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Deep in the Heart of Taxless
Author: Raine
Date: 04/24/2013 15:25:44
Amid the chaos of last week, Many were watching westward, towards the small town of West, Texas. This is a terrible accident and my heart goes out to the people of West, Texas.
Since the explosion, much has come to light. In particular - how poorly regulated the plant was on both a federal and state level. There is plenty of blame to go around, but a few problems really stand out to me (Bold-face italics, mine):
270 tons is 540,000 pounds -- that wasn't reported to the Texas Department of State Health Services. DSHS then went on to fail to report to the the U.S.Department of Homeland Security. Someone, either inadvertently or intentionally, gave false information.
Governor Rick Perry and former Republican candidate for President, received a phone call from President Obama: This is part of the press conference he gave:
Then there was this: I want to state that I believe the people affected by this disaster deserve any and all help any fellow citizen of this nation deserves. From the victims of 2011 Joplin MO Tornado, to Super Storm Sandy -- we come to the aid of our fellow citizens... eventually. In the past few years victims are used as political footballs before they can find relief. After the tornado hit Joplin, Eric Cantor stated that Missouri wouldn't get relief unless cuts were made elsewhere. A similar situation happened after Hurricane Sandy. FEMA is a necessity -- and I am glad that its reputation is experiencing restoration since the debacle after Hurricane Katrina. That said...
Rick Perry has encouraged the Texas secessionist movement. Since 2012, Governor Perry has tried to distance himself from this movement to secede (Ron Paul, not so much). Then in March, Perry sparked more secession speculation.
Rick Perry has long touted Texas as being a low tax state. We'll get back to that in a minute.
Less than a week after the West, Texas disaster, Governor Perry made a trip to Illinois to woo jobs to his state. Earlier in the year, he made trip to California with the same message.
Getting back to Texas and Taxes:
Let's sum this all up. Rick Perry - secession theorist - is touting his state as being great because of less regulation and lower taxes. During his presidential campaign he touted Texas as a shining example of conservative success. He despises the federal Government until he wants money for his state. That money is needed due to poor zoning, bad regulation and (less than) low taxation.
In the meantime, due to poor zoning, bad regulation and less than low taxation, 15 people are dead, and scores more are injured. Many, ironically or not, were volunteer first-responders. This song remains true.:
I hope the good people of Texas can set it path right again. They deserve better than fertilizer they are being given by their elected officials.
and 
Raine
The number of people who died in a fertilizer plant explosion in West, Texas, last week now stands at 15, officials said Tuesday. Some earlier reports had indicated that 14 people had lost their lives. At least 200 more were injured.
In Waco, TV station KXXV says that officials believe they have found all the victims, quoting Mayor Pro Tem Steve Vanek saying "No more victims. Everything is searched," in a news conference today.
The latest death toll comes as investigators continue to study the catastrophe and the fire that preceded it. The explosion left a crater 93 feet wide and 10 feet deep, investigators said Tuesday.
Since the explosion, much has come to light. In particular - how poorly regulated the plant was on both a federal and state level. There is plenty of blame to go around, but a few problems really stand out to me (Bold-face italics, mine):
DHS: Fertilizer facilities are required to report to the DHS if they hold more than 400 pounds of ammonium nitrate. The plant in West held 270 tons of it, but it failed to report this as is required. The plant did report this to the Texas DSHS.
DSHS: The West plant submitted a Type II report as part of the Chemical Reporting Program for last year, in which it documented many hazardous chemicals in amounts that pose a risk of fire or reactivity. It reported 100,000 pounds of anhydrous ammonia, which poses an short-term risk of fire, and 18,000 of ammonium nitrate in its largest container, which poses both a short-term and long-term risk of fire, among others. These reports serve as notification to the state that facilities have certain hazardous chemicals and can be used by first responders and the community to plan for emergencies. This information was not shared with DHS.
Governor Rick Perry and former Republican candidate for President, received a phone call from President Obama:
“Last night was truly a nightmare scenario for that community,” Perry said. “President Obama called from Air Force One as he was en route to Boston… We greatly appreciate his call, and his gracious offer of support, of course, and the quick turnaround of the emergency declaration that will be forthcoming, and his offer of prayers.”
Then there was this:
Perry, when asked whether volunteer fire department funding should be increased in light of the tragedy and cuts in 2011, suggested that's mostly up to lawmakers. He said he helped get more money for such departments when he was a lawmaker in the late '80s.
“I've been doing this for about 28 years now, and I've never seen the Legislature get it perfect. But they generally get it right,” Perry said.
“It's interesting, in 1987 and '89 when I was a member of the Legislature, I found substantial funding sources for volunteer fire departments,” he said. “Over the course of the last 20 years since then, I don't know whether that's gone up or down from that baseline, but being a small town legislator and being a governor from a relatively small town, I understand the importance of volunteer fire departments.”
Rick Perry has encouraged the Texas secessionist movement.
The rise of membership of the Texas Nationalist Movement came in conjunction with other secession related news events which were not part of that organization’s activities. In 2009, during a political rally the possibility of secession was addressed by Rick Perry, sparking a controversy among Texans. During the rally, many in the crowd began to chant “secede, secede” to which Perry remarked "If Washington continues to thumb their nose at the American people, you know, who knows what might come out of that."
Speaking to conservative radio host Glenn Beck on Tuesday, Perry said that lawmakers were in the process of “bringing gold that belongs to the state of Texas back into the state.” “If we own it, I will suggest to you that that’s not someone else’s determination whether we can take possession of it back or not,” Perry told Beck. (snip)
Former Rep. Ron Paul on Thursday explained to The Texas Tribune that the gold would be safer in the hands of Texans.
