In depth analysis and some quick reaction to Obama’s big night

The National Journal Online has an interesting interactive feature analyzing the full text of Obama’s speech to Congress using a mixture of bloggers, pundits, members of Congress, and a descriptive note about each applause (only Democrats stood, both Democrats AND Republicans, etc.). Readers can click higlighted sections for reactions based on accuracy, campaign promises kept (or … Read more

State Rep Dan Itse discusses his States’ Rights proposal with Glenn Beck

State Representative Daniel C. Itse appeared on Glenn Beck’s FNC program this week to discuss  HCR6, a resolution affirming States’ rights based on Jeffersonian principles.     Rep Itse appears this morning on our MTNP radio program. Click here for details, or stay tuned for the podcast.

First Report Cards Are In. Right & Left Bloggers Rate the President & Congress

National Journal Online has just posted its latest polling results taken from political bloggers on the left and right. This week’s questions and answer choices were as follows: Grade (A, B, C, D or F) President Obama’s job performance so far this year. Grade (A, B, C, D or F) congressional Republicans’ job performance so far … Read more

America under assault… from within

trojan horse

This is my "Exercising the First" column as published in this Thursday’s Laconia Daily Sun (page 4):

From Every Direction

No matter where you look, events are taking place that will have a large and direct impact on each and every one of us as we move down the path of life. Be it local, county, state, or federal, the shakers and movers of governments large and small are on the march—spending, taxing, and reducing freedom with every step.

At the local level, there is no better example of an unresponsive government than right here in Laconia. Oh sure, they’ve got their tax cap— passed due to desperation over the fact the city’s “leaders” couldn’t be trusted to spend the people’s money in a frugal fashion. Unfortunately, in the hands of the wrong people, it can be manipulated in such a way as to actually COST the taxpayers money. After all, a cap that LIMITS expenditures and taxes to a fixed increase year after year can be inversely construed as to ALLOW for such as well. Why would Laconia’s budgeters ever shoot for a (gasp!) level funded budget when they are allowed a certain amount of increase per the tax cap?

This is exactly what is happening in the Lake City with this year’s school budget. Consider that in several area school districts, the budgets are for all intents and purposes level funded; with Gilford actually presenting a budget some two hundred-thousand-plus LOWER than last year’s. With declining enrollment and the mindset that the present times demand frugality, elected leaders and administrators know they must deliver. Not so for Laconia. Apparently the taxpayers there are flush with dough, because the school board has turned in a budget that continues on a growth path unabated, seeking an increase of over 7.2 percent, spending every last penny allowed by the tax cap, PLUS nearly a million dollars more in addition state aid monies promised in Gov. Lynch’s proposed budget.

So what you get is that while neighboring Gilford cut over $200,000 from its school budget, Laconia is adding $2,159,949! How can this be? While the “leaders” blame it on matters beyond their control, like health care costs, etcetera, taxpayers should ask why they didn’t tackle these issues, seeking savings whenever possible. Gilford did it. Other towns have as well. Why not Laconia? Of course, the answer is obvious: Why should they? The tax cap allows a certain amount, and the big spending governor and his comrades in the legislature seems poised to take care of yet another group of their unionized friends. Bad economy? Please… these people don’t care. Who’s going to make them pay? The City Council? Don’t make me laugh.

And while I have been generally favorable towards my own town of Gilford, it’s not all peaches and cream there either.

 

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“Poverty is good for the soul…”

Guest Post by Bill Asbell The Baby Boomers Strike Again to Inflict perhaps the Death blow on U.S. Capitalism Once and for All. No doubt, William Ayers, Abbie Hoffman, Noam Chomsky and Saul Alinsky are all most definitely proud "Americans"…wherever they currenty reside, above or below.   All we endangered rational types ask is to do what … Read more

A view on the economy from an ordinary guy in central NH…

 

Please note that while I don’t claim to be an economist, I have enough of an understanding of basic economic theory to know that we face some clear dangers if we are not careful.

