If All You See…

By William Teach October 23, 2013 – 1:00 pm

…is a wonderful field that should be clear-cut and be replaced with solar panels, you might just be a Warmist

The blog of the day is the Daley Gator, with a post on the top 5 Obamacare catastrophes the media refuses to cover.

Read: If All You See… »

Posted in If All You See | 1 Comment | Trackback URL

Wash Post: Ignore Hotcoldwetdry At Our Own Peril

By William Teach October 23, 2013 – 10:57 am

I wonder if the Washington Post, which had an Editorial Board whine about “climate change” on the 20th, and Katrina vanden Heuval, with today’s whine, have given up their own fossil fueled livestyles yet?

One year after Sandy — ignoring climate change at our own peril

It’s been one year since Hurricane Sandy made landfall on the eastern coast of the United States, affecting 24 states and devastating parts of New Jersey and New York. Thousands of homes and businesses were destroyed. Millions were left without power. As many as 100 people died; most of whom drowned as the storm surged in Staten Island and Queens. At $65 billion, Sandy was the second costliest storm in U.S. history.

Today, communities that were reduced to rubble are steadily recovering. And yet, one year later, policymakers have yet to address climate change, which undoubtedly contributed to the strength, magnitude and danger of Sandy. There is little discussion of rebuilding in a way that better prepares us for the ravages of future storms. And after Washington’s most recent shameful display of deadlock and dysfunction, it would be wishful thinking to presume that Congress will act on this issue anytime soon.

Interesting. Because the only tropical system to make landfall this year was Andrea, which wasn’t even at hurricane strength. Both the Atlantic and Eastern Pacific seasons have been very weak. We’re approaching 8 years since the last major hurricane made US landfall. There has only been one landfalling hurricane since 2008, and it could be argued that Issac wasn’t a hurricane, just a very strong tropical storm.

And yet, whether a disaster of our maker or of our making, after the dust settles, after the floodwaters recede, after we comfort the survivors and bury the dead, very little changes. Our leaders pour billions of dollars into rebuilding the same homes and businesses on increasingly vulnerable coastlines but refuse to invest in fortifying them against the volatile elements. Many refuse to acknowledge that global warming contributes to extreme weather events. They refuse to admit that the cumulative effects of these catastrophes cannot be sustained.

Got that? It doesn’t matter if it is natural or man-induced, we need to Do Something. Even though there’s been no statistically significant warming in over 16 years. Talk about deluded, dogmatic, and cultish.

If there’s any good news, it’s that while our politicians may ignore reality, more and more Americans understand that our responsibility to the earth is an existential one. From the growth of the sustainable food movement to groups like 350.org to a rising generation of youth across party lines concerned about climate change, people are embracing the lessons of Wendell Berry. Now, the challenge is to take that energy and generate enough political pressure to spur action.

LOL. The Warmists have been pushing this spreading awareness meme for 25 years, yet still won’t change their own lives. They’re more than happy to push projects, law, and regulations that force Other People to live under the Warmist beliefs, though.

Read: Wash Post: Ignore Hotcoldwetdry At Our Own Peril »

Posted in AGW Idiocy, Global Warming, Unhinged Tools | 5 Comments | Trackback URL

Finally, Someone In Obama Admin Has Been Held Accountable And Fired

By William Teach October 23, 2013 – 7:12 am

Our long national nightmare is over

(Daily Beast) A White House national security official was fired last week after being caught as the mystery Tweeter who has been tormenting the foreign policy community with insulting comments and revealing internal Obama administration information for over two years.

Jofi Joseph, a director in the non-proliferation section of the National Security Staff at the White House, has been surreptitiously tweeting under the moniker @natsecwonk, a Twitter feed famous inside Washington policy circles since it began in February, 2011 until it was shut down last week. Two administration officials confirmed that the mystery tweeter was Joseph, who has also worked at the State Department and on Capitol Hill for Senators Bob Casey (D-PA) and Joe Biden. Until recently, he was part of the administration’s team working on negotiations with Iran.

During his time tweeting under the @natsecwonk name, Joseph openly criticized the policies of his White House bosses and often insulted their intellect and appearance. At different times, he insulted or criticized several top White House and State Department officials, including former National Security Advisor Tom Donilon, Deputy National Security Advisor Ben Rhodes, Secretary of State John Kerry, and many many others.

