Thinking Right

By Ragnar Danneskjöld

March 2, 2009 9:10 AM | Link to this

Good morning all. I love Jim’s first sentence – I cannot hope to match it. “Cap and trade” is a comical Rube Goldberg design, wherein the government determines how much pollution is ok, and then as the owner of the right to pollute, leases the transferable rights to companies. N.B., the revenues from those pollution rights are never redistributed to the true owners, the American citizens, but are retained by Leviathan, thus the “hidden tax” referenced by our host, a “tax” on all of those who actually pay their bills. Thus the “tax” escapes leftists.

Our leftist friends magnify the virtues of “multipliers” except when discussing the adverse ripple effects of government interference in the market. Our genial host correctly notes that the increases in costs will pass through every company. As corporate America now exists in a period where costs may not be passed on to consumers, those new left-imposed costs will be absorbed through reductions of other costs. In a service-oriented economy, there is only one raw material that can be reduced, labor.

Never mind that the history of similar government control of free market is marked by official corruption, corporate cheating, and astronomically higher costs for consumers – it is “smart.” G*d save us from smart politicians. Cap and trade resembles nothing so much as the Saddam-era Iraqi “oil for food” program, administered by the corrupt UN officials who enriched themselves at the expense of the then-long-suffering Iraqi citizens.

Leftist theft is never punished, whether it is FNMA/FHLMC or Freon prohibition or cap and trade. As is always the case with leftists, cap and trade is a cure for a problem that does not exist except in some tiny intellects.

Page two.

“Hello, America – stand by for news.” The great voice of American conservatism is stilled, and a few words of tribute are appropriate. Back when all of today’s conservative radio icons were still in diapers, one intelligent, consistent voice spoke for the great middle class, later called the silent majority. But we are getting ahead of ourselves here.

Born near the end of the great influenza epidemic, he grew up fatherless in Oklahoma. His father – a policeman – was killed before the son’s fourth birthday. Blessed with above-average intelligence and an ability to tell a story, young Mr. Aurandt grew up fast in the depression-era dustbowl. He met his life’s loves nearly simultaneously – the microphone and wife “Angel.” Both marriages lasted most of seven decades. His FBI file carried the one entry that the man with unruly red-hair regarded as a stain on his life, when he breached a security fence to get a story, before WW2.

After honorable military service he and Angel settled in Chicago, where he quickly became a local broadcast phenomenon. As his popularity grew, he steadfastly refused to relocate to either New York or Washington, the logical centers of the universe for a commentator, affirming that his perspective was clearer a distance away from the fog.

Working from an unvarying lifelong morning routine, he started each day at 3:30 AM, drove himself into work, surveyed the wire reports, and drafted his news reports himself. By the mid 1960s his twice daily broadcasts – early morning and at noon - were carried all over America.

In the middle 1970s, the great commentator’s only child – a concert pianist – was seriously injured in an accident of some sort. The commentator’s son – then nearing 30 – began writing a serious of short essays on odd and broadly unknown human interest stories, generally unfamiliar stories of the rich and famous. Father saw the potential to turn the short stories into a third broadcast, and “The Rest of the Story” was born. As wife Angel was the producer of the radio shows, the family integrated the son into the family business by making him the exclusive writer for the third broadcast.

The three daily broadcasts reached a combined discrete audience of 25 million people. Even Rush Limbaugh, deferring to the great man, always acknowledges that his show does not have the largest conservative radio audience, but only the largest talk radio audience.

Any discussion of the commentator must mention the odd baritone delivery – featuring unusual pauses, always short sentences, and close integration of political, ethical, and religious beliefs into his review of the news. The “news” often included small stories, not reported elsewhere.

He was not a doctrinaire conservative. He spoke on behalf of controversial animal protection groups. He was close to the Salvation Army. But he offered unwavering defense of Sen. Joseph McCarthy before Ann Coulter ever took up the battle. He publicly disagreed with President Nixon on the Cambodian incursion, although he was a last-gasp defender of the effort in Viet Nam.

Interviewed on “Tonght” by Johnny Carson during the Johnson presidency, the tall and dashing commentator deflected the suggestion that he was the “voice” of middle America – “If that were that the case, Barry Goldwater would have been elected in 1964.”

He always reported to work in suit coat and tie – he believed that was the proper way for him to meet his audience, even on radio. Mrs. jbmlaw always bemusedly marveled at how enthusiastically he pitched his advertisers’s products. He was quirky before quirky was cool. Paul Harvey – Good Day. 1918-2009.

By Redneck Convert

March 2, 2009 9:14 AM | Link to this

Well, my power bill don’t have no room for a cap and trade charge. It’s been that way since I learned I was going to invest in GA Power without even having any say in it, seeing as how the boys down at the State Capital decided I would need to start paying for a new atomic power plant before it’s even built. Seems to me Free Innerprize could learn some lessons from GA Power. Just go ahead and open a new store and send customers a bill for it before it even opens. You don’t need to sell stock with a sure-fire money-raiser like that and if you’re lucky enough to own stock already you just keep raking in the bucks without having to spend any of your own. I’m telling my boss down at the warehouse this a.m. he needs to send out bills to all the GA beer drinkers to pay for new delivery trucks and all the other stuff we’ll need in the next few years. Maybe a big raise for all us drivers too.

