This hits the nail SQUARELY on the head. Home run. Grand slam. If the Mexican government would do productive things to foster growth and incorporate into the modern world economy, the export of its impoverished citizens to OUR nation would slow to a rate that would be far more acceptable.
I always suspected that things were bad in the lands of our southern neighbor, but I had no idea they were so bad. 100 million people, 40% in poverty, 25% underemployment (not an official figure) . No wonder they want to come here so badly. An estimated $ 19 billion is sent from "guests" here back home. 3% growth rate is pretty good for a mature economy like the US, but pretty poor in a developing nation. See India, China, etc. all growing 5-7% or better. Interested to see they hit a $1 trillion in GDP this year -- 14th in the world, right behind Canada, and they have 40% poverty! Of course, Canada's population is only 1/3 of Mexico's. Sad, but the incredible income disparity and corruption there have to be addressed, even if we DO build a wall.
Note: Figures from CIA Factbook.
Friday, March 31, 2006
Outside the Beltway
Don't usually snip from other bloggers, but in this case ..... WELL said!
Steve Verdon talks about paternalism, then concludes:
"If you are advocating things like life time employement, government provided health care, government provided retirement, government provided housing, and the such guess what; you no longer want freedom. You want to be a pet. And disturbingly the Republicans seem all too eager to head right down this road behind the Democrats. " (added the emphasis)
We're a long way from "Don't Tread On Me", and the nation suffers for it, IMHO.
This is one of my favorite group blogs, which seem to be getting more and more popular as blog fatigue sets in with solo efforts. I doubt I'll ever achieve enough popularity to have others join in, but ... you never say never.
Steve Verdon talks about paternalism, then concludes:
"If you are advocating things like life time employement, government provided health care, government provided retirement, government provided housing, and the such guess what; you no longer want freedom. You want to be a pet. And disturbingly the Republicans seem all too eager to head right down this road behind the Democrats. " (added the emphasis)
We're a long way from "Don't Tread On Me", and the nation suffers for it, IMHO.
This is one of my favorite group blogs, which seem to be getting more and more popular as blog fatigue sets in with solo efforts. I doubt I'll ever achieve enough popularity to have others join in, but ... you never say never.
Deployed Soldier
Wheee, Sarge was ON FIRE yesterday!
I'd be a little pissed with the media too if I was in country. I am anyway. Civil War my ass. If you added up all the things the media has gotten wrong about the Iraqi campaign and reconstruction efforts, you'd have a pile of paper stretching to the moon. Bro-in-law (ironically enough, also an E5) is scheduled to go to either Iraq or Kuwait with his new unit, probably in June. Dude wants to do his 20 -- regardless of where they send him and what is asked when he gets there. The only 2 journalists I really trust on war reports (other than boots on the ground bloggers) are Mike Yon and author/columnist Ralph Peters. Both vets; we may be on to something here. The tragically deceased Mike Kelly was also a damn fine journalist as well.
I'd be a little pissed with the media too if I was in country. I am anyway. Civil War my ass. If you added up all the things the media has gotten wrong about the Iraqi campaign and reconstruction efforts, you'd have a pile of paper stretching to the moon. Bro-in-law (ironically enough, also an E5) is scheduled to go to either Iraq or Kuwait with his new unit, probably in June. Dude wants to do his 20 -- regardless of where they send him and what is asked when he gets there. The only 2 journalists I really trust on war reports (other than boots on the ground bloggers) are Mike Yon and author/columnist Ralph Peters. Both vets; we may be on to something here. The tragically deceased Mike Kelly was also a damn fine journalist as well.
Baseball Gloves in History
TCS Daily
Being a baseball fanatic, pretty interesting stuff. I love seeing the old game films where the players would leave their gloves on the field while their team took its at-bat. The opposition simply played around the opponents' gloves. Had no idea Spaulding was actually a 19th century player. On a personal note, I have my recently departed grandfather's glove from the 40's, which I think is pretty cool.
Being a baseball fanatic, pretty interesting stuff. I love seeing the old game films where the players would leave their gloves on the field while their team took its at-bat. The opposition simply played around the opponents' gloves. Had no idea Spaulding was actually a 19th century player. On a personal note, I have my recently departed grandfather's glove from the 40's, which I think is pretty cool.
Palace of Ajax Found
MSNBC.
