Let's get rid of Wasteful Government Spending !

Strange.  So much of the Wasteful Government Spending falls under Bush and Cheney's watch.


...“The government has known for 20 years that contractors (click title to entry - thank you) would be a key part of any major response to large or sustained hostilities or major disasters,” said Commission co-chairman Michael Thibault. “Yet the government was not prepared to go into Afghanistan in 2001 or Iraq in 2003 using large numbers of contractors and is still unable to provide effective management and oversight of contract spending that will have exceeded $206 billion by the end of September.”...

Nooo, we don't need Medicare for All. That would be a sin to be sure people have health care.

CINCINNATI -- Doctors at University Hospital in Cincinnati said a 24-year-old father died Wednesday from a tooth infection.

Patti Collins, wife of famed local musician Bootsy Collins, said she couldn't believe what happened to her nephew, Kyle Willis, who left behind a 6-year-old daughter.

"I said, 'What do you mean they're calling the family?' (My daughter) said, 'Mom, the infection (Willis) had in his tooth has gone to his brain," Collins said....




The Citizens United Supreme Court decision made sure that corporations had enough to say about getting their $700 Billion bailout, but, to actually elect a Legislature that cares about the health of the poor and unemployed is just something no one seems to be able to achieve.


The great USA can save Billionaires from crying, but, it can leave a six year old child without a father without a second thought.


I am so proud to be an American. 


Why is it a less than one percent drop in the DOW is something I just don't give a damn about?  I wonder.

Dow Jones Industrial Average (click here)	11,139.30	–100.96 –0.90%

"There won't be enough troops in Iraq to preserve the USA footprint."

"Ya think?"

Iraq’s Shiite Leader congratulates Libyans (click here)
8/23/2011 1:26 PM

BAGHDAD / Aswat al-Iraq: The Leader of Iraq’s Shiite Trend, Muqtada al-Sadr, has congratulated the Libyan people on Tuesday “for the success of their Revolution and the entrance of the Revolutionary Forces into the Libyan Capital of Tripoli, calling upon the Libyan People to build up their new Homeland, away from narrow-party trends.”

“Thank Allah (God), Who blessed his Believers and planted courage, sacrifice and love of Religion in their hearts; Thank Allah, who achieved Libya’s liberation on the hands of the Libyan Revolutionaries and not on the hands of occupiers,” Sadr said in a statement, copy of which was received by Aswat al-Iraq news agency.

Sadr called on the Libyans to build up their new state, “away from narrow-party trends, in order to achieve a united Libya, proud of its people and Islam, whilst we, your people in Iraq, confirm to continue resisting the occupier, whatever happens, to liberate Iraq, in order to be on your side for the victory of the right.”

In conclusion, Muqtada al-Sadr, highly assessed the efforts of “the heroic Mujahidin (Holy Fighters) in the dear sisterly state of Libya, appealing for Allah to keep the occupation, terrorism, foreign interferences, especially American, away from them.”

SKH (TI)/SR


To paraphrase, "And if that isn't enough those Shi'ites will take over and Iran will be involved."  Of course the White House is saying that isn't true.  So the "Dirt Bags" at FOX are at it again.  I really think this is about hating and fearing Muslims more than anything else, but, if this is a sincere concern of the Republican Presidentials candidates, who needs 'em?  Slow news day?  Nothing else to lie about maybe?

Sources: Obama Administration to Drop Troop Levels in Iraq to 3,000 (click here)

Published September 06, 2011

FoxNews.com

The Obama administration has decided to drop the number of U.S. troops in Iraq at the end of the year down to 3,000, marking a major downgrade in force strength, multiple sources familiar with the inner workings and decisions on U.S. troop movements in Iraq told Fox News....

Breaking News, "FOX has discovered there will only be 3000 US troops in Iraq by the end of the year."  


Who confirmed this?  Journalist I suppose.


Wait, let me guess.  This is a really cool way to call the PRESIDENT a liar.  Deep throat and all that kinda stuff.


Why leave any?  We should have pulled them out all together, but, Bush paid all that money for the Embassy, so I guess some will have to stay after all.  10,000 contingency?  For an embassy?   

The USA Embassy in Baghdad. (click here)  Self contained.  No one has to venture in or out.  Sort of like the Green Zone.  Someone has to guard the Billion US real estate.

...It is the world’s most expensive embassy, (click here) costing more than $700 million (£427 million) and designed to withstand earthquakes and insurgents. Yet only nine months after being opened, the US Embassy in Iraq is riddled with problems expected to cost more than $130 million to fix.