Anyhow, it’s slick out there on the highways. This Global Warming sure is cold to be as warm as it is, what with the wind and all. If it wasn’t for Global Warming we would probly be at -50 degrees and icebergs would be floating in all the lakes and rivers.

I guess these libruls will never stop till we’re all paying more than we make. That’s why we need a godly Conservative President that will put the Veto to all these crazy ideas. And I’m just the man for the job. So if you beleive the way I do, break out the checkbook with all the spider webs on it and make out a check to Redneck Convert for President, c/o Simpsons Trailer Park, Cumming. I will get started on my campaign just as soon as I recieve the first $150,000 for my new Campaign Wardrobe. No credit cards please. Anyhow, I know you wouldn’t want me to shame you by showing up in these old coveralls that say Pabst Blue Ribbon on the pocket. I’ll do my clothes shopping at the best stores so I can be sure to be in fashion and buy Quality stuff. Course, I ain’t as pretty as Sarah and my legs ain’t nothing to brag about, but I danged sure can drum up more votes than her right now. I plan to lie like a old rock in a cornfield and tell the voters how Moderate I am till I get into office. You got to do stuff like that so the fence-straddlers like ron will vote for you.

Right now, I don’t know if I should go skinny-dipping or just bundle up. Global Warming will do stuff like that to you. It’s all so confusing. I ain’t been so confused since I was in the 5th grade the first time and Mrs. Hayshock started talking about one number times another number equals a diffrent number. Have a good day everybody.

By Ga Values

March 2, 2009 9:24 AM | Link to this

Redneck Convert 9:14 AM

You should run for the US senate or Georgia Governor, there are no real Republicans in either race. I just sent you a very large check don’t spend it on beer or do you get all you can drink for free.

I am at a loss to understand how Jim allowed Georgia Power to buy out the Georgia Congress witout writhing a singlr article about this rip off of the individual consumer.

By Peanut Man

March 2, 2009 9:29 AM | Link to this

How much money did Saxby Chambliss take from Peanut Corporation of America? What did PCA get for their money?

By Churchill's MOM

March 2, 2009 9:32 AM | Link to this

Why should movie stars snag all the statuettes?

While Hollywood suits up for the Academy Awards this weekend, POLITICO has been screening the tapes of the past 12 months in politics, looking for Oscar-worthy performances in the public arena.

And the nominees are:

Best Actor in a Leading Role

Barack Obama (“Mission Impossible)”

John McCain (“A Bridge Too Far”)

John Edwards (“Hollow Man”)

Eliot Spitzer (“Analyze This”)

Charlie Rangel (“Rent”)

Rod Blagojevich (“Grease”)

George W. Bush (“Gigli”)

Best Actress in a Leading Role

Hillary Clinton (“Die Hard: With a Vengeance”)

Caroline Kennedy (“The Wrestler”)

Kirsten Gillibrand (“Snow White and the 11 Dwarves”)

Nancy Pelosi (“House Party”)

Best Supporting Actor in a Drama

Bill Clinton (“The Good Wife”)

Fred Thompson (“The Hunt for Red November”)

Roland Burris (“Witness for the Prosecution”)

Rahm Emanuel (“Meet the Fockers”)

Timothy Geithner (“Crash”)

Bill Richardson (“Bolt”)

Tom Daschle (“Dude, Where’s My Car?”)

Judd Gregg (“He’s Just Not That Into You”)

Best Supporting Actress in a Drama

Condi Rice (“Stand by Me”)

Michelle Obama (“Patriot Games”)

Samantha Power (“Monsters Inc.)

Hillary Clinton (“Baracky”)

Sarah Palin (“The McCain Mutiny”)

Nancy Killefer (“Gone in 60 Seconds”)

Best Costumes

Isabel Toledo

Jason Wu

J. Crew

The RNC

Best Director

David Plouffe (“The Candidate”)

Barack Obama (“Rush Hour 2: The Stimulus”)

Eric Cantor (“Mutiny Over the Bounty”)

Hank Paulson and Ben Bernanke (“Titanic”)

Dick Cheney (“Gigli”)

By Churchill's MOM

March 2, 2009 9:36 AM | Link to this

Jim why are you not on the AJC Homepage?? Have they written you off?

By Big Bucks GOP

March 2, 2009 9:37 AM | Link to this

The federal government agreed Monday morning to provide an additional $30 billion in taxpayer money to the American International Group and loosen the terms of its huge loan to the insurer, even as the insurance giant reported a$61.7 billion loss, the biggest quarterly loss in history.

