Capitalism as a system seems incapable of solving its unemployment problem. It keeps generating long-term joblessness, punctuated by spikes of recurring short-term extreme joblessness. The system's leaders cannot solve or overcome the problem. Before the latest capitalist crisis hit in 2007, the unemployment rate was near 5 percent. In 2013, it is near 7.5 percent. That is 50 percent higher despite the last six years of so-called "effective policies to address unemployment."
Capitalism makes employment depend chiefly on capitalists' decisions to undertake production, and those decisions depend on profits. If capitalists expect profits high enough to satisfy them, they hire. If capitalists don't, we get unemployment. Capitalism requires the unemployed, their families and their communities to live with firing decisions made by capitalists even though they are excluded from participating in those decisions. The United States revolted against Britain partly because it rejected being victimized by tax decisions from which it was excluded. Yet employment decisions are at least as important as tax decisions.
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DelMarVa's Premier Source for News, Opinion, Analysis, and Human Interest Contact Publisher Joe Albero at alberobutzo@wmconnect.com or 410-430-5349
Saturday, November 16, 2013
GOVERNOR O’MALLEY, LOCAL OFFICIALS TO VISIT SET OF VEEP AND HIGHLIGHT SUCCESS OF THE MARYLAND FILM TAX CREDIT
ANNAPOLIS – On Monday, November 18, Governor O’Malley will tour the Columbia set of the Emmy awarding-winning series VEEP to highlight the recent expansion of the Maryland Film Tax Credit and the Administration’s commitment to job creation. The governor, along with creator/writer/director Armando Iannucci, will deliver brief remarks prior to the closed-press tour of the show’s sound stage. To date, the tax credit is responsible for the creation of 7,700 Maryland jobs.
The series is currently filming its third season in Maryland. HBO productions have generated an estimated $300 million in economic impact in Maryland, and resulted in approximately 30,000 local hires of Maryland crew, actors and extras since 1997.
WHEN: Monday, November 18, 2013, 9:00 a.m.
WHERE: 8700 Robert Fulton Drive, Columbia, Maryland 21046
The series is currently filming its third season in Maryland. HBO productions have generated an estimated $300 million in economic impact in Maryland, and resulted in approximately 30,000 local hires of Maryland crew, actors and extras since 1997.
WHEN: Monday, November 18, 2013, 9:00 a.m.
WHERE: 8700 Robert Fulton Drive, Columbia, Maryland 21046
Oprah Winfrey, Still A Racist
Scratch the surface of an ultra-rich liberal elitist and you’ll find the heart of a hypocrite.
If Americans are so racist, how did you, Ms. Winfrey, become so fabulously wealthy?
For someone who is so incredibly wealthy, privileged, influential, and blackin America, it is bewildering that you feel that the same Americans that PUT YOU in that position are so racist and intolerant that they hold the President in “contempt” because he is black. Wait, I forgot something. Since you are intent on making the color of his skin the reason for American judgement, I want to be accurate about this. He’s half-white. What about that white half? Is that part racist or what? It’s all so confusing when you assign character traits to the color of skin.
This, from the video here.
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If Americans are so racist, how did you, Ms. Winfrey, become so fabulously wealthy?
For someone who is so incredibly wealthy, privileged, influential, and blackin America, it is bewildering that you feel that the same Americans that PUT YOU in that position are so racist and intolerant that they hold the President in “contempt” because he is black. Wait, I forgot something. Since you are intent on making the color of his skin the reason for American judgement, I want to be accurate about this. He’s half-white. What about that white half? Is that part racist or what? It’s all so confusing when you assign character traits to the color of skin.
This, from the video here.
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Black College Forced To Cancel Health Plans For Students Because Of Huge Obamacare Price Increases
Young black Americans voted overwhelmingly for Obama. This is how he’s repaying them for their loyalty.
Officials at one one of the nation’s oldest and most elite historically black colleges are citing the Affordable Care Act (ACA) as the reason they have cancelled a school-wide affordable health care plan they had offered students.
The official website for Bowie State, a Maryland public school less than an hour’s drive from Washington D.C., explains that Obamacare’s new regulations would force the cost of the insurance to rise from $50 to $900 a semester.
“Bowie State University has suspended offering health insurance for domestic students for the 2013-2014 academic year,” states the school’s official website. “Due to new requirements of the Affordable Care Act which will go into effect on January 1, 2014, the cost of insurance for domestic students will increase to approximately $1800 per year.”
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Officials at one one of the nation’s oldest and most elite historically black colleges are citing the Affordable Care Act (ACA) as the reason they have cancelled a school-wide affordable health care plan they had offered students.
The official website for Bowie State, a Maryland public school less than an hour’s drive from Washington D.C., explains that Obamacare’s new regulations would force the cost of the insurance to rise from $50 to $900 a semester.
“Bowie State University has suspended offering health insurance for domestic students for the 2013-2014 academic year,” states the school’s official website. “Due to new requirements of the Affordable Care Act which will go into effect on January 1, 2014, the cost of insurance for domestic students will increase to approximately $1800 per year.”
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Major Retailer Ditches Political Correctness, Saying ‘Merry Christmas’ This Year
The American Family Association has made it its mission for nearly eight years to coordinate a major grassroots email campaign targeting retailers that replaced “Merry Christmas” messages with the politically correct “Happy Holidays.” But this year, the group is claiming a major victory.
As we near the holiday season I want to update you on how Gap, Inc.’s family of brands will celebrate the Christmas season. As a global retailer, we embrace the diversity of our customers and respect a variety of traditions and faith during the holidays, including Christmas.
Starting today, every Gap Outlet window will have signs that say “Merry Christmas” along with Christmas trees and wreaths throughout their stores.
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As we near the holiday season I want to update you on how Gap, Inc.’s family of brands will celebrate the Christmas season. As a global retailer, we embrace the diversity of our customers and respect a variety of traditions and faith during the holidays, including Christmas.
Starting today, every Gap Outlet window will have signs that say “Merry Christmas” along with Christmas trees and wreaths throughout their stores.
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Justice Clarence Thomas Speaks — And Oh What A Speech!
Over the past few years, some amazing speakers have appeared at the Thursday evening dinner of the Federalist Society’s National Lawyers Convention. Last year, Justice Samuel A. Alito offered a very funny look back at his time at Yale Law School. In 2010, Justice Antonin Scalia engaged in a spirited and wide-ranging conversation with legal journalist Jan Crawford.
Last night’s event will be tough to top. Justice Clarence Thomas, speaking with Judge Diane Sykes of the Seventh Circuit, delivered remarks that were “equal parts hysterical, poignant and inspiring,” as Texas Supreme Court Justice Don Willett noted on Twitter.
I was lucky enough to attend, seated just one table away from the stage. Here’s my account of the evening (plus a few photos)….
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Last night’s event will be tough to top. Justice Clarence Thomas, speaking with Judge Diane Sykes of the Seventh Circuit, delivered remarks that were “equal parts hysterical, poignant and inspiring,” as Texas Supreme Court Justice Don Willett noted on Twitter.
I was lucky enough to attend, seated just one table away from the stage. Here’s my account of the evening (plus a few photos)….
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MPAA Wants Theaters To Call Cops On People Who Dare Take A Photo During A Movie
The Motion Picture Association of America has released new best practices guidelines for movie theater operators who want to crack down on that worst of crimes — the shaky-cam pirated movie. To that end, the MPAA is suggesting a zero-tolerance policy, not just for people caught trying to record a motion picture, but for anyone who dares to take out their cellphone to take a photo during a screening.
“Many laws enacted to prevent the recording of a movie being shown on a theater screen also prohibit the taking of still pictures and the recording of audio,” writes the MPAA. “Theater managers should immediately alert law enforcement authorities whenever they suspect prohibited activity is taking place. Do not assume that a cell phone or digital camera is being used to take still photographs and not a full-length video recording. Let the proper authorities determine what laws may have been violated and what enforcement action should be taken.”
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“Many laws enacted to prevent the recording of a movie being shown on a theater screen also prohibit the taking of still pictures and the recording of audio,” writes the MPAA. “Theater managers should immediately alert law enforcement authorities whenever they suspect prohibited activity is taking place. Do not assume that a cell phone or digital camera is being used to take still photographs and not a full-length video recording. Let the proper authorities determine what laws may have been violated and what enforcement action should be taken.”
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Ex-Navy Commander Calls Senior Officers ‘Political Pawns’
Questions Pentagon's basis for dismissals, claims targeted by left
WASHINGTON – A retired Navy commander and a former Pentagon spokesman in the Office of the Secretary of Defense says the Obama administration is rushing to unload senior officers whom he believes have become “political pawns” dismissed for questionable reasons.
