Utah's Patriot Grandma
Tuesday, October 23, 2012
Disappointed in Matheson!
I am disappointed in Jim Matheson. Maybe he used to put Utah first. Now he is part of a political machine with misleading ads and mailers. Leading up to the Obamacare vote, I contacted his office frequently by phone and in person. His staff always declined to state his position, saying he was studying the bill. At the very last minute, he withheld his support only because the democrats had enough votes without him. He never came out strongly against the bill. He didn't show leadership to oppose any specific parts of the bill. This is his pattern. Instead of leading out, he goes along to get along.
Matheson is a big government guy. He favors taking our tax dollars to Washington and then sending back a few of them with strings attached, ie. education. Our children wouldn't suffer without the bloated Dept. of Education wasting our money with administrative costs and then giving us back a portion along with a list of mandates. Mia Love would keep our money here in Utah and let us control our own education. Mia wouldn't eliminate student loans, but she would eliminate GOVERNMENT CONTROLLED students loans. Obamacare actually removed private sector student loan options. Matheson and Obama believe government is the answer. Mia Love believes the people are the answer. If you want less government and more freedom of choice, VOTE MIA LOVE!
Mia Love's Conservative Leadership
Mia love is a superb example of a conservative leader with innovative ideas-someone willing to listen to her constituents and their ideas. She is not afraid of hard work to bring about positive results for local families, her community, our state and the nation. During her mayoral tenure, some local citizens approached her requesting a library for Saratoga Springs. Mia loved the idea of having a community library but recognized that her city was not in a position to build a library without taking on additional debt. She felt that taking on debt was not a wise option.
Instead she pledged $10,000 of seed money if the group could organize, get their neighbors involved, raise their own funds and create a library. These citizens accepted the challenge. Mia joined forces with these volunteers and together they held fund raising activities, gathered book donations, etc. It took hundreds of hours and a lot of personal sacrifice but they had a worthy goal and were determined to make it happen.
As the books poured in and the funds accumulated, they looked for a place for their library. There was some unused space in the basement of their city building. They cleaned out the basement, built shelves, and organized their books. These volunteers literally created, built and staffed their library without additional city money or debt. Mia volunteered right along with other library aficionados.
Who wouldn't want a local library? Saratoga Springs got their library without borrowing money. What a great conservative story! Congratulations to Saratoga Springs citizens and their mayor, Mia Love, for applying principles of self-reliance to achieve their goal!!!
Instead she pledged $10,000 of seed money if the group could organize, get their neighbors involved, raise their own funds and create a library. These citizens accepted the challenge. Mia joined forces with these volunteers and together they held fund raising activities, gathered book donations, etc. It took hundreds of hours and a lot of personal sacrifice but they had a worthy goal and were determined to make it happen.
As the books poured in and the funds accumulated, they looked for a place for their library. There was some unused space in the basement of their city building. They cleaned out the basement, built shelves, and organized their books. These volunteers literally created, built and staffed their library without additional city money or debt. Mia volunteered right along with other library aficionados.
Who wouldn't want a local library? Saratoga Springs got their library without borrowing money. What a great conservative story! Congratulations to Saratoga Springs citizens and their mayor, Mia Love, for applying principles of self-reliance to achieve their goal!!!
Sunday, August 12, 2012
More Government Waste & Fraud? Shocking News!
2. $14 Billion in Jobless Benefits Overpaid in ’11
The unemployment insurance system in America suffers the second highest rate for “improper payments” of any federal program, behind the National School Lunch Program, and overpayments topped $14 billion last year alone.
The overpayments accounted for 11 percent of all jobless benefits paid out by the federal government and states in 2011, according to reports from the U.S. Labor Department.
Of the overpaid funds, most end up in the hands of three types of people: those who aren’t actively searching for a job, those who quit voluntarily, and those who continue to collect after returning to work. All are ineligible for benefits.
A small number of cases constitute deliberate fraud of the system, using fake documents or identities, often involving prison inmates, illegal immigrants or even deceased persons, CNN Money reported.
“Unemployment checks are going to graveyards,” Vice President Joe Biden said in September as the federal and state governments launched an effort to stem the overpayments and collect those already made.
The Labor Department estimates that half of its overpayments are recoverable, but historically only about a quarter of the recoverable overpayments have actually been collected.
When the government finds an overpayment, it often sends a letter demanding that the claimant return the funds. Government attorneys can also seek to recoup the money by setting up payment plans, garnishing wages, or deducting money from income tax refunds. Punishment can also include probation, but jail time is rare.
