‘Vacation’s Over, Mr. President.’ Says, HuffPo

I agree with the premise, however, there is something Steve should remember:

It’s Christmas day, and the only thing that stopped 12/25 from feeling a lot like 9/11 was a failed detonator and a guy named Jasper Schuringa. Weather now seems like a quaint travel threat – like a cold does compared to the Bubonic Plague.

It's December 26th, and the last of my guests arrive keenly aware of what happened over the skies of Detroit. Across America, everybody’s gut tightens and old fears and old wounds re-open.

Meanwhile, the president continues his vacation. News that he hit the gym 15 minutes after being briefed on the attack – and had a lovely time playing golf later that day – begin to trickle in.

America lucked out this holiday season. It’s as simple as that. Something terrible could have happened and It was the bravery of passengers, and the ineptitude of a would-be terrorist, that prevented it.

Not the police bottlenecking the only road into the airport. Not the nice lady making sure my liquids were in the right containers. Not the German shepherd sniffing my boy parts.

It was luck.

And if you’re like me – that scared the crap out of you. You probably wanted assurances. What will be done to prevent this? How are we reacting?

If you’re like me, you’re not looking for Attorney General Eric Holder, or Representative Pete King to be telling you how it could have been worse or how it will be managed.

When the nation is attacked, I expect to be informed and hopefully calmed by the President of the United States.

via Steve Marmel: Vacation’s Over, Mr. President..

Steve, I do not know what the chances are of you actually reading this; but I will just say it anyway. I know how you feel my friend. I felt the same way, when I found out about this terror attack here in my hometown; at an airport that is less than 15 minutes from my house. In fact, planes coming from the south, fly right over my house. Sure, the planes are at great altitude, but they are still there. Anyhow, as I wrote last night, the Government just cannot protect us from every attack. It is virtually impossible. Yes, we got lucky.

However, I do agree with your assessment, it was a bit unnerving to see the President vacationing in Hawaii, while this big of a emergency was happening, right in my own backyard. It had all the visual aspects of what Bush did during Katrina. It might even come back to haunt Obama on the 2012 election; I do not know if it would be fair or even proper to do that to the man. But the fact is, we was ‘on vacation’ when it happened; and you have to know, someone who runs against him is going to use that little fact against him, especially on the right. As much as I have a great disdain for President Obama and his idiotic progressive agenda, I happen to know that there was not much more that the President could have done. He could have flown back to D.C. and had the attack not been prevented, he would have, I would assume. But the fact is, like you said, we did get lucky on this one.

So, from someone, who is less than 10 miles from the said incident —- I understand and yes, I do get it.

Updated: BREAKING NEWS: ATTEMPTED TERRORIST ATTACK ON PLANE BOUND FOR DETROIT BY AL-QEADA OPERATIVE WXYZ-TV SAYS SECOND INCIDENT HAPPENED AS WELL “DRUNKEN PASSANGER” GOES CRAZY – Washington Post Edits Story to make President look good

On Christmas Day, no less. For those who do not know, I am in the Detroit-area. The Airport in question is in Romulus, Michigan, (Not Detroit…) and less than 10 miles from my house. So, now, it’s personal, the bastards tried to hit MY town! You can imagine how I feel, at the moment. 😡

All the major news sources in Detroit are reporting it. The National lame stream media, as usual is asleep at the wheel, including Fox News.

First Video Via WJBK- TV Fox 2 in Detroit:

Update # 5: WXYZ-TV‘s coverage at 11:00 P.M. coverage, they report that there was a second incident was well of another passenger going crazy as well. Supposedly a drunken passenger… are they possibly covering up under orders from Obama?

The Video:

Fox 2 in Detroit’s Story:

ROMULUS, Mich. (WJBK) – A senior U.S. official says a Northwest Airlines passenger from Nigeria claims h e was acting on behalf of al-Qaida
when he tried to blow up a flight Friday as it landed in Detroit.

Rep. Peter King, R-N.Y., identified the suspect as Abdul Mudallad, a Nigerian. King said the flight began in Nigeria and went through Amsterdam en route to Detroit. One of the U.S. intelligence officials said the explosive device was a mix of powder and liquid. It failed when the passenger tried to detonate it.

The passenger was being questioned Friday evening. Both officials spoke on condition of anonymity because the investigation is continuing. Fox 2 spoke with passangers as they were released from that flight.

WXYZ TV, The Detroit Free Press, The Detroit News, WDIV-TV all have continuing coverage on this story..

The Detroit Free Press Reports:

The passenger created a disturbance by lighting what was reported to be firecrackers — or perhaps a “powdery substance” — onboard the flight, injuring himself and several other passengers, according to Delta Airlines

The passenger was subdued. FBI spokeswoman Sandra Berchtold confirmed today that agents are at Metro.

ABC News reported on its web site that the man is Nigerian and claimed he was directed by Al Qaeda to explode a small device in flight over U.S. soil.

The man was apparently already on the government’s no-fly list of suspected terrorists, ABC News said a senior intelligence official told them.

[….]

But later, Syed Jafry of Holland, Mich., a U.S. citizen who had flown from the United Arab Emirates, emerged from the airport and said he was a passenger on the flight. He said people ran out of their seats to tackle the man.

Jafry was sitting in the 16th row when he heard “a pop and saw some smoke and fire.” Then, he said, “a young man behind me jumped on him.”

Jafry said there was a little bit of commotion for about 10 to 15 minutes.

He said the way passengers responded made him proud to be an American.

[….]

His wife and daughter, who had been waiting for him at the airport since about 11:40 a.m., said they saw a person they believe to be the suspect being transported from the airport. Dawn Griffith said he was “young looking” and was handcuffed to a stretcher, with his hands bandaged.

