The public relations campaign for President Obama's latest revival of "immigration reform" makes one thing crystal clear: This is not, and never has been, about homeland security. This is not, and never has been, about economic security. It's about political security, plain and cynical.
In conjunction with Tuesday's renewed White House push in Texas for a "new pathway to citizenship" for millions of illegal immigrants, disgruntled Latino activists are ratcheting up their radical anti-enforcement rhetoric. Illinois Democratic Rep. Luis Gutierrez -- a persistent critic on Obama's left flank -- lambasted federal workplace enforcement raids this weekend. On Sunday, he repeated his hyperbolic attacks on homeland security agents "terrorizing" neighborhoods and ripping babies from the breasts of nursing moms. Department of Homeland Security Secretary Janet Napolitano made no public effort to defend her employees.
On campuses across the country, unhappy ethnic college student groups have turned up the heat on Democrats to resurrect the "DREAM Act" nightmare for the 12th time in a decade. The legislation -- persistently rejected by a bipartisan majority on Capitol Hill -- would provide illegal aliens (not just teenagers, but students up to age 35) federal education access and benefits, plus a conditional pass from deportation and a special path toward green cards and U.S. citizenship for themselves and unlimited relatives.
Obama argues that his comprehensive amnesty plan would boost America's bottom line. But the open-borders math doesn't add up. The Congressional Budget Office score of the last DREAM Act package estimates that "the bill would increase projected deficits by more than $5 billion in at least one of the four consecutive 10-year periods starting in 2021." And that doesn't include the costs of the unlimited family members the millions of DREAM Act beneficiaries would be able to bring to the U.S. A separate cost analysis by the Washington, D.C.-based Center for Immigration Studies concluded that the illegal alien DREAM Act bailout would cost taxpayers $6.2 billion a year and "crowd out" U.S. students in the classroom.
To help gloss over those sobering realities and blur the lines between legal and illegal immigration, Obama summoned Latino celebrities such as actresses Eva Longoria and Rosario Dawson. The starlets -- deemed important "stakeholders" in the immigration policy debate by the celebrity in chief -- have served as glamorous distractions from the vocal complaints of Southwest governors, ranchers, farmers and other victims of continued border chaos. These are the real stakeholders whose lives and livelihoods are at risk. But none had a seat at the Hollywood-filled table.
Wednesday, May 11, 2011
Tuesday, May 3, 2011
The Government in the Gas Can
The Government In The Gas Can
posted May 2, 2011 Chattanoogan.com
First, I cannot express my sorrow to the victims of all the tornadoes and straight line winds the area suffered Wednesday. This comment in some ways effects all those trying to get by with generators and such.
Yesterday, I went to the local chain hardware store to purchase a new two gallon gas can. For years they have averaged $4.99 or so. When I found the display, a two gallon can was priced $9.99. I was shocked first and then noticed plastered on the front a big sticker "EPA Approved."
Here's the deal. The can now has a "spill proof" plastic valve that you have to depress to allow fuel to flow. When you release this wonder it stops the flow. Here's the catch that one of our EPA wizards did not notice. When you realize the tank is full and you need to stop the flow, there is still gas trapped in the plastic provided spout. If you are close to full, the spout runs it over. The old design you simply leaned the can back and did not spill any gas.
As usual, the EPA has probably spent untold amounts of money to try and improve a product that has existed for years. There was probably even a lab mouse involved in this study.
Also, if you happen to be arthritic, you can't open the stupid valve with one hand.
I know in light of the tragedy that surrounds us this is small, but to those that are buying such cans by the hundreds for chain saws and emergency equipment, the EPA is in your wallet.
Can't these people just leave us alone?
Mitchell Thurmer
Signal Mountain
posted May 2, 2011 Chattanoogan.com
First, I cannot express my sorrow to the victims of all the tornadoes and straight line winds the area suffered Wednesday. This comment in some ways effects all those trying to get by with generators and such.
Yesterday, I went to the local chain hardware store to purchase a new two gallon gas can. For years they have averaged $4.99 or so. When I found the display, a two gallon can was priced $9.99. I was shocked first and then noticed plastered on the front a big sticker "EPA Approved."
Here's the deal. The can now has a "spill proof" plastic valve that you have to depress to allow fuel to flow. When you release this wonder it stops the flow. Here's the catch that one of our EPA wizards did not notice. When you realize the tank is full and you need to stop the flow, there is still gas trapped in the plastic provided spout. If you are close to full, the spout runs it over. The old design you simply leaned the can back and did not spill any gas.
As usual, the EPA has probably spent untold amounts of money to try and improve a product that has existed for years. There was probably even a lab mouse involved in this study.
Also, if you happen to be arthritic, you can't open the stupid valve with one hand.
I know in light of the tragedy that surrounds us this is small, but to those that are buying such cans by the hundreds for chain saws and emergency equipment, the EPA is in your wallet.
Can't these people just leave us alone?
Mitchell Thurmer
Signal Mountain
I apologige
To those of you that read my Blog, I apologize for no posts. MS and other personal problems have taken my time and I pledge to get back to it...Mitch
Bin Laden sleeps with the Fishes and other stuff
First, Bin Laden is Dead, Nay Seal Team Six blowed him away after years of searching. I congrat George Bush, Obama simply had the tools already at work. Glad the Man is Dead and Gone to Hell, Over.
