Monday, October 31, 2005
Philadelphia Union, Helping or Hurting Economy?
The Philadelphia Transit union folks are on strike. This is effecting 920,000 rides per weekday per the article. If a person goes to a destination, then at the end of the day the get home probably using the Transit system again. This number could probably be divided in half. About 460,000 people are advsersley effected by the strike.
Per the AP article, the president of the local union stated the following, justifying the order to strike;
"Members of Transport Workers Union Local 234 have not had a raise since December 2003. SEPTA is the fifth-largest transit agency in the country but workers' wages rank 20th, according to TWU president Jeff Brooks."
Is Jeff Brooks suggesting the fifth largest transit agency should be ranked fifth in wages? If the previous was truly the relationship (wage relative to transit membership size), then I as a union member would find out, "Which city has the largest transit authority? They must pay the most!"
Union leaders also rejected a 9 percent pay increase over three years... "They did offer the raise with one hand and then withdrew it with the other hand," Bedard (TWU spokesman) said. "Under their health care proposal, if you or your spouse or kid ended up having to go to the hospital for five days, you'd spend your whole raise."
The union currently pays 0% of their health care premium. They are being asked to pay for 5% under the new contract. The argument by Bedard above appears purely emotional. If MoreThanCorn spends 5 days in the hospital, the amount spent would erase much of his last raise as well. The raise is a "free 5 days in the hospital" from the employer. But if no one goes to the hospital, the union member gets to pocket it. It still sounds like a raise to me. Everyone has to spend something when they go to the hospital...except the poorest of our nation and illegal immigrants.
On the TWU Local 234 website in Philadelphia, one can read; union President, Jeff Brooks had recently been appointed to PA Transportation Funding and Reform Commission. President Brooks is quoted as saying, “The Commission provides an historic opportunity to make a positive impact for the environment, the economy and in the daily lives of the millions of people who depend on public transit to get to work, to attend school, to shop and to worship."
Tomorrow morning, TWU local 234 members will not be at work, or on the picketting line. The rest of the "Commonwealth" will be walking or finding a ride to work.
Per the AP article, the president of the local union stated the following, justifying the order to strike;
"Members of Transport Workers Union Local 234 have not had a raise since December 2003. SEPTA is the fifth-largest transit agency in the country but workers' wages rank 20th, according to TWU president Jeff Brooks."
Is Jeff Brooks suggesting the fifth largest transit agency should be ranked fifth in wages? If the previous was truly the relationship (wage relative to transit membership size), then I as a union member would find out, "Which city has the largest transit authority? They must pay the most!"
Union leaders also rejected a 9 percent pay increase over three years... "They did offer the raise with one hand and then withdrew it with the other hand," Bedard (TWU spokesman) said. "Under their health care proposal, if you or your spouse or kid ended up having to go to the hospital for five days, you'd spend your whole raise."
The union currently pays 0% of their health care premium. They are being asked to pay for 5% under the new contract. The argument by Bedard above appears purely emotional. If MoreThanCorn spends 5 days in the hospital, the amount spent would erase much of his last raise as well. The raise is a "free 5 days in the hospital" from the employer. But if no one goes to the hospital, the union member gets to pocket it. It still sounds like a raise to me. Everyone has to spend something when they go to the hospital...except the poorest of our nation and illegal immigrants.
On the TWU Local 234 website in Philadelphia, one can read; union President, Jeff Brooks had recently been appointed to PA Transportation Funding and Reform Commission. President Brooks is quoted as saying, “The Commission provides an historic opportunity to make a positive impact for the environment, the economy and in the daily lives of the millions of people who depend on public transit to get to work, to attend school, to shop and to worship."
Tomorrow morning, TWU local 234 members will not be at work, or on the picketting line. The rest of the "Commonwealth" will be walking or finding a ride to work.
Friday, October 28, 2005
Tuesday, October 25, 2005
The Importance of Being News
The announcement the Iraq Consitution passed by more then 3/4 of the Iraqi public who voted, is a landmark by many standards. Over 9 million Iraqis showed up to cast their ballot. Over 3 to 1 in favor of the new Constitution.
