A Watauga Conservative

FOX NUMBER ONE IN CABLE TV NEWS FOR PAST 10 YEARS

2012-01-31T12:46:00.001-05:00

Fox news entered the Cable TV News business about 15 years ago and, within 5 years, had moved to the number one spot in the ratings of all Cable TV NEWS. More people are watching Fox news than any other news network....

Click here for article...

Pat McCrory to "OFFICIALLY" Begin Campaign Today

2012-01-31T09:59:00.001-05:00

Our Next Governor?

From Raleigh News and Observer

Too bad the election isn't until November and the new Governor doesn't begin his term until 2013!

It seems like McCrory will be "THE MAN" for the Republicans while Democrats, reeling from Perdue's announcement that she has given up, are scrambling to find a viable candidate. Several "B" list Dems are putting out feelers while the "party leaders" seem to be encouraging Erskine Bowles to run! Bowles would probably be a strong candidate against McCrory - but my money is still on Pat!

THE HISTORY OF THE INCOME TAX – DICK MORRIS TV: HISTORY VIDEO!

2012-01-28T18:21:00.000-05:00

THE HISTORY OF THE INCOME TAX – DICK MORRIS TV: HISTORY VIDEO!

Ground Hog Day All Over Again

2012-01-27T19:34:00.000-05:00

Vent Page XXXVI...............50% Better than Vent Page XXIV!!

2012-01-27T10:12:00.002-05:00

Well, here we are. Vent Page XXXVI! It could have been the 36 strategems of Sun Tzu. It could have been the highest number on a roulette wheel. It could have been Boeing's B-36 "Peacemaker".....

But we also recognize the relationship of this number to Marilyn Monroe and, let's face it, she makes a lot better Vent Page Illustration than some old Chinese Book!
* * * * * * * * *
Whenever the number of posts on a vent page make it cumbersome to navigate, a new vent page is started. This is number THIRTY SIX in our series and is not only TWICE as good as Vent Page EIGHTEEN, but is also 50% better than even Vent Page TWENTY FOUR!~

Now, if you aren't a Marilyn Monroe Fan, we offer the PEACEMAKER photo below as an alternative! We try to please!

Dan Forest Candidate for Lt. Gov. Speaks Tonight

2012-01-26T13:45:00.001-05:00

Dan Forest will speak to the Watauga GOP Executive Committee on Thursday, January 26, at 6:00 pm. The meeting will be held at the New River Showcase and Design Center, 2815 Highway 105 South in Boone. Matthew Snyder is the Chair of the Watauga GOP, and Jeremiah Farmer is the Watauga County Chair for the Dan Forest for Lt. Governor campaign. Please join us!

Debt in Perspective...Thanks Boone Tea Party

2012-01-26T10:47:00.001-05:00

The USA’s Debt in layman’s Terms:

This rather brilliantly cuts thru all the political doublespeak we get. It puts it into a much better perspective.

Lesson # 1:

* U.S. Tax revenue: $2,170,000,000,000
* Fed budget:    $3,820,000,000,000
* New debt:    $1,650,000,000,000
* National debt:    $14,271,000,000,000
* Recent budget cuts: $ 38,500,000,000

Let's now remove 8 zeros and pretend it's a household budget:

* Annual family income:    $21,700
* Money the family spent: $38,200
* New debt on the credit card: $16,500
* Outstanding balance on the credit card:   $142,710
* Total budget cuts:                                             $385

Got It ????? How many households can run like this ???????

OK now Lesson # 2: Here's another way to look at the Debt Ceiling:

Let's say, You come home from work and find there has been a sewer backup in your neighborhood....and your home has sewage all the way up to your ceilings.

What do you think you should do ......

Raise the ceilings, or pump out the crap?

Your choice is coming Nov. 2012

Perdue May Not Run For Second Term UPDATED

2012-01-26T10:29:00.002-05:00

UPDATE: PERDUE ANNOUNCES SHE WILL NOT RUN!!!
original post follows....see comment 3 for updated info!

She has probably read the polls...

Perdue is expected to announce today that she will not seek reelection! Hard to say if this is good news for Republican candidate Pat McCrory - he was demolishing her in the polls!
From Raleigh News and Observer

UPDATED: Gov. Bev Perdue is expected to announce today that she will not seek a second term as governor, two sources close to the Democrat's campaign tell The News & Observer.
Perdue is expected to make an announcement this afternoon, a N.C. Democratic Party spokesman said. Her campaign aides began telling top Democrats in the past 24 hours. Perdue campaign spokesman Marc Farinella could not be reached for comment.

Read more here: http://projects.newsobserver.com/under_the_dome/sources_perdue_wont_seek_reelection#storylink=cpy

Death Penalty in North Carolina

2012-01-25T17:21:00.001-05:00

From ABC News

A convicted murderer on death row in North Carolina wrote a taunting
letter to his hometown newspaper about his life of "leisure" in prison and making a mockery of the legal system.

Danny Robbie Hembree Jr. was found guilty of murdering 17-year-old Heather Catterton in 2009 and was sentenced to death on Nov. 18, 2011.

Hembree, 50, is on death row at Central Prison in Raleigh, N.C., but he's not looking for any pity in the letter he sent to The Gaston Gazette.

"Is the public aware that I am a gentleman of leisure, watching color TV in the A.C., reading, taking naps at will, eating three well balanced hot meals a day," Hembree asked in the letter. "I'm housed in a building that connects to the new 55 million dollar hospital with round the clock free medical care 24/7."

He also asks if the public knows that the chances of his "lawful murder" taking place in the next 20 years, if ever, are "very slim."

Another Speech

2012-01-25T09:17:00.000-05:00

COMING SOON: 1000 Days Without a Budget

2012-01-23T17:08:00.000-05:00

State Support of Higher Education in North Carolina

2012-01-23T12:04:00.001-05:00

How does North Carolina's support for higher education compare to other states? Considering what you read and hear from the news media and the liberal establishment, you are probably under the impression that North Carolina, under our Republican legislature, stripped the funding for higher education in our state.

I fount this study conducted by the Illinois State University Center for the Study of Higher Education and the State Higher Education Executive Officers, to be enlightening! All but nine states experienced one-year declines from their 2010-11 totals. The 41 states that cut their spending did so by widely varying proportions, from as little as 1 percent (in Indiana and North Carolina) to as much as 41 percent (New Hampshire), with a full third seeing double-digit drops!

Our Republican legislature balanced our budget while reducing taxes and - at the same time - minimized the effect of budget cuts on our higher education system!

What is also telling is the matrix at the end of the article showing that only New York, California and Texas spend more on higher education than North Carolina!

The education lobby - with the full support of governor Perdue - is distorting the facts! Perdue is in favor of another sales tax increase and will provide the liberal sheep with all the propaganda they can swallow in her efforts to lead them to raise taxes!

South Carolina to Republican Establishment "Get Out of the Way!"

2012-01-22T11:54:00.002-05:00

In 2008, Republicans were known as the strong law and order and national defense party. That year the establishment convinced us we needed John McCain. By the November election, the economy was crashing. We had the wrong candidate.

This election, the establishment and even the media are convinced it will be the economy so they tell us we must choose Mitt Romney, the manager. But by November, the economy could be improving. Once again, the establishment will have given us the wrong candidate.

The issue that will not change however, is the clash between the two visions for our future. Will we deteriorate into a failing European type Socialism? Or, will we return to the principles that made America exceptional?

This Fall, Americans will finally be tuning in–even the Jersey Shorers and the American Idolists.

If our candidate is Newt, they will hear our vision perfectly channeled. At the same time, he will force Obama out of the closet to defend whatever it is he really believes. (Obama can duck, but he can’t hide.) Who is he really? I don’t have a clue. Do you?

Following South Carolina, the establishment is going bonkers because once again the people are proving more wise than they. Let us hope. Yes, let us sincerely pray, we do not let the media and the establishment get it wrong again. The future of our country hangs in the balance.

Second Amendment in Ashe County?

2012-01-20T20:02:00.004-05:00

Be aware, Ashe county residents. Be very aware. Your county commission could eliminate some of the rights you now enjoy!

From the Jefferson Post (click here)

In Case You Missed This Today

2012-01-20T13:05:00.001-05:00

Vent Page XXXV - brought to you in 35 MM Wide Screen !

2012-01-20T13:02:00.001-05:00

Here we go at last! A VENT PAGE in the NEW 35MM WIDESCREEN VERSION

Whenever the number of posts on a vent page make it cumbersome to navigate, a new vent page is started. This is number THIRTY FIVE in our series and we're still going strong!

Some Day We Will Have A Color Version!

Why Republicans Vote Against Education

2012-01-19T16:30:00.000-05:00

Conservative candidates say let’s get rid of the Department of Education. Today, when Obama demonizes on TV: “Every Senate Republican voted to block a bill that would keep. . . . hundreds of thousands of teachers in the classroom when our kids need them most.” I scream “How did education get to be your responsibility!!”

Of course I know. I even played a minor part. Here
is a little history.

We have all heard about why you don’t let the camel get his nose in the tent. Soon he is all the way in. Using crises, the Federal camel took over the tent.

The official government webpage says: “The original Department of Education was created in 1867 to collect information on schools and teaching that would help the States establish effective school systems.” Education.gov

Using the Cold War, the first example of comprehensive Federal education legislation came. In response to Sputnik, Congress passed the National Defense Education Act (NDEA). My little part was that I actually ran some of those first NDEA institutes. To save our nation, we gave lucrative stipends to counselors and teachers. They in turn identified the best and the brightest and using Federal money, teachers trained them in science and mathematics. How was I to realize this was a camel’s nose?

Before Sputnik though, World War II had led to a small expansion of Federal support for education. School districts affected by the presence of military and other Federal installations received federal money.

The big grab came when using the intransigence of the South, the civil rights and the anti-poverty movements of the 60s and 70s, the Federal government had the pretexts to make the big grabs. The Elementary and Secondary Education Act was passed and amended “To strengthen and improve educational quality and educational opportunities in the Nation's elementary and secondary schools.” Everyone by now had become accustomed to a big stinky camel rling the tent.

The official federal webpage reports "Today, the Dept. of Educ. operates programs that touch on every area and level of education. The Department's elementary and secondary programs annually serve nearly 14,000 school districts and some 56 million students attending roughly 99,000 public schools and 34,000 private schools".

That same webpage then has the chutzpah to begin with “Education is primarily a State and local responsibility in the United States.” Somebody tell Obama.

