley, M. and Possnert, G., 2004. New perspectives for the future of the Maldives. Global Planetary Change, 40, 177-182.
Mörner, N.-A., 2007. Sea level changes and tsunamis, environmental stress and migration overseas. The case of the Maldives and Sri Lanka. Internationales Asienforum, 38, 353-374.
Mörner, N.-A., Laborel, J. and Dawson, S., 2008. Submarine ”sandstorms” and tsunami events in the Indian Ocean. J. Coastal Res., 24, 1608-1611.

Additional references
Mörner, N.-A., 2004a. Changing sea levels. In: Encyclopedia of Coastal Sciences (M. Schwartz, Ed.), p. 229-232.
Mörner, N.-A., 2004b. Estimating future sea level changes. Global Planetary Change, 40, 49-54.
Mörner, N.-A., 2004c. The Maldives Project: a future free from see level flooding. Contemporary South Asia, 13, 149-155.
Mörner, N.-A., 2004d. Sea level change: Are low-lying islands and coastal areas under threat? IN: The Impacts of climate change: An appraisal for the future, p. 29-35. International Policy Press.
Mörner, N.-A., 2005a. Sea level changes and crustal movements with special reference to the Eastern Mediterranean. Z. Geomorphologie, Supp. Vol. 137, 91-102.
Mörner, N.-A., 2005b. Facts and fiction about sea level changes. House of Lords Economic Affairs Committee, 6 pp.
Mörner, N.-A., 2007b. The Greatest Lie Ever Told. Jofo Grafiska Print, 20 pp, 2007 & 2009.
Mörner, N.-A., 2008a. Comments on comments. Global Planetary Change, 62, 219-220.
Mörner, N.-A., 2008b. No on-going global flooding with the Sun in the centre. Estudos do Quaternario, 5, APEQ, 3-9, Porto.
Mörner, N.-A. 2009a. Some problems in the reconstruction of mean sea level and its changes with time. In press.
Mörner, N.-A., 2009. Setting the frames of expected future sea level changes. Submitted.
Mörner, N.-A., 2009. The Maldives as a measure of sea level and sea level ethics. Submitted.

See also:
Mortensen, L., 2004. Doomsday Called Off. TV-documentary, Danish TV, Copenhagen.
Murphy, G., 2007. Claim that sea level is rising is a total fraud. EIR (Executive Intelligence Review), vol. 34, no. 25, June 22, p. 33-37.
Eklund, L., 2009. SASNET visit to the Maldives 6-8 February 2009. Report by Lars Eklund. http://www.sasnet.lu.se/maldives09.html
Booker, C., 2009 Rise of sea level is "the greatest lie evrey told". The Sunday Telegraph, March 29

Did A Prophet Pen This Cartoon?

2009-10-12T22:40:00.002-06:00

This political cartoon was in the Chicago Tribune in 1934.

Read the quoted plan of action in the lower left corner (click the image to enlarge it), then consider the adage, "Those who do not remember the past are doomed to repeat it."

I'm Karl...

The Impact of the Government Health Care Plan

2009-09-30T22:00:00.006-06:00

-- From A Benefit Provider's Perspective

MillerWade Group - "Mastering Benefits"
http://www.millerwade.com

Many of our clients have relied on our agency for understanding of government employment regulations. I have tried to keep you all abreast of the laws, how they will need to be safely implemented and their effect on your business. There are many inaccurate statements being made about the proposed health care bill, so I thought I would put down my concerns and then back them up with the actual bill for you to compare.

I send this to you today, to try and proactively educate you on the proposed health care reform bill, and provide you a means to easily communicate your concerns to your Senator and Representative. This process only takes 5 minutes. My hope is that this "E-mail" is forwarded to all the companies in the U.S. in an effort to educate people on what is perceived as a massive government take over or our health care system. Most people agree that our health care system has some problems, and these can be fixed without complete government take over. There are other proposed reforms that the insurance industry has already agreed to implement: No pre-existing condition clause, portability of coverage, etc. We may also consider tort reform which would significantly reduce cost of care by eliminating the need for so many unnecessary tests.

What will not help our country, our economy, or your business is the below sections of this bill or the 53 NEW GOVERNMENT PROGRAMS, OFFICES & BUREAUCRACIES created for the proposed government health care Program.

The following are excerpts from the proposed bill:

Page 22 of the HC Bill: Mandates that the Govt will audit books of all employers that self insure!!

Page 50 Section 152 in HC bill: HC will be provided to ALL non US citizens, illegal or otherwise

Page 58 HC Bill: Govt will have real-time access to individuals finances & a National ID Healthcard will be issued!

Page 59 HC Bill lines 21-24: Govt will have direct access to your banks accounts for elective funds transfer.

Page 145 Line 15-17: An Employer MUST auto enroll employees into public option plan.

Page 126 Lines 22-25: Employers MUST pay for HC for part time employees AND their families.

Page 149 Lines 16-24: ANY Employer with payroll 401k & above who does not provide public option pays 8% tax on all payroll.

Page 150 Lines 9-13: Business's with payroll between 251k & 401k that don't provide public option pays 2-6% tax on all payroll.

Page 167 Lines 18-23: ANY individual who doesn't have acceptable HC according to Govt will be taxed 2.5% of income.

Page 170 Lines 1-3 HC Bill: Any NONRESIDENT Alien is exempt from individual taxes.

Page 195 HC Bill: Officers & employees of HC Admin (GOVT) will have access to ALL Americans finances /personal records.

Page 203 Line 14-15 HC: "The tax imposed under this section shall not be treated as tax"

While it is true this would significantly impact my industry, I believe those provisions I've outlined will effectively disable many of yours as well. I have also listed below the additional government agencies that are proposed to be created under this legislation -- these have to be paid for somehow!

Regardless of your political persuasion, I believe now is the time to protect industry.

It is easy to contact your Senator or Representative and write a quick e-mail. It only takes 5 minutes. Click on the below links to locate your Senator or Representative, click on their contact information (which will take you to their web site), and find their "e-mail me" or "contact me" section. It may appear that this proposed legislation is in trouble, but the President will be speaking to the House and Senate to try to push through government run health care. I would encourage each of you to educate yourselves on this legislation (see below link) and its impact on American business.

House of Representatives -- https://writerep.house.gov/writerep/welcome.shtml

Senate -- http://www.senate.gov/general/contact_information/senators_cfm.cfm

White House - http://www.whitehouse.gov/CONTACT/

Click below for the most recent version of the House Tri-Committee bill - this takes a minute to download due to its size. http://frwebgate.access.gpo.gov/cgi-bin/getdoc.cgi?dbname=111_cong_bills&docid=f:h3200ih.txt.pdf

Massive costs -- Governments own estimates, http://www.cbo.gov/ftpdocs/104xx/doc10464/hr3200.pdf

53 NEW GOVERNMENT PROGRAMS, OFFICES & BUREAUCRACIES created for the proposed government health care Program:

Health Benefits Advisory Committee (Section 123, p. 30)

Health Choices Administration (Section 141, p. 41)

Qualified Health Benefits Plan Ombudsman (Section 144, p. 47)

Program of administrative simplification (Section 163, p. 57)

Retiree Reserve Trust Fund (Section 164(d), p. 70)

Health Insurance Exchange (Section 201, p. 72)

Mechanism for insurance risk pooling to be established by Health Choices Administration Commissioner (Section 206(b), p. 106)

Special Inspector General for the Health Insurance Exchange (Section 206(c), p. 107)

Health Insurance Exchange Trust Fund (Section 207, p. 109)

State-based Health Insurance Exchanges (Section 208, p. 111)

"Public Health Insurance Option" (Section 221, p. 116)

Ombudsman for "Public Health Insurance Option" (Section 221(d), p. 117)

Account for receipts and disbursements for "Public Health Insurance Option" (Section 222(b), p. 119)

Telehealth Advisory Committee (Section 1191, p. 380)

Demonstration program providing reimbursement for "culturally and linguistically appropriate services" (Section 1222, p. 405)

Demonstration program for shared decision making using patient decision aids (Section 1236, p. 438)

Accountable Care Organization pilot program (Section 1301, p. 443)

Independent patient-centered medical home pilot program under Medicare (Section 1302, p. 462)

Community-based medical home pilot program under Medicare (Section 1302(d), p. 468)

Center for Comparative Effectiveness Research (Section 1401(a), p. 502)

Comparative Effectiveness Research Commission (Section 1401(a), p. 505)

Patient ombudsman for comparative effectiveness research (Section 1401(a), p. 519)

Quality assurance and performance improvement program for skilled nursing facilities (Section 1412(b)(1), p. 546)

Quality assurance and performance improvement program for nursing facilities (Section 1412 (b)(2), p. 548)

Special focus facility program for skilled nursing facilities (Section 1413(a)(3), p. 559)

Special focus facility program for nursing facilities (Section 1413(b)(3), p. 565)

National independent monitor pilot program for skilled nursing facilities and nursing facilities (Section 1422, p. 607)

Demonstration program for approved teaching health centers with respect to Medicare GME (Section 1502(d), p. 674)

Pilot program to develop anti-fraud compliance systems for Medicare providers (Section 1635, p. 716)

Medical home pilot program under Medicaid (Section 1722, p. 780)

Comparative Effectiveness Research Trust Fund (Section 1802, p. 824)

"Identifiable office or program" within CMS to "provide for improved coordination between Medicare and Medicaid in the case of dual eligibles" (Section 1905, p. 852)

Public Health Investment Fund (Section 2002, p. 859)

Scholarships for service in health professional needs areas (Section 2211, p. 870)

Loan repayment program for service in health professional needs areas (Section 2211, p. 873)

Program for training medical residents in community-based settings (Section 2214, p. 882)

Grant program for training in dentistry programs (Section 2215, p. 887)

Public Health Workforce Corps (Section 2231, p. 898)

Public health workforce scholarship program (Section 2231, p. 900)

Public health workforce loan forgiveness program (Section 2231, p. 904)

Grant program for innovations in interdisciplinary care (Section 2252, p. 917)

Advisory Committee on Health Workforce Evaluation and Assessment (Section 2261, p. 920)

Prevention and Wellness Trust (Section 2301, p. 932)

Clinical Prevention Stakeholders Board (Section 2301, p. 941)

Community Prevention Stakeholders Board (Section 2301, p. 947)

Grant program for community prevention and wellness research (Section 2301, p. 950)

Grant program for community prevention and wellness services (Section 2301, p. 951)

Grant program for public health infrastructure (Section 2301, p. 955)

Center for Quality Improvement (Section 2401, p. 965)

Assistant Secretary for Health Information (Section 2402, p. 972)

Grant program to support the operation of school-based health clinics (Section 2511, p. 993)

National Medical Device Registry (Section 2521, p. 1001)

Grants for labor-management programs for nursing training (Section 2531, p. 1008

Please contact me if you have any questions.

Scott W. Miller, RHU
*MillerWade Group - "Mastering Benefits"*
1031 W. Center St., #302
Orem, UT 84057
Office: 801.377.1990
FAX: 801.812.8219
Toll Free Office: 800.508.1144
Toll Free FAX: 888.205.0792
www.millerwade.com

Thanks Mr. Miller.

and . . .

I'm Karl

Our Awful Situation: Secret Combinations

2009-09-22T20:16:00.002-06:00

The links below, read by a computer (thus some mispronounciations), should be required viewing by any and all who would follow God, and His inspired servants.

I firmly believe every president since, and including Woodrow Wilson, are part of this 'secret combination' and have done things while in office, to destroy the liberty of this nation.

Anyone who doesn't believe in Secret Combinations (conspiracies to plunder and get gain) are liars, fools or both.

Part 1:

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=1jP3KTkb39Y

Part 2:

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=5Nz2gJrl3Xg

Part 3:

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=11URMZHcIaM

Part 4:

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=JSyzUDplJA4

I'm Karl

Democracy is two wolves and a lamb voting on what to have
for lunch. Liberty is a well-armed lamb contesting the vote.
--Benjamin Franklin

200 Days, 200 Claims

2009-09-01T11:07:00.002-06:00

CLAIMS VS. REALITY: Obama’s Failed Economic Experiment

It is appropriate on the 200th day of the stimulus to look back at exactly what the stimulus has accomplished. The answer is very little. What it has done, however, is give the American people a $787 billion bill they cannot afford. In this report, you will find 200 claims that President Barack Obama, Vice President Joe Biden, senior Administration officials and Congressional Democrats have made about the stimulus. None of these claims match reality. When the stimulus passed, President Obama and Congressional Democrats promised the stimulus would be a targeted, timely and transparent effort to create jobs immediately. This compilation of 200 claims shows that promise has not been kept. Job losses continue, stimulus spending has been slow, and as even the Vice President has said, ―we know some of this money is going to be wasted. The Obama Administration and Pelosi-Reid Congressional Democrats have boldly declared that the stimulus is working and they have ―rescued the economy, but facts are stubborn things. Unemployment is still high and the deficit is out of control. These are not reasons to declare victory. There was a better solution to our economic problems. The Republican plan focused on truly stimulating the economy by lowering tax rates for individuals and providing a tax deduction for small businesses, resulting in job creation and allowing Americans to keep more of their hard earned money. Costing roughly half the amount of the Democrats‘ stimulus bill, the Republican alternative would not have burdened America‘s future generations with the unsustainable debt of liberal spending. In order to ensure a strong bipartisan recovery act, Obama claimed to welcome ideas from the other side of the aisle. Unfortunately, the bill passed by Congress and signed by the President was a far cry from the ―post-partisan leadership Obama had promised. In the end, the stimulus is another failed experiment by the President that Americans cannot afford. Instead of creating jobs, millions are unemployed and billions have been added to our deficit. 200 days of this stimulus are 200 days too long.

Sincerely,

Michael Steele Chairman, Republican National Committee

(Paid for by the Republican National Committee. 310 First Street SE – Washington, DC 20003 – 202-863-8500 – www.gop.com Not authorized by any candidate or candidate committee.)

INTRODUCTION
On February 17, 2009, President Obama signed into law the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act, often referred to as the ―stimulus. As members of Congress debated the bill and in the time following its inception, there were countless promises made to the American people regarding exactly what the bill would deliver. The mantra of ―jobs, jobs, jobs was used repeatedly to sell the stimulus. While it‘s impossible to calculate the number of jobs ―created or saved by the stimulus, we do know that since the stimulus was passed over 2.2 million jobs have been lost nationwide. 200 days later, the Research Department of the Republican National Committee (RNC) has identified and reviewed 200 of the claims made by the Obama Administration and Congressional Democrats who supported this massive economic experiment. The RNC‘s research focuses on promises made to the American people on job creation, waste, prevention, targeted spending, transparency, and how the stimulus would bring about an economic recovery. The resulting report, ―200 Days, 200 Claims, holds Democrats accountable for their claims that the stimulus was an absolute necessity to ―jolt the economy. They used this and other claims to quickly force through one of the largest spending bills in American history. Now Americans will see how valid those claims are 200 days later. Among the misleading claims debunked in this report are these oft-repeated and echoed talking points: The stimulus would create 3.5 million jobs and starting do so immediately; Instead, over 2.2 million Americans have lost their jobs since the stimulus bill was signed into law. The money would be spent carefully, effectively, and transparently; Instead, we have seen the money squandered on such projects as the $18 million overhaul of the Administration‘s stimuluspromoting website and the GAO has said there is no effective system in place to monitor the spending. And, lastly, the stimulus is working as promised and according to plan; Instead, the unemployment rate has far exceeded even the Administration‘s projection if we did not pass their stimulus bill. Not surprisingly, the American people are not buying these and other Democrat claims. No wonder a recent USA Today/Gallup poll found that nearly 6 in 10 Americans believe the stimulus is having no impact on the economy and won‘t help in the years to come. As the reality behind these 200 claims demonstrate, Americans are too smart to be misled.

200 Days 200 Claims
PRESIDENT BARACK OBAMA
JOB CREATION
CLAIM #1: Obama Said Stimulus Would Create Or Save 3.5 Million Jobs Over Two Years. ―[W]hat makes this recovery plan so important is not just that it will create or save 3.5 million jobs over the next two years ... (President Barack Obama, Remarks At The Signing Of The American Recovery And Reinvestment Act, Denver, CO, 2/17/09)

REALITY: Since Stimulus Bill Was Signed In February, America Has Lost More Than 2.2 Million Jobs. (U.S. Bureau Of Labor Statistics, Website, http://www.bls.gov/, Accessed 8/7/09)

CLAIM #2: After 100 Days Of The Stimulus Obama Said 150,000 Jobs Have Been “Saved Or Created.” “That‘s the kind of foundation we‘re trying to build all across America,‘ Obama said. ‗One hundred days ago, in the midst of the worst economic crisis in half a century, we passed the most sweeping economic recovery act in history — a plan designed to save jobs, create new ones and put money in people‘s pockets. It‘s a plan designed to not only revive the economy in the short term, but rebuild the economy in the long term.‘ The president said his recovery plan has ‗saved or created nearly 150,000 jobs — jobs building solar panels and wind turbines; making homes and buildings more energy-efficient. (Sam Youngman, ―Obama: First 100 Days Of Stimulus Show Success, The Hill, 5/27/09)

REALITY: Bureau Of Labor Statistics Commissioner Keith Hall: “Very Difficult” To “Substantiate” Obama Administration Claim That 150,000 Jobs Were Created By Stimulus. Rep. Kevin Brady (R-TX): ―The administration, including the vice president, has claimed that stimulus policies have added 150,000 new jobs to the level of employment. We see this cited almost daily by the administration. Can you substantiate that claim? Bureau Of Labor Statistics Commissioner Keith Hall: ―No. That would be a very difficult thing for anybody to substantiate. Brady: ―And the chairman -- who's a highly respected chairman of the Council of Economic Advisers, Chairman Romer -- also cited that 150,000 job-creation figure in a recent testimony before this committee. You're saying you can't verify that the administration's policies have created those additional 150,000 jobs. Hall: ―No. We're busy just counting jobs. (U.S. House Of Representatives, Joint Economic Committee, Hearing, 6/5/09)

CLAIM #3: Obama Said Over 600,000 Jobs Would Be Created In Second Hundred Days Of Stimulus. ―As a result of this accelerated pace of activity, over 600,000 jobs are expected to be created or saved by the Recovery Act in the second 100 days ... (The White House, ―President Obama And Vice President Biden Announce Roadmap To Recovery, Press Release, 6/08/09)

REALITY: During Second Hundred Days, Over 700,000 Jobs Have Been Lost. (U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, www.bls.gov, Accessed 8/19/09)

CLAIM #4: Obama Administration Predicted That Without Stimulus, Unemployment Would Rise Over 8 Percent This Year. ―In January, the incoming administration predicted in a white paper study that without a huge stimulus package, unemployment would reach just over 8%, and would be contained at under 8% with a stimulus package. (Jake Tapper, ―President Obama Predicts Unemployment Will Hit 10% This Year, ABC News’ ―Political Punch Blog, 6/16/09)

REALITY: Obama Now Acknowledges Unemployment Will Reach 10 Percent This Year, Even With Stimulus In Place. AL HUNT OF BLOOMBERG: ―Do you think that unemployment will reach 10%? This year? PRESIDENT BARACK OBAMA: ―Yes. HUNT: ―This year? OBAMA: ―Yes. (Bloomberg News, 6/16/09)

CLAIM #5: Obama Pledged Stimulus Would Help Elkhart, Indiana Recover From Recession. ―I promised you back then that, if elected, I‘d do everything I could to help this community recover, and that's why I came back today, because I intend to keep my promise … That‘s why I put forth a recovery and reinvestment plan that is now before Congress. (President Barack Obama, Remarks By The President At Town Hall, Elkhart, Indiana, 2/9/09)

REALITY: Unemployment Has More Than Doubled In Elkhart Since Last Year. In June 2009 unemployment in Elkhart hit 16.8%, up from 6.8% in June 2008. (Bureau of Labor Statistics Website, http://www.bls.gov/, Accessed 8/3/09)

CLAIM #6: In March, Obama Claimed Stimulus Saved Columbus Police Jobs. ―So for those who still doubt the wisdom of our recovery plan ... I ask them to come to Ohio and meet the 25 men and women who will soon be protecting the streets of Columbus because we passed this plan. (President Barack Obama, Remarks At Graduation Of The Columbus Police Division‘s 114th Class, Columbus, OH, 3/6/09)

REALITY: But Layoffs Of Those Police Officers Still On Table. ―The booklet also mentions the ‗police academy graduates in Ohio‘ whose graduation ceremony President Obama attended in March, heralding how the stimulus enabled the city of Columbus to hire 25 cadets. But this week Police Chief Walter Distelzweig told the Columbus Dispatch that unless residents approve a tax increase, those 25 cadets face the real possibility of layoffs. (Jake Tapper, ―Stimulus Overhype?, ABC News‘ ―Political Punch Blog, 5/28/09)

JUMP STARTING THE ECONOMY
CLAIM #7: Obama Promised Stimulus Money Would Go Out The Door Immediately. ―And that is why I hope to sign an American Recovery and Reinvestment Plan into law in the next few weeks. Most of the money we‘re investing as part of this plan will get out the door immediately and go directly to job-creation, generating or saving three to four million new jobs. (President Barack Obama, ―Remarks of President Barack Obama On The Economy, Washington, DC, 1/28/09)

REALITY: In Five Months Following Signing Of Stimulus Bill, Just 10 Percent Of Money Was Spent. ―Nearly five months after President Obama signed the $787 billion stimulus bill, a stillworsening economy has many wondering if stimulus is a bunch of baloney. … With August quickly approaching, roughly $75 billion, or 10% of stimulus funds, have been paid out, and the unemployment rate has already risen to 9.5%. (David Goldman, ―Stimulus: Progress Or Broken Promise? CNN, 7/7/09)

CLAIM #8: Obama Said Stimulus Has Moved “Faster Than Ever, More Responsibly Than Ever.” Obama: ―We‘ve done more than ever, faster than ever, more responsibly than ever, to get the gears of the economy moving again. (Peter Nicholas, ―Obama Confronts Doubts On Stimulus, Vows Faster Spending, Los Angeles Times, 6/2/09)

REALITY: Even Shovel-Ready Projects Haven’t Been Allowed To Start. ―As of July 10, more than 3,600 of the 5,600 road projects approved by Washington -- including six of the 10 largest approved projects -- had not been given the green light to start construction ... In Florida, not a single highway project had been given the go-ahead to start construction by July 10 -- even though the state, with an unemployment rate of 10.6%, had 272 projects valued at more than $1 billion approved by the federal government. (Don Lee, ―Highway Spending Isn‘t The Stimulus It Was Envisioned To Be, The Los Angeles Times, 7/20/09)

WASTEFUL SPENDING
CLAIM #9: Obama Said Stimulus Free Of Pork. ―And less than one month after taking office, we enacted the most sweeping recovery package in history, and we did so without any of the earmarks, pork-barrel projects that are usually accompanying these big -- these big bills. (Transcript: President Obama Delivers Remarks On Economic Recovery At Town Hall Meeting, The Washington Post, 7/29/09)

REALITY: Pelosi’s Mouse Receives Stimulus Funds. ―The tiny mouse that became a hotly disputed symbol of wasteful spending in the congressional debate over the $787 billion economic stimulus bill has returned to pester House Speaker Nancy Pelosi. The Obama administration quietly announced last week that as much as $16.1 million from the stimulus program is going to save the San Francisco Bay area habitat of, among other things, the endangered salt marsh harvest mouse. (S.A. Miller, ―GOP Slams Stimulus Mouse Money, The Washington Times, 7/9/09)

CLAIM #10: Obama Promised No Stimulus Funds Would Go To Wasteful Projects. ―‗If a federal agency proposes a project that will waste that money, I will not hesitate to call them out on it and put a stop to it,‘ the president said Feb. 20 when he signed the bill into law. ‗And I want everybody here to be on notice that if a local government does the same, I will call them out on it and use the full power of my office and our administration to stop it.‘ (Stephen Dinan, ―Obama Finds No Stimulus Waste, The Washington Times, 6/22/09)

REALITY: Stimulus Funds Spent On Welfare For Deceased, Turtle Crossings. ―A report due to be released today by a Republican senator contends the Obama administration‘s stimulus program is fraught with waste and incompetence -- evidenced by a turtle crossing in northern Florida that will cost more than $3 million and a snafu in which thousands of Social Security checks went out to people who had died ... ‗One town in North Carolina is using stimulus funds to hire an administrator whose job will be to procure more stimulus funds, according to the report.‘ (Peter Nicholas, ―Stimulus Program Fraught With Waste Report Says, The Los Angeles Times, 6/15/09)

CLAIM #11: Obama Pledged To End No-Bid Contracts. ―President Barack Obama promised last month to save money through competition. ‗By ending unnecessary no-bid contracts and reforming the way government contracts are awarded, we can save the American people up to $40 billion every year,‘ Obama said, as he announced new procedures to increase competition. (Brett J. Blackledge, ―Stimulus Watch: No-Bid Contracts Mean Higher Costs, The Associated Press, 7/17/09)

REALITY: Stimulus Funds Awarded Through No-Bid Contracts. ―The Pentagon saves more than three times as much money when companies compete, the AP analysis showed. Yet more than $242 million in federal contracts -- representing more than one-fourth of the military‘s stimulus contract spending so far -- has been awarded under the recovery program through no-bid contracts for repairs and maintenance. (Brett J. Blackledge, ―Stimulus Watch: No-Bid Contracts Mean Higher Costs, The Associated Press, 7/17/09)

CLAIM #12: President Obama: Recovery Act “Will Create Good Jobs That Pay Well And Can't Be Shipped Overseas.” (The White House, ―Remarks By The President And The Vice President On The American Recovery And Reinvestment Act, 4/13/09)

REALITY: Recently Distributed Stimulus Funds Going To Foreign Corporations Creating Jobs Overseas. ―Nearly half of the $2.4 billion in federal grant money awarded Wednesday to stimulate the U.S. economy and boost the production of hybrid and electric vehicles went to six companies with ties to places as far away as Russia, China, South Korea and France. ... But because so few American companies have the necessary technology, much of the money will initially go toward manufacturing electric vehicle batteries overseas. (Jerry Seper, ―Obama Sends Stimulus Aid To Foreign Firms, The Washington Times, 8/6/09)

TARGETED INVESTMENTS
CLAIM #13: Obama Said Primary Prerequisite For Project To Receive Stimulus Funds Would Be Ability To Create Jobs Immediately. ―‗Whenever a project comes up for review, we‘re going to ask a simple question,‘ Mr. Obama said. ‗Does it advance the core mission of the Recovery Act? Does it jumpstart job creation?‘ (Jeff Zeleny, ―Obama Outlines Plan To Help Prevent Waste In Economic Stimulus Package, The New York Times, 3/20/09)

