Since When Did Poverty Become a Virtue?

Democrats and their enablers in the mainstream media would have us believe poverty is a virtue that needs to be culled and caressed.  Productive citizens are to be shamed.  Businesses are to be blamed.  Somehow, it’s everyone else’s fault that we have generational welfare, except of course the Democratic Party’s failed policies and their teat squawking constituents, whom dangle from the government udder.

Welfare should not be an ambition.  It should be a last resort; not a lifestyle.  There are many forms of graft.  Scamming government programs is one.  Enslaving a portion of the citizenry to a life of subservience is another.  This symbiotic relationship of the poor and the Democratic Party is a contagion that consumes prosperity and a good work ethic.  They are dependent on the goodwill of others.  And those who refuse to accommodate their voracious greed will fall prey to their enforcers through legalized theft.

President Lyndon Johnson’s Great Society is a perfect example of a big government lie.  Poverty was already in decline when he made his proposals.  But an end to poverty was not the goal.  No, it was to establish a Democratic apparatus that would become “problem solvers” for a multi-layered constituency dependent upon centralized planning and concentration of power.  A Democrat’s wet dream. 

The War on Poverty is a great fraud.  Trillions of dollars of confiscated wealth have gotten us nowhere.  Poverty is just as prevalent today as it was in the 60’s.  Some would say it’s just as bad.  And still we have poverty pimps wanting to expand the dependency class.  And somehow they consider this a “Christian” thing to do.   

There is hope.  Recently, a Louisiana state senator renounced his Democratic affiliation, and became a Republican.  Here is his testimonial:

 

Amen to that.

 Source:

http://www.nola.com/politics/index.ssf/2013/05/elbert_guillory_republican_lou.html

http://mises.org/daily/1126

http://www.charlotteobserver.com/2013/06/16/4107491/nc-poverty-is-real-grim-and-deserves.html

http://www.charlotteobserver.com/2013/06/16/4107508/time-to-forge-comprehensive-nc.html

Mark Levin Nails 'Neo-Statist' Republicans on Simpson-Mazzoli II

This is exactly what I've been saying about this of Gang of Eight amnesty bill.  It is Simpson-Mazzoli II.  Mark Levin nails it right on the head

Stop the Jihad With Peace through Pork

Leave it to American entrepreneurs to find a solution to world peace.  No one trust forked tongued politicians to deliver the goods.  Strength through resolve and innovation is the only way to stop the Jihad. One must ask himself, what do these barbarians prize over all others?  Why, it’s their carnal lust in the afterlife: 

A company in northern Idaho has come up with a culturally sensitive solution. Jihawg Ammo has developed a proprietary system for infusing ballistic paint with pork. The special pork-infused paint is then applied to the bullets of loaded ammunition. The inclusion of pork in the paint makes the bullets haraam, or unclean. Under Islamic law, anyone who comes in contact with any haraam item is then unclean, and must engage in a cleansing ritual. No unclean person can be admitted into Paradise. Do not pass Go. Do not collect 72 virgins.

The objective of Jihawg Ammo is not to insult Muslims, nor even to send a terrorist to Hell. The objective is to serve as a deterrent – to place the promise of instant passage to Paradise into doubt in the minds of would-be jihadists. Without the promise of Paradise, how many Muslim literalists would be willing to lay their lives – and eternal souls – on the line in order to engage in acts of terrorism?

Jihawg Ammo’s company slogan is “Peace through Pork.” They sell their specially treated ammunition for defensive purposes only. While some will choose to be offended by the entire concept of Jihawg Ammo’s haraam ammunition, the makers of Jihawg counter that threatening a murderer with eternal damnation is not a new concept.

 

Fry the bacon and pass the bullets, it might just save a life.

Source: http://www.ammoland.com/2013/06/new-ammo-cancels-free-ticket-to-terroist-paradise/#ixzz2WX1JCoG8

Venezuelans Devise High Tech Solution for Supply Shortages

Here is a high tech solution for socialist policies. Venezuelans are using an app to locate hard to find supplies.  Of course, this isn't necessary if you're well connected like a Sean Penn.  But for the plebeians, it could make the difference between wiping your ass with toilet paper, or a wet sponge.