J.D. Gordon, in an op-ed piece in the Washington Times titled “Purging America’s Military,” said that the Pentagon justifies its dismissals due to “loss of confidence,” “insensitive remarks,” sexual misconduct and “counterfeit poker chips.”
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WASHINGTON – A retired Navy commander and a former Pentagon spokesman in the Office of the Secretary of Defense says the Obama administration is rushing to unload senior officers whom he believes have become “political pawns” dismissed for questionable reasons.
J.D. Gordon, in an op-ed piece in the Washington Times titled “Purging America’s Military,” said that the Pentagon justifies its dismissals due to “loss of confidence,” “insensitive remarks,” sexual misconduct and “counterfeit poker chips.”
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Cooking Do’s And Don’ts For Your Holiday Feast
How to keep everyone at your table healthy
Ham, turkey, duck, beef, and pork roasts are all a beloved part of many holiday meals. But because a lot of us only cook these once or twice a year, we run a higher risk of preparation and cooking goof-ups that can compromise taste at best—and at worst make people sick. Don’t want your guests to join the one in six people who get food poisoning each year in the U.S.? Use this guide to selecting, storing, cooking, and serving those holiday staples.
Choose the right meat
If you’re picking up a roast from a stand-alone refrigerator case at the supermarket, don’t take the package on top, especially if it’s above the edges of the case, Francis Largeman-Roth, R.D., a dietitian in New York City, says. “Those cases only keep things truly cold as far as the walls of the case go up,” she said.
Look for cuts of meat that are lean, defined as less than 10 grams of total fat, no more than 4.5 grams of saturated fat, and fewer than 95 milligrams of cholesterol per serving. The label can provide clues. For example, cuts that include the word “round” are the lowest in fat, with “loin” a close second, says Heather Mangieri, R.D., a dietitian in Pittsburgh and a spokeswoman for the Academy of Nutrition and Dietetics. Turkey or duck breasts are leaner than a whole bird.
And read the ingredients list on poultry items. Turkeys are sometimes injected with a solution of saltwater and other additives to enhance juiciness. That can add a lot of sodium, so it’s better to look for a turkey that contains nothing but, well, turkey.
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Ham, turkey, duck, beef, and pork roasts are all a beloved part of many holiday meals. But because a lot of us only cook these once or twice a year, we run a higher risk of preparation and cooking goof-ups that can compromise taste at best—and at worst make people sick. Don’t want your guests to join the one in six people who get food poisoning each year in the U.S.? Use this guide to selecting, storing, cooking, and serving those holiday staples.
Choose the right meat
If you’re picking up a roast from a stand-alone refrigerator case at the supermarket, don’t take the package on top, especially if it’s above the edges of the case, Francis Largeman-Roth, R.D., a dietitian in New York City, says. “Those cases only keep things truly cold as far as the walls of the case go up,” she said.
Look for cuts of meat that are lean, defined as less than 10 grams of total fat, no more than 4.5 grams of saturated fat, and fewer than 95 milligrams of cholesterol per serving. The label can provide clues. For example, cuts that include the word “round” are the lowest in fat, with “loin” a close second, says Heather Mangieri, R.D., a dietitian in Pittsburgh and a spokeswoman for the Academy of Nutrition and Dietetics. Turkey or duck breasts are leaner than a whole bird.
And read the ingredients list on poultry items. Turkeys are sometimes injected with a solution of saltwater and other additives to enhance juiciness. That can add a lot of sodium, so it’s better to look for a turkey that contains nothing but, well, turkey.
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39 DEMOCRATS BREAK WITH OBAMA TO PASS UPTON 'FIX'
On Friday, the House of Representatives approved legislation sponsored by Rep. Fred Upton (R-MI) that would allow insurers to continue to offer policies on the individual market. The vote was 261-157. Thirty-nine Democrats voted for the Upton Amendment, which is an indication the Democrat united front on Obamacare is cracking.
ObamaCare largely eliminates the individual market and forces those policy holders into the health exchanges. On Thursday, Obama proposed extending the individual market for one year. The Upton bill would not only let existing policies continue, but insurers could sell individual policies to new customers. The White House has vowed to veto Upton's bill if it reaches the President's desk.
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ObamaCare largely eliminates the individual market and forces those policy holders into the health exchanges. On Thursday, Obama proposed extending the individual market for one year. The Upton bill would not only let existing policies continue, but insurers could sell individual policies to new customers. The White House has vowed to veto Upton's bill if it reaches the President's desk.
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Safer Cars
The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration is thinking up new ways to make more cars safer. Administrator David Strickland wants auto makers to speed up adoption of safety technologies now found only on expensive cars. These include sensors that detect an impending crash or whether the driver has been drinking. Strickland's call comes as traffic deaths rose for the first time since 2005. He says the panel will decide by year end on how it will encourage the car makers to make the technologies more widely available.
Conservative Groups Warn Of New Wave Of Insurance Cancellations
President Obama and Congress are focused on preventing millions of Americans from losing their insurance plans because of the new health care law, but conservative groups warn that a bigger tidal wave of cancellations is building - and is set to hit just before the 2014 midterm elections.
Insurance companies have been dropping individuals from current plans that do not meet Obamacare’s new requirements, creating a firestorm of controversy and undercutting public support for the president’s signature achievement.
The White House insists that the problem is limited to people who buy their own insurance and have said that group represents only 5 percent of the insurance market.
In the coming year, many small businesses – those with fewer than 50 employees—will be forced to deal with the same dynamic that led to the individual-plan terminations.
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Insurance companies have been dropping individuals from current plans that do not meet Obamacare’s new requirements, creating a firestorm of controversy and undercutting public support for the president’s signature achievement.
The White House insists that the problem is limited to people who buy their own insurance and have said that group represents only 5 percent of the insurance market.
In the coming year, many small businesses – those with fewer than 50 employees—will be forced to deal with the same dynamic that led to the individual-plan terminations.
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THINGS DON’T TURN OUT WELL FOR GROUP OF THUGS WHO WENT AFTER 75-YEAR-OLD MAN – THREE ARE IN CUSTODY AND ONE IS AT THE MORGUE
SANDSTONE, Minn. (TheBlaze/AP) — Sheriff’s officials say three people are in custody after a homeowner shot and killed an armed intruder during a home invasion in eastern Minnesota.
Authorities say two men in their 20s entered a house near Sandstone about 2:30 a.m. Thursday with the apparent intent to rob the old homeowner, who KAAL-TV identifies as 75-year-old Charles Carlson.
At least one of the intruders was armed with a handgun.
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Authorities say two men in their 20s entered a house near Sandstone about 2:30 a.m. Thursday with the apparent intent to rob the old homeowner, who KAAL-TV identifies as 75-year-old Charles Carlson.
At least one of the intruders was armed with a handgun.
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New Law Designed To Protect Pets From Getting Shot By Police
DENVER — A new law in Colorado is aimed at protecting dogs from being killed by law enforcement officers. 50 dogs have been killed in the last five years.
Some have been videotaped and seen on the news recently.
One such incident happened in May 2011 when a German shepherd with a bone in her mouth walked toward an officer in Erie who was in the neighborhood on an unrelated call.
He shot the dog to death.
Brittany Moore still has the shock burned into her memory. “It’s an awful experience. It’s the fact that Ava was shot but it’s the after effect… it’s my three daughters. I’m doing this for my three daughters.”
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Some have been videotaped and seen on the news recently.
One such incident happened in May 2011 when a German shepherd with a bone in her mouth walked toward an officer in Erie who was in the neighborhood on an unrelated call.
He shot the dog to death.
Brittany Moore still has the shock burned into her memory. “It’s an awful experience. It’s the fact that Ava was shot but it’s the after effect… it’s my three daughters. I’m doing this for my three daughters.”
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Biggest Children’s Book Publisher Erases Israel From Map
Jewish state absent from map in Egypt-based adventure book for kids published by Scholastic Inc., which promises to stop book’s shipment
Arab textbooks are not the only ones erasing Israel from their maps. Scholastic, the world’s largest publisher of children’s books, has also eliminated the Jewish state in a book.
“Thea Stilton and the Blue Scarab Hunt,” part of the popular Geronimo Stilton children’s series translated from Italian and published by Scholastic in 2012, tells the story of a group of investigative journalists involved in a treasure hunt in Egypt.
“Thea Stilton and the Blue Scarab Hunt,” part of the popular Geronimo Stilton children’s series translated from Italian and published by Scholastic in 2012, tells the story of a group of investigative journalists involved in a treasure hunt in Egypt.
The story commences with a map of modern Egypt and its neighboring countries. While Sudan, Libya and Saudi Arabia appear clearly on the map, the territory of Israel is completely covered by Jordan, painted red. A line indicating the Israeli border with the Sinai Peninsula does appear in the book.