REALITY: Construction Industry Disappointed With Low Amount Of Stimulus Funds For Roads, Leading To Very Few Jobs Being Created. ―Much of the $787 billion in a federal program to spur the economy was supposed to pour like mixed concrete onto American roads, bridges, and construction sites. So far, though, the amount of money funneling into US construction zones is less than expected. ... Judging by a survey within the trade association, Sandherr says, relatively few new jobs are being created by the stimulus. (Mark Trumbull, ―Contractors Say Stimulus Has Been Slow to Kick In, The Christian Science Monitor, 7/30/09)

CLAIM #14: Obama Insisted Stimulus Funding Decisions Would Be Merit-Based. ―‗Decisions about how recovery money will be spent will be based on the merits,‘ Mr. Obama said. (Jeff Zeleny, ―Obama Outlines Plan To Help Prevent Waste In Economic Stimulus Package, The New York Times, 3/20/09)

REALITY: But Stimulus Money Skipping “Unsafe Or Decaying Bridges” For “Spans That Are Already In Good Shape.” ―Tens of thousands of unsafe or decaying bridges carrying 100 million drivers a day must wait for repairs because states are spending stimulus money on spans that are already in good shape or on easier projects like repaving roads ... In all, 1,286 deficient or obsolete bridges are expected to share $2.2 billion in stimulus money for repairs, the AP analysis shows. But that‘s less than 1 percent of the more than 150,000 bridges nationwide that engineers have labeled deficient or obsolete. Of those, more than 39,000 are considered the worst, rated poor in at least one structural component and eligible to be replaced with federal money.(Brett J. Blackledge and Matt Apuzzo, ―Stimulus Cash Not Fixing Dangerous Bridges, The Associated Press, 7/31/09)

CLAIM #15: Obama Promised Hardest Hit Areas Of Nation Would Be Helped By Stimulus. ―[The stimulus] includes help for those hardest hit by our economic crisis … As a whole, this plan will help poor and working Americans pull themselves into the middle class in a way we haven‘t seen in nearly 50 years. (President Barack Obama, Remarks At The Signing Of The American Recovery And Reinvestment Act, Denver, CO, 2/17/09)

REALITY: States With Low Unemployment Receiving More Stimulus Funds Per Capita Than States With High Unemployment. ―Nevada, where unemployment stood at about 10% when the plan was passed, is getting $541 for each resident from the stimulus money allocated so far, a Wall Street Journal analysis found. Wyoming, where the 3.9% jobless rate was the lowest in the country in February, is getting $1,074 per person. (Louise Radnofsky, ―Some Hard-Hit States Get Less Stimulus, The Wall Street Journal, 7/1/09)

OVERSIGHT, ACCOUNTABILITY, TRANSPARENCY
CLAIM #16: Obama Promised Stimulus Would Have “Responsibility and Accountability.” ―‗What I will need from [U.S. Mayors] is unprecedented responsibility and accountability on all of our parts,‘ Obama said. ‗The American people are watching.‘ (Michael D. Shear, ―Obama To Watch Cities‘ Stimulus Spending, The Washington Post, 2/21/09)

REALITY: GAO Says Transparency, Oversight Lacking When Keeping Track of Stimulus’ Effectiveness. ―The Government Accountability Office said in a report that increased transparency and better oversight is needed to track stimulus money being sent to state and local governments. The report noted that keeping track of stimulus money and effectiveness wasn‘t necessarily easy under the current methods. ‗Questions remained about how to count jobs and measure performance under Recovery Act-funded programs,‘ the report said. (Rich Edson and Joanna Ossinger, ―GAO: More Transparency Needed To Track Stimulus Money, Fox Business, 7/7/09)

ECONOMIC RECOVERY
CLAIM #17: Obama Claimed Stimulus “Rescued Our Economy From Catastrophe.” ―‗While we‘ve rescued our economy from catastrophe, we‘ve also begun to build a new foundation for growth,‘ Obama told reporters. ‗That‘s why we passed an unprecedented Recovery Act less than a month after I took office.‘ (―Obama Cautious Despite Unemployment Cheer, Reuters, 8/7/09)

REALITY: Local Governments Are Years Away From Feeling Effects Of Any Economic Recovery. ―Amy Liu, deputy director of Brookings‘ metropolitan policy program, said the ‗recovery is highly uneven around the country,‘ and noted that local governments, dependent on sales and property tax revenue, can be as much as two years behind the national economy in feeling the effect of a recovery. (Joseph J. Schatz, ―Analysts Give Stimulus Mixed Review, Congressional Quarterly, 8/13/09)

CLAIM #18: Obama Claimed Stimulus Already Producing Results In Nevada. ―‗One hundred days later, we are already seeing results,‘ President Barack Obama said during a visit to Nellis Air Force Base in Nevada. (―Obama Upbeat, But Stimulus Cash Slow, McClatchy, 8/19/09)

REALITY: Nevada’s Stimulus Overseer Says Funds Going To State “Very Deficient.” ―In Nevada, where President Barack Obama made a major speech touting the achievements of the stimulus plan, the state‘s share of stimulus money is ‗very deficient,‘ said Nevada‘s stimulus czar Mendy Elliott. ‗We are certainly grateful for the help that we received but the fact of the matter is ... there should have been some thoughtfulness.‘ Unemployment in the state stood at 11.3% last month. (Louise Radnofsky, ―Some Hard-Hit States Get Less Stimulus, The Wall Street Journal, 7/1/09)

CLAIM #19: According To Obama, Latest Economic Indicators Show Positive Results From Stimulus. ―The GDP also revealed that in the last few months the economy has done measurably better than we had thought, he said. ―Better than expected. And as many economists will tell you that part of the progress is directly attributable to the Recovery Act. (Jake Tapper, ―President Obama: GDP Shows Economy Headed in Right Direction, ABC News’ ―Political Punch Blog, 7/31/09)

REALITY: Not Enough Stimulus Spending To Claim Any Credit For Positive Economic Indicators. ―For the most part, too few projects have been started and data are too scattered to indicate how many jobs the package has added. Only $73 billion of the act‘s $499 billion in direct spending measures had been dispensed by the end of July. (Amanda Ruggeri, ―Mixed, Incomplete Economic Results So Far On Obama‘s Stimulus, U.S. News and World Report, 8/7/09)

VICE PRESIDENT JOE BIDEN
JOB CREATION
CLAIM #20: Biden Said Stimulus Created Jobs That Would Not Have Been Created Otherwise. ―‗The bottom line is that jobs are being created that would not have been there before,‘ Biden said. (Despite Job Losses, Stimulus Works, Biden Says, The Associated Press, 6/15/09)

REALITY: Since Stimulus Was Signed In February, America Has Lost More Than 2.2 Million Jobs. (U.S. Bureau Of Labor Statistics, Website, http://www.bls.gov/, Accessed 8/7/09)

CLAIM #21: Biden Claimed Stimulus Would Create Tens Of Thousands Of Jobs Through Weatherization Programs. ―Also yesterday, Biden and Energy Secretary Steven Chu detailed a chunk of the stimulus cash - $8 billion for weatherization and energy efficiency programs that they say will put 87,000 Americans to work and save families hundreds of dollars a year on their energy bills. The first installment of the funding - about $780 million - is to be released in the next few days, they said. (Obama to States: Use Stimulus Cash Well; Vows To Penalize Wasteful, The Boston Globe, 3/13/09)

REALITY: Weatherization Programs “Will Do Little To Create Long-Term Employment.” ―The massive government stimulus program now being organized by the Obama administration has specifically designated about $5 billion for the various state weatherization programs. But critics say the program will do little to create long-term employment and is vulnerable to fraud. (Drew Griffin and Scott Bronstein, ―Stimulus Steers Billions To ‗Weatherizing‘ Homes, CNNPolitics.com, 4/14/09)

CLAIM #22: Biden Claims That Model Used To Calculate Their Job Claims Is Widely Accepted. BIDEN: ―[T]here's an econometric model that economists have been using for decades to correlate the economic circumstances of the nation with the creation of jobs. It is a model no one has questioned, it's a model the council of economic advisors used to come up with that 150,000 jobs. But in fact -- and by the way, I think we're going to create another 600,000 jobs in the next hundred days ... (NBC's ―Meet the Press, 6/14/09)

REALITY: Obama Administration's Jobs Claim Is “Figure That Is So Murky It Can Never Be Verified.” ―Obama faces souring public opinion over his handling of the economy, which has shed 1.6 million jobs since the stimulus was signed in February. That total has far overshadowed White House announcements estimating the effort has saved 150,000 jobs, a figure that is so murky it can never be verified. (Brett J. Blackledge & Matt Apuzzo, ―Spin Meter: Obama's New 'Accelerated' Recovery Plan Is Neither New Nor Accelerated, The Associated Press, 6/9/09)

CLAIM #23: Biden Claimed Stimulus Would Create Jobs “That Can’t Be Outsourced.” “This energy efficiency funding for states is an important investment in making America more energy independent, creating a cleaner economy and creating more jobs for the 21st century that can‘t be outsourced. (The White House, ―Administration Announces Nearly $8 Billion in Weatherization Funding and Energy Efficiency Grants, 3/12/09)

REALITY: Recently Distributed Stimulus Funds Going To Foreign Corporations Creating Jobs Overseas. ―Nearly half of the $2.4 billion in federal grant money awarded Wednesday to stimulate the U.S. economy and boost the production of hybrid and electric vehicles went to six companies with ties to places as far away as Russia, China, South Korea and France. ... But because so few American companies have the necessary technology, much of the money will initially go toward manufacturing electric vehicle batteries overseas. (Jerry Seper, ―Obama Sends Stimulus Aid To Foreign Firms, The Washington Times, 8/6/09)

JUMP STARTING THE ECONOMY
CLAIM #24: Biden Claimed Construction Projects Getting Started As Soon As Possible. ―Road projects, energy projects and construction projects are being started as soon as they pass review, contracts are competitively bid and reporting systems are in place. (Joe Biden, ―What You Might Not Know About The Recovery, The New York Times, 7/26/09)

REALITY: Construction Industry Disappointed With Low Amount Of Stimulus Funds For Roads, Leading To Very Few Jobs Actually Being Created. ―Much of the $787 billion in a federal program to spur the economy was supposed to pour like mixed concrete onto American roads, bridges, and construction sites. So far, though, the amount of money funneling into US construction zones is less than expected. ... Judging by a survey within the trade association, Sandherr says, relatively few new jobs are being created by the stimulus. (Mark Trumbull, ―Contractors Say Stimulus Has Been Slow To Kick In, The Christian Science Monitor, 7/30/09)

CLAIM #25: Biden Said Stimulus Funds Not Stuck In Bureaucratic “Red Tape Or Delays.” ―The bottom line is that two-thirds of the Recovery Act doesn‘t finance ‗programs,‘ but goes directly to tax cuts, state governments and families in need, without red tape or delays. (Joe Biden, ―What You Might Not Know About the Recovery, The New York Times, 7/26/09)

REALITY: Shovel-Ready Projects Haven’t Been Allowed To Start. ―As of July 10, more than 3,600 of the 5,600 road projects approved by Washington -- including six of the 10 largest approved projects -- had not been given the green light to start construction ... In Florida, not a single highway project had been given the go-ahead to start construction by July 10 -- even though the state, with an unemployment rate of 10.6%, had 272 projects valued at more than $1 billion approved by the federal government. (Don Lee, ―Highway Spending Isn‘t The Stimulus It Was Envisioned To Be, The Los Angeles Times, 7/20/09)

WASTEFUL SPENDING
CLAIM #26: Biden Said Stimulus Funds Would Be “Closely Watched” To Ensure Effective Use Of Money. ―‗I know it‘s the Christmas season, but President-elect Obama and I are absolutely, absolutely determined that this economic recovery package will not become a Christmas tree,‘ Biden said. ‗Every dollar will be closely watched to make sure it‘s being used in an effective manner.‘ (Jeanne Sahadi, Obama Closing In On Stimulus Funds, CNNMoney.com, 2/18/09)

REALITY: Biden Admitted Stimulus Funds Will Be Wasted. ―‗We know some of this money is going to be wasted,‘ Biden said during a roundtable discussion in New York with business leaders aimed at promoting the two-year stimulus plan. (Pedro Nicolaci da Costa, ―Biden Says Some Waste Inevitable Part of Stimulus, Reuters, 6/2/09)

CLAIM #27: Biden Suggested Stimulus Funds Not Awarded To Projects Without Merit. ―Taxpayers should know that we have not hesitated to reject proposals that have failed to meet our merit-based standards. (Joe Biden, ―What You Might Not Know About the Recovery, The New York Times, 7/26/09)

REALITY: Biden Admitted Stimulus Funds Will Be Wasted. ―‗We know some of this money is going to be wasted,‘ Biden said during a roundtable discussion in New York with business leaders aimed at promoting the two-year stimulus plan. (Pedro Nicolaci da Costa, ―Biden Says Some Waste Inevitable Part of Stimulus, Reuters, 6/2/09)

OVERSIGHT, ACCOUNTABILITY, TRANSPARENCY
CLAIM #28: Biden Claimed Stimulus Has “High Level of Transparency And Accountability.” ―More than 30,000 projects have been approved, and thousands are already posted on recovery.gov -- providing a high level of transparency and accountability. (Joe Biden, ―What You Might Not Know About The Recovery, The New York Times, 7/26/09)

REALITY: GAO Report Said Transparency, Oversight Lacking In Stimulus. ―The Government Accountability Office said in a report that increased transparency and better oversight is needed to track stimulus money being sent to state and local governments. The report noted that keeping track of stimulus money and effectiveness wasn‘t necessarily easy under the current methods. ‗Questions remained about how to count jobs and measure performance under Recovery Actfunded programs,‘ the report said. (Rich Edson and Joanna Ossinger, ―GAO: More Transparency Needed To Track Stimulus Money, Fox Business, 7/7/09)

ECONOMIC RECOVERY
CLAIM #29: Biden Said Stimulus Means “Return Of Hope.” ―Moreover, Biden said, recovery is ‗more than just a compilation of statistics; it‘s the return of hope and optimism about the future that comes with making life better for communities and families across the country.‘ (David Lightman, ―Stimulus Funds Being Spent Slowly, The Miami Herald, 5/28/09)

REALITY: No Hope Among Americans That Stimulus Is Helping To End Recession. ―Six months after President Obama launched a $787 billion plan to right the nation‘s economy, a majority of Americans think the avalanche of new federal aid has cost too much and done too little to end the recession. (Brad Heath, ―Poll: 57% Don‘t See Stimulus Working, USA Today, 8/17/09)

CLAIM #30: Biden Claimed Stimulus Was Never Intended To Be Economic “Jolt.” ―But the act was intended to provide steady support for our economy over an extended period -- not a jolt that would last only a few months. (Joe Biden, ―What You Might Not Know About The Recovery, The New York Times, 7/26/09)

REALITY: Obama Said In February That Stimulus Would “Jolt Our Economy Back To Life.” ―Obama defended the role of government in the recovery process, saying that ‗with the private sector so weakened by this recession, the federal government is the only entity left with the resources to jolt our economy back to life.‘ (Anne E. Komblut and Michael Fletcher, ―Obama Says Economic Crisis Comes First, The Washington Post, 2/10/09)

CLAIM #31: Biden Said Stimulus Was Intended To Help Nation “Climb Out” Of Recession. ―[The stimulus] was not intended to pull us out of the ditch we were pushed into eight years ago, but to prevent us from going deeper in and begin to climb out. (Michael Sluss, ―Biden Touts Stimulus in Pitch to VA, The Roanoke Times, 8/11/09)

REALITY: Over Next Year, Millions Of Americans Will Not See Any Benefits From Recovery. ―But the same data also explain why any recovery isn‘t going to feel like one anytime soon for millions of Americans. Its existence will be confirmed by statistics, but, over at least the next year, the benefits are unlikely to materialize in the form of higher wages or tax receipts or more jobs. ‗It‘s going to be a recovery only a statistician can love,‘ Wells Fargo senior economist Mark Vitner said. (Annys Shin, ―‗A Recovery Only A Statistician Can Love,‘ The Washington Post, 8/12/09)

CLAIM #32: According To Biden, Stimulus Has “Put The Brakes On The Recession.” ―Biden said the administration‘s efforts have helped ‗put the brakes on the recession‘ and reminded the audience of how far they have come since the economy‘s bottom fell out. (―Biden: Stimulus ‗Put The Brakes‘ On Recession, Chicago Breaking News Center, 7/31/09)

REALITY: Stimulus Had Nothing To Do With Smaller-Than Expected Economic Contraction. ―The nation's economy is starting to rebound, but the Obama administration's massive stimulus package had little to do with it. The gross domestic product contracted at an annual rate of 1%, a significantly slower decline than the past two quarters. Economists had expected a drop of 1.5%. While government spending at all levels increased in the second quarter, only a small amount of the $787 billion stimulus package had trickled out by June 30. (Tami Luhby, ―Stimulus Has Yet To Really Boost GDP, CNNMoney.com, 7/31/09)

CLAIM #33: Biden Claimed Stimulus Kept People From Falling Into “Deep Black Hole.” Vice President Joseph Biden defended the Obama administration‘s efforts to spur growth with its stimulus package, saying it has kept people from falling into a ‗deep black hole.‘ (―Biden: Stimulus ‗Put The Brakes‘ On Recession, Chicago Breaking News Center, 7/31/09)

REALITY: America May Have “Jobless Recovery.” ―Moreover, experience of recent economic recoveries (particularly following the brief 2001 recession) suggests the possibility of a ‗jobless recovery.‘ The chance of a jobless economic recovery this time around is heightened by the tendency of companies to reduce employees‘ working hours and to bolster their reliance on parttime workers. (―Joblessness Will Hinder U.S. Recovery, Forbes, 8/5/09)

CLAIM #34: Biden Said “Widely Held View” Is That Stimulus Is Working. ―After meeting with economic advisers Tuesday, Vice President Joseph Biden said, ‗It‘s a fairly widespread and widely held view that the recovery act is working.‘ (David Lightman, ―Stimulus Funds Being Spent Slowly, The Miami Herald, 5/28/09)

REALITY: Former Clinton Secretary Of Labor Says “There’s No Evidence That This Economy Is Doing Much Better.” ROBERT REICH: ―Anybody who says we‘re out of the woods or moving out of the woods has got to be lost at sea. I mean there‘s no evidence that this economy is doing much better. The best that can be said is that we‘re getting worse more slowly, and that is a small consolation for people who are losing their jobs. (ABC News‘ ―This Week, 8/23/09)

CLAIM #35: Biden Said Stimulus Is Working “Without Reservation.” ―Vice President Joe Biden, put in charge of keeping waste and fraud out of the $787 billion economic stimulus package, declared today ‗without reservation‘ that the recovery plan is working. (Foon Rhee, ―Biden: Recovery Plan is Working, The Boston Globe, 8/4/09)

REALITY: Since Stimulus Was Signed In February, America Has Lost More Than 2.2 Million Jobs. (U.S. Bureau Of Labor Statistics, Website, http://www.bls.gov/, Accessed 8/7/09)

ADMINISTRATION OFFICIALS
JOB CREATION
CLAIM #36: Treasury Secretary Timothy Geithner Said Stimulus Was Necessary To Prevent Job Losses. ―The stimulus plan, [Geithner] said, ‗was necessary and critically important to reduce the risk that we‘d see hundreds of thousands losses of jobs and we‘d see million of job losses beyond this point and see thousands of more business fail unnecessarily.‘ (Anne Flaherty, ―Geithner Defends Stimulus, Calls For Derivatives Regulation, The Associated Press, 7/10/09)

REALITY: CBO Said High Unemployment Will Not End Anytime Soon. ―However, Douglas Elmendorf, the director of the nonpartisan Congressional Budget Office, was more cautious in his State of the Economy review to the House Budget Committee last week. ‗The economy will stop contracting and resume growing during the second half of this year,‘ he said, ‗but the hardships caused by the recession will persist for some time …‘ In addition, Elmendorf predicted, unemployment is expected to peak at 10.5 percent in the second half of next year. (David Lightman, ―Stimulus Funds Being Spent Slowly, The Miami Herald, 8/13/09)

CLAIM #37: Geithner Stated Stimulus On “Expected Path.” ―Despite persistently high unemployment, Treasury Secretary Timothy Geithner said Friday the Obama administration‘s economic stimulus plan is on the ‗expected path.‘ ‗There‘s been substantial improvements in arresting what was the worst recession globally we‘ve seen in generations,‘ Geithner told lawmakers Friday. (―Treasury Secretary Timothy Geithner Says Economic Stimulus On Expected Path, The Associated Press, 7/10/09)

Stimulus Fails To Create Jobs Despite Obama Administration's Predictions Of “Boom In Job Creation.” ―[T]wo of [Obama's] chief economic advisers, and leading proponents of a stimulus bill, predicted that the passage of a large economic-aid package would boost the economy and keep the unemployment rate below 8%. It hasn't quite worked out that way. … What has not come to pass, however, is the boom in job creation that Romer and Bernstein predicted. A little over a month ago, the Administration said the stimulus bill had created or saved 150,000 jobs. That's a far cry from the 3 million to 4 million jobs that Romer and Bernstein foresaw back in January. (Stephen
Gandel, ―Obama's Stimulus Plan: Failing by Its Own Measure, Timehttp://www.time.com/time/printout/0,8816,1910208,00.html, 7/14/09)

CLAIM #38: National Economic Council Director Larry Summers Claimed Stimulus Will Prevent Unemployment From Reaching 10 Percent. ―[Summers] added that the package will probably prevent the unemployment rate from going above 10 percent, after it reached 7.6 percent in January. (Rich Miller and Matthew Benjamin, ―Summers Obama Mortgage Plan To Focus On Reducing Payments, Bloomberg, 2/13/09)

REALITY: Now Obama Administration Admits Unemployment Could Hit 10 Percent. ―Administration officials and the Federal Reserve all predict that unemployment could climb above 10 percent and is not likely to start edging down until some time in 2010. (Edmund L. Andrews, ―Economists See A Limited Boost From Stimulus, The New York Times, 8/6/09)

CLAIM #39: Summers Insisted “You Can Count The Jobs” Created By Stimulus, Including Teaching Jobs. ―You can count the jobs, the 14,000 jobs, teacher‘s jobs in Florida, the jobs saved across the country of cops and teachers. You can see it in the other people whose state and local governments haven‘t laid off. You can see it in the contracts and the hiring for construction projects. (NBC‘s ―Meet the Press Transcript
for August 2, 2009, MSNBC.com, 8/2/09)

CBS News Says It's Impossible To Verify Administration's Job Claims. Wyatt Andrews: ―[H]ere's the reality: those 150,000 jobs are a guess ... Maya MacGuineas, President of the Committee for a Responsible Federal Budget: ―There's no way that an economist no matter how good can say, 'this stimulus package created this many jobs.' It's just a jump that you can't make with any certainty ... It would be absolutely impossible to measure with any precision how many people have kept their jobs. (CBS Evening News, 6/11/09)

CLAIM #40: Biden’s Economic Adviser, Jared Bernstein Said Unemployment Would Have Risen Faster Without Stimulus. ―The fact that the unemployment rate is going up or the fact that we are losing jobs, again, should not be taken as evidence that the plan is ineffective, Bernstein said. ―To the contrary, the unemployment rate would rise more quickly, job loss would be deeper in the absence of the act. (―Economic Stimulus Has Created, Saved 150,000 Jobs: White House, Reuters, 5/27/09)

REALITY: White House Said Unemployment Would Reach 8 Percent This Year Without Stimulus, But Even With Stimulus, July Unemployment Was 9.4%. (Jake Tapper, ―President Obama Predicts Unemployment Will Hit 10% This Year, ABC News' Political Punch Blog, 6/16/09; U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, www.bls.gov, Accessed 8/26/09)

JUMP STARTING THE ECONOMY
CLAIM #41: In February, Summers Claimed Effects Of Stimulus Would “Begin Almost Immediately.” CNN‘S WOLF BLITZER: ―It‘s a tough call, obviously, right now for these members of Congress. But if the president gets his way and gets this package approved, he signs it into law, how soon before the American public starts to feel results, the creation of jobs? LARRY SUMMERS: ―You‘ll see the effects begin almost immediately. (CNN‘s ―The Situation Room, 2/9/09)

REALITY: Now Summers Argues Stimulus Intended To “Play Out In The Next Couple Of Years.” LARRY SUMMERS: ―The administration‘s report was very clear that the stimulus would build over time, that less than 10% of the job creation would take place during 2009, that the largest impacts would be felt as the program took effect, as all of those projects got started ... the stimulus bill is a bill that‘s largely going to play out in the next couple of years. (NBC‘s ―Meet The Press, 8/2/09)

CLAIM #42: CEA Chair Christina Romer Said Stimulus Money Being Spent Quickly. ―The money is absolutely going out the door quickly. (Mark Silva, ―Stimulus Has Slowed U.S. Economic Decline, Obama Advisor Says, The Los Angeles Times, 8/6/09)

REALITY: Brookings’ Institution Scholar Says Stimulus Funds Moving Too Slow. ―‗It‘s just taken too long to get it going,‘ said Barry Bosworth, a senior fellow in Brookings‘ economic studies program. He said the program, a mixture of discretionary spending, tax cuts and state aid, did little to boost business investment. (Joseph J. Schatz, ―Analysts Give Stimulus Mixed Review, Congressional Quarterly, 8/13/09)

CLAIM #43: Romer Claimed Stimulus Would Make Economy “Turn The Corner And We Will Start Adding Jobs.” ROMER: ―I think we certainly are experiencing a very severe downturn, but I think with this

action, together with the actions that Secretary Geithner announced yesterday, we will turn the corner and we will start adding jobs, rather than losing them at more than half a million a month, like we have been for the last four months. (Fox Business News‘ ―Happy Hour, 2/12/09)

REALITY: Now Romer Argues Economy Has Yet To “Hit Bottom,” Recovery Will Be Slow. ROMER: ―[W]e still have a ways to go before we hit bottom and certainly it‘s going to be a long hard slog getting out of this. (CNN‘s ―State Of The Union, 8/2/09)

CLAIM #44: OMB Director Peter Orszag Said Stimulus Funds Must Be Spent Quickly And Wisely. ―If we are to achieve the president‘s goal of creating or saving 3.5 million jobs through this legislation, we need to make sure the money goes out quickly and also wisely. (―Stimulus Money Must Be Spent Quickly, Wisely: Orszag, Reuters, 2/25/09)