“If you think gold is a hedge, or a protection, you always want it as close to the individual and the entity as possible,” Paul said. “Texas is better served if it knows exactly where the gold is rather than depending on the security of the Federal Reserve.”
Rick Perry has long touted Texas as being a low tax state.
At a Republican debate this month in Florida, Perry said scores of people are moving to Texas "because they know there's still a land of freedom in America, freedom from overtaxation, freedom from overlitigation and freedom from overregulation, and it's called Texas. We need to do the same thing for America."
When many politicians and pundits proclaim Texas a low-tax state, they're referring to the fact that there's no personal income tax and that direct taxes on businesses are relatively low.
Less than a week after the West, Texas disaster, Governor Perry made a trip to Illinois to woo jobs to his state.
Perry preceded his visit with an $80,000 advertising campaign last week that, as one radio ad put it, Illinois businesses ought to “get out while there’s still time.” (snip)
Perry said it would be “a little premature” to reach a conclusion about the cause of the explosion and a course of action. Still, he said it is “stunning” that the loss of life wasn’t greater. “How there were only 14 people who lost their lives is a bit of an amazement to me,” he said, referring to the plant’s proximity to homes and a school.
While the city “grew up around that plant,” Perry said, local zoning regulations may need to be reexamined.
“Is it a legitimate question to ask, ‘Should the city have allowed [housing] to be built there?’ It’s a legitimate question,” he said.
Perry kicked off his in-your-face campaign to woo companies to the Lone Star State this month with radio ads declaring that "building a business in California is next to impossible." Now the governor is on a whirlwind trip through the state courting companies in person.
Getting back to Texas and Taxes:
Since 2006, Texas' competitiveness on business taxes has dropped compared with other states, according to the Tax Foundation's annual ranking. Five years ago, Texas had the seventh-most-favorable business tax climate in the country. In the latest rankings, Texas is 13th.
Part of the drop is due to other states lowering their tax burden on businesses, Robyn said. Another cause is likely a controversial tax overhaul Perry approved in 2006.
That legislation was prompted by the state Supreme Court declaring Texas' education funding system unconstitutional. After years of wrangling, lawmakers ultimately lowered property taxes by billions and covered the loss through raising cigarette taxes from 41 cents to $1.41 per pack and converting the franchise tax to a broader margins tax that focused more on gross revenue instead of profit.
The margins tax has drawn criticism ever since. Some businesses have said it hits certain companies more than others. A host of others say the overhaul created a structural deficit in the state budget, as the tax has never drawn as much revenue as originally forecast.
Let's sum this all up. Rick Perry - secession theorist - is touting his state as being great because of less regulation and lower taxes. During his presidential campaign he touted Texas as a shining example of conservative success. He despises the federal Government until he wants money for his state. That money is needed due to poor zoning, bad regulation and (less than) low taxation.
In the meantime, due to poor zoning, bad regulation and less than low taxation, 15 people are dead, and scores more are injured. Many, ironically or not, were volunteer first-responders. This song remains true.:
I hope the good people of Texas can set it path right again. They deserve better than fertilizer they are being given by their elected officials.
and Raine
Comments:
Order comments Newest to Oldest Refresh Comments
Comment by 
wickedpam on 04/24/2013 13:08:07
wickedpam on 04/24/2013 13:08:07
Morning 
Comment by 
TriSec on 04/24/2013 13:21:14
TriSec on 04/24/2013 13:21:14
Greetings, comrades.
Drove out of the mist into brilliant sunshine while climbing the hill from Lake Quinsigamond.
Saw a lengthy convoy of Worcester Police headed inbound to Cambridge.
Otherwise, it's fairly benign so far.
Drove out of the mist into brilliant sunshine while climbing the hill from Lake Quinsigamond.
Saw a lengthy convoy of Worcester Police headed inbound to Cambridge.
Otherwise, it's fairly benign so far.
Comment by 
Scoopster on 04/24/2013 13:40:59
Scoopster on 04/24/2013 13:40:59
Mornin' all & happy humpdee!! 
I've decided to charge my landlord $50 for petsitting every time I'm left alone with the doggie for more than a couple hours & submit an invoice for the total with my monthly rent check. So far this week that's $100 off my bill.
That'll learn him.
I've decided to charge my landlord $50 for petsitting every time I'm left alone with the doggie for more than a couple hours & submit an invoice for the total with my monthly rent check. So far this week that's $100 off my bill.
That'll learn him.
Comment by 
trojanrabbit on 04/24/2013 14:05:28
trojanrabbit on 04/24/2013 14:05:28
Comment by wickedpam on 04/24/2013 14:09:58
Have there been any fireworks yet?
wickedpam on 04/24/2013 14:09:58
Quote by Scoopster:
Mornin' all & happy humpdee!!
I've decided to charge my landlord $50 for petsitting every time I'm left alone with the doggie for more than a couple hours & submit an invoice for the total with my monthly rent check. So far this week that's $100 off my bill.
That'll learn him.
Have there been any fireworks yet?
Comment by Scoopster on 04/24/2013 14:14:18
Not since Sunday night. He's been out well past midnight every day since.
Scoopster on 04/24/2013 14:14:18
Quote by wickedpam:Quote by Scoopster:
Mornin' all & happy humpdee!!
I've decided to charge my landlord $50 for petsitting every time I'm left alone with the doggie for more than a couple hours & submit an invoice for the total with my monthly rent check. So far this week that's $100 off my bill.
That'll learn him.
Have there been any fireworks yet?
