MERRY Christmas!!

To All My Democrat Friends:

Please accept with no obligation, implied or implicit, my best wishes for an environmentally conscious, socially responsible, low-stress, non-addictive, gender-neutral celebration of the winter solstice holiday, practiced within the most enjoyable traditions of the religious persuasion or secular practices of your choice, with respect for the religious/secular persuasion and/or traditions of others, or their choice not to practice religious or secular traditions at all. I also wish you a fiscally successful, personally fulfilling and medically uncomplicated recognition of the onset of the generally accepted calendar year 2009, but not without due respect for the calendars of choice of other cultures whose contributions to society have helped make America great. Not to imply America is necessarily greater than any other country nor the only America in the Western Hemisphere . Also, this wish is made without regard to the race, creed, color, age, physical / mental ability, religious faith or sexual preference of the wished.

To My Republican Friends:

Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year.

*The above was happily plagiarized from a comment here: RightMichigan.com

Now that we know..

Where Bill Clinton's Foundation get its money...

Look at this.. William J. Clinton Foundations

How much does a speech net the man? A million? paid for by?? Your conclusions???

Its not about quality or desire..

The Big Three have been getting enough criticisms on a number of levels. One of the common themes is that they do not build cars that people want, or that the quality is sub par.

Bull.

Much in the way many would like to fly to Hawaii any time they felt like a tropical tan, its a matter of affordability.. not desire. Ask yourself... if you were in the market for a large comfortable car or SUV... Would you settle for a tin can if the costs were comparable?

Truth is always there.. Seek it out.

Ford deciding to not take money?

Frankly a brilliant move by the automaker who was least likely to REQUIRE the loan, Ford apparently signalling it will be fine.
http://www.bloomberg.com/apps/news?pid=20601103&sid=a93yp8dbDYlA&refer=us

All things considered, they would wind up being much healthier if GM or Chrysler failed anyhow, and this signals to buyers that they will be around to serve them for many more years.

Developing...

Victory

Celebrate our Victory in Iraq.

More information HERE

Worth a look.

Tomorrow. VID November 22, 2008

Another one of those truth emails which float around..

For those of you who missed World History in school....

Humans originally existed as members of small bands of nomadic hunters/gatherers.

They lived on deer, elk, bear, and other wild animals in the mountains during the summer and would go to the coast and live on fish and lobster in the winter.

The two most important events in all of history were the discovery of grain and the invention of the wheel.

Once grain was available, it led immediately to the discovery of beer.

The wheel was invented to get man to the beer more quickly.

These were the foundations of modern civilization and together were the catalyst for the splitting of humanity into two distinct subgroups:

1) Liberals, and 2) Conservatives.

Neither the glass bottle nor aluminum can were invented yet, so while our early humans were sitting around waiting for them to be invented, they just stayed close to the brewery.

That's how villages were formed.

Some men spent their days tracking and killing animals to BBQ at night while they were drinking beer.

This was the beginning of what is now known as the Conservative movement.

Other men -- who were weaker and less skilled at hunting -- learned to live off the conservatives by showing up for the nightly BBQs and doing the sewing, fetching, hair dressing, and dancing around the fire.

This was the beginning of the Liberal movement. (Some of these Liberal men eventually evolved into women.
The rest became known as girlie-men .)

Some noteworthy Liberal achievements include the domestication of cats, the invention of group therapy, group hugs, and the concept of Democratic voting to decide how to divide the meat and beer that the Conservatives provided.

Over the years Conservatives came to be symbolized by the largest, most powerful land animal on earth, the elephant.

Liberals are symbolized by the jackass.

Modern Liberals like imported beer (with a slice of lime), but most prefer white wine or imported bottled water. They eat raw fish, but like their beef well done.

Sushi, tofu, and French food are standard Liberal fare. sidAnother interesting evolutionary e note: most Liberal women have higher testosterone levels and hairier legs than their men. Most social workers, personal injury attorneys, journalists, dreamers in Hollywood , and group therapists are liberals.
Liberals invented the designated hitter rule in baseball because it wasn't fair to make the pitcher also bat.

Conservatives drink domestic beer. They eat red meat and still provide for their women.

Conservatives are big game hunters, rodeo cowboys, lumberjacks, construction workers, firemen, medical doctors, police officers, corporate executives, athletes, Sailors, Soldiers, Marines, and generally anyone who works productively. Conservatives who own companies try to hire other conservatives who want to work for a living.

Liberals produce little or nothing. They like to govern the producers and decide what to do with the production.

Liberals believe Europeans are more enlightened than Americans. That is why most of the Liberals remained in Europe when Conservatives were coming to America .
These Liberals crept in after the Wild West was tamed and created a business of trying to get more for nothing.

Here ends today's lesson in world history.

It should be noted that a Liberal may have a momentary urge to angrily respond to the above before forwarding it; this is because he is more feminine and touchier than a conservative. A Conservative will simply laugh and be so convinced of the absolute truth of this history that it will be forwarded immediately to other true believers and to more Liberals just to piss them off.

Officially cold.

It will NEVER be enough...

This is a message I get.. Somehow this season I ended up on the "progressives" mailing list

Obama has $65,000,000.00 left in his campaign kitty. they are trying to raise 100k to "finish the Job."

"You tore down walls and revealed a brand new America. We danced in the streets and cried tears of sheer joy, all because you hoped and worked and gave everything you had.

You - the Democratic grassroots - put Barack Obama into the White House. And you sent at least 6 new senators to Washington to help him change this country.

Everyone I talk to across America is singing your praises and, personally, I want to extend a huge, huge thank you. You won an astounding victory.

However, President-elect Obama has warned us about "the enormity of the task that lies ahead." The best way to help him hit the ground running is to win the three outstanding Senate races. They're still counting votes in Alaska. Al Franken is headed for a recount in Minnesota. And we have one more chance to knock off Saxby Chambliss in a December 2 runoff.

The Republicans are already pouring money and resources into these states. They already have TV ads on the air. The DSCC needs your help to raise $100,000 - $5 and $10 at a time - before midnight Friday so they can keep pace and level the playing field.

Our Democratic senators remain committed to winning these three states and a group of them will triple every single dollar given before midnight Friday. That runoff election will be here sooner than you think, and any amount - even as little as $5 - can make a real difference.

Click here to make an immediate contribution of $5 or more to the DSCC. We need to win in Alaska, Georgia, and Minnesota to help give Barack Obama as many friendly senators as possible.