REALITY: In Five Months Following Signing Of Stimulus Bill, Just 10 Percent Of Money Had Been Spent. ―Nearly five months after President Obama signed the $787 billion stimulus bill, a stillworsening economy has many wondering if stimulus is a bunch of baloney. … With August quickly approaching, roughly $75 billion, or 10% of stimulus funds, have been paid out, and the unemployment rate has already risen to 9.5%. (David Goldman, ―Stimulus: Progress Or Broken Promise? CNN, 7/7/09)

WASTEFUL SPENDING
CLAIM #45: Summers Stated Stimulus Funds Would Be Monitored Closely. ―Investments will be chosen strategically based on what yields the highest rate of return for the economy and monitored closely not just by officials but also by the public as government becomes more transparent. We expect to evaluate and to be evaluated rigorously to ensure that Washington is held accountable for how tax dollars are spent. (Lawrence Summers, Op-Ed, ―Obama‘s Down Payment: A Stimulus Must Aim for Long-Term Results, The Washington Post, 12/28/09)

REALITY: GAO Says Transparency, Oversight Lacking. ―The Government Accountability Office said in a report that increased transparency and better oversight is needed to track stimulus money being sent to state and local governments. The report noted that keeping track of stimulus money and effectiveness wasn‘t necessarily easy under the current methods. ‗Questions remained about how to count jobs and measure performance under Recovery Act-funded programs,‘ the report said. (Rich Edson and Joanna Ossinger, ―GAO: More Transparency Needed To Track Stimulus Money, Fox Business, 7/7/09)

CLAIM #46: Romer Said Stimulus Spending Had To “Satisfy Genuine Needs.” ―At a time when the budget deficit was already large, we could not afford to create jobs by digging ditches and filling them in. Government spending had to satisfy genuine needs and leave us with useful public investments. (Christina D. Romer, Chair, Council of Economic Advisers, ―So, Is It Working? An Assessment Of The American Recovery And Reinvestment Act At The Five-Month Mark, Statement Before The Economic Club Of Washington D.C., Washington, D.C., 8/6/09)

REALITY: Stimulus Funds Going Toward Art Houses Showing “Underground Pornography.” ―The National Endowment for the Arts may be spending some of the money it received from the Recovery and Reinvestment Act to fund nude simulated-sex dances, Saturday night ‗pervert‘ revues and the airing of pornographic horror films at art houses in San Francisco. (Joseph Abrams, ―Stimulus Bill Funds Go To Art Houses Showing ‗Pervert‘ Revues, Underground Pornography, Fox News, 7/30/09)

CLAIM #47: Romer Claimed Stimulus Money Being “Incredibly Well-Spent.” MSNBC‘S DYLAN RATIGAN: ―What is the cost in your mind of the trillions that were put at the government level in order to basically pull the parachute? CHRISTINA ROMER: ―I think it was money incredibly well-spent. (MSNBC‘s ―Morning Meeting, 7/31/09)

REALITY: Stimulus Money Going To Fix Roads That Don’t Need Repairs. ―Tens of thousands of unsafe or decaying bridges carrying 100 million drivers a day must wait for repairs because states are spending stimulus money on spans that are already in good shape or on easier projects like repaving roads … (Brett J. Blackledge and Matt Apuzzo, ―Stimulus Cash Not Fixing Dangerous Bridges, The Associated Press, 7/31/09)

TARGETED INVESTMENTS
CLAIM #48: Romer Said Stimulus Resulted In “Good Employment Bang” For Amount Spent. ―‗The president aimed for a package that was large and got good employment bang for the fiscal buck,‘ the president‘s advisor said. (Mark Silva, ―Stimulus Has Slowed U.S. Economic Decline, Obama Advisor Says, The Los Angeles Times, 8/6/09)

REALITY: Construction Industry Disappointed With Low Amount Of Stimulus Funds For Roads, Leading To Very Few Jobs Actually Being Created. ―Much of the $787 billion in a federal program to spur the economy was supposed to pour like mixed concrete onto American roads, bridges, and construction sites. So far, though, the amount of money funneling into US construction zones is less than expected. ... Judging by a survey within the trade association, Sandherr says, relatively few new jobs are being created by the stimulus. (Mark Trumbull, ―Contractors Say Stimulus Has Been Slow To Kick In, The Christian Science Monitor, 7/30/09)

CLAIM #49: Romer Claimed Stimulus Money Aimed At Infrastructure And Construction. ―We know a big part of the stimulus package was aimed at infrastructure, at construction more generally. (CNBC‘s ―Closing Bell, 7/13/09)

REALITY: Infrastructure Projects Receiving Very Small Percentage Of Stimulus Funds. ―According to the report, 90% of the money distributed has come in the form of increased federal education and health-care grants to state governments. This money has helped many state governments to partially offset budget shortfalls. A much smaller portion has been spent on transportation infrastructure projects, the GAO said. (Corey Boles, ―Flow Of Stimulus Funds Slightly Exceeds Forecast, The Wall Street Journal, 7/8/09)

ECONOMIC RECOVERY
CLAIM #50: Romer Said Stimulus “Changing The Trajectory Of The Economy.” ―‗Absolutely‘ the stimulus is working, said Ms. Romer. ‗The Recovery Act … is helping to slow the decline, and change the trajectory of the economy,‘ she added. (Peter Grier, ―‗Absolutely‘ the Stimulus is Working, Romer Says, The Christian Science Monitor, 8/6/09)

REALITY: White House Press Secretary Admits Very Few Places Have Seen Positive Changes In Unemployment. ―I think you could probably count on one or two hands the places where the unemployment rate has improved in those few months. (Robert Gibbs, Remarks At White House Press Briefing, Washington, DC, 8/4/09)

CLAIM #51: In February, Geithner Said Stimulus Would Provide “Immediate Response To The Current Crisis.” ―‗We view our economic recovery plan, our financial stability plan and now this homeowner affordability plan as three legs to the same stool -- an integrated whole that represents our immediate response to the current crisis.‘ (Pete Kasperowicz, ―Geithner Touts $8,000 Homebuyer Tax Credit, Reuters, 2/25/09)

REALITY: Geithner Now Argues Economy Long Way From Recovery, “Ultimate Test” Of Stimulus Yet To Be Met. GEITHNER: ―I think we have a ways to go ... Unemployment is very high in this country ... We need recovery to be built on private demand, private spending. Businesses taking a chance in the American economy. Putting investments to work, starting to rebuild their employment base. That‘s the ultimate test for recovery. (ABC News‘ ―This Week, 8/2/09)

CLAIM #52: Geithner Claimed That Without Stimulus “Too Many People Will Lose Their Jobs.” ―It is essential for every American to understand that the battle for economic recovery must be fought on two fronts. We have to both jumpstart job creation and private investment, and we must get credit flowing again to businesses and families. Without a powerful Economic Recovery Act, too many Americans will lose their jobs and too many businesses will fail. (―Text Of Geithner‘s Remarks, Market Watch, 2/10/09)

REALITY: Obama’s Press Secretary Admits Very Few Places Have Seen Positive Changes In Unemployment. ―I think you could probably count on one or two hands the places where the unemployment rate has improved in those few months. (Robert Gibbs, Remarks At White House Press Briefing, Washington, DC 8/4/09)

CLAIM #53: Romer Said “We Always Knew” Results From Stimulus Would Not Be Seen Right Away. ―We always knew we were not going to get all that much fiscal impact during the first five to six months. The big impact starts to hit from about now onwards, she said (Krishna Guha, ―Romer Upbeat On US Economy, Financial Times, 6/28/09)

REALITY: Obama Pledged Back In January That Stimulus Money Would Go Out The Door Immediately To Create Jobs. ―And that is why I hope to sign an American Recovery and Reinvestment Plan into law in the next few weeks. Most of the money we‘re investing as part of this plan will get out the door immediately and go directly to job-creation, generating or saving three to four million new jobs. (The White House, ―Remarks of President Barack Obama on the Economy, Press Release, 1/28/09)

CONGRESSIONAL DEMOCRATIC LEADERSHIP
JOB CREATION
CLAIM #54: House Speaker Nancy Pelosi (D-CA) Said Stimulus Will “Save Millions Of Jobs.” ―The Congress and the President understand the deep apprehension that the American people feel - about their jobs, their health care, and the economic security of their families. Congress has responded with swift, bold, and sweeping legislation that will help create and save millions of jobs and transform our nation, with tough accountability and transparency. (―Pelosi Statement On President Obama Signing Economic Recovery Legislation, Reuters, 2/17/09)

REALITY: Job Losses Now At Historic Highs. ―The cumulative job losses over the last six months have been greater than for any other half year period since World War II, including the military demobilization after the war. The job losses are also now equal to the net job gains over the previous nine years, making this the only recession since the Great Depression to wipe out all job growth from the previous expansion. (Mortimer Zuckerman, Op-Ed, ―The Economy is Even Worse Than You Think, The Wall Street Journal, 7/14/09)

CLAIM #55: House Majority Leader Steny Hoyer (D-MD) Said Stimulus Will “Put Americans Back To Work.” ―President Obama‘s signing of the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act set in motion today an aggressive plan to put Americans back to work and jumpstart our ailing economy. In Maryland, we will see the impact of this plan in tax cuts for individuals and small businesses; investments in infrastructure, education and critical public services; and assistance for Marylanders squeezed the most in this economic downturn. (Rep. Steny Hoyer, ―Hoyer Statement On President‘s Signing Of American Recovery And Reinvestment Act, Press Release, 2/17/09)

REALITY: Maryland’s Unemployment Rate Now At Historic 26 Year High. ―Maryland‘s unemployment rate rose to 7.3 percent last month - the worst it‘s been in a generation - as the national recession continued to eat away at the state‘s job base. Employers cut 1,100 jobs last month, the Labor Department said Friday. … Not since 1983 has the unemployment rate been so high. (Jamie Smith Hopkins, ―Maryland Unemployment Rate Rises To 7.3 Percent, The Baltimore Sun, 7/18/09)

CLAIM #56: Senate Majority Leader Harry Reid (D-NV) Claimed Stimulus Would Be Good For Nevada. ―This recovery package is going to be good for Nevada… It will create jobs in our state while improving our roads, bridges and public transportation. It also cuts taxes for working families who are struggling just to get by. And tax incentives will create renewable energy jobs, putting Nevadans to work turning our abundant natural resources into the energy we need to power our state. (Sen. Harry Reid, ―Reid: Economic Recovery Package Will Create Nevada Jobs, Help Struggling Families And Strengthen The Economy, Press Release, 2/17/09)

REALITY: Unemployment In Nevada In July Was 12.5 Percent, Up From 10 Percent In February When Stimulus Was Passed. (U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, www.bls.gov, Accessed 8/24/09)

CLAIM #57: Reid Said Stimulus Would Create “Good-Paying Jobs Here At Home.” ―The plan we passed tonight will strengthen our economy by creating millions of good-paying jobs here at home; deliver tax relief for 95% of workers and invest in America‘s future by fixing our communities‘ roads and bridges,

improving our children‘s education and making our country more energy independent. (John Fritze, ―Congress
Passes $787B Economic Stimulus Bill, USA Today, 2/15/09)

REALITY: Recently Distributed Stimulus Funds Going To Foreign Corporations Creating Jobs Overseas. ―Nearly half of the $2.4 billion in federal grant money awarded Wednesday to stimulate the U.S. economy and boost the production of hybrid and electric vehicles went to six companies with ties to places as far away as Russia, China, South Korea and France. ... But because so few American companies have the necessary technology, much of the money will initially go toward manufacturing electric vehicle batteries overseas. (Jerry Seper, ―Obama Sends Stimulus Aid To Foreign Firms, The Washington Times, 8/6/09)

CLAIM #58: Senate Majority Whip Dick Durbin (D-IL) Said Stimulus Will Create Or Save 3.5 Million Jobs. ―The American recovery and reinvestment conference report that we now have before us will help create or maintain 3.5 million jobs. (Sen. Richard Durbin, Congressional Record, 2/13/09, p. S2288)

REALITY: Since Stimulus Bill Was Signed In February, America Has Lost More Than 2.2 Million Jobs. (U.S. Bureau Of Labor Statistics, Website, www.bls.gov, Accessed 8/7/09)

CLAIM #59: Durbin Said Stimulus Will Create Jobs In Every State. ―The American Recovery and Reinvestment Act will create or save between 3 million and 4 million jobs throughout America. These are good-paying jobs right here in America that we desperately, desperately need. (Sen. Richard Durbin, Remarks At Press Conference, Washington, DC 2/5/09)

REALITY: Fourteen States Now Have Double Digit Unemployment Rates In July. ―There were 14 states that had unemployment rates in double digits last month, with three including California setting all-time highs, the Labor Department reported Friday. The report, which gives a regional breakdown of the national employment data released earlier this month, again put Michigan in the lead with the highest jobless rate: 15%. (Laura Mandaro, ―Jobless Rate Hits Double Digits in 14 States, D.C., The Wall Street Journal, 8/21/09)

JUMP STARTING THE ECONOMY
CLAIM #60: Hoyer Said Stimulus Will “Provide An Immediate Jolt To Our Economy.” (Rep. Steny Hoyer, ―House Passes Historic Economic Recovery and Reinvestment Conference Report, Press Release, 2/13/09)

REALITY: Americans Remaining Unemployed For Unprecedented Periods Of Time. ―[T]he rolls of the long-term unemployed are growing, with 29 percent of the jobless out of work for more than 26 weeks, the most since records began in 1948. (Matthew Benjamin And Alison Sider, ―Obama Stimulus Fails To Reboot Economy As No Multiplier Effect, Bloomberg, 7/17/09)

CLAIM #61: Durbin Said Stimulus Funds Will Go Out Quickly. ―This bill is structured to get the money out quickly to the states where the jobs will be created. We don‘t have a moment to lose. (Sen. Richard Durbin, Remarks At Press Conference, Washington, DC 2/5/09)

REALITY: Brookings’ Institution Scholar Says Stimulus Funds Moving Too Slow. ―‗It‘s just taken too long to get it going,‘ said Barry Bosworth, a senior fellow in Brookings‘ economic studies program. He said the program, a mixture of discretionary spending, tax cuts and state aid, did little to boost business investment. (Joseph J. Schatz, ―Analysts Give Stimulus Mixed Review, Congressional Quarterly, 8/13/09)

WASTEFUL SPENDING
CLAIM #62: Pelosi Promised Every Stimulus Project Would Be About Stimulating Economy. CBS‘ MAGGIE RODRIGUEZ: ―Can you honestly say that every program in this plan is solely to stimulate the economy? SPEAKER OF THE HOUSE NANCY PELOSI: ―Yes, I can. (CBS News‘ ―The Early Show, 1/29/09)

REALITY: Obama Administration Pushing States To Use Stimulus Funds To Advertise Stimulus Funds. ―PennDOT has spent $60,000 to create large green road signs telling motorists that funding was secured by the federal stimulus package ... The signs will cost about $2,000 each ... Lori Irving, a spokeswoman for the U.S. Department of Transportation, acknowledged the department strongly encouraged states to use stimulus funding to develop the signs ... ‗Personally I think it is ridiculous that any of the stimulus money is used by government entities to make signs,‘ said Mike Cupp of Morgantown, W.Va. … ‗Explain to me how that is stimulating?‘ (Salena Zito, ―Road Signs Eat Up Part Of Stimulus, Pittsburgh Tribune-Review, 7/20/09)

TARGETED INVESTMENTS
CLAIM #63: Durbin Said Stimulus Jobs “Are Impossible To Outsource. ―The type of jobs we‘d create through this bill are impossible to outsource. These will be good-paying jobs right here in America. (Sen. Richard Durbin, Remarks At Press Conference, Washington, DC 2/5/09)

REALITY: Recently Distributed Stimulus Funds Going To Foreign Corporations Creating Jobs Overseas. ―Nearly half of the $2.4 billion in federal grant money awarded Wednesday to stimulate the U.S. economy and boost the production of hybrid and electric vehicles went to six companies with ties to places as far away as Russia, China, South Korea and France. ... But because so few American companies have the necessary technology, much of the money will initially go toward manufacturing electric vehicle batteries overseas. (Jerry Seper, ―Obama Sends Stimulus Aid To Foreign Firms, The Washington Times, 8/6/09)

OVERSIGHT, ACCOUNTABILITY, AND TRANSPARENCY
CLAIM #64: Pelosi Claimed Stimulus Would Have “Unprecedented Accountability Measures.” ―It invests quickly into the economy, 75 percent in the first 18 months. The recovery plan has unprecedented accountability measures built in, providing strong oversight, an historic degree of public transparency, and including no earmarks. So it‘s about jobs, tax cuts, and accountability. (Speaker Pelosi, Remarks On Conference Call, Washington, DC, 1/27/09)

REALITY: GAO Reports Transparency, Oversight Lacking When Keeping Track of Stimulus’ Effectiveness. ―The Government Accountability Office said in a report that increased transparency and better oversight is needed to track stimulus money being sent to state and local governments. The report noted that keeping track of stimulus money and effectiveness wasn‘t necessarily easy under the current methods. ‗Questions remained about how to count jobs and measure performance under Recovery Act-funded programs,‘ the report said. (Rich Edson and Joanna Ossinger, ―GAO: More Transparency Needed To Track Stimulus Money, Fox Business, 7/7/09)

CLAIM #65: Hoyer Said Stimulus Would Have “Historic Degree Of Public Transparency.” ―In addition, the Recovery Plan has significant accountability and transparency measures built in: no earmarks or pet projects, strong oversight of spending, and an historic degree of public transparency online at http://www.recovery.gov/, so Members of Congress and citizens can track the success of these efforts. The plan also creates a new Accountability and Transparency Board that will be working to protect funds from waste and fraud. (Congressman Steny Hoyer, ―House Passes Historic Economic Recovery and Reinvestment Conference Report, Floor Statement, 2/13/09)

REALITY: GAO Reports Transparency, Oversight Lacking When Keeping Track of Stimulus’ Effectiveness. ―The Government Accountability Office said in a report that increased transparency and better oversight is needed to track stimulus money being sent to state and local governments. The report noted that keeping track of stimulus money and effectiveness wasn‘t necessarily easy under the current methods. ‗Questions remained about how to count jobs and measure performance under Recovery Act-funded programs,‘ the report said. (Rich Edson and Joanna Ossinger, ―GAO: More Transparency Needed To Track Stimulus Money, Fox Business, 7/7/09)

CLAIM #66: Reid Guaranteed “Transparency And Accountability.” ―Our plan also guarantees transparency and accountability to ensure that taxpayers‘ money is spent wisely. (John Fritze, ―Congress Passes $787B Economic Stimulus Bill, USA Today, 2/15/09)

REALITY: No System In Place For Government To Report How Stimulus Money Is Spent. ―The report raises concerns about how states and the federal governments will report back on how the stimulus money is spent. The Office of Management and Budget has provided some guidance on how to report the information, but auditors suggest that the states will require more information. (Ed O‘Keefe, ―Eye Opener: Economic Stimulus Report, The Washington Post’s “Federal Eye” Blog, 7/8/09)

ECONOMIC RECOVERY
CLAIM #67: Pelosi Said Stimulus Has Helped Every Neighborhood In Country. ―House Speaker Nancy Pelosi (D-Calif.) said the stimulus had ‗laid the foundation for growth and progress in every neighborhood and in every industry across the country.‘ (Ian Swanson, ―Poll Finds Serious Doubts Six Months After Stimulus, The Hill, 8/17/09)

REALITY: Hard Hit Areas Not Receiving Funds Despite Requirements In Stimulus Package. ―Under the Obama administration‘s economic stimulus plan, needy communities were supposed to be a priority when doling out money to rebuild highways and jump-start the economy. It hasn‘t worked out that way. The rules required that states give priority to counties considered ‗economically distressed.‘ Yet less than half the federal highway money announced so far is directed toward those high-unemployment, low-income areas according to an Associated Press analysis of more than $16 billion in spending announced by the U.S. Transportation Department. (April Castro, ―Stimulus Watch: Neediest Areas Not First For Money, The Associated Press, 7/19/09)

CLAIM #68: Pelosi Said Stimulus Responsible For Unemployment Rate In July Falling 0.1 Percent. ―Pelosi said the stimulus led to a dip in the unemployment rate in July from 9.5 to 9.4 percent. She also gave credit to the stimulus for reports suggesting the economic slowdown may be at an end. (Ian Swanson, ―Poll Finds Serious Doubts Six Months After Stimulus, The Hill, 8/17/09)

REALITY: Economist Paul Krugman Says “Job Market Still Hasn’t Turned Around,” Decline In Unemployment Rate Was Likely “Statistical Fluke.” ―And the job market still hasn‘t turned around — that slight dip in the measured unemployment rate last month was probably a statistical fluke. (Paul Krugman, Op-Ed, ―Averting The Worst, The New York Times, 8/9/09)

CLAIM #69: Pelosi Described Passage Of Stimulus As A Day Of “New Hope.” ―Today is a day of new jobs, new hope, and a New Direction for the American economy. (Speaker Pelosi, ―Pelosi Statement On President Obama Signing Economic Recovery Legislation, Press Release, 2/17/09)

REALITY: Majority Of Americans Doubt Stimulus Is Helping End Recession. ―Six months after President Obama launched a $787 billion plan to right the nation‘s economy, a majority of Americans think the avalanche of new federal aid has cost too much and done too little to end the recession. (Brad Heath, ―Poll: 57% Don‘t See Stimulus Working, USA Today, 8/17/09)

CLAIM #70: Pelosi Claimed U.S. Lost 500 Million Jobs Every Month We Went Without Stimulus Package. ―Every month that we do not have an economic recovery package, 500 million Americans lose their jobs. I don‘t think we can go fast enough to stop that. The president asked for action, swift and bold. That is what we are doing. (Speaker Nancy Pelosi, Remarks At Weekly Press Conference, Washington, DC, 1/22/09)

REALITY: Since Stimulus Bill Was Signed In February, America Has Lost More Than 2.2 Million Jobs. (U.S. Bureau Of Labor Statistics, Website, http://www.bls.gov/, Accessed 8/24/09)

CLAIM #71: Sen. Richard Durbin (D-IL) Said Stimulus Would Help Struggling American Families. ―This bill provides tax relief to working families across the country; creates or saves millions of good-paying Americans jobs; helps struggling homeowners stay in their homes and makes it easier for students to afford quality education. (Sen. Richard Durbin, ―Durbin Statement On The Passage Of The American Recovery And Reinvestment Act, Press Release, 2/13/09)

REALITY: CBO Says “Hardships” Of Recession Will Not End Anytime Soon. ―However, Douglas Elmendorf, the director of the nonpartisan Congressional Budget Office, was more cautious in his State of the Economy review to the House Budget Committee last week. ‗The economy will stop contracting and resume growing during the second half of this year,‘ he said, ‗but the hardships caused by the recession will persist for some time.‘ (David Lightman, ―Stimulus Funds Being Spent Slowly, The Miami Herald, 8/13/09)

CLAIM #72: Durbin Said Stimulus Will “Reinvigorate This Economy.” ―President Obama‘s request that we pass a stimulus package, a spending bill and tax cut package that will reinvigorate this economy and try to stop the loss of jobs in America… we need to spend money into this economy to create and save 3 to 4 million jobs. (Sen. Richard Durbin, Congressional Record, 2/12/09, p. S2171)

REALITY: Under Obama, Job Losses Now At Historic Highs. ―The cumulative job losses over the last six months have been greater than for any other half year period since World War II, including the military demobilization after the war. The job losses are also now equal to the net job gains over the previous nine years, making this the only recession since the Great Depression to wipe out all job growth from the previous expansion. (Mortimer Zuckerman, Op-Ed, ―The Economy Is Even Worse Than You Think, The Wall Street Journal, 7/14/09)

NORTHEASTERN DEMOCRATS

JOB CREATION
CLAIM #73: Rep. Ed Markey (D-MA) Said Stimulus Will Create Jobs In Massachusetts. ―Today, President Obama signed into law a historic plan to create or save more than 3 million jobs, taking a critical step towards putting the American economy back on track… This economic recovery plan will create American jobs now, provide tax cuts for about 95 percent of Americans and lay a foundation for long-term growth through clean energy, innovation and education. I am especially glad to see that the bill will provide an estimated 7,700 jobs right here in the 7th District. (Rep. Ed Markey, ―Mass‘ 7th District Will See Immediate And Long-Term Benefits From Recovery Plan, Press Release, 2/17/09)

REALITY: Since Stimulus Was Passed In February, Massachusetts Has Lost Over 25,000 Jobs. (U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, www.bls.gov, Accessed 8/24/09)

CLAIM #74: Sen. Jack Reed (D-RI) Claimed Stimulus Would Help Put Rhode Islanders Back To Work. ―The recovery plan will put our state back to work, cut taxes and provide other needed relief for people who need help the most, and make smart, valuable investments in our present and our future. It‘s time to pass this bill and begin to jump-start our faltering economy. (Senator Jack Reed, ―By The Numbers: What The Economic Recovery Plan Could Mean For Rhode Island, Press Release, 2/6/09)

REALITY: Since Stimulus Was Passed, Unemployment In Rhode Island Has Increased By Almost 21 Percent From 10.5 Percent To 12.7 Percent. (U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, www.bls.gov, Accessed 8/25/09)

CLAIM #75: Sen. Sheldon Whitehouse (D-RI) Said Stimulus Will Help Local Governments Put People Back To Work. ―This is a positive step forward for America, said Whitehouse. ―It will give President Obama and our local governments the tools they need to put people back to work, jump-start our faltering economy, and support our struggling families. Obviously, there‘s much more that will need to be done in the weeks and months ahead, but this is an important first step in our efforts to get our country back on track. (Sen. Sheldon Whitehouse, ―Economic Recovery Bill Will Create Jobs and Support Families in Rhode Island, Whitehouse Says, Press Release, 2/10/09)

REALITY: Americans Remaining Unemployed For Unprecedented Periods Of Time. ―[T]he rolls of the long-term unemployed are growing, with 29 percent of the jobless out of work for more than 26 weeks, the most since records began in 1948. (Matthew Benjamin And Alison Sider, ―Obama Stimulus Fails To Reboot Economy As No Multiplier Effect, Bloomberg, 7/17/09)

CLAIM #76: Sen. Patrick Leahy (D-VT) Claimed Stimulus Would Save Millions Of Jobs. ―Our number one priority should be to put America back to work. This economic recovery plan we are debating today will help create or save million jobs, including an entire generation of green jobs that will make public and private investments in renewable energy and make America more energy efficient. (Sen. Patrick Leahy, ―Economic Statement Of Senator Patrick Leahy ‗The American People Urgently Await Action On The Economic Recovery Plan,‘ Press Release, 2/10/09)