The loss of $22.95 a share compared with a fourth-quarter loss in the period a year ago of $5.3 billion or $2.08 a share. For the year, A.I.G. lost $99.3 billion or $37.84 a share, compared with a profit of $6.2 billion or $2.39 a share for 2007.

In the quarter, A.I.G. took a $21 billion charge related to taxes and wrote down $25.9 billion in assets, including mortgage-backed securities and credit-default swaps.

The government intervention would be the fourth time that the United States has had to step in to help A.I.G., the giant insurer, avert bankruptcy. The government already owns nearly 80 percent of the insurer’s holding company as a result of the earlier interventions, which included a $60 billion loan, a $40 billion purchase of preferred shares and $50 billion to soak up the company’s toxic assets.

Federal officials, who worked feverishly over the weekend to complete the restructuring, said they thought they had no choice but to prop up A.I.G., because its business and trading activities are so intricately woven through the world’s banking system.

By Big Bucks GOP

March 2, 2009 9:42 AM | Link to this

Declaring the decline in its insurance fund an emergency, the board of the Federal Deposit Insurance Corporation imposed on Friday a one-time $15 billion increase in insurance premiums on the nation’s 8,300 banks.

By Big Bucks GOP

March 2, 2009 9:43 AM | Link to this

Two banks, Heritage Community Bank of Glenwood, Ill., and Security Savings Bank of Henderson, Nev., were seized by regulators, bringing the total number of United States banks shut this year to 16.

By Big Bucks GOP

March 2, 2009 9:44 AM | Link to this

KKR Private Equity Investments, a publicly traded affiliate of the private equity giant that is invested primarily in several of its parents’ funds and portfolio companies, announced that its assets’ value fell 32 percent in the fourth quarter, to $2.62 billion, in a peek at the state of the buyout firm’s portfolio.

By Glenn

March 2, 2009 9:45 AM | Link to this

Power to the People, Jim! I admire the Democratic Party when it seeks to empower the disadvantaged, but this new regime is engaged in nothing other than a gargantuan power taking. It’s a very sinister theft. The power they’re taking, they take from Us. And when that power bill comes due it’ll be a heart-stopper.

By Big Bucks GOP

March 2, 2009 9:48 AM | Link to this

The Securities and Exchange Commission late Friday accused the Texas financier Robert Allen Stanford and his chief lieutenant, James M. Davis, of carrying out a “massive Ponzi scheme” over the last decade, in which they misappropriated funds and made more than $1.6 billion in “bogus” loans to Mr. Stanford. Mr. Davis has refused to cooperate in the investigation,

By Big Bucks GOP

March 2, 2009 9:49 AM | Link to this

A top official of the Commodity Futures Trading Commission said Friday that so many people were sending in tips about Ponzi schemes that “there’s a Ponzi-palooza out there.”

By Big Bucks GOP

March 2, 2009 9:50 AM | Link to this

A former executive of National Century Financial Enterprises, a health care financing company, who was a crucial witness in a $1.9 billion corporate fraud case was sentenced to two years in prison.

By Big Bucks GOP

March 2, 2009 9:52 AM | Link to this

The struggling mortgage lending giant, Freddie Mac, said Monday that its chief executive, David M. Moffett, had resigned effective March 12.

The board, in a statement, said it was working with its regulatory overseer, the Federal Housing Finance Agency, to find a successor.

Freddie Mac, and its larger sibling, Fannie Mae, were both taken over by the federal government in September amid losses because of a decline in the value of their holding, receiving a lifeline of $200 billion.

In a statement, Freddie Mac said that Mr. Moffett indicated that he wants to return to a role in the financial services sector.

The chairman of the company, John Koskinen, said the board hoped to name a successor before Mr. Moffett left in a couple of weeks.

Mr. Moffett had been in the post since September, and had been a senior adviser to the Carlyle Group, a big private equity firm in Washington, before joining Freddie Mac. He had also served as U.S. Bancorp’s finance chief for nearly 14 years, overseeing financial reporting, treasury operations and real estate functions, as well as the asset and wealth management group. He left the bank in 2007 after he was passed over for the top job.

By Glenn

March 2, 2009 9:54 AM | Link to this

Oh swell. That’s just great. Just what we need.

By Ga Values

March 2, 2009 9:59 AM | Link to this

good read

http://www.nytimes.com/2009/03/02/opinion/02krugman.html?ref=opinion

By Ga Values

March 2, 2009 10:05 AM | Link to this

Good News as long as my sons are not parties

In a vivid illustration of how the global recession is battering the legal profession, Latham & Watkins, one of the largest law firms in the nation, announced yesterday that it will let go 190 lawyers and 250 paralegal and support staff.

Latham & Watkins, which represents clients such as District-based Carlyle Group, Goldman Sachs, Harrah’s Entertainment and UBS, has nearly 270 lawyers in Washington and more than 2,000 worldwide.

