We’ve been waiting a long time for this and, finally, it’s almost here. A lot of background work has been done by Perceptions Studio and yesterday was a massively long prototyping session as to how it will all fit together. We think
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Grok 3.0 – It’s almost time!
Underreported story of the week: American-Mexican bilateral trade deal
“…Both the U.S. and Mexico have removed trade barriers, eliminated tariffs and subsidies…”
My, my – it looks like the use of tariffs as an economic tool (when wielded correctly) is actually having a positive result. As a Free Trader, if nationally based and anti-free trade tariffs and subsidies are eliminated, this can only be a good thing! Conservative Treehouse has a good synopsis of the intent and result of this decision announced earlier this week on the re-negotiation of the Mexican part of the NAFTA treaty – and note the note about Canada’s unwillingness (emphasis mine):
Under the original 1993 terms and Chapter 22 of the Implementation Act, Lighthizer notifies congress that trade parties have modified the terms; this is the Section 2202 notification of modification. Ninety days after the date of the notification the U.S. and Mexico can sign the new terms of agreement; congressional approval is not required. [Canada can still join the U.S-Mexico agreement but they need to act fast.]
If Canada refuses to join the agreement Lighthizer will follow-up the 2202 modification notification with a Section 2205 notice dissolving the U.S. from the 1993 agreement with Canada; the dissolution is official six months from the date of notification. During the 6 month period, before official dissolution, the U.S. and Canada can enter into new negotiations for a separate bilateral trade agreement.
Quick Thought – but what about all those campaign promises?
Sheesh – backslapping for the sake of backslapping? I guess that the “Right side of the most august legislative body in the world” didn’t really want to listen to Glenn Reynold’s (of Instapundit fame) maxim:
“Legislate like there’s no tomorrow, because there might not be one. And if they did, the increase in voter enthusiasm could make all the difference in November.”
They didn’t follow it when they started the session, didn’t follow it in mid-stream, and haven’t followed it EVAH! They couldn’t even pass their most vaunted promise – “We’ll repeal Obamacare!”. Sure, they did Tax Reform and they’ve “consented” to Trump’s conservative judicial nominations. But did they, after a few years of having the majority, return to “regular order”? How much and how hard did they really work in getting the GOP Agenda into practice and into law?
The Senate adjourned this week amid self-administered backslaps for “working hard during August” (they worked a grand total of 6.5 days) and donning self-congratulatory laurels as they praised themselves for implementing “major Republican priorities.”
Really, 6.5 days? That’s a lowly
SDGA Improving Governance Seminar Series – What is your statutory Authority & Where does it comes from?
Improving Governance Seminar Series Legal Basis: Fact or Fiction As a School Board or Budget Committee member, do you often wonder what your statutory authority is and where it comes from? How can you reconcile what your Superintendent tells you versus what the NH RSAs command you to do? Come join us for a discussion of … Read more
Just a regular guy – but the Left hates him
I used to think I was just a regular guy, but . . .
I was born white, which now, whether I like it or not, makes me a racist.
I am a fiscal and moral conservative, which by today’s standards, makes me a fascist.
I am heterosexual, which according to gay folks, now makes me a homophobic.
Alan Bershtein – candidate for NH State House, Rockingham County 2 (Candia, Deerfield, Nottingham)
Having spent my entire career in the private sector, I finally have the honor of seeking public office. I have never run for public office before, so this is my first rodeo! I have reached a point in my life where I can devote the time and energy to something for which I truly have great passion. My wife Deirdre and I are empty-nesters. Our home is in the beautiful and bucolic town of Nottingham. I am seeking to represent Candia, Deerfield, and Nottingham in the New Hampshire House of Representatives. My goal is to earn your vote in the September 11th Republican primary and then in the November 6th general election. As I have campaigned door-to-door daily, so many of you have graciously invited me into your homes. It is inspiring to listen to your issues and concerns and this continues to motivate me to be the best representative of our communities.