More Americans Are Abandoning The U.S.
This year will set a record for expatriations by U.S. taxpayers, with at least a 33% increase from the previous high in 2011.
The Treasury Department published the names of 560 people who either were U.S. citizens renouncing their citizenship or long-term residents who turned in their green cards during the third quarter. The department doesn't distinguish between those giving up passports and those turning in green cards.
That brings the total so far this year to 2,369, according to Andrew Mitchel, a tax lawyer in Centerbrook, Conn., who tracks the data. For all of 2011, the number of published expatriates was 1,781, he said.
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The Treasury Department published the names of 560 people who either were U.S. citizens renouncing their citizenship or long-term residents who turned in their green cards during the third quarter. The department doesn't distinguish between those giving up passports and those turning in green cards.
That brings the total so far this year to 2,369, according to Andrew Mitchel, a tax lawyer in Centerbrook, Conn., who tracks the data. For all of 2011, the number of published expatriates was 1,781, he said.
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THIS COULD BE ONE OF THE BEST CASES EVER MADE AGAINST COMMON CORE – NO ONE EXPECTED IT TO COME FROM A HIGH SCHOOL STUDENT
Speaking at a local school board meeting earlier this month, a Tennessee high school senior issued a brief and incredibly insightful address on the problems with Common Core standards.
Ethan Young, a student at Farragut High School in Knox County, Tenn., made his case as to why he believes the school district should drop the new national education standards, a set of guidelines that were never voted on by Congress, the Department of Education nor by local or state governments.
“The president essentially bribed states into implementation via ‘Race to the Top,’ offering $4.35 billion taxpayer dollars to participating states, $500 million of which went to Tennessee,” Young said. “And much like No Child Left Behind, the program promises national testing and a one-size-fits-all education, because hey, it worked so well the first time.”
“If nothing else, these standards are a glowing conflict of interest and they lack the research they allegedly received,” he added.
Young also argued that Common Core standards display a “mistrust of teachers,” a line that prompted applause from the audience.
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Ethan Young, a student at Farragut High School in Knox County, Tenn., made his case as to why he believes the school district should drop the new national education standards, a set of guidelines that were never voted on by Congress, the Department of Education nor by local or state governments.
“The president essentially bribed states into implementation via ‘Race to the Top,’ offering $4.35 billion taxpayer dollars to participating states, $500 million of which went to Tennessee,” Young said. “And much like No Child Left Behind, the program promises national testing and a one-size-fits-all education, because hey, it worked so well the first time.”
“If nothing else, these standards are a glowing conflict of interest and they lack the research they allegedly received,” he added.
Young also argued that Common Core standards display a “mistrust of teachers,” a line that prompted applause from the audience.
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Doe Run Smelter And Its Meaning To You
In December, the final primary lead smelter in the United States will close. The lead smelter, located in Herculaneum, Missouri, and owned and operated by the Doe Run Company, has existed in the same location since 1892.
The Herculaneum Smelter is currently the only smelter in the United States which can produce lead bullion from raw lead ore that is mined nearby in Missouri’s extensive lead deposits, giving the smelter its “primary” designation. The lead bullion produced in Herculaneum is then sold to lead product producers, including ammunition manufactures for use in conventional ammunition components such as projectiles, projectile cores, and primers. …
Doe Run made significant efforts to reduce lead emissions from the smelter, but in 2008 the federal Environmental Protection Agency issued new National Ambient Air Quality Standards for lead that were 10 times tighter than the previous standard. Given the new lead air quality standard, Doe Run made the decision to close the Herculaneum smelter.
It would be hard to imagine a better example of the Obama Regime’s use of the EPA to impose backdoor tyranny. We would let you have guns, but you see lead causes air pollution.
If you think ammo prices are high now, wait until they close the smelter.
After the Herculaneum smelter closes its doors in December, entirely domestic manufacture of conventional ammunition, from raw ore to finished cartridge, will be impossible.
The national security implications of severely curtailing our ability to produce our own ammunition are obvious. But to our current rulers, national security means something very different from what it did in the past. The idea is no longer to defend America from foreign threats, but to impose the ultimate threat from within.
The Herculaneum Smelter is currently the only smelter in the United States which can produce lead bullion from raw lead ore that is mined nearby in Missouri’s extensive lead deposits, giving the smelter its “primary” designation. The lead bullion produced in Herculaneum is then sold to lead product producers, including ammunition manufactures for use in conventional ammunition components such as projectiles, projectile cores, and primers. …
Doe Run made significant efforts to reduce lead emissions from the smelter, but in 2008 the federal Environmental Protection Agency issued new National Ambient Air Quality Standards for lead that were 10 times tighter than the previous standard. Given the new lead air quality standard, Doe Run made the decision to close the Herculaneum smelter.
It would be hard to imagine a better example of the Obama Regime’s use of the EPA to impose backdoor tyranny. We would let you have guns, but you see lead causes air pollution.
If you think ammo prices are high now, wait until they close the smelter.
After the Herculaneum smelter closes its doors in December, entirely domestic manufacture of conventional ammunition, from raw ore to finished cartridge, will be impossible.
The national security implications of severely curtailing our ability to produce our own ammunition are obvious. But to our current rulers, national security means something very different from what it did in the past. The idea is no longer to defend America from foreign threats, but to impose the ultimate threat from within.
Bank Of America Accused Of Neglecting Foreclosures In Non-White Neighborhoods
In 2012, a National Fair Housing Alliance survey of bank-owned properties in nine metro areas found that those buildings in predominantly white neighborhoods were more likely to be properly maintained by the bank while those homes in non-white parts of town were often being allowed to fall into disrepair, driving property values down for neighbors and causing public health and safety concerns. Since then, the NFHA has filed a federal discrimination complaint against the bank for what it alleges are violations of the Fair Housing Act.
The NFHA recently amended its complaint [PDF] to the Dept. of Housing and Urban Development, by adding additional cities, along with photographic and diagrammatic evidence to bolster its case.
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The NFHA recently amended its complaint [PDF] to the Dept. of Housing and Urban Development, by adding additional cities, along with photographic and diagrammatic evidence to bolster its case.
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Ford Motor Company Wants Nothing To Do With Toronto Mayor Rob Ford
After the embattled mayor admitted to using crack cocaine while in office, some of his supported created shirts that said "Ford Nation" - and they used the well-known oval logo in their designs. The car manufacturer quickly vowed to protect their iconic image from being misused in support of Mayor Ford. A company spokesman said, "Ford did not grant permission for use of its logo. We view it as an unauthorized use of our trademark and have asked it to be stopped." Somehow, despite the drug use and his refusal to step down, the Toronto mayor still has supporters. No news on whether Chevy has warned Rob Ford's supporters to stay away from their tag line – "built like a rock" – but we doubt that they'd approve.
Report: Obama Is An Actor Trained By Harry Lennix
During an appearance on the Alex Jones Show, Chicago radio host Eric ‘Mancow’ Muller revealed that actor Harry Lennix told him he was hired to train Obama how to look presidential by mimicking the actor’s demeanor and body language.
Lennix, who was born and grew up in Chicago, gave frequent lectures before he became an actor, while also teaching music and civics in the Chicago Public School system. Lennix is best known for his role in the recent Superman Man of Steel movie and his part as White House Chief of Staff in the ABC television series Commander in Chief.
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EXCLUSIVE–REP. OLSON: IF HOLDER REFUSES TO LEAVE, WE'LL 'FORCE HIM TO RESIGN'
Rep. Pete Olson (R-TX), the congressman launching the effort to remove Attorney General Eric Holder from his post atop the Department of Justice (DOJ) via Articles of Impeachment, told Breitbart News exclusively in a Wednesday phone interview that he now has the support of ten other House members already.
As Breitbart News reported earlier on Wednesday, Olson’s resolution, which will be formally introduced in the House on Thursday, has already garnered the supports of Reps. Larry Bucshon (R-IN), Blake Farenthold (R-TX), Phil Roe (R-TN), Lynn Westmoreland (R-GA), Roger Williams (R-TX), Ted Yoho (R-FL) and Randy Weber (R-TX). Now, he can add Reps. Louie Gohmert (R-TX), Michele Bachmann (R-MN) and Bill Flores (R-TX) to the list.
“We can’t have the highest law enforcement official in America defying subpoenas and deciding which laws to enforce and not enforce,” Olson said in his phone interview with Breitbart News. “And so the American people deserve answers and accountability. If he won’t resign, we will force him to resign through impeachment. Plain and simple.”