A photo of the said plane:

Northwest Airlines Flight 253 on the runway after arriving at Detroit Metropolitan Airport from Amsterdam on Friday.

More to information to come, as I get it. Anyone with any information for me; please contact me via e-mail via the Blog. You Anonymity is guaranteed.

Update #1: Memeorandum is now covering.

Update #2: The only reason I am not in the car and down there taking photos is the following: 1. It’s dark outside now, and there’s most likely not much to see. Also, that place, that is Metro Airport is most likely crawling with cops. I just do not want to risk getting in the way and possibly getting tossed in jail. I will be monitoring all news outlets and passing what I know on. Plus, I do have this shaggy beard. I do not want to be mistaken for another terrorist! 😯

Update #3 What royally tweaks me off, is how the MSM is trying to under rate the story. No terrorism here, just a arab trying to light off fireworks, while shouting “Allah Akbar!” Idiots. 🙄

Update #4: Now for your obligitory Democrat slam… where’s the President?

……in Hawaii, recharging:

President Obama in Hawaii "Recharging" while terrorists are striking planes in Michigan.

If that’s leadership? We’re in deep trouble folks.

Yeah, that’s right, I said our Democratic Party President is more interested in having time off; than he is leading the Country. If he were a real leader, he would cut short his little vacation and get his idiot butt back to Washington D.C. and be on top of the situation. But, nah, he’s too busy. Remember this come 2010 and 2012.

Update #6: Ace over at Ace of Spades HQ has some VERY interesting information on how the story over at the Washington Post was changed to make the President look better. Someone got a phone call and told to make a change.

Updated: Pajama’s Media does a hit piece on Detroit – PJTV Allows racist comments on thier site

I hate to be the one to write this article; but it is time that someone called this group of people out on their intellectual dishonesty. As most of you know, I live in the Detroit, Michigan area. I was born and raised on the southwest side of Detroit. When someone engages in dishonesty, all to make a cheap political point, as a citizen of this state and as someone who grew up in Detroit, I have to speak out against it.

It appears that the Jewish owned and pseudo-Conservative —- Pajama’s Media has stooped to the level of yellow journalism. Now first off, let me say this; I happen to agree with the premise of the video, that Democratic politics has contributed to the decline of the city of Detroit, this is nothing new. In fact, that decline goes back to the days of the former Mayor Coleman A. Young. What bothered me is the impression that the video conveys; that ALL of Detroit and surrounding area is like what is presented in that video. It also bothered me that the makers of this video used selective filming locations to prove their silly political points. In addition, they never bothered to contact me, at all. I could have given them a more honest assessment of the area and showed them more than they covered. However, they were not interested in honesty; they were interested in making a cheap political point.

I now fully see why Charles Johnson of little green footballs fame, bailed on this company back in 2006. While again, I am, as much as anyone else on the right, am against socialism. Nevertheless, to engage in this rather juvenile dishonesty is just beyond the pail.

Click the picture and watch as a group of Neo-Conservatives slam the city of Detroit. If this does not disgust you, something is wrong.

Update: ….and of course, Turban Boy over at HotAir just had to post the damn video. Asshole. 😡

Update #2: From the comments section of the video:

Anonymous – 3 hours agoDec. 22, 2009 6:52 AM PST

You ignored the elephant in the middle of the room. The population of Detroit is 82% black. The schools didn’t fail, the students failed. Ozzie and Harriet didn’t ravage the city, Jamal and Latisha did. When the refugees from New Orleans settled in other places, they brought a crime wave with them. In Detroit they drove out the decent people and mostly refuse is left. All you say about Leftists and unions is true, but without factoring in the huge element of race, your analysis is meaningless. Drop the PC and try again.
Wow….Just wow. 😯 😮

The First Snow of the Year

Al Gore, Call your office!

While President of United States was trying to get a deal on global warming. I was looking at this, when I woke up today.

Video:

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=kfpRexXbH64

For those who cannot watch video or hear sound, I have some pics:

Snow!

More Snow! (and Car...)

Snow! (...and a truck...)

Click the pics to make ’em bigger.

It is not as much as Washington D.C. got, but, it is snow, none the less. 😀

Video: Penn Jillette on Elderly Parents

I present this video because I can totally relate to how Penn feels. I, too, have Elderly Parents who frankly are not getting any younger. My recent experience with my Dad really drove the point home; invincible is something that my parents are not. Here Penn gets a bit emotional talking about his Mother and Father. I will say this, those of you out there who have Elderly parents and have brothers and Sisters; ought to say a small thank you to the Lord for this. (This makes this posting even more humorous, because Penn is an Atheist.) As I have no siblings at all. What this means is, caring for my parents, when they reach the point of not being able to do will fall squarely on my shoulders. I have been often asked why I just do not leave the State of Michigan, go to another state, and find work. This is why, and you will see why in this video.

Enjoy…

Thoughts & Prayers needed for my Dad

As some of you might know that read this blog regularly might know; I do live with my Parents. That, in itself is a very long story. Anyhow, My Father will be going into the hospital tomorrow morning at around 8:00 a.m. or so, to have a very important heart procedure done. They are going to run a dye into his bloodstream to check and see if there is any blockage and if there is, they will be putting stints in. There is, although not probable, a slight chance that my Dad could need open-heart surgery while they are in there doing that work. Therefore, needless to say, I will be quite occupied for the next few days. There is good news however; I will be taking the laptop to the hospital with me; as so, I do not go crazy with boredom in the hospital.

Everyone that knows me well will tell you; that I hate hospitals with a passion. I do tend to avoid them as much as humanly possible. However, this little trip is highly important to me. Therefore, I will be joining my Dad up at the hospital for a good part of the day. I am not sure how long it will take. I am told a good part of the day.

