From the NEW YORK TIMES: Analysts believe that the Roberts court is unlikely to be swayed from its conservative trend by new members. In those five years, the court not only moved to the right but also became the most conservative one in living memory, based on an analysis of four sets of political science […]
Month: July 2010
Governor doles out ‘corporate welfare’
From MORNING CALL: …The Redevelopment Assistance Capital Program (abbreviated RACP, but pronounced R-CAP) was created in 1993 with a debt limit of $700 million. This debt ceiling has been increased regularly, mostly under Gov. Rendell’s watch, with the latest $600 million hike increasing the limit to more than $4 billion… For starters, RACP grants, though […]
County ordered to accommodate physically challenged
Below is an excerpt from an arrangement agreed to by the County with the federal government under the American’s with Disabilities Act on June 9, 2010. The entire document is available here. Click here for the entire directive.
EFFECTIVE COMMUNICATION PROVISIONS
GLOBE AND MAIL
Chinese philanthropist donates it all: Shenzhen, China – Yu Pengnian’s journey from poor street hawker to Hong Kong real-estate magnate was already a remarkable one. Then the 88-year-old did something even rarer that shocked many in increasingly materialistic China: He gave it all away.
LETTER: Time to end diversity programs
[Senator Jim] Webb is absolutely correct, and I admire him for having the courage to address this issue, since doing so automatically makes him a target of many special interest groups. “Diversity” programs (the name changed because, after more than 40 years, it became ludicrous to continue calling them “Affirmative Action” programs) are among the greatest institutional injustices in our society today.
A Tenured Professor
In his novel published in 1990, John Kenneth Galbraith (Yes, THE John Kenneth Galbraith) writes concerning the so called “Laffer Curve”, so embraced by Ronald Reagan and George W. Bush: “The economic formulation of high personal importance to the Marvins held that when no taxes are levied, no revenue accrues to the government. An undoubted […]
The Healing Of America
In describing the French health care system, considered by many to be the best in the world (including the French!), author T. R. Reid explains: “The carte vitale – the ‘vital card,’ or the “card of life ” – contains the patient’s entire medical record, back to 1998. Embedded in the gold metallic square just left of center is a digital record of every doctor visit, referral, injection, operation, X-ray, diagnostic test, prescription, warning, etc. together with a report on how much the doctors billed for reach visit and how much was paid, by the insurance funds and by the patient.”
Va Senator Calls for Ending Diversity Programs
From NEWSMAX: Virginia Sen. Jim Webb called for ending government-run diversity programs in a newspaper column Friday, saying they have disadvantaged struggling whites and hurt the cause of racial harmony. Webb wrote an op-ed column in Friday’s Wall Street Journal that said a “plethora of government-enforced diversity policies have marginalized many white workers. The time […]
LETTER: In defense of Convention Center staff
In all fairness, Kevin Molloy and Mary Ellen Davis spend an immense amount of time keeping tabs on Interstate Hotels and Resorts. IHR operates the hotel and convention center as an “integrated facility”, with THREE sets of books: the convention center, the hotel, and the “Condominium Association” (which taxpayers must pay for half of everything).
Kevin and Mary Ellen have been very carefully monitoring all of the expenditures being charged back to taxpayers. Since the LCCCA (meaning taxpayers) is responsible for the building maintenance of the convention hall, ALL of the meeting rooms, ALL of the prefunction space (hallways etc.), the kitchen, most of the lobby space, and some of the offices, this can be a very complex task.
Praise for the County Commissioners
I am guilty of not attending the convention center meetings. If so I would have asked just what you asked, what do they do for these salaries? I am very surprised at Nelson or any board member granting these raises. Has anyone ever asked to have a job description done for each of them? My […]
Researchers study declining bee numbers
From the DAILYAMERICAN.COM: Honeybees are continuing to disappear in what beekeepers say are alarming numbers. “Beekeepers have lost about a third of their bees in each of the last couple of years,” said Lee Miller, Freedom, president of the Pennsylvania State Beekeepers’ Association. “It is certainly a concern.” Dennis vanEngelsdorp, a senior extension associate at […]
The State System board OKs a 4.5% increase, citing families’ struggles.
From the PATRIOT NEWS: With federal stimulus money going away and pension costs rising, all bets are off next year when it comes time to set tuition rates for students attending the 14 state universities. But this year, students were spared the pain of the larger tuition increases that faculty, staff and university trustees said […]
LETTER: Little need for CC staff
It would be one thing if this position had a correlation between the salary and revenue producing but alas? It doesn’t matter if it’s filled or not. Instead of saying “look we are saving money by not filling the position!” The question that I raise is “WHAT DO THIS TWO DO?!” After all, the marketing of the convention center and the running of the convention center is completely outsourced.
Raises for two convention center executives
Whether the raises were justified or not, the Center is not profitable. Corporations and small businesses right here in Lancaster Country are asking employees to give up vacations, paid extra holidays and some are asking for a salary decrease on a temporary level but not the Convention Center. I am surprised Ms. Nelson does not […]