Nobody praised its architecture when it was inaugurated in January — think Milton Keynes on the Moon. The cube-like structure, topped with razor wire, is the size of Vatican City and features a supermarket and swimming pool. But the 2,000 or so Americans moving in believed, at least, that it would keep them safe and comfortable.


The only reason to keep an embassy in Iraq is to have a venue for private contractors when they kill more people and protect the interests of Halliburton.  Otherwise, there is no reason for that embassy either.  A Billion+ US WASTED by Bush and Cheney for the sole purpose of ego driven profiteers.  The USA has no real interests in Iraq and for a long time we won't be welcome back.  THAT is why Iran will be available to discourage further Neocons from pulling the same stunt and kill more and more civiilans.

Report Projects Higher Operational Costs for U.S. Embassy in Iraq (click here)

By Ernesto Londoño

Washington Post Foreign Service
Saturday, August 29, 2009

BAGHDAD, Aug. 28 -- The cost of running the U.S. Embassy in Baghdad is projected to rise in the coming years as the world's largest diplomatic mission weans itself from the support it receives from the U.S. military, the State Department's acting inspector general said in a report this week.

Harold W. Geisel also said an embassy office that oversees infrastructure projects worth hundreds of millions of dollars is chronically understaffed and may be unable to complete its work by May, when its charter ends.

In a separate report, Geisel noted that the State Department has no plans to open consulates in Iraq, despite the looming closures of provincial embassy offices as the U.S. military withdraws...]

Good bye, Iraq, may you all find peace.

There is only one journalist investigative team in Texas?m Really? I betcha they watch their step

e

This is the way a Red State handles the challenges of the Climate Crisis.  They allow the worst to happen, call it a mishap and point to FEMA to come in behind the fire line to hand out checks.  The responsibility of the States always falls to the federal government yet there is no funding in the federal government to attend to the entire nation, but, only the 'squeaky wheel' of the moment.  Governor Perry is good at being humble and handing out FEMA checks but he is not a leader, he follows the path of least 'fiscal' resistance and then complains about the lethargy of the federal response.

The National Guard that is necessary to fire these fires, save homes and people are AT WAR.  THAT State asset is not available for the people when they need it, but, hey Texans always take care of Texans by taking strangers into their homes.

This is outrageous how much the rights of citizens are oppressed and neglected only to fall back on the federal government to environmental neglect leading to this drought.  "Getting life back to normal, is considered letting people get back to their homes, AFTER THE HOMES HAVE BEEN DESTROYED."  That's letting people 'get back to normal?'  I don't think so.  I am tired of picking up after the governmental neglect of the Red States.  At the state level 'if shit happens' then live with it ! 


Like Ron Paul says, we need to live like it is 1900 all over again.  Contribute to the economy buy fire insurance and hope the policy you bought covers it all.  Why FEMA?  Need trailers to live in?  There isn't anything for FEMA to do there.  What are they going to do plant trees?  Without rain there is no reason to even go that far, trees won't grow.  Call the churches and see if they have group fire insurances for drought ridden Texans 'after the fact.'

...Many people watching these horrific fires have been wondering about military resources and their response to the blazes.

Gov. Rick Perry spoke to the media from Steiner Ranch, where 24 homes have been destroyed and 30 more have been damaged. Some 125 acres are burning in a fire that is only 45 percent contained.

"Even with this tragedy, the good news is there are no lives lost in these neighborhoods," said Perry. "I'm substantial more concerned Texans are being taken care of ... The answers they're looking for is our response and saving as many homes and possessions as possible."

Perry said Tuesday morning during the briefing that the process to get federal help tends to be bureaucratic.

"So we're looking for ways to break that down," said Perry. "It's more difficult than it should be to get those assets freed up from the federal government."

Perry talked about the heavy equipment that's been needed amid the fire outbreaks....

With Lee reorganizing and moving fast up the east coast...

September 5, 2010
2030.13z
UNISYS Water Vapor GOES East Satellite (click title to entry for 12 hour loop - thank you)

...I would not expect Katia to continue to remain on the same trajectory.


I tuned in and out of the Republican debates.  They were the same as they always are, full of 'mind speak' and 'rheotric,' 'fire and brimstone.'  Nothing of substance and always disregarding the USA after 1776 and instilling fear,  it is a safe place for the economically  illiterate.