On April 27, Tornadoes simple clobbered the area, with Death and Destruction. Ringgold Ga is almost off the map. People have no jobs and also most local jobs are gone. It is will be YEARS before these area's have any part of normal back. Prayers to all passed , injured, and without anything.
On April 27, Tornadoes simple clobbered the area, with Death and Destruction. Ringgold Ga is almost off the map. People have no jobs and also most local jobs are gone. It is will be YEARS before these area's have any part of normal back. Prayers to all passed , injured, and without anything.
Saturday, March 26, 2011
My latest post and you should read the responses
Remember the saying that came up recently, A Pig with lipstick on it is still a pig
North Chattanooga I am sorry to say is still Noth Chattanooga, even though on High Street some genius put a pink metal cow up
It seems all of us have our "after hours" story to tell about "North of the Border" encounters, here's mine.
My wife was in Erlanger recently with a 4 day butt kicking infection and I was in and out of the hospital at odd hours. Depending on the time
you encountered all types of folks, ranging from simply unknowing to predators on the prowl. I am not talking just about Coolidge Park but the bleed-over from it's boundries
The 7 AM to 3 PM group is mostly tourist, walking around with their heads in the clouds, with no comprehension of what danger lurks around them. They walk with pocket-books loosely secured, looking at their surrounding like they were in New York City for the first time. Easy Pickings for snatchers and such. During this time frame you do have the locals, eating lunch, rushing about their daily lives. I think some of the locals even buy the Chamber of Commerce ads that everything is good.
From 3 PM to 10 PM there is still the tourist groups, wanting to experience the "Chattanooga Night Life !". They appear to be somewhat more safety aware, but now there is a seperate split. The true "North of the Riva" bars and such and the more upscale "South of the Riva" establishments. The North of the River "NOR" is more Head Shops, and even the patrons of the area have a different appearance. Not taking a bath for a few days is in style, or at least not washing your jeans anyway. Tatoo shops, Piercings of various body parts(OUCH!), and more Avant Garde, Bohemian looks are in style. The Chattanoogan homeless community seem to favor NOR over SOR greatly. While sitting at Traffic lights, I witnessed a few homeless/over indulged thrown out of Bars. Nor has real Bars, you know, not very big, no flashy signs, just a neon Bud or other brand in the window and a front door.
From 10PM to 2AM. NOR:I stopped this group at 2 AM for a reason. Alot of the what you would call "classic" hole in the wall bars close about 2 AM. If you are coming Frazier about that time, it is a site to behold. It's like somebody opened up the drunk tanks at Chattanooga PD to early and all at one time. All these drunk, dirty, hairy, peope with no real destination in mind are cut loose. It is worth pulling over to the side (doors locked, vehicle in gear) just to watch. Some walk/fall down the steps going towards Coolidge Park, others head across the Walnut Street Bridge. I am glad they have a high railing on the Walnut Street Bridge, they would be fishing people out all the time. There is a percentage that head for alleys in pairs, I assume to conduct financial exchanges or perhaps plan criminal adventures for the next time period.
SOR: being that SOR businesses are fanchises and such, they have have regular hours. When passing thru at this time, the employees are making a bee-line to their cars. What I have witnessed the SOR patrons, even though loaded, leave the area. The streets are cleared pretty quick.
From 2AM to 7AM. In NOR, this is the time NOT to be on Frazier. I had left Erlanger at 3:30 AM, to go take a nap, get a bath and come back. I have a Hand Gun Carry Permit. When I left Erlanger, I laid the weapon in my lap, safety off. I crossed the Veterans Bridge which had 3 groups of 3-4 subjects each in them heading toward Frazier.Turning left on Frazier, I noticed one group of 5 subjects standing next to the side of a convenience store, and of course there is a light there. I was stopped in the center lane. I had my weapon now in my right hand, still in my lap. A late model Chrysler 300 with large rims pulled up next to me on my right side. A subject got out of the pasenger side and stepped towerd the front of my vehicle. He had a Hoodie on and both hands in his pocket.I turned my interior light on, pointed my weapon in his direction, swerved to the left, ran the next 2 red lights and never looked back. The reason I am telling this story is 1, I am not Dirty Harry but 2, If in danger as trained during my Handgun training, I will use the weapon if threatened.
If my observances during a few days on Frazier are as such, I can just imagine what Coolidge Park is like during the day and after sundown. I heard Mayor Littlefield on with Jeff Styles the other morning. He still maintains that the shootings and violence in Chattanooga are because the children are not trained well and all this hooey. He was blaming the parents. I don't give a Rat's Behind who did or did not train these children. They are semi adults now and subject to the LAW, let's get on with it.
The Chattanooga Police Dept needs to be unleashed and be allowed to do their job. These groups of thugs standing around after dark NOR, are there for one reason. They had picked me out as being alone, traffic was perfect at the time, and using their 2 way communications on their phones, set up a robbery on me. The fact that I had a weapon into the mix stopped them. Let me assure, if one had tried to pull my door open, even at gun point, I would have taken action. More citizens need to carry their weapons proudly, on their hip, as stated by law and some of there "thugs" might have second thoughts when they are out gunned and out trained.