The Debt Generation

2012-01-19T13:49:00.000-05:00

Foxx Named as "TAXPAYER HERO"

2012-01-19T12:00:00.001-05:00

Foxx named "Taxpayer Hero" by government spending watchdog group

Receives highest score among NC lawmakers in group's vote ranking

WASHINGTON, D.C. -Taxpayer watchdog group Citizens Against Government Waste has named Congresswoman Virginia Foxx as a "Taxpayer Hero" for her record of voting to protect taxpayers, cut spending and to oppose wasteful government expenditures. Foxx received a 98% score in the group's ratings, which was the highest score in the North Carolina congressional delegation

Thank you Virginia for all you do to get this country moving in the right direction!

Great job Congresswoman Foxx! We appreciate your efforts on our behalf.

I would also nominate local county commissioners Miller, Gable and Blust as taxpayer heros as well!

Click Here For NC RANKINGS

'nuff said!

2012-01-19T09:12:00.003-05:00

2012-01-18T11:06:00.000-05:00

It should come as no surprise that the Boone Town Council is apparently following Blowing Rock's lead in banning handguns from as many public places as possible. Under the new state law however, they are restricted somewhat and cannot ban handguns in public areas other than in buildings and in "playgrounds, athletic fields, swimming pools, and athletic facilities.” ".
I suppose we should be thankful that our county commissioners have not jumped on this anti-handgun bandwagon!

Thanks GoBlueRidge.net for your report! (CLICK HERE)

Carolina Journal's Rick Henderson discusses Gov. Perdue's misuse of unem...

2012-01-17T16:43:00.000-05:00

And it's NEWT for the score!

2012-01-17T11:54:00.001-05:00

The politically correct don't like inconvenient facts!

Local Sugar Grove Writer on Top of Things

2012-01-13T18:50:00.001-05:00

Donald Bolster Surgar Grove
It is encouraging to know we have people in the community who know what is going on and are not being conned by Obama. Bolster writes in the Democrat: "the U.S. House of Representatives already passed the following 28 bipartisan, job-creating bills in 2011 that are currently being held up in the Senate by its Democratic leadership and President Barack Obama:"

And Obama Wants More

2012-01-13T18:41:00.001-05:00

Boone Noise Issues

2012-01-13T18:33:00.003-05:00

The Boone Town Council has been arguing the proposed noise ordnance for quite some time now but without any apparent progress. Downtown bar owners who feature live music -apparently LOUD live music - are arguing that they can't remain in business unless they are allowed to continue to let their bands play late at night.

Residents of the area, on the other hand, are complaining that they have the right to peace and quiet in their own homes and that they are being denied restful sleep because of the noise generated by nearby saloons.

Quite an issue - and a difficult one for the council. They will certainly NOT find a compromise that will satisfy everyone involved. I haven't seen the issue discussed oin line yet and I wondered what side of the issue our readers might be on?

Voter ID, Voter Fraud.....NAh! That can't happen!

2012-01-12T14:00:00.006-05:00

We are constantly told that Voter ID should not be required and that Voter Fraud is practically non existant.

Vent Page XXXIV .....IT'S A MIRACLE!

2012-01-09T10:46:00.000-05:00

Who woulda thunk it?! THIRTY FOUR vent pages! It's an internet miracle!

Whenever the number of posts on a vent page make it cumbersome to navigate, a new vent page is started. This is number THIRTY FOUR in our series and we're still going strong!

VENT PAGES are handy for posting of off-topic posts, rants, raves, rages, etc which might not be appropriate on other threads where adults are having serious discussions. Childish rant? Need to call another poster a name?Just feel like spouting off? Or even if you have something to say and there doesn't seem to be any other logical place to say it....THIS PAGE IS FOR YOU!!

Of course we could also recognize the number 34 which was proudly worn by Georgia's Hershel Walker during his college career and by NFL Stars Earl Campbell and Walter Payton! Some of the great.

Of less interest perhaps is the fact that
34 is the ninth distinct semi prime and has four divisors including unity and itself. Its neighbors, 33 and 35, also are distinct semiprimes, having four divisors each, and 34 is the smallest number to be surrounded by numbers with the same number of divisors as it has. It is also in the first cluster of three distinct semiprimes, being within 33, 34, 35; the next such cluster of semiprimes is 85, 86, 87.
It is the ninth Fibonnici number and a companion Pell number. . Since it is an odd-indexed Fibonacci number, 34 is a Markinof number appearing in solutions with other Fibonacci numbers, such as (1, 13, 34), (1, 34, 89), etc.

Isn't that interesting?

Blowing Rock's Version of the Right To Bear Arms!

2012-01-09T10:05:00.002-05:00

This was initially brought up by 'anonymous' on one of the vent threads and now by "Dog Tom"....

We know that most of our conservative readers feel strongly about this issue and may want to get involved.

Thanks DOG TOM for resurfacing the issue!

Dog Tomsaid...: Folks,

Not sure if you know what's going on in Blowing Rock, but tomorrow night the Town Council will decide if one can carry concealed weapons into the Blowing Rock Memorial Park and other areas. What makes this especially interesting is the fact Blowing Rock planning board has been reaching out to dozens of other towns across NC to get support for passing the ban.

The tactic has worked. I was talking with a member of the planning board yesterday and learned that the Police Chief from Garner, NC has written a letter to be read during the council meeting tomorrow night stating that Blowing Rock should ban weapons on town property. Does it seem odd that town officials in Blowing Rock are trying to have decisions made based on what other municipalaties are doing? I thought those decisions were supposed to be made based on what the taxpayer said?

Not sure how many of you plan on attending tomorrow night, but the Town of Blowing Rock will stop at nothing to take our rights away. The Land Trade over there was bad enough, and this will surely go to the lefties unless we have a presence.

Who will stand alongside me at tomorrow's meeting?

Most Important Yet on Gingrich

2012-01-09T09:02:00.002-05:00

On Morning Joe just now, McQuaid made the most important point of all. The establishment thinks it will be all about the economy next November and that Romney has the credentials. But events change overnight and it may be many other things by then. Gingrich, the real conservative has all the bases covered. I agree.
http://www.unionleader.com/article/20120108/OPINION01/701089955

More on 2011--2012 Blog Review

2012-01-08T13:13:00.000-05:00

In commenting on my 2011–2012 post, Wolf's Head responded: “Thank you for having this blog. Although I do miss bashing lefties.” Wolfe, I too wish
we had more liberal readers to debate on this blog. I can enjoy debating because I am comfortable saying with Ronald Reagan: “The trouble with our liberal friends is not that they're ignorant; it's just that they know so much that isn't so."   I can only wish we had more like Jack, for example.   Regular readers will be aware that I have demonstrated that for me, Jack is worth debating. He argues with facts and thought-through ideas. He even at times has caught me out, thus improving the blog.

On the other hand, after too many complaints, I had to ask Liberal POV to leave. Because of what I said above, having to do so was the most painful move I had to make in 2011. Over time, it became obvious though that Lib was more interested in sabotaging the blog then he was in honest engagement. He used such an array of dirty tricks that he could have started his own blog entitling it: “ malicious destruction of others’ blogs using dirty tricks.”   To illustrate just a few: “Keep making inane comments to discourage others off the blog.” “Have a lot of cut and paste comments that you know are stupid, boring readers into leaving.” “Bombard with the same comment like a spammer irritating readers into leaving.”

All of the dirty tricks were damaging the blog but as many know the one that frustrated me the most was how he sucker-baited the innocent. Our readers reminded me of those greyhound dogs when the phoney rabbit comes past. Out they dash around and around. They never catch it.    Even so, the next time, off they go again. We tried in vain to get readers to quit chasing that damn rabbit. While demanding we do something, at the same time, they were telling us they could not help themselves. Like those greyhounds, chasing was in their genes.

Democrats Decline; Republicans Grow

2012-01-07T17:23:00.001-05:00

RASMUSSEN

Teachers? We like.....Teachers unions? Not so much....

2012-01-06T15:21:00.002-05:00

It's always a controversial topic, but recent events in the NC State legislature have brought it to the surface once again.

Like probably the majority of conservatives, I am a fan of GOOD teachers - of which there are many. I don't necessarily agree that they are, as a group, underpaid. Nor do I think they should have near immunity from being fired for anything short of criminal offenses! But, I do think that they are, as a group, a hard working and dedicated bunch who deserve respect and support for their willingness to do an increasingly more difficult job.

Teachers Unions? Another matter entirely.

In North Carolina the teachers "union" is, in fact, a lobbying organization. They aren't engaged in what we would normally call "collective bargaining", but instead, they are engaged in political lobbying as their tool of choice for advancing their interests. As a lobbying group, they are a tremendous influence in state and local elections - almost always supporting the Democrat candidates. At the local level it is usually all but impossible to get elected to a seat on the school board over the opposition of the teachers union! Thus, we essentially have a situation where the teachers influence the selection of school board members and NCEA lobbying efforts oppose any political figure who doesn't support increasing school funding, teacher salaries and benefits, etc. Again, they don't function so much as a union as they do a political lobby.

Among the legislation passed this year by the state legislature was a bill to eliminate dues witholding for the NCEA. The argument is that, as a lobbying organization, the NCEA should not be funded (nor subsidized) by taxpayers - that the collection of dues by the state and the remittance of those dues to the NCEA is, in fact, utilizing state resources to underwrite part of the costs of a political lobby!

Governor Perdue vetoed this legislation but, in a special session this week, the NC House overrode her veto (which had been overturned by the Senate earlier this year) and the NCEA will no longer have their dues withheld by the state for them, but must collect them on their own. This will place a financial burden on the NCEA and part of me is pleased at any diminishing of their power.

I have, however, mixed feelings about this. I could accept the argument that it's subsidizing a political lobby, IF it weren't for the fact that other state employee organizations who are also lobbying for their members, didn't have their dues withholding eliminated! No, it seems to me that this is entirely focused against the teachers unions as payback for their vociferous support of liberal Democrats and, as much as I disagree with most of what the NCEA stands for, I have come to the conclusion that penalizing that organization in this manner is petty, purely political and not worthy of this Republican legislature! I would feel differently if all the state organizations were treated the same way - but the singling out of this one group doesn't seem quite fair to me.

http://www.professorbainbridge.com/professorbainbridgecom/2011/02/the-case-against-public-sector-unionism.html
OK...let the flames begin!