REALITY: Since Stimulus Was Passed In February, Over 2.2 Million Jobs Have Been Lost In The United States. (U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, www.bls.gov, 8/17/09)

CLAIM #77: Sen. Charles Schumer (D-NY) Said Stimulus Would Create “Jobs, Jobs, Jobs” In New York. ―This Economic Recovery package will be very good for New York State. It creates jobs, jobs, jobs and is one the first bills where New York gets more back from the federal government than we have put in. From funding for education, to health care and budget relief, to transportation and infrastructure, this is just what we need to get and keep people working during these very difficult times. (Sen. Charles Schumer, ―Schumer: Economic Stimulus Agreement Is A Home Run For New York State - Senator Details Impact Of Key Provisions On State, Press Release, 2/12/09)

REALITY: Since Stimulus Was Passed In February, New York Has Lost Over 91,000 Jobs. (U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, www.bls.gov, 8/24/09)

CLAIM #78: Rep. Dan Maffei (D-NY) Claimed Stimulus Would Be “Injection” Into New York Economy And “Create Jobs.” ―There are parts of this bill that will provide an immediate injection into the Western and Central New York economy and create jobs, (Rep. Dan Maffei, ―Congressman Maffei Votes For Economic Recovery Package To Help Families And Communities Across Upstate New York, Press Release, 1/28/09)

REALITY: Since Stimulus Was Passed In February, New York Has Lost Over 91,000 Jobs. (U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, www.bls.gov, 8/24/09)

CLAIM #79: Rep. John Hall (D-NY) Claimed Stimulus Bill Would “Create American Jobs Right Now.” ―[The stimulus] will create American jobs right now and lay a foundation for long-term growth through clean energy, innovation and education. (Rep. John Hall, ―House Passes Final Version Of Economic Recovery Package, Press Release, 2/13/09)

REALITY: Since The Stimulus Bill Was Signed Into Law In February, America Has Lost More Than 2.2 Million Jobs. (U.S. Bureau Of Labor Statistics, Website, http://www.bls.gov/, Accessed 8/7/09)

CLAIM #80: Rep. Charles Rangel (D-NY) Stated Stimulus Would Create 3.5 Million Jobs. ―Under the bill approved by the House, 3.5 million jobs will be created or maintained… (Congressman Rangel, ―Congress Passes Economic Recovery Package, Press Release, 2/14/09)

REALITY: Since The Stimulus Bill Was Signed Into Law In February, America Has Lost More Than 2.2 Million Jobs. (U.S. Bureau Of Labor Statistics, Website, http://www.bls.gov/, Accessed 8/7/09)

CLAIM #81: Rep. Charlie Rangel (D-NY) Claimed Stimulus Would Provide Help To “Every Sector Of Our Economy.” ―This economic crisis demands comprehensive action and this recovery package delivers relief to every sector of our economy to help families, create and save jobs, and invest in a 21st Century economy… We are making targeted investments in education and health care to ensure that American children can stay healthy and get the best education possible. We are also providing funding to local communities to put folks back to work modernizing our bridges, roads and schools. All of these investments will help reinvigorate the American economy so that we can compete and win in the global economy. (Rep. Charles Rangel, ―Congress Passes Economic Recovery Package, Press Release, 2/14/09)

REALITY: When Spending Stimulus Funds, States Ignoring “Most Economically Distressed Areas.” ―The report … by the Government Accountability Office (GAO) … says many states aren‘t meeting some goals and requirements of the economic recovery program. Some states, for example, are not sending transportation funding to the most economically distressed areas, and they are using education funds to prevent layoffs rather than fund innovative new programs, the report says. (Mark Kelley, ―Report: States Aren‘t Using Stimulus Funds As Intended, USA Today, 7/8/09)

CLAIM #82: Rep. Jason Altmire (D-PA) Claimed Stimulus Would Create Jobs, Get Economy Moving Again. ―[T]his economic recovery package will put people back to work and put money back in their pockets with a tax cut for 95 percent of working families in America. It will create jobs, get the economy moving again, and leave this country with items of lasting significance to show for it. (Rep. Jason Altmire, Congressional Record, 1/27/09, p. H569)

REALITY: Under Obama, Job Losses Now At Historic Highs. ―The cumulative job losses over the last six months have been greater than for any other half year period since World War II, including the military demobilization after the war. The job losses are also now equal to the net job gains over the previous nine years, making this the only recession since the Great Depression to wipe out all job growth from the previous expansion. (Mortimer Zuckerman, Op-Ed, ―The Economy Is Even Worse Than You Think, The Wall Street Journal, 7/14/09)

CLAIM #83: Rep. Kathy Dahlkemper (D-PA) Claimed Stimulus “Will Create And Save Jobs.” ―Today, I joined my colleagues in the House of Representatives and voted on the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act, legislation that will create and save jobs while investing in the future of our nation. (Rep. Kathy Dahlkemper, ―The American Recovery And Reinvestment Plan: Good For Pennsylvania, Press Release, 1/29/09)

REALITY: Under Obama, Job Losses Now At Historic Highs. ―The cumulative job losses over the last six months have been greater than for any other half year period since World War II, including the military demobilization after the war. The job losses are also now equal to the net job gains over the previous nine years, making this the only recession since the Great Depression to wipe out all job growth from the previous expansion. (Mortimer Zuckerman, Op-Ed, ―The Economy is Even
Worse Than You Think, The Wall Street Journal, 7/14/09)

CLAIM #84: Rep. Robert Brady (D-PA) Claimed Stimulus Would Create 143,000 Pennsylvania Jobs. ―It will create an estimated 143,000 jobs for Pennsylvania, including more than 7,000 jobs in the first district alone. (Rep. Robert Brady, ―Congress Passes American Recovery And Reinvestment Act Of 2009, Press Release, 2/18/09)

REALITY: Since The Signing Of The Stimulus Bill In February, Pennsylvania Has Lost Over 125,000 Jobs. (U.S. Bureau Of Labor Statistics Website, www.bls.gov, Accessed 8/24/09)

CLAIM #85: Rep. Joe Sestak (D-PA) Claimed Stimulus Would Create 143,000 Pennsylvania Jobs. ―This legislation will begin to rebuild the economy and put Americans back to work (including 143,000 new jobs in Pennsylvania) during the worst economic crisis since the Great Depression. (Rep. Joe Sestak, ―Congressman Sestak Discusses Stimulus Bill With Main Line Chamber Of Commerce, Press Release, 2/18/09)

REALITY: Since The Signing Of The Stimulus Bill In February, Pennsylvania Has Lost Over 125,000 Jobs. (U.S. Bureau Of Labor Statistics Website, www.bls.gov, Accessed 8/24/09)

CLAIM #86: Rep. Patrick Murphy (D-PA) Claimed Stimulus Bill Would Create “Thousands Of Pennsylvania Jobs.” ―This urgent action will create and save thousands of Pennsylvania jobs, help businesses and prepare our students, families and workers for the future. (Rep. Patrick Murphy, ―Patrick Murphy Champions Bold Action To Help Families, Right Our Economic Course, Press Release, 1/27/09)

REALITY: Since The Signing Of The Stimulus Bill In February, Pennsylvania Has Lost Over 125,000 Jobs. (U.S. Bureau Of Labor Statistics Website, www.bls.gov, Accessed 8/24/09)

CLAIM #87: Rep. Mike Doyle (D-PA) Claimed Stimulus Would Help Millions Who Have Lost Their Jobs. ―This legislation will provide essential help to the millions of Americans who have lost their jobs or are at risk of losing their jobs, said Congressman Mike Doyle, who voted in support of H.R. 1. ―It will also put people back to work and promote the recovery of our economy by investing in our infrastructure and the new technologies that will produce the jobs of the future. (Rep. Mike Doyle, ―House Approves Economic Recovery Bill, Press Release, 2/13/09)

REALITY: Since Stimulus Was Signed, Pennsylvania’s Unemployment Rate Jumped From 7.5 Percent To 8.5 Percent. (U.S. Bureau Of Labor Statistics Website, www.bls.gov, Accessed 8/24/09)

JUMP STARTING THE ECONOMY
CLAIM #88: Rep. Kathy Dahlkemper (D-PA) Claimed Stimulus Would “Jump Start” Our Economy. ―[O]ne of the first acts of the 111th Congress was to enact the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act, historic legislation to jump start our economy and create good-paying jobs. The Recovery Act money is being allocated at a pace of almost $1 billion a week. And I‘m pleased to say that we‘re already seeing positive effects of the Recovery Act in my district, Pennsylvania‘s Third. (Rep. Kathy Dahlkemper, Congressional Record, 6/4/09, p. H6160)

REALITY: Brookings’ Institution Scholar Says Stimulus Spending Too Slow. ―‗It‘s just taken too long to get it going,‘ said Barry Bosworth, a senior fellow in Brookings‘ economic studies program. He said the program, a mixture of discretionary spending, tax cuts and state aid, did little to boost business investment. (Joseph J. Schatz, ―Analysts Give Stimulus Mixed Review, Congressional Quarterly, 8/13/09)

CLAIM #89: Rep. Carolyn Maloney (D-NY) Asserted Stimulus Would “Jumpstart” Economy, Create Millions Of Jobs. ―The speed with which Congress, led by Speaker Pelosi, and President Obama have come together on this historic legislation demonstrates our unrelenting resolve to get Americans back to work and jumpstart our stalled economy as quickly as possible. The recovery bill will create millions of jobs, cut taxes for hard working families, provide basic necessities to families in need, and make investments necessary to transform our economy for the 21st Century. (Rep. Carolyn Maloney, ―Recovery Plan Creates Jobs, Helps Families In Need, Makes Investments For 21st Century In New York, Press Release, 2/13/09)

REALITY: Stimulus Fails To Create Jobs Despite Obama Administration’s Predictions Of “Boom In Job Creation.” ―[T]wo of [Obama‘s] chief economic advisers, and leading proponents of a stimulus bill, predicted that the passage of a large economic-aid package would boost the economy and keep the unemployment rate below 8%. It hasn‘t quite worked out that way. Last month, the jobless rate in America hit 9.5%, the highest level it has reached since 1983 ... What has not come to pass, however, is the boom in job creation that Romer and Bernstein predicted. A little over a month ago, the Administration said the stimulus bill had created or saved 150,000 jobs. That‘s a far cry from the 3 million to 4 million jobs that Romer and Bernstein foresaw back in January. (Stephen Gandel, ―Obama‘s Stimulus Plan: Failing By Its Own Measure, Time, 7/14/09)

WASTEFUL SPENDING
CLAIM #90: Rep. Carol Shea-Porter (D-NH) Claims Stimulus Has “Historic Degree Of Public Transparency.” ―The American Recovery and Reinvestment Act provides strong oversight, an historic degree of public transparency, and includes no earmarks. (Rep. Carol Shea-Porter, ―Shea-Porter Votes In Favor Of Recovery Package, Press Release, 2/13/09)

REALITY: Stimulus Funds Distributed Under “Process That Is Both Secretive And Susceptible To Political Influence.” “A sleepy Montana checkpoint along the Canadian border that sees about three travelers a day will get $15 million under President Barack Obama's economic stimulus plan. A government priority list ranked the project as marginal, but two powerful Democratic senators persuaded the administration to make it happen. Despite Obama's promises that the stimulus plan would be transparent and free of politics, the government is handing out $720 million for border upgrades under a process that is both secretive and susceptible to political influence. (Eileen Sullivan and Matt Apuzzo, ―AP Impact: Secret Process Benefits Pet Projects, The Associated Press, 8/26/09)

CLAIM #91: Rep. Jason Altmire (D-PA) Argued There Were “No Earmarks” In Stimulus. ―There are no earmarks in the bill. (Rep. Jason Altmire, Congressional Record, 2/28/09, p. H2821)

REALITY: Pelosi’s Mouse Receives Stimulus Funds. ―The tiny mouse that became a hotly disputed symbol of wasteful spending in the congressional debate over the $787 billion economic stimulus bill has returned to pester House Speaker Nancy Pelosi. The Obama administration quietly announced last week that as much as $16.1 million from the stimulus program is going to save the San Francisco Bay area habitat of, among other things, the endangered salt marsh harvest mouse. (S.A. Miller, ―GOP Slams Stimulus Mouse Money, The Washington Times, 7/9/09)

TARGETED INVESTMENTS
CLAIM #92: Sen. Robert Casey (D-PA) Said Stimulus Would Help Families In Hardest Hit Areas. ―I voted for the recovery package to help President Obama‘s effort to get our economy out of the ditch, create jobs and aid those hardest hit by the economy. The package includes many components to accomplish these goals such as tax relief for working families, infrastructure investments, aid to states and additional unemployment insurance as well as other improvements like increased funding for law enforcement. (Sen. Robert Casey, ―Casey Statement On Senate Passage of Recovery Package, Press Release, 2/10/09)

REALITY: Hardest Hit States “Received Only A Few Of The Government's First Stimulus Contracts.” ―States hit hardest by the recession received only a few of the government's first stimulus contracts, even though the glut of new federal spending was meant to target places where the economic pain has been particularly severe. (Brad Heath, ―Stimulus Projects Bypass Hard-Hit States, USA Today, 5/27/09)

CLAIM #93: Rep. Jason Altmire (D-PA) Said Stimulus Would Be “Targeted.” ―[B]y passing a targeted and transparent economic recovery plan, we are taking the critical steps needed to put Americans back to work and revive our economy. (Rep. Jason Altmire, ―Economic Recovery Plan Will Create Jobs, Cut Taxes for Pennsylvania Families, Press Release, 2/13/09)

REALITY: Stimulus Money Spent On Ramps In Areas With No Sidewalks Or Pedestrians. ―During the next 10 years, Pennsylvania will spend $820 million redoing 117,000 ramps statewide, many in suburban and rural counties where there are no sidewalks and no pedestrians. In Chester County, this translates to 1,612 curbs. The cost is $3,000 to $7,000 for each new ramp, though some are only a couple years old. More than a third of Chester County‘s federal stimulus transportation package will fund new curbs - $7.1 million - many on streets with no sidewalks that are rarely, if ever, used by pedestrian. The curbs are being fixed now because other projects the county desperately wants, such as widening six miles of Route 202 near Route 29 at the Great Valley Corporate Center, where 130,000 people are employed, can‘t get permits and PennDot approval in the four to six months required by the stimulus guidelines…In Philadelphia, $300 million will be spent to fix 20,000 curbs. (Karen Heller, ―Karen Heller: On Every Corner, A Federal Project At Your Expense, The Philadelphia Inquirer, 3/21/09)

CLAIM #94: Rep. John Murtha (D-PA) Claimed Stimulus Would Make “Critical Investments.” ―Congress acted today by passing an economic stimulus package that will create millions of new jobs, help American families, and make critical investments in our nation‘s infrastructure, education, health care system, science technology, and energy usage. (Rep. John Murtha, ―House Passes The Economic Stimulus Conference Report, Press Release, 2/13/09)

REALITY: Murtha Pours Millions Of Stimulus Dollars Into Remote Airport Named For Him. ―‗[Murtha‘s] dumped in nearly $200 million into this project that has virtually no passengers. It‘s practically a museum piece,‘ said Steve Ellis with the Taxpayers for Common Sense ... He added, ‗when you see deadbeat airports getting cash so they can do their second runway, it really feeds cynicism around the country about the stimulus and about the projects.‘ (Jim Acosta and Janet
Rodriguez, ―Remote Murtha Airport Lands Big Bucks From Washington, CNN, 4/23/09)

CLAIM #95: Rep. Allyson Schwartz (D-PA) Claimed Stimulus Would Provide Relief To Families, Create Jobs. ―It was essential that we took action today. That is why we passed a bold, innovative recovery plan that will provide relief to families and business; create jobs; and lay the groundwork for future economic growth. (Rep. Allyson Schwartz, ―Schwartz Statement On American Recovery And Reinvestment Act, Press Release, 2/13/09)

REALITY: Instead, Stimulus Funds Used To Create Signs Advertising Stimulus. ―PennDOT has spent $60,000 to create large green road signs telling motorists that funding was secured by the federal stimulus package ... The signs will cost about $2,000 each ... Lori Irving, a spokeswoman for the U.S. Department of Transportation, acknowledged the department strongly encouraged states to use stimulus funding to develop the signs ... ‗Personally I think it is ridiculous that any of the stimulus money is used by government entities to make signs,‘ said Mike Cupp of Morgantown, W.Va. … ‗Explain to me how that is stimulating?‘ (Salena Zito, ―Road Signs Eat Up Part Of Stimulus, Pittsburgh Tribune-Review, 7/20/09)

CLAIM #96: Rep. Christopher Carney (D-PA) Claimed Stimulus Bill Will “Make A Difference For Pennsylvania Families.” ―This will make a difference for our Pennsylvania families, our farmers, our roads and bridges, which is why I supported its passage. (Rep. Christopher Carney, ―Carney Supports Recovery And Reinvestment Act, Press Release, 2/13/09)

REALITY: Since The Signing Of The Stimulus Bill In February, Pennsylvania Has Lost Over 125,000 Jobs. (U.S. Bureau Of Labor Statistics Website, www.bls.gov, Accessed 8/24/09)

CLAIM #97: Rep. Mike Michaud (D-ME) Claimed Most Of Spending In Stimulus Is “Emergency In Nature.” ―Most of the spending in this bill is emergency in nature – our economy is truly struggling. (Rep. Mike Michaud, ―House Passes Economic Recovery Package Conference Report, Press Release, 2/13/09)

REALITY: As Of July, Only Small Fraction Of Stimulus Money Had Been Put To Use. ―Only about a tenth of the money has been spent so far, and only about half of it will have been spent by October 2010, according to the nonpartisan Congressional Budget Office. (Kevin G. Hall and David Lightman, ―Did Team Obama Get It Wrong On The Stimulus? McClatchy, 7/7/09)

OVERSIGHT, ACCOUNTABILITY, AND TRANSPARENCY
CLAIM #98: Rep. Eric Massa (D-NY) Claimed “Stimulus Bill Also Provides Unprecedented Accountability And Transparency.” (Jeff Murray, ―‗We Are Reacting To A Crisis‘, The Star Gazette, 2/20/09)

REALITY: No System In Place For Government To Report How Stimulus Money Is Spent. ―The report raises concerns about how states and the federal governments will report back on how the stimulus money is spent. The Office of Management and Budget has provided some guidance on how to report the information, but auditors suggest that the states will require more information. (Ed O‘Keefe, ―Eye Opener: Economic Stimulus Report, The Washington Post’s “Federal Eye” Blog, 7/8/09)

CLAIM #99: Rep. John Hall (D-NY) Claimed Stimulus Bill Has “Unprecedented Accountability And Transparency.” ―The final version of the legislation has unprecedented accountability and transparency measures to help ensure that taxpayer dollars are spent wisely and effectively. (Rep. John Hall, ―House Passes Final Version Of Economic Recovery Package, Press Release, 2/13/09)

REALITY: Transparency, Oversight Lacking When Keeping Track of Stimulus’ Effectiveness. ―The Government Accountability Office said in a report that increased transparency and better oversight is needed to track stimulus money being sent to state and local governments. The report noted that keeping track of stimulus money and effectiveness wasn‘t necessarily easy under the current methods. ‗Questions remained about how to count jobs and measure performance under Recovery Act-funded programs,‘ the report said. (Rich Edson and Joanna Ossinger, ―GAO: More Transparency Needed To Track Stimulus Money, Fox Business, 7/7/09)

CLAIM #100: Rep. Robert Brady (D-PA) Claimed Spending In Stimulus Bill Will Have “Unprecedented Level Of Accountability.” ―This spending will be accompanied by an unprecedented level of accountability to ensure that tax dollars are being used in the best way possible to stimulate the economy and help Americans through this crisis. President Obama has set up a website at www.recovery.gov, which will track where and how the recovery money is being spent. (Rep. Robert Brady, ―Congress Passes American Recovery And Reinvestment Act Of 2009, Press Release, 2/18/09)

REALITY: Transparency, Oversight Lacking When Keeping Track of Stimulus’ Effectiveness. ―The Government Accountability Office said in a report that increased transparency and better oversight is needed to track stimulus money being sent to state and local governments. The report noted that keeping track of stimulus money and effectiveness wasn‘t necessarily easy under the current methods. ‗Questions remained about how to count jobs and measure performance under Recovery Act-funded programs,‘ the report said. (Rich Edson and Joanna Ossinger, ―GAO: More Transparency Needed To Track Stimulus Money, Fox Business, 7/7/09)

ECONOMIC RECOVERY
CLAIM #101: Sen. Chris Dodd (D-CT) Said Stimulus Will Help Economy In Long Run. ―The economic recovery package provides a vital boost to our economy, while making a down-payment on our long-term needs. (Sen. Chris Dodd, ―Statement Of Senator Chris Dodd On Senate Passage Of The Economic Recovery Package, Press Release, 2/9/09)

REALITY: Economists Call Obama’s Predictions Of Long Term Economic Growth “Fantasy.” ―President Barack Obama‘s economic forecasts for long-term growth are too optimistic, many economists warn ... White House officials rebuff such suggestions, saying the midyear correction is precisely intended to keep their economic program reality based. But a series of POLITICO interviews in recent days with independent economists of varied political stripes found widespread disdain for Obama‘s first round of assumptions, with some experts invoking such phrases as ‗rosy‘ and ‗fantasy.‘ (Jeanne Cummings, ―Obama‘s Rosy Scenario Turns Thorny, Politico, 7/14/09)

CLAIM #102: Sen. Jeanne Shaheen (D-NH) Claimed Stimulus Would Provide “Economic Boost.” ―This legislation involved compromises and difficult choices for everyone. And while this bill alone won‘t solve all the economic challenges we face, it will provide the economic boost we desperately need, through investments in our roads, highways and bridges; tax relief for middle class families and small businesses; and investments in clean energy and energy efficiency. These investments will not only create jobs in the short-term, they will also lay the groundwork for long-term economic growth. (Sen. Jeanne Shaheen, ―Shaheen: Recovery Package Will Boost Economy, Create New Hampshire Jobs, Press Release, 2/10/09)

REALITY: Local Governments Years Away From Feeling Effects Of Any Economic Recovery. ―Amy Liu, deputy director of Brookings‘ metropolitan policy program, said the ‗recovery is highly uneven around the country,‘ and noted that local governments, dependent on sales and property tax revenue, can be as much as two years behind the national economy in feeling the effect of a recovery. (Joseph J. Schatz, ―Analysts Give Stimulus Mixed Review, Congressional Quarterly,
8/13/09)

CLAIM #103: Sen. Charles Schumer (D-NY) Said Stimulus Will Help Upstate New York. ―The Senate economic stimulus bill will be very good for Upstate New York. The Senate bill is a leaner, tougher bill that eliminates much of the pork in the House bill and focuses on the three main functions of the Obama stimulus package: creating jobs, cutting taxes for the middle class, and building a stronger, more viable infrastructure project. (Sen. Charles Schumer, ―Following Today‘s Senate Vote On Obama Stimulus Package: Schumer: Federal Economic Stimulus Package Will Be A Good Boost For Upstate New York - Senator Details Expected Impact On New York State, Press Release, 2/10/09)

REALITY: In June, Rochester, Syracuse and Buffalo Had Unemployment Rates At 8.4 Percent Or Higher, A Jump From 5.5 Percent A Year Ago. (U.S. Bureau Of Labor Statistics Website, www.bls.gov, Accessed 8/24/09)

SOUTHERN DEMOCRATS

JOB CREATION
CLAIM #104: Sen. Ben Cardin (D-MD) Said Stimulus Would Immediately Create Jobs In Maryland. ―The bill passed by the Senate is timely. It will create jobs immediately in Maryland and across the country, helping our states and local communities by providing funding for ready-to-go projects, such as fixing crumbling roads and bridges. This bill is targeted. It puts money back in the pockets of Americans who are most likely to spend it, injecting needed capital into our economy. It helps people stay in their homes, keep their jobs, and take care of their families. It also invests in modernizing our rail and mass transit systems and allocates new funds for education, alternative energy, and health care technology, all of which will help create and save quality jobs in the short-term, but also will save us billions of dollars in the future through lower energy usage, lower health care costs, and a better trained workforce. (Sen. Ben Cardin, ―Cardin Praises Senate Passage Of The American Recovery And Reinvestment Act, Press Release, 2/10/09)

REALITY: Since Stimulus Was Signed In February, Maryland Has Lost Over 26,000 Jobs. (U.S. Bureau Of Labor Statistics Website, www.bls.gov, Accessed 8/24/09)

CLAIM #105: Sen. Barbara Mikulski (D-MD) Said Stimulus About “Jobs, Jobs, Jobs.” ―We have inherited a terrible mess. But the Senate has taken a major step forward to turn the country around by passing the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act. By standing with President Obama, we stand up for America to create jobs for people who have lost them and to help those who have jobs, keep them. This is about jobs, jobs, jobs. (Sen. Barbara Mikulski, ―Senator Mikulski Statement on Senate Passage of American Recovery and Reinvestment Act, Press Release, 2/10/09)

REALITY: Much Of Stimulus Spending Has Nothing To Do With Creating Jobs. ―For a start, too much of the money went to transfer payments such as Medicaid, jobless benefits and the like that do nothing for jobs and growth. The spending that creates new jobs is new spending, particularly on infrastructure. It amounts to less than 10% of the stimulus package today. (Mortimer Zuckerman, Op-Ed, ―The Economy is Even Worse Than You Think, The Wall Street Journal, 7/14/09)

CLAIM #106: Sen. Thomas Carper (D-DE) Claimed Thousands Of Jobs Will Be Created Or Saved In Delaware Because Of Stimulus. ―This bill is expected to create an estimated 3.5 million jobs by putting Americans to work to begin rebuilding our nation‘s crumbling infrastructure, mass transit and water and sewer systems, and rebuilding roads, bridges, ports, railways, waterways. Delaware stands to create or retain thousands jobs from this legislation. (Sen. Thomas Carper, ―Stimulus Package Will Create Jobs, Fund Critical Infrastructure Improvements, Press Release, 2/19/09)

REALITY: Delaware One Of Six States In June With Record Unemployment Rates. ―The states reaching record jobless rates in June were Georgia, Nevada, Rhode Island, South Carolina, Florida and Delaware. (Shobhana Chandra, ―Georgia, Alabama Top 10% Unemployment as Firings Gain, Bloomberg, 7/17/09)