Interesting. Ajax was the name of 2 Greek warriors, I assume they believe these excavations are associated with Ajax the Greater, who was the Greeks second-best warrior to the better known (today) Achilles. I never put it together that the famous Battle of Salamis was the home kingdom of the much earlier (8-900 years) Ajax either.
The really interesting find is the copper piece with the name of Egyptian Pharoah Ramses on it. Trade in those days was actually a lot more wide-spread than you might believe. I saw a thing on the Queen of Sheba (contemporary in a general sense to Ajax, Bronze Age) on History channel's "Digging for the Truth" and her people, who populated present day Yemen and Ethiopia, traded as far away as China and India, as well as with the Med. civilizations.
Interesting. Ajax was the name of 2 Greek warriors, I assume they believe these excavations are associated with Ajax the Greater, who was the Greeks second-best warrior to the better known (today) Achilles. I never put it together that the famous Battle of Salamis was the home kingdom of the much earlier (8-900 years) Ajax either.
The really interesting find is the copper piece with the name of Egyptian Pharoah Ramses on it. Trade in those days was actually a lot more wide-spread than you might believe. I saw a thing on the Queen of Sheba (contemporary in a general sense to Ajax, Bronze Age) on History channel's "Digging for the Truth" and her people, who populated present day Yemen and Ethiopia, traded as far away as China and India, as well as with the Med. civilizations.
Thursday, March 30, 2006
Mitt Romney
From MSNBC.
Mainly a fluff article, but I'm surprised it didn't mention the fact he's a Mormon. Like his education and immigration stances. A number of these type of pieces are floating around on potential Presidential candidates, particularly on the Republican side. Saw one on Hagel the other day, but I don't think he's really got any chance, but I could be surprised. McCain and Guliani appear to be the front-runners, although I think Romney and VA Sen. George Allen are also possible. I don't think Bill Frist excites too many people today either. KS Sen. Sam Brownback has also been mentioned.
Dems appear locked in on either Mrs. Clinton (who has a huge campaign chest, $17 milllion and counting), Al Gore, Kerry or Edwards. I'd like to see a dark horse emerge -- although NOT Howard Dean. Somebody with a least a little common sense. NM Gov. Bill Richardson for example, or Joe Lieberman. Heard VA Gov. Warner is exploring a run as well, not terribly familiar with him.
Mainly a fluff article, but I'm surprised it didn't mention the fact he's a Mormon. Like his education and immigration stances. A number of these type of pieces are floating around on potential Presidential candidates, particularly on the Republican side. Saw one on Hagel the other day, but I don't think he's really got any chance, but I could be surprised. McCain and Guliani appear to be the front-runners, although I think Romney and VA Sen. George Allen are also possible. I don't think Bill Frist excites too many people today either. KS Sen. Sam Brownback has also been mentioned.
Dems appear locked in on either Mrs. Clinton (who has a huge campaign chest, $17 milllion and counting), Al Gore, Kerry or Edwards. I'd like to see a dark horse emerge -- although NOT Howard Dean. Somebody with a least a little common sense. NM Gov. Bill Richardson for example, or Joe Lieberman. Heard VA Gov. Warner is exploring a run as well, not terribly familiar with him.
Chinese Harvesting Prisoner's Organs
From National Review.
Also see the Washignton Times article here.
While the idea that Communist governments routinely torture their own citizens may be a surprise to some, it is a fact. The Czechs know, and remember. So do the Poles, East Germans, and the Romanians. You would like to think that Amnesty and associated groups would raise an unholy ruckus over something like this, but you would be wrong -- they instead are screaming about Haliburton, Blood for Oil and the liberation of nearly 50 million Muslims.
The thing that disturbs me the most is the silence. We can't afford to make our Chinese or Cuban friends angry, can we? Business is business, there are markets to be untapped! Some, but very few, are paying attention. Of course, the Chinese don't just pick on Fulan Gong practitioners, but Tibetans, Muslim Uigurs and just about any other minority group. If this is true, and I think it likely that it is, it will be compared with Nazi Europe -- as well it should.
Also see the Washignton Times article here.
While the idea that Communist governments routinely torture their own citizens may be a surprise to some, it is a fact. The Czechs know, and remember. So do the Poles, East Germans, and the Romanians. You would like to think that Amnesty and associated groups would raise an unholy ruckus over something like this, but you would be wrong -- they instead are screaming about Haliburton, Blood for Oil and the liberation of nearly 50 million Muslims.