Not since Sunday night. He's been out well past midnight every day since.
Comment by 
BobR on 04/24/2013 14:23:06
I've thought about getting one, pulling out the guts, and turning it into an aquarium. Don't faint.
BobR on 04/24/2013 14:23:06
Quote by trojanrabbit:
Wish I had the space & $$$, I'd give one of these babies a home.
I've thought about getting one, pulling out the guts, and turning it into an aquarium. Don't faint.
Comment by Scoopster on 04/24/2013 14:30:47
They had a new art exhibit at the Yale Art Museum not too long ago that had a WORKING Philco Predicta that had also been partially modified into a terrarium. It was pretty funky lookin'!
Scoopster on 04/24/2013 14:30:47
Quote by BobR:Quote by trojanrabbit:
Wish I had the space & $$$, I'd give one of these babies a home.
I've thought about getting one, pulling out the guts, and turning it into an aquarium. Don't faint.
They had a new art exhibit at the Yale Art Museum not too long ago that had a WORKING Philco Predicta that had also been partially modified into a terrarium. It was pretty funky lookin'!
Comment by TriSec on 04/24/2013 14:33:52
TriSec on 04/24/2013 14:33:52
*spluttttttt*
So I just ate a Jelly Belly that tasted like cough syrup. What the hell flavour was that??
So I just ate a Jelly Belly that tasted like cough syrup. What the hell flavour was that??
Comment by trojanrabbit on 04/24/2013 14:34:22
The Predictas (horribly unreliable, probably doomed Philco as a company), the 3 pre-war sets & the RCA color set are going to go for $$$$$$. Unfortunately no photos of the insides of the RCA. Makes a BIG difference to know the condition of the CRT.
trojanrabbit on 04/24/2013 14:34:22
Quote by Scoopster:Quote by BobR:Quote by trojanrabbit:
Wish I had the space & $$$, I'd give one of these babies a home.
I've thought about getting one, pulling out the guts, and turning it into an aquarium. Don't faint.
They had a new art exhibit at the Yale Art Museum not too long ago that had a WORKING Philco Predicta that had also been partially modified into a terrarium. It was pretty funky lookin'!
The Predictas (horribly unreliable, probably doomed Philco as a company), the 3 pre-war sets & the RCA color set are going to go for $$$$$$. Unfortunately no photos of the insides of the RCA. Makes a BIG difference to know the condition of the CRT.
Comment by wickedpam on 04/24/2013 14:35:24
Robitussin? Maybe they're starting a Big Pharma Collection.
wickedpam on 04/24/2013 14:35:24
Quote by TriSec:
*spluttttttt*
So I just ate a Jelly Belly that tasted like cough syrup. What the hell flavour was that??
Robitussin? Maybe they're starting a Big Pharma Collection.
Comment by trojanrabbit on 04/24/2013 14:41:45
trojanrabbit on 04/24/2013 14:41:45
Comment by wickedpam on 04/24/2013 14:52:07
great stuff!
wickedpam on 04/24/2013 14:52:07
Quote by trojanrabbit:
If old TV's aren't your bag, many other things being auctioned from this collection.
great stuff!
Comment by wickedpam on 04/24/2013 14:54:08
wickedpam on 04/24/2013 14:54:08
I want those Phrenology heads!
Comment by 
Will in Chicago on 04/24/2013 15:13:15
Will in Chicago on 04/24/2013 15:13:15
Good morning, bloggers!
After getting some subbing assignments, I am home today. Checking on a few job leads. Friends have given me a few leads on work at home jobs, so I am following those up along with applying for more teaching jobs.
Some bad news -- first in downstate Illinois -- 5 fatally shot in Manchester home.
Also, there is a tragedy in Bangladesh -- Bangladesh factory building collapse kills nearly 100. My thoughts and prayers go out to the victims of both tragedies and their families.
After getting some subbing assignments, I am home today. Checking on a few job leads. Friends have given me a few leads on work at home jobs, so I am following those up along with applying for more teaching jobs.
Some bad news -- first in downstate Illinois -- 5 fatally shot in Manchester home.
Also, there is a tragedy in Bangladesh -- Bangladesh factory building collapse kills nearly 100. My thoughts and prayers go out to the victims of both tragedies and their families.
Comment by wickedpam on 04/24/2013 15:16:40
wickedpam on 04/24/2013 15:16:40
Babblefish?
Comment by wickedpam on 04/24/2013 15:26:56
wickedpam on 04/24/2013 15:26:56
good call MGM 
Comment by Scoopster on 04/24/2013 15:30:59
mgm!!
Scoopster on 04/24/2013 15:30:59
mgm!!
Comment by Scoopster on 04/24/2013 15:42:48
Awwww yeah! It's already passed the state assembly, and Linc has promised to sign it if it hits his desk.
Scoopster on 04/24/2013 15:42:48
Awwww yeah! It's already passed the state assembly, and Linc has promised to sign it if it hits his desk.
Comment by TriSec on 04/24/2013 15:43:35
TriSec on 04/24/2013 15:43:35
Zero degrees of separation...
Just saw this one out there. I've known Ken for ages.
Just saw this one out there. I've known Ken for ages.
Ken Doucette, vice-president of the Waltham City Council, said he ran Monday's Boston Marathon and had crossed the finish line mere moments before two blasts erupted in Copley Square, killing three people and injuring 176 at last count.
Doucette said over the phone that this week's race was his third Boston Marathon - although his last one had been in 1993.
Doucette declined to comment on the scene he witnessed, but noted that he was able to find his family quickly after the explosions.
"I was one of the luckier ones there," he said.
