Saturday, November 23, 2013

More Great Stuff

Power lines are great places to run simply because other trail systems often cross over them. Side trails that were in place for horseback and ATV’s are quite common and can run for miles. I am very familiar with the area in which the current version of forest strip mining is taking place.
Over the years I have run those lines from one end to the other. So when they say a 300’ cutting is taking place the big question is why? Rarely do you have tress causing an issue along transmission lines especially those. You would need a freaking 2,000 year old Redwood to cause an issue. This is a real overreach by a utility and should be treated the same way as any environmental disaster.
The headlines in the Enterprise: “Governor Comes Bearing Gifts.” The article mentions 27.4M to Massasoit, 4M to City Hall Plaza, 2.5M to Ames Shovel Works Housing and a few more. Does the Enterprise realize these “gifts” represent tax dollars? It is not a “gift.” but a redistribution of money collected from all of us.
Hal had a great profile on his Enterprise bog on who the eventual perp would be on the tragic hit and run in Middleboro. Hal was totally wrong.
A dope shop in Middleboro. I want all drug laws gone so this means nothing to me except it will be a cash cow for the proprietor.
Using the internet and social media only for marketing specials excludes a good portion of your customer base. Why do it? I was recently at Ocean State Job Lot where they have internet only coupons. I asked what happens to those that don’t have access - especially seniors. The reply was “get a computer” and for seniors “Go to the library or COA.” Real marketing wonders at that company.
Ban out of state use of EBT cards. Guess how the Democrats voted?
Proof of seeking a job. Guess how the Democrats voted?
Green card holders getting welfare benefits. Guess how the Democrats voted?
The last thing the Democrats in Massachusetts want to do is rile up their base. This pattern is clearly demonstrated in the lack of enthusiasm and common sense when it comes to welfare reform.
The Tsarnaev was milking the system endlessly. Mass Health, Section 8, SNAP, EBT, and just about every other handout available. The whole clan was living on our dime and could care less about America or anyone here.
“If you don’t have health insurance, you don’t have to do anything.” That famed proclamation by The Liar In Chief. His arrogance is only equaled by the incompetence his administration has demonstrated.
So now Obama has a luke warm admittance that things are not what they should be. Brilliant!
I have some real issues with Republicans and their social positions, and, likewise, some real issues with the overreach the Democrats seem so fond of. Is there anything they are not willing to go all Nanny on?
The recent actions of Democrats show that on the track to nonsense they are in a neck and neck race with the Tea Party.
Francis Slay is my new political hero. I know nothing of his politics but I do know he is the mayor of St. Louis. What did he do that has me thinking some real man-love? Slay didn’t make one of those dumb arse bets pols like to make when a sporting event takes place. He passed on making a “bet” with “Mumbles” over the series outcome. Thank you, Mayor Slay!
Appears the recent government shutdown had nil impact on the economy, if you wish to believe various articles that have appeared in financial apparatus such as the WSJ to The Economist. So much for the blather from the failed administration and their supportive economist. Turns out the economy is rather resilient.

Monday, November 4, 2013

Winners - Red Sox And Losers - Obama

The usual simple and common sense legislation was once again rejected by the Massachusetts House. The idea was welfare audit, especially EBT card use. Naturally, our local Republican contingent was in favor of it and the outcome was a done deal - rejected! The last thing the Democrats want is a burden on their primary voting block.
Also on the House agenda was at least six hearings before implementing a tax hike. Imagine having a light shined on the Democrat cockroaches that infiltrate our system? Of course this was rejected.
According to Forbes magazine Massachusetts is now ranked 49th as a business friendly state. Companies leave for a reason. Burdensome taxes, convoluted regulatory system, questionable mandates and almost an endless list that makes a company feel unwelcome. Did I forget the recently scuttled tech tax?
New Hampshire claims they do not need to encourage Massachusetts companies to head north. The business climate in Massachusetts is enough of an inducement.
The Tea Party is now the focal point of campaigns by Democrats. Amazingly the TP is exactly as obstructionist and down right vile as that collection the Democrats have sitting on Beacon Hill. Sometimes what appears as opposites are in reality quite close.
Originally the TP had quite a narrow focus - virtually all of it was fiscal policy, a guaranteed weakness of both parties, especially Democrats. But along the way the loonies were looking for a home and found one in the TP. Too bad the TP could or would not eject them. Far too loud a voice and certainly capable of giving those moment in time pitchers and sound bites for Democrat fodder.
So one reason for a doubling of some fees is other towns are higher. Hey, Charlie, other towns have lower meals tax so why not drop that down. The comes the “Hasn’t been raised in five years.” So if something has not increased that is a bad thing? Does that means if someone working for the town has not received a raise for five years they could get their salary doubled?
The Obama administration has created a nation addicted to dependency on government handouts. Some pundits claim this is by design to insure a consistent voting block that is attached to such largess. I could not agree more. In 35 states one can collect more planted on your duff than working minimum wage. Yeah, I know, the defenders of the faith will say “It’s for the children.”
The season for the Red Sox is over and it is still difficult to comprehend. I had them down for finishing fourth. Their new manager, John Farrell, had done absolutely nothing in his tenure in Toronto. The new signings were rather ordinary and several returning core players had some serious question marks regarding ability and intensity.
Sometimes the results exceed the parts and they did for 2013. A refreshing approach by a new manager, rebounding performances by key players, a productive farm system and the new additions performing beyond expectations. Amazing.
2004 was a given after defeating New York. In 2007 any Red Sox or baseball fan knew the Rockies did not have a chance. So 2013 became the real shocker during the season and especially the post season. They went through the best pitching in baseball with barely a bump to win it all.