CLAIM #107: Sen. Ted Kaufman (D-DE) Claimed Stimulus Would Be “Bold And Quick” In Creating Jobs. ―After a month where we lost 600,000 jobs – 20,000 per day – this economic recovery package delivers what we need: 3.5 million jobs. There is no higher priority than getting our citizens back to work. The American people are demanding bold and quick action, and today we delivered it. (Sen. Ted Kaufman, ―Statement on passage of economic recovery package, Press Release, 2/13/09)

REALITY: Brookings’ Institution Scholar Says Stimulus Spending Too Slow. ―‘It‘s just taken too long to get it going,‘ said Barry Bosworth, a senior fellow in Brookings‘ economic studies program. He said the program, a mixture of discretionary spending, tax cuts and state aid, did little to boost business investment. (Joseph J. Schatz, ―Analysts Give Stimulus Mixed Review, Congressional Quarterly, 8/13/09)

CLAIM #108: Sen. Kay Hagan (D-NC) Said Stimulus Would Make Positive Impacts In North Carolina. ―The impact of this measure in North Carolina will be huge, with resources available almost immediately for infrastructure projects and investments in green energy. 3 million workers in North Carolina will see their paychecks go further, and the state will receive vital funding to help close its budget gap and provide unemployment insurance to an additional 128,000 laid-off workers. (Sen. Kay Hagan, ―Economic Recovery Bill Will Create Or Save 105k Jobs In North Carolina, Press Release, 2/13/09)

REALITY: Since Stimulus Was Passed, Over 54,000 Jobs Have Been Lost In North Carolina. (U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, www.bls.gov, Accessed 8/24/09)

CLAIM #109: Rep. Larry Kissell (D-NC) Claimed “North Carolina Will Have Over 100,000 New Jobs Created.” ―I truly worry about our debt, and that makes it impossible for me to have supported the Reinvestment and Recovery Package unless I truly believed that it would bring jobs and needed infrastructure to North Carolina. North Carolina will have over 100,000 new jobs created, (Rep. Larry Kissell, ―This Week In Washington, Editorial, 2/19/09)

REALITY: Since Stimulus Was Passed, Over 54,000 Jobs Have Been Lost In North Carolina. (U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, www.bls.gov, Accessed 8/24/09)

CLAIM #110: Rep. G.K. Butterfield (D-NC) Claimed Stimulus Would Create 105,000 Jobs In North Carolina. ―In North Carolina, 105,000 jobs would be created or saved, including 6,800 jobs in my congressional district. (Rep. G.K. Butterfield, ―Butterfield‘s Statement On Stimulus, Press Release, 2/13/09)

REALITY: Since Stimulus Was Passed, Over 54,000 Jobs Have Been Lost In North Carolina. (U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, www.bls.gov, Accessed 8/24/09)

CLAIM #111: Rep. John Tanner (D-TN) Claimed Stimulus Would Create Or Save More Than 63,000 Jobs In Tennessee. ―The American Recovery and Reinvestment Act addresses the immediate economic concerns of the American people and specifically Tennesseans. This legislation could create or save more than 63,000 jobs in our state by the end of next year, according to analysis from independent economist Mark Zandi of Moody‘s Economy.com. (Rep. John Tanner, Congressional Record, 1/28/09, p. H630)

REALITY: Since Signing Of Stimulus In February, Tennessee Has Lost Over 77,000 Jobs. (U.S. Bureau Of Labor Statistics Website, www.bls.gov, Accessed 8/24/09)

CLAIM #112: Rep. Lincoln Davis (D-TN) Claimed Stimulus Would “Save Or Create” 71,000 Jobs In Tennessee. ―Experts predict that the economic recovery package has the potential to save or create as many as 4 million jobs, including 71,000 jobs in Tennessee … (Rep. Lincoln Davis, ―Congress Passes Economic Recovery Package, Press Release, 2/13/09)

REALITY: Since Signing Of Stimulus In February, Tennessee Has Lost Over 77,000 Jobs. (U.S. Bureau Of Labor Statistics Website, www.bls.gov, Accessed 8/24/09)

CLAIM #113: Sen. Robert Byrd (D-WV) Argued Stimulus Would Achieve “Principle Goals Of Creating Jobs.” ―This stimulus is exactly what we need to be doing. I have been fighting for this infrastructure funding for many years. The bill may not win any popularity contests, but it‘s still the best idea for helping to mitigate this economic downturn. It achieves the principle goals of creating jobs, of helping to prevent painful and dangerous budget cuts at the state and local level, and of investing in the long-term growth of the U.S. economy. I unhesitatingly cast my vote in support of this measure. (Sen. Robert Byrd: ―Byrd Statement In Support Of American Recovery And Reinvestment Act, Press Release, 2/10/09)

REALITY: Much Of Stimulus Spending Has Nothing To Do With Creating Jobs. ―For a start, too much of the money went to transfer payments such as Medicaid, jobless benefits and the like that do nothing for jobs and growth. The spending that creates new jobs is new spending, particularly on infrastructure. It amounts to less than 10% of the stimulus package today. (Mortimer Zuckerman, Op-Ed, ―The Economy Is Even Worse Than You Think, The Wall Street Journal, 7/14/09)

CLAIM #114: Rep. Rick Boucher (D-VA) Claimed Stimulus Would Create Jobs In Short Term. ―By meeting the infrastructure needs of our communities, the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act will create jobs in the short term in our region as well as provide a solid foundation for long term economic growth in Southwest Virginia. (Rep. Rick Boucher, ―Boucher Priorities For 9th Included In Stimulus Legislation, Press Release, 2/13/09)

REALITY: Since Stimulus Was Passed In February, Nearly 25,000 Jobs Have Been Lost In Virginia. (U.S. Bureau Of Labor Statistics Website, www.bls.gov, Accessed 8/24/09)

CLAIM #115: Rep. Travis Childers (D-MS) Claimed Stimulus Would “Impact” 30,000 Jobs Statewide. ―We cannot lose sight of the fact that this plan is about creating jobs … The recovery package is estimated to directly impact 30,000 jobs statewide, (Rep. Travis Childers, ―Congressman Travis Childers Votes To Create And Save 3.5 Million Jobs, Move Our Economy In A New Direction, Press Release, 2/13/09)

REALITY: Since Stimulus Was Passed In February, Mississippi Has Lost Nearly 40,000 Jobs. (U.S. Bureau Of Labor Statistics Website, www.bls.gov, Accessed 8/24/09)

CLAIM #116: Rep. Charlie Melancon (D-LA) Claimed Stimulus Bill Would Create Or Save 50,000 Jobs In Louisiana. ―This plan, while far from perfect, will create or save an estimated 50,000 jobs in Louisiana, invest over $538 million in infrastructure projects for our state, and lay a foundation for long-term growth for our country through innovation and education. This bill is the right thing to do for America‘s future, and I am proud to support it. (Rep. Charlie Melancon, ―Rep. Melancon Supports Economic Recovery Plan To Create And Save 50,000 Jobs In Louisiana, Press Release, 2/13/09)

REALITY: Since Signing Of Stimulus In February, Louisiana Has Lost Over 52,000 Jobs. (U.S. Bureau Of Labor Statistics Website, www.bls.gov, Accessed 8/24/09)

CLAIM #117: Rep. Vic Snyder (D-AR) Claimed Stimulus Would Create And Save Millions Of Jobs. ―This bill invests in infrastructure, job stability, energy efficiency, healthcare innovation, and education, which are necessary to strengthen our nation‘s economy. It creates and saves millions of jobs, provides immediate tax relief for American families, and lays the foundation for long-term economic growth. (Rep. Vic Snyder, ―Snyder Statement On American Recovery And Reinvestment Act Conference Report, Press Release, 2/13/09)

REALITY: Since Stimulus Was Signed Into Law, America Has Lost More Than 2.2 Million Jobs And Nearly 28,000 Have Been Lost In Arkansas. (U.S. Bureau Of Labor Statistics, Website, www.bls.gov, Accessed 8/24/09)

CLAIM #118: Rep. David Scott (D-GA) Claimed Stimulus Would Create Over 100,000 Jobs In Georgia. ―The American Recovery and Reinvestment Act will stimulate the economy by investing in transportation, schools, health care and other fundamental community needs. It is estimated by the Council of Economic Advisors that over 100,000 jobs will be created in Georgia, and over 9,000 will be created in my district, from these critical investments. (Rep. David Scott, ―Congressman David Scott Votes To Help Grow The Economy, Press Release, 2/13/09)

REALITY: Since Signing Of Stimulus In February, Georgia Has Lost Over 93,000 Jobs. (U.S. Bureau Of Labor Statistics Website, www.bls.gov, Accessed 8/24/09)

JUMP STARTING THE ECONOMY
CLAIM #119: Rep. John Barrow (D-GA) Claimed Stimulus Bill Will “Get Us Started On The Road To Economic Recovery Right Away.” ―Too many folks in the 12th District [GA-12] need jobs, and this bill will create jobs … This bill will get us started on the road to economic recovery right away, and that‘s what‘s necessary right now. (Rep. John Barrow, ―Barrow Backs Recovery And Reinvestment Plan, Press Release, 1/28/09)

REALITY: Since Signing Of Stimulus In February, Georgia Has Lost Over 93,000 Jobs. (U.S. Bureau Of Labor Statistics Website, www.bls.gov, Accessed 8/24/09)

CLAIM #120: Rep. Mike Ross (D-AR) Claimed Stimulus Would “Provide A Shot-In-The-Arm Boost.” ―I believe this job creation bill will help provide a shot-in-the-arm boost our economy needs to turn the country around. (Rep. Mike Ross, ―Ross: Job Creation Bill Necessary To Avoid Economic Collapse, Press Release, 2/13/09)

REALITY: Under Obama, Job Losses Now At Historic Highs. ―The cumulative job losses over the last six months have been greater than for any other half year period since World War II, including the military demobilization after the war. The job losses are also now equal to the net job gains over the previous nine years, making this the only recession since the Great Depression to wipe out all job growth from the previous expansion. (Mortimer Zuckerman, Op-Ed, ―The Economy Is Even Worse Than You Think, The Wall Street Journal, 7/14/09)

CLAIM #121: Sen. Jay Rockefeller (D-WV) Claimed Stimulus Would Rebuild Roads And Bridges. ―I voted for the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act because I believe it will create jobs, rebuild roads and bridges and help families get through this tough time by keeping more of their paychecks and continuing their access to health care. We need to act boldly if we are going to jumpstart this failing economy and deliver solutions that work for West Virginia families. (Sen. Jay Rockefeller, ―Rockefeller Votes For Recovery And Reinvestment Act, Press Release, 2/13/09)

REALITY: Construction Industry Disappointed With Low Amount Of Stimulus Funds For Roads, Leading To Very Few Jobs Actually Being Created. ―Much of the $787 billion in a federal program to spur the economy was supposed to pour like mixed concrete onto American roads, bridges, and construction sites. So far, though, the amount of money funneling into US construction zones is less than expected. ... Judging by a survey within the trade association, Sandherr says, relatively few new jobs are being created by the stimulus. (Mark Trumbull, ―Contractors Say Stimulus Has Been Slow To Kick In, The Christian Science Monitor, 7/30/09)

CLAIM #122: Rep. Suzanne Kosmas (D-FL) Claimed “Recovery Package Will Provide A Short-Term Boost To Florida’s Economy.” ―‗We must take action now to jump-start our economy and create and protect jobs in Florida and across the country,‘ said Congresswoman Kosmas. ‗The recovery package will provide a short-term boost to Florida‘s economy with targeted investments and tax cuts for middle-class families and small businesses.‘ (Rep. Suzanne Kosmas, ―Congresswoman Kosmas Joins President Obama At Town Hall To Discuss Recovery Package, Press Release, 2/10/09)

REALITY: Since Signing Of Stimulus In February, Florida Has Lost Over 171,000 Jobs. (U.S. Bureau Of Labor Statistics Website, www.bls.gov, Accessed 8/24/09)

CLAIM #123: Sen. Mark Pryor (D-AR) Said Stimulus Would Provide “Jolt To Our Economy.” ―This recovery package gets the wheels of our economy turning again. It places a much-needed emphasis on lifting up rural states like Arkansas by funding infrastructure projects involving our transportation, water, energy and broadband needs. Provisions in this bill also provide a lifeboat for individuals struggling in today‘s economy. While not perfect, the overall bill offers a balanced mix of tax cuts and investments. I‘m optimistic it will provide the jolt to our economy that we need now and for the future. (Sen. Mark Pryor, ―Statement By Senator Mark Pryor In Support Of The Economic Recovery Package, Press Release, 2/10/09)

REALITY: Americans Remaining Unemployed For Unprecedented Periods Of Time. ―[T]he rolls of the long-term unemployed are growing, with 29 percent of the jobless out of work for more than 26 weeks, the most since records began in 1948. (Matthew Benjamin And Alison Sider, ―Obama Stimulus Fails To Reboot Economy As No Multiplier Effect, Bloomberg, 7/17/09)

CLAIM #124: Rep. John Tanner (D-TN) Claimed Stimulus Would Address “Immediate Economic Concerns” Of Tennesseans. ―The American Recovery and Reinvestment Act addresses the immediate economic concerns of the American people and specifically Tennesseans. (Rep. John Tanner, ―Tanner Votes For Job Creation In Tennessee, Press Release, 1/28/09)

REALITY: Since Stimulus Was Passed In February, Unemployment In Tennessee Has Increased By Nearly 18 Percent. (U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, www.bls.gov, 8/24/09)

TARGETED INVESTMENTS
CLAIM #125: Sen. Mary Landrieu (D-LA) Said Stimulus Would Help Businesses “Expand And Invest In The United States.” ―I am very encouraged that the Senate overcame the partisanship that was threatening quick passage of the nation‘s Economic Stimulus Package. We are on track to direct sorely needed cash to American taxpayers and to encourage businesses to expand and invest in the United States. (Sen. Mary Landrieu, ―Senate Passes Bipartisan Economic Stimulus That Helps Seniors And Veterans, Press Release, 2/7/09)

REALITY: Recently Distributed Stimulus Funds Going To Foreign Corporations Creating Jobs Overseas. ―Nearly half of the $2.4 billion in federal grant money awarded Wednesday to stimulate the U.S. economy and boost the production of hybrid and electric vehicles went to six companies with ties to places as far away as Russia, China, South Korea and France. ... But because so few American companies have the necessary technology, much of the money will initially go toward manufacturing electric vehicle batteries overseas. (Jerry Seper, ―Obama Sends Stimulus Aid To Foreign Firms, The Washington Times, 8/6/09)

OVERSIGHT, ACCOUNTABILITY, AND TRANSPARENCY
CLAIM #126: Rep. Tom Perriello (D-VA) Said Transparency In Stimulus “Unprecedented.” ―Where before we saw blank-check bailouts, we now see unprecedented transparency and accountability. (Rep. Tom Perriello, “Perriello Statement On The American Recovery And Reinvestment Act, Press Release, 1/28/09)

REALITY: GAO Reports Transparency, Oversight Lacking. ―The Government Accountability Office said in a report that increased transparency and better oversight is needed to track stimulus money being sent to state and local governments. The report noted that keeping track of stimulus money and effectiveness wasn‘t necessarily easy under the current methods. ‗Questions remained about how to count jobs and measure performance under Recovery Act-funded programs,‘ the report said. (Rich Edson and Joanna Ossinger, ―GAO: More Transparency Needed to Track Stimulus Money, Fox Business, 7/7/09)

CLAIM #127: Rep. Ben Chandler (D-KY) Claimed Stimulus Bill “Contains Significant Oversight.” ―[O]ur country is facing an economic crisis, and I believe that this package is emergency aid that has been composed responsibly, contains significant oversight, and is a necessary step to boost our economy. (Rep. Ben Chandler, ―Chandler‘s Education Bill Included In The Economic Recovery Package, Press Release, 1/15/09)

REALITY: No System In Place For Government To Report How Stimulus Money Is Spent. ―The report raises concerns about how states and the federal governments will report back on how the stimulus money is spent. The Office of Management and Budget has provided some guidance on how to report the information, but auditors suggest that the states will require more information.(Ed O‘Keefe, ―Eye Opener: Economic Stimulus Report, The Washington Post’s ―Federal Eye Blog, 7/8/09)

MIDWESTERN DEMOCRATS

JOB CREATION
CLAIM #128: Sen. Sherrod Brown (D-OH) Said Stimulus Would “Provide Immediate Job Creation.” ―This bill accomplishes what we set out to do—rebuild our economy and put Americans back to work…it is a significant jumpstart that our economy needs. It includes investments in Ohio‘s infrastructure which will provide immediate job creation (Sen. Sherrod Brown, ―Brown Statement On Senate Passage Of Economic Recovery Bill, Press Release, 2/13/09)

REALITY: In July, Ohio’s Unemployment Reached 11.2 Percent, Up From 9.5 Percent In February. (Bureau of Labor Statistics, http://www.bls.gov, Accessed 8/24/09)

CLAIM #129: Rep. John Boccieri (D-OH) Said Stimulus “Is About Creating Jobs.” ―This bill is about creating jobs. It‘s about investing in our people, our country, and our future. (Rep. John Boccieri, ―House Passes Economic Recovery Package, Press Release, 2/25/09)

REALITY: Much Of Spending Under Stimulus Has Nothing To Do With Creating Jobs. ―Unemployment has doubled to 9.5% from 4.8% in only 16 months ... How could this happen when Washington has thrown trillions of dollars into the pot, including the famous $787 billion in stimulus spending that was supposed to yield $1.50 in growth for every dollar spent? For a start, too much of the money went to transfer payments such as Medicaid, jobless benefits and the like that do nothing for jobs and growth. The spending that creates new jobs is new spending, particularly on infrastructure. It amounts to less than 10% of the stimulus package today. (Mortimer Zuckerman, OpEd, ―The Economy is Even Worse Than You Think, The Wall Street Journal, 7/14/09)

CLAIM #130: Rep. Steve Driehaus (D-OH) Claimed Stimulus “Will Save And Create Jobs In Cincinnati.” ―Just a few days after the President signed the recovery legislation into law, we already see critical funding flowing into our community. This investment is going to help us start to repair and rebuild our crumbling infrastructure, and it will save and create jobs in Cincinnati. This is a good first step on our long path toward recovery. (Rep. Steve Driehaus, ―Representative Driehaus Announces More Than $30 Million In Transportation Funding For Greater Cincinnati, Press Release, 3/6/09)

REALITY: When Stimulus Was Signed In February, Unemployment Rate In CincinnatiMiddletown Was 8.9 Percent As Of June; Unemployment Rate In Cincinnati-Middletown At 10.1 Percent. (U.S. Bureau Of Labor Statistics Website, www.bls.gov, Accessed 8/18/09)

CLAIM #131: Rep. Marcia Fudge (D-OH) Claimed Stimulus Would “Offer Much Needed Relief,” Create Jobs. ―The American Recovery and Reinvestment Plan will offer much needed relief to millions of working families and unemployed workers who have been hurt by the economic downturn. It will also provide incentives for businesses to grow and create new jobs. (Rep. Marcia Fudge, ―Rep. Fudge Passes Historic Economic Recovery Plan, Press Release, 1/28/09)

REALITY: Since Signing Of Stimulus In February, Ohio Has Lost Nearly 145,000 Jobs. (U.S. Bureau Of Labor Statistics Website, www.bls.gov, Accessed 8/24/09)

CLAIM #132: Rep. Tim Ryan (D-OH) Claimed Stimulus Bill Would Create Private Sector Jobs. ―The [Stimulus] bill will invest in education, rebuild our nation‘s roads, bridges and waterways, create private sector jobs, help workers who have been hurt by this economy and create a tax break for 95% of all Americans. (Rep. Tim Ryan, ―Congressman Tim Ryan Votes For American Recovery And Reinvestment Act, Press Release, 1/28/09)

REALITY: Since Signing Of Stimulus In February, Ohio Has Lost Nearly 145,000 Jobs. (U.S. Bureau Of Labor Statistics Website, www.bls.gov, Accessed 8/24/09)

CLAIM #133: Rep. Betty Sutton (D-OH) Claimed Stimulus About Putting “People Back To Work.” ―The Recovery and Reinvestment Act is simple - it is about putting our people back to work and reinvigorating our economy. … Today‘s legislation is expected to save or create 133,000 jobs throughout Ohio, (Rep. Betty Sutton, ―Congresswoman Sutton Votes To Strengthen American Economy, Press Release, 2/13/09)

REALITY: Stimulus Money Used To Prop Up State Government Spending. ―The report says that as of mid-June, states had received about $29 billion of the estimated $49 billion in stimulus funding they are scheduled to get before the federal budget year ends Sept. 30. More than 90% of the money given to the states so far is for Medicaid and a fund meant to prop up states‘ budgets for schools and other basic services such as public safety. (―Stimulus Reaching U.S. States Faster Than Expected – GAO, Reuters, 7/7/09)

CLAIM #134: Rep. Mary Jo Kilroy (D-OH) Claimed Stimulus Would “Create Or Save 133,000 Jobs In Ohio.” ―Congresswoman Mary Jo Kilroy called her vote for the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act a victory for central Ohio families struggling in this economic crisis and worried about their future security. The plan will cut taxes for 95 percent of Americans and create or save 133,000 jobs in Ohio, while modernizing schools, upgrading roads and creating infrastructure. (Rep. Mary Jo Kilroy, ―Kilroy Votes To Pass Historic Recovery, Reinvestment Package, Press Release, 2/13/09)

REALITY: Since Signing Of Stimulus In February, Ohio Has Lost Nearly 145,000 Jobs. (U.S. Bureau Of Labor Statistics Website, www.bls.gov, Accessed 8/24/09)

CLAIM #135: Sen. Tim Johnson (D-SD) Said Providing Local Communities With Stimulus Funds Would Create Jobs. ―We have been careful to create a responsible bill that highlights transparency. Our goal is to focus on tax cuts for America‘s working families, infrastructure investments and job creation. Getting money back to the states and local communities will spur development and put people back to work. (Sen. Tim Johnson, ―Bipartisan Stimulus Plan Set To Pass The Senate, Press Release, 2/13/09)

REALITY: Since Signing Of Stimulus In February, South Dakota Has Lost Over 1,500 Jobs. (U.S. Bureau Of Labor Statistics Website, www.bls.gov, Accessed 8/29/09)

CLAIM #136: Rep. Earl Pomeroy (D-ND) Claimed Stimulus Would Create Or Save 8,000 Jobs For North Dakota. ―Congressman Earl Pomeroy today hailed the House‘s passage of the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act, calling the bill a necessary step to help get our economy back on track and prevent the situation from getting dramatically worse. This bill will provide a strong boost to North Dakota‘s economy by saving and creating over 8,000 jobs in the state. (Rep. Earl Pomeroy, ―Pomeroy Hails House Passage Of Recovery Bill To Help Stimulate North Dakota‘s Economy, Press Release, 2/13/09)

REALITY: Since Signing Of Stimulus In February, North Dakota Has Lost Over 6,100 Jobs. (U.S. Bureau Of Labor Statistics Website, www.bls.gov, Accessed 8/24/09)

CLAIM #137: Rep. Mark Schauer (D-MI) Claimed Stimulus “Will Create 109,000 Much-Needed Michigan Jobs.” ―At a time when our county is facing the worst economic recession since the Great Depression, this bill will create 109,000 much-needed Michigan jobs … This recovery package is the jumpstart we need to get our economy moving again and put people back to work. (Rep. Mark Schauer, “Schauer Comments On Recovery Package Conference Report, Final Approval Expected Tomorrow, Press Release, 2/12/09)

REALITY: Since Signing Of Stimulus In February, Michigan Has Lost Over 140,000 Jobs. (U.S. Bureau Of Labor Statistics Website, www.bls.gov, Accessed 8/24/09)

CLAIM #138: Rep. Leonard Boswell (D-IA) Said Stimulus Would Create 37,000 Jobs In Iowa. ―The bottom line regarding the stimulus package is simple: will we take action to create jobs and make investments necessary to move our economy forward, or will we sit on the sidelines and just hope for the best? I choose action. I choose creating an estimated 37,000 jobs in the state of Iowa. (Rep. Leonard Boswell, ―Statement Of Congressman Leonard Boswell On House Passage Of The Conference Report To H.R. 1, The American Recovery And Reinvestment Act, Press Release, 2/13/09)

REALITY: Since Signing Of Stimulus In February, Iowa Has Lost Over 17,400 Jobs. (U.S. Bureau Of Labor Statistics Website, www.bls.gov, Accessed 8/24/09)

CLAIM #139: Rep. Jim Oberstar (D-MN) Claimed Stimulus Would Create One Million New Jobs By June. ―First and foremost, this is a jobs bill. It will put Americans to work at jobs that pay a living wage; by this June, we could see as many as one million new jobs nationwide. (Rep. Jim Oberstar, ―Recovery Bill Expected To Become Law Monday, Press Release, 2/12/09)

REALITY: Since Stimulus Was Passed In February, More Than 2.2 Million Jobs Have Been Lost. (U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, www.bls.gov, 8/18/09)

CLAIM #140: Rep. Mark Schauer (D-MI) Claimed Stimulus Would Create 109,000 Jobs In Michigan. ―At a time when our county is facing the worst economic recession since the Great Depression, this bill will create 109,000 much-needed Michigan jobs and at least 7,900 jobs right here in the 7th district… This recovery package is the jumpstart we need to get our economy moving again and put people back to work. Doing nothing is not an option. (Rep. Mark Schauer, ―Schauer Comments On Recovery Package Conference Report, Final Approval Expected Tomorrow, Press Release, 2/12/09)

REALITY: No Other State Losing Jobs As Quickly As Michigan. ―If you want to see economic stress, come to Michigan. Foreclosures remain stubbornly high, budget shortfalls are forcing state workers to take unpaid days off and thousands of workers tied to the domestic automakers are anxious about how they‘ll fare with the refashioned Chrysler LLC and General Motors Corp. out of bankruptcy … ‗No other state has lost as many jobs, and lost them so quickly and apparently so permanently,‘ says East Lansing economist Patrick Anderson, who doesn‘t see Michigan‘s economy turning around until employment begins to rise. (Kathy Barks Hoffman, ―Michigan 2nd-Worst State On Economic Stress Index, The Associated Press, 7/27/09)

CLAIM #141: Rep. Gary Peters (D-MI) Claimed Stimulus Would Provide “Over 100,000 Michigan Jobs.” ―This plan will mean over 100,000 more Michigan jobs, tax breaks for businesses and four million Michigan residents and long-overdue investments in our roads and schools. (Rep. Gary Peters, ―Congressman Gary Peters Statement On Signing Of American Recovery And Reinvestment Act, Press Release, 2/17/09)