The Republicans are desperate. They'll do whatever it takes to win these races. Norm Coleman has already filed suit in Minnesota to disqualify votes, but the real action is going down in Georgia.

I know what these runoffs are like. I helped Mary Landrieu win one in Louisiana six years ago, and I'm getting ready to go down to Georgia to help Jim Martin. It's going to get nasty.

Saxby Chambliss is already scraping the bottom of the decency barrel and exploiting images of the 9/11 attacks in his latest campaign ads. Freedom's Watch, the Orwellian-named right-wing attack dog, has already launched a half-million dollar ad buy slamming Democrat Jim Martin.

All the Republican heavy-hitters - John McCain, Mike Huckabee, Rudy Giuliani, and even Sarah Palin - are rumored to be rushing to Georgia to campaign for Saxby Chambliss.

Jim Martin has run a terrific campaign. He is on the very cusp of victory. In fact, more people voted against Chambliss than voted for him. If we get our people to the polls, we'll win this race.

With as little as $5 from you, the DSCC can put him over the top. Their proven campaign plan - effective TV ads, winning the message battle, and a tremendous investment in door-to-door organizing - has already won 6 Senate races.

They're doing everything they can to win the Georgia run-off and to make sure the will of the voters is heard in Alaska and Minnesota. But they need your help.

Click here to make an immediate contribution of $5 or more to the DSCC. We need to win in Alaska, Georgia, and Minnesota to help give Barack Obama as many friendly senators as possible.

You have already won an amazing and transformative victory with all of your time, money, and extraordinary hard work.

But Barack Obama will need every last vote in the Senate to bring this country desperately needs. It's up to us to give him everything necessary for a new beginning.

Sincerely,
Donna Brazile "

Consider Franken votes went up mysteriously 249 in ONE precinct (strong Democrat precinct) alone when they found out Norm Beat him by a small margin.. The original count must not have been manipulated enough...

Sound familiar?

"We cannot expect the Americans to jump from capitalism to Communism, but we can assist their elected leaders in giving Americans small doses of socialism until they suddenly awake to find they have Communism.
"

- Soviet Leader Nikita Khrushchev, 1959

Says it all...

Questions are NOT to be asked.. (Unless we approve them first)

Speaks for itself..

The pressure steps up. Will the courts respond before we have a constitutional crisis?

(Lafayette Hill, Pennsylvania – 10/21/08) - Philip J. Berg, Esquire, the Attorney who filed suit against Barack H. Obama challenging Senator Obama’s lack of “qualifications” to serve as President of the United States, announced today that Obama and tbe DNC “ADMITTED”, by way of failure to timely respond to Requests for Admissions, all of the numerous specific requests in the Federal lawsuit. Obama is “NOT QUALIFIED” to be President and therefore Obama must immediately withdraw his candidacy for President and the DNC shall substitute a qualified candidate. The case is Berg v. Obama, No. 08-cv-04083."

This is the real deal folks.

Tricks and Treats

Netright nation is always a good source for a chuckle, albeit a poignant one. This particular cartoon is quite fitting given the masthead this blog bears.

Smoking Guns Pt. II

This is Incredible.

Smoking guns

Thanks Joe!

This is Obama's Message.. Right? ummmm Read to the bottom.

A new day is dawning. Our country is at a turning point. This is a time of great possibility. Across the land, people are coming together to reshape our nation's priorities to make government "of, by and for the people" a reality. From the Midwest to the South, from coast to coast, in big cities and rural communities voters have turned out in record numbers for change.

A landslide vote on November 4 can open the way to recovery from the very deep wounds of the Bush adminstration and decades of corporate right-wing control.

There is a crisis in every critical area of national life. Profits at the top are record high, but families can't make ends meet. Trillions are squandered in Iraq, but 45 million are without health care. Billions are spent on tax breaks to the super rich, but working families are losing their homes and young people can't afford higher education.

Working people want bold new policies to end war, restore democratic traditions and create green living wage jobs, affordable housing, healthcare and quality education for everyone.

Republican John McCain, the candidate of the military industrial complex, will continue the Bush agenda. "100 years" in Iraq, Social Security privatization, and tax cuts for the rich. His Republican partners in Congress have blocked, stalled or gutted every bill that benefits working people since they l ost majority control in 2006.

Although the ultra-right is weakened and divided, they continue to push fear, division, racism and anti-immigrant bigotry in this year's elections, aided and abetted by the corporate media. These multi-pronged poisonous tactics can only be overcome with unbreakable unity.

The choice is clear. Stay with the Bush-McCain race to the bottom or raise up the whole country with a landslide defeat of the Republican ultra-right on November 4.

Voters are demanding a new kind ofpolitics to rebuild our country for the comm on good. A democratic spirit of unity and hope is inspiring millions to get involved.

During the Great Depression of the 1930's, unemployed workers and their allies marched and organized until public works jobs, Social Security and New Deal programs were won. In the 1960's the great civil rights movement won the Civil Rights Act and the Voting Rights Act. In 2008, union members, African Americans, Latinos, youth and women, seniors, environmental and peace voters are forging a powerful new all encompassing movement that makes great changes possible.

Help make histor y. Talk with co-workers, neighbors, friends and family. Volunteer to knock on doors, make calls, get online to turnout a landslide defeat of the Republican ultra-right on November 4, and keep the movement going.

1. Immediate Relief -- A moratorium on foreclosures and evictions. Reset mortgages so payments are affordable. No bail outs for banks. Extend unemployment compensation, increase payments and eligibility. Increase food stamps, WIC, children's health insurance, and low income energy assistance. Assist deficit-ridden state and local governments so they can preserve services and jobs. Fund "read y-to-go" infrastructure projects.

2. A Peacetime, Green Jobs Economy for All -- Enact massive public works job creation to make existing buildings energy efficient, construct new schools, hospitals, affordable housing, mass transit and bridges. Priority to areas hurt by loss of manufacturing, loss of family farms and highest unemployment areas including the Katrina-devastated Gulf Coast.

Major clean, affordable energy development project for solar, wind and biomass electricity generation. Immediate program to cut greenhouse gas emissions and for environmental cleanup. Restore Federal energy regulation and encourage public ownership of utilities. Enact the Employee Free Choice Act to enable workers to form unions without intimidation and win higher wages and benefits, dignity and respect.