So, I am asking for everyone who either reads this blog daily or even does the occasional drive-by. Please keep my Dad in your thoughts and prayers tomorrow — and for the rest of the week. Also, keep my Mother in your prayers as this all is really making her worry and she is not in the greatest of health either.

Thanks again,

Patrick

Message from Mike Bouchard Republican Candidate for Michigan Governor

This comes via e-mail:

For Immediate Release: November 18, 2009?

Contact: Kathryn Martin, 586.872.3144

Bouchard: Don’t take bus safety money from crime labs

Making crime victims wait even longer is not answer to state budget woes

Oakland County- Republican candidate for governor Mike Bouchard today called on the Granholm/Cherry administration to stop playing games with the budget and focus on long-term structural reforms.

“Instead of raiding one pot of money to replenish another, it’s time we start rethinking how we deliver services.  The Granholm/Cherry team clearly lacks the capacity to find creative solutions,” Bouchard said.  “It’s unbelievable that the administration is taking $900,000 from the forensic lab budget instead of finding long-term cost-effective alternatives for the school bus inspections.”

Bouchard added, “School bus inspections account for $1.43 million of the MSP budget which equates to an average cost of $130,000 (salary, benefits etc.) for each of the 11 state police officers conducting bus inspections.  The administration should explore using private-sector certified mechanics or auto dealerships to conduct these annual inspections, thus freeing up resources for other clear priorities such as crime lab support.” He added “Certified mechanics make on average $60,000 a year.  At that rate, bidding out the inspections could cost half as much.  Car dealerships in this state are hurting for business, this could also be an opportunity to help them by inviting them to bid on the business. We must look for innovative ways to stretch every dollar farther.”

On Oct. 30th, Granholm boasted in her recent signing of the Michigan State Police (MSP) budget: “I am pleased this bill includes funding for the additional forensic laboratory casework resulting from the closure of the Detroit Crime Laboratory.”  Then on Nov. 4, the governor’s budget director fired off a letter to Legislature slashing the forensic lab budget by roughly $915,000, claiming that the cuts could be offset with federal recovery act funds.  However, the federal funds identified are only limited-term monies.

“The plan proposed by the Granholm/Cherry team is not sustainable. Unfortunately, this game of ‘hot potato’ and lack of leadership has become the signature of the Granholm/Cherry administration,” remarked Bouchard.

“Further cuts to forensics labs could mean that victims of crime, including rape, have to wait longer to get test results back,” said Bouchard. “The situation in the State Labs is already beyond critical with backlogs of DNA testing approaching a one-year wait.  We had a tragic situation in Oakland County where a rape victim was raped two additional times while awaiting DNA results from the already overburdened MSP lab system.  This is unacceptable.”

Bouchard further commented, “The MSP backlog has worsened with the shutdown of the Detroit Police Department Crime Lab.” The current MSP backlog has been exacerbated due to the shutdown of Detroit Police Department’s Crime Lab as evidenced by the following shocking statistics:

¡     10,000 rape kits backlogged. It will take MSP years to process these cases.

¡     5,700 firearms cases backlogged with a 12-month wait list

¡     4,200 narcotic cases backlogged with a 4-5 month wait list

¡     2,700 DNA cases backlogged with an 8 month wait list

¡     370 polygraph tests backlogged with an 8-10 week wait list

As Oakland County Sheriff, Bouchard has made a practice of making sure taxpayers get the most bang for their buck. He competitively bid the jail food service, saving county taxpayers $1.6 million a year. He also is part of the county leadership team that anticipates potential budget shortfalls by operating on a three-year rolling budget. This forward thinking has resulted in Oakland County being only one out of 40 counties in the United States to have a AAA bond rating, which allows the county to borrow money at a low rate.

“As governor, my team and I will review programs to cut and find innovative alternatives where it makes sense, just as I have done in Oakland County,” Bouchard said.  “Taxpayers need to know that each tax dollar is being spent effectively.”

Bouchard called on the House Appropriations Committee to stop the transfer before them on Wednesday, November 18, 2009 at 11:30AM.

For more information about Bouchard’s campaign for governor, visit www.Bouchardforgovernor.com and please, donate.

Jennifer Granholm and the Democrats have been a utter disaster for Michigan and its economy. It is time for new ideas, leadership and for some real change. Remember this come 2010; it is time to stop the disaster that Obama and the Democrats have created in America and here in Michigan. We need real jobs, a real economy and a true recovery — not socialism, wasted money and smoke and mirrors —- and that is about what the Democrats have given us for the past eight years here in Michigan.

It is time for change. Elect Mike Bouchard and Terri Lynn Land as Governor and Lt. Governor in Michigan in 2010.

—–

Please note: This is a blatant attempt to promote the Governor campaign of Mike Bouchard. I was NOT compensated for this posting at all. It is truly a personal choice of mine; as I live here and I have been out of work since 2005 and I feel the Democrats have to totally screwed this State into the ground.

Memo to General Motors: Good Going Douche Nozzles!

Ed Morrissey and I have not agreed much on G.M. and the status of the bail outs that they received from the Government. But it appears, that for a change, I agree with Ed; mark your calendars, because this does not happen often.  Ed reports over on HotAir, that General Motors has taken the money, that was funded by taxpayers; like Ed, Me, and yes, you and has spent it —- overseas.  Needless to say, there some lawmakers that are not very happy about it either.

ABC NEWS Reports:

Specifically, at a time when the nation’s unemployment rate has soared to levels not seen in decades and GM is cutting thousands of U.S. jobs, the company’s CEO is considering spending millions from its U.S. coffers — fattened by $50 billion in taxpayer aid — on its overseas operations, a possibility that has outraged critics and lawmakers.

“I don’t think most Americans believe that when the taxpayer bailouts were happening it was intended for that purpose,” said Rep. Anthony Weiner, D-N.Y. “It was intended to protect the American economy — not take the money overseas.”