The thing that disturbs me the most is the silence. We can't afford to make our Chinese or Cuban friends angry, can we? Business is business, there are markets to be untapped! Some, but very few, are paying attention. Of course, the Chinese don't just pick on Fulan Gong practitioners, but Tibetans, Muslim Uigurs and just about any other minority group. If this is true, and I think it likely that it is, it will be compared with Nazi Europe -- as well it should.
Wednesday, March 29, 2006
Missing Link Found?
From Nat'l Geographic.
Skull found in Ethiopia apparently bridges some of the gap in the fossil record between modern h. sapiens and h. erectus. Interesting, to say the least. Apparently undiscovered until now, and the article states there are 3 ! different homind species that might have led to the evolution of modern humanity.
Also related: Early Humans Prey, not Predators.
Apparently great, great, etc grandpa was constantly on the run from those pesky saber tooths. The only thing that may have saved us is cooperative groupings. Current primate species behavior comes to mind -- a couple of young males serve as lookouts while the rest of the band feeds.
"Early humans survived while other primate species died out because our ancestors cooperated to alter their surroundings, the researchers say.
This cooperation deflected the risk of predation onto other nearby prey species, which became more vulnerable because early humans weren't as easy to catch. "
Being more difficult to catch, the big cats that preyed upon early humans shifted their diet to other species. Way to go, grandpa.
Skull found in Ethiopia apparently bridges some of the gap in the fossil record between modern h. sapiens and h. erectus. Interesting, to say the least. Apparently undiscovered until now, and the article states there are 3 ! different homind species that might have led to the evolution of modern humanity.
Also related: Early Humans Prey, not Predators.
Apparently great, great, etc grandpa was constantly on the run from those pesky saber tooths. The only thing that may have saved us is cooperative groupings. Current primate species behavior comes to mind -- a couple of young males serve as lookouts while the rest of the band feeds.
"Early humans survived while other primate species died out because our ancestors cooperated to alter their surroundings, the researchers say.
This cooperation deflected the risk of predation onto other nearby prey species, which became more vulnerable because early humans weren't as easy to catch. "
Being more difficult to catch, the big cats that preyed upon early humans shifted their diet to other species. Way to go, grandpa.
Political Posts/General thoughts
I am not intending this to be a purely political blog, but it does seem to be where I'm putting my time and energy for the most part. That being said, I should probably state where I stand on general principal. Economically speaking, I'm conservative. Anti-tax, anti-spending, pro-business (generally speaking). I tend to be sceptical of the environmental movement, but like groups (Nature Conservancy is one) that buy land from private landowners to accomplish their goals. I don't mind subsidizing ethanol producers when we also subsidize the gas & oil industry.
I do want to drill for oil off Florida and in Alaska if it is economically viable to do so, and can be done in a safe, responsible manner.
Socially, I'd say I'm pretty moderate. Philosophically against abortion, but not that adamant about it and I think you have to have some legalized abortion. I tend to favor things that discourage or limit it without making it illegal. School prayer, gay marriage/adoption, the whole family values thing doesn't really resonate with me much. I like school choice a great deal, however. If the local public school is hopeless, a parent has to do something to get their child a good education.
Foreign policy-wise, I am a veteran that supports the application of military force to accomplish strategic security aims when diplomacy fails. I am a patriot and I believe that the United States has historically been the greatest force for peace and good in the history of mankind. I would not, however, argue that we are perfect in every way, indeed, far from it. I will note for the record by brother-in-law is active duty Army and participated in the invasion of Iraq with 101st Airborne. I naturally prefer diplomacy and multi-lateral solutions but national security trumps. I prefer, if you will, to believe in peace through strength. Walk softly and carry a big stick, as TR would say. Walking softly can be a bit of a problem when your the world's sole remaining superpower, in current terms at least.
I think it is a horrible travesty of justice that people fleeing a brutal tyrant in Cuba get returned if they are picked up on the water but allowed to stay if the land on US soil when thousands, indeed millions of other people are allowed to (wink,wink you will, of course, come back for your deportation hearing, won't you?) stay illegally. The border must be controlled better, and employers should face severe penalties for hiring illegals. Can we stop everyone? Can we return everyone back to their home countires? Most likely not, but we can limit the inflow and provide more disincentives for people to come here in the first place.
I do want to drill for oil off Florida and in Alaska if it is economically viable to do so, and can be done in a safe, responsible manner.