Enact HR 676 the US National Health Insurance Act to provide universal health insurance with singlepayer financing. Fully fund public education from pre-school through higher education and technical training. No privatization of Social Security or Medicare. Expand and improve benefits.

3.Restore Civil Rights, the Bill of Rights and Sepa ration of Powers -- Restore Civil Rights Act enforcement, affirmative action in employment, education, and housing. End the "school to prison" pipeline. Outlaw hate crimes. Preserve Roe v. Wade. Pass immigration reform with legalization, a path to citizenship, due process, no militarization of the borders, and no exploitative guest worker programs. No human being is illegal.

Repeal Patriot Act. Restore Habeas Corpus rights. No more torture. Investigate and prosecute Bush administration violations of the Constitution. Expand voting rights. Enact publicly financed elections, same day registration, voting r ights for ex-felons, verifiable voting equipment, and instant runoff voting.

Restore Fairness Doctrine in media.

4. STRENGTH THROUGH PEACE -- Withdraw U.S. troops from Iraq with no bases or U.S. corporations left behind. Full care for returning veterans. No war on Iran or expansion of troops in Afghanistan. Assistance to Iraqi people to rebuild their country.

Adopt a new foreign policy of diplomacy and respect for all nations, instead of preemptive war for corporate interests. Renew commitment to UN peace role.

End trade policies that enrich corporations while destroying jobs. Ratify Kyoto Treaty and other climate change agreements. Enforce nuclear non-proliferation, work to abolish nuclear weapons. Cut Pentagon spending in half, close down US bases around the world.

Defeating the right wing is the first step in the struggle to end exploitation, poverty, racism and war inherent in capitalism.

The Communist Party USA and Young Communist League participate in today's movements confident that they set the stage for more fundamental change tomorrow.

Throughout our 88-year history we have defended the interests of the working class, fighting for unity and democratic rights. Today we are guided by our motto, "People and Nature Before Profits." Our vision is a socialist USA, that opens the way for equality, world peace, real democracy, a society in which people control their own destinies in a sustainable world.


For our full program visit http://www.*****. org
We invite you to join us.

Issued as a public service by the Communist Party USA<>For comments or more information call: 212-***-**** or e-mail: politicalaction@*****.org

--------------------------------------------------------------------
I have only removed the links to the communist party site, as I do not care to promote any traffic their way.

Obama Force One

I Am a socialist.

If you get 10 minutes you MUST see this.

Barack Obama on the 2nd Amendment

from the Illinois State Legislative Election 1998 National Political Awareness Test:

Indicate which principles you support (if any) concerning gun issues.

X a) Ban the sale or transfer of all forms of semi-automatic weapons.
X b) Increase state restrictions on the purchase and possession of firearms.
c) Maintain state restrictions on the purchase and possession of firearms.
d) Ease state restrictions on the purchase and possession of firearms.
e) Repeal state restrictions on the purchase and possession of firearms by law-abiding citizens.
f) Favor allowing citizens to carry concealed firearms.
X g) Require manufacturers to provide child-safety locks with firearms.
h) Other

On Palin attacking Obama for his relationship with terrorist AYERS.

A comment from an AP Opinion piece:

"It's a giant changing of the subject," said Jenny Backus, a Democratic strategist. "The problem is the messenger. If you want to start throwing fire bombs, you don't send out the fluffy bunny to do it. I think people don't take Sarah Palin seriously."

Seriously. Lets talk about THIS messenger for a second. "Fluffy Bunny?"

Taken from: THIS Associated Press Item.

Communism For Dummies

Worth watching to the end.

This is not good 5 years to the final meltdown.

This from Page 90:

4 SEC. 134. RECOUPMENT.
5 Upon the expiration of the 5-year period beginning
6 upon the date of the enactment of this Act, the Director
7 of the Office of Management and Budget, in consultation
8 with the Director of the Congressional Budget Office, shall
9 submit a report to the Congress on the net amount within
10 the Troubled Asset Relief Program under this Act. In any
11 case where there is a shortfall, the President shall submit
12 a legislative proposal that recoups from the financial in13
dustry an amount equal to the shortfall in order to ensure
14 that the Troubled Asset Relief Program does not add to
15 the deficit or national debt.

Do NOT think for a minute the government is going to recoup in 5 years.. no way no how!

This is true.

This is the truth. Prosecutors in MO have taken it upon themselves to ignore the first amendment, and though this is not their actual advertisement I thought it might make a point.

A must see from start to end.

If you would really like to understand what the hell happened pay close attention and use pause if you must.

A Start.

I propose that the first step in providing liquidity for Fannie, Freddie et al.. is for ALL the candidates who received money for their campaigns should now refund those contributions.

Further it should be done with interest.

The Obama Ayers relationship fleshed out.

I suggest this be seen by anyone who really wants the complete truth about Obama and William Ayers.

http://talkstraight.org/2008/obama-ayers-radical-brothers/

All fact all referenced. Make your own Judgment

Catching Wild Pigs.

The following I copied from a friends site. I am sure he wont mind. I had seen this around before, but find it is even more important today. Feel free to copy and pass along as well.


A chemistry professor in a large college had some exchange students in the class. One day while the class was in the lab the Professor noticed one young man (exchange student) who kept rubbing his back and stretching as if his back hurt.

The professor asked the young man what was the matter. The student told him he had a bullet lodged in his back. He had been shot while fighting communists in his native country who were trying to overthrow his country's government and install a new communist government.

In the midst of his story he looked at the professor and asked a strange question. He asked, 'Do you know how to catch wild pigs?'

The professor thought it was a joke, and asked for the punch line. The young man said this was no joke. 'You catch wild pigs by finding a suitable place in the woods and putting corn on the ground. The pigs find it and begin to come everyday to eat the free corn. When they are used to coming every day, you put a fence down one side of the place where they are used to coming.

When they get used to the fence, they begin to eat the corn again and you put up another side of the fence. They get used to that and start to eat again. You continue until you have all four sides of the fence up with a gate in the last side. The pigs, who are used to the free corn, start to come through the gate to eat, you slam the gate on them and catch the whole herd.

Suddenly the wild pigs have lost their freedom. They run around and around inside the fence, but they are caught. Soon they go back to eating the free corn. They are so used to it that they have forgotten how to forage in the woods for themselves, so they accept their captivity.