It is easy to see on the one hand that things in certain sectors seem pretty much unchanged. Some businesses appear to be functioning at or near normal levels, while others, less so. Many folks believe that after a period of time, things will bounce back the way they usually do. This leads to, for most I’d bet, token belt-tightening. “Sure, things are tough,” they say, “but not for me. I’ll cut back a little and wait and see what happens.” Believe me, I hope that this is indeed the case—that we’re simply in a wrinkle that will soon iron itself out.

But on the other hand, what happens if, despite the relative health of those businesses with plenty of work and people that still have money, other forces come together to destroy even that? Then what?

I maintain that a good chunk of the current economic drawdown and cutbacks is nothing more than the natural cycle of the marketplace, with ups and downs being the so-called correcting factors that ultimately keep things in balance. What seems to have made things different in this latest go-around, however, is that it was greatly exacerbated by too much credit issued that in another time would have been denied. People were buying stuff—lots of it, including cars and houses—on credit that they should have never been given, because they could never realistically pay it back. And now, banks and other lending institutions are left holding the proverbial bag.

While nobody decried the good times as they lasted, the market was producing an excess of goods and houses that created a “bubble” that expanded far and above the norm. The natural result was that the economy of nearly the whole world ended up growing to fill it, and, when the end came, well, we’ve seen the results with the further cutting of manufacturing jobs, joined in full force by the former denizens of the overheated construction industry. There is much truth to the old adage, “what goes up, must come down.” I have always believed that—perhaps it’s the cynic in me, but I’ve yet to really see it otherwise. Sadly for those very real people whose lives are affected, this is the normal cycle of life. Thankfully, history further tells us that things must also go up. The big question, then, is how long?

 

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It’s the fascism, stupid!

Fascist Headquarters, Rome. 1934 While listening to the "Great One" (AKA Mark Levin) tonight over the livestream, he read a Pajamas Media piece by Michael Ledeen who dares use the "F" word to describe the road we have embarked upon: Fascism. Reacting to a Newsweek article claiming "We’re All Socialists Now," Ledeen writes that’s not socialism.  … Read more

Gasp! 75% of NH men are victims! Quick, throw us some money!

There was the news: New Research Finds Nearly Three-Quarters of NH Men Are Victims of Sexual or Physical Violence– Majority of Sexual Assaults Occurred Before the Victim Turned 18 And I thought to myself, "How can we even pretend to exist as a civilized society if you take that statement and statistic at face value. … Read more

Ron Paul on “stimulus”

While he tends to lose me on some aspects of the war against Islamofascism, Ron Paul nails it when it comes to the present economic situation. Says Congressman Paul in a Youtube video for CampaignForLiberty.com, "Free markets work. Property rights work. Capitalism works. It’s not the fault of capitalism and sound money that brought us to … Read more

Was Joe Biden the Obamessiah’s “John the Baptist?”

. "Candidates" Biden and Obama visit Laconia [GG file photos] In reviewing a GraniteGrok Youtube created during the early days of the presidential primary campaign, I found a rather curious quote that is both amusing… and possibly scary. In the video, Joe Biden describes the steps that must be taken in order to shift America … Read more

Every dollar’s sacred. Every cent is good…

Well, it took a few years, but Governor Lynch has finally acknowledged that if something isn’t done about spending at the state level, we will finally reach a true crisis point. Since he is still somewhat surprisingly committed in his opposition to new broad-based taxes here in the Granite State, what other choice does he have? Because of the revenue streams as they are presently structured, there is a limit to how much government can grow—which is exactly the point. With people writing actual checks to the government, whether to pay taxation on real property, business profits, interest dividends, or the meals and rooms tax, they are more keenly aware of how much monies they turn over than if they paid 52 weekly installments via their paychecks. In this atmosphere, it is much more difficult to ratchet up spending, as it is experienced in a more direct fashion. When politicians do so, therefore, it leaves them more vulnerable to angry public reactions. This is the essence of our smaller, slightly more limited government here in New Hampshire.

At least that’s the way it is at the state level. And with the economy in the tank as it is at present, causing the rosy revenue projections upon which the existing state budget is based —as crafted by the Democratic majority—to be way off the mark, spending MUST be reduced. And certainly, like in the “real world” of the private sector, this means reducing the number one driver of costs: payroll. As reported last Friday by the AP,

“Gov. John Lynch says layoffs will be unavoidable in the budget he is preparing for the next two years. Lynch said Thursday he is looking at every dollar the state spends to determine what spending is necessary and what services can be cut or delayed. He said some state programs will be eliminated which means there will be layoffs.”