The firm is struggling with declining profits as corporate clients slash legal spending because of a reduction in mergers and acquisitions, capital finance and transactions. The job cuts are among thousands that have roiled through the industry in recent months.

In February, hundreds of jobs were cut at firms with District offices, including 243 at Holland & Knight, 134 at Bryan Cave and 29 at Dechert. Officials at Latham and the other firms declined to say how many of the dismissals were in Washington.

Legal experts say 2008, following years of steady expansion and growing profits, was the worst year in recent memory for many law firms. Given the spate of layoffs this year, they expect 2009 to be no better.

“I think in 2009 you’ll see that more [firms will experience a lower] profit level than we’ve ever seen. No doubt about it,” said Thomas S. Clay, principal of Altman Weil, which provides management consulting services to law firms. Clay, noting that profits dropped 30 percent at some firms, added: “They could go through another round of layoffs if the work doesn’t come back.”

Bob Dell, who is Latham’s chairman and managing partner and works out of the firm’s San Francisco office, said yesterday that the 440 jobs being eliminated represent 12 percent of the firm’s associates and 10 percent of its paralegals. The cuts will occur in several of Latham’s 28 offices, including those in the District, New York and Los Angeles, the firm said.

In recent years, the firm expanded its hiring of associates, based on revenue that were growing 15 percent annually, Dell said. But revenue declined to $1.9 billion in 2008 from $2 billion in 2007 as transactional work fell off, prompting an examination of staffing levels, he said.

“We had an overcapacity [in staff] for some time. We were willing to live with that,” Dell said in an interview. But in talking to clients, “we concluded this is not a normal recession. It will be longer lasting and a slower recovery. We couldn’t maintain that overcapacity.”

Nationwide, the number of employees working in the legal profession grew steadily during the past decade before taking a turn last year, according to Bureau of Labor Statistics data. Last January, 1.16 million were working in the profession, down from 1.17 million in January 2007. It fell to 1.15 million in January 2009.

Many lawyers have indicated that they think the job cuts will continue this year. In a recently published survey by the ABA Journal, 39 percent of 14,000 lawyers polled said they expected layoffs at their firm this year. Nearly 20 percent said they expected to lose their jobs this year.

Firms also are cutting costs through voluntary reductions. Hogan & Hartson this month offered buyouts in an attempt to reduce 257 support staff positions — including 149 in the District.

“As technological capabilities evolve, our attorneys are able to generate more of their work product and we’re finding out we don’t need the same level of support,” firm Chairman J. Warren Gorrellsaid.

“We’re trying to make sure we’re being appropriately cost conscious,” he added. “We’ve been living with overcapacity for some time.”

Latham’s growth strategy reversed quickly. Just three months ago, Latham announced it had named 28 associates and two other lawyers as partners in Chicago, Hamburg, London and several other offices.

Dell said the workers losing their jobs will be offered a more generous severance package than usual.

The employees will receive salary for six months, instead of two to three months, he said. They also will retain their health coverage for that period, he said.

By Churchill's MOM

March 2, 2009 10:14 AM | Link to this

Glad to see they put you on the main page, I have read the work of the applicants for your job and find them lacking. Maybe the paper could hire Dusty’s favorite Bill Shipp.

By Get Real

March 2, 2009 10:17 AM | Link to this

Reading the title, I thought Wooten was writing about how Georgia Power coerced Republicans at the Gold Dome to pass legislation so we could pay for a Nuclear Reactor that Georgians won’t benefit from for almost 10 years. Instead of discussing something that has an immediate affect on us, Wooten changes course and goes into what if’s and could be’s.

I’ll be glad when this new conservative writer comes along, anyone who can truly discuss ‘right’ and wrong, even if its in their own party. Jim wants to talk about unchecked power in Washington, but turns a blind eye to unchecked power in his own state. How did the Georgia republicans allow its citizens to pay for a private venture, and not get anything in return for it? Shouldn’t stakeholders in the Southern Company be paying for this? What if the costs exceed what they estimate, which it surely will? Any honest ‘journalist’ wouldn’t pass this story up, but we see Wooten is all about writing negatively about Democrats, like Republicans have done everything right in state and national politics.

Wooten only caters to the diminishing breed of radical wingnuts like Musty Dusty and Raghead, who has his post typed up hours before Wooten even opens up the blog for discussion. People like them need to get a life.

By Daedalus

March 2, 2009 10:18 AM | Link to this

Let me see — Wooten and his Nattering Dittoheads are all tied up in knots about carbon taxes — which may or may not happen — but when it comes to Georgia Power recent legislative excess/success —which will cost individual ratepayers in Georgia every month for the rest of their lives — not a whimper or a whinny.

If you ever wanted or needed proof that the Georgia GOP is squarely in the pocket of those with the most campaign contributions —look no further than the recent bill allowing Ga. Power to bill us now for a nuke plant that may never be built and will certainly cost two or three times what Ga Power now claims.