Comment by Will in Chicago on 04/24/2013 15:46:41
Will in Chicago on 04/24/2013 15:46:41
Some labor news -- Chicago workers strike over wages at McDonald’s to Macy’s
TriSec, when I saw the friend who showed me around Boston was online last Monday, I checked to make sure that she and everyone close to her was okay. How are people feeling in Boston? I understand that Boylston Street is still closed by the bombing site.
TriSec, when I saw the friend who showed me around Boston was online last Monday, I checked to make sure that she and everyone close to her was okay. How are people feeling in Boston? I understand that Boylston Street is still closed by the bombing site.
Comment by Scoopster on 04/24/2013 15:49:00
They are indeed.
And who says crisis doesn't breed opportunity. It seems the Fairmont Copley Plaza has decided that they need to advertise again on the website I work for.
Scoopster on 04/24/2013 15:49:00
Quote by Will in Chicago:
Some labor news -- Chicago workers strike over wages at McDonald’s to Macy’s
TriSec, when I saw the friend who showed me around Boston was online last Monday, I checked to make sure that she and everyone close to her was okay. How are people feeling in Boston? I understand that Boylston Street is still closed by the bombing site.
They are indeed.
And who says crisis doesn't breed opportunity. It seems the Fairmont Copley Plaza has decided that they need to advertise again on the website I work for.
Comment by TriSec on 04/24/2013 15:56:31
Actually, Boylston street was re-opened in full today. There is also word that the city's "anti-graffiti" team is working the scene to remove all traces of the blasts. (Building damage, physical scarrs, blood, gore, etc.)
We had our catharsis last Friday when they were captured. There's still a lot of recovery to happen, but with one guy dead and the other apparently singing like a canary, we're doing pretty good.
Westboro Baptist never showed up, which also helps. The VP is here for the police memorial, and the poor kid that died was buried yesterday in a private ceremony, apparently to thwart any protestors.
Slowly but surely...
TriSec on 04/24/2013 15:56:31
Quote by Will in Chicago:
Some labor news -- Chicago workers strike over wages at McDonald’s to Macy’s
TriSec, when I saw the friend who showed me around Boston was online last Monday, I checked to make sure that she and everyone close to her was okay. How are people feeling in Boston? I understand that Boylston Street is still closed by the bombing site.
Actually, Boylston street was re-opened in full today. There is also word that the city's "anti-graffiti" team is working the scene to remove all traces of the blasts. (Building damage, physical scarrs, blood, gore, etc.)
We had our catharsis last Friday when they were captured. There's still a lot of recovery to happen, but with one guy dead and the other apparently singing like a canary, we're doing pretty good.
Westboro Baptist never showed up, which also helps. The VP is here for the police memorial, and the poor kid that died was buried yesterday in a private ceremony, apparently to thwart any protestors.
Slowly but surely...
Comment by Scoopster on 04/24/2013 16:03:07
Scoopster on 04/24/2013 16:03:07
Oh no.. the ghost of Bill Hicks is going to KILL ME.
I just started thinking about how all the craziness in Boston has driven copious amounts of web traffic to our website's Boston-based pages!
I just started thinking about how all the craziness in Boston has driven copious amounts of web traffic to our website's Boston-based pages!
Comment by BobR on 04/24/2013 16:06:19
BobR on 04/24/2013 16:06:19
per Raine - blog posted
Comment by TriSec on 04/24/2013 16:15:18
TriSec on 04/24/2013 16:15:18
Comment by 
livingonli on 04/24/2013 16:59:58
livingonli on 04/24/2013 16:59:58
Good day, folks.
Comment by Will in Chicago on 04/24/2013 17:12:42
I am glad to see that Boston is healing. It has been a tragic week.
Will in Chicago on 04/24/2013 17:12:42
Quote by TriSec:Quote by Will in Chicago:
Some labor news -- Chicago workers strike over wages at McDonald’s to Macy’s
TriSec, when I saw the friend who showed me around Boston was online last Monday, I checked to make sure that she and everyone close to her was okay. How are people feeling in Boston? I understand that Boylston Street is still closed by the bombing site.
Actually, Boylston street was re-opened in full today. There is also word that the city's "anti-graffiti" team is working the scene to remove all traces of the blasts. (Building damage, physical scarrs, blood, gore, etc.)
We had our catharsis last Friday when they were captured. There's still a lot of recovery to happen, but with one guy dead and the other apparently singing like a canary, we're doing pretty good.
Westboro Baptist never showed up, which also helps. The VP is here for the police memorial, and the poor kid that died was buried yesterday in a private ceremony, apparently to thwart any protestors.
Slowly but surely...
I am glad to see that Boston is healing. It has been a tragic week.
Comment by wickedpam on 04/24/2013 17:38:42
Hey Liv, you feeling any better?
wickedpam on 04/24/2013 17:38:42
Quote by livingonli:
Good day, folks.
Hey Liv, you feeling any better?
Comment by 
Raine on 04/24/2013 17:42:05
What a morning....
So no one read das blog?
Raine on 04/24/2013 17:42:05
Quote by BobR:
per Raine - blog posted
What a morning.... So no one read das blog?
Comment by wickedpam on 04/24/2013 17:45:04
I read it - two old sayings come to mind, you reap what you sow and they made their bed and they should lie in it
I kinda tired of states that do nothing but bitch and moan and take, take, take but don't put into the "community" coffers to pay for things then everyone else has to cover what they refuse to raise money for.
wickedpam on 04/24/2013 17:45:04
Quote by Raine:Quote by BobR:
per Raine - blog posted
So no one read das blog?