Professional Career
After earning my bachelor’s degree in
Data Point – 2nd Quarter GDP revised upwards
Economists expect growth to slow to a still solid 3 percent annual rate the rest of the year, resulting in full-year growth of 3 percent for 2018. It would be the best performance since 2005, two years before the Great Recession began. The 4.2 percent annual growth that the government estimated for last quarter is the … Read more
The Democrat agenda of Personal Destruction promulgated by Elizabeth Ruediger
To the Editor:
The argument for being “pro-choice” was redefined last week when Randolph’s Kathleen Kelley announced her candidacy for State Senate in a write-in campaign against embattled incumbent, Jeff Woodburn. Now, for those of you living under the proverbial rock, Mr. Woodburn has been “accused” of some “nefarious” actions in his intimate relationship with the “Tonya Harding of politics”. Woodburn’s accuser has filed a formal, legal complaint alleging he kicked her clothes dryer and broke her door jam during an altercation. The complaint further alleges that Woodburn bit her twice over the course of a two day period. My experience with “biters” is that why are generally under the age of eight and it is not the predominant defense or offense mechanism for adult males of Woodburn’s size. Lastly, bites are intimate.
Bites are intimate because THEY ARE HAPPENING TO YOUR SKIN! And underlying tissue. And worse case – bones. Bites HURT and the writer of this snippet taken from the Caledonian Record is Elizabeth Ruediger of Dummer, NH. She obviously hasn’t been in a real fight where there are no rules. Sure, little kids do bite and will bite but if the opportunity affords itself in a fit of rage, anger, offense, or defense, biting is an effective tool for any age.
But what I wanted to call your attention is the affirmation of the supposition in Steve’s post: Berlin NH Mayor Names Victim of Woodburn Domestic Violence – It’s Not Who You Think
Isn’t that what it’s supposed to be? A deterrent?
In an article on the Democrats using Lawfare to make sure ANYONE can vote here in NH (and probably feel that NH residents shouldn’t), this caught my eye:
The provisions of SB 3, however, require new voters to prove they either live in New Hampshire, or are domiciled in New Hampshire. Domicility is the concept used in New Hampshire law to describe out-of-state college students who attend school in New Hampshire, and are legally allowed to vote in Granite State elections. If those new voters lack the required documents, such as a utility bill or a letter from their college stating where they live for the school year, they will have 10 days after the election to provide the documents to avoid potential criminal penalties.
Meyer testified that the bill seemed designed to keep college students from voting, especially due to the potential fines of up to $5,000.
“The $5,000 fine is financially crushing to college students,” he said.
ISN’T THAT THE POINT! Make the consequence of a stupid decision really, really bad? Maybe keep them from the abject perp-walk of shame for sticking it to the Republicans (on a lark, even)?
Quick Thought – Electrical deregulation in NH isn’t that
Customers who buy energy through Eversource should expect to see lower energy prices by Eversource buying power at a lower price in the wholesale electric market, Eversource said last October when the deals were announced. An affiliate of Hull Street Energy now owns the hydroelectric stations: Amoskeag Hydro in Manchester, Ayers Island Hydro in Bristol, Canaan Hydro in West Stewartstown, Eastman Falls Hydro in Franklin, Garvins Falls Hydro in Bow, Gorham Hydro in Gorham, Hooksett Hydro in Hooksett, Jackman Hydro in Hillsborough and Smith Hydro in Berlin.
Both sales were auctions approved by the state Public Utilities Commission. “With this final sale, we are honoring the commitments made to employees and communities where the facilities are located, and we will maintain close communication with the towns to ensure a smooth transition,” Quinlan said.
Under the sale agreements, the new owners must keep the plants in service for at least 18 months, and
Data Point – “US Consumer Confidence rises to 18 year high”
Americans’ consumer confidence rose in August to the highest level in nearly 18 years as their assessment of current conditions improved further and their expectations about the future rebounded. The Conference Board reported Tuesday that its consumer confidence index rose to 133.4 in August, up from a reading 127.9 in July. It was the highest reading … Read more
Tales from the BudComm – Another Budcomm Member’s Memories of Dealing with their School Board. It ain’t pretty
…from Steve’s ‘New Hampshire Needs an Income Tax” as it is SO true in my dealings with them and the same thing appears to be the same State wide. It’s almost, like, well, er…they’ve formed a group and they all collude together to screw the taxpayers (oh WAIT, there IS such a group!):
I served on my town’s Budget Committee for several years, and a couple of years as Chairman. While we struggled with individual departments in the town over their practices and requests, the town itself — even under some bad leadership — was still pretty even keeled, budget wise. But the struggles we had with the town were nothing compared to the annual struggle with the school district.