Consider this:

The bill passes the costs and risks to ordinary ratepayers — big businesses and Ga Power stockholders take no risk;

Every consumer advocate who saw this bill all concurred — its bad for ordinary Georgians;

The bill was rammed through with little or no debate; and

No nuke plant has ever stayed within its budget — of course no one in the GOP legislature understand how budgets work, nor do they understand history —otherwise they would know about WPPS — the Washington Public Power System nuke plant. After incurring $2.5 BILLION in bond debt in the 1980s (that 2.5 billion in 1980s dollars)the plant is still not built — but those sorry ratepayers are still paying for it. At least the lawyers made out OK — litigation over that sorry piece of work lasted twenty years.

As long as Georgia Power can simply pass the costs on to ratepayers — without accountability or responsibility for any part of the debt — they have no incentive to construct the plant on time and on budget.

This is the biggest giveaway to big business I’ve ever witnessed in Georgia. And that’s saying something. That it was done by GOP pols who are fat with Ga Power campaign cash and lobbyists’ gifts — who somehow claim to be populists and care about working Georgias — just makes the irony all the sweeter — and the pain all the greater.

Wooten — take a bow and exit —stage right of course — your hypocrisy on this one is worthy of a grand finale. Ride off on the sunset knowing that you have struck yet another blow for Big Business and helped shaft the little guys, just one more time.

By Peter

March 2, 2009 10:21 AM | Link to this

Hey Jim…….

These statements are funny……..”It’s a hidden tax that drives up the price of energy and encourages investment in projects with little economic and energy value, like windmills.”

I guess Republican’s have little interest in American’s being self sufficient or Independent….so creating their own energy is BAD….that’s because Republican’s run the energy business with monopolies like the Southern Company….a group that virtually has no competition.

Jim you still are all about ripping off American’s without any vision for the future.

“Dinosaur” is a great word describing both you and the Republican Party !

Speaking of unchecked Power……. have you seen “House of Cards” on CNBC ? Reminds me of why Republican’s are full of baloney when it comes to letting business check themselves!

Greed……… is a “Republican Family Value”, and as long as that word remains a Large part of the Republican Ideology…… American’s will have you on the side line watching, and not ruling.

By jim is a caveman

March 2, 2009 10:36 AM | Link to this

Every time you write, Jim, you exposed your inconsistency. Apparently, you have decided that your last hurrah in this job will be to try to destroy our President. Meanwhile, “your band of conservatives” here in GA rape and pillage the populace and you just smile sweetly and go about your merry way. Enjoy your retirement, sooner rather than later.

By ron

March 2, 2009 10:38 AM | Link to this

Good morning,Jim,the word from the White House is that there’s a need for higher energy costs.That’s need ,Jim.That’s from Rahm Emanuel’s mouth.Without higher energy costs we cannot move forward.Cap and trade will get us there in one fell swoop.Then we watch the Arabs raise prices and Voila!,It’s Jimmy Carter time.The need will be more than satisfied.

Cap and trade is simply a tax on everyone that doesn’t have an exemption.There will be exemptions,there always are.The same ones you know,Churches,Church businesses,businnesses of national interest,Minority businesses,businesses run by women,the list goes on.Everyone else pays.As I’ve said many times before,I pay,it seems I always have to pay,regardless how the rules get twisted.

Good day Mr. Harvey—Rest in Peace.

By BoneHead

March 2, 2009 10:42 AM | Link to this

Quick, lefties, AIG needs 30 billion more….. Can we sell our great grand kids future?

By jim is a caveman

March 2, 2009 11:01 AM | Link to this

Too bad Charwoman Ann and Rush (to the apothecary) didn’t take lessons from Paul Harvey and/or William F. Buckley on how to differ as decent human beings.

By Hillbilly Deluxe

March 2, 2009 11:04 AM | Link to this

I agree this is bad but is it any worse than that sweetheart deal for Georgia Power that should passed under the Gold Dome?

By Hillbilly Deluxe

March 2, 2009 11:07 AM | Link to this

Make that “just passed” under the Gold Dome.

By Dusty

March 2, 2009 11:15 AM | Link to this

Dear Jim Wooten,

While I can’t understand how GA Power can get us to pay for its Advanced Billing for Nuclear Plants, I am totally “bamboozled” by my gas company bill. While I sit in my moderately sized home with double windows and insulation and the thermostat is on 66 and I am wrapped in sweater and coat, my gas bill is FOUR HUNDRED DOLLAR PLUS for one month. NO, I was not behind. I pay every month. The gas company must be prepaying for a line to Timbuktu or some place.

While I am all grouchy, why is everybody writing such long posts this morning? Are you trying to kill this blog by suffocation?

But..I admit the snow was pretty as a Christmas card. The only problem being I was ready for spring when the Snow Man came. But to offset the pain we had a great Pizza dinner and apple pie. I think that I will recover even if I have frostbite!