REALITY: In June, Michigan Became First State In Last Quarter-Century To Reach 15 Percent Unemployment. ―Michigan became the first state in 25 years to suffer an unemployment rate exceeding 15%, according to a report released Friday by the Labor Department. (―Michigan Unemployment Tops 15%, CNNMoney.com, 7/17/09)

CLAIM #142: Rep. John Conyers (D-MI) Claimed Stimulus Would Create 109,000 Jobs In Michagan. ―This package is expected to provide 109,000 jobs to the state of Michigan – over 13,000 of which will be located in Detroit. If the Senate acts soon, we can begin to mitigate the job losses currently occurring in my district and jump start the process of fully employing the Motor City. (Rep. John Conyers, ―Conyers Applauds Passage Of First Step In Economic Recovery; Agrees With White House That Foreclosure Prevention Must Come Next, Press Release, 2/17/09)

REALITY: Since Stimulus Was Passed February, Unemployment In Michigan Has Increased By Over 25 Percent. (U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, www.bls.gov, 8/24/09)

CLAIM #143: Rep. Joe Donnelly (D-IN) Claimed Stimulus Bill Would Create 75,000 Jobs In Indiana. ―The compromise package of $789 billion will create or save 3.5 million jobs—75,000 in Indiana and 7,900 in north central Indiana. (Rep. Joe Donnelly, ―Congressman Donnelly Lauds Passage Of Recovery And Reinvestment Plan,” Press Release, 2/13/09)

REALITY: Since Signing Of Stimulus In February, Indiana Has Lost Over 113,000 Jobs. (U.S. Bureau Of Labor Statistics Website, www.bls.gov, Accessed 8/24/09)

CLAIM #144: Rep. Debbie Halvorson (D-IL) Said Stimulus Would Create New Jobs In America. ―It‘s clear to me we needed to act right now. We must create new jobs and grow our economy. This package will do exactly that by saving and creating over three million jobs across America. (Rep. Debbie Halvorson, ―Halvorson Votes ‗YES‘ to Save And Create Jobs, Begin Long-Term Economic Recovery, Press Release, 2/13/09)

REALITY: Since Signing Of Stimulus, There Have Been Over 2.2 Million Jobs Lost Nationwide. (U.S. Bureau Of Labor Statistics Website, www.bls.gov, Accessed 8/12/09)

CLAIM #145: Sen. Claire McCaskill (D-MO) Claimed “We Passed The Economic Recovery Act To Put People Back To Work And Bring Jobs To Americans Across The Country.” (Sen. Claire McCaskill, ―McCaskill Grant Announcement:$45 Million in Recovery Act Grant Funding Coming to Missouri, Press Release, 2/26/09)

REALITY: Since Stimulus Bill Was Signed In February, America Has Lost More Than 2.2 Million Jobs. (U.S. Bureau Of Labor Statistics, Website, http://www.bls.gov/, Accessed 8/7/09)

CLAIM #146: Rep. Russ Carnahan (D-MO) Claimed “This Jobs And Recovery Plan Will Create Or Save 69,000 Jobs In Missouri” (Rep. Russ Carnahan, ―Carnahan Votes To Put Americans Back To Work, Press Release, 2/13/09)

REALITY: Since Stimulus Was Signed In February, Missouri Has Lost Over 44,000 Jobs. (U.S. Bureau Of Labor Statistics Website, http://www.bls.gov/, Accessed 8/29/09)

JUMP STARTING THE ECONOMY
CLAIM #147: Sen. Kent Conrad (D-ND) Claimed Stimulus Would “Jumpstart Economic Growth.” ―We must take quick and responsible action to prevent this crisis from worsening. This bipartisan bill features tax cuts and targeted investments that will create jobs and jumpstart economic growth. (Sen. Kent Conrad, ―Statement From Senator Kent Conrad On Final Passage Of American Recovery And Reinvestment Act of 2009, Press Release, 2/14/09)

REALITY: Since Signing Of Stimulus, There Have Been Over 2.2 Million Jobs Lost Nationwide. (U.S. Bureau Of Labor Statistics Website, www.bls.gov, Accessed 8/24/09)

CLAIM #148: Rep. Zack Space (D-OH) Claimed Stimulus Would Provide Relief For His Ohio Constituents. ―I hear from constituents every day who are suffering through job losses and foreclosures. This bill will bring them some relief. (Rep. Zack Space, ―House Passes Historic Recovery Bill, Press Release, 2/13/09)

REALITY: Since Stimulus Was Passed In February, Unemployment In Ohio Has Increased By Over 17 Percent. (U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, www.bls.gov, 8/24/09) CLAIM #149: Rep. Steve Kagen (D-WI) Claimed Stimulus Would “Jumpstart” Economy. ―Our goal was to act swiftly to jumpstart our economy and create jobs and I am proud to say that that process has begun, (Rep. Steve Kagen, ―Kagen Announces First Allocation Of Recovery Act Funding, Press Release, 2/28/09)

REALITY: Since Stimulus Passed, More Than 76,000 Jobs Have Been Lost In Wisconsin. (U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, www.bls.gov, 8/24/09)

CLAIM #150: Rep. Dennis Moore (D-KS) Claimed Stimulus Would “Provide Both Quick Relief And A Substantial Boost.” ―[T]he mix of tax cuts and investments in the recovery package is designed to provide both quick relief and a substantial boost to our struggling economy. (Rep. Dennis Moore, ―Moore Supports Economic Recovery Bill, Press Release, 2/13/09)

REALITY: Brookings’ Institution Scholar Says Stimulus Spending Too Slow. ―‗It‘s just taken too long to get it going,‘ said Barry Bosworth, a senior fellow in Brookings‘ economic studies program. He said the program, a mixture of discretionary spending, tax cuts and state aid, did little to boost business investment. (Joseph J. Schatz, ―Analysts Give Stimulus Mixed Review, Congressional Quarterly, 8/13/09)

CLAIM #151: Rep. Tim Walz (D-MN) Claimed Stimulus “Staunched The Bleeding Of Jobs.” ―President Obama issued a call for action from this Nation. He clearly laid out the economic situation that we are in right now, but, more importantly, he laid out a plan for growth, a plan that started a week ago with the passage of the American Reinvestment and Recovery Act. What it did was it staunched the bleeding of jobs … (Rep. Tim Walz, Congressional Record, 2/25/09, p. H2634)

REALITY: Under Obama, Job Losses Now At Historic Highs. ―The cumulative job losses over the last six months have been greater than for any other half year period since World War II, including the military demobilization after the war. The job losses are also now equal to the net job gains over the previous nine years, making this the only recession since the Great Depression to wipe out all job growth from the previous expansion. (Mortimer Zuckerman, Op-Ed, ―The Economy Is Even
Worse Than You Think, The Wall Street Journal, 7/14/09)

WASTEFUL SPENDING
CLAIM #152: Rep. Carolyn Kilpatrick (D-MI) Ensured Stimulus Funds Would Be Spent Wisely. ―The American Recovery and Reinvestment Act includes no earmarked projects and unprecedented accountability and transparency measures to help ensure that taxpayer dollars are spent wisely and effectively. Americans can track investments at a new Website, www.recovery.gov. (Rep. Carolyn Kilpatrick, ―Congresswoman Kilpatrick Supports Passage Of Historic Stimulus Package, Press Release, 2/13/09)

REALITY: Stimulus Money Being Wasted On Roads That Don’t Need Repairs. ―Tens of thousands of unsafe or decaying bridges carrying 100 million drivers a day must wait for repairs because states are spending stimulus money on spans that are already in good shape or on easier projects like repaving roads ... In all, 1,286 deficient or obsolete bridges are expected to share $2.2 billion in stimulus money for repairs, the AP analysis shows. But that‘s less than 1 percent of the more than 150,000 bridges nationwide that engineers have labeled deficient or obsolete. Of those, more than 39,000 are considered the worst, rated poor in at least one structural component and eligible to be replaced with federal money. (Brett J. Blackledge and Matt Apuzzo, ―Stimulus Cash Not Fixing Dangerous Bridges, The Associated Press, 7/31/09)

CLAIM #153: Rep. Dennis Moore (D-KS) Said Stimulus Funds Would Be “Invested Effectively … As Possible.” ―[W]ith the strong transparency and accountability provisions included in the bill, we will ensure that taxpayer dollars are invested effectively, efficiently and as quickly as possible. (Rep. Dennis Moore, ―Moore Supports Economic Recovery Bill, Press Release, 2/13/09)

REALITY: Hard Hit Areas Not Receiving Funds Despite Requirements In Stimulus Package. ―Under the Obama administration‘s economic stimulus plan, needy communities were supposed to be a priority when doling out money to rebuild highways and jump-start the economy. It hasn‘t worked out that way. The rules required that states give priority to counties considered ‗economically distressed.‘ Yet less than half the federal highway money announced so far is directed toward those high-unemployment, low-income areas according to an Associated Press analysis of more than $16 billion in spending announced by the U.S. Transportation Department. (April Castro, ―Stimulus Watch: Neediest Areas Not First For Money, The Associated Press, 7/19/09)

TARGETED INVESTMENTS
CLAIM #154: Sen. Russ Feingold (D-WI) Said Stimulus Would Address “Urgent Infrastructure” Needs. ―This bill, while far from perfect, offers a chance to turn our economy around while addressing our country‘s urgent infrastructure and energy challenges. While it will take time for the plan to yield benefits, I will work with both the state and federal government to make sure that this funding is used as effectively as possible. (Sen. Russ Feingold, ―Feingold Supports Final Passage Of The Economic Recovery Package, Press Release, 2/13/09)

REALITY: But Stimulus Money Skipping “Unsafe Or Decaying Bridges” For “Spans That Are Already In Good Shape.” ―Tens of thousands of unsafe or decaying bridges carrying 100 million drivers a day must wait for repairs because states are spending stimulus money on spans that are already in good shape or on easier projects like repaving roads ... In all, 1,286 deficient or obsolete bridges are expected to share $2.2 billion in stimulus money for repairs, the AP analysis shows. But that‘s less than 1 percent of the more than 150,000 bridges nationwide that engineers have labeled deficient or obsolete. Of those, more than 39,000 are considered the worst, rated poor in at least one structural component and eligible to be replaced with federal money.(Brett J. Blackledge and Matt Apuzzo, ―Stimulus Cash Not Fixing Dangerous Bridges, The Associated Press, 7/31/09)

CLAIM #155: Sen. Herb Kohl (D-WI) Said Stimulus Would Help Hard-Hit Families. ―This bill provides both a short term boost for struggling families across the nation and tools for a more sustained, longer term recovery. We need to set the stage for recovery, knowing that it will be a multi-year process. (Sen. Herb Kohl, ―Kohl Secures Boosts For Nutrition, Rural Area Resources In Senate Stimulus Bill, Press Release, 2/10/09)

REALITY: “53 Percent Of The Money Is Going To Counties That Don’t Meet The Federal Standard Of Economically Distressed Areas.” (April Castro, ―Stimulus Watch: Neediest Areas Not First For Money, The Associated Press, 7/19/09)

CLAIM #156: Sen. Amy Klobuchar (D-MN) Said Stimulus Would “Make Critical Investments In Our Roads, Bridges And Highways.” ―The American Recovery and Reinvestment Act will jumpstart our economy in the near term while also building the foundation for longer-term prosperity… It will create millions of jobs and make critical investments in our roads, bridges and highways, in renewable, homegrown sources of energy and in our high-speed Internet infrastructure. (Sen. Amy Klobuchar, ―Klobuchar Votes for Economic Recovery Plan That Will Create Jobs, Provide Relief To Middle-Class Families And Get Our Economy Moving, Press Release, 2/17/09)

REALITY: Construction Industry Disappointed With Low Amount Of Stimulus Funds For Roads, Leading To Very Few Jobs Actually Being Created. ―Much of the $787 billion in a federal program to spur the economy was supposed to pour like mixed concrete onto American roads, bridges, and construction sites. So far, though, the amount of money funneling into US construction zones is less than expected. ... Judging by a survey within the trade association, Sandherr says, relatively few new jobs are being created by the stimulus. (Mark Trumbull, ―Contractors Say Stimulus Has Been Slow to Kick In, The Christian Science Monitor, 7/30/09)

CLAIM #157: Rep. Stephanie Herseth Sandlin (D-SD) Said Stimulus Would Help Stimulate Economy Through Infrastructure. ―[T]his bill will have a strongly stimulative effect on our economy through tax cuts, job creation and infrastructure investment. (Rep. Stephanie Herseth Sandlin, ―Herseth Sandlin Supports Recovery And Reinvestment Act, Press Release, 2/13/09)

REALITY: Infrastructure Projects Receiving Very Small Percentage of Stimulus Funds. ―According to the report, 90% of the money distributed has come in the form of increased federal education and health-care grants to state governments. This money has helped many state governments to partially offset budget shortfalls. A much smaller portion has been spent on transportation infrastructure projects, the GAO said. (Corey Boles, ―Flow of Stimulus Funds Slightly Exceeds Forecast, The Wall Street Journal, 7/8/09)

CLAIM #158: Rep. Debbie Halvorson (D-IL) Claimed Stimulus Would Invest In Infrastructure, Schools, Energy, Technology And Small Businesses. ―It‘s critical that we invest in American infrastructure, including schools, energy, technology and small businesses. The American Recovery and Reinvestment Act will do exactly that. (Rep. Debbie Halvorson, Congressional Record, 1/27/09, p. H578)

REALITY: Instead, Stimulus Money Used To Prop Up State Government Spending. ―The report says that as of mid-June, states had received about $29 billion of the estimated $49 billion in stimulus funding they are scheduled to get before the federal budget year ends Sept. 30. More than 90% of the money given to the states so far is for Medicaid and a fund meant to prop up states‘ budgets for schools and other basic services such as public safety. (―Stimulus Reaching U.S. States Faster Than Expected – GAO, Reuters, 7/7/09)

CLAIM #159: Rep. Sander Levin (D-MI) Said Stimulus Would “Provide Targeted Support For Areas Like Education.” ―This package is a good balance for Michigan: immediate economic assistance for families, quick job creation, targeted support for areas like education and health care key to the fabric of families and communities, and investments in energy and advanced automotive technologies. (Rep. Sander Levin, ―Recovery Package To Provide Major Benefits To Michigan, Press Release, 2/12/09)

REALITY: Stimulus Funds Spent On Short Term State Budget Deficits Instead Of Education Investments. ―But investigators found repeated examples in which, either out of desperation or convenience, states favored short-term spending over long-term efforts such as education reform … In Flint, Mich., for example, new schools haven‘t been built in 30 years but the school superintendent told auditors that he would use federal money to cope with budget deficits rather than building new schools or paying for early childhood education. (Kimberly Hefling, ―Audit Finds States Using Stimulus To Stay Afloat, The Associated Press, 7/7/09)

ECONOMIC RECOVERY
CLAIM #160: Rep. Carolyn Kilpatrick (D-MI) Claimed Stimulus Would “Bring Jobs, Relief, And Hope To Michigan’s Families.” ―This economic recovery plan will provide a foundation for economic security and stability by creating three to four million jobs and preparing our country for the 21st Century through targeted, timely investments in clean energy, innovation, and education… The American Recovery and Reinvestment Act will bring jobs, relief, and hope to Michigan‘s families. (Rep. Carolyn Kilpatrick, ―Congresswoman Kilpatrick Supports Passage Of Historic Stimulus Package, Press Release, 2/13/09)

REALITY: In June, Michigan Became First State In Last Quarter-Century To Reach 15 Percent Unemployment. ―Michigan became the first state in 25 years to suffer an unemployment rate exceeding 15%, according to a report released Friday by the Labor Department. (―Michigan Unemployment Tops 15%, CNNMoney.com, 7/17/09)

CLAIM #161: Rep. Tim Walz (D-MN) Claimed Stimulus Would Turn Recession Around. ―[T]he 3.5 million Americans whose livelihood relies on the jobs this bill will create and save certainly don‘t want to see us let the perfect get in the way of the good. We‘re committed to turning this recession around and the recovery package is the first step. (Rep. Tim Walz, ―Walz Will Vote To Create Or Save 3.5 Million Jobs Through Recovery Act, Press Release, 2/12/09)

REALITY: Former Clinton Secretary Of Labor Says “There’s No Evidence That This Economy Is Doing Much Better.” ROBERT REICH: ―Anybody who says we‘re out of the woods or moving out of the woods has got to be lost at sea. I mean there‘s no evidence that this economy is doing much better. The best that can be said is that we‘re getting worse more slowly, and that is a small consolation for people who are losing their jobs. (ABC News‘ ―This Week, 8/23/09)

WESTERN DEMOCRATS

JOB CREATION
CLAIM #162: Sen. Dianne Feinstein (D-CA) Said Stimulus Would Create 396,000 Jobs In California. The Stimulus Will Create Up To 396,000 Jobs In California. ―Once this bill is enacted, California will gain substantial revenue and be able to move these revenues directly into job production. The White House has estimated that the bill could create as many as 396,000 jobs in California. So, this would be a big boost for our State. (Sen. Dianne Feinstein, ―Senator Feinstein Outlines Funding Details For California Included In Economic Recovery Package Conference Report, Press Release, 2/13/09)

REALITY: Since Stimulus Was Passed In February, Nearly 360,000 Jobs Have Been Lost In California. (U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, www.bls.gov, Accessed 8/24/09)

CLAIM #163: Rep. Jerry McNerney (D-CA) Claimed “Economic Recovery Package Is About Getting People Back To Work.” (Rep. Jerry McNerney, ―McNerney Supports The American Recovery And Reinvestment Act, Press Release, 2/13/09)

REALITY: California Is One Of Six States With Unemployment Above 11.5 Percent. (U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, www.bls.gov, Accessed 8/24/09)

CLAIM #164: Rep. Mike Thompson (D-CA) Claimed Stimulus Would “Help Free Us From Our Dependency On Foreign Oil.” ―Not only will this bill create green jobs that our economy needs today, but it will also enhance the long-term security and sustainability of our economy by investing in a smart-energy future that helps free us from our dependency on foreign oil. (Rep. Mike Thompson, Congressional Record, 1/27/09, p. H563)

REALITY: Recently Distributed Stimulus Funds Going To Foreign Corporations Creating Jobs Overseas. ―Nearly half of the $2.4 billion in federal grant money awarded Wednesday to stimulate the U.S. economy and boost the production of hybrid and electric vehicles went to six companies with ties to places as far away as Russia, China, South Korea and France. ... But because so few American companies have the necessary technology, much of the money will initially go toward manufacturing electric vehicle batteries overseas. (Jerry Seper, ―Obama Sends Stimulus Aid To Foreign Firms, The Washington Times, 8/6/09)

CLAIM #165: Rep. Loretta Sanchez (D-CA) Claimed Stimulus Would Create Nearly 400,000 Jobs In California. ―Although this package is not perfect, I am pleased that the H.R. 1 Conference Report provides increased funding for several critical infrastructure projects that will fund the creation of new jobs and help states and municipalities complete long-overdue projects… This funding will help create nearly 400,000 new jobs in the state and 6,900 jobs in California‘s 47th Congressional District. (Rep. Loretta Sanchez, ―Rep. Loretta Sanchez Supports Passage Of Critical Economic Recovery Legislation, Press Release, 2/13/09)

REALITY: Since Stimulus Was Passed In February, Nearly 360,000 Jobs Have Been Lost In California. (U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, www.bls.gov, Accessed 8/24/09)

CLAIM #166: Rep. Maxine Waters (D-CA) Claimed “Economic Recovery Package That We Passed Will Put People Back To Work.” (Rep. Maxine Waters, ―Congresswoman Waters Hosts Roundtable on Economic Recovery in 35th District, Press Release, 2/19/09)

REALITY: Since Stimulus Was Passed In February, Nearly 360,000 Jobs Have Been Lost In California. (U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, www.bls.gov, Accessed 8/24/09)

CLAIM #167: Rep. Joe Baca (D-CA) Claimed Stimulus Would Create Or Save Hundreds Of Thousands Of Jobs In California. ―Today, President Obama signed into law his historic plan to create and save 3.5 million jobs and start to get the American economy back on track … This jobs and recovery plan will create or save almost 400,000 jobs in California by the end of 2010, including over 52,000 jobs here in the Inland Empire. (Rep. Joe Baca, ―Baca Hails President‘s Signature Of Historic Jobs Creation Bill, Press Release, 2/17/09)

REALITY: California Is One Of Six States With Unemployment Above 11.5 Percent. (U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, www.bls.gov, Accessed 8/24/09)

CLAIM #168: Rep. Barbara Lee (D-CA) Claimed Stimulus “Would Help Businesses Create Jobs.” ―This package will help businesses create jobs and families afford their bills while laying a foundation for future economic growth in key areas like health care, clean energy, education and a 21st century infrastructure. (Rep. Barbara Lee, ―Congresswoman Barbara Lee Applauds Passage Of Economic Recovery Package, Press Release, 2/13/09)

REALITY: Since Signing Of Stimulus, There Have Been Over 2.2 Million Jobs Lost Nationwide, Nearly 360,000 Jobs Lost In California. (U.S. Bureau Of Labor Statistics Website, www.bls.gov, Accessed 8/24/09)

CLAIM #169: Sen. Jeff Bingaman (D-NM) Promised Stimulus Would Create Jobs In New Mexico. ―We need to inject capital into the economy to create jobs and get people back to work … This bill will help New Mexico build roads, invest in drinking water projects and create incentives to expand the manufacture of renewable energy technology. We need to get an economic recovery package to the president right away. (Sen. Jeff Bingaman, ―Bingaman & Udall: Bill Would Direct at Least $953 Million into New Mexico‘s Economy, Press Release, 2/10/09)

REALITY: Since Stimulus Passed In February, Unemployment In New Mexico Has Increased By Nearly 30 Percent From 5.4 Percent In February To 7 Percent In July. (U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, www.bls.gov, Accessed 8/24/09)

CLAIM #170: Sen. Ron Wyden (D-OR) Said Stimulus Would Help Oregon By Providing Badly Needed Jobs. ―‗This economic recovery legislation will create jobs Oregon and the nation desperately need right now,‘ said Wyden. ‗It also looks to the future by protecting over 300,000 Oregonians from the crushing alternative minimum tax, helping economically distressed homeowners and putting our schools on a better foundation.‘ (Sen. Ron Wyden, ―Senate Passes Economic Recovery Package, Press Release, 2/13/09)

REALITY: Since Stimulus Was Passed In February, Unemployment In Oregon Has Increased By Over 10 Percent From 10.7 Percent in February To 11.9 Percent In July. (U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, www.bls.gov, 8/24/09)

CLAIM #171: Rep. Kurt Schrader (D-OR) Claimed Stimulus Would Create 3.5 Million Jobs. “As well as creating and saving around 3.5 million jobs, this package is estimated to create $21 billion in new investments and lending to small businesses alone. (Rep. Kurt Schrader, ―Schrader Statement On US Chamber Of Commerce Support For His Vote On Economic Recovery Package, Press Release, 2/24/09)

REALITY: Since Signing Of Stimulus, There Have Been Over 2.2 Million Jobs Lost Nationwide. (U.S. Bureau Of Labor Statistics Website, www.bls.gov, Accessed 8/12/09)

CLAIM #172: Rep. Earl Blumenauer (D-OR) Claimed Stimulus Would Create 44,000 Jobs Across Oregon. ―The American Recovery and Reinvestment Act will provide much needed relief to American families and a much needed immediate boost to our economy… In addition to creating an estimated 44,000 jobs across Oregon, this bill will give direct aid to our states, along with the hundreds of millions of dollars for improving and maintaining transportation, roads and bridges, healthcare, and education. (Rep. Earl Blumenauer, ―A Vote To Get Oregon Back On Its Feet, Press Release, 2/13/09)

REALITY: Since Signing Of Stimulus In February, Oregon Has Lost Over 44,000 Jobs. (U.S. Bureau Of Labor Statistics Website, www.bls.gov, Accessed 8/24/09)

CLAIM #173: Rep. John Salazar (D-CO) Claimed Stimulus “American Job Creation Effort.” ―I‘m proud to support this American job creation effort. The American Recovery and Reinvestment Act will help repair America‘s aging infrastructure, cut taxes and invest in new energy and the education of a 21st century workforce. (John Salazar, ―It‘s Time To Spend American Money On American Jobs, Press Release, 2/13/09)

REALITY: Recently Distributed Stimulus Funds Going To Foreign Corporations Creating Jobs Overseas. ―Nearly half of the $2.4 billion in federal grant money awarded Wednesday to stimulate the U.S. economy and boost the production of hybrid and electric vehicles went to six companies with ties to places as far away as Russia, China, South Korea and France. ... But because so few American companies have the necessary technology, much of the money will initially go toward manufacturing electric vehicle batteries overseas. (Jerry Seper, ―Obama Sends Stimulus Aid To Foreign Firms, The Washington Times, 8/6/09)

CLAIM #174: Rep. Ed Perlmutter (D-CO) Claimed Stimulus Bill Is “About Jobs.” ―That‘s what we will see in the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act. It‘s about jobs … (Rep. Ed Perlmutter, Congressional Record, 2/12/09, p. H1260)

REALITY: Much Of Spending Under Stimulus Has Nothing To Do With Creating Jobs. ―Unemployment has doubled to 9.5% from 4.8% in only 16 months ... How could this happen when Washington has thrown trillions of dollars into the pot, including the famous $787 billion in stimulus spending that was supposed to yield $1.50 in growth for every dollar spent? For a start, too much of the money went to transfer payments such as Medicaid, jobless benefits and the like that do nothing for jobs and growth. The spending that creates new jobs is new spending, particularly on infrastructure. It amounts to less than 10% of the stimulus package today. (Mortimer Zuckerman, OpEd, ―The Economy Is Even Worse Than You Think, The Wall Street Journal, 7/14/09)

CLAIM #175: Perlmutter Claimed Stimulus Bill Would Create Between 3 And 4 Million Jobs. ―This is a time for bold action, and in the Recovery and Reinvestment Act we will maintain or create somewhere between 3 million and 4 million jobs in the construction industry and the energy industry; we will maintain jobs of teachers and firefighters and policemen. (Rep. Ed Perlmutter, Congressional Record, 2/13/09, p. H1524)

REALITY: Since Signing Of Stimulus, There Have Been Over 2.2 Million Jobs Lost Nationwide. (U.S. Bureau Of Labor Statistics Website, www.bls.gov, Accessed 8/12/09)

CLAIM #176: Rep. Jim Matheson (D-UT) Claimed Job Creation Would Be Core Of Stimulus. ―The core of this bill deals with job creation … (Rep. Jim Matheson, ―Matheson Will Support Plan To Shore Up Utahns In The Recession, Press Release, 1/28/09)