First, by any election or voting standards, for 3/4 of the voting public to concur is nothing less then a landslide. It answers unequivocally what the "mainstream" of Iraq wants for themselves. It is safe to venture, for most of these 78% who voted for the new constitution, they are motivated by either or both; a) A free, democratic Iraq or b) Anything other then a Totalitarian Dictatorship.
Second, this could be a point where support for the Iraqi democracy and inseperable issue of the war on terror (being centrally waged in Iraq) could begin to flow in favor, after ebbing out of favor for so long.
First, by any election or voting standards, for 3/4 of the voting public to concur is nothing less then a landslide. It answers unequivocally what the "mainstream" of Iraq wants for themselves. It is safe to venture, for most of these 78% who voted for the new constitution, they are motivated by either or both; a) A free, democratic Iraq or b) Anything other then a Totalitarian Dictatorship.
Second, this could be a point where support for the Iraqi democracy and inseperable issue of the war on terror (being centrally waged in Iraq) could begin to flow in favor, after ebbing out of favor for so long.
Per a FoxNews article posted 10/25, the perennial supporters for both Iraq democracy and the war on terror, the US, UK and Italy have voiced their approval and support. Australia was not quoted.
"It's a landmark day in the history of Iraq," White House spokesman Scott McClellan said.
"We congratulate the Iraqi people. ... The political process is continuing to move forward in Iraq, and it is an encouraging sign to see more and more people participating in the process."
British Foreign Secretary Jack Straw said Iraqis "have shown again their determination to defy the terrorists and take part in the democratic process."
Italian Foreign Minister Gianfranco Fini also welcomed the results, saying Italy would keep supporting the political process in the country.
Third, Afghanistan was the first country to choose democracy in a new "era" of democracies. Iraq is the second. The opposition to the Iraq war was overwhelming if strictly nation governments are counted. Counting rearward in time of wars past, all successful wars in which the US was central in the war effort, garnered strong support of US citizenry and of world nations. Vietnam was the only problem war. As US support waned, we pulled out.
The pessimism and, at best, lukewarm opinions (opposition) toward the war by countries such as Russia, Spain, France and Germany, may soon have little or no justification because of continued success in the new Iraq. After 8 million Iraqi ballets were cast for the intial Parliamentary elections and now a (9+ million) 78% voter approval of the constituion, it is apparent the citizens of Iraq are more determined to gain their own democracy then the insurgents are at impeding it.
Fourth, As the US started with the toppling of the brutal dictator, Saddam Hussein, and continued taking the war on terror to the middle east, the US and allies are making progress. It is apparent Al Queda and the "insurgents" no this as well. Bombs and body counts are focused on Iraqi citizenry more now then US soldiers. It may be 30 or 40 Iraqi citizens killed by the terrorists for every US soldier taken. The strategy of the terrorists have appeared to change. Their desperation is apparent.
Fifth, As the president may have encouraged in his second inagural address.; With the democratizing of both Afghanistan, Iraq this is encouraging a movement in the entire middle east for the young members of Muslim countries to call for more freedom. On the horizon we see a new democratic Palestine, possibly Syria and Iran, Eastern European.
The battle is still on for support for the war on terror and the spread of democracy. The biggest enemy may be hear at home, the American Media. Why? Because whomever shapes the support of the US public, has the wild card and maybe the most power.
CNN's top story on 10/25 was about the death of the 2000th soldier. No where to be found was a link for the voting outcome of the Iraqi referendum. This is why the 2000th soldier has died. For a cause. James Kinlow of Georgia.
There is little or no mention of the referendum passing in any of these articles;
10/25/2005
WashingtonPost.com, (2000th)
ABCNews.com a top story (2000th).
While Al Jazeera.com has articles which are eerily similar to articles read recently on CNN, MSNBC, ABC and CBS.
10/26/2005
ABC News.com story; (2001st)
USA Today; (2000th)
10/27/2005
NewsDay article; (2000th)
Village Voice; (2000th)
A list is also being kept of the articles which appear to be supportive Iraq democracy and War on Terror. The list is one. The author, may not be a suprise.