GM’s Chief Executive Fritz Henderson recently announced that the bailed-out automaker might use its U.S. funds to help restructure its European unit Opel, noting that the financing agreements with the Treasury for the $34 billion of bailout funds already spent allow GM to spend any subsequently earned funds as its executives see fit. Some $16 billion remaining after its bankruptcy has strings attached.

[…]

GM has other plans to expand its business abroad. In August, GM China announced a $293 million venture, while last month GM South Korea announced a new infusion of more than $400 million. The automaker also recently inaugurated a $300 million transmission plant in Mexico.

So, is General Motors making money here in America? Uh, No.

General Motors Co. says it lost $1.2 billion from the time it left bankruptcy protection through Sept. 30, far better than previous quarters and a sign that the auto giant is starting to turn around.

….and how’s that account going?:

Chief Financial Officer Ray Young cautioned that the second- and third-quarter figures don’t comply with U.S. accounting standards and shouldn’t be compared with previous earnings.

GM says it is re-valuing its assets and liabilities and should comply with accounting standards next year.

Ouch.

While I was at the doctors with my Dad earlier today; I happened to mention this to him and another gentleman that worked at the same plant as my Father. Needless to say, their reaction to this was less than, um, shall we say, happy? My Dad replied in terms that I cannot write on this blog. To say that both of those guys were a bit ticked, would be an understatement.

Ed Morrissey cracks:

Let’s get this straight.  GM gets tens of billions of dollars in taxpayer money and gets an Obama-managed bankruptcy — and stops complying with accounting standards?  My goodness, they really are Government Motors!

In the past, I have given Ed Morrissey a bit of a hassle when he would criticize the auto workers and to an extent the Auto Companies. However, I feel this criticism is much warranted.  Call it a hunch, but I tend to believe that the U.A.W. and the workers at the various G.M. plants, especially the one’s here in Michigan; are not going to be too thrilled that the company is taking it’s money and investing overseas; instead of investing it here, where the jobs are actually needed.  No matter how you slice it; this was an extremely boneheaded move on the part of General Motors and it deserves the criticism it receives from ALL quarters.

Hey America, Welcome to my World!

Just wanted to be nice about it.

Welcome to my World!

Via The Old Grey Lady:

The United States economy shed 190,000 jobs in October, and the unemployment rate reached a 26-year high of 10.2 percent, up from 9.8 percent in September, the Department of Labor said Friday in its monthly economic appraisal.

While the pace of job losses has slowed significantly since the peak of the recession last winter, the unemployment rate, which measures the number of people actively seeking work, continues to climb, and economists do not foresee relief until well into next year.

“There’s no doubt that the slashing and burning of jobs has abated quite a lot,” said Allen L. Sinai, the founder of Decision Economics, a research firm. “The economy is recovering, but it is a very soft recovery.”

The biggest losses came in the construction, manufacturing and retailing sectors. Health care companies added 29,000 jobs to their payrolls, and the number of temporary workers increased by 34,000 — a significant gain that could indicate employers are beginning to expand their businesses again.

The Labor Department also revised September’s losses to 219,000 from 263,000.

Dean Baker, a director for the Center for Economic and Policy Research, said he did not expect declining unemployment rates until next spring. “We may be looking at very high levels,” Mr. Baker said, “barring a policy response, for several years into the future.”

Um, Why should there be any policy response? I believe that we are already tapping our resources to the limit now.

On Thursday, in anticipation of the unemployment report, Congress overwhelmingly voted to extend benefits for jobless workers for up to 20 weeks. That will soothe the short-term financial pain of many families, but demands for a new wave of government relief may intensify if companies continue to cut back.

Yes, let’s encourage people NOT to look for a job and continue to spend ourselves into a hole; by being a nanny state.

So far, the federal stimulus package has injected billions into local economies, giving states money, for instance, to finance construction projects or retain teachers. The housing and auto sectors have been propped up with government credits meant to encourage spending. But weak consumer demand and hefty labor costs are still forcing many employers to cut positions and reduce hours to survive.

So much for Hope and change!

The article goes on trying to defend President Obama, which is so typical for the New York Times, but it is quite obvious, this President has failed on all fronts, the stimulus, the bailouts —- everything. He is, in fact, a black Jimmy Carter.

Ed Morrissey says:

This is now Obama’s economy.  He owns the double-digit unemployment level, having bought it with the $787 billion stimulus plan that he promised would keep unemployment no higher than 8%.

I agree with that. Obama simply continued the bailouts that President Bush started, which was a huge mistake.

The AP Reports:

But the loss of jobs last month exceeded economists’ estimates. It’s the 22nd straight month the U.S. economy has shed jobs, the longest on records dating back 70 years.

Counting those who have settled for part-time jobs or stopped looking for work, the unemployment rate would be 17.5 percent, the highest on records dating from 1994.

Now, if I were a partisan Blogger, I would simply sit here and blame Obama for it all. However, I am a bit more smarter than this. This all goes to Carter and then to Clinton. This video from the Wayne County Republicans will explain:

These unemployment numbers are just a ripple effect of all of this. Bush had a hand in it, as well as Obama. This is what happens when you elect faux Conservatives as Republicans and it is what happens when you elect Socialists.


WND: ‘Muslim Mafia’ linked to Detroit FBI shootout

Normally I take what I read over at WorldNetDaily with a grain of salt; but once and a while, they stumble over something big.

I believe they have done it again:

Already under increased scrutiny after revelations in a new book, the Council on American-Islamic Relations now is defending itself against documented links to a federal case that drew national attention this week when an indicted Detroit imam was killed in an FBI raid.

Internal documents from an undercover investigation by the authors of “Muslim Mafia” show CAIR helped finance the legal appeal of Muslim cop-killer Jamil Abdullah Al-Amin, who is named in the Detroit criminal complaint as the spiritual leader of a radical group that calls for violent action to establish a sovereign Islamic state within the U.S.