REALITY: Since Signing Of Stimulus In February, Utah Has Lost Over 32,000 Jobs. (U.S. Bureau Of Labor Statistics Website, www.bls.gov, Accessed 8/24/09)

CLAIM #177: Rep. Dina Titus (D-NV) Claimed 34,000 Jobs Would Be Created Or Saved In Nevada. ―With this critical legislation, we are beginning the long and difficult process of restoring our economic security and putting our economy back on the right track. In my district alone, this plan will create or save more than 11,000 jobs, and 34,000 jobs statewide. (Rep. Dina Titus, ―Today Congress Took Bold Action To Create Jobs, Press Release, 2/13/09)

REALITY: Since Signing Of Stimulus In February, Nevada Has Lost Over 37,000 Jobs. (U.S. Bureau Of Labor Statistics Website, www.bls.gov, Accessed 8/24/09)

CLAIM #178: Rep. Brian Baird (D-WA) Claimed Stimulus Will “Ensure” People Get Back To Work. ―We have to get people back to work, and this legislation takes major steps to ensure that happens. (Rep. Brian Baird, ―Brian Takes Action To Save The Economy And Create Jobs, Press Release, 2/13/09)

REALITY: CBO Says Joblessness Will Increase. ―The Congressional Budget Office painted a worsening picture for joblessness on Tuesday: The CBO sees unemployment peaking at 10.4% next year from an average of 9.3% this year, before it falls to 9.1% in 2011. (Jia Lynn, ―Recovery Won‘t Improve Unemployment, CNNMoney.com, 8/25/09)

CLAIM #179: Rep. Gabrielle Giffords (D-AZ) Claimed Stimulus’ Intent To Create Jobs. ―The hardworking men and women I represent want action - they want their federal government to do what is necessary to create jobs, help small businesses and lay the groundwork for long-term prosperity. These are the bottom-line reasons for the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act. (Rep. Gabrielle Giffords, ―Stimulus Bill Deserved My Vote, The Arizona Republic, 2/23/09)

REALITY: Since Stimulus Was Passed In February, Unemployment In Arizona Has Increased By Over 24 Percent From 7.4 Percent In February To 9.2 Percent In July. (U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, www.bls.gov, 8/24/09)

CLAIM #180: Rep. Harry Mitchell (D-AZ) Claimed Stimulus Funds Would Put People To Work. ―This stimulus funding will put people to work on projects that improve our infrastructure, conserve on environment and help reduce or dependence on foreign oil. (Rep. Harry Mitchell, ―Mitchell Announces $63.8 Million In Stimulus Funding for Energy Efficiency In Arizona, Press Release, 3/26/09)

REALITY Since Stimulus Was Passed In February Over 60,000 Jobs Have Been Lost In Arizona. (Bureau of Labor Statistics Website, www.bls.gov, Accessed 8/26/09)

CLAIM #181: Rep. Shelley Berkley (D-NV) Claimed Stimulus Would Result In New Jobs For Nevada. ―We are making an historic investment in Nevada and our nation with this recovery package and the result will be new jobs, more clean energy, safer roads and lower taxes for 95% of all Americans. (Rep. Shelley Berkley, ―Economic Recovery Package Will Create New Jobs, Increase Clean Energy And Deliver Needed Tax Relief To Nevada Families, Press Release, 2/13/09)

REALITY: Since Stimulus Was Passed In February, Unemployment Rate In Nevada Has Risen By Almost 25 Percent From 7.4 Percent In February To 9.2 Percent In July. (U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, www.bls.gov, 8/24/09)

JUMP STARTING THE ECONOMY
CLAIM #182: Rep. Adam Schiff (D-CA) Claimed Stimulus Would Create Jobs Quickly. ―This legislation will create jobs quickly, help restore purchasing power, assist those in need and begin to reignite our flagging economy. (Rep. Adam Schiff, Congressional Record, 1/28/09, p. H616)

REALITY: Only Small Fraction Of Stimulus Money Has Been Put To Use. ―Only about a tenth of the money has been spent so far, and only about half of it will have been spent by October 2010, according to the nonpartisan Congressional Budget Office. (Kevin G. Hall and David Lightman, ―Did Team Obama Get It Wrong On The Stimulus? McClatchy, 7/7/09)

CLAIM #183: Rep. Lynn Woolsey (D-CA) Claimed Stimulus Would Provide Immediate Assistance. ―Our economy needs immediate assistance, and this package will provide it. It will get Americans back to work, rebuild our crumbling infrastructure, and provide crucial relief to our states and local governments. (Rep. Lynn Woolsey, ―Woolsey: ―This is $800 Billion Times Better Than What We Had Three Weeks Ago, Press Release, 2/13/09)

REALITY: Counties In Need Of Jobs Not Getting Stimulus Funds. ―[T]he GAO said about half the money set aside for road and bridge repairs is being used to repave highways, rather than building new infrastructure. And state officials aren‘t steering the money toward counties that need jobs the most, auditors found. (Kimberly Hefling, ―Audit Finds States Using Stimulus To Stay Afloat, The Associated Press, 7/7/09)

CLAIM #184: Sen. Jeff Merkley (D-OR) Claimed Stimulus Would Create Jobs Immediately. ―This bill meets that crisis head on by investing in programs that will create jobs now and pave the way for future

growth. (Sen. Jeff Merkley, ―Merkley: Economic Growth Package Contains Significant Help For Workers and States, Press
Release, 2/13/09)

REALITY: Job Losses Now At Historic Highs. ―The cumulative job losses over the last six months have been greater than for any other half year period since World War II, including the military demobilization after the war. The job losses are also now equal to the net job gains over the previous nine years, making this the only recession since the Great Depression to wipe out all job growth from the previous expansion. (Mortimer Zuckerman, Op-Ed, ―The Economy Is Even Worse Than
You Think, The Wall Street Journal, 7/14/09)

CLAIM #185: Sen. Patty Murray (D-WA) Said Stimulus Would “Help Get Our Country Back On Track.” ―The House and Senate have taken a critical step forward by passing the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act. It will give our economy the jolt it needs, create jobs, and help get our country back on track, Senator Murray said in her speech. ―But we aren‘t done yet – we still need to get that bill to President Obama. And every day we wait, the economy gets worse. (Sen. Patty Murray, ―Murray Urges Support For Economic Recovery Bill, Press Release, 2/11/09)

REALITY: No Hope Among Americans That Stimulus Is Helping To End Recession. ―Six months after President Obama launched a $787 billion plan to right the nation‘s economy, a majority of Americans think the avalanche of new federal aid has cost too much and done too little to end the recession. (Brad Heath, ―Poll: 57% Don‘t See Stimulus Working, USA Today, 8/17/09)

CLAIM #186: Murray Said Stimulus Would Provide “Jump Start” For Washington State. Murray: ―Our state‘s economy is sputtering. This bill provides a jump start … This bill will help put money back in families‘ pockets, workers back on the job, and our economy back on track. While there is a lot of work still ahead, today we are taking the bold action needed to meet part of this challenge. (Sen. Patty Murray, ―Senator Murray Announces Washington State Investments in Economic Recovery Package, Press Release, 2/13/09)

REALITY: Since Stimulus Was Passed In February, Washington State Has Lost Over 22,000 Jobs. (U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, www.bls.gov, Accessed 8/24/09).

CLAIM #187: Sen. Tom Udall (D-NM) Said “Help Is On The Way” With Stimulus. ―With the passage of this bill, help is on the way. The $1.108 billion set aside for New Mexico will allow us to create good jobs while improving our state‘s roads, renovating schools and addressing a variety of other needs. In addition to the investments we‘ll be able to make through this bill, thousands of New Mexico families will receive tax relief … I‘m very glad we were able to get this bill done and to the president. (Sen. Tom Udall, ―Bingaman & Udall: N.M. Set To Receive $1.108 Billion To Create Jobs, Press Release, 2/13/09)

REALITY: Since Stimulus Was Passed In February, Unemployment In New Mexico Has Increased By Almost 30 Percent From 5.4 Percent in February To 7 Percent In July. (U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, www.bls.gov, Accessed 8/24/09)

CLAIM #188: Rep. Harry Teague (D-NM) Claimed Stimulus Would “Spur The Economy And Create Jobs”. ―So what we are doing is working with President Obama to put forward an economic recovery package to spur the economy and create jobs. (Rep. Harry Teague, Congressional Record, 1/28/09, p. H731)

REALITY: Since Stimulus Was Signed In February, America Has Lost More Than 2.2 Million Jobs, New Mexico Has Lost Nearly 20,000 Jobs. (U.S. Bureau Of Labor Statistics, Website, www.bls.gov, Accessed 8/24/09)

CLAIM #189: Rep. David Wu (D-OR) Claimed Oregonians “Desperately Need” Stimulus. ―This bill will be good for Oregonians—it will keep our schools open longer, create jobs, fix some of our roads and bridges, and help plug the hole in the state budget gap. It could have been better, and I‘m proud to have fought for it to be better. Now that this long fight is nearly over, I am eager for money to begin flowing to those in Oregon who so desperately need it. (Rep. David Wu, ―Wu Continues To Fight For Education Funds As Economic Recovery Legislation Passes, Press Release, 2/13/09)

REALITY: Since Signing Of Stimulus In February, Oregon Has Lost Over 44,000 Jobs. (U.S. Bureau Of Labor Statistics Website, www.bls.gov, Accessed 8/24/09)

WASTEFUL SPENDING
CLAIM #190: Rep. Ed Perlmutter (D-CO) Claimed Taxpayer Dollars Would Be “Spent Wisely And Effectively” In Stimulus. ―H.R. 1 has unprecedented accountability and transparency measures in place to ensure taxpayer dollars are spent wisely and effectively—including no earmarks and a new (recovery.gov) website allowing Americans to track the investments. I will continue to work with the President and my colleagues in Congress to stabilize our economy and promote job growth, (Rep. Ed Perlmutter, ―Rep. Perlmutter Praises President Obama Signing H.R. 1 Into Law In Denver, Press Release, 2/17/09)

REALITY: Vice President Biden Admitted Waste Already Happning. Biden: ―There are going to be mistakes made … Some people are being scammed already. (Pedro Nicolaci da Costa, ―Biden Says Some Waste Inevitable Part Of Stimulus, Reuters, 6/2/09)

TARGETED INVESTMENTS
CLAIM #191: Sen. Barbara Boxer (D-CA) Said Stimulus Would Create Jobs Investing In Infrastructure. ―This bill will put Californians to work now building the highways, bridges, transit and rail systems, and renewable energy sources of the 21st century. (Sen. Barbara Boxer, ―Boxer Praises Passage Of Economic Recovery Legislation, Press Release, 2/13/09)

REALITY: Infrastructure Projects Receiving Very Small Percentage of Stimulus Funds. ―According to the report, 90% of the money distributed has come in the form of increased federal education and health-care grants to state governments. This money has helped many state governments to partially offset budget shortfalls. A much smaller portion has been spent on transportation infrastructure projects, the GAO said. (Corey Boles, ―Flow of Stimulus Funds Slightly Exceeds Forecast, The Wall Street Journal, 7/8/09)

CLAIM #192: Rep. Mike Thompson (D-CA) Claimed “Targeted Investments” In Stimulus Would Put People To Work Quickly. ―This legislation will save or create 8,000 jobs in our district at a time when we really need them… With these targeted investments, we‘ll put people to work quickly and make our country more competitive over the long term. (Rep. Mike Thompson, ―Comprehensive Economic Recovery Package Passed By House, Press Release, 2/13/09)

REALITY: Since Stimulus Was Passed In February, Nearly 360,000 Jobs Have Been Lost In California. (U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, www.bls.gov, Accessed 8/24/09)

CLAIM #193: Rep. Adam Schiff (D-CA) Claimed Stimulus “Creates Jobs Through Infrastructure Spending.” (Rep. Adam Schiff, ―House Passes Recovery And Reinvestment Act To Create Jobs Through Infrastructure Investment And Tax Cuts, Press Release, 2/13/09)

REALITY: Since Stimulus Bill Was Signed In February, America Has Lost More Than 2.2 Million Jobs. (U.S. Bureau Of Labor Statistics, Website, http://www.bls.gov/, Accessed 8/7/09)

OVERSIGHT, ACCOUNTABILITY, AND TRANSPARENCY
CLAIM #194: Rep. Betsy Markey (D-CO) Claimed Transparency In Stimulus Was “Landmark Provision” Of Bill. ―One of the landmark provisions of the economic recovery package is its unprecedented accountability and transparency, (Rep. Betsy Markey, ―Rep. Markey Names Economic Recovery Coordinator, Press Release, 3/2/09)

REALITY: No System In Place For Government To Report How Stimulus Money Is Spent. ―The report raises concerns about how states and the federal governments will report back on how the stimulus money is spent. The Office of Management and Budget has provided some guidance on how to report the information, but auditors suggest that the states will require more information. (Ed O‘Keefe, ―Eye Opener: Economic Stimulus Report, The Washington Post’s “Federal Eye” Blog, 7/8/09)

ECONOMIC RECOVERY
CLAIM #195: Rep. Kurt Schrader (D-OR) Said “Recovery Act Is Working.” (Rep. Kurt Schrader, Congressional Record, 7/29/09, p. H8964)

REALITY: Former Clinton Secretary Of Labor Says “There’s No Evidence That This Economy Is Doing Much Better.” ROBERT REICH: ―Anybody who says we‘re out of the woods or moving out of the woods has got to be lost at sea. I mean there‘s no evidence that this economy is doing much better. The best that can be said is that we‘re getting worse more slowly, and that is a small consolation for people who are losing their jobs. (ABC News‘ ―This Week, 8/23/09)

CLAIM #196: Sen. Jeff Merkley (D-OR) Said Stimulus Would Help America Be Competitive And “Put Working America First.” ―This bill will create jobs in the short term, and help transform our economy so we‘re competitive in the long term… The Senate faced a choice this week to chart a new path to help our economy get up off the mat or to continue the same failed policies of the last eight years that created this crisis. We have chosen to put working America first. (Sen. Jeff Merkley, ―Merkley: Growth Package Charts New Path For Job Creation and Economic Recovery, Press Release, 2/10/09)

REALITY: Recently Distributed Stimulus Funds Going To Foreign Corporations Creating Jobs Overseas. ―Nearly half of the $2.4 billion in federal grant money awarded Wednesday to stimulate the U.S. economy and boost the production of hybrid and electric vehicles went to six companies with ties to places as far away as Russia, China, South Korea and France. ... But because so few American companies have the necessary technology, much of the money will initially go toward manufacturing electric vehicle batteries overseas. (Jerry Seper, ―Obama Sends Stimulus Aid To Foreign Firms, The Washington Times, 8/6/09)

CLAIM #197: Sen. Mark Udall (D-CO) Said Stimulus Was Necessary To Stop Economic Freefall. “I agree with President Obama and an array of economists from across the ideological spectrum that this bill is necessary to reverse our economic freefall and to position our nation for economic growth in the years that lie ahead. Being an eternal optimist, I am confident that we will all weather this economic storm and emerge even stronger. (Sen. Mark Udall, ―Senate Passes Economic Recovery Package, Press Release, 2/13/09)

REALITY: Former Clinton Secretary Of Labor Says “There’s No Evidence That This Economy Is Doing Much Better.” ROBERT REICH: ―Anybody who says we‘re out of the woods or moving out of the woods has got to be lost at sea. I mean there‘s no evidence that this economy is doing much better. The best that can be said is that we‘re getting worse more slowly, and that is a small consolation for people who are losing their jobs. (ABC News‘ ―This Week, 8/23/09)

CLAIM #198: Rep. Ed Perlmutter (D-CO) Claimed Stimulus Has Given Americans Reason To Smile. ―After months of bad news, Americans have something to smile about today. This bill passed by Congress and signed into law by President Obama will rebuild, makes us more energy independent, transforms our economy for long-term growth and provides tax relief for 95% of working Americans. It is estimated to save or create 3.5 million jobs. (Rep. Ed Perlmutter, ―Rep. Perlmutter Praises President Obama Signing H.R. 1 Into Law In Denver, Press Release, 2/17/09)

REALITY: Americans Remaining Unemployed For Unprecedented Periods Of Time. ―[T]he rolls of the long-term unemployed are growing, with 29 percent of the jobless out of work for more than 26 weeks, the most since records began in 1948. (Matthew Benjamin And Alison Sider, ―Obama Stimulus Fails To Reboot Economy As No Multiplier Effect, Bloomberg, 7/17/09)

CLAIM #199: Sen. Jon Tester (D-MT) Said Stimulus “Will Pay Us Back For Generations To Come.” ―This Jobs Bill will rebuild our economy from the ground up by putting folks to work and investing in people. We won‘t get out of this mess overnight, but passing the Jobs Bill is an important first step, and it will pay us back for generations to come. (Sen. Jon Tester, ―Baucus, Tester vote for final Jobs Bill, at least $626 million for Montana, Press Release, 2/13/09)

REALITY: In 2019, Due In Part To Stimulus Spending, National Debt Will Total Nearly $23 Trillion For Which “Generations To Come” Will Have To Pay. ―Deficits of that magnitude would require dramatically more government borrowing from China and other creditors, driving the accumulated national debt to nearly $23 trillion in 2019 -- or 76.5 percent of yearly gross domestic product, the highest proportion since 1950, the White House said. (Lori Montgomery, ―Deficit Projected to Soar With New Programs, The Washington Post, 8/26/09)

CLAIM #200: Rep. Martin Heinrich (D-NM) Said Stimulus Would Help America Compete Globally. ―This jobs creation package will rebuild America‘s economy, making us more globally competitive and energy independent, while providing 95% of Americans with immediate tax relief, (Rep. Martin Heinrich, ―New Mexico Delegation Supports American Recovery And Reinvestment Act That Could Create 22,000 Jobs In New Mexico, Press Release, 2/13/09)

REALITY: Recently Distributed Stimulus Funds Going To Foreign Corporations Creating Jobs Overseas. ―Nearly half of the $2.4 billion in federal grant money awarded Wednesday to stimulate the U.S. economy and boost the production of hybrid and electric vehicles went to six companies with ties to places as far away as Russia, China, South Korea and France. ... But because so few American companies have the necessary technology, much of the money will initially go toward manufacturing electric vehicle batteries overseas. (Jerry Seper, ―Obama Sends Stimulus Aid To Foreign Firms, The Washington Times, 8/6/09)

Lion Of The Left

2009-08-28T21:33:00.004-06:00

Alexander's Essay - August 27, 2009

"The foundation of national morality must be laid in private families. ... Public virtue cannot exist in a nation without private, and public virtue is the only foundation of republics." --John Adams*

Teddy Kennedy

Have you ever attended a funeral service out of respect for a friend or colleague, and left perplexed as to whom the eulogy was referring? Just once, I would like to go to a service for some disreputable rogue and have a clergyman deliver a eulogy that was faithful to the facts rather than full of fiction. (Hopefully, that won't be my own!)

I am certainly not suggesting that we should stand in judgment of any man, for that is the exclusive domain of our Creator. However, we should never abandon our responsibility to discern right from wrong.

On that note, Edward "Teddy" Kennedy (22 February 1932 -- 25 August 2009) died this week at age 77.

Kennedy spent the last 47 of his years as a senator, having been perpetually re-elected by the people of Massachusetts. This made him the third-longest serving senator -- behind Robert Byrd (D-WV) and Strom Thurmond (R-SC) -- in that chamber's august history.

Of course, a fawning Leftmedia will inundate us with non-stop coverage of Kennedy's life, featuring interviews with his political sycophants up to, and probably well after, his interment at National Cemetery. The airways and printed pages are already sodden with accolades, mostly framing the senator's life as one of great personal tragedy but great public success.

Let's take a look at both.

Kennedy was born into great wealth, privilege and political influence, the fourth son and ninth child of Joseph and Rose Kennedy. He never worked a day in a private-sector job, and like his brothers before him, he owed his political career to his father's considerable political machinations.

But, the mainstream media's reference to TK's life as one punctuated by personal tragedy is an understatement.

Before the age of 16, he had suffered through the death of his brother Joseph Kennedy Jr. (his father's heir apparent), who died when his B-24 bomber exploded over Surrey, England, during World War II, and the death of his sister Kathleen Agnes Kennedy, who died in an airplane crash in France.

In 1941 his father ordered a lobotomy for Ted's sister, Rosemary Kennedy, then age 23, because of "mood swings that the family found difficult to handle at home." The procedure failed and left Rose mentally incapacitated until her death in January 2005 at age 87.

Ted, like his brother John, developed a reputation as a serial womanizer in college. Unlike his Ivy League brothers, however, Ted was kicked out of Harvard for cheating, though allowed to return a few years later to complete his undergraduate degree.

Thanks to some election-night manipulation of returns by Old Joe, JFK was elected president in the closest race of the 20th century (49.7 percent to Richard Nixon's 49.5 percent). That paved the way for TK's victory in a 1962 U.S. Senate special election in Massachusetts.

The thrill of victory was brief, however. On 22 November 1963, during a political visit to Dallas, President John F. Kennedy was assassinated.

In June 1964, Ted Kennedy was flying with friends on a private plane that crashed on a landing approach, killing the pilot and a Kennedy staffer. Kennedy survived but suffered severe injuries.

On 4 June 1968, Robert Kennedy, then a candidate for the Democrat Party's nomination for president, was assassinated after a Los Angeles political event. The political baton then went to Teddy, the last of the four Kennedy brothers, but his alcohol abuse and philandering would keep the presidency out of reach.

In 1969, on one of his infamous junkets to "the island" (Martha's Vineyard and Chappaquiddick), Kennedy's moral lapse would cost a young staffer her life, and would cost him any chance of becoming president.

On the night of 18 July, Kennedy left a party with an attractive young intern en route to a private secluded beach on the far side of Dike Bridge. Kennedy lost control on the single-lane bridge and his vehicle overturned in the shallow tidal water. (Note: I drove across this bridge in a large 4x4 truck a few years after this incident, and it was not difficult to keep it out of the water -- but then, I was not intoxicated.)

Kennedy freed himself from the vehicle leaving his passenger, 28-year-old Mary Jo Kopechne http://www.patriotpost.us/reference/extras/kopechne.php to suffocate in an air pocket inside the overturned car. After resting at the water's edge, he walked back to the party house, and one of his political hacks took him back to his hotel.

Mary Jo Kopechne

Nine hours later, after sobering up and conferring with political advisors and lawyers, Kennedy called authorities to report the incident. Kopechne's body had already been discovered.

With the help of Father Joe's connections, Kennedy was charged only with leaving the scene of an accident. In his testimony, he claimed, "I almost tossed and turned... I had not given up hope all night long that, by some miracle, Mary Jo would have escaped from the car." He pleaded guilty and was sentenced to serve two months in jail -- sentence suspended.

With Joan, his pregnant wife of 10 years, and their three children by his side, he claimed that charges of "immoral conduct and drunk driving" were false and he was promptly re-elected to his second full Senate term with a landslide 62 percent of the vote. However, his responsibility for the death of Kopechne would all but disqualify him from ever holding national office. Indeed, the moral composure of the nation differs significantly from that of his Massachusetts supporters and defenders.

Kennedy's political advocacy swung evermore to the left in the years that followed, and his personal conduct led the way.

In January 1981, Joan announced she had had enough, and they divorced.

Two Senate terms later, Kennedy was partying at the family's Palm Beach compound with his nephew, William Kennedy Smith, who was charged with the rape of Patricia Bowman during that evening. The Kennedy machine was able to undermine Bowman's charges by assassinating her character ahead of the trial.

Not surprisingly, Kennedy was an ardent backer of his friend Bill Clinton after the latter lied about sexual encounters with a subordinate White House intern in 1998.

In turn, Clinton awarded Kennedy the Presidential Medal of Freedom, which, along with the Congressional Gold Medal, is the highest civilian award in the U.S. It is designated for individuals who have made "an especially meritorious contribution to the security or national interests of the United States, world peace, cultural or other significant public or private endeavors."

Setting aside all of his personal tragedies, what about the tributes and rave reviews of Kennedy's public life, his success as a legislator?

According to Barack Obama, "Our country has lost a great leader, who picked up the torch of his fallen brothers and became the greatest United States Senator of our time."

House Speaker Nancy Pelosi insists, "No one has done more than Senator Kennedy to educate our children, care for our seniors and ensure equality for all Americans. Ted Kennedy's dream of quality health care for all Americans will be made real this year because of his leadership and his inspiration."

Senate Majority Leader Harry Reid adds, "Ted Kennedy's dream was the one for which the Founding Fathers fought and for which his brothers sought to realize. The Liberal Lion's mighty roar may now fall silent, but his dream shall never die."

Oh, really?

Kennedy has a very long legacy of legislative accomplishments, but not one of them is expressly authorized by our Constitution, that venerable old document he has repeatedly pledged by oath "to support and defend."

Kennedy's long Senate tenure was, in fact, defined by hypocrisy.

For example, consider that this fine Catholic boy's advocacy for abortion and homosexuality was second to none.

In regard to Operation Iraqi Freedom, consider his claim during the Clinton years: "We have known for many years that Saddam Hussein is seeking and developing weapons of mass destruction." A few years later, with his cadre of traitorous leftists http://64.203.107.114/alexander/edition.asp?id=342 at his side, Kennedy claimed, "The Bush administration misrepresented and distorted the intelligence to justify a war that America should never have fought."

Who can forget Kennedy's outrageous 2006 inquisition into the integrity of then Supreme Court nominee Samuel Alito? In 1987 when Ronald Reagan nominated Alito to be a U.S. District Attorney, Kennedy's vote was among the Senate's unanimous consent. And when Sam Alito was nominated for the Third Circuit Court of Appeals in 1990, he again received Kennedy's vote and unanimous consent from the Senate. But after impugning Alito's character in his Supreme Court hearings, Kennedy blustered, "If confirmed, Alito could very well fundamentally alter the balance of the court and push it dangerously to the right."

Of course, Kennedy was an expert at "borking" judicial nominees. Indeed, he is responsible for the coining of the term. In 1987, President Ronald Reagan nominated an exceptional jurist, Robert Bork, to the Supreme Court. During Bork's confirmation hearings, Kennedy proclaimed, "Robert Bork's America is a land in which women would be forced into back-alley abortions, blacks would sit at segregated lunch counters, rogue police could break down citizens' doors in midnight raids, schoolchildren could not be taught about evolution, writers and artists could be censored at the whim of the Government, and the doors of the Federal courts would be shut on the fingers of millions of citizens." Despicable.