Last year there were about 2,700 convictions for fraud related to unemployment benefits, according to CNN Money.
Among the states, Indiana was the worst offender for overpayments, dishing out more improper payments in 2011 than correct ones.
Editor's Note:
Chilling Testimony: Lou Dobbs, Dick Morris, John Bolton ...
Saturday, July 7, 2012
Info on Flesh Eating Bacteria...
I received an email today containing some excellent information on flesh eating bacteria called necrotizing fascitis. It's a condition that needs IMMEDIATE medical attention. Hopefully this information will help you understand this rare but deadly condition.
Recognize the Early Signs
Even though it's highly unlikely you'll come down with necrotizing fasciitis, knowing how to recognize the early signs of this or any other disease can make all the difference in your outcome if you ever do.
Necrotizing fasciitis usually begins as a small, painful bump. The bump grows rapidly into a painful bruise. By rapidly, I mean in the course of just an hour or two. The center of the bruise will sometimes turn black in color as the skin begins to die. That's a sure sign you need immediate and urgent care. In the two cases we've been discussing, both women sought treatment on the fourth day after being infected. It goes to show that days, even a few hours, can make a difference.
You may also run a fever, feel dizzy, and experience weakness.
If you see these symptoms, get to the emergency room as fast as you can. You know how I feel about emergency rooms – crowded, impersonal, insanely expensive, and often gathering places for "Typhoid Marys" – so you know I don't say that lightly!
Simple Prevention and Quick Diagnosis Is Your Best Bet
While knowing how to recognize the early signs of necrotizing fasciitis could save either your life or your limbs, knowing how to prevent it is even better.
And, prevention is simple.
A couple of simple precautions are to avoid going barefoot, especially outdoors, and to wear gloves when doing physical labor.
I especially like mechanics' gloves, sold in home centers and auto parts stores for about ten dollars. They're tough, comfortable, form-fitting, dry quickly and are almost impossible to wear out. Wear them not only for any automotive work but anytime you're using tools, handing building materials, or even gardening. I also wear them to guard against germs at the gym or anyplace else I'm going to be touching equipment shared by others.
Anytime you cut yourself or get a scrape, wash and disinfect the wound and the skin surrounding it. Soap and water or alcohol-based hand sanitizers are best. If neither is available, use hydrogen peroxide, rubbing alcohol, colloidal silver, or even distilled spirits (whisky, vodka, etc.)
Effective self-care for deeper or larger wounds includes an Epsom salt bath; regular table salt will do if you don't have Epsom salts on hand. Even a pinprick can be enough to give bacteria an opening into your body. In one case, a gentleman ended up with necrotizing fasciitis from a tiny puncture wound caused by a pine needle on his Christmas tree.
Another point to remember is to discuss sterilization and hygiene before any surgery, whether in-patient or outpatient. Sadly, a number of these infections start in hospitals.
Necrotizing fasciitis is rare. If you're careful to treat your injuries properly, you'll go a long way to preventing even the faint chance that you might develop a flesh-eating condition. Perhaps more importantly, the steps toward minimizing the risk of this disease can also help you avoid many other health risks.
It's all part of being ready for anything in these unprecedented times, when self-reliance is key.
Yours in Good Health,
Heather Robson, HealthEdge
Recognize the Early Signs
Even though it's highly unlikely you'll come down with necrotizing fasciitis, knowing how to recognize the early signs of this or any other disease can make all the difference in your outcome if you ever do.
Necrotizing fasciitis usually begins as a small, painful bump. The bump grows rapidly into a painful bruise. By rapidly, I mean in the course of just an hour or two. The center of the bruise will sometimes turn black in color as the skin begins to die. That's a sure sign you need immediate and urgent care. In the two cases we've been discussing, both women sought treatment on the fourth day after being infected. It goes to show that days, even a few hours, can make a difference.
You may also run a fever, feel dizzy, and experience weakness.
If you see these symptoms, get to the emergency room as fast as you can. You know how I feel about emergency rooms – crowded, impersonal, insanely expensive, and often gathering places for "Typhoid Marys" – so you know I don't say that lightly!
Simple Prevention and Quick Diagnosis Is Your Best Bet
While knowing how to recognize the early signs of necrotizing fasciitis could save either your life or your limbs, knowing how to prevent it is even better.
And, prevention is simple.
A couple of simple precautions are to avoid going barefoot, especially outdoors, and to wear gloves when doing physical labor.
I especially like mechanics' gloves, sold in home centers and auto parts stores for about ten dollars. They're tough, comfortable, form-fitting, dry quickly and are almost impossible to wear out. Wear them not only for any automotive work but anytime you're using tools, handing building materials, or even gardening. I also wear them to guard against germs at the gym or anyplace else I'm going to be touching equipment shared by others.