The federal complaint also states one of the 11 indicted followers of the imam who was killed in an exchange of gunfire with the FBI Wednesday, Luqman Ameen Abdullah, attended a mosque “affiliated with CAIR” in Windsor, Ontario, just across the Canadian border from Detroit.

via ‘Muslim Mafia’ linked to Detroit FBI shootout.- WND.com

I highly suggest that you go read the rest of this as it is quite interesting. Looks like CAIR is involved as well. This is big and could have lasting impact.

Like I wrote before; the idea of “Fight them there, so we don’t have to fight them here” is a bit lame now; because quite frankly, they are already here and this proves that!

End of the line for G.M. Saturn

Truly a sad story:

General Motors Co. will shut down Saturn now that a deal with former race car driver and auto dealer magnate Roger Penske has collapsed, marking the end of a brand that was supposed to revolutionize the way small cars were built and sold in America.

The deal with Penske was supposed to be finalized Wednesday. But the unexpected end came when his company, Penske Automotive Group Inc., was unable to find a manufacturer to supply vehicles for the brand’s dealerships. GM had agreed to keep building Saturn models like the Aura, Outlook and Vue through at least 2011, but after that, Saturn would have to come up with its own products.

Penske’s tentative deal buy Saturn was announced in early June.

“This is very disappointing news and comes after months of hard work by hundreds of dedicated employees and Saturn retailers who tried to make the new Saturn a reality,” GM CEO Fritz Henderson said. He said Saturn and its dealership network will be phased out.

via GM to Shut Down Saturn as Penske Walks  WXYZ-TV / Detroit

I remember when G.M. introduced this line of vehicles back in 1990. My parents almost bought one of those ugly cars; I personally could not stand them. I thought they were just plain ugly. I see that they have improved the look of them; quite a bit. But, more importantly, I remember thinking if G.M. ever hit hard times that these cars would be the first to go. Tragically, it turns out that I was correct.  My father also had the chance to go to Spring Hill, TN to the plant down there. Luckily instead, my Dad chose to go to the Detroit/Hamtramck assembly plant instead. I feel for all of those people who went down there; to make a better life for themselves and now they find themselves out of work. Some Conservatives may want to mock this; I am not one of them. I do not believe in mocking anyone’s misfortune.

Some Conservative bloggers would use this opportunity to bash the unions and the Democrats and Obama for their politics and policies; I am just not going to do it. There is a time and a place for that; and quite frankly, this just is not one of them. As a Son of an autoworker; I know the feeling of Dad being laid off, not knowing if he was going to be working again or not. I have been there. So, I am just not going to politicize this at all. I will leave that the other heartless bloggers, who get their kicks on trashing those who actually work for a living; unlike some of the bloggers who trash them. I could name names, but I think you know who I mean.

My Prayers are with the people of Spring Hill, Tennessee and the people working for Saturn. May God be with them, during this extremely difficult time.

Gore-backed firm takes money from Government to build car that nobody can afford.

This is an outrage!:

A tiny car company backed by former Vice President Al Gore has just gotten a $529 million U.S. government loan to help build a hybrid sports car in Finland that will sell for about $89,000.

The award this week to California startup Fisker Automotive Inc. follows a $465 million government loan to Tesla Motors Inc., purveyors of a $109,000 British-built electric Roadster. Tesla, like Fisker, is a California startup focusing on high-end hybrids, with a number of celebrity endorsements that is backed by investors that have contributed to Democratic campaigns.

Fisker’s Karma hybrid sports car, above, will initially cost about $89,000.

The awards to Fisker and Tesla have prompted concern from companies that have had their bids for loans rejected, and criticism from groups that question why vehicles aimed at the wealthiest customers are getting loans subsidized by taxpayers.

“This is not for average Americans,” said Leslie Paige, a spokeswoman for Citizens Against Government Waste, an anti-tax group in Washington. “This is for people to put something in their driveway that is a conversation piece. It’s status symbol thing.”

via Gore-Backed Car Firm Gets Large U.S. Loan – WSJ.com.

Ten years ago, my reaction would have been, “So what?” But now that I am a bit older and much wiser; when it comes to politics, this just sends me through the roof. Why the hell are my tax dollars being used to build a car, that no one that I know of, including me; could even afford? I hate to break to you all, but I just do not have $89,000 laying around to buy a car.  Much less an electric car! 🙄

The just totally reinforces the idea, that the Democratic Party does not give a flying flip about the average common man anymore. They are simply out to fulfill their own warped agenda and if they happen to step on anyone in the process, so be it.   I mean, look at Al Gore; the dude has gotten filthy rich on peddling paranoia about Global Warming. This another one of those investments for himself. The sick part is, he is using tax dollars to further that warped agenda of his.

Here is my question to Al Gore and his countless number of supporters; Mr. Gore are you planning on using Union Labor to build these cars with? After all, the Democratic Party has used the big labor vote as its resident useful idiot for many years, have they not? It is kind of like the African-American community, because seeing the Democrats cannot keep the Negros in slavery anymore, they have to use them for something; so, why not votes?

Yeah, I know, what I wrote up there was potentially offensive; it is no more offensive than the millions of babies that are slaughtered at the hands of the Socialist Liberal Democrats, who enacted such legislation. It is no more offensive that the millions of Children, that are molested at the hands of homosexuals; of whom that party enables.

Mr. Gore, I await your answer. Of course, I will not hold my breath, least I turn blue and die.

Prayers Needed

Over at Anti-Idiotarian Rottweiler:

My friend LC Azygos’ cousin could use some divine intervention.

She got laid off in January as so many other people, she’s got three kids, and she’s still unable to find a job. Apparently Porkulus didn’t “create or save” her job. Sorry, I just can’t help it sometimes.