Michelle Malkin (2000th).
Thursday, October 13, 2005
"Zawahiri's Lament", from Wall Street Journal online
Opinion Journal posted an article today in Review & Outlook, "Zawahiri's Lament". Be sure to click to read Zawahiri's letter (possibly from Pakistan) to Zarquawai (in Iraq).
Wednesday, October 12, 2005
Free Health Care
Finish what you are eating and have seat prior to reading this article. Subject; Russian and North Korean health care. Found the article care of HeyDudeWhoa who truly finds the most interesting articles.
Tuesday, October 11, 2005
Oil For Food - Another Arrest
Per the Foxnews article posted today, a French citizen, formerly Under Secretary General has been arrested by French Police in connection with possible Oil For Food issues.
George Washington Univ Student to Serve, Again
HeyDudeWhoa posted an article found about a student trying to graduate from college, however he has already served 2 tours in Iraq, maybe starting his 3rd. It appears the student has no qualms about going again. He is ready to serve because he believes in the cause.
Very inspiring story. Well written article by the GW Newspaper. The George Washington Hatchett. If this article is a representation of the paper, the writing and editting staff are some professional young folks. The GW Hatchett spares us the banality of large newspapers.
Very inspiring story. Well written article by the GW Newspaper. The George Washington Hatchett. If this article is a representation of the paper, the writing and editting staff are some professional young folks. The GW Hatchett spares us the banality of large newspapers.
Monday, October 10, 2005
Washington Post Op-Ed, Definately "Opinion"
Bill Bennett is quoted by many articles and pundit’s recently as saying, “You could abort every black baby in this country, and your crime rate would go down.” This comment appears to be vial and immoral when read. However, it is the opinion of MoreThanCorn Bill Bennett has had his name tarnished by a few who have “selectively quoted” him. This one sentence by Former Education Secretary Bennett was preceded and followed by other dialogue between him and a caller. It may be important to read what was said, the entire dialogue, before making a judgement on Bill Bennett.
William Raspberry, Op-Ed Columnist for the Washington Post, wrote an article published today; A Better Cure Than Abortion Mr. Raspberry has earned the respect of MoreThanCorn with his past writing. As of the above article, Mr. Raspberry’s respect has taken a misstep and fell into libel with the article being published. He has not done his research on Bill Bennett’s statement. Without Mr. Bennett being readily available to retort, this could loosely be considered slanderous.
Will Raspberry should look no further then fellow Washington Post Op-Ed Columnist, Richard Cohen and the article he wrote on Oct 4, 05, This Is the Free-Speech Party? An important point Mr Cohen makes in paragraph 5 & 6;
[Bill Bennett] “Responding to a caller who argued that if abortion were outlawed the Social Security trust fund would benefit -- more people, more contributions, was the apparent (idiotic) reasoning -- Bennett said, sure, he understood what the fellow was saying. It was similar to the theory that the low crime rate of recent years was the consequence of high abortion rates: the fewer African American males born, the fewer crimes committed. (Young black males commit a disproportionate share of crime.) This theory has been around for some time. Bennett was not referring to anything new.
But he did add something very important: If implemented, the idea would be "an impossible, ridiculous and morally reprehensible thing to do."
MoreThanCorn summation; If those on the William Raspberry and Nancy Pelosi bandwagon would slow their rhetorical comments long enough to listen to the entire recording, they would both see the benefits of such constructive (and philosophical) arguments. Raspberry, Pelosi and others could focus their energies on debate on how to fix the true crime of Fatherless Black Children.
A footnote to William Raspberry and the Washington Post; your article is well written and enjoyable to read. Your ability to write and provoke thought is now tradition. Those who write well, provoke thought and have the medium for publishing their views also have a moral obligation to be objective and fair.
William Raspberry, Op-Ed Columnist for the Washington Post, wrote an article published today; A Better Cure Than Abortion Mr. Raspberry has earned the respect of MoreThanCorn with his past writing. As of the above article, Mr. Raspberry’s respect has taken a misstep and fell into libel with the article being published. He has not done his research on Bill Bennett’s statement. Without Mr. Bennett being readily available to retort, this could loosely be considered slanderous.