Socially, I'd say I'm pretty moderate. Philosophically against abortion, but not that adamant about it and I think you have to have some legalized abortion. I tend to favor things that discourage or limit it without making it illegal. School prayer, gay marriage/adoption, the whole family values thing doesn't really resonate with me much. I like school choice a great deal, however. If the local public school is hopeless, a parent has to do something to get their child a good education.
Foreign policy-wise, I am a veteran that supports the application of military force to accomplish strategic security aims when diplomacy fails. I am a patriot and I believe that the United States has historically been the greatest force for peace and good in the history of mankind. I would not, however, argue that we are perfect in every way, indeed, far from it. I will note for the record by brother-in-law is active duty Army and participated in the invasion of Iraq with 101st Airborne. I naturally prefer diplomacy and multi-lateral solutions but national security trumps. I prefer, if you will, to believe in peace through strength. Walk softly and carry a big stick, as TR would say. Walking softly can be a bit of a problem when your the world's sole remaining superpower, in current terms at least.
I think it is a horrible travesty of justice that people fleeing a brutal tyrant in Cuba get returned if they are picked up on the water but allowed to stay if the land on US soil when thousands, indeed millions of other people are allowed to (wink,wink you will, of course, come back for your deportation hearing, won't you?) stay illegally. The border must be controlled better, and employers should face severe penalties for hiring illegals. Can we stop everyone? Can we return everyone back to their home countires? Most likely not, but we can limit the inflow and provide more disincentives for people to come here in the first place.
3rd District Race
Polk (see last post on 3rd District debate) is apparently a teacher, according to this site, and there is also a Dave Harris running as a Republican as well. Neither has a website. Vavricek's site has a poll with results showing him in the lead -- here. Understand the anti-tax Club for Growth has endorsed Smith, and has issues with Vavricek, who apparently has raised sales tax in the past. I need to talk to friends out west and see what they think about this.
US Senate Debate
Set for Thursday March 30. Stenberg has threatened to not show up unless the other two candidates sign his "Positive Campaign Pledge". What a moron. It hardly seems possible to believe this guy was elected to statewide office. If you can't stand the heat, get out of the kitchen, Don.
On another note, apparently Ricketts loaned his campaign another half a million dollars. Saw an ad the other day and he seems intent on courting Stenberg's social conservative base -- talked about judges, pro-life stance, emminent domain, etc. Kramer had a nice article in OWH here
but has been mostly invisible.
On another note, apparently Ricketts loaned his campaign another half a million dollars. Saw an ad the other day and he seems intent on courting Stenberg's social conservative base -- talked about judges, pro-life stance, emminent domain, etc. Kramer had a nice article in OWH here
but has been mostly invisible.
NE Citizen 2nd Debate Roundup
My thoughts are that the issues between the candidates tend to be technical in nature, not surprising given they all represent the same political party. This makes analysis difficult, but not impossible, so bear with me.
On higher education: everyone seems to agree that some incentives are needed to get graduates to stay in state, but Nabity correctly identifies the issue as an economic one -- we need better growth and jobs to get people to stay and reduce taxes to make the state a more attractive place to live. Both he and Osbourne hammer budget increases, which aren't sustainable without a better state climate for growth.
Economy/jobs: Governor responds with the incentive package recently passed, and the questionable idea that we can't reduce taxes and spending drastically because it took us a long time to become a high tax state. Nabity takes the Gov. to task, particularly that the tax cut is about $3-4 a month for the average tax payer. Both he and Osbourne appear to believe that Heineman should have done more last year to reduce spending and streamline govenrment.
Not sure I disagree. Osbourne also notes that the Gov's job creation numbers ignores job losses around the state -- net job increase should be the yardstick.
Abortion: all said they would have signed the Dakota bill. Not sure I would without provisions for at least rape and incest. SD bill is surely going to court.
Immigration: All agree a Federal issue, but I would argue that as chief executive, you are obligated with upholding the law. IMO, we need to go after the employers and dry up the incentive for people to come here in the first place. Question asks about children getting in-state tuition, and while the Gov. seems hesitant, I think all would agree that you can't blame the children for the sins of the parents. Osbourne qualifies it as 5 years in country, graduate from NE high school, and not over 21, which sound to me like important restrictions.
Water: Lots of technical talk here, and Osbourne and the Gov. seem to agree about the program Osboure sponsored in Congress which they think will do a lot to address the Republican River shortfall with Kansas. Nabity looks at it in more economic terms and believes that it will force farmers out of business. Particularly tough one to analyze.