I read it - two old sayings come to mind, you reap what you sow and they made their bed and they should lie in it
I kinda tired of states that do nothing but bitch and moan and take, take, take but don't put into the "community" coffers to pay for things then everyone else has to cover what they refuse to raise money for.
Comment by TriSec on 04/24/2013 17:55:16
I'm busily writing a screed this afternoon.
TriSec on 04/24/2013 17:55:16
Quote by Raine:
So no one read das blog?
I'm busily writing a screed this afternoon.
Comment by Will in Chicago on 04/24/2013 18:08:10
I read the blog and thought that it made some very important points. Government regulation can save lives -- 14 people in West, Texas died needlessly. I think that one thing that I will add is about the myth of the Texas economic boom.
Here is what Paul Krugman wrote all the way back in August of 2011
Somewhat newer, the Center on Budget and Policy has a good analysis of the economy in the Lone Star State.
Will in Chicago on 04/24/2013 18:08:10
Quote by Raine:Quote by BobR:
per Raine - blog posted
So no one read das blog?
I read the blog and thought that it made some very important points. Government regulation can save lives -- 14 people in West, Texas died needlessly. I think that one thing that I will add is about the myth of the Texas economic boom.
Here is what Paul Krugman wrote all the way back in August of 2011
The Texas Unmiracle
By PAUL KRUGMAN
Published: August 14, 2011
As expected, Rick Perry, the governor of Texas, has announced that he is running for president. And we already know what his campaign will be about: faith in miracles.
Some of these miracles will involve things that you’re liable to read in the Bible. But if he wins the Republican nomination, his campaign will probably center on a more secular theme: the alleged economic miracle in Texas, which, it’s often asserted, sailed through the Great Recession almost unscathed thanks to conservative economic policies. And Mr. Perry will claim that he can restore prosperity to America by applying the same policies at a national level.
So what you need to know is that the Texas miracle is a myth, and more broadly that Texan experience offers no useful lessons on how to restore national full employment.
It’s true that Texas entered recession a bit later than the rest of America, mainly because the state’s still energy-heavy economy was buoyed by high oil prices through the first half of 2008. Also, Texas was spared the worst of the housing crisis, partly because it turns out to have surprisingly strict regulation of mortgage lending.
Despite all that, however, from mid-2008 onward unemployment soared in Texas, just as it did almost everywhere else.
Somewhat newer, the Center on Budget and Policy has a good analysis of the economy in the Lone Star State.
Comment by Raine on 04/24/2013 18:13:54
Was gonna to add this link... but I figured I already had enough in there. 
Did you notice this part?
Raine on 04/24/2013 18:13:54
Quote by Will in Chicago:Quote by Raine:Quote by BobR:
per Raine - blog posted
So no one read das blog?
I read the blog and thought that it made some very important points. Government regulation can save lives -- 14 people in West, Texas died needlessly. I think that one thing that I will add is about the myth of the Texas economic boom.
Here is what Paul Krugman wrote all the way back in August of 2011The Texas Unmiracle
By PAUL KRUGMAN
Published: August 14, 2011
As expected, Rick Perry, the governor of Texas, has announced that he is running for president. And we already know what his campaign will be about: faith in miracles.
Some of these miracles will involve things that you�re liable to read in the Bible. But if he wins the Republican nomination, his campaign will probably center on a more secular theme: the alleged economic miracle in Texas, which, it�s often asserted, sailed through the Great Recession almost unscathed thanks to conservative economic policies. And Mr. Perry will claim that he can restore prosperity to America by applying the same policies at a national level.
So what you need to know is that the Texas miracle is a myth, and more broadly that Texan experience offers no useful lessons on how to restore national full employment.
It�s true that Texas entered recession a bit later than the rest of America, mainly because the state�s still energy-heavy economy was buoyed by high oil prices through the first half of 2008. Also, Texas was spared the worst of the housing crisis, partly because it turns out to have surprisingly strict regulation of mortgage lending.
Despite all that, however, from mid-2008 onward unemployment soared in Texas, just as it did almost everywhere else.
Somewhat newer, the Center on Budget and Policy has a good analysis of the economy in the Lone Star State.
Did you notice this part?
The American Legislative Exchange Council, among others, has suggested that other states should adopt policies that will make them more like Texas in order to grow their economies. One example from the introduction to ALEC's recent Rich States, Poor States report: "[M]any governors are looking at Texas, which has led the nation in job growth over the past three years, as the state with the best policy to emulate." In particular, ALEC notes the state's tax policy as a plus.
Comment by Raine on 04/24/2013 18:14:36
Raine on 04/24/2013 18:14:36
Hey -- where has Mondo been?
Comment by wickedpam on 04/24/2013 18:18:20
I wondered why it was so quiet today - hope he's okay.
wickedpam on 04/24/2013 18:18:20
Quote by Raine:
Hey -- where has Mondo been?
I wondered why it was so quiet today - hope he's okay.
Comment by livingonli on 04/24/2013 18:31:12
He hasn't been on Facebook either.
livingonli on 04/24/2013 18:31:12
Quote by Raine:
Hey -- where has Mondo been?
He hasn't been on Facebook either.
Comment by Scoopster on 04/24/2013 18:39:08
OMG.. I was stuck in the stubbie for HOURS apparently!
Scoopster on 04/24/2013 18:39:08
Quote by Raine:Quote by BobR:
per Raine - blog posted
So no one read das blog?
OMG.. I was stuck in the stubbie for HOURS apparently!
Comment by TriSec on 04/24/2013 18:44:07
TriSec on 04/24/2013 18:44:07
A tip for you all.