H/T: Weasel Zippers 

News and Observer Tries to Link Art Pope to NC Rural Center

If you’re a conservative politician, you’d better make sure your business dealings are squeaky clean, because liberal journalists are on the hunt for anything that could taint your reputation.  The latest scandal to hit North Carolina is the slush fund known as the NC Rural Economic Development Center.  Politicians from both sides of the aisle have benefitted from this agency, but what is despicable, is how the News and Observer targeted Art Pope, whom is a noted conservative and budget director for Gov. Pat McCrory.

Officially, the nonprofit N.C. Rural Economic Development Center awards “job generating” grants, funded by state taxpayers, to nondescript government agencies. The city of Rocky Mount. Montgomery County. The town of Indian Trail.

From the center’s files, other stories emerge: Legislators influencing where the money goes. People and businesses from across the political landscape getting in on the deals. Political money men benefiting from taxpayer cash, spent with little notice or scrutiny.

One of the biggest names: Discount store business Variety Wholesalers, whose CEO, Art Pope, is a well-known supporter of nonprofit groups that criticize taxpayer subsidies for businesses. A former Republican legislator, he’s now Gov. Pat McCrory’s budget director.

Now after reading that, you would have come to the conclusion that Mr. Pope is a hypocrite, swindling the taxpayers for his own business.  You have to go all the way down the article in order to find out what actually happened.

 

 

Money helps Pope’s business

The grant is listed as going to the city of Rocky Mount. It was awarded Oct. 15 last year in the amount of $200,000.
 

It was crucial to Walt Crayton Jr., a developer from New Bern who wanted to rehab a vacant shopping center on the eastern side of the city’s downtown.

Crayton is using the grant money to improve the building so Pope’s company can put in a new Roses discount store and grocery. City officials sponsored the grant – local government involvement is required – and contributed $10,000. Officials there say a grocery is badly needed.
 

Crayton said he couldn’t make the numbers work without the taxpayer assistance through the Rural Center. The Roses is set to open this summer, and there is a 15-year lease. Last week, dozens of people lined up to apply for jobs.

Crayton said that Pope’s business, Variety Wholesalers, didn’t get a special discount on its lease with him because of the grant funding. He said Variety essentially set its lease terms, and he had to figure out the rest of the deal. The public money allowed it to proceed, bridging a gap in financing on the $1.2 million project, he said.
 

In several interviews this month, Pope said he did not think the Rural Center grant had any effect on the lease terms – and he suggested his company did not know about the Rural Center’s aid as the deal came together.

“There was no knowledge and no involvement of how the work was done on that (shopping) center owned by the developer and where his source of funding came from,” Pope said.
 

Records and interviews show otherwise, and Pope later said he was mistaken.

Documents show that on Aug. 15, 2012, the chief operating officer at Variety Wholesalers, C. Wilson Sawyer, wrote a “job commitment” letter to the developer that said the store would hire at least 25 full-time employees. Of those, 22 were cashiers or associates to be paid about $14,000 a year.
 

Sawyer wrote in the letter that a condition of Variety Wholesalers’ lease was that the developer would be able to obtain a grant for the site.

Crayton said in an interview that he did not deal with Pope on the Rocky Mount project but said the company “absolutely” knew the grant was coming from the Rural Center. Other company documents and emails support that.
 

Pope emphasized that, while the company has committed to the jobs, the grant did not benefit his company directly and had nothing to do with what his company is paying for the lease. He acknowledged his company at least “indirectly” benefited from the grant.

“To the extent that public funds are involved, and often are involved, does that make it more affordable for the developer/landlord, for the rent for the retailer or the industrial facility?” he said. “In the case of retail, does it make it more able to even locate there? And offer our goods at lower prices to the customers in the community and provide jobs? Yes. That happens. But there was no negotiation along those lines, at least in our case.”
 

Pope said he supports making cuts to the Rural Center’s funding. He said there is “very high unemployment” in rural counties and new approaches might work better.

In January, the Rural Center produced a report for legislators on the employment impact of its grants. The 25 jobs soon to come at the Roses were included.

Pope said his business, not the Rural Center, is creating the jobs.
 

“They like to claim credit for everything,” Pope said. “They like to build up IOUs because, ‘We helped you.’ In this particular case, I’d say it was Variety Wholesalers who creates the jobs when we open the stores and sell products at a good price and the customers want to shop there and it, in turn, allows us to pay our employees and pay our rent. That’s what creates the jobs. Not a grant.”