Anytime you cut yourself or get a scrape, wash and disinfect the wound and the skin surrounding it. Soap and water or alcohol-based hand sanitizers are best. If neither is available, use hydrogen peroxide, rubbing alcohol, colloidal silver, or even distilled spirits (whisky, vodka, etc.)
Effective self-care for deeper or larger wounds includes an Epsom salt bath; regular table salt will do if you don't have Epsom salts on hand. Even a pinprick can be enough to give bacteria an opening into your body. In one case, a gentleman ended up with necrotizing fasciitis from a tiny puncture wound caused by a pine needle on his Christmas tree.
Another point to remember is to discuss sterilization and hygiene before any surgery, whether in-patient or outpatient. Sadly, a number of these infections start in hospitals.
Necrotizing fasciitis is rare. If you're careful to treat your injuries properly, you'll go a long way to preventing even the faint chance that you might develop a flesh-eating condition. Perhaps more importantly, the steps toward minimizing the risk of this disease can also help you avoid many other health risks.
It's all part of being ready for anything in these unprecedented times, when self-reliance is key.
Yours in Good Health,
Heather Robson, HealthEdge
Thursday, July 5, 2012
Scott Walker Hits Another Home Run!
Governor Walker Breaks New Ground in Higher Ed
Governor Scott Walker (R-WI), already well known for his efforts to curb union power, has now set out totackle an equally big task: busting the higher education bubble.
The problem of college affordability is recognized on both sides of the aisle, but sadly, most efforts to abate the problem - such as increasingfederal subsidies - have only exacerbated it. Walker wants to try a different approach for taxpayers and students in his state.
Last Tuesday, Walker released his proposal to create the University of Wisconsin Flexible Degree Program, a competency-based approach using bothonline learning and traditional college courses. He explained:
This unique competency-based model will allow students to start classes anytime they like, work at their own pace, and earn credit forwhat they already know... Students can use knowledge obtained on the job, through free open courseware, or anywhere else to quickly test out of amodule or a course. A student may move ahead as soon as he or she can prove content mastery.
Obtaining a degree through the University of Wisconsin system will now be more affordable and customizable. By tapping into and giving credit for theknowledge a student has obtained outside the classroom or through another school, the Flexible Degree Program brings down the cost and the timerequired to graduate. If a student proves his mastery of a certain subject, he can obtain credit without taking a full class. Walker's office notes:
Students can demonstrate college-level competencies - no matter where they learned the material - as soon as they can prove that they knowit...
Rather than molding coursework around a set timeframe, these modules can be designed to contain only the knowledge required within a specificcompetency. This could benefit working adults who need to start and pause their studies because of work and personal commitments. It could alsobenefit highly motivated students who are able to move through course materials at a faster pace.
Courses in this new program will be based on competency, not seat time, so students can move on to the next topic when they have mastered the currentmaterial. Students will have broad access to high quality coursework and student services, and they can graduate as soon as they can prove theirmastery of the material...
Students with extensive knowledge from the workplace, free open courseware, or other life experiences will be able to quickly move closer to degreecompletion by having their knowledge assessed and credited.
The classes can also be tailored to allow for a student's busy schedule or career goals. What's more, Walker expects the program to reach eveninternational students, broadening the university's student and revenue base.
Governor Walker, as was the case with his efforts to curb union influence and empower teachers, is on the cutting edge of a higher educationrevolution. As Heritage's Stuart Butler notes:
In as little as a decade, most colleges and universities could look very different from their present forms - with the cost of a collegecredential plummeting even as the quality of instruction rises.
If this transformation does come to pass, it could have profound and beneficial implications. It could significantly increase the internationalcompetitiveness of American workers in a world in which we need higher skills and productivity to compete. It could sharply improve the employabilityof those on the bottom rungs of America's income ladder, giving them the tools they need to move up. And it could do much to restore the AmericanDream for those who have begun to believe that opportunity in this country is disappearing. In other words, such a change could hardly come toosoon.
Walker's plan is a real solution to the problem of college affordability, cutting costs for the student and the taxpayer. The first-in-the-nationFlexible Degree Program is a great step toward giving all students their chance at the American Dream.
Governor Scott Walker (R-WI), already well known for his efforts to curb union power, has now set out totackle an equally big task: busting the higher education bubble.
The problem of college affordability is recognized on both sides of the aisle, but sadly, most efforts to abate the problem - such as increasingfederal subsidies - have only exacerbated it. Walker wants to try a different approach for taxpayers and students in his state.