Data Point – > 98% Of Mass Shootings Have Occurred Within Gun-Free Zones According To FBI Stats
After the Ft. Lauderdale shooting that took place in early 2017, the CPRC noted that from the 1950’s through July 10th of 2016, 98.4 percent of mass shootings as defined by the FBI have occurred on gun-free zones, with just 1.6 percent occurring where citizens are allowed to have firearms with them. Soak that in. … Read more
A TWO-FER! Really wanna see an eco-gun grabber’s face when they see this!
Shanum punum! They hate plastic straws and they hate anything to do guns – ban! ban! ban! This should give them the heebie-jeebies! (H/T: Michelle)
GrokMeetup – a fun time at the first event
I didn’t know what to expect – would people show up? Would there just be a lot of awkward silence? Would the venue at the Area 23 Pub in Concord be too loud, rendering the event moot? Yup – they did, nope – hey it’s part of the blogging community here in NH , and nope – … Read more
Conversation with ‘Grok – Jay Lucas and “American Sunshine” – Part 2
Continuing on with my conversation with Jay Lucas on his new book, “American Sunshine: Rays of Hope and Opportunity”, here is Part 2: Previous video: Part 1 – Conversation with ‘Grok – Jay Lucas and “American Sunshine”
I’ll never cancel MY Professorial office hours for such a scaredycat reason
Given that my second go round at being an adjunct Professor starts tomorrow, my interest was piqued when I saw this over at Instapundit (full story from The College Fix after the jump):
HIGHER EDUCATION BUBBLE UPDATE: My professor canceled office hours because KU allows concealed carry, says he ‘no longer feels safe.’
What a wuss – and a failure on the part of a College Professor that is supposed to base themselves on known facts and not on emotions and “feelz”. The fact is that someone who has a CCW (State paperwork allowing concealed carry) is FAR more law-abiding than police.
Conversation with ‘Grok – Jay Lucas and “American Sunshine”
This past Saturday I had the opportunity to sit down and talk with Jay Lucas (who ran as the conservative alternative in the Republican Primary for Governor back in the 1990s) about his new book “American Sunshine: Rays of Hope and Opportunity” (which is available in both Kindle and hardcopy versions. I found him very pleasant to talk with (again, we do “conversations” rather than interviews) and we discussed his other volunteer projects as well.
Quick Thought: Not so much “free market”, eh Tom, when you want others to pay for “weeding your garden”?
So, Tom Thomson (son of Gov. Thomson of “low spending yields low taxes” fame) who for years was the honorary chair of AFP-NH which argues for Free Markets, has decided to go the Full Monty and arguing that electric rate payers (that would be you and I) should pay for his timber to be cut (e.g., override the biomass vetoes by Gov Sununu on SB 446 and SB 365 which would promulgate the over $2 Billion overcharges to keep the North Country Biomass subsidies for electrical generation plants that turn crap wood into overpriced electricity). Sure, Free Market until it comes to be “get me some” and have Government continue to institute a undeserved and mandated “tax” on the rest of us:
Tom Thomson, a timberland owner of 2,600 acres and the conservative son of former Gov. Mel Thomson, spoke at the event in favor of overriding the veto. “You have to weed your garden if you want healthy vegetables,” Thomson said. “It’s the same thing with forests.”
Hey, go weed your own dang garden, Tom, and leave my wallet alone. If you have any intellectual honesty at all, stop privatizing your profits and socializing your risk. You can’t find folks to buy your timber? Too bad – that’s the risk of being in business: reward AND failure. To paraphrase the line in your Op-Ed in the Concord Monitor:
GrokMeetup – #1!!!! TODAY, 2pm, Area 23 Pub in Concord NH
Yup, it’s time for our first Grokster / Readers Meetup. The schedule is set – we will be holding it at the Area 23 Pub in Concord, NH. I visited it yesterday – not the largest of places but certainly a relaxed area for us all to meet and greet. Several Groksters have already said they’ll be attending so I’m hoping y’all will join us. It will be, as you all told me, “lightly agenda’d”. $5 cover charge and we’ll get some light snacks out for you (liquids to imbibe will be on you. Their root beer is to die for but remember, its a pub (obligatory: drink responsibly). Let us know if you’re planning on attending so I know how much to order.
A goodly number of Groksters are planning on attending. I am really looking forward to it – I’ve met some of you over the years but