1 injured in possible tornado in Cherokee County  (click here)

WOODSTOCK, Ga. (AP) - Authorities say one person was injured in a possible tornado in Cherokee County as the remnants of Tropical Storm Lee crossed the state.

Lt. Jay Baker with the Cherokee County Sheriff's department said the storm toppled trees Monday afternoon and several trees landed in homes. He said the victim was taken to the hospital but the person's condition is not known.

Weather officials say much of north Georgia is being hit with heavy rains and strong winds as the storm system moves through. Most of the state was under tornado and flood watches starting Monday afternoon....

There is this really great Lucas Marathon on today.  Good stuff.  Later.

It really is a very ugly picture when one reflects on the temper tantrums of the wealthy.

Billionaire tea party tycoons financed Wisconsin’s anti-union governor, records show (click here)

By Stephen C. Webster
Saturday, February 19th, 2011 -- 9:49 pm

Who were among the financiers behind Wisconsin's Republican Governor, now embroiled in a controversial attempt to destroy public sector unions?

None other than reviled tea party financiers Charles and David Koch, is who.

Turns out, the billionaire oil tycoons' political action committee gave Gov. Scott Walker (R) roughly $100,000 in campaign contributions during the 2010 election, according to campaign finance records highlighted by  Mother Jones.

The contributions came from the same source -- Koch Industries PAC -- and though through two channels which were both legal under current campaign finance law….

Ill mannered bunch of brats that throw out the USA Brain Trust for their greedy goals.


Engineered by desperate wannabe million-billionaire, now Chairman of the RNC.  


Anyone surprised how completely dysfunctional the Republicans are and remain?  

And back by Dirt Bags.  How can they lose?  It is a coupe against the government.  No one will convince me otherwise.  They are dismantling the 'national conscience.'

The "Near Shore" Phenomena started to really make itself known about 1999.

1999 Storm Track of Hurricane Dennis


It came inland and then went out to sea only to return to an inland presence.


Shortly after that in the very same spot that Dennis liked so much a whopping hurricane by the name of Floyd would make its presence.

1999 storm track of Hurricane Floyd.


Then it would be in 2002 when Kyle would make a visit in a similar pattern.  Oddly, though when Kyle left its 'offshore' run it dissipated out at sea in less than 24 hours.

2002 Storm Track of Kyle. 


It would be 2 years later, in 2004, when near shore storms would dominate the Atlantic hurricane season.

The 2004 Hurricane Season.


Alex and its beginnings near shore and then went out to sea, Charly began in the Caribbean and then hugged the eastern seaboard and Gaston was similar to Alex in its pattern.

The 2005 hurricane season would be the 'maximum' for 'the normal' hurricanes with record setting numbers and 'seasonal velocities.'  


After 2005 the water vapor moved from the surface of Earth to a higher altitude and the 'character'of the hurricane changed to something far less 'normal.'  2006 was a year of transition with very few storms and the only major storms would stay at sea where they had fuel.



2007 Storm Track of Hurricane Gabrielle.

In 2007 the only hurricane the continental USA would realize was Gabrielle.  Its presence to inland was ONLY near shore.


2008 would see two near shore storms Fay and Hanna.  Fay would have a pattern somewhat similar to Katrina but not close to exact.  Hanna was nothing but near shore.

2008 Storm Track of Fay

2008 Storm Track of Hanna.


2009 did not see any major storms that would effect the continental USA.  Again repeating a pattern between 2005 and 2006, but, with far lower 'seasonal velocities.'


2010 had only one major hurricane to touch the USA and it was a near shore storm called Earl.

2010 Storm Track of Earl.


That brings us to 2011 and the current dynamics with Lee and Katia are more than disconcerting.


Katia and Lee manifested after Irene produced huge amounts of water vapor delivered to a very hot troposphere.  Their relationship is indelible and quiet frankly I do not believe the relationship is over.  As Katia moves closer to shore it will benefit from the water vapor that Lee has deposited in the troposphere which makes its dynamics more than curious.


Have a better day.

Tha National Hurricane Center needs more personnel on duty. People are really stupid to vote for Republicans. They are a do nothing party catering to their wealthy financiers.

September 4, 2010
2230.15z
UNISYS Water Vapor GOES East Satellite


Interesting statistics on the Lee-Katia dynamic, but, Katia is only being measured every six hours.  That's not good.


People need to complain about the underfunding of their government, it shows.

Below are the statistics regarding the two storms.  Kindly note the central pressures.

