Obama Orders Pay Raise for Biden, Members of Congress, Federal Workers
The Congress and the President cannot agree on anything to keep us from going over the Fiscal Cliff, but this they can do. Obama, through executive order, gives pay raises.
Saturday, December 29, 2012
Thursday, December 27, 2012
'Jobless Workers' Getting More Taxpayer Money to Pay Their Health Insurance Premiums | CNS News
'Jobless Workers' Getting More Taxpayer Money to Pay Their Health Insurance Premiums | CNS News
With more jobless workers going on to disability, where is this money coming from? While Americans are facing the single largest tax hike in United States history, the government continues to spend money.
46 cents of every dollar spent by the government is borrowed!
With more jobless workers going on to disability, where is this money coming from? While Americans are facing the single largest tax hike in United States history, the government continues to spend money.
46 cents of every dollar spent by the government is borrowed!
Michael Moore: ‘Calm Down, White People, and Put Away Your Guns’ | CNS News
Michael Moore: ‘Calm Down, White People, and Put Away Your Guns’ | CNS News
Why is that people forget about Chicago which has the toughest gun laws, but has one of the highest murder rates in the nation?
Why is that people forget about Chicago which has the toughest gun laws, but has one of the highest murder rates in the nation?
Sunday, December 23, 2012
More Stimulus?
The White House proposes $50 billion of stimulus spending as part of their solution for the "fiscal cliff". Can America afford more spending with a national debt that is over $16 trillion.
Sunday, December 9, 2012
Tuesday, November 27, 2012
Friday, November 16, 2012
HOSTESS BRANDS TO WIND DOWN COMPANY AFTER BCTGM UNION STRIKE CRIPPLES OPERATIONS
Hostess Brands Inc. today announced that it is winding down operations and has filed a motion with the U.S. Bankruptcy Court seeking permission to close its business and sell its assets, including its iconic brands and facilities. Bakery operations have been suspended at all plants. Delivery of products will continue and Hostess Brands retail stores will remain open for several days in order to sell already-baked products.
The Board of Directors authorized the wind down of Hostess Brands to preserve and maximize the value of the estate after one of the Company’s largest unions, the Bakery, Confectionery, Tobacco Workers and Grain Millers International Union (BCTGM), initiated a nationwide strike that crippled the Company’s ability to produce and deliver products at multiple facilities.
On Nov. 12, Hostess Brands permanently closed three plants as a result of the work stoppage. On Nov. 14, the Company announced it would be forced to liquidate if sufficient employees did not return to work to restore normal operations by 5 p.m., EST p.m., Nov. 15. The Company determined on the night of Nov. 15 that an insufficient number of employees had returned to work to enable the restoration of normal operations.
The BCTGM in September rejected a last, best and final offer from Hostess Brands designed to lower costs so that the Company could attract new financing and emerge from Chapter 11. Hostess Brands then received Court authority on Oct. 3 to unilaterally impose changes to the BCTGM’s collective bargaining agreements.
Hostess Brands is unprofitable under its current cost structure, much of which is determined by union wages and pension costs. The offer to the BCTGM included wage, benefit and work rule concessions but also gave Hostess Brands’ 12 unions a 25 percent ownership stake in the company, representation on its Board of Directors and $100 million in reorganized Hostess Brands’ debt.
“We deeply regret the necessity of today’s decision, but we do not have the financial resources to weather an extended nationwide strike,” said Gregory F. Rayburn, chief executive officer. “Hostess Brands will move promptly to lay off most of its 18,500-member workforce and focus on selling its assets to the highest bidders.”
In addition to dozens of baking and distribution facilities around the country, Hostess Brands will sell its popular brands, including Hostess®, Drakes® and Dolly Madison®, which make iconic cake products such as Twinkies®, CupCakes, Ding Dongs®, Ho Ho’s®, Sno Balls® and Donettes®. Bread brands to be sold include Wonder®, Nature’s Pride ®, Merita®, Home Pride®, Butternut®, and Beefsteak®, among others.
The wind down means the closure of 33 bakeries, 565 distribution centers, approximately 5,500 delivery routes and 570 bakery outlet stores throughout the United States.
The Company said its debtor-in-possession lenders have agreed to allow the Company to continue to have access to the $75 million financing facility put in place at the start of the bankruptcy cases to fund the sale and wind down process, subject to U.S. Bankruptcy Court approval.
The Company’s motion asks the Court for authority to continue to pay employees whose services are required during the wind-down period.
For employees whose jobs will be eliminated, additional information can be found at hostessbrands.info . The website also contains information for customers and vendors. Most employees who lose their jobs should be eligible for government-provided unemployment benefits.