The young man then told the professor that is exactly what he sees happening to America . The government keeps pushing us toward socialism and keeps spreading the free corn out in the form of programs such as supplemental income, tax credit for unearned income, tobacco subsidies, dairy subsidies, payments not to plant crops (CRP), welfare, medicine, drugs, etc.. While we continually lose our freedoms -- just a little at a time.

One should always remember: There is no such thing as a free lunch! Also, a politician will never provide a service for you cheaper than you can do it yourself.

Also, if you see that all of this wonderful government 'help' is a problem confronting the future of democracy in America , you might want to send this on to your friends.

In this 'very important' election year, listen closely to what the candidates are promising you !!

Just maybe you will be able to tell who is about to slam the gate on America .

'A government big enough to give you everything you want, is big enough to take away everything you have.' - Thomas Jefferson

Message Received - NBC plays nice on McCain

Sans than the opening piece (standard fare) shown here, NBC's SNL Completely avoided any skits downplaying, McCain, Palin or any of the Republican figures in this election cycle.



Of course the ENTIRE show did not at all parody O-Who, or anything on the Democrat side of the fence either. Of course there is Nothing funny about (Obama) O-who, and his policy of divisive politics.

Quote of the day..

Sign at his business..

"Voting for Obama is like a chicken voting for Colonel Sanders" - Bud Gregg insurance guy.

These Videos are WAY too good to miss

Posted on a friends site. Videos YOU MUST SEE Three Videos that are a must see. All are good, but I am truly amazed at the creative genius behind the Lion King Parody.

Truth because it's Published?

-Cross posted from Michigan Taxes Too Much-

Much like the "philosophical" meanderings you would find scratched on the walls of the typical bathroom stall at the airport, bar, restroom at the local elementary school, Daily KOS readers are energized daily with all the truths they need to know. And in the same vein, Air America and its Dozens, or possibly hundreds of listeners are given a dose of Randy Rhodes' version of Sarah Palin's life.

So.. do you believe it? Here is a new Bumper sticker. Click on it to see the full size version if you like.



They must.. we SAID so.

An exercise by Right Michigan's Nick De Leeuw suggests the above Bumper sticker has merit. Or does it? The question of whether people believe many of the lies told to defame those whom they philosophically disagree can be summed up with a recent conversation I had with a very good customer. I should preface this with a statement of fact that I cannot for the life of me SHUT UP when doing my sales gigs. Fortunately I read the writing on the wall and didn't push the issue, and will be a little more careful for the sake of my future business dealings.

ME: "So what do you think about that Palin pick?"

Cust: "Yeah wow no kidding. It's the first time I ever donated to a presidential campaign.."

ME: "Me too, wow what an unbelievable pick.."

Cust: "But the donation wasn't to McCain! That woman is Corrupt and in the pockets of big oil! as well as that apparently she is taking credit for her 17 year old daughter's kid, and fired some guy who was going to expose her..."

Pretty much at that point I knew it was best to pursue a "business only" relationship, as I know that many can become very emotional once they make up their minds on a political issue. It proved to me however, that REALLY DECENT PEOPLE can be taken in by.. CRAP. IT doesn't mean they are stupid, uneducated or even totally politically ignorant. It simply means that in the fight for our thoughts and minds, a well constructed half, or even quarter truth can be made believable by a fine crafter of words such as many who inhabit the liars den known as the KOS.

In the writings here, I can only hope I am able to present the truths as they are best told. If I am wrong in a fact presented, I hope that I am called on it, so that it may be presented properly, and ethically correct. For all of the few readers I have collected, I wish to make it my responsibility to deliver facts fairly and honestly, and hopefully the opinions are easily separated from fact.

Want to Get Pulled Over?

Here you go.. turn this into a bumper sticker and let BIG GOVERNMENT and the FUZZ know exactly how you feel.

Write Now and Write often

I receive Paul Chesser's regular emails, because I like Paul feel we have gone a little off the deep end in the reaction to a perceived climate change (global warming) threat. Below is a following letter cut and pasted so many others can also write in objection to proposed rules that will COST ALL OF US:

I imagine that most of you are aware that EPA is considering whether to regulate carbon emissions under the Clean Air Act, and has declared in advance of that decision that they have begun the period of time known in federal legalese as the Advanced Notice for Proposed Rule making (ANPR). So right now is the opportunity for anyone in the public to submit comments that will be collected by the agency and analyzed and addressed. The EPA expects more comments on this proposed rule than any other in the history of the CAA. So without question they will receive thousands of comments from folks on all sides of the issue, and it is vitally important that the perspectives from sound science, sound economics, limited and constitutional government, and freedom be heard.

Below are some basic guidelines should you wish to submit your own views. The deadline is Nov. 28. If EPA decides to regulate CO2 under the CAA, almost nothing will be off-limits from the regulatory powers they have with no legislative, executive or judicial constraints. So be heard!

- Paul

How to Comment on the EPA’s Proposed Rules on Regulating Carbon Dioxide:

· Email: a-and-r-Docket@epa.gov (Note your e-mail address will be included as part of the comment that is placed in the public docket and made available on the Internet)

• Fax: 202-566-9744
  

· Mail: Air and Radiation Docket and Information Center, Environmental Protection Agency, Mailcode: 2822T, 1200 Pennsylvania Ave., NW., Washington, DC 20460.
· Online: Go here <http://www.regulations.gov/fdmspublic/component/main?main=DocumentDetail&o=09000064806a0cfd> and click on the yellow bubble next to “Add Comments”.

*** Comments must be received on or by November 28, 2008 and direct your comments to Docket ID No. EPA-HQ-OAR-2008-0318***

Suggested Topics to Address:

• the expense of the regulations on Americans, such as gas prices, food prices, transportation costs, and manufactured goods will increase, and regular Americans will be placed in a situation where they have to carefully monitor their own greenhouse gas emissions in order to comply with the confusing EPA regulations.
• the impact on businesses, who will be forced to pay massive energy taxes.
• the impact on small businesses, who are less able to absorb the higher costs of energy, transportation, and goods, and who are less equip to deal with the legal red tape of complying with such regulations.
• job losses resulting from the higher energy and compliance costs of new regulatory excess.
• reduced international competitiveness as we impose a massive new regulatory burden on domestic manufacturers—a burden that foreign producers can ignore.
• the imposition of EPA permits on Americans who happen to use lawncare equipment such as lawnmowers, own large homes, or own as few as 25 dairy cows
• the imposition of yet another hurdle to entrepreneurs who want to start new businesses.
  