He also insulted Republicans, including Sarah Palin, Jennifer Rubin, and others. One of the tweets reads

“I’m a fan of Obama, but his continuing reliance and dependence upon a vacuous cipher like Valerie Jarrett concerns me,” he once tweeted.

Yes, he should have been fired. No one in the private sector would put up with this conduct, nor should the White House. It’s interesting though, because no one has truly been fired for the IRS scandal. Nor Benghazi. Nor Fast and Furious. Nor the Healthcare.gov “glitches”. Nor the National Park Service acting like jackbooted thugs during Shutdown Theater. Nor when the EPA has acted the same. Nor for all the failed Obama programs.

That said, one gets the feeling, after watching how Team Obama operates, that if the tweets only insulted Republicans he would still have a job.

Read: Finally, Someone In Obama Admin Has Been Held Accountable And Fired »

Posted in Barry Obama | 1 Comment | Trackback URL

Bummer: Website For Unpopular Obamacare Legislation Could Tarnish Obama’s Legacy

By William Teach October 23, 2013 – 7:00 am

No, really, so says the lapdogs at USA Today

Health care website problems jeopardize Obama’s legacy

(Subhead) Law is Obama’s top legislative achievement; its problematic rollout has put it in danger

As his administration scrambles to fix the online enrollment process under the Affordable Care Act, President Obama is facing a challenge that threatens to undercut the most significant legislative victory of his presidency.

The rest of the article is simply filler, noting how poorly the website is doing, how no one really seems to know what is being done to fix it, and no one really knows how many have actually signed up for the health insurance. But, as far as Obama’s legacy, the problems with the website can’t really harm it, because when historians write that essay they’ll note that Obamacare was passed through parliamentary shenanigans with what would be considered bribes in the private sector, and over the severe objections of the American people, who were up in arms over the law even before it was passed. They’ll note that the people who voted in favor of the bill never read it. They’ll note that the Democrat led Congress wasted time on this travesty while the economy was still burning. And they’ll note that it was still heavily unpopular even years beyond its passage.

And that’s just Obamacare. They’ll also note the anemic economy, pissing away almost a trillion dollars on the failed Stimulus, plus the little stimulus plans. They’ll note that Obama’s only “plans” to fix the economy were to call for tax increases and filling potholes. They’ll note the NSA domestic spying. Fast and Furious. Benghazi. Drone strikes on civilians. Tyranny from federal agencies. The IRS scandal. Terrible international relations. All the golfing, parties, and vacations. Not bothering to meet with his economic council. Being the most partisan president ever. There aren’t a lot of things actually in the win column.

Crossed at Right Wing News and Stop The ACLU.

Read: Bummer: Website For Unpopular Obamacare Legislation Could Tarnish Obama’s Legacy »

Posted in Barry Obama | Comments Off on Bummer: Website For Unpopular Obamacare Legislation Could Tarnish Obama’s Legacy | Trackback URL

When We Cuddle…

By William Teach October 22, 2013 – 3:41 pm

Read: When We Cuddle… »

Posted in Humor | 3 Comments | Trackback URL

If All You See…

By William Teach October 22, 2013 – 1:00 pm

…is a beautiful natural field that would be perfect for lots of giants wind turbines, you might just be a Warmist

The blog of the day is Nice Deb, with some information on ICE.

Read: If All You See… »

Posted in If All You See | 1 Comment | Trackback URL

If You Won’t Reduce Your Big Carbon Footprint You Hate Children

By William Teach October 22, 2013 – 12:23 pm

Well, you. Not Warmists. They spread awareness, so they’re given a free pass. Here’s Time’s resident climahysteric, Bryan Walsh

Saving Our Grandchildren From Climate Change

A new study shows that human beings are too selfish to endure present pain to avert future climate change. That’s why we need win-win solutions now

Why shouldn’t we be selfish? Warmists are. Oh, and they hate Black people, constantly wanting to deny those in 3rd world shitholes developing nations the same modern lifestyle.

You want to know what the biggest obstacle to dealing with climate change is? Simple: time. It will take decades before the carbon dioxide we emit now begins to have its full effect on the planet’s climate. And by the same token, it will take decades before we are able to enjoy the positive climate effects of reducing carbon-dioxide emissions now.

So, we won’t know for decades what the supposed effect of Mankind’s CO2 output (except for statistically insignificant warming for over 16 years), and we won’t know what the effects of any (very expensive, freedom reducing, economy killing) mitigation programs and laws are for decades. Why does this remind me of one of those emails saying they have lots of money for you because their husband left them lots?