Healthcare: everyone agrees we have to do something to control costs. Osbourne points to other states that have addressed the issue, FL as an example. Heineman apparently wants to study it and takes flack from both for saying so.
Government: all agree to large and talk about how to share services, reduce redundancy, etc.
Surprising to me that the state has as many employees as IA with half the population.
On higher education: everyone seems to agree that some incentives are needed to get graduates to stay in state, but Nabity correctly identifies the issue as an economic one -- we need better growth and jobs to get people to stay and reduce taxes to make the state a more attractive place to live. Both he and Osbourne hammer budget increases, which aren't sustainable without a better state climate for growth.
Economy/jobs: Governor responds with the incentive package recently passed, and the questionable idea that we can't reduce taxes and spending drastically because it took us a long time to become a high tax state. Nabity takes the Gov. to task, particularly that the tax cut is about $3-4 a month for the average tax payer. Both he and Osbourne appear to believe that Heineman should have done more last year to reduce spending and streamline govenrment.
Not sure I disagree. Osbourne also notes that the Gov's job creation numbers ignores job losses around the state -- net job increase should be the yardstick.
Abortion: all said they would have signed the Dakota bill. Not sure I would without provisions for at least rape and incest. SD bill is surely going to court.
Immigration: All agree a Federal issue, but I would argue that as chief executive, you are obligated with upholding the law. IMO, we need to go after the employers and dry up the incentive for people to come here in the first place. Question asks about children getting in-state tuition, and while the Gov. seems hesitant, I think all would agree that you can't blame the children for the sins of the parents. Osbourne qualifies it as 5 years in country, graduate from NE high school, and not over 21, which sound to me like important restrictions.
Water: Lots of technical talk here, and Osbourne and the Gov. seem to agree about the program Osboure sponsored in Congress which they think will do a lot to address the Republican River shortfall with Kansas. Nabity looks at it in more economic terms and believes that it will force farmers out of business. Particularly tough one to analyze.
Healthcare: everyone agrees we have to do something to control costs. Osbourne points to other states that have addressed the issue, FL as an example. Heineman apparently wants to study it and takes flack from both for saying so.
Government: all agree to large and talk about how to share services, reduce redundancy, etc.
Surprising to me that the state has as many employees as IA with half the population.
3rd District House Race
I'm assuming it's Monday April 3. I think it's actually Dave Hanson, not John. Not familiar with Polk, will have to do some research. I wonder if Dem. candidate Kleebs will show.
From OWH:
Third District rivals agree to forum
Four candidates seeking the 3rd Congressional District seat being vacated by U.S. Rep. Tom Osborne, R-Neb., have agreed to participate in a candidate forum scheduled for 2 p.m. Monday at the Kearney Holiday Inn.
The two-hour session is sponsored by nine agricultural organizations. It will include an hour of questioning by a panel of news reporters and a second hour of questions from audience members.
Four of the six candidates seeking the post - Adrian Smith, John Hanson, Jay Vavricek and Douglas Polk, all Republicans - had agreed to participate as of Tuesday.
From OWH:
Third District rivals agree to forum
Four candidates seeking the 3rd Congressional District seat being vacated by U.S. Rep. Tom Osborne, R-Neb., have agreed to participate in a candidate forum scheduled for 2 p.m. Monday at the Kearney Holiday Inn.
The two-hour session is sponsored by nine agricultural organizations. It will include an hour of questioning by a panel of news reporters and a second hour of questions from audience members.
Four of the six candidates seeking the post - Adrian Smith, John Hanson, Jay Vavricek and Douglas Polk, all Republicans - had agreed to participate as of Tuesday.
Tuesday, March 28, 2006
Arab Economic Model
From TCS Daily
Great article on how Arab governments have mismanaged their economies and the growth rate in liberated Iraq. If I recall correctly, I read somewhere that Iraq and Spain had either similiar GDP numbers or Per Capita income numbers when Saddam took power. Spain is now light years ahead of Iraq, and Iraq was one of the better Arab economies under Hussein. I also understand that electrical output is now greater than pre-liberation -- the primary problem today is that Iraqi citizens demand has far outstripped supply.
Great article on how Arab governments have mismanaged their economies and the growth rate in liberated Iraq. If I recall correctly, I read somewhere that Iraq and Spain had either similiar GDP numbers or Per Capita income numbers when Saddam took power. Spain is now light years ahead of Iraq, and Iraq was one of the better Arab economies under Hussein. I also understand that electrical output is now greater than pre-liberation -- the primary problem today is that Iraqi citizens demand has far outstripped supply.