LEE

 11  29.60  -92.50 09/04/09Z   40   987 TROPICAL STORM

11A  29.70  -92.00 09/04/12Z   40   986 TROPICAL STORM

 12  29.90  -91.90 09/04/15Z   40   986 TROPICAL STORM

12A  30.40  -91.80 09/04/18Z   40   987 TROPICAL STORM

 13  30.60  -91.80 09/04/21Z   40   987 TROPICAL STORM

13A  30.90  -91.80 09/05/00Z   35   989 TROPICAL STORM

 14  31.00  -91.40 09/05/03Z   30   990 TROPICAL DEPRESSION

September 5, 2011

1130.13z

UNISYS Water Vapor GOES East Satellite (click title to entry - thank you)

The time mark 09/04/09z for both storms show two tropical storms with Lee's central pressure actually lower than Katia.

At time mark 09/04/12z which is three hours later for Lee.  (Each time mark is NORMALLY 3 hours apart to monitor the severity of the storm.)  But, for Lee there was  a millibar of change in pressure of 1 to 986 milibars.  That continued through time mark 09/04/15z.

In the same time marks in Katia there were alarming changes.

Katia

 25  21.40  -58.50 09/04/09Z   60   992 TROPICAL STORM

 26  21.90  -59.20 09/04/15Z   85     - HURRICANE-2

 27  22.70  -60.10 09/04/21Z   90   965 HURRICANE-2

 28  23.40  -61.00 09/05/03Z   90   965 HURRICANE-2

 29  23.90  -62.00 09/05/09Z   85   972 HURRICANE-2

At time mark 09//04/09z Katia was a Tropical Storm at a central pressure of 992.  Six hours later, not three hours, but six hours at 09/04/15z Katia had dropped its central pressure 

with no record made, but, its winds escalated 15 mph to 85 mph.  

The entire transition of this storm at what normally would have been time mark 09/04/12z was missed.  At that point Katia would have been recorded and NOTED to be changing 

dyanmics quickly to a Cat 1 hurricane.

By the time central pressure measurements resumed at mark 09/04/21z the Cat 2 hurricane had dropped its central pressure by a whooping 27 millibars and Katia was now screaming in the Atlantic with a central pressure of 965 and winds of 90 mph AND A VERY CLEAR AND 

DISCERNIBLE EYE.

The reason this is significant beyond the negligence of proper funding for sufficient and

QUALIFIED personnel it that it clarifies the Climate Crisis dynamic of these huge storms.  To say this is more than obvious is important, but, to realize both storms dropped their central

pressures at the same time is hugely significant. 

THEY MOVE AS if ONE and that is DANGEROUS and a new prediction science, because the future holds storms on both coasts at the same time increasing dangers together.

Katia will have a similar pattern as Earl from the 2010 season.  FOR NOW.  

And to realize 'the sameness' of two seasons running is an important factor to 

note.

This Labor Day, thank the unions

President Obama greets Hector Sealey, Safety Director, Ft. Myer Construction Corporation, as AFL-CIO President Richard Trumka looks on. At a Rose Garden event Wednesday, Aug. 31, Obama urged Congress to pass a federal highway bill.

Carolyn Kaster/AP

All to often the average citizen doesn't realize how much their own lives are touched by unions.  If it weren't for unions the forty hour work week would not exist.


It is the will and spirit of unionization that brings people together to fight for bills such as the Family-Medical Leave Act.  

I hope everyone takes time this Labor Day Weekend to realize how much of the greatness of our Middle Class, the strength of our economy, is due to unionization and the demand for recognition for work done well.

....Over the past century, (click title to entry - thank you)  labor unions have fought for more than just this workers’ holiday, struggling to improve wages, hours and working conditions. Early on, the courts considered union and group bargaining to be illegal, and employers would not negotiate with representatives. Laborers didn’t give up. In 1935, under President Franklin Roosevelt, the National Labor Relations Act and other laws required employers to bargain with unions.



Forty-hour work weeks, workplace safety, vacation time, benefits, pensions, even lunch breaks — these rights were secured by unions. Whether you’re a union member or not, public or private sector, take a moment today and give thanks to those who came before us in the American labor movement. It’s time for our generation to carry the fight forward, and to renew and preserve the American Dream for the next generation — the workers of       tomorrow and our nation’s future....

R-E-V-E-N-U-E !!!!!!!!

If the Republicans cannot get out of their own way to do the right thing for the country, then they are incompetent and need to be removed from office.


We don't need ideologues, we need legislators.


END   OF   DISCUSSION !


That is it.  No more bullshit !