Background Information:

• The link <http://www.epa.gov/epahome/pdf/anpr20080711.pdf> to the proposed regulations
• EPA’s website <http://www.epa.gov/climatechange/anpr.html> on the regulations
• The U.S. Chamber website <http://www.uschamber.com/co2/default> , with a wide array of links and documents relevant to the regulations
• A White House Policy Memorandum <http://www.uschamber.com/NR/rdonlyres/evxzau5oxvpbtqsvhey2f7wvqhjrz55vkvfhep7rs32pz2uzpjwoynngng5xzn6hssotmfsdnt2i5ktffknuxwiiu2d/WHPolicyMemoonEPAANPR.pdf> on the impact of the EPA rule-making
• Other Cabinet responses <http://www.uschamber.com/NR/rdonlyres/e6d4nwwqe754lrgtb6uthffdyrqtkwanvw6zycdxjiihmazcrkw4c7zcrusvunbddkz6nzjhfroib4amfzuvyy6dfig/CabinetResponsestoEPA.pdf> to the regulations
• A condensed fact-sheet <http://www.uschamber.com/NR/rdonlyres/euwq46u6e2rezqofi3l6cubaz7jyi47g3zmujuoy4qr46vp6rxkr7gr2ooeqfaas4wnwn2rkzlj6zknt44wdnqsxxif/081408reONEPAGERexpandedfactsheetonANPR.pdf> on the regulations
• A WSJ piece <http://online.wsj.com/article/SB121642309337666613.html> on the growing jurisdiction of the EPA
  

Other things to know:

· EPA's policy is that all comments received will be included in the public docket without change and may be made available online at www.regulations.gov, including any personal information provided, unless the comment includes information claimed to be Confidential Business Information (CBI) or other information whose disclosure is restricted by statute. Do not submit information that you consider to be CBI or otherwise protected through www.regulations.gov or e-mail.
· The www.regulations.gov website is an “anonymous access” system, which means EPA will not know your identity or contact information unless you provide it in the body of your comment. If you submit an electronic comment, EPA recommends that you include your name and other contact information in the body of your comment. If you send an e-mail comment directly to EPA without going through www.regulations.gov, your e-mail address will be automatically captured and included as part of the comment that is placed in the public docket and made available on the Internet.
· For additional information about EPA’s public docket visit the EPA Docket Center homepage at http://www.epa.gov/epahome/dockets.htm.

Our friends in Canada Get it.

Though I am not entirely happy about the white elephant Canada had given the USA in Jennifer Granholm, I do find myself fascinated on occasion of the clarity in which some of the objective thinkers north of the border can analyze what is happening here.

A small quoted segment of a Canada Free Press article:

Not only has the Democrat Party left us vulnerable to other oil producing nations, but its ethanol agenda has created vast imbalances in the world’s food supplies as corn is diverted from domestic use and as a factor in our agricultural exports.

If you had heard Sen. Reid, a man who has said, “Oil makes us sick. Coal makes us sick. Global warming makes us sick,” you would have heard him attack oil as the reason for all the woes of the world. “President Carter warned us about it in the 1970s when he proposed real solutions—conservation, fuel efficiency, and alternative fuels—to what he correctly named the ‘moral equivalent of war.’” President Carter, whose weak response to the taking of U.S. diplomats hostage by the Iranian Revolution led to the election of Ronald Reagan, was wrong then and he is wrong now.

While we allow the Democrats in this country to lay blame on "oil connections" to the white house, we need to think back on Carter's screw up in the 70s which nearly stopped ALL the motors, and DID cause a slow down in this country. It has been the Democrats costing this nation, and dearly.

Thank GOD for free press anywhere.

"Trees" lyrics drive home a point

Rush (one of my all time favorite groups) wrote this song many years ago, yet has meaning which never rang truer than today.

"The Trees"

There is unrest in the forest
There is trouble with the trees
For the maples want more sunlight
And the oaks ignore their pleas

The trouble with the maples
(And they're quite convinced they're right)
They say the oaks are just too lofty
And they grab up all the light
But the oaks can't help their feelings
If they like the way they're made
And they wonder why the maples
Can't be happy in their shade

There is trouble in the forest
And the creatures all have fled
As the maples scream 'Oppression!'
And the oaks just shake their heads

So the maples formed a union
And demanded equal rights
'The oaks are just too greedy
We will make them give us light'
Now there's no more oak oppression
For they passed a noble law
And the trees are all kept equal
By hatchet, axe and saw

When I was a teenager, I recognized the meaning in the song, and will point out to this day that Socialism (today's Liberals and Democrats) is nothing, but that which keeps us at the LOWEST common denominator through the hammer of government.

Beware Charismatic Men Who Preach 'Change'

It should be noted, the following is also in an email that is being circulated. I have personally verified that it was indeed a letter to the editor in the Richmond Va Times Dispatch. Also have done the obligatory Snopes check.

Editor, Times-Dispatch:

Each year I get to celebrate Independence Day twice. On June 30 I celebrate my independence day and on July 4 I celebrate America's. This year is special, because it marks the 40th anniversary of my independence.

On June 30, 1968, I escaped Communist Cuba and a few months later I was in the United States to stay. That I happened to arrive in Richmond on Thanksgiving Day is just part of the story, but I digress.

I've thought a lot about the anniversary this year. The election-year rhetoric has made me think a lot about Cuba and what transpired there. In the late 1950s, most Cubans thought Cuba needed a change, and they were right. So when a young leader came along, every Cuban was at least receptive.

When the young leader spoke eloquently and passionately and denounced the old system, the press fell in love with him. They never questioned who his friends were or what he really believed in. When he said he would help the farmers and the poor and bring free medical care and education to all, everyone followed. When he said he would bring justice and equality to all, everyone said "Praise the Lord." And when the young leader said, "I will be for change and I'll bring you change," everyone yelled, "Viva Fidel!"

But nobody asked about the change, so by the time the executioner's guns went silent the people's guns had been taken away. By the time everyone was equal, they were equally poor, hungry, and oppressed. By the time everyone received their free education it was worth nothing. By the time the press noticed, it was too late, because they were now working for him. By the time the change was finally implemented Cuba had been knocked down a couple of notches to Third-World status. By the time the change was over more than a million people had taken to boats, rafts, and inner tubes. You can call those who made it ashore anywhere else in the world the most fortunate Cubans. And now I'm back to the beginning of my story.

Luckily, we would never fall in America for a young leader who promised change without asking, what change? How will you carry it out? What will it cost America?