2011 AND NOW COMES 2012

2012-01-04T17:31:00.001-05:00

THIS IS THANKS TO ALL OF YOU WHO HAVE HELPED MAKE THIS BLOG WHAT IT IS: SARKZEIN, GUY FAULKES, WOLFS HEAD, READER, MIKE D, JACK and of course our valuable investigative reporter: INQUIRING MIND

THANKS TO THOSE WHO
DROP BY FROM TIME TO TIME. HOPE YOU WILL BE ALONG AGAIN SOON: Keith, Screamin Me Me, Jes Saying, David G, Jeremiah, Nathan, Dog Tom, Curtis J, NRE Employee, New River Therapist, guest, Carol, Perspective, No Compromise,Corey Y, Banner Elk Billy, Herm, Steven Believen’, Logical Mind, Not Him, Welch, Shakes his head (again), He Nay Mei, Lots, Big Foot Lawrence, Perspective, Hillary, Leb1, TR, Foxx Fan, Haley. Of course we also can sometimes receive as many as ten a day of those calling themselves Anonymous. These include faithful readers who for their own reasons prefer that title. Unfortunately there is also Anonymous spam and our Anons can get blocked by mistake.

I WOULD SINCERELY LIKE TO HEAR FROM THE NEXT TWO GROUPS. ARE YOU O.K.? ARE YOU COMING BACK? IF NOT WILL YOU TELL US WHY AND HELP US DO BETTER IF POSSIBLE? GROUP I THOSE WHO HAVE CONTRIBUTED GREATLY BUT HAVE BEEN EXTREMELY MISSED LATELY: NOBODY (I’ve missed you since September) G.I.G. (missed since November) BRUSHFIRE (missed since November) and 2 4 T.

GROUP II THREE BIGGIES I WORRY IF YOU ARE O.K. OATZ (missed since October) JOHNNY RICO (missed since October) and of course HONEST DEBATE (missing since August but promises to be back when its game on)

If I overlooked anyone please let me know.

ABOVE ALL THANKS TO NEWGUY WHO HAS CONTRIBUTED SO MUCH. I DON’T KNOW HOW I GOT ALONG BEFORE HE CAME ON.

SINCERELY, BLOGGER

2012-01-04T17:26:00.001-05:00

The Race Begins.......Iowa

2012-01-04T10:29:00.001-05:00

The Iowa caucuses don't usually determine "winners"...but they do serve to weed out some of the "losers". While Romney, Paul and Santorum came out on top - it won't mean much in the long haul. What will matter however, is that Perry and Bachman are essentially knocked out of the race. Perry has gone back to Texas to lick his wounds, Bachman has cancelled her plans for South Carolina - or at least, put them on hold

The polls certainly give Romney the best chance for New Hampshire - but what we don't know at this point is where the Perry and Bachman supporters will turn! Gingrich and Santorum are very much in this thing- Gingrich is "favored" in South Carolina and it is likely that the conservative supporters of Perry and Bachman will not turn to Romney, but rather to either Newt - or Santorum.

I have said from the beginning that I will support whichever candidate survives the primaries. It is still a little too early to predict whom that will be, but it is probably fair to say that it will most likely be one of these three...Romney, Gingrich or Santorum.
I can live with any of them!

VENT PAGE XXXIII - The Broken Record Edition

2012-01-04T10:07:00.002-05:00

THE BROKEN RECORD EDITION

Whenever the number of posts on a vent page make it cumbersome to navigate, a new vent page is started. This is number THIRTY THREE in our series (but we made it 33 1/3 to qualify it as our "broken record" edition.)

VENT PAGES are handy for posting of off-topic posts, rants, raves, rages, etc which might not be appropriate on other threads where adults are having serious discussions. Childish rant? Need to call another poster a name? Just feel like spouting off? Or even if you have something to say and there doesn't seem to be any other logical place to say it....THIS PAGE IS FOR YOU

Of course there are other possibilities for the number 33...often related to the occult! A magic number in some cultures - a mystery on the back of the Rolling Rock Beer label and the "secret" club 33 at Disneyworld!

We thought that the "Broken Record" reference was most appropriate! =-)

A Better Year Ahead!

2012-01-01T08:39:00.003-05:00

Looking forward to a great year! 2012 Will bring us an opportunity for new tenants in the White House and the Governor's Mansion; a more conservative US Senate and the beginning of better economic times.

Hard to believe that the Iowa Caucuses are the day after tomorrow! The pre-season games are over. We begin in earnest Tuesday!
May the best conservative candidates win!.....

And wishing all of our friends a very Happy New Year!

People of Faith and Obama

2011-12-28T11:06:00.000-05:00

Wednesday, December 28, 2011 Rasmussen Reports Opinions about President Obama are divided sharply along lines of faith and religious participation.

New Rasmussen Reports
national telephone surveying of Likely U.S. Voters shows that the president earns a job approval rating of 58% among those who rarely or never attend church or religious services. However, among those who attend services every week or nearly every week, just 38% offer their approval. Among those who attend more than one service a week, approval is even lower at 31%.

The survey of 6,000 Likely U.S. Voters was conducted from December 12-22, 2011 by Rasmussen Reports. The margin of sampling error is +/- 1 percentage point with a 95% level of confidence.

Media at its Finest

2011-12-26T13:41:00.001-05:00

Last week was a great one for the establishment press. For days they trumpeted “Gingrich missed Virginia deadline. En mass, the pundits told us that this was prima fascia evidence of Gingrich’s poor organizational skills. Hours later we hear “Gingrich and Perry miss Virginia deadline.” Hours much later we hear “Gingrich, Perry, Bachman, Santorum, and Huntsman miss Virginia deadline.” Nothing about the other’s abilities.

Then there was the story
“Obama takes victory lap over payroll tax win. Polls show he is gaining.” He won but not for the reasons his media said. He wanted a year’s extension. Republicans in the House gave it to him. Probably in a signal from him, the Senate then gave him two months. Put between a rock and a hard place, Senate Republicans had to go along. Otherwise, Democrats were poised to tar them with being for tax breaks for the wealthy, but not for the middle class. Then the Senators hightailed it out of town.

Granted, when the House members realized they had been screwed by Chicago style politics, they should have bailed out. Unfortunately, they hesitated just long enough for Obama to demonize the Tea Party. And Obama’s press called it a great triumph for him.

Merry Christmas to all of you!

2011-12-24T10:44:00.001-05:00

My annual favorite.......
Hope everyone has a great Christmas and a Happy 2012!

Lynn Mason Out - Jamie Leigh NEW BOONE MAYOR Pro-Tem

2011-12-15T10:46:00.000-05:00

After swearing in Council members Lynne Mason and Andy Ball to new terms and Allan Scherlen to his first term on Town Council the new Council’s first order of business was to shake up the old structure by electing Jamie Leigh as mayor Pro-Tem. Council Member Lynne Mason who had held the position for some time was nominated by Council Member Rennie Brantz,then, in what appeared as a surprise move, Council Member Andy Ball nominated Jamie Leigh saying, “Council member Jamie Leigh has committed her unique insight, her professional expertise, and her fair judgment to this council.” The Council voted 3 to 2 in favor of Ms. Leigh
More on www.goblueridge.net

Vent Page XXXII - A VENT PAGE OF LOW CALIBER

2011-12-15T10:30:00.000-05:00

Whenever the number of posts on a vent page make it cumbersome to navigate, a new vent page is started. This is number THIRTY TWO in our series. It is probably not the caliber of Vent Page that would command attention, but it should be sufficient for most people's everyday needs.

And, for those who prefer to keep their participation on vent pages hidden, it is easily concealable!

VENT PAGES are handy for posting of off-topic posts, rants, raves, rages, etc which might not be appropriate on other threads where adults are having serious discussions. Childish rant? Need to call another poster a name? Just feel like spouting off? Or even if you have something to say and there doesn't seem to be any other logical place to say it....THIS PAGE IS FOR YOU

And, while perhaps many would disagree - Sports Illustrated ranks Magic Johnson as the best player to ever wear number 32.

No other number has produced more top-end players, but Magic gets the nod for his five NBA championships and for revolutionizing the point guard position.

Runner-up: Jim Brown

Worthy of consideration: Marcus Allen, Steve Carlton, Julius Erving (ABA's Nets), Franco Harris, Sandy Koufax, Karl Malone, Shaquille O'Neal (Heat), O.J. Simpson, Bill Walton.

Merry Christmas My Friend, written by Marine LCPL

2011-12-13T12:26:00.000-05:00

Merry Christmas, My Friend

Words: James M. Schmidt, 1986
Vocal Recording: MP3 / WMA
Reading by Father Ted Berndt, 2003
Source: A Soldier's Silent Night, http://www.asoldiersilentnight.com/ (Accessed Dec. 28, 2006 and Oct. 18, 2011)

'Twas the night before Christmas, he lived all alone,
In a one-bedroom house made of plaster and stone.
I had come down the chimney, with presents to give
and to see just who in this home did live.

As I looked all about, a strange sight I did see,
no tinsel, no presents, not even a tree.
No stocking by the fire, just boots filled with sand.
On the wall hung pictures of a far distant land.

With medals and badges, awards of all kind,
a sobering thought soon came to my mind.
For this house was different, unlike any I’d seen.
This was the home of a U.S. Marine.

I’d heard stories about them, I had to see more,
so I walked down the hall and pushed open the door.
And there he lay sleeping, silent, alone,
Curled up on the floor in his one-bedroom home.

He seemed so gentle, his face so serene,
Not how I pictured a U.S. Marine.
Was this the hero, of whom I’d just read?
Curled up in his poncho, a floor for his bed?

His head was clean-shaven, his weathered face tan.
I soon understood, this was more than a man.
For I realized the families that I saw that night,
owed their lives to these men, who were willing to fight.

Soon around the Nation, the children would play,
And grown-ups would celebrate on a bright Christmas day.
They all enjoyed freedom, each month and all year,
because of Marines like this one lying here.

I couldn’t help wonder how many lay alone,
on a cold Christmas Eve, in a land far from home.
Just the very thought brought a tear to my eye.
I dropped to my knees and I started to cry.

He must have awoken, for I heard a rough voice,
“Santa, don’t cry, this life is my choice
I fight for freedom, I don’t ask for more.
My life is my God, my country, my Corps.”

With that he rolled over, drifted off into sleep,
I couldn’t control it, I continued to weep.

I watched him for hours, so silent and still.
I noticed he shivered from the cold night’s chill.
So I took off my jacket, the one made of red,
and covered this Marine from his toes to his head.
Then I put on his T-shirt of scarlet and gold,
with an eagle, globe and anchor emblazoned so bold.
And although it barely fit me, I began to swell with pride,
and for one shining moment, I was Marine Corps deep inside.

I didn’t want to leave him so quiet in the night,
this guardian of honor so willing to fight.
But half asleep he rolled over, and in a voice clean and pure,
said “Carry on, Santa, it’s Christmas Day, all secure.”
One look at my watch and I knew he was right,
Merry Christmas my friend, Semper Fi and goodnight.