The Republicans are not full partners in this country.  They are owned by Right Wing Extremists that have caused this problem.  There cannot be any Bi-Partisanship with extremists.  Governance begins with ownership and a partnership to 'get it done.'  That is not what exists in the House.  The government has been placed in peril by the very fact the people cannot get relief from their circumstances where there are reasonable solutions at hand.  The Republicans are placing the tax base of the USA in peril, hence its national security and the future of this nation.  

Conservationists muster their resources and do the right thing. We are all too used to it.

What I don't understand is why would this administration go through the cost of litigation when they are going to loss the argument in the first place.  We should have done this with Bush.


It is on the radar now.  

Tell President Obama You're Outraged! Clean Up Our Air Now, Send a Message Today!  (click here) 

Everyone in the MORAL community knows the drill all too well.  And what is really interesting, the Environmental Defense Action Fund reminded me; these announcements are always, always made when it might slip by.  I never thought President Obama would resort to GOP tactics against this community.  I guess the coaching must have been among those that try to be the slickest.  It must be in Speaker Boner's playbook handed down over generations of polluters and human rights violators.

Obama, Ozone, and Political Horse-Trading (click title to entry - thank you)

September 3, 2011

By Dominique Browning 

President Obama has just announced a controversial decision  (because we're all paying close attention over the Labor Day weekend, of course) not to raise the ozone standards for air pollution–in spite of pressure from environmentalists and his own head of EPA, Lisa Jackson. He is responding, instead, to requests from House Speaker John Boehner, as well as the U.S. Chamber of Commerce; opposition to the regulation was focused on the expense  to businesses of meeting it, which they claimed was somewhere in the range of $20 to $90 billion annually….

DONATE TO YOUR ENVIRONMENTAL ORGANIZATION OF CHOICE AS MUCH AS YOU CAN AFFORD.  THANK YOU.


The stake-holders will be numerous, the American Lung Association among them.


Obama is playing footsey with the "W"rong folks.  Does he actually think Boner and the US Chamber of Commerce deal it straight?  Does he actually believe they are friends to the American people?  NOT.  At all.  His idea of bipartisanship is poorly thought out.  If this is a shadow of his jobs proposal then he doesn't have one.  I don't know whom is advising him, but, it is too desperate for my palate.

Secretary Solis' "State of the American Worker"

The Clean Energy Sector needs the kind of attention to improve their market share that the Auto Industry received.  We have invested well into these vital technologies and they should NOT be left to flounder when it is moral to keep their employees at work to help the USA build a cleaner and stronger and domestic energy industry.  Their difficulty is by no fault of their own.

Michigan's Rick Snyder has to be litigated. The double standard and 'slick' language is a give away.

...What does bother (click title to entry - thank you) the governor is that he feels that some of his reforms have been misunderstood, something which he says is partly a communication failure on his part....


Snyder is taking a lot for granted with State's Rights when it comes to his "Occupation Laws" that take democratic rights away from citizens while assigning them to City Control Czars.


In that case, Snyder believes States Rights is more than appropriate.


But, when it comes to States Rights in environmental law, Snyder believes The State of Michigan should NOT address any unique issue and only have federal laws apply.  Not that the Great Lakes create environmental dynamics that are different from Arizona,. but, simply that the ELEMENTS on the Periodic Table of Elements are the same everywhere.


Snyder is just one of THOSE Republicans that don't have the capacity to discern what is important to Civil Rights or Environmental Law, so long as the 'bottom line' is correct.  He is most probably the worst Governor Michigan has ever seen.


In separate context to litigate either of these issues is a good idea, but, when realizing he is 'Cherry Picking' his States Rights makes any litigation more viable.


Oh, yeah, the 'slick' language thing.


Let's see if we can detect a lie when he states like any adolescent "But I was Misunderstood."


And the fact that when Snyder's legislation to date shows a profound lack of understand of States Rights but only a meandering through law for ideological achievements, there is a very clear character issue.  The character issue at hand is "He ain't got what it takes."


The way I see it there is only a few reasons to be an ideologue.  As noted with Christie fallling back on 'recognizable patterns of behavior' like calling for unnecessary studies means manipulation of the electorate will be better defined for himself to protect his cronies.


And then there is the Snyder reason to be an ideologue, so he can appear to know what he is doing regardless of the laws it insults or the harm it does.  The changes will be so radical even if a higher court states he is out of line, what difference does it make.  After all when his czars get finished, even partially finished he can then argue that he was right regardless of the Rule of Law.


Protectionist motives actually.