Oh, wait, sorry, it’s “for the kids,” an attempt to create an absolute moral authority, meaning no one else is allowed their opinion or facts. Funny how these same liberals aren’t concerned with leaving our future generations massive debt, unsustainable unfounded liabilities, etc.

Read: If You Won’t Reduce Your Big Carbon Footprint You Hate Children »

Posted in AGW Idiocy, Global Warming | 7 Comments | Trackback URL

September Jobs Report Once Again Fails To Meet Expectations

By William Teach October 22, 2013 – 9:09 am

Just remember, as the administration always stresses, “it is important not to read too much into any one monthly report”. So, don’t be concerned that yet another jobs report underperforms

(Business Week) Payrolls climbed less than projected in September, indicating the U.S. economy had little momentum leading up to the federal government shutdown. The jobless rate fell to an almost four-year low.

The addition of 148,000 workers followed a revised 193,000 rise in August that was larger than initially estimated, Labor Department figures showed today in Washington. The median forecast of 93 economists surveyed by Bloomberg called for a 180,000 advance. Unemployment fell to 7.2 percent, the lowest level since November 2008. The report, delayed by the 16-day shutdown that ended Oct. 17, was originally slated for Oct. 4.

Surprisingly, the August report was revised up. More often, they are revised down. July’s report was “revised” for a second time, down from the original 169K to 89K. The participation rate is still just 63.2%, which matches the lowest back during the Carter administration in 1978.

What does the jobs breakdown look like? 22K came from Government hiring

(CNBC) The bulk of the jobs came from professional and business services, which added 32,000 positions, while there were 20,000 more temporary jobs. Transportation and warehousing rose by 23,000, and there were 20,000 additional construction positions.

So, mostly low paying jobs. Remember when Democrats and the media used to assail George Bush, claiming that these were all “bad jobs”? Ed Morrissey notes that the report is slightly worse than treading water. We should expect an Obama speech proclaiming that he’s mad about this, and will get someone right on it.

Read: September Jobs Report Once Again Fails To Meet Expectations »

Posted in Economy | 10 Comments | Trackback URL

Politico: President Bystander Uses His Passive Voice

By William Teach October 22, 2013 – 8:42 am

Politico’s Edward-Isaac Dovere notices that Obama tends to be a bystander within his own administration and the issues it pushes. This goes back to the notion that Obama likes to be president, not do president

President Obama’s Passive Voice

Once again, Barack Obama risks looking like a bystander to his own presidency.

Here’s what he did to kick off the week: assemble a crowd in the Rose Garden to hear him repeat how “frustrated” he was about the many problems that plagued the launch of the Affordable Care Act’s website, promise that a “tech surge” was already on its way to set those problems right and implore people to bear with him until they see what the program can do.

Here’s what he didn’t do: explain why those problems weren’t addressed before the Oct. 1 launch, why he didn’t seem to be aware of them before they went very public, or who would be suffering the consequences for any of it. He didn’t apologize. He announced, in broad terms, who would be coming in to help. But he didn’t say anything about who would be shown the exits.

His “nobody’s madder than me” Monday echoed the kinds of statements he’s repeatedly made about problems over the last few months — “Americans are right to be angry about it, and I am angry about it” (the IRS scandal), “It’s not as if I don’t have a personal interest” (the NSA scandal), “This is not a world we should accept” (Bashar Assad’s use of chemical weapons). He puts himself forward as a man frustrated with what’s happened on his watch, promising change, insisting that nothing of the sort could ever happen again.

He’s good at yapping about problems, but actually dealing with them? Not so much. Any movement on NSA, IRS, or Syria? How about the stonewalling on Benghazi and Fast and Furious?

There’s a level of semantic distance there, though, that often gets interpreted as an inherent refusal to take responsibility. Obama is, after all, the president. He has more than a little say in what happens within his own administration.

Supposedly, Obama was heavily involved in the meetings leading up to the launch of the Exchange website, and Dovore notes

Part of the president’s frustration appears to stem directly from that involvement — the question of why wasn’t he given more accurate or expansive information, or a full sense of the problems once they started to appear.

The question remains, what did he know and when did he know it? Did he not know that his “signature law”, hated by a majority of Americans, was massively complicated, and would mean the website would be massively complicated? Did he not know that the contractor had serious issues? How about that so much of the code was old? Really, launching a website is this age shouldn’t be that difficult. Yet, it was well known by insiders that there were serious problems.