Note:

Written by James M. Schmidt in 1986 when he was a Lance Corporal stated at Marine Barracks, Washington, D.C. In December 2002, Mr. Schmidt stated that in 1986 he wrote this poem to hang on the door of the gym in the enlisted quarters. When his commanding officer saw the poem, he immediately had copies sent throughout the Barracks, and promptly dismissed the entire Battalion early for Christmas leave.

The same day, poem was enclosed in the Marine Corps Gazette, distributed worldwide, and was later printed on page 79 in the December 1991 issue of "Leatherneck," which in 2003 gave this explanation:

"'Merry Christmas, My Friend,'" has been a holiday favorite among 'leatherneckphiles' for nearly the time it takes to complete a Marine Corps career. Few, however, know who wrote it and when. Former Corporal James M. Schmidt, stationed at Marine Barracks, Washington, D.C., pounded it out over 17 years ago on a typewriter while awaiting the commanding officer's Christmas holiday decorations inspection...while other leathernecks strung lights for the Barracks' annual Christmas decoration contest, Schmidt contributed his poem to his section."

Why the Mental Health Issue

2011-12-13T12:21:00.000-05:00

Someone has asked why we keep devoting so much space to the local mental health issue. I will tell you why. This blog is called the Watauga Conservative. I have always believed that had we taken the Conservative approach and moved mental health from a government entity to a private one, we would not be where we are today. We would undoubtedly have had other problems which some other systems have had that did go private. However, those did not land in the taxpayers’ lap like this one has.

I just want to see the reform done correctly this time, so together with Inquiring Mind, I want to keep the heat on until they get it right.

NEWT’S GROWTH – DICK MORRIS TV: LUNCH ALERT!

2011-12-11T13:39:00.000-05:00

NEWT’S GROWTH – DICK MORRIS TV: LUNCH ALERT!

A SOLDIERS CHRISTMAS

2011-12-11T09:56:00.002-05:00

Guy Faulkes posted this on the Vent Page. I thought it was just perfect and needed it's own post! A little help from Google and I found it was written by an individual named Michael Marks...Here it is again from Mr. Marks' site.

Thanks Guy Faulkes for bringing this to our attention!

"A Soldier's Christmas"

I was thinking about our servicemen overseas this Holiday Season and wrote the following in hope of bringing a small bit of Christmas cheer to active duty and veterans alike ... just a humble thanks and "God Bless." Please feel free to pass it along or post it as you see fit. Thank you. Happy Holidays,
Michael Marks

*****************************************************************************************

A Soldier's Christmas
By Michael Marks

The embers glowed softly, and in their dim light,
I gazed round the room and I cherished the sight;
My wife was asleep, her head on my chest,
My daughter beside me, angelic in rest. Outside the snow fell, a blanket of white,
Transforming the yard to a winter delight;

The sparkling lights in the tree, I believe,
Completed the magic that was Christmas Eve.
My eyelids were heavy, my breathing was deep,
Secure and surrounded by love I would sleep
In perfect contentment or so it would seem,
So I slumbered, perhaps I started to dream.
The sound wasn't loud, and it wasn't too near,
But I opened my eye when it tickled my ear;
Perhaps just a cough, I didn't quite know,
Then the sure sound of footsteps outside in the snow.
My soul gave a tremble, I struggled to hear,
And I crept to the door just to see who was near;
Standing out in the cold and the dark of the night,
A lone figure stood, his face weary and tight.
A soldier, I puzzled, some twenty years old,
Perhaps a Marine, huddled here in the cold;
Alone in the dark, he looked up and smiled,
Standing watch over me, and my wife and my child.
"What are you doing?" I asked without fear,
"Come in this moment, it's freezing out here!
Put down your pack, brush the snow from your sleeve,
You should be at home on a cold Christmas Eve!"
For barely a moment I saw his eyes shift
Away from the cold and the snow blown in drifts
To the window that danced with a warm fire's light,
Then he sighed and he said "It's really all right,
I'm out here by choice. I'm here every night.
"It's my duty to stand at the front of the line
That separates you from the darkest of times;
No one had to ask or beg or implore me,
I'm proud to stand here like my fathers before me.
"My Gramps died at 'Pearl' on a day in December,"
Then he sighed, "That's a Christmas 'Gram' always remembers;
My dad stood his watch in the jungles of 'Nam,
And now it is my turn and so, here I am.
"I've not seen my own son in more than a while,
But my wife sends me pictures, he's sure got her smile;"
Then he bent and he carefully pulled from his bag,
The red white and blue ... an American flag.
"I can live through the cold and the being alone
Away from my family, my house and my home;
I can stand at my post through the rain and the sleet,
I can sleep in a foxhole with little to eat.
"I can carry the weight of killing another
Or lay down my life with my sisters and brothers
Who stand at the front against any and all,
To insure for all time that this flag will not fall.
"So go back inside," he said, "harbor no fright,
Your family is waiting and I'll be all right."
"But isn't there something I can do, at the least
Give you money," I asked, "or prepare you a feast?
It seems all too little for all that you've done,
For being away from your wife and your son."
Then his eye welled a tear that held no regret,
"Just tell us you love us, and never forget
To fight for our rights back at home while we're gone,
To stand your own watch, no matter how long.
"For when we come home, either standing or dead,
To know you remember we fought and we bled
Is payment enough, and with that we will trust
That we mattered to you as you mattered to us."
Michael Marks
December 7th, 2000

************************************************************************************In loving appreciation of the countless Americans who have and continued to serve in the Armed Forces and those who gave their lives for their country. Your sacrifices will never be forgotten. We look forward to the day you come home. God bless and keep you always, and God Bless America.
Michael

************************************************************************************Copyright © 2000 by Michael Marks, All Rights Reserved

Why I Want Gingrich as Our Standard Bearer

2011-12-10T15:22:00.000-05:00

This election will be the most important in our lifetimes. It is between becoming a failed Old Europe or a return to our exceptionalism. To date, many Americans have not been paying attention and are therefore clueless. This year however, they are tuning in.

I want Newt, the experienced teacher-politician–the explainer par excellence, to use the bully pulpit a candidate has, to educate. The debates have already allowed him to fly above the liberal media fog. People are seeing who he really is and they like what they see. Before the season is over, they will like what they hear. As the man says “I guarantee it.”

Gingrich Says Palestine is an Invented State

2011-12-10T12:12:00.001-05:00

From Time Immemorial by Joan Peters. Starting out to write a book sympathetic to the Palestinians, the author, a meticulous rsearcher, did a 180-degree turn. Because of
her exhaustive research, the book reads more like an encyclopedia and someone has to be motivated to tackle it. However, because our world stands on the brink of Armageddon, this book should be read by everyone.

The Palestinian problem, blamed on Israel, turns out to be one monstrous historical hoax. Piecing together documents tucked away in old Ottoman and British records dating from the beginning of the Israelis return to their homeland, Peters becomes more like a detective uncovering a crime.

The League of Nations granted the Jews their homeland which was to include both the East and the West side of the Jordan. At the time, the land was arid, sparsely populated, mostly only roaming nomads. Israelis together with the British, began to bring the desert alive. Jews from all over started returning home. Unfortunately, at the same time, much like the current illegal alien problem of the U.S., the working classes of failed Arab countries, drawn by the magnet of jobs, also arrived.

Although Britain had been granted the mandate to govern this new territory, they betrayed the world. With the threat of Germany growing, they made secret alliances with Arab nations. At the same time, they turned a blind eye to the huge influx of illegals. When the illegals became unhappy in Israel and tried to return to their countries of origin, they found themselves prevented, not only because those countries had rid themselves of their unskilled people, but more insidiously the Arab leaders realized that by pushing the people into the face of Israel, they could establish claim to the land for Islam. Much like walking the plank, the illegals faced Israel in front with guns, Arab countries at their rear with guns.

Finally, when the Jews faced the Holocaust and were fleeing Europe, the deceitful British claimed there were now too many people in what was finally being called Palestine. From the dust jacket: “Joan Peters strikes a heavy blow against the broad consensus about ‘the Palestinians’ and the assumption that Palestinian rights are at the heart of the Arab Israeli conflict.. . . From Time Immemorial supplies abundant justification for reversing the moral and legal presumptions that have cast Israel in the role of defendant before the court of world opinion.” And from the Washington Post, “A remarkable document in itself. . . . The refugees are not the problem but the excuse.”

Jack Says Obama Won't Have a Billion

2011-12-09T16:01:00.000-05:00

THE GREAT $750 MILLION DEMOLITION JOB

Christie to True Believers

2011-12-08T10:41:00.001-05:00

Gov. Christie said "You will never get the perfect candidate." "If you want someone who thinks exactly like you. Buy a mirror."

Important and Accurate Letter on New River Debacle (In case local media do not carry it.)

2011-12-07T14:18:00.001-05:00

To: Alleghany, Ashe, Avery, Watauga and Wilkes County Commissioners, County Managers, County Finance Directors and County Attorneys From Deborah Greene, Citizen of Watauga County and State of NC

I have reached the opinion that nothing has changed.
The NRSA (New River Service Authority) board is the same except for the replacement of the commissioner appointees with county managers. However, the county managers are responsible for lack of oversight of a subsidiary of their local governments. Only one county commissioner was removed from the NRSA board and that was Mr. Richardson. All existing commissioners who had served on that board (past and present) should have been replaced. The NRSA board attorney should have been replaced. Then their remains some other problems, the Wilkes County board depends on an attorney, Tony Triplet that served on the NRSA board from day one, drafted the 160A agreement and served as an officer of the NRSA board (served as Vice-Chair on the Executive Board). The Finance Committee was comprised of commissioners only. There was a Governance Committee that was devised for the purpose of posturing for political control of the NRSA board. Kenny Poteat of Avery County was treasurer, received all bank statements and had signature authority; now he is chair of the NRSA board. Bruce Kaplan was the NRSA board attorney. The CEO resigned and the CFO resigned; the management team and executive management team is gone. The common thread remaining in the financial debacle is the NRSA board (county commissioners) and all oversight representatives (county managers and county finance directors). The same governing board that allowed the demise to occur is still in power. If I could not find any evidence that the NRSA was apprised of the situation, I would not have a problem with that. However, the minutes demonstrate overwhelmingly that they were apprised every month from 1/24/2008 forward. They had Mary Deni, CFO; Amy Oliver, Interim CFO with Jack Parsons, Financial Analyst on board at $150 per hour; they had Ms. Mayo from Crisp, Hughes and Evans, LLP (prior auditors for NRBH New River Behavioral Health) with Jack Parsons on board; they had Larry Aggers with Ann Wilson, financial analyst and forensic auditor on board. How do I know this? Because it is in the minutes and they all gave presentation after presentation and offered options time and time again to address the issue. Every month they were given an account of the operating losses for the month and the projected operating losses for year-end.