Obviously, LC Azygos and the rest of the family have done all they could and continue to do so, but what the lady really needs is a job. So some prayers for her, and all the others who have been put out of a job due to the wonders of Obamanomics, would be very much appreciated.

I know, we’re all hurting right now, but in our hurt we still have that line to G-d. We’ll never lose it. Time to pick up the phone. I know I will.

I can relate, say a prayer for me too. 🙁

Dear Heavenly Father, please help our friend’s cousin find work so she can support her family on her own the way she wants, nay needs to. I do not ask for free presents, nor does she, I only ask that she and so many others like her have the opportunity to earn a living, because in so doing, we learn the joys of sacrificing for something bigger than us.

We do not ask for handouts, but every once in a while we could use a hand up. And, once we have that hand up and are once again able to take care of ourselves and ours, we will, with Your blessings, be able to extend that hand of help to others, sharing Your love, paying it forward, being living testimony to the unconditional, eternal love that is You.

I ask that, humbly, in the name of Your Son, Jesus Christ,

Amen.

Amen.

Karma? – Registered Sex Offender killed by Intruder

Oh this is too rich….

A registered sex offender was stabbed to death in his Holly Township home early Sunday morning by an intruder, Michigan State Police said.

Dennis McCarthy, 65, rushed to the back door of his home on Riviera Shores after his wife spotted someone breaking in around 4 a.m. and screamed for his help, according to investigators.

McCarthy was stabbed as he was fighting with the intruder.

McCarthy’s wife, who wasn’t harmed, performed first aid on him and called 911. He was rushed to Genesys Regional Medical Center in Grand Blanc, where he died, police said.

An autopsy by the Oakland County medical examiner has ruled the death a homicide.

via Home intruder kills registered sex offender | Detroit Free Press | Freep.com.

Am I advocating murder? No.

Am I saying that you reap what you sow? You betcha!

Couldn’t have happened to a better guy!

Tea Party Protest in Birmingham, Michigan

Seems that there was a Tea Party Protest in Birmingham, Michigan.

MoonBattery has the pictures and the story.

Of Course, the liberals are already dismissing it as “Rich White Racists.” However anyone with a half of a brain knows that these protests are not about skin color at all. It is about the Government wanting to run Healthcare and ruin our Country.

Anyone that says anything other than this; is distorting the facts.

Update: The BlogProf has this video:

InstaPundit also has coverage as well, as does Gateway Pundit.

Update:Gateway AnaBaptist Church Fire Update

A while back I wrote about this Church and about the fact that they had a fire.

Here is an update on their situation:

Gateway Anabaptist Church
6146 E Dunbar Rd
Monroe, Michigan 48161
Pastor Dan Hardin 734-777-6676

Isaiah 64:11 “Our holy and our beautiful house, where our fathers praised thee, is burned up with fire: and all our pleasant things are laid waste”

The evening of June 30, 2009, the Gateway Anabaptist Church building sustained an electrical fire rendering the complete loss of the contents and use of the current building, but no loss of any lives. Praise the Lord! Firefighters were able to contain the flames to the second floor, but water damaged all other contents – including, tracts, Bibles, books, printers, furniture….

We have been inquiring into renting a closed elementary school building in our school district, while we attempt to rebuild. Please pray for the Lord’s leading in finding a place to meet as autumn is just around the corner.

Saturday, August 8, some of our members attempted to have a bake sale and raised $400. Neighbors of the church building came just to donate, even in the pouring rain! Some of the church members are hoping to have a car wash in the near future just to help work and raise money for the building fund. We now have $11,200.00 in the building fund.

We expect that it will take about $125,000 to rebuild our facility. We are presently trying to work with the authorities to get our electricity back on.

God is leading in so many of our friends lives from so many other churches, who have been blessed by our church ministry throughout the years, to help us and share in the blessings. It has truly been a humbling , yet wonderful experience to see how God will use “the widow’s mite.” To all that have contributed already we must say, “Thank you, we will never forget your kindness!” God is able!

As the pastor having lost so many of my “in reach, and ready resources” of literature for evangelism, discipleship, and counseling, it has become most difficult. However, when that day returns in the future when we will have those things again, we look forward to the more greater things that will be accomplished for the ministry of the Gospel. We have recently seen six baptized with about eight more awaiting baptism with several that have been recently saved. God is adding to His church, in spite of all the adversity.

The enemy meant it for evil, …but God meant it unto good, to bring to pass, as it is this day, to save much people alive. Genesis 50:20

We will not “quit or compromise” as God leads us through the “fire and the flood”.

“…Some through the water, Some through the flood, Some through the fire, But all through the blood…!”

Hebrews 13:3 Remember them that are in bonds, as bound with them; and them which suffer adversity, as being yourselves also in the body.

Proverbs 17:17 A friend loveth at all times, and a brother is born for adversity.

We very much covet your prayers!

Pastor Dan Hardin
August 13, 2009

Again, if you can help this people out. Feel free to send them a check via the address below:

Gateway Anabaptist Church
6146 E Dunbar Rd
Monroe, Michigan 48161
Pastor Dan Hardin 734-777-6676

Please, do not send the money to me, because right at the moment, I do not have a car that will travel to the Church to get the money to them. Send it direct.

Noted Detroit Sports Writer and Faux Liberal Hack says “Hey Townhalls Protests are American too!”

From the ultra-Liberal Detroit Free Press‘s Mitch Albom:

I have no illusions about protesters at the recent town hall meetings on health care.

Mitch Albom

Mitch Albom

Some are fueled by angry conservative groups. Some are hopped up on radio hosts’ rants and ravings. Some are Barack Obama haters. Some use one piece of wrong information to smear an entire event.

And some just think the whole idea of government health care stinks.