Dovore notes that Obama seemed to have been “blindsided” because other things, like the shutdown, were happening. He always seems to be blindsided by events, because he’s detached from the day to day operations of the job. We still don’t know where he was and what he was doing as Benghazi unfolded. Syria is unfolding and he plays golf.

Just wait till the issues surrounding the actual use of ObamInsurance start. More deer in the headlights followed by “I’m mad” yammer.

Read: Politico: President Bystander Uses His Passive Voice »

Posted in Barry Obama, Healthcare | 1 Comment | Trackback URL

Bummer: The Initial Consumer Experience Of Healthcare.gov Didn’t Live Up To Expectations

By William Teach October 21, 2013 – 2:12 pm

As Obamacare ramps up with huge numbers moved to Medicaid and Medicare, along with those who will obtain insurance through the Exchanges (eventually), consumers should be prepared for lots and lots of failed expectations. Unless your expectation is poor service, poor care, byzantine dealings in order to use your insurance, lots of out of pocket costs, denial of some treatments and medicines, and long waits for care

(HHS) Unfortunately, the experience on HealthCare.gov has been frustrating for many Americans.  Some have had trouble creating accounts and logging in to the site, while others have received confusing error messages, or had to wait for slow page loads or forms that failed to respond in a timely fashion. The initial consumer experience of HealthCare.gov has not lived up to the expectations of the American people. We are committed to doing better.

It’s The Government. We don’t expect any of it to do better.

In response, we have made a number of improvements to the account service.  Initially, we implemented a virtual “waiting room,” but many found this experience to be confusing.  We continued to add more capacity in order to meet demand and execute software fixes to address the sign up and log in issues, stabilizing those parts of the service and allowing us to remove the virtual “waiting room.”  Today, more and more individuals are successfully creating accounts, logging in, and moving on to apply for coverage and shop for plans.  We’re proud of these quick improvements, but we know there’s still more work to be done. We will continue to conduct regular maintenance nearly every night to improve the experience.

They should have left the waiting rooms in, that way those with Obamacare can get used to them. As for regular maintenance, HHS is supposedly bringing in the “best and brightest” to fix the website. I wonder how much it will cost the American People to fix this $634 million boondoggle of a website?

(Politico) The changes will give people more information and options up front without having to wrestle with the flawed online process. It gives more information about health plan choices and provides clearer instructions on how to download a paper application, get through by telephone or find someone to assist in person.

“As part of our ongoing efforts to make improvements every day, new content is being featured on HealthCare.gov in response to user feedback. It’s now easier than ever to preview plan information, access a downloadable application form and find in-person help in local communities,” HHS spokeswoman Joanne Peters said in a statement released late Sunday evening.

The changes allow people to see health plans and prices in their region without having to jump over online hurdles that have aggravated millions of people trying to get on the Healthcare.gov site, the portal for health-care coverage in the 36 states where HHS is running the insurance exchanges.

Those are things that they initially wanted to hide till they had everyone’s personal information. And they have updated. Down at the bottom of healthcare.gov you can find pre-subsidized rates without giving more than very basic information. Unfortuantely, once you get to the plans you only get the costs, not what the plans actually cover. What are the details. What the network is. Copays. Deductibles. In other words, what you’re paying for.

More: DrewM notes

Of course the real number that counts isn’t website hits, registrations, or even people who have enrolled in plans. No, the important number is how many young, healthy and stupid people have gotten a policy. No one seems to have heard of any of them actually existing. Without lots and lots of those types of customers, this whole thing comes crashing down.

My post was written before the Liar-in-Chief’s ACA infomercial this morning, and Ed Morrissey notes that he Blamed Republicans

Say what? The White House had three and a half years to get this ready, and it rolled out on the same day as the shutdown.  The website issues existed long before the shutdown, and the Obama administration was well aware of them before the shutdown and decided to proceed anyway.  Talk about spin.

That’s what Obama calls changing the way Washington works. And then he wonders why Republicans won’t work with him.

Even more: Byron York laughs at what Obama thinks are successes for O-care. Just 3 of the 13 human shields had successfully registered. Some are “prospective applicants”.

Read: Bummer: The Initial Consumer Experience Of Healthcare.gov Didn’t Live Up To Expectations »

Posted in Barry Obama, Beyond Moonbat, Healthcare | 6 Comments | Trackback URL
Pirate's Cove