What other choice does the Governor have? With unionized state employees unwilling to forego this year’s raises of over five percent, he has few other options. Oh sure, there have been other cuts passed, such as yesterday’s $16 million round of reductions passed by the NH House, but that still leaves the budget with a huge deficit hole to be filled –by some estimates, $65 million by the year’s fiscal end on June 30. With personnel being among the largest cost drivers in any budget, there is no other alternative.

It’s too bad, however, that when it comes to lesser level government down the food chain, the attendant “leaders” and their usual water carriers and cheerleaders can’t follow Lynch’s example.

 

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Guest Post: Gambling has not saved budgets in other states

slot machine

by Michael Biundo

If we want definitive proof that expanded gambling won’t make our state budget permanently flush, all we have to do is look at the states that rely on gambling revenue today.

First, a quick look at New Hampshire. In 2008, only seven states experienced a higher percentage growth in state spending than New Hampshire. Politicians and think tanks agree that New Hampshire in 2009 is facing a budget shortfall of somewhere between $300 million to $400 million.

In the face of this historic shortfall, the gambling debate is once again heading for a legislative showdown. This year, the pro-gambling lobby thinks our current budget woes will act as its ace in the hole.

Unfortunately for the pro-gambling crowd, the current budget deficit was caused by excessive spending and over-estimated revenue, a problem that will not be cured by adding a new revenue source, either gambling or a broad-based tax.

I am not personally opposed to gambling. And I agree with gambling proponents like Chuck Morse, who has been quoted as saying: "If the state is looking for new revenue to address this budget challenge, it can’t afford to risk our economic advantage by implementing a sales or income tax." The problem is that not unlike the slot machines the gambling lobby would like to bring to New Hampshire, expanded gambling could pay off in the short run, but the long run it will certainly end in more deficit spending, with the taxpayers once again reaching into their pockets.

According to the Center on Budget and Policy Studies, all states that count gaming as a source of tax revenue are currently facing or are projected to face large budget deficits of their own.

Nevada is looking at a budget deficit of $536 million. The Nevada Gaming Control Board recently released its report on gambling, and the final numbers show a statewide decrease in gambling revenue of 14.8 percent. Illinois’ casino revenue is down a whopping 20.3 percent, which translates to $150 million to $160 million, all while Illinois faces a $2 billion state budget deficit this year.

New Jersey is facing a $2.1 billion deficit, and slots revenue was down 7.2 percent in July. New York’s own Seneca Gaming Corporation has reported a drop of $17 million for the fiscal year of 2008 while New York faces a projected $13.7 billion deficit for 2010.

 

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Who is Bonnie Newman? She probably won’t be much different than our present Republican Senator when it comes to supporting the B.O. Administration…

Bonnie Newman

It’s being widely reported that, should Senator Judd Gregg accept a position in the Obama Administration, Gov. John Lynch will appoint Republican Bonnie Newman. When you look at the facts, this makes sense, because both the Guv and Ms. Newman are creatures of the state university system. Jonathan Martin broke the story on the Politico:

Bonnie Newman, a moderate Republican who endorsed New Hampshire Gov. John Lynch, a Democrat, in 2004, has emerged as the leading contender to replace Judd Gregg should the three-term GOP senator be appointed Commerce secretary, according to a well-connected New Hampshire source.

Newman served as Gregg’s chief of staff when he was a congressman in the early 80s and later went on to work for Presidents Reagan and George H.W. Bush in mid-level posts.

Hmm. A "moderate" Republican that has basically been a creature of the academic, government or non profit sectors in one form or other for almost her entire working life. Someone that no doubt believes in government and all its present trappings– no "less government, less regulations, less taxes" mantras here, I’d bet. Otherwise, why support Democrat John Lynch who has overseen the rapid expansion of government spending here in the Granite State since first elected?