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As Breitbart News reported earlier on Wednesday, Olson’s resolution, which will be formally introduced in the House on Thursday, has already garnered the supports of Reps. Larry Bucshon (R-IN), Blake Farenthold (R-TX), Phil Roe (R-TN), Lynn Westmoreland (R-GA), Roger Williams (R-TX), Ted Yoho (R-FL) and Randy Weber (R-TX). Now, he can add Reps. Louie Gohmert (R-TX), Michele Bachmann (R-MN) and Bill Flores (R-TX) to the list.
“We can’t have the highest law enforcement official in America defying subpoenas and deciding which laws to enforce and not enforce,” Olson said in his phone interview with Breitbart News. “And so the American people deserve answers and accountability. If he won’t resign, we will force him to resign through impeachment. Plain and simple.”
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The Federal Reserve Is Monetizing A Staggering Amount Of U.S. Government Debt
The Federal Reserve is creating hundreds of billions of dollars out of thin air and using that money to buy U.S. government debt and mortgage-backed securities and take them out of circulation. Since the middle of 2008, these purchases have caused the Fed’s balance sheet to balloon from under a trillion dollars to nearly four trillion dollars. This represents the greatest central bank intervention in the history of the planet, and Janet Yellen says that she does not anticipate that it will end any time soon because “the recovery is still fragile”.
Of course, as I showed the other day, the truth is that quantitative easing has done essentially nothing for the average person on the street. But what QE has done is that it has sent stocks soaring to record highs. Unfortunately, this stock market bubble is completely and totally divorced from economic reality, and when the easy money is taken away the bubble will collapse. Just look at what happened a few months ago when Ben Bernanke suggested that the Fed may begin to “taper” the amount of quantitative easing that it was doing. The mere suggestion that the flow of easy money would start to slow down a little bit was enough to send the market into deep convulsions. This is why the Federal Reserve cannot stop monetizing debt. The moment the Fed stops, it could throw our financial markets into a crisis even worse than what we saw back in 2008.
The problems that plagued our financial system back in 2008 have never been fixed. They have just been papered over temporarily by trillions of easy dollars from the Federal Reserve. All of this easy money is keeping stocks artificially high and interest rates artificially low.
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Of course, as I showed the other day, the truth is that quantitative easing has done essentially nothing for the average person on the street. But what QE has done is that it has sent stocks soaring to record highs. Unfortunately, this stock market bubble is completely and totally divorced from economic reality, and when the easy money is taken away the bubble will collapse. Just look at what happened a few months ago when Ben Bernanke suggested that the Fed may begin to “taper” the amount of quantitative easing that it was doing. The mere suggestion that the flow of easy money would start to slow down a little bit was enough to send the market into deep convulsions. This is why the Federal Reserve cannot stop monetizing debt. The moment the Fed stops, it could throw our financial markets into a crisis even worse than what we saw back in 2008.
The problems that plagued our financial system back in 2008 have never been fixed. They have just been papered over temporarily by trillions of easy dollars from the Federal Reserve. All of this easy money is keeping stocks artificially high and interest rates artificially low.
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SEN. COBURN: OBAMA'S DHS NOMINEE PLAGIARIZED 23 TIMES
Senate Homeland Security and Governmental Affairs ranking member Sen. Tom Coburn (R-OK) has found that President Barack Obama’s nominee to be the secretary of the Department of Homeland Security (DHS) ,Jeh Johnson, plagiarized 23 times in his written questionnaire provided to the committee before his confirmation hearing.
The Associated Press reported on Thursday that Coburn “said he was concerned that Johnson's written answers to customary prehearing questions used the same language in 23 instances as several other Obama administration nominees.”
"They're not your answers," Coburn said to Johnson at the hearing. "The point is to get your thoughts."
The AP added that “Coburn said he wouldn't consider the questionnaire complete until the committee received new answers to the questions.”
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The Associated Press reported on Thursday that Coburn “said he was concerned that Johnson's written answers to customary prehearing questions used the same language in 23 instances as several other Obama administration nominees.”
"They're not your answers," Coburn said to Johnson at the hearing. "The point is to get your thoughts."
The AP added that “Coburn said he wouldn't consider the questionnaire complete until the committee received new answers to the questions.”
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Coburn: DHS Nominee Johnson Used Cribbed Answers For Confirmation Hearing
The Obama administration was accused Wednesday of providing cribbed answers to 23 questions in the form the Senate received for the hearing of its nominee to lead the Department of Homeland Security -- as the nominee also ran into criticism from one senator who said he won't vote for him unless he makes a major border security pledge.
Sen. John McCain, R-Ariz., got into a heated exchange with nominee Jeh Johnson, pressing him to commit to boost border security to 90 percent effectiveness. Johnson did not make the pledge. McCain said he, then, could not support his nomination.
That was after another senator, Tom Coburn of Oklahoma, charged that the White House "cut and pasted" Johnson's responses to the committee.
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Sen. John McCain, R-Ariz., got into a heated exchange with nominee Jeh Johnson, pressing him to commit to boost border security to 90 percent effectiveness. Johnson did not make the pledge. McCain said he, then, could not support his nomination.
That was after another senator, Tom Coburn of Oklahoma, charged that the White House "cut and pasted" Johnson's responses to the committee.
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Holiday Spending Plans Collapse
It seems, as Jim Quinn notes, the 99% are not cooperating with the 1% plan for economic recovery. As Gallup reports, average Americans plan on spending 10% less for Christmas gifts this year than last year. Not only that, but they are spending 19% less than they spent in 2007 and 18% less than they spent in 1999. The average American is spending less because they have less as the talking heads on CNBC and the rest of the MSM tell me that things are great. Opening stores on Thanksgiving will not save anyone and perhaps more critically, the last 2 times the November forecast for holiday spending slumped - the US entered recession!
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Hugo Chavez-Linked Group Crafted ‘You Can Keep Your Plan’
Research developed by imaging guru for Venezuelan dictator
A little-known group called the Herndon Alliance has been the driving force in branding Obamacare to the public.
It was this group that advised President Obama to say Americans can maintain their choice of doctors and insurers under his health-care plan, WND has learned.
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A little-known group called the Herndon Alliance has been the driving force in branding Obamacare to the public.
It was this group that advised President Obama to say Americans can maintain their choice of doctors and insurers under his health-care plan, WND has learned.
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What Janet Yellen Will Host And Why
We don't think the Fed's positioning is all that convincing but we see no indication that those at the top have any new ideas about how to handle criticism aimed at them and the institution.
Granted, Bernanke has tried. Central banks generally have adopted a policy called "forward guidance" that actually attempts to explain the intentions of central bank policy makers and present goals. This is supposedly an attempt to counter the criticism that central banks are not in any sense genuinely democratic or open bodies.
But forward guidance doesn't make sense on numerous levels, especially because as a concept it's quite a squirmy one ...
Tell people that central banks are giving away freshly printed money to cronies, and they'll understand the idea and usually endorse it. Tell them that central banks are more open now because they've adopted a policy called forward guidance and people will likely experience a disconnect between the problem and the proposed solution.
Of course, the Fed as an institution is not used to confronting challenges to its basic authority. Its main defense is the legislative privilege it has been granted to print monopoly money.
After 100 years, this privilege has been vitiated by the Fed's abysmal performance. Every decade there are ruinous slumps and twice within about 75 years there have been financial crises involving the whole world.
Those who want to see the Fed done away with or at least restrained have begun to concentrate not on Fed competency but on Fed transparency. This is where the battle will be waged in the future.
Putting Things In Perspective
March 21st 2010 to October 1 2013 is 3 years, 6 months, 10 days.
December 7, 1941 to May 8, 1945 is 3 years, 5 months, 1 day.
What this means is that in the time we were attacked at Pearl Harbor to the day Germany surrendered, millions of men were mobilized, tens of thousands of tanks, planes, jeeps, subs, cruisers, destroyers, and torpedoes were built and countless volumes of guns, bombs, ammo etc. were fabricated and put to use. We turned the tide in North Africa, invaded Italy, saw D-Day, the Battle of the Bulge and the race to Berlin – all while we were also fighting the Japanese in the Pacific!
In the same amount of time this administration can’t even build a working webpage!
December 7, 1941 to May 8, 1945 is 3 years, 5 months, 1 day.
What this means is that in the time we were attacked at Pearl Harbor to the day Germany surrendered, millions of men were mobilized, tens of thousands of tanks, planes, jeeps, subs, cruisers, destroyers, and torpedoes were built and countless volumes of guns, bombs, ammo etc. were fabricated and put to use. We turned the tide in North Africa, invaded Italy, saw D-Day, the Battle of the Bulge and the race to Berlin – all while we were also fighting the Japanese in the Pacific!
In the same amount of time this administration can’t even build a working webpage!
Al Qaeda's Message To US And UK:"You're Next!"
Multi-national militants fighting in a Western-backed insurgency to topple the government in Syria have announced their plans to take the war to the United States and Britain.