Last Tuesday, Walker released his proposal to create the University of Wisconsin Flexible Degree Program, a competency-based approach using bothonline learning and traditional college courses. He explained:
This unique competency-based model will allow students to start classes anytime they like, work at their own pace, and earn credit forwhat they already know... Students can use knowledge obtained on the job, through free open courseware, or anywhere else to quickly test out of amodule or a course. A student may move ahead as soon as he or she can prove content mastery.
Obtaining a degree through the University of Wisconsin system will now be more affordable and customizable. By tapping into and giving credit for theknowledge a student has obtained outside the classroom or through another school, the Flexible Degree Program brings down the cost and the timerequired to graduate. If a student proves his mastery of a certain subject, he can obtain credit without taking a full class. Walker's office notes:
Students can demonstrate college-level competencies - no matter where they learned the material - as soon as they can prove that they knowit...
Rather than molding coursework around a set timeframe, these modules can be designed to contain only the knowledge required within a specificcompetency. This could benefit working adults who need to start and pause their studies because of work and personal commitments. It could alsobenefit highly motivated students who are able to move through course materials at a faster pace.
Courses in this new program will be based on competency, not seat time, so students can move on to the next topic when they have mastered the currentmaterial. Students will have broad access to high quality coursework and student services, and they can graduate as soon as they can prove theirmastery of the material...
Students with extensive knowledge from the workplace, free open courseware, or other life experiences will be able to quickly move closer to degreecompletion by having their knowledge assessed and credited.
The classes can also be tailored to allow for a student's busy schedule or career goals. What's more, Walker expects the program to reach eveninternational students, broadening the university's student and revenue base.
Governor Walker, as was the case with his efforts to curb union influence and empower teachers, is on the cutting edge of a higher educationrevolution. As Heritage's Stuart Butler notes:
In as little as a decade, most colleges and universities could look very different from their present forms - with the cost of a collegecredential plummeting even as the quality of instruction rises.
If this transformation does come to pass, it could have profound and beneficial implications. It could significantly increase the internationalcompetitiveness of American workers in a world in which we need higher skills and productivity to compete. It could sharply improve the employabilityof those on the bottom rungs of America's income ladder, giving them the tools they need to move up. And it could do much to restore the AmericanDream for those who have begun to believe that opportunity in this country is disappearing. In other words, such a change could hardly come toosoon.
Walker's plan is a real solution to the problem of college affordability, cutting costs for the student and the taxpayer. The first-in-the-nationFlexible Degree Program is a great step toward giving all students their chance at the American Dream.
Sunday, June 24, 2012
Power vs. Principle
I had an interesting conversation with a gentleman this week as I was knocking doors of registered republicans to urge them to vote on Tuesday, June 26th for Dan Liljenquist. Initially he said he was inclined to vote for Hatch because it was all about Hatch's power. " We need his power and influence to get things done in Washington," he said. I've thought a lot about his comment these past two days and realized that this "power" is what this election between Hatch and Liljenquist is all about.
Hatch has been accumulating "power and influence" for 36 years. This power enabled him to assemble a war chest of money well over $10 million dollars, the majority of which came from special interest groups outside of Utah, to convince the Utah voters that we need his influence and power and without it we are doomed. Only with his help can Mitt Romney "fix" Washington.
On the other hand, Dan Liljenquist's motives for running are just the opposite. He has a goal of shifting power from Washington and returning it to the states and to the people where, under the Constitution of the United States, it belongs. I am supporting Dan because I'm sick and tired of Washington's continual power grab--the constant encroachment of rules, regulations and taxes which are stripping the individual of personal freedoms and individual responsibility and enslaving not only us, but our children and grandchildren, with mountains of debt. Hatch is part of the system that got us into this mess and he has supported and created programs and appointments that are eroding our liberties.
I have been more than annoyed the past two days as I have watched the disappearance of most of the 80+ signs I have posted for Dan. Interestingly enough, only Dan's signs are missing. Those of other political candidates remain intact. It seems to be extremely important to Hatch's campaign that he retain his power. Why else would a 78 year old man who has been in Washington 36 years but originally campaigned on the premise - "What do you do with a man who has been a senator for 18 years? Bring him home" be running for office again? Indeed, it is all about the power. And he's not willing to give it up. Power corrupts. You leave someone in Washington too long and he becomes tainted with his own importance and the cronyism that pervades that culture. Unfortunately such is the case with Senator Hatch.