In the meantime, down with GA Power! AND down with GA Natural Gas. They may be “natural” but their rates are “un-natural”!! So there!!

By Churchill's MOM

March 2, 2009 11:27 AM | Link to this

Dusty 11:15 AM

Alright who stole Dusty’s name? Was it you Redneck?

By Dusty

March 2, 2009 11:47 AM | Link to this

Churchill’s Mom 11:27

Go bake a cake or something. Give a slice to RedNeck since his trailer is next to yours.

By Peter

March 2, 2009 12:30 PM | Link to this

Go Dusty !!! Wow she is American after all………

“In the meantime, down with GA Power! AND down with GA Natural Gas. They may be “natural” but their rates are “un-natural”!! So there!!”

Hey Dusty they have a payment program called budget billing, works great, and you know what you have to pay each month !

Yes Jim……..you can fool some of the folks part of the time, but not all the folks all of the time………

When Republican’s don’t agree with you……well heck you are a Dinosaur !

Jim loves a good Monopoly……he is Republican !

I guess the kick back checks from the Southern Company will be ending soon ?

By Ragnar Danneskjöld

March 2, 2009 12:33 PM | Link to this

Dear Silly people whining about the Georgia Power rate increase @ various times, why do leftists wish to leave all bills for our children to pay? You “people” act as if there are no expenses for building a nuclear plant before the doors open. We don’t have to put everything on a credit card, especially necessary expenses.

You have a half an argument – as the economy will continue to rot during the remainder of the Obama administration, maybe the death of so many businesses will obviate need for new power generation. As we conservatives are confident in the long-term intelligence of the American people, and as there is little question that Obama will be the current generation’s Jimmy Carter, the economy will recover when conservative return to power, as conservatives will allow the corporate world to start to accumulate capital again.

By Ted Striker

March 2, 2009 12:37 PM | Link to this

I don’t care much for most of the “right” ideas in this column but Redneck Convert cracks me up.

By @@

March 2, 2009 12:38 PM | Link to this

Jim, it’s frustrating, ain’t it?

Democrats are saying don’t give business the opportunity, while Conservatives are saying don’t give them an excuse.

It’s the difference between Conservatives saying “Whoa to the nellies in government!” and the Democratic Party saying “Whoa is you in your woes!”

Dim voters ride atop a dead horse.

By Ragnar Danneskjöld

March 2, 2009 12:41 PM | Link to this

I hate to give credit to the NY Times, but they correctly forecast – in 1999 - that risk-taking by FNMA and FHLMC would cause the collapse of the US economy.

By Ga Values

March 2, 2009 12:41 PM | Link to this

Dusty 11:15 AM

Prior to deregulation Industry payed more than it’s share of natural gas cost but after deregulation there is basically no profit in their purchases. If you live in an area that is served by multipal gas supplies go to Clark Howard’s web site & search natural gas. The PSC also has a price comparison table. If you are served by one of the 30 or so locally city owned utilities you are screwed. To get industry they sell the industry/Walmart gas under market and keep their property taxes low by making a profit/charging higher prices on the individual. Under state law if you are served by a city owned utility, an individual can only buy from them.

By scratchpad

March 2, 2009 12:43 PM | Link to this

DOW is now down below 7,000 for the first time since 1997. Since the Dimocrat libs took over congress in 2006, the Dow has fallen. January 3, 2007 - The Dow was at 12,474.52 as the Democrats are sworn in and take office. Nannypants Pelosi and Harry Windbag Reid made it clear back then they are taking control of the Government from George W. Bush. Since Obama was sworn in, the failed policies of Dims are scaring everyone and are escalating our downfall. Great job America. I hope this is the “change” you moonbats believed in so much.

And then we have the fascist ALgore global warming nazis who want to tax for carbon usage for junk science. Tell that to everyone who just got snowblinded, moonbats:

NASA’s chief climate scientist is in hot water with colleagues and at least one lawmaker after calling on citizens to engage in civil disobedience at what is being billed as the largest public protest of global warming ever in the United States.

In a video on capitolclimateaction.org, Dr. James Hansen is seen urging Americans to “take a stand on global warming” during the March 2 protest at the Capitol Power Plant in Southeast Washington, D.C.

“We need to send a message to Congress and the president that we want them to take the actions that are needed to preserve climate for young people and future generations and all life on the planet,” says Hansen, who has likened coal-fired power plants to “factories of death” and claims he was muzzled by the Bush administration when he warned of drastic climate changes.

“What has become clear from the science is that we cannot burn all of the fossil fuels without creating a very different planet. The only practical way to solve the problem is to phase out the biggest source of carbon — and that’s coal.”

But critics say Hansen’s latest call to action blurs the line between astronomer and activist and may violate the Hatch Act, which prohibits federal employees from participating in partisan political activity.