Mitch Thurmer
mthurmer4300@epbfi.com
Signal Mountain
North Chattanooga I am sorry to say is still Noth Chattanooga, even though on High Street some genius put a pink metal cow up
It seems all of us have our "after hours" story to tell about "North of the Border" encounters, here's mine.
My wife was in Erlanger recently with a 4 day butt kicking infection and I was in and out of the hospital at odd hours. Depending on the time
you encountered all types of folks, ranging from simply unknowing to predators on the prowl. I am not talking just about Coolidge Park but the bleed-over from it's boundries
The 7 AM to 3 PM group is mostly tourist, walking around with their heads in the clouds, with no comprehension of what danger lurks around them. They walk with pocket-books loosely secured, looking at their surrounding like they were in New York City for the first time. Easy Pickings for snatchers and such. During this time frame you do have the locals, eating lunch, rushing about their daily lives. I think some of the locals even buy the Chamber of Commerce ads that everything is good.
From 3 PM to 10 PM there is still the tourist groups, wanting to experience the "Chattanooga Night Life !". They appear to be somewhat more safety aware, but now there is a seperate split. The true "North of the Riva" bars and such and the more upscale "South of the Riva" establishments. The North of the River "NOR" is more Head Shops, and even the patrons of the area have a different appearance. Not taking a bath for a few days is in style, or at least not washing your jeans anyway. Tatoo shops, Piercings of various body parts(OUCH!), and more Avant Garde, Bohemian looks are in style. The Chattanoogan homeless community seem to favor NOR over SOR greatly. While sitting at Traffic lights, I witnessed a few homeless/over indulged thrown out of Bars. Nor has real Bars, you know, not very big, no flashy signs, just a neon Bud or other brand in the window and a front door.
From 10PM to 2AM. NOR:I stopped this group at 2 AM for a reason. Alot of the what you would call "classic" hole in the wall bars close about 2 AM. If you are coming Frazier about that time, it is a site to behold. It's like somebody opened up the drunk tanks at Chattanooga PD to early and all at one time. All these drunk, dirty, hairy, peope with no real destination in mind are cut loose. It is worth pulling over to the side (doors locked, vehicle in gear) just to watch. Some walk/fall down the steps going towards Coolidge Park, others head across the Walnut Street Bridge. I am glad they have a high railing on the Walnut Street Bridge, they would be fishing people out all the time. There is a percentage that head for alleys in pairs, I assume to conduct financial exchanges or perhaps plan criminal adventures for the next time period.
SOR: being that SOR businesses are fanchises and such, they have have regular hours. When passing thru at this time, the employees are making a bee-line to their cars. What I have witnessed the SOR patrons, even though loaded, leave the area. The streets are cleared pretty quick.
From 2AM to 7AM. In NOR, this is the time NOT to be on Frazier. I had left Erlanger at 3:30 AM, to go take a nap, get a bath and come back. I have a Hand Gun Carry Permit. When I left Erlanger, I laid the weapon in my lap, safety off. I crossed the Veterans Bridge which had 3 groups of 3-4 subjects each in them heading toward Frazier.Turning left on Frazier, I noticed one group of 5 subjects standing next to the side of a convenience store, and of course there is a light there. I was stopped in the center lane. I had my weapon now in my right hand, still in my lap. A late model Chrysler 300 with large rims pulled up next to me on my right side. A subject got out of the pasenger side and stepped towerd the front of my vehicle. He had a Hoodie on and both hands in his pocket.I turned my interior light on, pointed my weapon in his direction, swerved to the left, ran the next 2 red lights and never looked back. The reason I am telling this story is 1, I am not Dirty Harry but 2, If in danger as trained during my Handgun training, I will use the weapon if threatened.
If my observances during a few days on Frazier are as such, I can just imagine what Coolidge Park is like during the day and after sundown. I heard Mayor Littlefield on with Jeff Styles the other morning. He still maintains that the shootings and violence in Chattanooga are because the children are not trained well and all this hooey. He was blaming the parents. I don't give a Rat's Behind who did or did not train these children. They are semi adults now and subject to the LAW, let's get on with it.
The Chattanooga Police Dept needs to be unleashed and be allowed to do their job. These groups of thugs standing around after dark NOR, are there for one reason. They had picked me out as being alone, traffic was perfect at the time, and using their 2 way communications on their phones, set up a robbery on me. The fact that I had a weapon into the mix stopped them. Let me assure, if one had tried to pull my door open, even at gun point, I would have taken action. More citizens need to carry their weapons proudly, on their hip, as stated by law and some of there "thugs" might have second thoughts when they are out gunned and out trained.
Mitch Thurmer
mthurmer4300@epbfi.com
Signal Mountain
Saturday, March 5, 2011
Time to get in gear
I have neglected writing to my blog, about everything. Hang on, I am getting ready to cut loose on a regular basis. I have ALOT to talk about and I want feedback
Mitch
Mitch
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