Do not cross Your Loyal TriSec.
I have a very long memory.
I bear grudges.
I keep an enemies list.
I can be, and will be, very spiteful in my latest battle.
Do not cross Your Loyal TriSec.
I have a very long memory.
I bear grudges.
I keep an enemies list.
I can be, and will be, very spiteful in my latest battle.
Comment by Raine on 04/24/2013 18:47:18
Uh oh.
Wassup?
Raine on 04/24/2013 18:47:18
Quote by TriSec:
A tip for you all.
Do not cross Your Loyal TriSec.
I have a very long memory.
I bear grudges.
I keep an enemies list.
I can be, and will be, very spiteful in my latest battle.
Wassup?
Comment by Raine on 04/24/2013 18:47:58
I;m sorry.
But I am glad I mentioned it again.
Raine on 04/24/2013 18:47:58
Quote by Scoopster:Quote by Raine:Quote by BobR:
per Raine - blog posted
So no one read das blog?
OMG.. I was stuck in the stubbie for HOURS apparently!
I;m sorry.
But I am glad I mentioned it again.
Comment by Raine on 04/24/2013 18:48:38
HE was here Monday, but hasn't been of TBoF since sunday.
Raine on 04/24/2013 18:48:38
Quote by livingonli:Quote by Raine:
Hey -- where has Mondo been?
He hasn't been on Facebook either.
Comment by TriSec on 04/24/2013 18:59:07
I am shopping for a new scout troop. I will not have a "250" on my sleeve this fall. They chose the wrong person to cross; I am in a position to destroy them if I so chose. (I won't, but I also can't recommend them in good faith to any more graduating scouts unless the situation changes dramatically. My next-door neighbor has already told me he'll follow me to whatever unit I go to; there are plenty of other parents in the pipeline that will do the same.)
TriSec on 04/24/2013 18:59:07
Quote by Raine:
Uh oh.
Wassup?
I am shopping for a new scout troop. I will not have a "250" on my sleeve this fall. They chose the wrong person to cross; I am in a position to destroy them if I so chose. (I won't, but I also can't recommend them in good faith to any more graduating scouts unless the situation changes dramatically. My next-door neighbor has already told me he'll follow me to whatever unit I go to; there are plenty of other parents in the pipeline that will do the same.)
Comment by livingonli on 04/24/2013 19:02:26
Not really. Still kind of in the dumps because of money situation. It's back to belt tightening and hoping I come up with the money to cover bankruptcy.
livingonli on 04/24/2013 19:02:26
Quote by wickedpam:Quote by livingonli:
Good day, folks.
Hey Liv, you feeling any better?
Not really. Still kind of in the dumps because of money situation. It's back to belt tightening and hoping I come up with the money to cover bankruptcy.
Comment by livingonli on 04/24/2013 19:03:16
livingonli on 04/24/2013 19:03:16
Refresh comments doesn't seem to be working today. I keep having to reload the page.
Comment by wickedpam on 04/24/2013 19:03:39
have faith, you'll come up with the right answer for you.
wickedpam on 04/24/2013 19:03:39
Quote by livingonli:Quote by wickedpam:Quote by livingonli:
Good day, folks.
Hey Liv, you feeling any better?
Not really. Still kind of in the dumps because of money situation. It's back to belt tightening and hoping I come up with the money to cover bankruptcy.
have faith, you'll come up with the right answer for you.
Comment by Will in Chicago on 04/24/2013 19:07:26
Here is what is coming up now on Thom Hartmann:
Hour One: Texas fertilizer plant explosion...welcome to the new Libertarian paradise - Eli Lehrer, R Street Institute
Will in Chicago on 04/24/2013 19:07:26
Quote by Raine:Was gonna to add this link... but I figured I already had enough in there.Quote by Will in Chicago:Quote by Raine:Quote by BobR:
per Raine - blog posted
So no one read das blog?
I read the blog and thought that it made some very important points. Government regulation can save lives -- 14 people in West, Texas died needlessly. I think that one thing that I will add is about the myth of the Texas economic boom.
Here is what Paul Krugman wrote all the way back in August of 2011The Texas Unmiracle
By PAUL KRUGMAN
Published: August 14, 2011
As expected, Rick Perry, the governor of Texas, has announced that he is running for president. And we already know what his campaign will be about: faith in miracles.
Some of these miracles will involve things that you�re liable to read in the Bible. But if he wins the Republican nomination, his campaign will probably center on a more secular theme: the alleged economic miracle in Texas, which, it�s often asserted, sailed through the Great Recession almost unscathed thanks to conservative economic policies. And Mr. Perry will claim that he can restore prosperity to America by applying the same policies at a national level.
So what you need to know is that the Texas miracle is a myth, and more broadly that Texan experience offers no useful lessons on how to restore national full employment.
It�s true that Texas entered recession a bit later than the rest of America, mainly because the state�s still energy-heavy economy was buoyed by high oil prices through the first half of 2008. Also, Texas was spared the worst of the housing crisis, partly because it turns out to have surprisingly strict regulation of mortgage lending.
Despite all that, however, from mid-2008 onward unemployment soared in Texas, just as it did almost everywhere else.
Somewhat newer, the Center on Budget and Policy has a good analysis of the economy in the Lone Star State.
Did you notice this part?The American Legislative Exchange Council, among others, has suggested that other states should adopt policies that will make them more like Texas in order to grow their economies. One example from the introduction to ALEC's recent Rich States, Poor States report: "[M]any governors are looking at Texas, which has led the nation in job growth over the past three years, as the state with the best policy to emulate." In particular, ALEC notes the state's tax policy as a plus.