Then take the ALEC directive.  If one is an ideologue and the dialogue is dictated by sameness across the universe, how then can a Governor like Walker ever be "W"rong?


Creating DOCTRINE, which is what ALEC (click here) DOES, makes becoming a cronied millionaire at the cost of democracy; idiots work.  Doctrine then becomes a national mind think results in Wall Street MADE EASY.  I think the POPULOUS name would be "Wall Street for Idiots."


The rare find in Republican Leadership is one that actually thinks for a living.  Their culture is so mired in "Rove's World of Success" that no one dare venture outside of it.  Besides being in the world of populism is where any Republican lives these days, although, there are a rare exception.  That populism is created by Murdoch and his cell phone hackers at the very least.  Gossip is everything these days, except, perhaps in Libya and the nations of the Arab Spring where they are truly seeing their world changing to allow for the air they breath.


But, Snyder was never qualified for the job.  He massacred a Michigan Small Business of which he had conflict of interest in the offices he held in the company.  


The point is that bringing 'the quality' of leadership across a broad spectrum of government that can be documented as repeated and ideological while inconsistent in the understanding of The Rule of Law, is a viable challenge in any litigation against him or the misguided legislators.  When it is obvious exploitation of citizen's rights by destroying their local government and elected officials where no wrong doing can be cited or excluding the unique environmental needs of Michigan that are not legislated federally; the understanding that Snyder, like many of his cohorts, lean on ideology rather than sound understanding of governance.  That brings about a picture of incompetency that adds to litigation.  Incompetency when systemic and documented is a tool to clarify the understanding Snyder is misdirecting legislation in a way that is harmful to citizens and their inherent constitutional rights. 
.

So sorry.

Have I been obnoxious?


Better that than a fool.


Isn't easier and politically safe to believe God is going to fix eveything for the virtuous humans on Earth, than actually regulate to improve health and save lives?  I could never understand how Republicans actually got away with 'the idea' God is on our side.  THAT isn't even a tenant (lending) of the Bible.  The Christian Bible.  God demands human beings to LIVE UP TO expectations, not to be rescued for the lack of it.

I suppose there were no studies by the Petroleum Industry about THE PLUME and hurricanes either, huh?

Oil in the water at the site of the Deepwater Horizon oil spill in the Gulf of Mexico. Photograph: Gerald Herbert/Pool/EPA


Submerged suggest gulf spill is worse than BP claims (click here)

Scientists believe marine 'dead zones' being created; firm succeeds in blocking rig riser pipe with siphon


...Samantha Joye, marine science professor at the University of Georgia, who is working on the project, told the Guardian: "The plumes are abundant throughout the region. I would say they've become characteristic of this environment."...

September 3, 2011
1930.14z
UNISYS Infrared GOES East Satellite (click title to entry for 12 hour loop - thank you)


Who was that clown handing out monies for BP's liability along the Gulf Coast?  He isn't finished yet !

National poll pressures feds for coastal restoration (click here)

12:44 AM, Sep. 1, 2011  

We remember when $14 billion was real money.

That was one of the early guesstimates for restoring Louisiana's eroding Gulf Coast in the days before Hurricane Katrina ($100 billion is one estimate) and the BP oil spill (the billion-dollar meter's still running). Then there was the financial disaster of 2008 that put federal rescue-and-spending initiatives in the trillion-dollar realm to stabilize the nation's eroding economy.

Yet amid taxpayers' newfound concern about a mounting national debt and a re-examination of government's role in our lives, a recent survey caught our eye….


A NEW reason for the Petroleum Industry to raise prices.  What economic recovery?  There will never be a good time to regulate ozone.  Get over it and get it done!!!!

US: 60 pct of Gulf of Mexico oil output shut by Lee (click here)

Sat Sep 3, 2011 6:09pm GMT

HOUSTON, Sept 3 (Reuters) - Sixty percent of crude oil production and more than half of natural gas output were shut in U.S.-regulated areas of the Gulf of Mexico on Saturday as Tropical Storm Lee hammered the Louisiana Coast, the U.S. government said.

The U.S. Bureau of Ocean Energy Management said 844,190 barrels per day (bpd), or 60.3 percent, of Gulf oil production was shut after companies pulled workers form offshore platforms on Friday. Workers began returning to some platforms on Saturday, but no production had been restored.

Also, 2,896 million cubic feet per day of natural gas output, or 54.6 percent, was shut in as of Saturday. (Reporting by Erwin Seba: Editing by Vicki Allen)