No agenda was more sacred to Kennedy than opposing Constitutional Constructionists http://64.203.107.114/alexander/edition.asp?id=487 in order to convert the Judiciary into what Thomas Jefferson called the "Despotic Branch" http://64.203.107.114/alexander/edition.asp?id=296 stacked with jurists who subscribe to the notion of a so-called "Living Constitution" http://64.203.107.114/alexander/edition.asp?id=330
.

But among über-leftists like Kennedy, there is perhaps no greater hypocrisy than the fact that they are among the wealthiest of Americans but pretend to be advocates for the poor. Of course, they never give up their opulent trappings and lifestyles while pontificating what is best for the masses. (I have written on the pathology associated with this hypocrisy under the label "Inheritance Welfare Liberalism" http://64.203.107.114/alexander/edition.asp?id=275 , or "rich guilt" if you will.)

And there is a long list of Kennedy legislation that has proven disastrous.

Second only to the looming disaster of his pet nationalized health care promotion, Kennedy led the charge for the Immigration and Nationality Act of 1965, ending quotas based on national origin. He argued, "[O]ur cities will not be flooded with a million immigrants annually. The ethnic mix of our country will not be upset. ...[T]he bill will not inundate America with immigrants from any one country or area..."

How did that one turn out?

Kennedy also had some dangerous dalliances with the Soviets http://www.frontpagemag.com/readArticle.aspx?ARTID=30980 in 1983, endeavoring to undermine Ronald Reagan's hard line with the USSR. Fortunately, his efforts did not prevail.

But Kennedy did have one thing in common with his older brothers: He had powerful oratorical skills.

At the 2004 Democrat Convention to elect his lap dog, John Kerry, Kennedy, who wrote the book on political disunity, declared to delegates, "There are those who seek to divide us. ... America needs a genuine uniter -- not a divider. [Republicans] divide and try to conquer."

Fortunately, the American people weren't buying his rhetoric -- at least not until the 2008 convention, when Kennedy joined Barack Obama's "hope 'n' change" chorus: "I have come here tonight to stand with you to change America.... For me this is a season of hope -- new hope for a justice and fair prosperity for the many, and not just for the few -- new hope. And this is the cause of my life -- new hope that we will break the old gridlock and guarantee that every American -- north, south, east, west, young, old -- will have decent, quality health care as a fundamental right and not a privilege."

Predictably, and before the man has even been laid to rest, there is already a rallying cry from Ted Kennedy's grave: The Left and their mainstream media talkingheads are exhorting us to fulfill the late senator's misguided mission to nationalize health care. (I checked, and the Constitution doesn't authorize this either.)

As I contemplate the life of Ted Kennedy, I am left with two primary conclusions.

First, Ted Kennedy was no JFK.

In his 1961 Inaugural Address, John Kennedy said famously, "My fellow Americans: ask not what your country can do for you -- ask what you can do for your country." Ted Kennedy inverted that phrase to read, "Ask not what you can do for your country, ask what your country can do for you," and in the process, turned the once-noble Democrat Party http://64.203.107.114/alexander/edition.asp?id=617 on end.

Second, a man who can't govern his own life should never be entrusted with the government of others.

One of our most astute Founders, Noah Webster, wrote, "The virtues of men are of more consequence to society than their abilities. ... In selecting men for office, let principle be your guide. Regard not the particular sect or denomination of the candidate -- look to his character."

In Webster's 1828 American Dictionary of the English Language, the first use of "government" is defined in terms of self-government, not the body of those who govern.

Despite the Left's insistence that private virtue and morality should not be a consideration when assessing those in "public service" (unless, of course, they are Republicans), the fact is that the two are irrevocably linked.

Finally, in 1968, when Ted Kennedy delivered the eulogy for his brother, Robert, he said, "My brother need not be idealized, or enlarged in death beyond what he was in life..."

I would hope that whoever is slated to deliver Ted Kennedy's eulogy follows that advice because we do a disservice to him and our country to suggest Kennedy was anything more than he was.

I do not know who will bestow his final tribute, but I do know it will not be Mary Jo Kopechne.

Semper Vigilo, Fortis, Paratus et Fidelis!

Mark Alexander
Publisher, http://PatriotPost.US

*****

Note from "The Patriot Post": Please pray for our Armed Forces standing in harm's way around the world, and for their families -- especially families of those fallen Soldiers, Sailors, Airmen, Marines and Coast Guardsmen, who granted their lives in defense of American liberty.

*PUBLIUS*

*The Patriot Post* http://patriotpost.us/ is protected speech pursuant to the "inalienable rights" of all men, and the First (and Second) Amendment to the Constitution of the United States of America. In God we trust. Copyright 2009 The Patriot Post. All Rights Reserved.

Please subscribe to get more of this type of article at "The Patriot Post" http://www.patriotpost.us/subscribe/

You can get a PDF version of this essay at http://media.patriotpost.us/pdf/edition/09-34a.pdf

B.O. visits Boseman, Montana

2009-08-23T16:36:00.002-06:00

This was reported to have been written by a woman who lives in Bozeman, Montana. If it's true, expect Snopes, FactCheck, etc. to say it's not. They regularly drink the B.O. Koolaid, so can't always be trusted. If this is true, and it most likely is, you can now see how his visits are orchestrated. Also, the author's husband is a former Navy pilot and Delta Airlines captain.

To the author: If you happen upon this, please feel free to leave a comment. All comments are screened, and if you ask, I'll not post it. I do want to know for myself is this really happened.

Hello All,

By now you have probably heard that President Obama came to Montana. However, there are many things that the major news has not covered. I feel that since Bill and I live here and we were at the airport I should share some facts with you. Whatever you decide to do with the information is up to you. If you chose to share this email with others I do ask that you DELETE my email address before you forward this on.

On Wednesday, August 5th, it was announced locally that the President would be coming here. There are many groups here that are against his healthcare and huge spending so those groups began talking and deciding on what they were going to do. The White House would not release ANY details other than the date.

On about Tuesday Bill found out that they would be holding the "Town Hall" at the airport. (This is only because Bill knows EVERYONE at the airport.) Our airport is actually located outside of Belgrade (tiny town) in a very remote location. Nothing is around there. They chose to use a hangar that is the most remotely located hangar. You could not pick a more remote location, and you can not get to it easily. It is totally secluded from the public.

FYI: We have many areas in Belgrade and Bozeman which could have held a large amount of folks with sufficient parking (gymnasiums/auditoriums). All of which have chairs and tables, and would not have to be SHIPPED IN!! $$$$$

During the week, cargo by the TONS was being shipped in constantly. Airport employees could not believe how it just kept coming. Though it was our President coming several expressed how excessive it was, especially during a recession. $$$$$

Late Tuesday/early Wednesday the 12th, they said that tickets would be handed out on Thursday 9am at two locations and the president would be arriving around 12:30 Friday.

Thursday morning about 600 tickets were passed out. However, 1500 were printed at a Local printing shop per White House request. Hmmmm......900 tickets just DISAPPEARED.

This same morning someone called into the radio from the local UPS branch and said that THOUSANDS of Dollars of Lobster were shipped in for Obama. Montana has some of the best beef in the nation!!! And it would have been really wonderful to help out the local economy. Anyone heard of the Recession?? Just think...with all of the traveling the White House is doing. $$$$$ One can only imagine what else we are paying for.

On Friday Bill and I got out to the airport about 10:45am. The groups that wanted to protest Obama's spending and healthcare had gotten a permit to protest and that area was roped off. But that was not to be. A large bus carrying SEIU (Service Employees International Union) members drove up onto the area (illegal)and unloaded right there. It was quite a commotion and there were specifically 2 SEIU men trying to make trouble and start a fight. Police did get involved and arrested the one man but they said they did not have the manpower to remove the SEIU crowd.

The SEIU crowd was very organized and young. About 99% were under the age of 30 and they were not locals! They had bullhorns and PROFESSIONALLY made signs. Some even wore preprinted T-shirts. Oh, and Planned Parenthood folks were with them.....professing abortion rights with their T-shirts and preprinted signs. (BTW, all these folks did have a permit to protest in ANOTHER area.)

Those against healthcare/spending moved away from the SEIU crowd to avoid confrontation. They were orderly and respectful. Even though SEIU kept coming over and walking through, continuing to be very intimidating and aggressive at the direction of the one SEIU man.

So we had Montana folks from ALL OVER the state with their homemade signs and their DOGS with homemade signs. We had cowboys, nurses, doctors you name it. There was even a guy from Texas who had been driving through. He found out about the occasion, went to the store, made a sign, and came to protest.

If you are wondering about the press.....Well, all of the major networks were over by that remote hangar I mentioned. They were conveniently parked on the other side of the buildings FAR away. None of these crowds were even visible to them. I have my doubts that they knew anything about the crowds. We did have some local news media around us from this state and Idaho. Speaking of the local media...they were invited. However, all questions were to be turned into the White House in advance of the event. Wouldn't want anyone to have to think off the top of their head.

It was very obvious that it was meant to be totally controlled by the White House. Everything was orchestrated down to the last detail to make it appear that Montana is just crazy for Obama and government healthcare. Even those people that talked about their insurance woes........the White House called our local HRDC (Human Resource and Development Committee) and asked for names. Then the White House asked those folks to come. Smoke and mirrors...EVERYTHING was staged!!!!!!!!!!!

I am very dismayed about what I learned about our current White House. The amount of control and manipulation was unbelievable. I felt I was not living in the United States of America, more like the USSR!! I was physically nauseous. Bill and I have been around when Presidents or Heads of State visit. It has NEVER been like this. I am truly very frightened for our country. America needs your prayers and your voices. If you care about our country please get involved. Know the issues. And let Congress hear your voices again and again!! If they are willing to put forth so much effort to BULLY a small town one can only imagine what is going on in Washington DC. Scary!!

Kathy Bozeman, Montana

To compel a man to subsidize with his taxes the propagation of ideas which he disbelieves and abhors is sinful and tyrannical.

-- Thomas Jefferson

So again, I'm Karl

And for you to remember, here's my little creation:

My Creative Juices Gone WIld?

2009-08-17T10:27:00.001-06:00

... or just another example of some right-wing nutjob being an evil racist?

Okay, you be the judge. I had a bit of an epiphany, and yes, I survived the mental duress.

But, I was thinking this weekend, after hearing Obama himself say at a small town hall meeting in Montana Friday, that "No, this isn't socialized healthcare." that he is a very accomplished liar.

To express that a bit, from a sort of left-handed point of view, I created a new "logo" (yes, I use that term loosely) by performing a bit of "photoshopping" of my own. Of course, since I don't use Microsoft anything, it's done with The GIMP (graphic image manipulation program) on my Linux desktop.

So, what do you think?

I'm Karl

---
"To mess up your Linux PC, you have to really work at it;
to mess up a microsoft PC you just have to work on it."
---
Democracy is two wolves and a lamb voting on what to have
for lunch. Liberty is a well-armed lamb contesting the vote.
--Benjamin Franklin
---

Jerome Hudson: [is living] The Life of a Young Black Conservative

2009-07-08T12:33:00.004-06:00

[Jerome Hudson is a sophomore (spring 2009) at Tallahassee Community College with plans to transfer to Florida A&M University in the fall]

While attending a black fraternity party, I recently learned it's a bad idea to profess one's affinity for Glenn Beck, Bill O'Reilly, Rush Limbaugh, and Sean Hannity.

Worse, according to current polls, it appears I may be the only black 22 year old in America who will be voting for Sen. John McCain.

It's not that I was unaware that being a black conservative Republican puts me in the ultimate "minority." After all, Shelby Steele's classic article The Loneliness of the Black Conservative (http://www.hoover.org/publications/digest/3506941.html) has become an article of faith that I've all but committed to memory.

But I guess I had made the mistake of buying into all that liberal yammering about being "open minded" and supporting "diversity" that I'd deluded myself into believing that a civil, discussion about the herd-like ideological mentality of so many of my contemporaries suffer from was possible.

Boy, was I wrong. Big time!

My official "Negro" card got stripped away. I instantly lost my "blackness." And now, consequently, I am greeted with this: "Hey, y'all, here comes The Black Republican."

And that's when I think to myself, "Hmmm...so this is how it feels to be an "Uncle Tom."

Still, being labeled "The Black Republican" is undoubtedly a promotion from: "Hey, why are you dressed so nice? You got a job interview or something?" Or, worse, "Man, why are you talking like that? You sound white? Who do you think you are? A conservative Kanye West?"

But my path to ideological emancipation began where all the most important things always begin--with my father and mother. Growing up, my Army drill sergeant father was a firm believer in tough love. My parents instilled in us Christian values. But I believe that first part--having an involved mother and father--was critical. With 70% of all black babies being born out-of-wedlock, it's no wonder black poverty remains entrenched, welfare has become a way of life, and that many of my fellow young black male counterparts choose gangsta life over college.

But it wasn't until college that I realized I had been ensnared in what John McWhorter calls the "Cult of Victimology." One of my professors pointed me toward a world of literature I'd never been introduced to: Thomas Sowell, John McWhorter, Shelby Steele, Star Parker, Angela McGlowan, Larry Elder, Walter Williams--they obliterated the Leftist foolishness that floods my community.

It was then that my eyes were opened to the truth, a truth that my father was willing to give his life for, a truth that hundreds of thousands of American soldiers have paid the ultimate price to pass on to future generations. And that truth is this: America remains the greatest country that God gave to man.

So imagine me, a member of various organizations that largely consist of young black Americans, most of whom are "womb-to-tomb" Democrats and liberals, speaking openly about the many opportunities and blessings we enjoy in our great nation and refuting Michelle Obama's supposition that America is a "downright mean place.."

Can you say... ..social suicide?

"So Jerome," the partygoers asked, "you're REALLY a Republican?!"

Duh!??

Of course I'm a Republican! And your great grandparents were too!

Yes, I'm a member of the Anti-Slavery Party, the party responsible for: the 13th (abolished slavery), 14th (gave former slaves full citizenship rights), the 15th (gave slaves voting rights) amendments, the Civil Rights Act of 1871 (protecting southern blacks from the Ku Klux Klan), the Reconstruction Acts, and the 1866, 1875, 1957, 1960, and 1964 Civil Rights Acts.

And no, my brothers and sisters, yesterday's southern Democrats are NOT today's Republicans! If so, former Klansman, Sen. Robert Byrd--the highest ranking senate Democrat and President Pro-Tempore of the Senate--apparently didn't get the memo and forgot to switch parties.

But it's more than just the history. I'm proud to stand for self-empowerment, personal responsibility, strong family values, small government, low taxes, free markets, a strong military, and individual achievement, etc.

And don't even get me started on which side stands up for the precious 1.4 million unborn children (32% of whom are black), who will be casualties in the war inside the womb. When I see these so-called "black leaders" bashing conservatives for "racist policies," I wonder how they justify cheering on the political team who proudly defends the annihilation of 13 million black children (http://www.blackgenocide.org/home.html) since 1973.

And conservatives don't care about black people? I don't think so!

No, I think I'll ride with the team who says enough with the welfare cancer that has destroyed people's innate desire to achieve. Yes, I'll ride with the folks who respect me enough to consider me their equal and not insult me with Affirmative Action racism. Yeah, I'll ride with the gang who would rather create effective policies than emotional "feel good" symbolism that robs individuals of their desire to aspire.

So while it may take a little getting used to walking into college parties where I'm known as "The Black Republican," I now realize I am a newly inducted member of a rich tradition of ideologically emancipated black conservatives. And guess what? I'm more than cool with that. I'm proud, actually.

"The conservative Kanye West"?

Hmmm...

Has a nice ring to it, doesn't it?

Thanks Jerome, You've put it better than most college sophomores will ever be able to do, including me, when I was there.

So still, you see, I'm Karl

Remember:
"Democracy is two wolves and a lamb voting on what to have for lunch. Liberty is a well-armed lamb contesting the vote." --Benjamin Franklin

The Media Has Sunk So Far, They Can't Come Back...

2009-07-06T18:44:00.005-06:00

Do you know who Jane Fonda is? I mean really know. Barbara Walters may be an idiot, or stupid, or something else, but Jane Fonda is guilty of treason and should have been hanged.

Here's something to let you know who she really is.

JANE FONDA WAS (is?) A TRAITOR!

In Memory of my brother-in-law LT. C.Thomsen Wieland who spent 100 days at the "Hanoi Hilton"

A TRAITOR IS ABOUT TO BE HONORED

Jane Fonda is being honored as one of the '100 Women of the Century.' by Barbara Walters. Unfortunately, many have forgotten and still countless others have never known how Ms. Fonda betrayed not only the idea of our country, but specific men who served and sacrificed during Vietnam.

The first part of this is from an F-4E pilot.

The pilot's name is Jerry Driscoll, a River Rat.

In 1968, the former Commandant of the USAF

Survival School was a POW in Ho Lo Prison, often called the 'Hanoi Hilton.'

Dragged from a stinking cesspit of a cell, cleaned, fed, and dressed in clean PJ's, he was ordered to describe for a visiting American 'Peace Activist' the 'lenient and humane treatment' he'd received..

He spat at Ms. Fonda, was clubbed, and was dragged away.

During the subsequent beating, he fell forward on to the camp Commandant's feet, which sent that officer berserk.

In 1978, the Air Force Colonel still suffered from double vision (which permanently ended his flying career) from the Commandant's frenzied application of a wooden baton.

From 1963-65, Col. Larry Carrigan was in the 47FW/DO (F-4E's). He spent 6 years in the 'Hanoi Hilton', the first three of which his family only knew he was 'missing in action'. His wife lived on faith that he was still alive.

His group got the cleaned-up, fed and clothed routine in preparation for a 'peace delegation' visit.

They, however, had time and devised a plan to get word to the world that they were alive and still survived. Each man hid a tiny piece of paper, with his Social Security Number on it, in the palm of his hand.

When paraded before Ms. Fonda and a cameraman, she walked the line, shaking each man's hand and asking little encouraging snippets like, 'Aren't you sorry you bombed babies?' and 'Are you grateful for the humane treatment from your benevolent captors?' Believing this HAD to be an act, they each palmed her their sliver of paper.

She took them all without missing a beat. At the end of the line and once the camera stopped rolling, to the shocked disbelief of the POWs, she turned to the officer in charge and handed him all the little pieces of paper.

Three men died from the subsequent beatings. Colonel Carrigan was almost number four but he survived, which is the only reason we know of her actions that day.

I was a civilian economic development advisor in Vietnam, and was captured by the North Vietnamese communists in South Vietnam in 1968, and held prisoner for over 5 years.

I spent 27 months in solitary confinement; one year in a cage in Cambodia; and one year in a 'black box' in Hanoi My North Vietnamese captors deliberately poisoned and murdered a female missionary, a nurse in a leprosarium in Ban me Thuot, South Vietnam, whom I buried in the jungle near the Cambodian border. At one time, I weighed only about 90 lbs. (My normal weight is 170 lbs.)

We were Jane Fonda's 'war criminals.'

When Jane Fonda was in Hanoi, I was asked by the camp communist political officer if I would be willing to meet with her..

I said yes, for I wanted to tell her about the real treatment we POWs received... and how different it was from the treatment purported by the North Vietnamese, and parroted by her as 'humane and lenient.'

Because of this, I spent three days on a rocky floor on my knees, with my arms outstretched with a large steel weights placed on my hands, and beaten with a bamboo cane.

I had the opportunity to meet with Jane Fonda soon after I was released. I asked her if she would be willing to debate me on TV. She never did answer me.

These first-hand experiences do not exemplify someone who should be honored as part of '100 Years of Great Women.' Lest we forget...' 100 Years of Great Women' should never include a traitor whose hands are covered with the blood of so many patriots.

RONALD D. SAMPSON, CMSgt, USAF
716 Maintenance Squadron, Chief of Maintenance
DSN: 875-6431
COMM: 883-6343

For those who wonder, here's the list (Oh, I didn't bother to count; neither my mother's name nor my wife's name is among them, and non of these women can hold a candle to either!):

Actresses, comediennes, and singers: Janis Joplin, Lucille Ball, Carol Burnett, Katharine Hepburn, Oprah Winfrey, Jane Fonda, Madonna, Bette Midler, Rosie O'Donnell, Vivien Leigh, Hattie McDaniel, Jessye Norman, Maria Callas, Marilyn Monroe, Celine Dion, Ella Fitzgerald, Billie Holiday, Marian Anderson, Greta Garbo, Lauren Bacall ...

Artists Georgia O'Keeffe and Frida Kahlo.

Photographers Margaret Bourke-White and Dorothea Lange.

Dancers Martha Graham and Isadora Duncan.

Poet Maya Angelou.

Writer Ann Landers.

Sports figures "Babe" Didrickson, Gertrude Ederle, Sonja Henie, Jackie Joyner-Kersee, Wilma Rudolph, Billie Jean King, Chris Evert, Nadia Comenici.

Aviator Amelia Earhart and astronaut Lt. Eileen Collins.

Scientist Marie Curie.

Fashion designer Coco Chanel.

Executive Katharine Graham.

The created figure of Rosie the Riveter.

Women known for their activism or political involvements: Gloria Steinem, editor of Ms. Magazine, Rosa Parks, Margaret Sanger, Jane Addams, Ann Richards, Alice Paul, Helen Keller, Annie Sullivan, Rachel Carson, Betty Friedan, Phyllis Schlafly, Marian Wright Edelman, Anita Hill (the transcript calls her Anita Thomas at one point!), Mother Teresa, Margaret Mead, Madeleine Albright.

First Ladies Eleanor Roosevelt, Jacqueline Kennedy, Betty Ford and Hillary Rodham Clinton. Princess Diana. Heads of state Indira Gandhi, Golda Meir, and Margaret Thatcher.

And, though she says she is embarrassed to be included: Barbara Walters.

Another member of the "Band of Brothers" passes

2009-07-01T11:40:00.002-06:00

It's really sad to realize that all the veterans of WWII who did so much for us, will soon be gone. The opportunity to learn from them will be forever gone.

Another Real Hero who received no "press". Isn't it wrong for our country to think pedophiles such as 'Jacko' are heroes and are setup as icons.

Veteran and a part of the 'Band of Brothers', Darrell "Shifty" Powers, died at age 86, and was a hero on the battlefield and to his family.

By Neil Harvey

In a 2001 interview with The Roanoke Times, Darrell "Shifty" Powers talked about some of his experiences during World War II.

Powers, a United States Army paratrooper and sharpshooter, belonged to Easy Company, part of the legendary 101st Airborne Division. He recalled a bitterly cold day in the Ardennes when he was able to draw down on a German sniper, sighting his target by the misty cloud of the man's breath. He killed him with one shot.

"Right there," he said, touching his forehead. "Between the eyes."

But Powers, of Dickenson County, who died Wednesday of natural causes at age 86, was also reflective about such matters.

In the second-to-last episode of "Band of Brothers," an HBO miniseries that documented Easy Company's wartime exploits, Powers spoke on camera about the soldiers he fought and also hinted at the intrinsic tragedy of combat.

"We might have had a lot in common. He might've liked to fish, you know, he might've liked to hunt," Powers said. "Of course, they were doing what they were supposed to do, and I was doing what I was supposed to do.

"But under different circumstances, we might have been good friends."

Powers, who got the nickname "Shifty" playing basketball as a youngster, served three years in the Army during World War II and later worked as a machinist for Clinchfield Coal Corp. He found renewed notoriety when his military experiences were depicted on film and in the Stephen Ambrose book of the same name.

"He actually hadn't talked about it, his war years, until the book came out," said his daughter-in-law, Sandy Powers. "He gets fan mail from all over the world, and [phone] calls."

"For me and my kids, it's just amazing that our regular, sweet uncle was such a hero," said his niece, Cheryl Gilliland of Roanoke. "It sure changed his life in later years. He went places and met people he never would have otherwise."

Darrell Powers met a German soldier in 2005 who had fought against him at the notoriously brutal siege of Bastogne during the winter of 1944.

According to his son, Wayne, he had in September been scheduled to travel to Iraq to meet with U.S. soldiers, but health problems prevented it.

"He was so disappointed. He wanted to meet with the soldiers so badly," Sandy Powers said.

One of his closest friends, Earl McClung, of Colorado, in 2001 called Darrell Powers "a heck of a good soldier and a heck of a good shot."

"And he was there every time I looked up," he added.

"Our family had four boys and one girl, and I'm the only one left," said Powers' sister, Gaynell Sykes of Roanoke, on Wednesday. "He was a great brother. I know he was great at a lot of other things, too -- great father, great son, great husband."

In Honor of Ed Freeman

2009-07-01T11:34:00.002-06:00

To remember what Ed Freeman did, consider this:

You're a 19 year old kid. You're critically wounded, and dying in the jungle in the Ia Drang Valley , 11-14-1965, LZ X-ray, Vietnam. Your infantry unit is outnumbered 8-1, and the enemy fire is so intense, from 100 or 200 yards away, that your own Infantry Commander has ordered the Medi-Vac helicopters to stop coming in.

You're lying there, listening to the enemy machine guns, and you know you're not getting out. Your family is half way around the world--12,000 miles away--and you'll never see them again. As the world starts to fade in and out, you know this is the day.

Then, over the machine gun noise, you faintly hear that sound of helicopter, and you look up to see an un-armed Huey, but it doesn't seem real, because no Medi-Vac markings are on it.

Ed Freeman is coming for you. He's not Medi-Vac, so it's not his job, but he's flying his Huey down into the machine gun fire, after the Medi-Vacs were ordered not to come.

He's coming anyway.

And he drops it in, and sits there in the machine gun fire, as they load 2 or 3 of you on board.

Then he flies you up and out through the gunfire, to the doctors and nurses.

And, he kept coming back--13 more times--and took about 30 of you and your buddies out, who would never have gotten out.

Medal of Honor Recipient, Ed Freeman, died in August 2008 at the age of 80, in Boise, Idaho; May God rest his soul.

Since the Media didn't give him the coverage he deserves I'm posting this here so it will be available as long as Blogspot.com allows it to stay.

THANKS AGAIN, ED FOR WHAT YOU DID FOR OUR COUNTRY.

SHAME on the liberal, communist and vile, repulsive anti-Christ media!

Have The Political cartoonists Actually Awakened?

2009-06-24T14:37:00.003-06:00

There are actually people who dare draw political cartoons against the man who walks on water? Hallelujah!

My apologies to the copyright holders, but hey, I'll remove any of these just as soon as you let me know. Just leave a comment below. But, you really have to be the copyright holder and not some Obama sycophant. If you are a member of the media, printed or otherwise, pick these up for your publication. A bit of the truth might help your rapidly dwindling subscription base. Of course, you really have to mean it.

I'm Karl, still, again, some more...