| The Boom Was a Bust for Ordinary People
For years now, that strange stimulus-crazed beast, the economy, has been going its own way, increasingly disconnected from the toils and troubles of ordinary Americans. The economy, for example, has been expanding, at least until now, and growth is supposed to guarantee general well-being. As long as the gross domestic product grows, World Money Watch's Web site assures us, "so will business, jobs and personal income." But hellooo, we've had brisk growth for the past few years, as the president has tirelessly reminded us, only without those promised increases in personal income, at least not for the poor and the middle class. According to a study just released by the Economic Policy Institute, real wages actually fell last year. Growth, some of the economists are conceding in perplexity, has been "decoupled" from widely shared prosperity.
Will 'Amnesty' Sink McCain?
The perennial controversy over what to call McCain's amnesty is silly. Every program in the world that has allowed illegal immigrants to stay has been called an "amnesty." McCain himself called it "amnesty" as recently as May 2003, when he told the Tucson Citizen "I think we can set up a program where amnesty is extended to a certain number of people who are eligible … Amnesty has to be an important part ..." But once the focus-group results were in, "amnesty" became a four-letter word. ...[snip] Real Straight Talk would be to say "Sure, it's an amnesty, but we don't really have any choice" ... P.S.: The McCain, post-focus-group argument is that it can't be "amnesty" if it has some requirements--e.g., to pay a fine, learn English, etc. But it turns out that Ronald Reagan's 1986 "comprehensive" reform, which he and everyone else called an "amnesty," had requirements too, including payment of fees.
Sunday Morning Sullivan
And just like in Iowa, Obama beats them all. Edwards doesn't run as strong in New Hampshire as in Iowa - no surprise there - but he still manages a dead heat against McCain and Giuliani and handily beats Romney. So even though Hillary is clinging to a lead at the top of the field, she's once again giving off the "unelectable" vibe in comparison to her two most serious primary challengers. [E.A.] P.S.: In light of these poll results, doesn't Dick Morris' theory--that if Obama now doesn't run he'll have done Hillary a favor by clearing the field--have a couple of holes: 1) Obama hasn't cleared Edwards out; and 2) If Obama decides not to run early next year, and Hillary's still this weak, there will be plenty of time for new challengers to jump in. ... P.P.S.: Why does Massachusetts' governor Mitt Romney do so poorly in 'neighboring New Hampshire'? 12:32 P.M.
1958: Lakeside Aluminum shuts down Feb. 14
The only candidate seeking re-election. Others nominated were Keith Pickerign and James E. Willard, both Route 4, Menomonie; John K. Higley, Route 2, Menomonie; Elise C. Nooney, Route 5, Menomonie; and Richard D. Lowery, 316 13th St. N, Menomonie...Eliminated were Raymond Ludka, Janine S. Zeutschel and Barbara A. Shannon. Incumbents not seeking re-election were Douglas Larson and James Anderson... State Rep. Richard Shoemaker (D-Menomonie) announces his appointment to the Agriculture, Food Policy & Nutrition Committee of the National Conference of State Legislatures...Menomonie High's Suneel Arora presented a $75 savings bond after winning the Voice of Democracy contest sponsored by VFW Post 1039 and Auxiliary. He is the son of Mr. and Mrs. Nehar Arora, 301 18th St...Tim Kothlow's desperation layup with three seconds left in the game gives Menomonie High boys' cagers a 51 to 50 win over Durand...Dan Burns (119), Bruce Gebhart (126), Bill Ockler (145), and Bryan Halama (heavyweight), win first place at Hudson to lead Menomonie High to its first regional wrestling title in 17 years.
Testing home school students has merit
Also, what makes a parent fit to teach their children? Did they attend college? Did they get certified? Do they have to dedicate their summers to continueing education? Nope. But guess what? All the teachers at the abhorrently substandard public schools do. " .
Economy-Economics- World
Stephen Pizzo: It Really IS the Economy, Stupid (21 comments) While his heart tells him this election should be about the war in Iraq, the author's head tells him that the subject better quickly become the US economy. If it doesn't the war will end anyway. Monday, February 25: Rowan Wolf: Economy Anyone? (5 comments) The economic "disturbance" is well past "risky" loans. Sunday, February 17: Ed Tubbs: Econ 202, and why understanding it is critical to your health Ignorance and stupidity do more to promote and enable governmental abuse of power than perhaps anything else. Over history, more governments have failed from within than have perished because of external assault. Wednesday, January 30: Bernie Sanders: The State of the Union Bush Forgot to Talk About (17 comments) I listened intently to President Bush's State of the Union speech.
My life as an FBI mole
For the first time, the FBI "mole" who's expected to be a key prosecution witness against indicted developer and political fund-raiser Tony Rezko is talking. In an exclusive interview with the Sun-Times, John Thomas said his life became frantic as he amassed hundreds of hours of recorded conversations for federal investigators while trying to maintain the real estate business he built on pluck and hustle. .
Stocks: More Bricks in the Wall of Worry
These factors helped the stock market close out a miserable week with another big sell-off. Major indexes finished sharply lower Friday as fears about more subprime-fueled mayhem in financial markets soared on more disturbing news from the financial sector, including the Merrill news. A plunge in a consumer confidence measure added to investors' pessimism. Even confirmation that Bank of America (BAC) is indeed buying troubled mortgage lender Countrywide Financial (CFC) for $4.1 billion in stock wasn't able to pierce the thickening gloom on Wall Street, as questions abound about the magnitude of writedowns that Countrywide still faces and how Bank of America, which would become the nation's premiere mortgage lender when the deal closes in the third quarter, will handle the company's billions of dollars in debt.
A Reason to Vote Hillary
His Texas Supreme Court opinions are pedestrian and undistinguished. His public statements mix prefabricated talking points with vacuous platitudes. By many accounts, he typically says little or nothing during internal debates and discussions among administration lawyers. [Emphasis added.] Being unpredictable, Taylor notes, isn't in itself necessarily a winning job qualification. ... But it's not clear, after reading Taylor's column, that Gonzalez really is unpredictable. He seems to have been entirely consistent--you just have to look for the right underlying principle. Specifically, has he ever taken a position that might threaten his career? ... 4:09 P.M. Did War of the Worlds screenwriter David Koepp really say that the Martians in the movie represent "American military forces," while Tom Cruise and the embattled Earthlings represent Iraqi civilians? Looks like he did.
Protect your loved ones from financial exploitation
This finding will remain on file and subject to public disclosure to allow others to investigate his history and protect their loved ones ["The Fleecing of Frances Taylor" investigative series, The Seattle Times, page one, Dec. 2-3]. Seniors and vulnerable adults deserve our respect as well as our protection. Working together, we can help keep them safe from harm. Rob McKenna is the attorney general of Washington state. .
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