By scratchpad

March 2, 2009 1:01 PM | Link to this

As another observation, I notice that the libs at CNN find it more important to brag about that clueless Biden’s comment about green jobs paying $50/hr than the stock market tanking. Maybe that’s the livable wage the Marxist left kept drooling over with gaping mouths. One would have thought that with the election of Obama that the world would be rid of anything bad, as well as this nation, and everything would be just peachy. This is what we get when a bunch of stupid mindless people vote for a hollow catch phrase like “hope” and “change.”

By Dusty

March 2, 2009 1:23 PM | Link to this

Dear Peter,

I don’t want my gas charges spread out. I want them reduced.

Dear GA values,

Thanks for the info. I shall search and see if I can do better. Surely there is something BETTER (read cheaper) in natural gas.

Dear ScratchPad,

What does this Dr. Hansen want us to burn instead of coal?

Nuclear plants with nuclear waste that nobody wants to store at their location ?

Don Quixote windmills?

Sun panel farms?

Methane gas from garbage dumps?

Sounds like this is a scientist gone sicko. I am inclined to believe that icebergs will still melt when they feel like it whether we burn coal or not. There’s a lot of disagreement on this subject.

By ron

March 2, 2009 1:56 PM | Link to this

Dear Dusty,——You need to do an audit of your home to find out why you’re using so much gas.There has to be a reason and you need to find it.The real savngs for a homeowner is in conservation.It’s about all you can really do.Look into a heat pump for your heating and cooling needs.They are economical to run.Expensive to install but they do have a fairly quick return on investment.

By Rhetorical Questions

March 2, 2009 2:15 PM | Link to this

With residential customers paying for the construction of the nuclear (pronounced NU-klee-ar) plant before, during, AND after, what incentive does the Georgia Power Company have to ensure adherence to honest, cost-effective measures in the construction process? Georgia Power has moved all the RISK in this endeavor to the residents (but not the big businesses) of Georgia, while ensuring Georgia Power reaps the rewards. Doesn’t forcing someone else to assume the risk while you keep the profits violate the tenets of free-market capitalism? (Or is the very substance?)

Will the residents who pay for the power plant in advance get a reduced rate on power they receive 15 years from now — a reduction not offered to customerss relocating here from another state in 10 years, perhaps? As a hostage investor, what is MY return on the investment, and how can I keep Georgia Power honest with my money?

Nothing about this transaction feels free-market-y.

By Redneck Convert

March 2, 2009 2:24 PM | Link to this

Well, you can get a splitter for free cable from your neybor and a splitter for free power from your neybor. If I was Sister Dusty I’d be checking outside to see if somebody has put a splitter on her gas line.

By Dusty= Inbred

March 2, 2009 2:27 PM | Link to this

Musty Dusty, how about taking the XXXXL sweater off and exercising. Get that size 33 blood flowing.

By Peter

March 2, 2009 2:57 PM | Link to this

Ok then Dusty……..

“Dear Peter,

I don’t want my gas charges spread out. I want them reduced.”

Then time to get rid of the Monopoly……..

By Pat

March 2, 2009 3:30 PM | Link to this

Gee, when I read the headline, I thought for one crazy second that the Wootenasaurus had a rare moment of lucidity and was actually upset about the gang rape of GA consumers Georgia Power just got authorized by our glorious monopoly-lovin’ GOP statehouse.

But nope, just more railing against the commie liberals (meaning, the 60+% of the country who want the stimulus to work.) Oh well … just keep playing those golden oldies.

By Dusty

March 2, 2009 4:01 PM | Link to this

Well, lotsa helpful info here.

Ron, how or where do you get a gas audit? I don’t think a heat pump would work. My house is kind long drawn out, one end warmer than the other, the family room with three outside (COLD) exterior walls. Nice in the summertime though.

Red Neck,

I doubt that my neighbors have a splitter on my gas line. But I might put one on their’s if this keeps up. If you hear about a explosion here, you will know that I tried it.

Peter,

I haven’t played Monopoly in years. If it will get me warmer, I will play.

Inbred,

Size 33?? What do ya think I am? Your fat wife? I’m not skin ‘n’ bones. Just enough charmerderma to pinch gently. Eat your heart out, fatso falsetto!

By Ancient Wooten

March 2, 2009 4:51 PM | Link to this

9 hours and Wooten only got 47 posts today. The Titanic is sinking, and Wooten is about to exit stage ‘right’ real soon. The AJC is about to pull the plug on this sorry state of affairs. No need to mail it in anymore Wooten. If it wasn’t from Big Girl Dusty, Raghead, and other radical wingnuts, Wooten wouldn’t have gotten 20 posts today.

By @@

March 2, 2009 5:03 PM | Link to this

Dusty:

(((FOUR HUNDRED DOLLAR PLUS for one month!!??!!)))

My house is a 3100 sq. ft. ranch with 8 ft. ceilings, storm windows and my bill never goes above $200. We have two heating units though. If your exterior walls stay cold, you may wanna check your exterior wall insulation factor unless, of course, you installed it yourself and know it’s adequate.