There is evidence that SMC tried to help NRSA; not destroy it. However, there is one issue I see with SMC; (Smokey Mountain LME) they had the responsibility to monitor financial situation. There is evidence that they tried. And, the problem I see with this financial oversight requirement is that NRSA would point blame at SMC and threaten to find another LME. Legislation needs to be in place to require oversight of replacement of LMEs since the LME is to monitor and report financial and service issues (i.e. like auditors being replaced). When a firm wants to replace an auditor, it usually is a red flag. The LGC has to approve auditors, audit contracts and dismissal of auditors. There needs to be the same with LME contracts.

The dismissal of Mr. Richardson was appropriate. However, the reason may be an issue. If he was dismissed from the NRSA board because of his past participation and investigation pending, then fine. However, he was dismissed, in my opinion, because he also serviced on the SMC board and he was acutely aware that SMC was not the problem as the CEO, CFO and staff attempted to assert. And, the NRSA board wanted him off. Now, I question the appointment of commissioners to the SMC board. I don't understand how an LME with a contract with a service provider would also have representatives from the same service provider on their board. That would be like Martin Starnes & Associates, Inc. having commissioners from Wilkes County sitting on their board. LMEs want county participation (rightfully so since they want to establish input in providing services to the areas they service); however, in the case of Alleghany, Ashe, Avery, Watauga and Wilkes, the counties are the contracting providers. The county representation should have been sought by application with no ties to employment with NRSA or county affiliation.

Some citizens question the SMC role and that is their right. I don't agree; but, I respect their right. And, with that question looming in the minds of citizens and commissioners, SMC's role should be part of the investigation. And, there may be some responsibility despite Mr. Ingraham's hesitation in disclosure when he first became aware of the situation. I attribute his hesitation to the political nature of NRSA (5-county joint venture which is not the same as oversight of a for-profit or not-for-profit due to the egg shell environment of tentacles of Federal, State and Local Government). At this point, every entity and person in place at the time is under investigation; that calls for suspension of the parties closest to the situation - governing board and management team of NRSA. The same group that is under investigation cannot hire someone to investigate themselves.

And, that brings me to Martin Starnes & Associates, Inc. As auditors for 2 of the counties involved in the joint-venture (Alleghany and Wilkes) and Crossroad Behavioral (the other LME with which NRSA contracted LME services), they should be part of the investigation as should the county finance directors, county managers and auditors for all counties in the joint-venture). So, who is going to determine if the Wilkes County Finance Director and the Alleghany Finance Director or County Manager's liability insurance kicks in? Who is going to determine if the liability insurance of Martin Starnes & Associates, Inc. is going to kick in? Martin Starnes & Associates, Inc.?

How is it that the same attorney, the same board members, the same treasurer, the same county managers, and one of the common auditors can have this all sewn up? Control of the outcome? Protection of personal liability? Limit response to public that would diminish the responsibility of the counties (save face)?   However, they have missed every opportunity to curb damage control. The NRSA is in continual and willful violations of open meeting laws. They are not demonstrating that they are forthcoming with information to the other commissioners who are not on the NRSA board.   They think and/or allow their attorney to tell them they don't have to go back to their respective boards for approval. If they are not guilty of it; they give the impression of malfeasance.

County Manager, Don Adams of Alleghany, tried to sell me on the purpose of Martin Starnes & Associates, Inc. He claimed that they had volumes of experience with working with service providers and LMEs and that they hired them to get answers for the citizens. To which I replied, why hire an auditor that has a conflict of interest if this is to get answers for the citizens. I told him that from a citizen perspective, not that it really matters, as I could see from their demonstration of non-transparency, that they were protecting themselves; this explains why he has now embarked on this mission of divide and conquer. The NRSA never expected that the watchdogs from the counties and the news media would come together. They are so blind that they are not aware that it is the lack of transparency that has brought this unexpected situation upon them. The media is pushing back and the watchdogs are pushing even harder. With the cooperation of the media, another unusual event as the media is usually duped into being the propaganda arm of the government, the media and the watchdogs are unraveling the debacle.

How much is the NRSA paying Martin & Starnes, Inc. to read the minutes and them whether they knew about the situation? (How stupid does that sound?) Bottom line and my observation for what it is worth - we need a Billy West type to dismantle this and get to the bottom of things. All of the other commissioners need to read the minutes and hear from Ann Wilson, Lowdermilk Church & Co and SMC. And, it wouldn't hurt if they listened to Billy West's historical account of the industry and opinion. Now that the transition is over, he has nothing to lose. A presentation from him would dispel the rumors of his biased and conflicting relationship with SMC. Of all of the people that I have observed, it is Mr. West that is most professional, most knowledgeable, honest, candid and unbiased. He embodies the definition of CEO.   His last letter demonstrates that his patience has run out and he has no further time to waste with incompetent pinheads who are politically motivated; he has a business to run and he doesn't want that business to be dragged into the mud with NRSA.

cc: High Country Press, Wilkes Journal Patriot, Ashe Mountain Times, Alleghany News, Jefferson Post

President Robbing Social Security Fund

2011-12-07T13:21:00.000-05:00

Michelle Bachman is the only public voice shouting this and no one appears to be hearing it:

On the pay roll tax, “the roles are somewhat reversed and U.S. Rep. Adam Kinzinger, R-Ill., says there’s a good reason for it.
Some Republicans are resisting President Barack Obama’s call to extend the payroll tax cut for another year. The president says it will otherwise cost some 160 million Americans another $1,500 per year out of their paychecks.

Republicans have continually pushed to extend the so-called Bush tax cuts. Kinzinger said the problem with extending the payroll tax cut is it’s shortchanging the Social Security system.”

“Not only do we have trouble with the Social Security trust fund because congressmen who have been there for decades prior have been robbing the Social Security system … and now we are shortchanging it some more, so that’s where our concerns are,” Kinzinger said.

Kinzinger said Congress has been raiding the Social Security fund for decades.

Kinzinger said he would support extending the payroll tax cut if Congress can find a way to replace the money lost in the Social Security fund.” (From the webpage of WJBC The Voice of Central Illinois.)

HR 10 - REINS ACT

2011-12-06T10:32:00.001-05:00

Congress will begin debate today on HR-10. This bill, if enacted, would limit the out of control regulatory agencies (Such as NLRB, Dept of Energy, EPA, etc) and let major federal controls be returned to the legislative branch!

Let your congressperson know that you support this legislation! \
The REINS Act helps restore the proper balance of power in the legislative process: Congress should make the laws in this country, not unelected and unaccountable agency bureaucrats.

See summary of legislation......

Official Summary

s1/20/2011--Introduced.Regulations From the Executive in Need of Scrutiny Act of 2011 - Rewrites provisions regarding congressional review of agency rulemaking to require congressional approval of major rules of the executive branch before they may take effect (currently, major rules take effect unless Congress passes and the President signs a joint resolution disapproving them). Defines "major rule" as any rule, including an interim final rule, that has resulted in or is likely to result in:
(1) an annual effect on the economy of $100 million or more;
(2) a major increase in costs or prices; or
(3) significant adverse effects on competition, employment, investment, productivity, innovation, or U.S. competitiveness. Provides that if a joint resolution of approval of a major rule is not enacted by the end of 70 session days or legislative days after the agency proposing the rule submits its report on such rule to Congress, the rule shall be deemed not to be approved and shall not take effect. Permits a major rule to take effect for 90 calendar days without such approval if the President determines such rule is necessary because of an imminent threat to health or safety or other emergency, for the enforcement of criminal laws, for national security, or to implement an international trade agreement. Sets forth House and Senate procedures for joint resolutions approving major rules and disapproving non-major rules.

Read more: http://www.americansforprosperity.org/120511-house-key-vote-support-reins-act-hr-10#ixzz1fll3KjeO

Why Don't the Others Go Home?

2011-12-04T13:01:00.000-05:00

I hope everyone got to watch the Huckabee Forum last night which allowed candidates to finally show what they have. The attorneys general as lawyers made them answer the questions.

Under those conditions it was obvious to me that Gingrich and Romney are way ahead of the others in intelligence and gravitas. I was positive everyone else was seeing the same as I.

Then today on the talk shows I am puzzled to see that not everyone did. So what can I say? I have spent my life as a professor grading people on their intelligence. To me our two top tier candidates are so far advanced intellectually, that it amazes me the others have the chutzpah to appear on the same stage with them.

Posted on National Patriot

2011-12-03T16:32:00.000-05:00

Illegal for Democrats to Put Obama on Ballot

2011-12-03T15:50:00.002-05:00

Illegal for Democrats to Put Obama on Ballot

Cain's Out

2011-12-03T13:42:00.000-05:00

ONE MORE DOWN!

2011-12-03T09:33:00.001-05:00

VENT PAGE XXXI

THE BASKIN ROBBINS EDITION - 31 FLAVORS, MOST OF THEM WITH NUTS!

E
VENT PAGE XXXI

Whenever the number of posts on a vent page make it cumbersome to navigate, a new vent page is started. This is number THIRY ONE in our series. It is the "Baskin Robbins" version and provides for 31 flavors of comments - some of them with nuts!

AND, there are THIRTY ONE days in December!

Coincidence?

I think not!

Perils of a Conservative Blogger

2011-12-02T19:48:00.002-05:00

Most active Republicans recognize that our party cobbles together at least four constituencies. These include the strong military--the social conservatives--the free market libertarian supporters of industry and finance--the libertarians for less government.

Each of these groups has true believers who get testy with candidates or conservative bloggers who seem wobbly. This post is about the perils of a conservative blogger when your readers are ideologues to the death.

Starting with the strong military group–suppose on the blog one wanted to go along with Ron Paul and suggest we get out of other countries’ business, cut the bloated military budget and bring home the troops? Crackpot!

And the social conservative–suppose one wanted to raise the question of why conservatives who hate government messing in lives have no problem with
meddling in peoples’ bedrooms? Immoralist!

The business people–suppose one wanted Republicans to call Democrats’ bluff, raise some taxes on the very rich, and pull the rug from under the Dems’ excuses. RINO!

Finally, small government folks.-- what if one was interested in Newt’s ideas that government can do some things, if government works smart? RINO!

What fun it is to laugh and sing a blogging song tonight. Jingle Bells. Jingle Bells.