But then again, with the way ole Juddzo’s been voting lately, does it really matter? At least the way things are shaking out, perhaps a good conservative within the GOP ranks will have time to put together a credible and formidable campaign for the seat in 2010. I’d say that by then, the folks will be having a significant case of buyer’s remorse with both the Magic Obama and the Pelosi-led, Democratic Congress. With Judd Gregg languishing around making moves towards a run in 2010 for re-election, tacking leftward every step of the way, this could have posed a problem for those of us wishing to remedy that in the primary. With a cabinet post and his resignation from the US Senate, an opportunity has suddenly appeared where there was once none.

As to Ms. Newman, here is a pretty complete bio (circa 2006) I found at the Partnership For a Child-Safe Internet’s website. In 2006, she was the Interim President of UNH…

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Where to get the money to pay for the Magic Obama’s “stimulus”

It just occured to me where we can get the money needed to fund the present bailout mania. How about if everybody in the Obama Administration simply paid the taxes they owe? That would about do it, I would think… Funny? Maybe. But definitely a sad statement about how our leaders comply with the laws … Read more

Would somebody please tell Judd Gregg to cool it, already?

Judd Gregg

Famous Judd Gregg notepad– Gracing many a political banquet place-setting since 1993. If he keeps up the way he’s going lately, I’ll be willing to forego adding any more of these to my collection…

Is Judd Gregg going to sell conservatives down the river from now until the election in less than two years? If what we see lately from our senior Senator is what we’re going to get, I’m going to start seeking a suitable alternative to support in the primary. Building on a similar theme as reported in this prior post, the latest on Senator Gregg with regards to President Obama and the ongoing bailout mania, as reported in Saturday’s Union Leader, makes me ill:

Judd Gregg has been impressed so far with President Barack Obama’s willingness to "reach out aggressively" to him and other Republican lawmakers to find areas of agreement, especially on financial policy.

Translation: "Kiss my behind a little, and feed into my sense of self-importance, and I’ll be like putty in your hands, Mr. President." When it comes to the most liberal, potentially socialist president we’ve ever seen, I’m wary of ALL "areas of agreement, especially on financial security." It goes on:

Gregg said his relationship with Obama is simple.

"The elections are behind us, and it’s time to govern," he said. "People pay us to govern. There are really big issues, a very difficult time for the country. We need to govern and not be partisan."

Excuse me? Then what the heck are you doing there? Not Partisan? What, are you just gonna roll over and cave into the Magic Obama’s every wish and desire? Has Judd Gregg not heard of the phrase "opposition party?" How many Democrats decided to "govern" and not be partisan for the last 8 years? Arrgggh!!!!

Gregg was a key ally of the new President on the release of the second $350 billion in Troubled Relief Asset Program funds last week.

"I was the lead Republican senator in trying to make sure those resources were available to the new administration," Gregg said.

Oh goody! While you’re helping to mortgage our children’s grandchildren’s great grandchildren’s future, when it comes to the election and a Democrat foe in less than two years, do you think they will cut you any slack? No way– they’ll try to shred you to pieces. Obama won’t be campaigning for you– he’ll be cutting commercials for Hodes or some other such challenger from the Democratic Party. Your new bestest buddy the Magic Obama will sell you down the river just like you’re doing to us now…

And sadly, it would be bad enough if Judd Gregg simply left it there, but noooooo… according to the Union Leader Gregg’s love for the Magic Obama doesn’t end there.

 

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Stimulate the economy. Kill an unborn baby.

Pelosi as Solomon? Just got this from the NRCC. Somebody should tell Madame Speaker that concentration camps did wonders for the German economy back in the day, too…. Washington- Just weeks after Rep. Carol Shea-Porter (D-NH) cast her vote to elect Nancy Pelosi as Speaker of the House, Pelosi made “no apologies” for her intention to spend … Read more

With all eyes on Obama, closer to home, the spending continues apace..

.. Most regular readers are probably not surprised to hear that many people I’ve come in contact with in the last couple of days have all asked me the same question: “So Doug, how do you feel about the new President?” And of course, some ask it in a truly compassionate and sympathetic way while … Read more

Beware the payback

Here is an ad rightly denouncing the badly named "Employee Free Choice Act" (EFCA), otherwise known as "card check." I cannot imagine how bad things could get in many businesses accross America should this stinker pass… [H/T The Other McCain]

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