Would we?

Manuel Alvarez Jr. Sandy Hook.

Ipse Loquitor.

Hitting the HIVE ..dead on.

Cross posted from Michigan taxes

Everyone had their favorites, many like myself felt Mitt would be a solid choice for McCain's pick, but the more I follow the reports and commentary from both the right and left side of the room, the more I can truly appreciate the choice made. The RIGHT side is happy, ..no ECSTATIC about the pick of a solid family, pro hunting, outdoors, pro life candidate who doesn't take any crap from those IN or OUT of the Republican party. Someone who brings a level of trust to politics. The LEFT side is caught off guard, but has already established particular talking points, including level of experience and predictably the fact she should be taking care of her baby.


THIS IS CLASSIC. I hardly have to expand on the upside to the conservatives. Pro second amendment, Pro life, pro family, and has reportedly done well enough to save Alaska $5 Billion in her short time as governor. Most, but not all Conservative pro environmental groups have appreciation for her pragmatic approaches to the environment and the needs of her constituents in Alaska. The Liberals however, have found themselves in a bit of a quandary. How best to attack the VP choice with the labels they have already issued as talking points (echoed by a willing MSM) of "inexperienced" and "unqualified in foreign affairs," without first having to look back at their candidate, who instead of being merely a heartbeat away from the presidency, would BE THE PRESIDENT. The hypocrisy is already flowing. Nothing says BULLSEYE! like following the two trolls who regularly grace the pages at RIGHTMICHIGAN.COM going apes**t. Nice guys both..

This great state could easily go for McCain this time around. Michigan Voters can readily understand and appreciate the difference between a succesful and popular governor, and the failure we have been blessed with for 6 years, and must suffer another 2. The fact that a young female governor can actually handle a state's executive office and be more than just a pretty face on the ugliness of politics is now clear, and perhaps using alaska's success as an example, Michigan goes red this voting cycle. Some might say "wishful thinking." However, the poor performance and inability to understand how to best promote the resources at hand should shine a light on the generally poor performance of Democrat policies which have been in place.

I am mildly surprised at how psyched I am about this team. I will be active in this cause.

MCain / Palin '08 For Michigan, For the Country.

Pelosi looking a little uncomfortable?

Going to throw this out there.. Immigration solution

Cross posted from a Platform site I also run. YES it is arbitrary in times and conditions, but it could perhaps solve a problem though not in the spotlight, will not go away.

I support a more open immigration policy. We are a great nation of immigrants. The United States of America holds the greatest promise for any peoples in the world looking to better their standard of living. The USA is the greatest country on the face of the planet. I believe that any man woman or child who is willing to assimilate to our culture, and out way of life deserves the opportunity to be a part of this great land.

This is also a nation of laws however, and it must remain so. A proper path to legal citizenship for those born outside of the US boundaries needs to be made clear and followed, or we will suffer chaos, and become what many are trying so desperately to escape. Laws are in existence, which are sufficient to control the flow of illegal immigrants, but are seldom enforced.

I recommend the following as a solution to our current crisis, and a preventive measure designed to keep at bay further crisis.

1. Assign English as the national language. This forces new citizens to acclimate, share a common language, and makes cultural assimilation much easier. It also allows government to save money by eliminating multilingual periodicals, and expenses related to printed materials for speakers of other tongues. It does not FORCE anyone to use English in their homes, but ensures they have the appropriate tools to communicate and succeed in public activities.

2. Give a 30-day period for open enrollment for citizenship for those in the country already. No fine, but there should be a fee for processing and proficiency testing, and a community service commitment

3. The prospective new immigrant should meet the following criteria:
a. Enter a one-year probationary period. Extendable based on some conditions. Not to exceed three years by extensions
b. Pay an application fee for processing. This fee should fully cover the expenses for evaluations by officials or others assigned to determine applicant’s eligibility.
c. Contribute 200 hours of community service as an investment within the probationary period.
d. Demonstrate a proficiency of English within the probationary period.
e. Cannot have a felony on record.
f. Should not be found guilty of a misdemeanor within the probationary period. Being charged with a misdemeanor crime extends the probationary period until the matter has been adjudicated.
g. Receives a social security number and begins paying taxes on wages immediately upon entering the probationary period.
h. Children born to prospective citizens within the probationary period are not automatically granted citizenship.
i. Be of good health, and demonstrate ability to work, or attend school.
j. Pledge allegiance to our flag, and our country and principles of the constitution in English.

4. Deport ALL persons who do not comply, and restrict future immigration for 5 years.

Most people will recognize that welfare is a strong argument for solving the crisis we have, but I feel if these steps are taken, we will reduce the impact on a system which will likely never completely rid itself of those entitlements.

Cant help myself part II

This just out.. Obama Sued on eve of Convention

Somehow not at all surprising. Hillary just cannot sit this one out.

Cant help myself...

Fact Checking the Fact checking on Pelosi scandal

Fact checking a little further, the freedomist continues the investigation of Pelosi and her investments with CLNE. “fact check” apparently trying to Debunk the real story, but with it’s own “myths.” Follow the link above to learn more.

Dear Gang of ten,

The letter sent to the "Gang of 10" to encourage them to think twice.

August 19, 2008
Dear “Gang of 10”:

On behalf of the undersigned organizations representing hundreds of thousands of
taxpayers, small businesses, shareholders, consumers and senior citizens, we strongly urge...

READ MORE....

58 Reasons for Drilling NOW.

Gasoline for cars	Bowls	Fishing line
Diesel for cars, and ships	Fertilizer	Tennis rackets
Heating fuel	Explosives	Roller blades
Aviation fuel for planes	Car tires	Eye glasses
Credit cards	Artificial turf	Lunch boxes
Plastic bags	Boots Shoes	Flower pots
Hair brushes	Lipstick	Toys
Anti-freeze	Weed killer	Car seats
Motorcycle Helmets	Parachutes	Insulation
Carpets	Umbrellas	Nail polish
Telephones	Food wrappers	Hair spray
Brake fluid	Shower curtains	Medicines
Boats	Waterproof coats	Insect repellant
Glue	Prosthetic limbs	Golf balls
Toilet Seats	Roads	Road Signs
Shampoo	Bubble wrap	Drinking Glasses
Paint for houses and art	Drinks bottles	Computers
Detergent	Toothbrushes	Televisions
Bowls	Life jackets	Cameras

And Last but not least Michigan. Michigan, which has suffered not only from the incompetence of the executive branch but because there are folks who would scare voters into supporting "Green" technology to the exclusion of a product which we have used, and MUST use.. forever.