Foxx Forum on Facebook

2011-12-02T12:11:00.001-05:00

Virginia Foxx is holding a "facebook" town hall meeting...if you are on Facebook, participate HERE

NC-5 Congresswoman Virginia Foxx

Of course there will be the usual number of Troll posts and inquiries from the usual bunch of anti-Foxx people but it's fun to watch them embarrass themselves ....And, it's always interesting to see how many of the Foxx attackers reside outside her District.

Ms Foxx will begin responding to the inquiries later this afternoon. So far, most of the questions have been serious and respectful.

Thank you Mrs Foxx for doing this - and thank you for the great representation you give us. Your service to the Fifth District is appreciated!

HUGE REPUBLICAN EDGE ON ISSUES! DICK MORRIS TV: LUNCH ALERT!

2011-12-02T11:34:00.000-05:00

HUGE REPUBLICAN EDGE ON ISSUES! DICK MORRIS TV: LUNCH ALERT!

Newt's Daughter Sets the Record Straight

2011-12-01T15:16:00.000-05:00

JACKIE GINGRICH CUSHMAN

Congratulations Boone Taxpayers!

2011-11-30T10:03:00.002-05:00

Click link for article & go to: From GOBlueRidge.net

Your bid to buy the derelict movie theatre which the previous two owners could not make viable, is apparently the winning bid. Now, with another 3 or 4 million in renovations, you will be able to ......

Council Reviewing Plans

Well, apparently it hasn't actually been decided yet what exactly we are going to do with this building.

But, never mind.....it will no longer be on the tax rolls and will be supported by the taxpayers rather than have it provide tax revenue to the town.

It makes me wonder if there is any private business anywhere that would commit to a multi million dollar investment without having developed a business plan or even done any serious market research. Why would a municipality make such a commitment without having a firm plan for it's use? Wouldn't it make more sense to have a demonstrated NEED before investing taxpayer dollars?

Left Wing Media Send Barney Off With Wet Kisses

2011-11-30T09:46:00.001-05:00

Jason Mattera Human Events

Thanks Jonathan Jordan and Dan Soucek

2011-11-30T09:34:00.001-05:00

In 2010 the voters of Watauga County elected nearly a 100% slate of Republicans to office. A conservative county with a liberal university population in it's center - Watauga was represented at the state level by two liberal Democrats...each of whom earned their "F" grades on the Civitas conservative scale. We are now represented by two conservatives - more reflective of the permanent population of the county.
Click Here for Civitas Ratings

The recent Civitas Conservative rankings of our State Senator and our State Representative have both of them solidly in the Conservative column! While Watauga Conservatives might not agree with EVERY vote cast by either of these gentlemen, they have certainly lived up to their campaign promises of bringing fiscal responsibility and conservative principals to Raleigh.

Soucek's "A" rating and Jordan's "A-" show that they are voting consistent with the intent of the voters who sent them there!

Thanks Senator Soucek! Thanks Representative Jordan! You are BOTH appreciated!

OWS Poster Should Say "The End is Near"

2011-11-29T16:00:00.000-05:00

From The Manchester Union-Leader's Endorsement of Gingrich

2011-11-29T15:39:00.002-05:00

"America is at a crucial crossroads. It is not going to be enough to merely replace Barack Obama next year. We are in critical need of the innovative, forward-looking strategy and positive leadership that Gingrich has shown he is capable of providing.

"He did so with the Contract with America. He did it
in bringing in the first Republican House in 40 years and by forging balanced budgets and even a surplus despite the political challenge of dealing with a Democratic President. A lot of candidates say they're going to improve Washington. Newt Gingrich has actually done that, and in this race he offers the best shot of doing it again."

Sign the Petition for Justice Kagan to Recuse

2011-11-29T15:25:00.000-05:00

SIGN PETITION FOR KAGAN TO RECUSE HERSELF

VENT PAGE XXX ---- CELEBRATING OUR TURKEYS!

2011-11-23T11:06:00.001-05:00

WHENEVER THE NUMBER OF POSTS IN A VENT PAGE MAKE IT CUMBERSOME TO NAVIGATE, A NEW VENT PAGE IS STARTED. This is number THIRTY in our series...and it is our TURKEY version - in recognition of ALL the turkeys we have known!

Although I have to admit I did give some thought to making this the "mountain moonshine" version...you know, vent page XXX, and the whole XXX on the jug thing made in kind of a natural.............but, it's almost Turkey day so.Turkey Version it is...and

HAPPY THANKSGIVING TO EVERYONE!!!!!

48 YEARS AGO - The Kennedy Assassination

2011-11-22T09:42:00.001-05:00

One of the darkest days in recent American history.What were you doing when you first heard the news?

I was in the Service and driving to my girl friend's house in Florida...Somewhere on HiWay 17 between Savannah Ga, and Brunswick Ga, the news came over the car radio...
I wasn't very politically inclined at the time, but I remember being fixated on the event and the aftermath during the next few days. I watched live TV as Oswald was brought out of the Dallas PD basement and was shot. I watched the funeral and was glued to the TV until I had to return to base.

In the years that followed, I suppose I became somewhat of a conspiracy theorist - probably because it seemed so improbable that one individual could so alter the course of history with a single violent act! I read about everything that was published on the topic over the next few decades - and still have no idea as to the truth behind what occured...

November 22, 1963

"Liberals Need a Tea Party, Damn It"

2011-11-18T19:11:00.000-05:00

The only article I could find that speaks to me on Operation Wall Street is Jonah Goldberg’s “Those Dreamy Anarchists.” in this month’s National Review pp 21-22. Unfortunately, it does not seem to be online. Therefore, I will just give some quick quotes which grabbed me.

"Liberals are open about what they claim to be their motivations: Liberals need
a tea party, damn it.”

Goldberg compares the Tea Party with the OWS. “The tea parties are motivated by anger at being forced to pay for bailouts, while the most compelling poster children of the “99 percent” are angry that they’re not getting bailed out.”

“We’ve spent two years hearing that the tea parties are “extreme” because they want the government to borrow less money, send some federal responsibilities to the states, and cut subsidies to cowboy poets.”

For OWS, a popular sign reads, “We Demand Sweeping, Unspecified Change!”

Have any of you readers found anything that works for you as a conservative to understand these strange gatherings? If so, please link it in the comment section.

ATTACKS ARE IMMUNIZING GOP CONTENDERS – DICK MORRIS TV: LUNCH ALERT!

2011-11-18T11:26:00.000-05:00

ATTACKS ARE IMMUNIZING GOP CONTENDERS – DICK MORRIS TV: LUNCH ALERT!

Recreational Fishing and Hunting Heritage Opportunity Act ---- HELP NEEDED!

2011-11-17T09:58:00.001-05:00

POSTED BY GUY FAULKES

I recieved this in an email. I will be contacting Washington.

CONGRESSIONAL ACTION ALERT

SCI Members:

Tomorrow, November 17th, the House Committee on Natural Resources will be voting on
H.R 2834, the Recreational Fishing and Hunting Heritage Opportunities Act! This
vital piece of legislation would require fishing, hunting and recreational shooting
to be included in all federal land planning documents and would fix numerous
inconsistencies in federal law that could threaten hunting in the future. This bill
has the strong support of SCI and millions of sportsmen across the country. SCI
needs your help to get this bill signed into law.

This bill is even more vital in light of the recent push by the administration to
remove sportsmen from public land! The administration is trying to close millions of
acres of public lands to recreational shooters and this would likely reduce public
land hunting opportunities throughout the west.

U.S. News article: "Obama Pushes Shooters Off Public Lands"
Please contact your congressman to urge them to support this bipartisan sportsmen's
bill!

Guy Faulkes

Tea Party Meet with Sen. Soucek

2011-11-16T16:02:00.000-05:00

Tea Party Meeting

Kagan--Will she or Won't She?

2011-11-16T13:20:00.001-05:00

Now that the Supreme Court has finally decided to take up the constitutionality of Obamacare, our readers raised the question if Justice Kagan should recuse herself. Reader Sarkazein begins: If
the rules are followed as to recusion, it looks like there will be only eight judges when the Supreme court hears Obamacare. Should She or Shouldn't She?

Reader Jack responds: Scalia and Thomas as Well

Blogger comes back:   Jack ,28 USC 455, a Supreme Court justice must recuse anytime he has “expressed an opinion concerning the merits of the particular case in controversy” while he “served in governmental employment."    Kagan said in her confirmation for her position that as Solicitor General that she did not work on Obamacare. If that is found not to be true, by law she much recuse herself. The other justices do not fit the legal definition.

Anonymous Jack then weighs in with: (quoting Blogger) "The other justices do not fit the legal definition."

Well, if you read 28 U.S.C. § 455, Scalia and/or Thomas could fit into the following categories:

    (a) Any justice, judge, or magistrate judge of the United States will disqualify himself in any proceeding in which his impartiality might reasonably be questioned.

    (1) Where he has a personal bias or prejudice concerning a party, or personal knowledge of disputed evidentiary facts concerning the proceeding

    (4) He knows that he, individually or as a fiduciary, or his spouse or minor child residing in his household, has a financial interest in the subject matter in controversy or in a party to the proceeding, or any other interest that could be substantially affected by the outcome of the proceeding

    (5) He or his spouse, or a person within the third degree of relationship to either of them, or the spouse of such a person:
    (iii) Is known by the judge to have an interest that could be substantially affected by the outcome of the proceeding

Blogger concludes with: ...Jack, First of all, thank you for the substantive comments you make on this blog. They elevate the discussion. As to recusing, I will now have to go with my own experience. I have served on many local, state, and national boards. On each of them I had to fill out and sign conflict of interest statements. The one time I had to recuse was when I was reviewing the state plans of North Carolina for the US Department of Health and Human Services. The reason was that I had sat on another board which had some input into the NC plan.

The times I did not recuse myself were on local boards which were ruling on matters which might have been construed as helping either me or my wife financially. I always made sure that neither of us was in the same business as the board was ruling on. Otherwise, I would not have served.

I read the law as saying if you had input or if you or someone involved with you stood to benefit, then one must recuse himself. The only justice that fits the description will be Kagan if she had anything to do with crafting the legislation. Applying the law to every normal event in judges’ lives such as having lunch with someone, would make it impossible for them to do their job.

Wilkes County Dem Chair to Run Against Virginia Foxx

2011-11-16T11:46:00.001-05:00

Winston Salem Journal (click here)

According to this recent article in the Winston Salem Journal, Wilkes County Democrat Party Chairman Treva Johnson, is resigning her position with the party in order to run in the 2012 election against Virginia Foxx.

She will likely face primary challengers ...