Here is what is coming up now on Thom Hartmann:
Hour One: Texas fertilizer plant explosion...welcome to the new Libertarian paradise - Eli Lehrer, R Street Institute
Comment by Raine on 04/24/2013 19:10:39
Raine on 04/24/2013 19:10:39
WTF? Listening to Randi -- The Mother of these guys, she says that the dead one is not her son?
She's wack. Alex jones wack.
She's wack. Alex jones wack.
Comment by Will in Chicago on 04/24/2013 19:11:37
Will in Chicago on 04/24/2013 19:11:37
Well, we have a "libertarian" arguing for regulation. I should check for stopped clocks being right.
Comment by Raine on 04/24/2013 19:13:08
meh.
I dipped my toes for over two hours today in libertarian paradise writing the blog.
Raine on 04/24/2013 19:13:08
Quote by Will in Chicago:Here is what is coming up now on Thom Hartmann:
Hour One: Texas fertilizer plant explosion...welcome to the new Libertarian paradise - Eli Lehrer, R Street Institute
I dipped my toes for over two hours today in libertarian paradise writing the blog.
Comment by Raine on 04/24/2013 19:14:27
Raine on 04/24/2013 19:14:27
I would love to know where Randi is getting this audio.
Comment by Will in Chicago on 04/24/2013 19:16:02
Well, this guy is getting countered effectively by Thom.
I guess worker injuries matter less than fertilizer plants, and should be handled by private insurance.
Will in Chicago on 04/24/2013 19:16:02
Quote by Raine:meh.Quote by Will in Chicago:Here is what is coming up now on Thom Hartmann:
Hour One: Texas fertilizer plant explosion...welcome to the new Libertarian paradise - Eli Lehrer, R Street Institute
I dipped my toes for over two hours today in libertarian paradise writing the blog.
Well, this guy is getting countered effectively by Thom.
I guess worker injuries matter less than fertilizer plants, and should be handled by private insurance.
Comment by BobR on 04/24/2013 19:21:53
BobR on 04/24/2013 19:21:53
Quote by TriSec:
A tip for you all.
Do not cross Your Loyal TriSec.
I have a very long memory.
I bear grudges.
I keep an enemies list.
I can be, and will be, very spiteful in my latest battle.
Comment by livingonli on 04/24/2013 19:22:50
Sounds like some of the clips are coming from Alex Jones' show. One of the other XM talk channels actually caries his show even though it's not Clear Channel distributed.
livingonli on 04/24/2013 19:22:50
Quote by Raine:
I would love to know where Randi is getting this audio.
Sounds like some of the clips are coming from Alex Jones' show. One of the other XM talk channels actually caries his show even though it's not Clear Channel distributed.
Comment by Raine on 04/24/2013 19:23:34
SERIOUSLY:
THEF*K:
From the Alex link above:
Raine on 04/24/2013 19:23:34
Quote by Raine:
WTF? Listening to Randi -- The Mother of these guys, she says that the dead one is not her son?
She's wack. Alex jones wack.
The mother said of her surviving son “If they are going to kill him. I don’t care. My oldest son is killed, so I don’t care. I don’t care if my youngest son is going to be killed today.†Anybody who ever called their own mother the worst mother in the world owes her an apology. To be fair, the woman is distraught. But you get the feeling that she is constantly distraught. Mom added “I want the world to hear this. And, I don’t care if I am going to get killed too.†Well then, you’re in the right place, living in Dagestan.
The story of the Boston bombers is almost completely crazy. Wait a minute, Alex Jones is involved. It is now officially completely crazy. Alex Jones didn’t need to inject himself into this story. It came with him already in it, like a mouse head in a can of soup. Tamerlan was evidently a listener of Alex Jones. We still don’t know what made him a fanatical Muslim, but we know what made him crazy.
THEF*K:
From the Alex link above:
"He could be a listener," Jones said. "It could be true. I've talked to the family and most of them are listeners. My show is anti-terrorism and my show exposes that most of the events we've seen have been provocateured."
The AP reported on Tuesday that Tsarnaev "took an interest" in Infowars and was also interested in getting a copy of "The Protocols of the Elders of Zion," the anti-Semitic fraud that purports to show a Jewish conspiracy to take over the world.
Comment by Raine on 04/24/2013 19:24:24
Raine on 04/24/2013 19:24:24
Quote by BobR:Quote by TriSec:
A tip for you all.
Do not cross Your Loyal TriSec.
I have a very long memory.
I bear grudges.
I keep an enemies list.
I can be, and will be, very spiteful in my latest battle.
Comment by livingonli on 04/24/2013 19:27:20
livingonli on 04/24/2013 19:27:20
Alex Jones and Glenn Beck really are peddling the same crap with the only difference being that Alex actually believes what he is peddling.
Comment by Raine on 04/24/2013 19:30:14
They are both equally vile, IMO -- no difference there. At this point -- Iam wondering f this mother as bad as the Knoxville church assassin.
YES. I went there.
Raine on 04/24/2013 19:30:14
Quote by livingonli:
Alex Jones and Glenn Beck really are peddling the same crap with the only difference being that Alex actually believes what he is peddling.
They are both equally vile, IMO -- no difference there. At this point -- Iam wondering f this mother as bad as the Knoxville church assassin.
YES. I went there.
Comment by Will in Chicago on 04/24/2013 19:41:45
Many parents can't admit that their children are flawed. This is a common problem for teachers, as a lot of parents expect us to solve all their problems.