Sunday, November 4, 2012
Obama Says Voting Is The Best Revenge
This comment shows only one thing. The President is not interested in the welfare of the economy or anything else for that matter. He is interested in only one thing: staying in the White House.
When hurricane Katrina hit Mississippi, Louisiana, Bahamas, South Florida, Cuba, Alabama, Florida Panhandle and Eastern North America, President Bush was pounded by the media for not acting fast enough. People in New Orleans were suffering for only 2 days before FEMA began to respond.
The media bias is very evident with President Obama. They have not even kicked up an uproar. It tooks days before FEMA was providing gasoline. There are sections of New Jeresy and New York where people are still without power, food and water. Some are having to eat out of dumpsters. Days and days have gone by and the government's response has been less than stellar. But, the media does not ask why the lack of response.
As the old Hillary Clinton campaign ad asks, "Who do you want answering the phone?"
Think about all of the other times.
Then presidential candidate Obama told us that there would transparency in his administration. What did we get? Closed door sessions and debates on health care. We got the "Cornhusker Kickback" and "Louisiana Purchase" that bought the votes needed to ram Obamacare through Congress. In a debate with Mitt Romney, President Obama said that he liked the term, Obamacare. Why not? It is his legacy.
President Obama promised us a way out of the recession and that we would see unemployment at 5.2% by now. What did we get? Unemployment sitting at 7.9%. 23 million Americans out of work. 47 million on food stamps up from 32 million. Disability claims rising as some people elect to go on disability, because they have exhausted their unemployment benefits.
Presidential candidate Obama promised that he would cut the deficit by half in his first term. What did we get? Each year during his administration the government has run a trillion plus dollar deficit. The government spent almost $400 billion just on interest payment on the $16 trillion national debt. The government is still running without a budget since he took office.
These are all facts and his words. President Obama, on the campaign trail, calls into question Mitt Romney's character and tells us that we cannot believe him. Really, Mr. President?
When hurricane Katrina hit Mississippi, Louisiana, Bahamas, South Florida, Cuba, Alabama, Florida Panhandle and Eastern North America, President Bush was pounded by the media for not acting fast enough. People in New Orleans were suffering for only 2 days before FEMA began to respond.
The media bias is very evident with President Obama. They have not even kicked up an uproar. It tooks days before FEMA was providing gasoline. There are sections of New Jeresy and New York where people are still without power, food and water. Some are having to eat out of dumpsters. Days and days have gone by and the government's response has been less than stellar. But, the media does not ask why the lack of response.
As the old Hillary Clinton campaign ad asks, "Who do you want answering the phone?"
Think about all of the other times.
Then presidential candidate Obama told us that there would transparency in his administration. What did we get? Closed door sessions and debates on health care. We got the "Cornhusker Kickback" and "Louisiana Purchase" that bought the votes needed to ram Obamacare through Congress. In a debate with Mitt Romney, President Obama said that he liked the term, Obamacare. Why not? It is his legacy.
President Obama promised us a way out of the recession and that we would see unemployment at 5.2% by now. What did we get? Unemployment sitting at 7.9%. 23 million Americans out of work. 47 million on food stamps up from 32 million. Disability claims rising as some people elect to go on disability, because they have exhausted their unemployment benefits.
Presidential candidate Obama promised that he would cut the deficit by half in his first term. What did we get? Each year during his administration the government has run a trillion plus dollar deficit. The government spent almost $400 billion just on interest payment on the $16 trillion national debt. The government is still running without a budget since he took office.
These are all facts and his words. President Obama, on the campaign trail, calls into question Mitt Romney's character and tells us that we cannot believe him. Really, Mr. President?
Obama: Shovel-Ready Not as Shovel-Ready as We Expected
Remember, this comment about the $787 billion Stimulus package. At this point, unemployment was supposed to be 5.2%. This figure came directly from the Obama administration. We are at 7.9% which is higher than when he took office.
President Obama keeps saying the same thing, "We created 5 million new jobs." He does not tell you that he is counting the increase from where the econony bottomed out. There are still 23 million Americans out of work. When you are in a hole, climbing up does not change the fact that you are still in a hole.
The Bureau of Labor Statistics' U-6 number, which totals the unemployed, plus all persons marginally attached to the labor force, plus total employed part time for economic reasons, as a percent of the civilian labor force plus all persons marginally attached to the labor force, is 14.6%.