Congresswoman Foxx won her last election by a two to one margin and remains very popular among the majority conservative voters in the fifth district. The newly realigned fifth will probably result in a lower margin of victory for her, but chances are she will retain her seat for as long as she wants it!

VENT PAGE XXIX - . . . . Superfortress Version

2011-11-16T11:03:00.001-05:00

Whenever the number of posts on a VENT PAGE make navigation cumbersome, a new VENT PAGE is started. This is number TWENTY-NINE in the series!

Democrat Porkers Raid the Public Trough

2011-11-10T17:21:00.001-05:00

For eyeopener click on Dems vs Repubs
Roll over the map or click on specific districts to see how Members of Congress requested your money be spent. Only Burr is the porker and he is half of Hagan.

Local Meeting with Speaker of the House

2011-11-10T11:37:00.000-05:00

Office of the Speaker

Rep. Thom Tillis

Speaker of the House ~ SAVE THE DATE ~ Speaker of the House Thom Tillis

Invites you to join him for a

LEGISLATIVE TOWN HALL

Monday, November 14, 2011
5:00 pm - Town Hall
Broyhill Inn - Broyhill Room
755 Bodenheimer Drive
Boone, NC 28607

RSVP requested ~ reply to (speaker.rsvp@ncleg.net)

More on Union Fascism in Charlotte

2011-11-10T10:44:00.002-05:00

VOTER ID IN NC? What does the Watauga Democrat Know That We Don't?

2011-11-09T11:52:00.000-05:00

From the DEMOCRAT

"Tuesday marked the last election before the Voter Identification Law comes into play. Hodges does not anticipate that the law, which will require voters to present identification at the polls, will add a lot to her workload."

Apparently either the State Legislature overode Governor Perdue's veto of the Voter ID law and we weren't told about it...............OR the Democrat is predicting that they will do so in time for the next election?

COST OF COLLEGE Good Information from Congresswoman Foxx

2011-11-09T11:12:00.002-05:00

Results or rhetoric?

Do the President's
words match his actions?

Congresswoman Virginia Foxx
“To be, rather than to seem.” – North Carolina State motto
In October President Obama announced a plan to give relief to people with federally backed student loans. Most of the news media reported that this new plan would save college students piles of cash.
Often not reported was the fact
that the Obama administration’s ‘plan’ amounted to little more than a proposal to expedite provisions already in the law. The only truly new part of the proposal was an effort to consolidate many privately funded student loans into federally funded loans. The Atlantic magazine calculated this proposal will save the average college grad less than $10 a month.
For the average undergrad with $27,000 in student loan debt this is a far cry from relief. In fact, it masks the real problem: young people are being sold a bill of goods.

Too many young people were told that accumulating $27,000 in debt for a college degree was a good trade off for the high paying job that would await them upon graduation from college. Now many of grads find themselves jobless and drowning in government-backed debt. Their frustration is palpable.
What gives?
High college debt is a problem, but it is a secondary problem, more of a symptom than the actual illness. The illness is two-fold. First, college costs are out of control, and secondly, our economy is stuck in a tepid economic recovery that isn’t creating many new jobs.
Unfortunately, the Obama administration’s solution to high college debt is to address the symptom and not the illness. Consider this: federal subsidies for higher education like Pell grants have increased 475 percent in the past three decades. At the same time, college costs ballooned 439 percent. The federal government keeps throwing more money at subsidizing college for students. What happens is fairly predictable: college costs spiral out of control.
That’s why the idea of making college debt more affordable is so backwards. Easy money from the feds is driving up costs. Instead of asking the question that many conservatives are asking—“what is making college so expensive?”—many liberals in Congress too often ask, “how can we subsidize it even more?” As a result, college costs keep going up.
Theoretically, if college grads were able to find work, $27,000 in debt might not even seem so bad. But the stark fact is that many of them remain jobless. President Obama’s solution to this continued joblessness was his American Jobs Act proposal.
This proposal is a sad imitation of the 2009 stimulus bill that was supposed to keep unemployment below 8%. Many have dubbed it “son of stimulus” although I prefer the less menacing “stimulus junior.”
It contains many of the same failed policies of the original stimulus and simply won’t do the trick to spur economic growth and private sector job creation. In fact, it languished for more than a month in the House before a single Democrat would even cosponsor it.
At the same time the House has taken a number of steps to spur economic growth and job creation, despite the President’s insistence that he can’t wait for Congress to act. At this moment, 15 pieces of legislation
that address job creation and economic growth are languishing in the Senate. Every last one passed the House with bipartisan support, many with the votes of dozens of Democrats. However, these bills remain stuck in the Senate, which is the do-nothing part of the Congress.
The truth is that young college grads with thousands in debt and the millions of Americans without work need more a new half trillion-dollar stimulus bill or a college debt plan that doesn’t begin to address the root problems facing young Americans. They need the kind of solutions like those awaiting a vote in the Senate that encourage private sector job creation.
The North Carolina state motto, “To be, rather than to seem,” has inspired the people of our great state for more than a century to confront the world and its problems with truth and action, rather than smoke and mirrors. For those in Washington that appear bound to governing by mirage, this motto is apt. At the end of the day most Americans know—whether they are college students, job creators or unemployed workers—results are more important than rhetoric.
U.S. Rep. Virginia Foxx represents the Fifth Congressional District of North Carolina. She currently serves on the House Rules Committee and as Chair of the House Higher Education subcommittee. You may contact her office toll free at 1-866-677-8968 or e-mail her from her website, www.foxx.house.gov.

Dedicated Reader Asks My Opinion on Cain

2011-11-09T10:12:00.000-05:00

Sarkazein posted: "Impatiently waiting Blogger's opinion on Mr Cain's veracity."

Thanks for asking, but I am sure my response will disappoint you. In my guts, I wish Cain would just fade away. I get a queasy feeling that something just is not ringing true about him and I go with those people who believe that if he had won some previous offices, he would have been well vetted by now.

However, saying that, I feel ashamed of myself that I am willing to throw a man overboard on such flimsy evidence. However, I will commit myself with this. I do believe that if the women can pull off a joint press conference like they are planning, then he is toast. Following is a thoughtful article from a prominent conservative. GOP and Cain

A Thoughtful Take on Ohio Election

2011-11-09T10:10:00.003-05:00

A Thoughtful Take on Ohio Election

Showing Disruption of Work Key to Success of Harassment Cases

2011-11-04T19:35:00.001-04:00

Wall Street Journal 11/4/2011(Full article subscribers only) Today’s Wall Street Journal is interesting on sexual harassment cases. The key to success in a case is to be able to demonstrate disruption of work. “It can’t just be
a one-time comment.” For those cases quietly settled to make them go away, there is a clue to what chances the accuser had to win. If it is a six-figure settlement, the case probably looked good. Five figures, such as $35,000 or $45,000, “suggests the allegation is likely to hit significant headwinds” for the complainant. "Six figures are often reserved for 'worst fact patterns' such as a supervisor repeatedly groping an employee, or a straight 'quid-pro-quo' when a boss tells an employee 'sleep with me or you're fired.'" You are not going to settle those cases for $35,000," says the attorney interviewed.

How Can Cain Survive This?

2011-11-04T16:12:00.001-04:00

Media Overkill of Cain

In case this gets pulled, Fox reports first three days on ABC, CBS, NBC
Ran 50 stories on the Cain story

On Clinton first three days:
Clinton/Paula Jones 3
Clinton /Willey 3
Clinton/Broddrick 3

Politico ran 76 (90 by today) on Cain

Vent Page XXVIII, Go For It

2011-11-01T16:38:00.000-04:00

In Response to Our Critics

2011-10-30T13:31:00.000-04:00

FOXY WOMEN OF FOX CABLE

Why Are Republican Men So Much Happier?

2011-10-29T14:38:00.000-04:00

Why Do Men Watch Fox News? Eat Your Hearts Out Libs

Don't Miss This on NRBH

2011-10-26T11:37:00.001-04:00

inquiring mind has left a comment that is too good to miss:

Even though we understand that the audited financial statements numbers ( are not correct - that's right, the auditors didn't even catch it (don't be surprised; we have found the same with our County and BOE audited financials), we are going to report
the operating losses according to the financial statements for NRSA (and keep in mind that these numbers were discussed every month as they grew):

2008 Operating Loss reported as ($1,966,208)

2009
Operating Loss reported as ($1,040,132)

2010
Operating Loss reported as ($765,705)

So, how did they stay in business up til now? In 2008, the "fund balance" in the amount of $3,518,763 was transferred from the old entity "New River Behavioral Health Care" (not to be confused with the new entity New River Service Authority dba New River Behavioral Health Care). They have been living off of borrowed time. Once the fund balance ran out and funding dried up they just kept spending. They ignored the "writing on the wall".

They had even scheduled a 4% salary increase and had to backtrack. They didn't want to reduce employees because that meant reduction in revenues. They were missing something- cost of employees was outpacing revenue generation.

Ponzi scheme - isn't that what they call it? And who pays for it? the taxpayers!

New River Behavioral Hole Gets Deeper

2011-10-24T14:46:00.001-04:00

Jefferson Post

I Am The Tea Party 30 SECOND VERSION 1920x1080 24p MPEG2

2011-10-23T15:19:00.000-04:00

How Much Are Watauga County Taxpayers on the Hook For Now?

2011-10-21T13:15:00.001-04:00

To: Sharon G. Edmundson, CPA
Director, Fiscal Management Section
State and Local Government Finance Division
North Carolina Department of State Treasurer

Our intrepid investigative reporter, Inquiring Mind, is seeking the information regarding county liability (taxpayers) in the New River Behavioral meltdown. She asks: how much is the actual liability of the NRSA to be passed onto the counties? In addition to the $3,000,000 deficit
there appears to be other liabilities outstanding and still accruing.

Regarding the interlocal agreement, Article IV Section 3 Item (c), signed by Allegheny, Ashe, Avery, Watauga and Wilkes, the financial statements shows an Unfunded Actuarial Accrued Liability (UAAL) of $1,875,795. Is that UAAL reduced due to separation of service from the NRSA? What is New River Service Authority’s (NRSA--"the Counties") UAAL?

Also, the agreement includes: "Pursuant to G.S. 122C-141(d)(3), as enacted by North Carolina Session Laws 2006-0142, all liabilities of NRSA shall be paid from its unobligated surplus funds, and if said funds are not sufficient to satisfy such indebtedness, the remaining unpaid portion of the same shall be apportioned to and paid by the Counties (emphases blogger’s) on the same pro rata basis that the Counties have appropriated and contributed funds to NRSA during such time as this agreement has been in effect."