But all of them — all of them — have the right to be there, and the right to their point of view. Liberal-minded thinkers who regularly speak up for the poor and underprivileged cannot suddenly yank the rug when it comes to free speech for others.

No matter what I think of national health care — no matter what you think, either — it is an issue that affects everyone, and everyone should have the same right to talk, argue or shout about it.

The fact that some are doing so in an impolite, abrasive way is unfortunate.

[…]

Now, I know some of these protesters are sent by dubiously named groups like Americans obama_jokerfor Prosperity, which sounds harmless enough, until you check and see the group’s leader once organized for Enron and worked with disgraced lobbyist Jack Abramoff.

I know these groups often hand out instructions on how to be disruptive.

And I know some people just want to see Obama — and any of his plans — fail.

But that’s what America is. That’s what town halls are for. And let’s be honest, politicians try to orchestrate these events as much as protesters do. The only problem I have is when people won’t let others speak or come only to disrupt. That’s not right. That’s not democracy.

But the rest is. If you feel other people are ill-informed, take the time to try to correct them. If you feel others are shouting to bring down a cause, shout to bring it up.

But I would rather live in a place where people questioned what their government proposed rather than swallowing it blindly — especially a government whose members guard our tax money while taking bribes, shout morality and then get caught with their pants down, or lecture businessmen about private planes and then order a bunch for themselves.

What did Democrats expect with a bill like this? Roses and hosannas? Many who supported Obama’s campaign promises of health care for everyone wouldn’t have done so if they read how he now plans to pay for and administer it.

It may not be pretty, but shouting and confrontations are part of this country. They have been from the start. More manners would be better. But silence would be worse.

Listening to this idiot yowl on about this; is like listening to Aleister Crowley say that Jesus Christ is Lord. You know the words coming out of his mouth, but you know damn well that the person does not mean a damn word of it. Albom goes on to very lamely attempt to paint a parallel between these Townhalls and the Anti-War Demonstrations of the Vietnam era. Which in itself is an idiotic comparison. The difference is that those war protests were done by a bunch of America-hating assholes, who wanted to see us lose and come home defeated. For what it is worth Mitch; Vietnam was started by a Democrat, The man who was the driving force and architect behind Vietnam was a liberal Democrat — something that that he went to his grave regretting. Also, want to know which party ended Vietnam??  It was the Republicans! After that idiot liberal broadcaster Walter Cronkite lost it for us, there was nothing more we could do! Anyhow, these townhall protests are being put on by those who happen to give two shits about our Country and the direction that it is headed in; people like me and every other damned person that either shows up at them and happens to Blog about them.

Further more, the problem here is Mitch Albom is a nothing more than an opportunist. This guy used to bash Bush and from what I have read, he used to trash Reagan as well. So, while on the surface, he comes off as someone who is attempting to defend the America people’s right to free speech. In reality Albom is really trying to mock those who really care about this Country. So, nice try Mitch, but you should really stick to what you know —- Sports.

Local News: Michigan Unemployement rates are now at 15.2 percent, across ALL Markets

Oh Wonderful…. 🙄

Lansing — Unemployment rates rose in all 17 of Michigan’s major labor markets in June.

The loss of manufacturing jobs and of seasonal employment in education drove up the unemployment rates announced by the state Thursday. Michigan gained seasonal tourism jobs.

All of Michigan’s regional markets had unemployment rates of more than 10 percent last month, ranging from a low of 10.6 percent in Ann Arbor to a high of 17.4 percent in Flint.

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Two rural counties, Baraga and Oscoda, each had jobless rates of more than 20 percent.

Regional unemployment rates are not seasonally adjusted. National and state unemployment rates are adjusted to remove seasonal influences.

Michigan’s statewide seasonally adjusted rate of 15.2 percent was highest in the nation.

via Unemployment rates rise across Mich. —  The Detroit News.

Just another perfect example of the failure of the socialist Democrat polices in my wonderful state. When will the fine people of Michigan wake up and realize that the Democrats have nothing, but their own special interests in mind and vote these socialist twits out of office, once and for all?

I will not hold my breath, least I turn blue and die.

Michigan needs change, but not what Obama and Socialist goon Jennifer Granholm have mind.

Follow-Up: Clean up on Freeway Accident and Fire Begins; EnviroNuts Come out in Force.

The Freeway Clean up begins….

Via WXYZ-TV:

Quote:

The damage is being assessed at 9 Mile Road and I-75 after Wednesday night’s massive tanker explosion in Hazel Park.

Northbound and Southbound I-75 is shut down in both directions from 8 mile to I-696 and will remain closed until further notice.

Three vehicles were involved in the accident – the tanker truck, a Meijer semi-truck and a car. The tanker was carrying more than 13,000 gallons of gas and approximately 4,000 gallons of diesel when it exploded right under the 9 Mile overpass.

The intense heat of the explosion forced the overpass to collapse onto the freeway below as hundreds of people watched, stunned by what was happening.

Amazingly, no one was killed. Three people were taken to Beaumont hospital with non-life threatening injuries. They were the 44-year-old tanker driver Michael St. John of Armada, the 38-year-old driver of the Meijer truck Jody Cicero of Monroe, and the 27-year-old driver of the car Saied Haidarian-Shahri of Clawson. All three have been released from the hospital.

Police tell Action News Haidarian-Shahri may have lost control of the vehicle and hit the tanker.

A driver who was stopped at a light just ahead of the overpass, told Action News she saw the explosion and flames engulf the bridge. Mary Greiv says she was "in shock" by what she saw. "Oh my god, I’m so grateful to God that I’m alive because I was right there," Greiv told Action News.

Another witness says she actually felt the explosions from a distance. "I’ve never been in an earthquake type situation, but I would dare say that’s what it felt like – like an aftershock."