In a video posted on the Internet obtained through Vice News , the foreign militants said the United States and the UK would be the next targets of their militancy.
Syria's war has taken on an increasingly sectarian nature, and the rebellion is now dominated by factions affiliated either directly or ideologically with al-Qaeda, including the assorted al-Qaeda in Iraq (AQI) and Jabhat al-Nusra factions.
Though there are surely Syrian extremists fighting in these groups, large numbers of them are foreigners, and their motivations don't begin or end at the Syrian border.
One hundred British nationals have reportedly joined the militant groups in Syria, joining other from the US, Canada, France, Russia, and the Netherlands.
German intelligence authorities have recently warned that German citizens are heading for Syria in increasing numbers and are able to integrate quickly into the foreign-backed militant groups in Syria.
On May 18, Syrian President Bashar al-Assad said that militants from 29 different countries are now fighting against the government in different parts of the country.
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In a video posted on the Internet obtained through Vice News , the foreign militants said the United States and the UK would be the next targets of their militancy.
Syria's war has taken on an increasingly sectarian nature, and the rebellion is now dominated by factions affiliated either directly or ideologically with al-Qaeda, including the assorted al-Qaeda in Iraq (AQI) and Jabhat al-Nusra factions.
Though there are surely Syrian extremists fighting in these groups, large numbers of them are foreigners, and their motivations don't begin or end at the Syrian border.
One hundred British nationals have reportedly joined the militant groups in Syria, joining other from the US, Canada, France, Russia, and the Netherlands.
German intelligence authorities have recently warned that German citizens are heading for Syria in increasing numbers and are able to integrate quickly into the foreign-backed militant groups in Syria.
On May 18, Syrian President Bashar al-Assad said that militants from 29 different countries are now fighting against the government in different parts of the country.
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Rolling Jubilee Eliminates Nearly $15 Million Of American Debt
In just one year, the Rolling Jubilee has eliminated nearly $15 million dollars of American debt. The Occupy Wall Street's Strike Debt movement has spent $400,000 to purchase old debts, and simply abolished it, to free people from their back-due bills. The movement started back in November of 2012, when the group started raising money to purchase old medical debts, and issued letters to individuals saying that those bills would no longer haunt them. Originally, Strike Debt hoped to buy debt cheaply enough to get a 20 to 1 return – writing off $1 million dollars of debt for every $50,000 that they spent. However, they've been able to buy debt more cheaply than expected, and abolish more than 37 times the amount that they purchased. Outside of helping individuals, the original purpose of Strike Debt was to raise awareness of the predatory secondary debt market, and highlight how many people are suffering under the weight of past medical bills. What they have done is nothing short of heroic, and hopefully they'll continue this important fight.
The Emperor’s New Rules
Stung by public anger and his rapidly plunging approval ratings, President Obama wants to delay the cancellation of existing health care insurance policies for one year.
It has nothing to do with the public interest. It has everything to do with crass political calculations.
As an electoral tsunami gradually develops that threatens to drown Democrats and give Republicans a healthy majority in the Senate, Democrats remain focused. They are clinging to the increasingly unlikely prospect of recapturing the House of Representatives in next year’s elections, a move that would allow them to ram through more America-killing legislation. This, of course, assumes the Democrats keep control of the Senate, something that at the moment seems quite impossible.
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It has nothing to do with the public interest. It has everything to do with crass political calculations.
As an electoral tsunami gradually develops that threatens to drown Democrats and give Republicans a healthy majority in the Senate, Democrats remain focused. They are clinging to the increasingly unlikely prospect of recapturing the House of Representatives in next year’s elections, a move that would allow them to ram through more America-killing legislation. This, of course, assumes the Democrats keep control of the Senate, something that at the moment seems quite impossible.
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Does Washington Know Best?
According to some estimates, there are more than 100 million traffic signals in the U.S., but whatever the number, how many of us would like Washington, in the name of public health and safety, to be in sole charge of their operation? Congress or a committee it authorizes would determine the position of traffic signals at intersections, the length of time the lights stay red, yellow and green, and what hours of the day they can be flashing red.
While you ponder that, how many Americans would like Washington to be in charge of managing the delivery of food and other items to the nation’s supermarkets? Today’s average well-stocked U.S. supermarket stocks 60,000 to 65,000 different items from all over the U.S. and the world. Congress or some congressionally created committee could organize the choice of products and their prices. Maybe there’d be some cost savings. After all, what says that we should have so many items from which to choose? Why wouldn’t 10,000 do?
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While you ponder that, how many Americans would like Washington to be in charge of managing the delivery of food and other items to the nation’s supermarkets? Today’s average well-stocked U.S. supermarket stocks 60,000 to 65,000 different items from all over the U.S. and the world. Congress or some congressionally created committee could organize the choice of products and their prices. Maybe there’d be some cost savings. After all, what says that we should have so many items from which to choose? Why wouldn’t 10,000 do?
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IRS Can Go After Overseas Money
The Southern District Court of New York says the IRS can go after people who stash fortunes overseas. U.S. District Judge Kimba M. Wood authorized the agency to issue summonses that require Citibank and New York Mellon to hand over information about U.S. taxpayers who've been evading federal taxes. By stashing millions in undisclosed accounts overseas, many of the ultra-rich have avoided paying their fair share, but that may soon be over thanks to Judge Wood. The Court also granted permission for so-called "John Doe" summons to be issued to Bank of America, JPMorgan, and HSBC. The IRS will use these John Doe summons to identify tax fraud perpetrators, who lie about their overseas income and assets. For far too long, the rich have stashed huge fortunes in tax havens overseas, and contributed as little as possible to our commons. With new international tax agreements – like the one signed earlier this year between the US and Switzerland – and the IRS now able to investigate overseas tax fraud, the corporate elite may soon have a tougher time skipping out on contributing to our country. It is our commons, and our production, that allowed many of those at the top to become wealthy, and they should pay for the privilege of doing business here. Thanks to Judge Kimda Wood, the IRS can now hold accountable those who attempt to evade their legal – and moral – responsibility to pay their taxes.
WH Predicts: Taxes Will Hit Record $3T In FY14--$29,673 Per Full-Time Worker
(CNSNews.com) - The latest Monthly Treasury Statement, which was released on Wednesday afternoon, relies on the estimate made by the White House Office of Management and Budget to say that federal tax revenues will top $3 trillion for the first time in the nation’s history in fiscal 2014.
In fact, the record $3,023,004,000,000 in tax revenues that the White House is predicting the federal government will rake in during fiscal 2014 not only exceeds the inflation-adjusted revenue taken in by the government in any previous year, it also equals $29,673 in tax revenue for every full-time worker in the country.
It is also equals $9,534 for every man, woman and child currently living in the country.
Until now, the record-setting year for inflation-adjusted federal tax revenues was fiscal 2007. In that year, the federal government brought in $2,899,644,380,000 in constant 2013 dollars.
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In fact, the record $3,023,004,000,000 in tax revenues that the White House is predicting the federal government will rake in during fiscal 2014 not only exceeds the inflation-adjusted revenue taken in by the government in any previous year, it also equals $29,673 in tax revenue for every full-time worker in the country.
It is also equals $9,534 for every man, woman and child currently living in the country.
Until now, the record-setting year for inflation-adjusted federal tax revenues was fiscal 2007. In that year, the federal government brought in $2,899,644,380,000 in constant 2013 dollars.
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Want To Reduce Your Risk Of Dying Early?
Back in 2007, the World Cancer Research Fund (WCRF) together with the American Institute for Cancer Research (AICR) issued their official recommendations on diet, physical activity, and weight management for cancer prevention. They based these recommendations on the best and most comprehensive scientific evidence currently available.
I’m going to tell you what these 8 recommendations are in just a minute, but there’s a more important issue we need to address first, namely: do the recommendations matter?
I mean, if following them made no difference, who needs to bother to know what they are? They only matter if they actually work.
And by “work”, I mean: Do they help you live longer?
Recently, researchers decided to investigate that very question. They took 378,864 participants from nine European countries enrolled into this thing called the European Prospective Investigation into Cancer and Nutrition study. And they basically checked—as researchers can do—to see how much these folks were complying with the anti-cancer recommendations. Then they gave everyone a score, with those scoring highest having the greatest compliance with the recommendations and those scoring lowest having the least.
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I’m going to tell you what these 8 recommendations are in just a minute, but there’s a more important issue we need to address first, namely: do the recommendations matter?
I mean, if following them made no difference, who needs to bother to know what they are? They only matter if they actually work.
And by “work”, I mean: Do they help you live longer?