Monday, March 27, 2006
2nd Gubernatorial Debate
From OWH.
Immigration issue has Osbourne and Nabity in favor of in-state tuition for the children of illegal immigrants, point being that we shouldn't punish the children for crimes committed by their parents. The Governor has serious reservations about the idea, but passes the buck saying that the Feds should enforce the law. Novel idea, but maybe the chief executive of the state should do something about it , too.
The challengers also indirectly criticized the tax incentive bill and state budget. Osbourne pointed out the dramatic spending increases (14%) could constrain tax relief and Nabity said that the incentives don't do enough for small business. Osbourne also points out some large employers are (Tyson) are leavingg the state for greener pastures. Gov. defends his tax package with numbers of 26 businesses applied for incentives leading to an estimated 4000 jobs. He also repeated his refrain that it took us a long time to become a high tax state and that it will take us a long time to lower taxes, which I just don't understand myself. Claims to want to lower taxes, just not right now, apparently. Pointed out the last budget didn't raise taxes.
All three candidates stated they would support a bill outlawing abortion like that of South Dakota's.
Immigration issue has Osbourne and Nabity in favor of in-state tuition for the children of illegal immigrants, point being that we shouldn't punish the children for crimes committed by their parents. The Governor has serious reservations about the idea, but passes the buck saying that the Feds should enforce the law. Novel idea, but maybe the chief executive of the state should do something about it , too.
The challengers also indirectly criticized the tax incentive bill and state budget. Osbourne pointed out the dramatic spending increases (14%) could constrain tax relief and Nabity said that the incentives don't do enough for small business. Osbourne also points out some large employers are (Tyson) are leavingg the state for greener pastures. Gov. defends his tax package with numbers of 26 businesses applied for incentives leading to an estimated 4000 jobs. He also repeated his refrain that it took us a long time to become a high tax state and that it will take us a long time to lower taxes, which I just don't understand myself. Claims to want to lower taxes, just not right now, apparently. Pointed out the last budget didn't raise taxes.
All three candidates stated they would support a bill outlawing abortion like that of South Dakota's.
Friday, March 24, 2006
Gov Race Round Up -- 1st Debate
Thanks to NE Citizen for bulleting the candidates views in the First Gubanatorial Debate.
From reading the OWH Letters to the Editor, it would appear that Nabity may have picked up some support, while Osbourne still is probably leading the pack. The Governor is advertising his position on the OPS issue, I guess hoping to pick up suburban support.
http://www.omaha.com/index.php?u_pg=1673&u_sid=2138386
From reading the OWH Letters to the Editor, it would appear that Nabity may have picked up some support, while Osbourne still is probably leading the pack. The Governor is advertising his position on the OPS issue, I guess hoping to pick up suburban support.
http://www.omaha.com/index.php?u_pg=1673&u_sid=2138386
Monday, March 20, 2006
Pirates Fire on US Warships
You have to be eff'in kidding me! What were these clowns thinking?
Way to keep a low profile, criminal masterminds.
Rocket grenades against not one, but 2 US Navy warships -- a cruiser and a destroyer?
Simply brilliant. Makes stupid US criminals look positively Einsteinian.
hat tip: http://wizbangblog.com/
Way to keep a low profile, criminal masterminds.
Rocket grenades against not one, but 2 US Navy warships -- a cruiser and a destroyer?
Simply brilliant. Makes stupid US criminals look positively Einsteinian.
hat tip: http://wizbangblog.com/
Gubernatorial Debate in Omaha
Link to debate sponsor, Omaha ABC affiliate KETV web article.
Thoughts: All three are for some form of tax cuts, but only Osbourne is stating that the real problem is spending. He also wants to reform the tax code. I like Nabity's idea of a flat state income tax rate & the elimination of the estate tax. Heineman touts the recently passed spending cuts, but Nabity points out that this was only 1/10 of 1 percent of the state budget. The Governor seems to believe that it will take some time to reduce taxes -- mentions tax creep over the last 10 years and thinks it should take us about the same amount of time to reduce. ?!! He wants to focus on income, sales and property taxes this year (what's left?). All three appear to be in favor of some type of government streamlining, but Osbourne's ideas seem to more developed in this case (Believes up to $350 million could be saved). Not sure if Warren Buffet would be my first choice to head the efficiency commission though.