Dont go Movement Site attacked

Cyber attacks and attempted hijacking of the #DontGo movement's website resulted in a few hours downtime today, and new security measures were put into place.

Eric Odom says "the usual far left smear machines are on the attack, which I actually see as a good thing. I mean, if these guys are trying everything possible to discredit us, then we must be doing something right."

#dontgo is the movement which continues to fight for drilling, and is in support of the congressmen who stayed during this recess to try and get a vote. Many issues are at hand affecting this, and it is surmised the hot buttons are being hit.

Stay tuned.

Watching the Olympics..

I was particularly interested in the flight views.. Did anyone else notice there are not any "houses" or single family dwellings in any of the shots of China?

Just wondering..

Support #dontgo and let Pelosi know

The #dontgo movement is very real and very important movement. It has been the beacon of those who stayed behind to shame the current congress into acting on energy policy.

I would like to take an opportunity to lay out one little thing I think is not being emphasized enough.

Nancy is invested in CLNE. She did so in May of 2007 when the stock became available, and possibly at lower than IPO pricing per SEC documents that we have found.. Windfarms however, are not likely the big thing here. Wind farms merely are what Pickens wishes to use to divest the electrical generators of their fuel so it can be used for his promoted prop in California . The IMPORTANT Thing, is that the proposition essentially builds an entirely new infrastructure based on Natural Gas for vehicles and fleets which is CLNE's primary business model. Because they are unique, and would be likely be the sole providers for this new infrastructure, it suggests an incredible profit for investors such as Pelosi with even the slightest investment.

Think along the lines of Microsoft, or Google, or Ebay. A unique opportunity that comes to those who are incredibly smart, lucky, persevere, have friends, or are corrupt. Many have argued that Pelosi's investment is small, and that her true net worth demonstrates she wouldn't plot the course I contend for a measly $50-100K investment. Consider what Martha Stewart was accused of initially, and her Net worth FAR exceeds that of the Speaker's.

Nancy Pelosi has fought even coming to a vote for pursuing drilling options, and even now is only "teasing" a vote. She does NOT want oil to come down any further, and does not want gas to be cheap. If gas is cheap, Californians would then have little incentive to vote for a proposal which essentially relies on the currently high cost of gas.

So whatever happened to SKAGGS, DAVID E., et al v. CARLE, ROBIN H.

Did this ever get resolved?

Facts and Citizen Journalism

This is cross posted at rightMichigan.com and Michigan taxes too much

There has been quite a bit of buzz regarding Nancy Pelosi's investment in CLNE, but on a couple of blogs the numbers seemed to jump to where I was getting lost . It is important that much of this is vetted properly so that the rest of the nation can find out what we seemingly already know.

The original Financial disclosure for 2007, and the SEC filing, and the Law that Californians are going to enact speak for themselves.

It doesn't take a rocket scientist (though I know there are plenty in CA) to connect the dots. But I am also aware that where there is Smoke, there very likely is fire, and this has turned up some other interesting points outside of my original find. There will be more.. count on it.

The dontgomovement.com guys have taken point on this issue, as our courageous congressmen have taken THEIR vacations and put them off to help the country recover from a doubling of gas prices in Pelosi's short tenure as speaker. The main stream media I believe is still deciding if they want to take on the speaker, or perhaps it is getting too hard for REAL citizen issues to be looked at, but this clear conflict of interest will be top story soon enough.

There are people already struggling to stop the movement, and to stop this story in particular. One commenter's words:

"But #dontgo's dog won't hunt -

"It has come to our attention via #dontgo that Madam Speaker's stunt on Aug. 1 was not only for her book and to squelch the free press and fellow House Members properly informing the public but also to pad her bank account."

"Her book?" The house historically adjourns this month... check previous congressional calendars on Thomas. "Squelch the free press and fellow ...? Seems the press reported the GOP stunt, didn't they?

So where did all this originate? It seems as if someone in Michigan checked Pelosi's financial disclosure statement a little, but not enough. Her investment in CLNE is chump change in a nice hefty portfolio. As the 9th wealthiest member of the house, Pelosi and Hubby have as estimated net worth of $25 -$100 mil. The investment in CLNE (what $50 - 100 thousand???) is the kind on money that falls under their sofa cushions.

Do the math and then check the symbol on any finance site. If her investment triples, it would be less than 1% of her assets. Hardly a "bombshell" and nothing congress will do anytime soon will have much impact on that stock.

#dontgo, Michigan taxes and Michell Malkin are feeding spurious "scandals" to naive folks who refuse to do homework.

McCain in '08 because we deserve him. "

Well, lets back it up, line by line...

1. McCain in 08 because we deserve him.. ok comment says pretty much all you are going to say. All we need to do is go that far.

2. Feeding is sometime how word gets out when something seems amiss. Homework friend, is what was done. Do yours.

3. The math as you say?OK, yeah pocket change, or SOFA change as you put it, but remember this is a NEW infrastructure to be built on the back of Taxpayers, and you know that is ALWAYS big money. And the financial speaks for itself. You ever hear of Google? Microsoft? These were not BORN as $100 billion dollar companies, but the uniqueness they brought in along with government contracts paved the way for the risk takers at the helm.

4. Ah yes they ALWAYS Adjourn this time of the year... However, historically the members have an opportunity to give a 5 minute speech prior to adjournment. There were other technicalities that were ignored as well, but I suppose that really doesn't matter, as their speech you could care less about anyhow?

This whole issue will NOT go away. I hope everyone with a little curiosity will look at the documents and maybe help us put the pieces together a little more completely. Citizen Journalism's time has come!

Cant miss - Please pass it along

I picked this up from #dontgo movement originally..

Reminding us AGAIN why to drill.

Recent events in Georgia with Russia's aggression, and BP deciding to halt oil remind us that we NEED to be independent of ALL other countries with regard to our energy policies. The price per bbl has been declining steadily until this particular crisis. Pelosi needs to reconvene congress and get the process rolling NOW.

Its The STUPID in the Economy again..

cross posted from michigantaxes.com

An interesting read at Right Michigan. Prompts me to write..