Recently, researchers decided to investigate that very question. They took 378,864 participants from nine European countries enrolled into this thing called the European Prospective Investigation into Cancer and Nutrition study. And they basically checked—as researchers can do—to see how much these folks were complying with the anti-cancer recommendations. Then they gave everyone a score, with those scoring highest having the greatest compliance with the recommendations and those scoring lowest having the least.
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Federal Debt Crisis
"PowerLineBlog” recently held a competition for $100,000 for whomever could most effectively and creatively dramatize the significance of the federal debt crisis. Several entries have gotten a lot of attention, but the one that has gone most viral so far is "The Doorbell." If you haven't yet seen it, you may watch it here. It’s 59 seconds long.
Beware The Looming "Wave Of Disaster" From Home Equity Payment Resets
Home equity lines due for reset may be looming financial disaster
Some borrowers may no longer be able to afford these credit lines when they are required to begin paying both principal and interest on their balances.
WASHINGTON — Could the real estate market be heading for a new financial storm? Maybe.
Some mortgage and credit experts worry that billions of dollars of home equity credit lines that were extended a decade ago during the housing boom could be heading for big trouble soon, creating a new wave of defaults for banks and homeowners.
That's because these credit lines, which are second mortgages with floating rates and flexible withdrawal terms, carry mandatory "resets" requiring borrowers to begin paying both principal and interest on their balances after 10 years. During the initial 10-year draw period, only interest payments are required.
But the difference between the interest-only and reset payments on these credit lines can be substantial — $500 to $600 or more per month in some cases. If borrowers cannot afford or choose not to make the fully amortizing payments that reduce the principal debt, the bank that owns the note can demand full payment and foreclose on the house if there is sufficient equity.
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WASHINGTON — Could the real estate market be heading for a new financial storm? Maybe.
Some mortgage and credit experts worry that billions of dollars of home equity credit lines that were extended a decade ago during the housing boom could be heading for big trouble soon, creating a new wave of defaults for banks and homeowners.
That's because these credit lines, which are second mortgages with floating rates and flexible withdrawal terms, carry mandatory "resets" requiring borrowers to begin paying both principal and interest on their balances after 10 years. During the initial 10-year draw period, only interest payments are required.
But the difference between the interest-only and reset payments on these credit lines can be substantial — $500 to $600 or more per month in some cases. If borrowers cannot afford or choose not to make the fully amortizing payments that reduce the principal debt, the bank that owns the note can demand full payment and foreclose on the house if there is sufficient equity.
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Obamacare ‘Fix’ Affirms Obama As Absolute Dictator With Power To Change Laws As He Pleases
In a desperate bid to save the rapidly collapsing Obamacare socialized medicine program, President Obama announced a “fix” yesterday that would “allow” health insurance companies to avoid cancelling whatever plans haven’t already been cancelled due to Obamacare itself.
In doing so, Obama effectively declares himself absolute dictator over all laws across the country, assuming the power to enforce, ignore or alter laws at he pleases.
The problem with this is that such powers do not exist in the Office of the President. Like everything else surrounding Obamacare, Obama himself is simply inventing new powers as he goes along and hoping no one will question his assumed (illegal) authority.
“The unexpected compromise was announced amid growing revolt within Mr. Obama’s own party over his broken promise that Americans who liked their insurance could keep it. But it sparked another backlash as some legal scholars questioned whether the president had the authority to create the loophole,” reports the Washington Times.
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In doing so, Obama effectively declares himself absolute dictator over all laws across the country, assuming the power to enforce, ignore or alter laws at he pleases.
The problem with this is that such powers do not exist in the Office of the President. Like everything else surrounding Obamacare, Obama himself is simply inventing new powers as he goes along and hoping no one will question his assumed (illegal) authority.
“The unexpected compromise was announced amid growing revolt within Mr. Obama’s own party over his broken promise that Americans who liked their insurance could keep it. But it sparked another backlash as some legal scholars questioned whether the president had the authority to create the loophole,” reports the Washington Times.
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WhoWhatWhy Bush And The JFK Hit, Part 9
Bush and the JFK Hit, Part 9: Planning a Nightmare on Elm Street
The Potomac Two-Step
De Mohrenschildt had just spent the last half year in almost constant contact with Lee Harvey Oswald, who had recently returned from several years in Soviet Russia. De Mohrenschildt had done so, moreover, at the CIA’s request, or so he claimed. It seems unlikely that the sole topic of the New York meeting with WUBRINY/1 would have been sisal in Haiti. Nevertheless, in the minds of these people, sisal was apparently enough to hang a legend on.
Now there was a documented and apparently benign reason that Thomas Devine (and by implication, Devine’s longtime associate George H. W. Bush) knew a man about to be under fierce scrutiny for his own ties to the alleged killer of the president of the United States.
In case the “sisal” document of April 1963 was not enough, de Mohrenschildt next traveled to Washington, DC where he and his friend Mr. Charles met with other government figures, ostensibly to talk about sisal.
Here the story gains a more intriguing layer – namely, the suggestion that de Mohrenschildt’s real purpose was to secure U.S. government backing for a coup d’état against the Haitian dictator François “Papa Doc” Duvalier. De Mohrenschildt and Charles appear to have obtained an audience with none other than Howard Burns, military adviser to Vice President Lyndon Johnson, with the prospect of meeting LBJ himself.
As noted in correspondence dated April 18, 1963:
Dear Mr. Mohrenschildt:
Your letter has come in the Vice President’s absence from the office . . . I would like to suggest that you see Colonel Howard Burris, Air Force Aide to the Vice President, when you come to Washington. Should Mr. Johnson happen to have any office hours here during our stay, we will be happy to see if a mutually convenient time can be found for you to meet . . . With warm wishes, Sincerely, Walter Jenkins, Administrative Assistant to the Vice President.
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The Potomac Two-Step
De Mohrenschildt had just spent the last half year in almost constant contact with Lee Harvey Oswald, who had recently returned from several years in Soviet Russia. De Mohrenschildt had done so, moreover, at the CIA’s request, or so he claimed. It seems unlikely that the sole topic of the New York meeting with WUBRINY/1 would have been sisal in Haiti. Nevertheless, in the minds of these people, sisal was apparently enough to hang a legend on.
Now there was a documented and apparently benign reason that Thomas Devine (and by implication, Devine’s longtime associate George H. W. Bush) knew a man about to be under fierce scrutiny for his own ties to the alleged killer of the president of the United States.
In case the “sisal” document of April 1963 was not enough, de Mohrenschildt next traveled to Washington, DC where he and his friend Mr. Charles met with other government figures, ostensibly to talk about sisal.
Here the story gains a more intriguing layer – namely, the suggestion that de Mohrenschildt’s real purpose was to secure U.S. government backing for a coup d’état against the Haitian dictator François “Papa Doc” Duvalier. De Mohrenschildt and Charles appear to have obtained an audience with none other than Howard Burns, military adviser to Vice President Lyndon Johnson, with the prospect of meeting LBJ himself.
As noted in correspondence dated April 18, 1963:
Dear Mr. Mohrenschildt:
Your letter has come in the Vice President’s absence from the office . . . I would like to suggest that you see Colonel Howard Burris, Air Force Aide to the Vice President, when you come to Washington. Should Mr. Johnson happen to have any office hours here during our stay, we will be happy to see if a mutually convenient time can be found for you to meet . . . With warm wishes, Sincerely, Walter Jenkins, Administrative Assistant to the Vice President.
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"The Terminator" Explains Janet Yellen's Confirmation To The Middle Class
Irony: The woman who is set to become one of the most powerful people in the world begins her confirmation hearing today. And few people have ever even heard of her.
It must be a byproduct of the government-controlled education system; people still think they live in a free country with a representative democracy. It’s anything but.
Voting, elections, etc. are all just illusions to make people think that they have some influence in society.
A tiny elite orchestrates the whole system. And one of the most influential conductors is the Chairman of the Federal Reserve, a post about to be taken over by Janet Yellen.
Since most people have no idea how central banking really works, her confirmation hearing today is just a footnote.
Even people who are otherwise financially sophisticated simply trust that the men behind the curtain know what they’re doing.
This is quite strange when you consider that central bankers have nearly total control over the economy.
In their sole discretion, they are able to set interest rates, conjure money out of thin air, finance trillion-dollar government deficits, bail out commercial banks, etc.
And through these tools, they have the power to manipulate the prices of just about anything, from the Google stock to real estate in Thailand to turnips in Sri Lanka.
For the last several years, the US central bank has set the example for the rest of the world in aggressively using their policy tools.
Most significantly, they have unabashedly printed money in unprecedented quantities. And this has not been without consequence.
For some, the effects have been beneficial.
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It must be a byproduct of the government-controlled education system; people still think they live in a free country with a representative democracy. It’s anything but.
Voting, elections, etc. are all just illusions to make people think that they have some influence in society.