Will Raspberry should look no further then fellow Washington Post Op-Ed Columnist, Richard Cohen and the article he wrote on Oct 4, 05, This Is the Free-Speech Party? An important point Mr Cohen makes in paragraph 5 & 6;
[Bill Bennett] “Responding to a caller who argued that if abortion were outlawed the Social Security trust fund would benefit -- more people, more contributions, was the apparent (idiotic) reasoning -- Bennett said, sure, he understood what the fellow was saying. It was similar to the theory that the low crime rate of recent years was the consequence of high abortion rates: the fewer African American males born, the fewer crimes committed. (Young black males commit a disproportionate share of crime.) This theory has been around for some time. Bennett was not referring to anything new.
But he did add something very important: If implemented, the idea would be "an impossible, ridiculous and morally reprehensible thing to do."
MoreThanCorn summation; If those on the William Raspberry and Nancy Pelosi bandwagon would slow their rhetorical comments long enough to listen to the entire recording, they would both see the benefits of such constructive (and philosophical) arguments. Raspberry, Pelosi and others could focus their energies on debate on how to fix the true crime of Fatherless Black Children.
A footnote to William Raspberry and the Washington Post; your article is well written and enjoyable to read. Your ability to write and provoke thought is now tradition. Those who write well, provoke thought and have the medium for publishing their views also have a moral obligation to be objective and fair.
Friday, October 07, 2005
T-Shirt Lady
HeyDudeWhoa has an Oct 7 post worth reading on the subject of the Washington lady wearing her expletive intensive t-shirt on the airline; http://www.breitbart.com/news/2005/10/06/D8D2NNROD.html.
Not only is she wearing a t-shirt with offensive language... justifying the wearing of the shirt by stating family are in Iraq fighting... but two of the key facts here are; 1) she is 32 years old and 2) a lumber salesman per the article.
Paint the picture of who this person may be; young, but old enough to be a professional. Is it safe to conclude since her husband was sitting with her on the flight, he condones his wife's behavior and fashion sense? For there 15 minutes of fame, I think they failed. My first impressions of these two people, also a failure.
Be sure to read the bottom of the article;
"McInnis said Southwest rules allow the airline to deny boarding to any passenger whose clothing is "lewd, obscene or patently offensive."
But Allen Lichtenstein, lawyer for the American Civil Liberties Union in Las Vegas, said it "might be problematic" that the airline "changed rules in the middle of a flight.""
Mr Lichtenstein is suggesting the airline changed the rules in mid-flight. Apparently the ACLU would not have a problem with the airline, if upon realizing the lewd t-shirt made it past boarding, the stewards(ess'es) could have thrown a parachute on Lori Heasley and asked to her to get off the plane.
Her name is Lori Heasley. And she is proud to be an American.
Not only is she wearing a t-shirt with offensive language... justifying the wearing of the shirt by stating family are in Iraq fighting... but two of the key facts here are; 1) she is 32 years old and 2) a lumber salesman per the article.
Paint the picture of who this person may be; young, but old enough to be a professional. Is it safe to conclude since her husband was sitting with her on the flight, he condones his wife's behavior and fashion sense? For there 15 minutes of fame, I think they failed. My first impressions of these two people, also a failure.
Be sure to read the bottom of the article;
"McInnis said Southwest rules allow the airline to deny boarding to any passenger whose clothing is "lewd, obscene or patently offensive."
But Allen Lichtenstein, lawyer for the American Civil Liberties Union in Las Vegas, said it "might be problematic" that the airline "changed rules in the middle of a flight.""
Mr Lichtenstein is suggesting the airline changed the rules in mid-flight. Apparently the ACLU would not have a problem with the airline, if upon realizing the lewd t-shirt made it past boarding, the stewards(ess'es) could have thrown a parachute on Lori Heasley and asked to her to get off the plane.
Her name is Lori Heasley. And she is proud to be an American.
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