As we could use a little good news, I will sub tomorrow -- so I should be able to get a VA teaching license with the first paycheck in March. (Checking MA today, Chicago area jobs, and at home work for some income. Summer is coming and last summer was rough.)
Will in Chicago on 04/24/2013 19:41:45
Quote by Raine:Quote by livingonli:
Alex Jones and Glenn Beck really are peddling the same crap with the only difference being that Alex actually believes what he is peddling.
They are both equally vile, IMO -- no difference there. At this point -- Iam wondering f this mother as bad as the Knoxville church assassin.
YES. I went there.
Many parents can't admit that their children are flawed. This is a common problem for teachers, as a lot of parents expect us to solve all their problems.
As we could use a little good news, I will sub tomorrow -- so I should be able to get a VA teaching license with the first paycheck in March. (Checking MA today, Chicago area jobs, and at home work for some income. Summer is coming and last summer was rough.)
Comment by TriSec on 04/24/2013 19:45:08
TriSec on 04/24/2013 19:45:08
Comment by Will in Chicago on 04/24/2013 19:47:20
Will in Chicago on 04/24/2013 19:47:20
Comment by Will in Chicago on 04/24/2013 20:04:09
Will in Chicago on 04/24/2013 20:04:09
Okay, Mr. Trump, your 15 minutes of fame are long over. Please crawl back under a rock.Please release the weasel that has taken up residence on top of your head. From PoliticsUSA.
As Alex Jones has been mentioned on this blog, I will bring in another, funnier Jones --- Spike Jones, This one's for you Donald.
.
In an Anti-Semitic Tweet Donald Trump Claims That He Is Much Smarter Than Jon Stewart
By: Jason EasleyApr. 24th, 2013
The ugly racism of Donald Trump reared its head again, as the bigoted billionaire went on the attack against Jon Stewart for being Jewish.
Here is the tweet:
Trump’s claim that he “much smarter†than Stewart could be easily dismissed as more delusion from a serial D-list attention seeker, but his anti-semitism can’t be overlooked. In the year 2013 is it really necessary to point out that Jon Stewart is Jewish? Does the fact that Stewart is Jewish somehow confirm Trump’s argument that he is smarter than Stewart?
Someone really needs to tell Donald Trump that being Jewish isn’t a bad thing, but that being a disgusting bigot is.
As Alex Jones has been mentioned on this blog, I will bring in another, funnier Jones --- Spike Jones, This one's for you Donald.
.
Comment by Raine on 04/24/2013 20:09:09
Is this a way to say they can find other reasons?
And what is with the date?
Raine on 04/24/2013 20:09:09
Quote by TriSec:
Has the BSA played it's hand already?
Very, very, very, strange.
No youth may be denied membership in the Boy Scouts of America on the basis of sexual orientation or preference alone.
And what is with the date?
Comment by Scoopster on 04/24/2013 20:17:24
Scoopster on 04/24/2013 20:17:24
Floor debate has begun in the RI Senate on the marriage equality bill.
Comment by Will in Chicago on 04/24/2013 20:21:01
Will in Chicago on 04/24/2013 20:21:01
Mister Trump may need to read this article from Psychology Today:
Do Racism, Conservatism, and Low I.Q. Go Hand in Hand?
Lower cognitive abilities predict greater prejudice through ring-wing ideology.
Published on April 22, 2013 by Goal Auzeen Saedi, Ph.D. in Millennial Media
This morning as I logged onto Facebook, I came upon this image. Having followed the Boston marathon and MIT shooting coverage initially, I lost some interest when it came down to the “hunt.” As much as justice matters to me, so does tact and class, and the sensationalism of manhunts always leaves me uncomfortable. I also knew it would be a matter of time before the political rhetoric would change from the victims and wounded to the demographic factors of the suspects—namely race and religion. And alas, it has.
However, what struck me most about this image posted above was the Facebook page it came from, “Too Informed to Vote Republican.” I wondered about this, recalling an old journal article I’d come across when studying anti-Islamic attitudes post 9/11. The paper referenced a correlation between conservatism and low intelligence. Uncertain of its origin, I located a thought-provoking article published in one of psychology’s top journals, Psychological Science, which in essence confirms this.
Hodson and Busseri (2012) found in a correlational study that lower intelligence in childhood is predictive of greater racism in adulthood, with this effect being mediated (partially explained) through conservative ideology. They also found poor abstract reasoning skills were related to homophobic attitudes which was mediated through authoritarianism and low levels of intergroup contact.
Comment by wickedpam on 04/24/2013 20:26:35
wickedpam on 04/24/2013 20:26:35
um, why do the backpack have to match?
Comment by Raine on 04/24/2013 20:29:41
This guy is off his rocker.
No question or answer will fit what he wants to believe.
Raine on 04/24/2013 20:29:41
Quote by wickedpam:
um, why do the backpack have to match?
No question or answer will fit what he wants to believe.
Comment by Raine on 04/24/2013 20:36:36
Raine on 04/24/2013 20:36:36
Comment by Raine on 04/24/2013 21:49:55
How did it go?
In the mean time: Good equality news from Delaware!
Raine on 04/24/2013 21:49:55
Quote by Scoopster:
Floor debate has begun in the RI Senate on the marriage equality bill.
In the mean time: Good equality news from Delaware!
The state House on Tuesday narrowly approved a bill legalizing gay marriage in Delaware, barely a year after the state began recognizing same-sex civil unions.
The measure cleared the House on a 23-to-18 vote and now goes to the Senate, where supporters and opponents expect another close vote.
Democratic Gov. Jack Markell has promised to sign the bill if it passes the Democrat-led legislature.