A tiny elite orchestrates the whole system. And one of the most influential conductors is the Chairman of the Federal Reserve, a post about to be taken over by Janet Yellen.
Since most people have no idea how central banking really works, her confirmation hearing today is just a footnote.
Even people who are otherwise financially sophisticated simply trust that the men behind the curtain know what they’re doing.
This is quite strange when you consider that central bankers have nearly total control over the economy.
In their sole discretion, they are able to set interest rates, conjure money out of thin air, finance trillion-dollar government deficits, bail out commercial banks, etc.
And through these tools, they have the power to manipulate the prices of just about anything, from the Google stock to real estate in Thailand to turnips in Sri Lanka.
For the last several years, the US central bank has set the example for the rest of the world in aggressively using their policy tools.
Most significantly, they have unabashedly printed money in unprecedented quantities. And this has not been without consequence.
For some, the effects have been beneficial.
More
There Is No Fix: “The Entire System Will Detonate Within The First Year”
We’ve got a serious problem on our hands and it’s one that many Obamacare apologists refuse to admit.
The Patient Affordable Care Act is an unprecedented catastrophe in the making.
While millions of Americans are losing their health care coverage within weeks, the health care exchanges advocated by Obamacare supporters are in shambles. So far, a little over 100,000 people have signed up. Moreover, what’s important to understand is that none of these people have yet paid a premium, so in essence, those are preliminary numbers. When the monthly bill comes due, we’ll see how many people actually have the money to pay the exorbitant new rates.
The key problem is one of basic arithmetic.
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The Patient Affordable Care Act is an unprecedented catastrophe in the making.While millions of Americans are losing their health care coverage within weeks, the health care exchanges advocated by Obamacare supporters are in shambles. So far, a little over 100,000 people have signed up. Moreover, what’s important to understand is that none of these people have yet paid a premium, so in essence, those are preliminary numbers. When the monthly bill comes due, we’ll see how many people actually have the money to pay the exorbitant new rates.
The key problem is one of basic arithmetic.
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WE ALL HATE COMMON CORE
Everyone hates Common Core.
In New York, they hate it on the Left and they hate it on the Right.
They gather by the hundreds to yell at state officials, they write letters to the editor about it, they plan lawsuits to trip it up.
It is quite possibly the most universally unpopular government policy in a generation. And in New York, that’s saying something.
What is Common Core?
It’s the nationwide public-school curriculum that is the centerpiece of Barack Obama’s Race To The Top program. It tells America’s teachers what to teach and how to teach it. It makes Washington the master of American education and, consequently, the master of the American mind.
That’s why conservatives don’t like it. They believe it’s indoctrination, not education.
And they’re probably right.
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In New York, they hate it on the Left and they hate it on the Right.
They gather by the hundreds to yell at state officials, they write letters to the editor about it, they plan lawsuits to trip it up.
It is quite possibly the most universally unpopular government policy in a generation. And in New York, that’s saying something.
What is Common Core?
It’s the nationwide public-school curriculum that is the centerpiece of Barack Obama’s Race To The Top program. It tells America’s teachers what to teach and how to teach it. It makes Washington the master of American education and, consequently, the master of the American mind.
That’s why conservatives don’t like it. They believe it’s indoctrination, not education.
And they’re probably right.
More
SOLAR PANELS FRYING BIRDS ALONG MAJOR MIGRATION PATH
Some animal rights activists are wondering just how many birds green energy may unintentionally kill as more and more birds turn up dead at solar energy facilities throughout California.
A recent article by Vice author Lex Berko notes that dead birds are being found with "singed wings" around several California solar energy facilities.
It happens that many of California's solar plants are, the article claims, in the path of "the four major north-to-south trajectories for migratory birds" called "the Pacific Flyway."
Birds are dying in one of two ways. In some cases, they imagine the shining solar panels to be bodies of water and dive straight into them. There they die when they smash into the panels from the sky.
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A recent article by Vice author Lex Berko notes that dead birds are being found with "singed wings" around several California solar energy facilities.
It happens that many of California's solar plants are, the article claims, in the path of "the four major north-to-south trajectories for migratory birds" called "the Pacific Flyway."
Birds are dying in one of two ways. In some cases, they imagine the shining solar panels to be bodies of water and dive straight into them. There they die when they smash into the panels from the sky.
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How JP Morgan Bribed The Chinese Prime Minister's Daughter Using A Fake Name
Allegations of JP Morgan’s use of clever tactics to bribe Chinese officials recently received mainstream attention when Salon journalist Alex Pareene mentioned it in a comical and classic interview on CNBC (you need to watch the video before reading this) with presstitute Maria Bartiromo. When Mr.Pareene mentioned these claims against the TBTF bank, CNBC mocked him for the fact that his information had come from the New York Times. Well it appears the paper has now given CNBC a taste of its own medicine; with some actual real reporting, something the clownish financial-tv channel drowning in a zero ratings death spiral doesn’t seem all that interested in doing.
This article from the New York Times details how JP Morgan paid $75,000 a month to an obscure consulting firm called Fullmark Consultants, which had only two employees. The firm was run by a woman named Lily Chang, which in reality was the alias used by Wen Jiabao’s only daughter Wen Ruchun. Wen Jiabao was the Prime Minister of China at the time.
Unsurprisingly, many lucrative deals followed for the JP Morgan in China. How about we #AskJPM about that.
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This article from the New York Times details how JP Morgan paid $75,000 a month to an obscure consulting firm called Fullmark Consultants, which had only two employees. The firm was run by a woman named Lily Chang, which in reality was the alias used by Wen Jiabao’s only daughter Wen Ruchun. Wen Jiabao was the Prime Minister of China at the time.
Unsurprisingly, many lucrative deals followed for the JP Morgan in China. How about we #AskJPM about that.
More
9/11 Style Attack in LA May Be Imminent, Anonymous Warns
The world renowned hacker activist group “Anonymous” issued one of their civic-minded warnings yesterday on behalf of the people of Los Angeles. Anonymous has indicated that they have information which leads them to believe that a false flag event similar to the twin tower attacks in New York is in the works for the Citi Bank building. The chief tenant of that building at this time is Freddie Mac.
They are specific in their information, with the attack expected on Friday, November 15th. They indicated that their information alerted them to SWAT drills being conducted in the downtown area in a manner different from other drills which have been recently carried out. They did not specify in what way they were different.
They also stated that the insurance coverage for the building has been dropped with the exception of those portions of coverage which provide for special conditions, physical damage, and coverages related to terrorism. Those coverages remain in effect, according to Anonymous’ sources. They identify the certificate holder for the insurance Hines Vaf.
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They are specific in their information, with the attack expected on Friday, November 15th. They indicated that their information alerted them to SWAT drills being conducted in the downtown area in a manner different from other drills which have been recently carried out. They did not specify in what way they were different.
They also stated that the insurance coverage for the building has been dropped with the exception of those portions of coverage which provide for special conditions, physical damage, and coverages related to terrorism. Those coverages remain in effect, according to Anonymous’ sources. They identify the certificate holder for the insurance Hines Vaf.
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The Craig / Haddaway Cigar Party
November 20th, 2013
5pm - 8pm
at Main Street Cigar
2217 E.Churchville Road
Bel Air, MD
Come out and enjoy
Main Street Cigar's private lounge with
County Executive David R. Craig,
delicious food, beer, and complimentary cigars.
Tickets are $50 and include 2 free premium cigars.
RSVP to pj@davidcraig.com or call 410-939-1941.
Newt Gingrich: “Obamacare Is Going To Collapse”
Newt is a smart guy and he may right about this.
“I personally believe Obamacare is going to collapse. I doubt in three or four years anything resembling the current system is going to exist,” Gingrich told The Daily Caller in a wide-ranging interview. “Young people are going to look at this and ask themselves if they’re just going to pay the penalty, which is dramatically cheaper than buying insurance.”
“Sebelius should resign. It sends a bad message across government. Nothing like this could happen in the private sector without replacing the person in charge,” said the former House speaker and newly minted Crossfire host, whose 27th book, “Breakout: Pioneers of the Future, Prison Guards of the Past, and the Epic Battle That Will Decide America’s Fate,” focuses on how bureaucratic systems impede technological progress.
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“I personally believe Obamacare is going to collapse. I doubt in three or four years anything resembling the current system is going to exist,” Gingrich told The Daily Caller in a wide-ranging interview. “Young people are going to look at this and ask themselves if they’re just going to pay the penalty, which is dramatically cheaper than buying insurance.”
“Sebelius should resign. It sends a bad message across government. Nothing like this could happen in the private sector without replacing the person in charge,” said the former House speaker and newly minted Crossfire host, whose 27th book, “Breakout: Pioneers of the Future, Prison Guards of the Past, and the Epic Battle That Will Decide America’s Fate,” focuses on how bureaucratic systems impede technological progress.