I believe Dan has the commitment and ability to make a difference in the culture of Washington. He will join other fresh, young senators who are willing give up their "elite" benefits and again empower the states and the citizens to make more of their own decisions regarding education, employment, health care, retirement, etc. He is a principled warrior for liberty. I believe it's "Time for Dan". Bring back our power. Send Senator Hatch home!
Power vs. Principle - you decide on Tuesday, June 26, 2012. P.S. After our enlightening discussion, the gentlemen who precipitated my contemplation, decided to VOTE FOR DAN!
Friday, June 22, 2012
What Does Michelle Malkin Say About Liljenquist?
Conservative author, columnist, and commentator Michelle Malkin: "Liljenquist’s integrity and commitment to reining in runaway spending are unassailable. In state-legislative policy circles, he’s known as the 'Paul Ryan of Utah,' after the courageous and wonky Wisconsin Republican congressman who’s forcing kick-the-can politicians in both parties to reckon with welfare-state profligacy. Liljenquist doesn’t just preach fiscal discipline or embrace it during election years. He has led the way as a nationally honored budget and pension reformer in the Utah senate."
Support Dan Liljenquist.
What’s good for Indiana, Texas, and Nebraska is good for Utah: Out with the old. In with the next generation of fiscally conservative GOP leaders. 36 years is enough.
***
The balanced budget amendment — while important to many founding Tea Party activists and candidates — was simply not what drove so many thousands of first-time fiscal activists onto the streets and into town halls and polling booths. It was disgust with the very kind of big-spending bipartisanship which Orrin Hatch embodies.
Remember in November.
Hatch is not the conservative he is made out to be. Time for him to go.
http://www.conservativedailynews.com/2011/03/orrin-hatch-conservative-or-rino/
Support Dan Liljenquist.
What’s good for Indiana, Texas, and Nebraska is good for Utah: Out with the old. In with the next generation of fiscally conservative GOP leaders. 36 years is enough.
***
The balanced budget amendment — while important to many founding Tea Party activists and candidates — was simply not what drove so many thousands of first-time fiscal activists onto the streets and into town halls and polling booths. It was disgust with the very kind of big-spending bipartisanship which Orrin Hatch embodies.
Remember in November.
See what others have said
On May 23rd, 2012 at 6:08 am, Rick013 said:
http://www.conservativedailynews.com/2011/03/orrin-hatch-conservative-or-rino/
Liljenquist excelled in the private sector as a global management consultant and business strategist; he also helmed a privately owned call center company that grew from two to 1,500 employees since its 1995 founding. Liljenquist was elected to the Utah Senate in 2008, where he spearheaded state pension and Medicaid reforms that earned him the non-partisan Governing magazine’s 2011 “Public Official of the Year” award.
The 36-year, six-term Hatch was first elected in 1976 on an anti-entrenched incumbent platform. Hatch’s campaign line then against his opponent Frank Moss: “What do you call a Senator who’s served in office for 18 years? You call him home.” Now, Hatch is clinging to power after almost four decades in government — and vainly attempting to claim the tea party mantle to stave off Liljenquist’s David vs. Goliath primary challenge.
…The GOP needs just four seats to take control of the Senate. With inspired and inspiring free-market candidates like Dan Liljenquist, Richard Mourdock and Ted Cruz, 2012 bodes well for the tea party footprint on Capitol Hill. Remember: Entrenched incumbency is the disease. Fresh blood is the cure.
Part of a post on www.MichelleMalkin.com. Go to archives for June, 2012 and scroll down to Sarah Palin's Endorsement of the Beltway Barnacle, Orrin Hatch. There is a post on June 6, 2012 regarding Orrin Hatch for more information.
The 36-year, six-term Hatch was first elected in 1976 on an anti-entrenched incumbent platform. Hatch’s campaign line then against his opponent Frank Moss: “What do you call a Senator who’s served in office for 18 years? You call him home.” Now, Hatch is clinging to power after almost four decades in government — and vainly attempting to claim the tea party mantle to stave off Liljenquist’s David vs. Goliath primary challenge.
…The GOP needs just four seats to take control of the Senate. With inspired and inspiring free-market candidates like Dan Liljenquist, Richard Mourdock and Ted Cruz, 2012 bodes well for the tea party footprint on Capitol Hill. Remember: Entrenched incumbency is the disease. Fresh blood is the cure.
Part of a post on www.MichelleMalkin.com. Go to archives for June, 2012 and scroll down to Sarah Palin's Endorsement of the Beltway Barnacle, Orrin Hatch. There is a post on June 6, 2012 regarding Orrin Hatch for more information.
Subscribe to:
Comments (Atom)