This fund has been around for over 25 years.  Now that republicans what to slash its budget, the knives are coming out to taint their reputations.  I ask where all this scrutiny was 19 years ago; nay, 5 years ago.  Only the libtards that run these papers can answer that.

Source: http://www.newsobserver.com/2013/06/16/2967240/politicians-powerful-touch-nc.html#storylink=cpy

 http://www.newyorker.com/reporting/2011/10/10/111010fa_fact_mayer

N.C. Governor Issues Executive Order Pandering to Latino Community

EXECUTIVE ORDER NO. 14 GOVERNOR’S ADVISORY COUNCIL ON HISPANIC

Executive Order

June 10, 2013

WHEREAS, the Hispanic/Latino community plays an important role in the economy, diversity, and progress of North Carolina; and

WHEREAS, the number of Hispanic/Latino residents of this State continues to grow; and 

WHEREAS, it is important the State remain responsive to the needs of its constituents; and;

WHEREAS, the State should promote and encourage cooperation and communication with the Hispanic/Latino community in order to ensure that Hispanic/Latino North Carolinians have access to important State services and programs; and

WHEREAS, engagement and cooperation is in the best interest of the State and will help in developing solutions to ensure the State meets the needs of all North Carolinians. 

NOW THEREFORE, by the power by the power vested in me as Governor by the Constitution and laws of the State of North Carolina, IT IS ORDERED:

Section 1.  Established   

The Governor’s Advisory Council on Hispanic/Latino Affairs (hereinafter the “Advisory Council”) is hereby reestablished.  

Section 2.  Membership

The Advisory Council shall consist of fifteen (15) voting members. All members shall be appointed by the Governor for a term of two (2) years and serve at the pleasure of the Governor. A vacancy occurring during a term of appointment shall be filled by the Governor for the balance of the unexpired term. The Governor shall appoint a Chair and Vice-Chair from among the membership of the Advisory Council.

In addition to the fifteen (15) voting members, the following representatives, selected by the applicable department or agency head, shall serve as ex-officio, non-voting members:

1.     One representative from the NC Department of Commerce selected by the Secretary;

2.     One representative from the Office for Historically Underutilized Businesses selected by the Secretary of the Department of Administration;

3.     One representative from the NC Department of Health and Human Services selected by the Secretary;

4.     One representative from the NC Department of Public Safety selected by the Secretary;

5.     One representative from the NC Department of Transportation selected by the Secretary;

6.     One representative from the NC Department of Revenue selected by the Secretary;

7.     One representative from the Employment Security Commission selected by the Assistant Secretary;

8.     One representative from the Office of the Governor selected by the Governor.

Additionally, the Advisory Council shall invite the following representatives, selected by the elected Council of State members, to serve as ex-officio, non-voting members:

1.     One representative from the NC Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services selected by the Commissioner;

2.     One representative from the NC Department of Labor selected by the Commissioner;

3.     One representative from the NC Department of Public Instruction selected by the Superintendent; and

4.     One representative from the NC Department of Justice selected by the Attorney General.

Section 3.  Meetings

The Advisory Council shall meet quarterly or upon the call of the Governor or the Chair. The Chair shall set the agenda for the Advisory Council’s meetings. The Advisory Council may establish such committees or other working groups as are necessary to assist in performing its duties.

Section 4.  Duties

The Governor’s Advisory Council on Hispanic/Latino Affairs shall advise the Governor on issues related to the Hispanic/Latino community in North Carolina and support State efforts to promote cooperation and understanding between the Hispanic/Latino community, the general public, the State, federal, and local governments.

The Advisory Council shall provide a forum for the discussion of issues concerning the Hispanic/Latino community in North Carolina and support efforts towards the improvement of race and ethnic relations.

The Advisory Council shall perform other duties as directed by the Governor. 

Section 5.  Administration

The Office of the Governor shall provide all administrative and staff support services required by the Advisory Council. Members shall serve without compensation, but may receive necessary travel and subsistence expenses in accordance with State law and the policies and regulations of the Office of State Budget and Management.  

Section 6.  Effect and Duration

This Executive Order is effective immediately. It supersedes and replaces all other executive orders on this subject and specifically rescinds Executive Order No. 22, dated September 4, 2010 and Executive Order No. 128, dated September 7, 2007. This Executive Order shall remain in effect until June 1, 2017, pursuant to N.C. Gen. Stat. § 147-16.2(b), or until earlier rescinded

 H/T:  NC Renegade

Source:  http://www.governor.state.nc.us/newsroom/executive-order/20130610/executive-order-no-14-governor%E2%80%99s-advisory-council-hispanic

Spendthrifts Infest Mecklenburg County Commission Board

Fiscal insanity is what you can expect from Democrats at all levels of government.  Federal, state, county, or municipality it doesn’t matter.  Irresponsible spending is the keystone to their ideology.  Here are the lamentations of a republican county commissioner from Mecklenburg County, North Carolina.