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THE NUCLEAR OPTION: DEMOCRATS, NOT GOP, FACING LOOMING CIVIL WAR
Despite what the hysterical media will tell you, those distant blasts you heard last week rolling from New York City to Richmond were not cannon fire from the ongoing civil war within the Republican Party. They were the first shots fired in the civil war that is about to break wide open within the Democratic Party.
The hyperventilating media have gone from simply jaundiced sideline observers to outright cheerleaders, breathlessly fanning the flames of discord within the GOP at every turn. Who knew The New York Times cares so much about Republican politicians from Texas and Utah? Of course, they don’t. Unless those conservative Texans and Utahans are in a knife fight with establishment Republicans in Washington.
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The hyperventilating media have gone from simply jaundiced sideline observers to outright cheerleaders, breathlessly fanning the flames of discord within the GOP at every turn. Who knew The New York Times cares so much about Republican politicians from Texas and Utah? Of course, they don’t. Unless those conservative Texans and Utahans are in a knife fight with establishment Republicans in Washington.
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HISTORICAL COMMENTS BY GEORGE CHEVALLIER 11-16-13
THE SOMERSET AND WORCESTER SAVINGS BANK
Many banks flourished in the years before the United States government began printing currency in 1862. These were known as “broken banks” and their currency was “discounted” if used out of the area. It is widely collected today. Since the printing was done in the lithograph style, the notes are extremely detailed and beautiful. One of these banks was the Somerset and Worcester Bank in Salisbury, which was in Somerset County at the time. While no mention of the bank’s main office location has been found, the notes are widely found today.
Known history of the bank is that it was chartered on February 27, 1856 and ceased operations about 1863-1864. Black uniface notes were probably the first to have been issued, all recorded copies showing evidence of relatively heavy circulation. Well-circulated copies of both the red and black and the green and black notes are to be found, but uncirculated copies are much more frequently encountered. An opinion has been expressed that the black uniface notes were the last to be issued as the bank officers wished to spend less on the cost of printing by eliminating the colored security prints. It seems more likely that the reverse is the case, the bank officers attempting to increase public confidence in an institution that was in financial difficulty by improving the appearance and security of their notes.
After the bank closed they must have had a supply of the notes on hand as examples of the notes are found with an advertisement overprinted on the reverse from a local business college. These are very rare.
Sets of all four denominations ($1, $2, $3, and $5) of the red and black notes can be formed in which the final digit of the printed 1862 year date has been changed in manuscript, in red ink, to “3”, “4” or “5”. All four denominations of the red and black notes are occasionally found printed on very thin, almost transparent paper, often with an almost oily appearance. The notes were printed by the American Bank Note Co. in New York.
Republican Women Of Worcester County
2013 Annual Dinner - Installation Meeting
Guest Speakers:
Laura Dover - Common Core
Grant Helvey - Agenda 21
Delegate Mike Spiegel - 2nd Amendment
The Restaurant at Lighthouse Sound
Thursday, November 21
Doors open at 5:30 pm
6:00 pm - Social Hour w/Cash Bar
7:00 pm - Dinner
Prime Rib or Crab Cake
Both entrées come with vegetable, starch, Caesar salad, rolls with butter, dessert, coffee or tea
$40.00 per person
Deadline for reservations is November 18. Send check made to RWWC to:
Sandy Fennell
410-202-8688—sandyfen57@yahoo.com
6 Whaler Lane, Ocean Pines, MD 21811
Guest Speakers:
Laura Dover - Common Core
Grant Helvey - Agenda 21
Delegate Mike Spiegel - 2nd Amendment
The Restaurant at Lighthouse Sound
Thursday, November 21
Doors open at 5:30 pm
6:00 pm - Social Hour w/Cash Bar
7:00 pm - Dinner
Prime Rib or Crab Cake
Both entrées come with vegetable, starch, Caesar salad, rolls with butter, dessert, coffee or tea
$40.00 per person
Deadline for reservations is November 18. Send check made to RWWC to:
Sandy Fennell
410-202-8688—sandyfen57@yahoo.com
6 Whaler Lane, Ocean Pines, MD 21811
Why Firing A Bad Cop Is Damn Near Impossible
A brief history of the "law enforcement bill of rights"
Over the summer, a still from a surveillance camera showing a police officer kicking a handcuffed woman in the head went viral on Facebook and email. The text below the picture read, "Rhode Island police officer Edward Krawetz received no jail time for this brutal assault on this seated and handcuffed woman. Now he wants his job back. Share if you don't want this to happen." The allegation was wild enough to pique the interest of the rumor-debunking site Snopes.com, which determined that the story was, in fact, true.
In 2009, Officer Edward Krawetz of the Lincoln Police Department arrested Donna Levesque for unruly behavior at a casino in Lincoln, Rhode Island. While seated on the ground with her hands cuffed behind her, Levesque kicked Krawetz in the shin. Krawetz responded by cocking back his right leg and nailing Levesque in the side of the head, knocking her over. In March 2012, Krawetz was convicted of felony battery despite his claim that he kicked Levesque in "self defense." The 10-year sentence he received was immediately suspended, and Krawetz was ordered to attend anger management classes.
Over the summer, a still from a surveillance camera showing a police officer kicking a handcuffed woman in the head went viral on Facebook and email. The text below the picture read, "Rhode Island police officer Edward Krawetz received no jail time for this brutal assault on this seated and handcuffed woman. Now he wants his job back. Share if you don't want this to happen." The allegation was wild enough to pique the interest of the rumor-debunking site Snopes.com, which determined that the story was, in fact, true.
In 2009, Officer Edward Krawetz of the Lincoln Police Department arrested Donna Levesque for unruly behavior at a casino in Lincoln, Rhode Island. While seated on the ground with her hands cuffed behind her, Levesque kicked Krawetz in the shin. Krawetz responded by cocking back his right leg and nailing Levesque in the side of the head, knocking her over. In March 2012, Krawetz was convicted of felony battery despite his claim that he kicked Levesque in "self defense." The 10-year sentence he received was immediately suspended, and Krawetz was ordered to attend anger management classes.
Upcoming Guerrero Fight
Just wanted to let everyone know that Alex Guerrero(9-0-1) is fighting on Friday Nov 22nd at the Rollins Center in Dover Downs, Delaware. There are 8 fights with some very good matchups on the card. Alex will fight Galen Brown a very experience verteran with 65 fights under his belt and a 63% winning ratio.
A good performance by Alex who is rated at #6 in the US cruiserweight division could help make him a staple at Dover Downs and make it possible to fight the final push up the ladder, locally. Something Alex would like very much. Only one fighter from mid-east coast comes even close to that ranking and that is Alex’s younger brother Fernando, who is rated #8 in the US in the middleweight division.
Tickets are from $35-$125 and can be bought online by going to Dover Downs website.
Thank You,
Coach Hal,
Main St Gym
What Is The Real Agenda Of The American Police State?
In my last column I emphasized that it was important for American citizens to demand to know what the real agendas are behind the wars of choice by the Bush and Obama regimes. These are major long term wars each lasting two to three times as long as World War II. Forbes reports that one million US soldiers have been injured in the Iraq and Afghanistan wars.
RT reports that the cost of keeping each US soldier in Afghanistan has risen from $1.3 million per soldier to $2.1 million per soldier. Matthew J. Nasutireports in the Kabul Press that it cost US taxpayers $50 million to kill one Taliban soldier. That means it cost $1 billion to kill 20 Taliban fighters. This is a war that can be won only at the cost of the total bankruptcy of the United States.
Joseph Stiglitz and Linda Bilmes have estimated that the current out-of-pocket and already incurred future costs of the Afghan and Iraq wars is at least $6 trillion.
In other words, it is the cost of these two wars that explain the explosion of the US public debt and the economic and political problems associated with this large debt.
What has America gained in return for $6 trillion and one million injured soldiers, many very severely?
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RT reports that the cost of keeping each US soldier in Afghanistan has risen from $1.3 million per soldier to $2.1 million per soldier. Matthew J. Nasutireports in the Kabul Press that it cost US taxpayers $50 million to kill one Taliban soldier. That means it cost $1 billion to kill 20 Taliban fighters. This is a war that can be won only at the cost of the total bankruptcy of the United States.
Joseph Stiglitz and Linda Bilmes have estimated that the current out-of-pocket and already incurred future costs of the Afghan and Iraq wars is at least $6 trillion.
In other words, it is the cost of these two wars that explain the explosion of the US public debt and the economic and political problems associated with this large debt.
What has America gained in return for $6 trillion and one million injured soldiers, many very severely?
More