Brrrrrr……..FOUR HUNDRED DOLLARS PLUS!!??!!

That’s cold!

By ron

March 2, 2009 5:04 PM | Link to this

Dear Dusty,——-You don’t get a gas audit,you get aN energy audit for the house.I’m just going to assume you used he gas as a leak would probably be very noticable.Have the gas company check if you want to

Is your house well insulated?

Do you have drafts around any windows or doors?

Is the floor insulated?This is the second largest heat loss

Who controls the thermostat,Adults or the children?In many cases I have found that children are allowed to run things and they don’t do a good job.

Are doors or windows being left open that you don’t know about?Check and make sure.At night,after people are asleep.You might be surprised.

Leaky faucets? I’m assuming here that the gas also heats the hot water.LOOOOOG showers by family members?

Do you do laundry only in cold water?Do you have a gas dryer?

Is your gas heating plant more than 10 years old?If so it may not be as efficient as a newer model.

Check the yellow pages for energy audits and get some pricing.It should not be very expensive.Be sure to ask before hiring anyone.Lots of shysters in the field.Beware of anyone trying to sell you something,a legitimate auditor will only recommend a course of acton.

Do it sooner rather than later.

You do need to check into a heat pump.They can do amazing things with them these days.

Are you aware there is a heat pump that will work in cojunction with your present water heater that will save a fimily of 6 it’s purchase price in a bout a year?

By jm

March 2, 2009 5:36 PM | Link to this

Dusty,

Is it just your heater or is your water heater also gas. You would be surprised how much gas a water heater uses. Even if it is electric, you may want to check into those water heater blankets (basically a layer of insulation that you wrap around the outside of your water heater). They do a pretty good job of reducing energy use.

By Dusty

March 2, 2009 5:38 PM | Link to this

Dear ron,

Thanks a lot. I am going to follow up on some of your suggestions. They are really helpful. An electrician is coming next week for minor repairs. After that, I shall see about WARMING THIS HOUSE. Yes!!

Dear @@,

I know. That bill is awful. It is lying on my desk like it has anthrax inside. I’m building up strength to pay it! Oh misery!!

My house does have high ceilings. We started with 12 footers everywhere but now have 9 and 10 foot ones with dead space between them and the 12 feet. Seems like that would be good ceiling insulation. It works in the summer.

Oh well, I shall try some of ron’s ideas. The gentlemen here don’t get as cold as I do so I am the most interested in all this. Come on, springtime! I’m ready.

By Chris Broe

March 2, 2009 6:03 PM | Link to this

“Most Americans, except those at the grade-school level, know by now that when liberals start railing against the rich and insisting that they be taxed into more desirable behavior, that there’s another shoe to drop.”

Any American, reared on Reagan’s horse ranch conservatism, could predict the next thing to drop from the Donkey: Tax and Spend. These liberal clydesdales could ruin us.

Let Rush play Ayatollah, because he’s doing what he’s learned about social rallying for politics from the Shia Tribes. Rush is getting very Islamic friendly with his intel. This cant last. His premise is that he thinks the stimulus package has Micheal J. Fox’s cooties. He’s a ridiculous man, and he is leading the conservatives on a ghost dance. Palin first saw the power of frenzied twitter appeal. She orchestrated mob chanting at NObama rallies. Rush is turning civics into mobs no different than those untouched tribes on the discovery channel, man. Rush is a loose-enough cannon to trigger an international incident. He’s doing everything but shouting Death to Obama. When this scoundrel finally falls back on patriotism, Rush could taunt Pakistan’s national pride at an inopportune time, like when he expounds about foreign policy mistakes of the Obama administration. He’s the twitter equivalent of the Bhutto Assassination. That’s how big an idiot Rush is. An idiot. Pure idiot. Self actualized Idiot. Self made idiot. Rush drinks the koolaid and the cannonade, (and the canon’s aid.) Rush Limbaugh is a dangerous man. He’s Grant’s General Hooker. Hooker was always going on about how many rebels were demonstrating in front of him. Grant received Constant Chatter from a relatively quiet sector. Grant knew how to win, but Hooker shows us all how easily it would have been for Lee to win at Chancellorsville, when a determined Pickett’s Charge would have certainly destroyed Hooker. All they had to do was attack. The confederates came within one attack of winning nearly every battle they lost. Lee simply could not persuade his generals to obey orders. Incredible.

By Lobby Crooks

March 3, 2009 9:44 AM | Link to this

Ending the “buyoffs” of the crooked lobby crew to the crooked Georgia legislators, as in the Ga Power deal, would help bring back some confidence in our political system.

Now, has anyone seen any action from the useless legislature on a bill that would save lives, as in the trauma area? Of course not as the trauma team has not paid the freeloading legislators off as Ga Power did!!!!

Anytime we think a new crew of legislators will change the crooked good ole boy system we are sadly reminded nothing changes when payoffs are involved!!!