The wheels have come off the bus. Those who did not see last Tuesday’s Mecklenburg County Commission budget straw vote may be led to believe that the board methodically and pragmatically went through the budget line by line, ensuring that taxpayer dollars were well-spent. If so, they would be misled.
 
Let me be clear: Tuesday night’s budget straw vote was nothing short of the willy-nilly doling out of tax dollars to pet projects. It was inexcusable. At every opportunity, the board voted to increase county spending. All processes for receiving county funding were ignored.
 
Your organization did not have an audit completed by a CPA? Approved! Your organization’s application was incomplete? Approved!
 
Around 8:15 p.m. we took a break, and during this break a representative of a local health clinic approached a commissioner and requested $50,000 in county funds. Now, this organization already receives $200,000 of county funding, did not request additional funding from county staff, and did not even email the board in the preceding weeks requesting additional tax dollars. No, they simply approached a commissioner during the break and asked if they could get an additional $50,000. Just like that, in the span of less than five minutes, the board increased their funding by 25 percent. No application, email, or justification necessary.

I do not blame the clinic. They saw what many of us saw: a commission handing out taxpayer dollars with little debate or regard, and they wanted a piece of the action.
 
Early on it became clear that we would not be able to fund these requests without increasing the tax rate over the manager’s proposed 2.5 cent increase. What was the solution? Increase our projected sales tax revenue by a half percent, or $650,000. We then spent $484,500 of that “found money.”

We also voted to increase funding to the manager’s office in the amount of $82,000 so the manager could hire an additional assistant for board support. We already have one assistant who does a phenomenal job, and for years the board has gotten along just fine with one assistant. Yet now this board decides it needs an additional assistant at the cost of $82,000? We could have hired a PoliSci major out of UNCC for $35,000 plus benefits, and placed him or her in the organizational chart below our current assistant. This would have given our assistant a direct report; would have given a recent graduate excellent pay, benefits, and experience; and would have saved taxpayers about $30,000 over the current proposal. But this motion was toward the end of the night, and I suppose there was no sense in trying to achieve any fiscal responsibility at that point.
 
One of the last motions made was to provide $1,200 in taxpayer funding for a luncheon for a citizens’ advisory board. I cautioned the board that if we approve the motion this year, for this advisory board, then we can surely expect the other 40 advisory boards to make the same request next year (and the years following), at a cost of $49,200 per year. This motion was not approved, but was instead added to the “consent agenda” for the June 18 meeting. This means it is expected to pass with a simple formality vote.
 
I cannot adequately describe the euphoric spending “high” that many commissioners seemed to be on. There was zero fiscal sanity. There was no process.

My problem with Tuesday night’s straw vote is not with the tax increase, although I certainly am against one. This is not a Republican/Democrat or Conservative/Liberal issue. It is a matter of fiscal responsibility. Where was the program that we said “no” to? Where was the organization for which we declined funding? There was none. Not one.
 
Some commissioners cited a growing need for public services as necessitating the tax hike. The demand for public services is growing, and will continue to grow at an alarming clip during the next few years. If last Tuesday was any indication, then the taxpayers of Mecklenburg County can expect continued tax increases in the coming years. We had the opportunity to provide a little relief, if even for one year – a year in which Charlotte is raising its taxes, storm water fees are increasing, and the cost of basics such as milk are rising.
 
But the commission could provide no such relief. It lacked the will.

Copyright 2013 The Observer. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten or redistributed.

    
 

Copyright 2013 The Observer. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten or redistriMatthew Ridenhour, a Republican, represents District 5 on the Mecklenburg Board of County Commissioners.

Source:  http://www.charlotteobserver.com/2013/06/14/4106673/giddily-doling-out-taxpayers-dough.html#storylink=cpyCopyright 2013 The Observer. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten or redistributed.

Read more here: http://www.charlotteobserver.com/2013/06/14/4106673/giddily-doling-out-taxpayers-dough.html#storylink=cpy