OPS/Schools issues -- Heineman is against the proposed merger, Nabity wants to turn it on its head (have the suburban districts take over 23 OPS schools), and Osbourne wants to get the parties together and find a solution without going to court. No mention of what the law actually is, or whether or not the merger is a good idea, although no one appears to think it is. All propose to revamp the state aid formula.
Crime: Everyone seems to agree that penalties should be stiffer and more money should be made available for treatment, counseling and monitoring for sex offender/meth addiction. Nabity comes out for Concealed permits. Osbourne mentions sentencing is particularly haphazard.
Jobs: Osbourne promotes education and technology, Heineman points to the incentive plan recently passed by the legislature and his trip to Cuba, and Nabity believes tax cuts will make the state more attractive for new business.
Immigration: All three say the Feds are failing in their job, but welcome hard working legal immmigrants to the state. Osbourne points to a proposal he has before the US House that would involve employers and a 3 year guest worker program.
Impressions: Heineman frequently touts his record, but seems a bit defensive overall. I don't think he's had the job long enough to make a big impression on most voters. Osbourne is still clearly the front runner on name recognition alone, has some good ideas but appears indecisive on some issues. Nabity is way behind but has a lot of serious proposals that could gain some traction if he could get his message out & people took the time to look at them seriously.
Unscientific OWH online poll on just over 2000 votes as of 10 am this morning has TO way ahead just over 3:1 over Heineman. Nabity is running behind TO 8:1 Looking good for the Coach.
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Thoughts: All three are for some form of tax cuts, but only Osbourne is stating that the real problem is spending. He also wants to reform the tax code. I like Nabity's idea of a flat state income tax rate & the elimination of the estate tax. Heineman touts the recently passed spending cuts, but Nabity points out that this was only 1/10 of 1 percent of the state budget. The Governor seems to believe that it will take some time to reduce taxes -- mentions tax creep over the last 10 years and thinks it should take us about the same amount of time to reduce. ?!! He wants to focus on income, sales and property taxes this year (what's left?). All three appear to be in favor of some type of government streamlining, but Osbourne's ideas seem to more developed in this case (Believes up to $350 million could be saved). Not sure if Warren Buffet would be my first choice to head the efficiency commission though.
OPS/Schools issues -- Heineman is against the proposed merger, Nabity wants to turn it on its head (have the suburban districts take over 23 OPS schools), and Osbourne wants to get the parties together and find a solution without going to court. No mention of what the law actually is, or whether or not the merger is a good idea, although no one appears to think it is. All propose to revamp the state aid formula.
Crime: Everyone seems to agree that penalties should be stiffer and more money should be made available for treatment, counseling and monitoring for sex offender/meth addiction. Nabity comes out for Concealed permits. Osbourne mentions sentencing is particularly haphazard.
Jobs: Osbourne promotes education and technology, Heineman points to the incentive plan recently passed by the legislature and his trip to Cuba, and Nabity believes tax cuts will make the state more attractive for new business.
Immigration: All three say the Feds are failing in their job, but welcome hard working legal immmigrants to the state. Osbourne points to a proposal he has before the US House that would involve employers and a 3 year guest worker program.
Impressions: Heineman frequently touts his record, but seems a bit defensive overall. I don't think he's had the job long enough to make a big impression on most voters. Osbourne is still clearly the front runner on name recognition alone, has some good ideas but appears indecisive on some issues. Nabity is way behind but has a lot of serious proposals that could gain some traction if he could get his message out & people took the time to look at them seriously.
Unscientific OWH online poll on just over 2000 votes as of 10 am this morning has TO way ahead just over 3:1 over Heineman. Nabity is running behind TO 8:1 Looking good for the Coach.
l
Thursday, March 16, 2006
Former Husker Alex Gordon
It appears KC hasn't settled on a position yet, but they continue to work him at 3B for now with a potential move to 1B or the OF in his future. Sounds like he's having a good spring and impressing the scouts. AA Wichita appears to be where he'll start the season, and I hope he lands in Omaha before too long. It does seem the club isn't going to rush him up to the big club, which is good.
Oldest Ocean Going Vessels
Found in Egypt.
Apparently those Pharoahs were sending expeditions across the Red Sea as long as 4000 years ago.
Apparently those Pharoahs were sending expeditions across the Red Sea as long as 4000 years ago.
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