Article I, Section 1 of the interlocal agreement defines Counties as "There is hereby created by and between Allegheny, Ashe, Avery, Watauga and Wilkes (hereinafter referred to collectively as "the Counties"), a joint agency to be known as the New River Service Authority. Said joint agency is hereinafter referred to in this Agreement as "NRSA"."

The financial statement states: "However, the counties are not responsible for financing deficits or guaranteeing debts of the Authority, nor are the counties entitled to surpluses. Accordingly, the Authority is not included in the reporting entity of any other governmental unit in accordance with Governmental Accounting Standards No. 14, "The Reporting Entity.”"

With regard to the "the Counties", this statement is inconsistent and brings me back to the question, why, with this potential liability, was this financial statement not part of "the Counties" financial statements?

The financial statements (also) mentions a defined benefit Health Care Benefit Plan that pays for retiree health care. Is this again not another liability? How do we get a copy of this plan? Noted the financial statement didn't speak to a separate report regarding this plan. It requires 25 years of service; however, how was service defined since "the Counties" assumed certain liabilities when they signed the interlocal agreement? Did prior service count? What is that liability? When does it end?

The financial statement also states that the Health Care Benefit Plan is a pay as you go plan. The premiums are being paid by the NRSA. When does that obligation end? The financial report states that this contribution is running 4.4% of payroll which is about $1 million, is this correct? The financial statement states that no funds are set aside and that all is paid from operating funds. It also refers to a written plan, is this not an obligation of "the Counties”?

The NRSA employees are participants in the Local Government Employees Retirement System (LGERS) according to the financial statement. If the employees are paid through October of 2011, is there a liability toward NRSA's funding obligation accruing; when does that funding obligation end?

Raleigh’s Response: The UAAL is the present value of what the actuarial service determined to be the total liability for the retiree health benefit as it is currently written. It is provided for informational purposes; there is no legal requirement for NRSA (or any other government) to fund this immediately. Only the unfunded annually required contribution is booked as a liability on the financial statements. As long as they are paying the premiums as they come due for the eligible vested employees/retirees they are current on this obligation.

For other questions, Raleigh directs us to the local agreement document.

Inquiring Mind: The NRSA is dissolving so what then?

Raleigh’s response: I have forwarded this question to our Retirement Services Division for a more complete response
.
Inquiring Mind to Deron: You guys might want to find out what it is that you need to do to stop the accrual of additional liability and just what that liability is.

I am very disturbed with the lax attitude that has been demonstrated in the past. So, now that we are in this mess, it would be nice if the job that should have been done is actually done now.

Four Pinochios for Biden.....

2011-10-21T09:53:00.002-04:00

Click Here For FACTCHECKER article in Washington Post...

Biden's assertions about higher crime rates debunked!

Of course I don't think anyone is surprised.

We Are The 53%

2011-10-19T21:13:00.003-04:00

The 53% that pay the taxes that support the 100% CLICK HERE

"I am 34 years old. I didn’t finish college because I had to work to support myself and my family. I have been working since I was 16. I work 80+ hours per week to keep my small business afloat. For the past 2 years I have been trying to find qualified candidates to work for the going rate in my city - $28-$42k. Every recent graduate that we interview has no experience, and wants too much money. I blame politicians, not Wall Street for creating pointless bailouts and a system of welfare and unemployment that rewards individuals that typically aren’t willing to work. I blame a higher education system that is failing it’s students by giving them a sense of entitlement instead of a strong work ethic. I word hard every day to provide handouts to the 99%. I employ 8 people and have been trying to hire for 3 open positions for the past year."

Why Is NPR Still Receiving Taxpayers Subsidies?

2011-10-19T12:32:00.002-04:00

NPR, Ethics, Politics and Taxpayer Subsidies!

From "Roll Call" Click here for full articl

"One major commandment of journalism: If thou art a hack, thou mustn’t flack.

So imagine our surprise when we realized the spokeswoman for October 2011, the group occupying Freedom Plaza, is Lisa Simeone, host of the radio program “Soundprint,” heard every Sunday at 11 p.m. on Washington’s public radio affiliate, WAMU. Simeone is also host of the NPR show “The World of Opera.”
When we asked Simeone about whether she was the host of “Soundprint,” she said, “Well, I work in radio still, but this is totally different.”

You have to wonder why taxpayers should be providing ANY funding to an organization with a political agenda. Can you imagine the uproar if Rush or Sean Hannity were receiving direct taxpayer subsidies while pursuing a political goal?

Who Are These Protesters?

2011-10-19T10:03:00.002-04:00

Who are these people? Douglas Schoen, pollster had 200 of the protesters interviewed. Here is what he found:

52% had participated in a political movement before.

98% say they would support civil disobedience to achieve their goals and 31% supported violence to support their agenda.

Only 15% were unemployed which is within single digits of the national unemployment rate of 9%.

Overwhelming majority supported Obama in 2008, 51% now disapprove of him, only 48% say they will vote for him, and 25% say they won’t even vote.

Fewer than one in three (32%) call themselves Democrats and 33% say they are not affiliated with any party.

65% say that government “has a moral responsibility to guarantee all citizens access to affordable health care, a college education, and a secure retirement–no matter what the cost.”

77% support raising taxes on the wealthiest Americans, while 58% oppose raising taxes for everybody.

“What binds a large majority of the protesters together–regardless of age, socioeconomic status or education–is a deep commitment to left-wing policies: opposition to free-market capitalism and support for radical redistribution of wealth, and intense regulation of the private sector.”

From an Obama Critic. Guess Who

2011-10-18T11:43:00.001-04:00

Can you guess who is saying the following: “look at the make-up of Obama’s stimulus program," "roughly half of it went to state and local municipalities, which is in effect to the municipal unions which are at the core of the Democratic Party." He adds
that "the Republicans understood this and it diminished the chances for bipartisan legislating.”

Then there was health-care reform: "Eighty percent of the country wanted them to get costs under control, not to extend the coverage. They used all their political capital to extend the coverage.”

“If the president wanted to get a jobs plan enacted, he didn't begin with private bipartisan discussions with House and Senate leaders Instead he gave another address to a joint session of Congress.” "Even if you want to do this to revive your support in the base, to revive your credibility on the issues of the economy and jobs, which has fallen off the table, this isn't going to accomplish it. Another speech from this guy? The country knows this is just another speech. They understand it almost instantaneously, and his numbers have continued to go down for that reason. What the country wanted was some way of coming up with a solution."

The person who is saying this is the billionaire Morton Zuckerman one of Obama’s big supporters. The Exasperation of the Democratic Billionaire, Wall Street Journal October 15, 2011

Obama's Smilingly Brings Us All Together as Promised

2011-10-17T21:03:00.000-04:00

A Watauga Conservative

FOX NUMBER ONE IN CABLE TV NEWS FOR PAST 10 YEARS

Pat McCrory to "OFFICIALLY" Begin Campaign Today

THE HISTORY OF THE INCOME TAX – DICK MORRIS TV: HISTORY VIDEO!

Ground Hog Day All Over Again

Vent Page XXXVI...............50% Better than Vent Page XXIV!!

Dan Forest Candidate for Lt. Gov. Speaks Tonight

Debt in Perspective...Thanks Boone Tea Party

Perdue May Not Run For Second Term UPDATED

Death Penalty in North Carolina

Another Speech

COMING SOON: 1000 Days Without a Budget

State Support of Higher Education in North Carolina

South Carolina to Republican Establishment "Get Out of the Way!"

Second Amendment in Ashe County?

In Case You Missed This Today

Vent Page XXXV - brought to you in 35 MM Wide Screen !

Why Republicans Vote Against Education

The Debt Generation

Foxx Named as "TAXPAYER HERO"

'nuff said!

Carolina Journal's Rick Henderson discusses Gov. Perdue's misuse of unem...

And it's NEWT for the score!

Local Sugar Grove Writer on Top of Things

And Obama Wants More

Boone Noise Issues

Voter ID, Voter Fraud.....NAh! That can't happen!

Vent Page XXXIV .....IT'S A MIRACLE!

Blowing Rock's Version of the Right To Bear Arms!

Most Important Yet on Gingrich

More on 2011--2012 Blog Review

Democrats Decline; Republicans Grow

Teachers? We like.....Teachers unions? Not so much....

2011 AND NOW COMES 2012

The Race Begins.......Iowa

VENT PAGE XXXIII - The Broken Record Edition

A Better Year Ahead!

People of Faith and Obama

Media at its Finest

Merry Christmas to all of you!

Lynn Mason Out - Jamie Leigh NEW BOONE MAYOR Pro-Tem

Vent Page XXXII - A VENT PAGE OF LOW CALIBER

Merry Christmas My Friend, written by Marine LCPL

Why the Mental Health Issue

NEWT’S GROWTH – DICK MORRIS TV: LUNCH ALERT!

A SOLDIERS CHRISTMAS

"A Soldier's Christmas"

A Soldier's ChristmasBy Michael Marks

************************************************************************************Copyright © 2000 by Michael Marks, All Rights Reserved

Why I Want Gingrich as Our Standard Bearer

Gingrich Says Palestine is an Invented State

Jack Says Obama Won't Have a Billion

Christie to True Believers

Important and Accurate Letter on New River Debacle (In case local media do not carry it.)

President Robbing Social Security Fund

HR 10 - REINS ACT

Official Summary

Why Don't the Others Go Home?

Posted on National Patriot

Illegal for Democrats to Put Obama on Ballot

Cain's Out

Perils of a Conservative Blogger

Foxx Forum on Facebook

HUGE REPUBLICAN EDGE ON ISSUES! DICK MORRIS TV: LUNCH ALERT!

Newt's Daughter Sets the Record Straight

Congratulations Boone Taxpayers!

Left Wing Media Send Barney Off With Wet Kisses

Thanks Jonathan Jordan and Dan Soucek

OWS Poster Should Say "The End is Near"

From The Manchester Union-Leader's Endorsement of Gingrich

Sign the Petition for Justice Kagan to Recuse

VENT PAGE XXX ---- CELEBRATING OUR TURKEYS!

48 YEARS AGO - The Kennedy Assassination

"Liberals Need a Tea Party, Damn It"

ATTACKS ARE IMMUNIZING GOP CONTENDERS – DICK MORRIS TV: LUNCH ALERT!

Recreational Fishing and Hunting Heritage Opportunity Act ---- HELP NEEDED!

Tea Party Meet with Sen. Soucek

Kagan--Will she or Won't She?

Wilkes County Dem Chair to Run Against Virginia Foxx

VENT PAGE XXIX - . . . . Superfortress Version

A Soldier's Christmas
By Michael Marks