I am just glad that no one was actually killed in the accident. I mean, the fact those drivers had the frame of mind and the wits about them to get the heck out of dodge before the fire really hit says quite a bit about them. Of course, now your EnviroNuts are out in force:

Via WXYZ-TV:

Video:

Quote:

Once the raging inferno was brought under control following the I-75 accident Wednesday night, environmental concerns emerged.

Ferndale sent a half-million gallons of water to help extinguish the flames.

Also involved, thousands of gallons of fuel inside the tanker that had to go somewhere.

Ferndale DPW officials were up through the night working with the EPA and other agencies.

They were working to figure out where the water went underground in the sewers.

Thursday, crews pumped out the runoff and tried to determine the concentration of the fuel.

There are lingering concerns about fumes that could possibly ignite.

That’s the main concern, because experts can control the flow of anything in the sewer systems.

Fuel left on the road was being soaked up by sand.

There never was a threat to drinking water.

Heh… "ZOMG! Some gasoline and Diesel got into the water and the sewer! We might have to flush it out!" Liberals are such morons, I’ll tell ya!  That Gas and Diesel was so damn diluted from all that water, that what did not burn off was so watered down; the chances of it exploding were slim to none. But then again, this is liberal Michigan. :loser: :struggle:

Anyways, the mess is being cleaned and the overpass will be fixed. The real kicker is, they just rebuilt that overpass; a year ago! D’OH! DohRolling on the floorLaughing I would be willing to bet, that the guys who worked on that little project let out a groan when they found out what happened. Waiting I mean, I could just hear it now; "They could have picked any overpass on that freeway, but they just had to pick the one we worked on!" Angry

chodun2005One thing I will say here is this; Cheryl Chodun is the best. My Mom alerted me to the fact that this accident was happening. She told me to turn to channel 4, which is WDIV in the local area here. They had a lousy picture. So, I flipped over to WXYZ-TV, which is channel 7 here in the local area. There was good ol’ Cheryl Chodun; practically standing on top of the tanker saying stuff like, "Man, this is a really big fire!" God Love her. She really does a excellent job, even it does mean standing way too close to a tanker, that they had no idea, at the time, what was exactly in the taker itself. Heck, even Bill Proctor was not even that brave, He was at least a block away. Not Cheryl, she would have been helping put out the fire, if they would have allowed it.

Update Friday 3:22 A.M. (I really should be in bed…Yawn): I Wrote Cheryl Chodun an e-mail, letting her know that I wrote about her. Much to my shock and surprise; she replied! SurpriseHypnotized Here’s Mrs. Chodun’s Reply:

Thanks for the kind words and thanks for watching us!  I was pretty close but we were up-wind, not in the fumes or smoke and while I am pretty passionate and intense about my job, I think I will leave the fire-fighting to the experts!  To be honest, I was really hoping the explosions were over as I was talking…and talking…for about 2 hours.

All the best to you,

Cheryl

Thanks for reply Mrs. Chodun. Keep up the good work. Big GrinBatting EyelashesHappy

Breaking News: Major Tanker Accident, Explosion, Overpass collapse

There has been a horrific crash and explosion in Hazel Park, Michigan…

tankerfire

Video Via WXYZ, Shot earlier:

Better Via via Fox 2 Detroit:

The Story WXYZ-TV:

HAZEL PARK, Mich. (WXYZ) – A tanker truck–and possibly two or three semi trucks–has exploded in the vacinity of northbound I-75/I-696/Nine Mile Road in Hazel Park, causing a massive fire and explosion. Eyewitnesses say the tanker tried to make it under the Nine Mile overpass but the top of the tanker hit the bridge, causing the explosion. It is not known what the tanker was carrying. A Michigan State Police officer told Action News reporter Cheryl Chodun that there were “two or three” trucks involved in the explosion.

Preliminary reports indicate one person has been injured, but it is still not known how many vehicles are involved in the accident/explosion.

Michigan State Police say Eastbound I-696 ramps to northbound and southbound I-75 are now closed, and I-75 has been shut down in both directions at Nine Mile from the center of the fire. Response teams from Hazel Park, Madison Heights and Ferndale are at the scene, along with the Michigan State Police.

Multiple sources have told Action News that the Nine Mile Road overpass has collapsed at the center of the fire. The explosion, according to witnesses, occurred around 8:15 p.m.

According to what I’ve just heard from on WXYZ, the tanker driver is alive and a friend of theirs, which relayed it to the local news station that someone “T-Boned” or stuck his truck. Which caused the accident.

Consider this a live Blog, I will be posting more information; once I receive. If you are on twitter; if you have information or saw the accident or have a picture. Please, reply to my tweet and/or e-mail me via the Blog and I will post it here.

Update @ 1:24 A.M: Via WXYZ:

HAZEL PARK, Mich. (WXYZ) – Investigators at the scene of a massive tanker truck fire on I-75 say the fire is under control but crews are letting it burn itself out.

Officials say the tanker truck and two other vehicles were involved in the crash and explosion in the vacinity of northbound I-75/I-696/Nine Mile Road in Hazel Park Wednesday evening.

Officers say the tanker truck was hit by another vehicle and slammed into one of the concrete supports under the Nine Mile Road overpass. Multiple sources have told Action News that the overpass collapsed at the center of the fire. This overpass was rebuilt just one year ago; now it will have to be rebuilt again.

The accident and explosion, according to witnesses, occurred around 8:15 p.m. Police say three persons were hurt. They were taken to Beaumont Hospital with non-life threatening injuries.

A Michigan State Police officer told Action News reporter Cheryl Chodun that the tanker truck was carrying 13,000 gallons of fuel and 4,000 gallons of diesel fuel.

I’m sure this will be a mess for a while. Oy. 🙄

Update July 16, 2009: The Clean up Begins!