Our politicians need to learn a little of cause and effect. Aside from the language in the constitution protecting the royalties from natural gas and oil from Michigan owned lands, the nature of legislation such as Schauer's, is as a "money grab," and nothing less. In some twisted logic, the state senator is trying to convince us, and perhaps himself that raising the royalties on the companies who extract the oil and natural gas will encourage them to do more?

Again, we must go back Economics 101 again for the financially retarded liberal thinkers in our state government. Ok Folks.. LISTEN UP! I'll say this in big words so you cannot miss it:

WHEN YOU TAX SOMETHING MORE, YOU CAUSE IT TO BE PRODUCED LESS.

I even made it a pretty color for those of you who are in Stryker's camp.

Something to note as well, is that we live in MICHIGAN, and it GETS COLD, and if they need to pull the natural gas from the ground ELSEWHERE, we are in DEEP DOO DOO. (that was not INTENDED to be a Stryker comment but eh.. what the heck) Home heating costs are already a concern in this state, and increasing the cost of the producers on ANY level will bring those costs even higher to the end user.

Seriously, it is only in government where a complete failure of common sense, can the creator a low IQ solution like this be rewarded with a good salary, lifetime benefits, and a nice pension. Anyone in business who proposes measures in this manner wouldn't make it long enough to draw unemployment, much less those perks enjoyed by our policy makers.

More gas

This is cross posted from Michigantaxes.com

In a prior post, I told you about a possible profit motive by Nancy Pelosi. I thought it might be educational to post the actual proposal: California Clean Alternative Fuel Initiatve. And though the proposal is for California to spend $5,000,000,000.00, we must remember that it also calls for seeking matching Federal funding as well. Part of what I find obvious may elude some reading that post, so I have broken it down a little, and added a little info for clarification.

1. $5 Billion dollar investment in "clean fuel" (read Natural gas) means that a company which has postured itself for servicing such demand will have a pretty nice start up contract should the state of California adopt the measure.

2. Clean Energy Fuels Corp. (Clean Energy) is a provider of natural gas as an alternative fuel for vehicle fleets in the United States and Canada. It is also Owned by T. Boone Pickens, and other stockholders.

3. Clean Energy Fuels Corp. has funded the initiative to the tune of about $3.7 Million.

4. Clean Energy Fuels Corp. Has no record of public stock availability prior to May 25, 2007, suggesting that date is when it became public.

5. Clean Energy Fuels Corp. has assets of approx $137 Million

6. Nancy Pelosi Purchased between $50,000-$100,000 in CLNE stock on May 25, 2007 apparently on it's initial public offering.

7. If OIL prices fall as they would with increased supply, Gas prices would be cheaper, and people making a decision on such a proposal might not see it as much of a benefit.

8. Nancy Pelosi is doing her best to STOP a vote which would allow the US to develop better SORT, and long term oil supplies.

While one might argue this as a coincidence, and that $50,000-$100,000 investment is a drop in the bucket to a rich woman like Pelosi, let me put a little perspective on the map. Think Microsoft, Think Google, Think Dell.. Very SMALL as start up corporations, which which have very large customers, and have grown to be incredibly profitable for initial investors. Because I do not have the economics knowledge to be able to calculate the actual financial result of such a proposal passing for Clean Energy Fuels Corp., I would suggest we think on the order of at least a double digit multiplier over a few short years.

Value Added Cost of Green

Originally posted on my Michigan Taxes Too Much site, I figured this would be a good inaugural article for Toxic Taxation.

House Speaker Pelosi: “This call for drilling in areas that are protected is a hoax, it’s an absolute hoax on the part of the Republicans and this administration” Continuing, “It’s a decoy to punt your attention away from the fact that their policies have produced $4-a-gallon gasoline.”

Hello $5 spike in the price of Oil shortly after she says she will stop the vote unlike her Senate counterpart Reid.

Small Coincidence? Not likely. The longer hold outs like Pelosi strangle our ability to reach richer and more valuable reserves, the more futures watchers will gauge the long term availability as being reduced. And, as any well tuned measuring device will predict higher prices at the pump and will try to lock in the oil at the lowest they can get for several months out.

It is how it works.. It is SO EASY to fall for the nonsense that "speculators cause" the high oil prices. Of course look at where it comes from. I would like to take a second to give an economics lesson, if only from my"limited" perspective.

I Buy stuff. I Buy it to sell it. Not only that, I buy it to sell it AT A PROFIT. That is what makes it worth my investment.

Now, assume I predict there will be a shortage of a particular product that is very popular. I make my analysis based on factors I am aware of, and pay attention to. Because of the popularity of that product, I will purchase as much for stock as I can, and in some cases lock in my order for the other items that are not even made to get ahead of the other guy who is my competitor. Of course MY competitor also sees the same signals, and tells the manufacturer that he needs them more and offers a "premium" for the ability to buy them first. This can lead to bidding wars, and here in a nutshell you have a lesson in how the market works.

So, when the SIGNAL SENT by congress is that it will restrict our ability to replenish our supplies, the buyers who NEED the resource will offer a premium to make sure THEIR SUPPLY is not interrupted. They pay MORE to guarantee the delivery of an amount they need. Nancy essentially said "hunker down you are in for a long hard cold winter with limited driving, flying, cause I ain't gonna let you drill where drilling is good."

I wonder if we were to assign a value for each politician on their effect on the price of a gallon of gas, if we could predict the next day's tank price? Pelosi just cost us $0.20 per gallon on this issue alone, in ONE DAY. What about Granholm? What if her assigning power of policy to the Center for climate strategies? Their "green" policies would stifle a number of our freedoms leading to higher fuel costs through formulation, bans, limits and wasted resource. What will they add to a gallon of gas in Michigan? Will it prevent us from Nuclear expansion?

Sadly, I am tired because of working a couple extra hours just so I can put fuel in my tank. I would like to leave you with something else to think about:

If the high profile liberals who are EXPECTED to restrain growth and prosperity cause higher prices (Pelosi $0.20 today, maybe $0.40 more overall, Obama $0.30-0.60, Granholm $0.20-0.30 - all made up numbers to illustrate a point) then what happens when high profile so called conservatives like Robertson, Gingrich, and McCain indicate their support for the green policies which brought us these problems in those "WE" ads? Using the made up math, my estimate is $1.00, $1.00 and $1.00 each. Because without the support of these crossovers the fringe would be seen as what it is.. the fringe. But sadly they have lent their credibility, and added to the bottom line in fuel cost by the watchers who will need the product at whatever the cost.