President Obama keeps saying the same thing, "We created 5 million new jobs." He does not tell you that he is counting the increase from where the econony bottomed out. There are still 23 million Americans out of work. When you are in a hole, climbing up does not change the fact that you are still in a hole.
The Bureau of Labor Statistics' U-6 number, which totals the unemployed, plus all persons marginally attached to the labor force, plus total employed part time for economic reasons, as a percent of the civilian labor force plus all persons marginally attached to the labor force, is 14.6%.
Friday, November 2, 2012
VOTING MACHINES MALFUNCTIONING IN SEVERAL STATES
Across the country, there are reports that voters are experiencing frustration when they cast a ballot for Governor Romney but inexplicably the voting machines registers a vote for Obama.
North Carolina Experiencing Problems With Voting Machines Defaulting To Obama
Guilford County, North Carolina Voters Complaining That Votes Entered For Romney “Defaulted To President Obama.” “The presidential election is just around the corner and voting issues have already become a problem in Guilford County. On Monday, several voters complained that their electronic ballot machine cast the wrong vote. All the complaints were made by people who voted at the Bur-Mil Park polling location. One of the voters, Sher Coromalis, says she cast her ballot for Governor Mitt Romney, but every time she entered her vote the machine defaulted to President Obama.” (Scott Gustin, Brandon Jones, And Charlie Glancy, “Guilford Co. Voters Say Ballot Cast For Romney Came Up Obama On Machine,” WGHP Fox 8, 10/23/12)
In Mesa County, Colorado, Officials Removed “A Voting Machine From Service After A Voter Complained His Vote Was Being Recorded Opposite Of What He Intended.” “Mesa County voters are being urged to double-check their early voting ballots after a machine was removed for possibly skewing a voter’s choices. The Daily Sentinel reports that Mesa County Clerk Sheila Reiner removed a voting machine from service after a voter complained his vote was being recorded opposite of what he intended.” (“Voters Report Faulty Voting Machine Cast Wrong Votes,” The Associated Press, 10/23/12)
Ohio Voters Complaining That Voting Machines Are Defaulting To Barack Obama
An Ohio Voter Claimed It Took Her Three Tries For The Voting Machine To Accurately Record Her Vote. “Joan Stevens was one of several early voters at the polls on Monday. But when Stevens tried to cast her ballot for president, she noticed a problem. Upon selecting ‘Mitt Romney’ on the electronic touch screen, Barack Obama’s name lit up. It took Stevens three tries before her selection was accurately recorded.” (Nick Bechtel, “Problem Found At Board Of Elections,” The Marion Star, 10/31/12)
Director Of The Marion County, Ohio Board Of Elections, Sophia Rogers: “Because Of Her Issue, We Had That Machine Recalibrated.” “Stevens also reported the issue to Sophia Rogers, the director of the board of elections for Marion County. Rogers said the machine worked fine when she and others tried voting on it. No one else had reported problems with the voting machines malfunctioning. Despite no problems with that particular machine, Rogers decided to take all precautions. She contacted the vendor and had them inspect the device. ‘Because of her issue, we had that machine recalibrated,’ Rogers said. ‘I am certain the equipment works properly.’” (Nick Bechtel, “Problem Found At Board Of Elections,” The Marion Star, 10/31/12)
Machines In Missouri Registering Romney Votes For Obama
Missouri Voter Says “She Tried Twice To Touch The Screen And Vote For Romney, But Both Times The Machine Indicated She Was Voting For Obama.” “One voter tells News 4 an electronic voting machine at the St. Louis County Board of Elections mistakenly cast a vote for President Barack Obama even though she voted for Mitt Romney. Diana Neff says the voting glitch happened on October 10 during absentee voting. She says she tried twice to touch the screen and vote for Romney but both times the machine indicated she was voting for Obama.” (Matt Sczesny, “Voter Says Machine Cast Vote For Wrong Candidate Twice,” KMOV News 4, 10/26/12)
North Carolina Experiencing Problems With Voting Machines Defaulting To Obama
Guilford County, North Carolina Voters Complaining That Votes Entered For Romney “Defaulted To President Obama.” “The presidential election is just around the corner and voting issues have already become a problem in Guilford County. On Monday, several voters complained that their electronic ballot machine cast the wrong vote. All the complaints were made by people who voted at the Bur-Mil Park polling location. One of the voters, Sher Coromalis, says she cast her ballot for Governor Mitt Romney, but every time she entered her vote the machine defaulted to President Obama.” (Scott Gustin, Brandon Jones, And Charlie Glancy, “Guilford Co. Voters Say Ballot Cast For Romney Came Up Obama On Machine,” WGHP Fox 8, 10/23/12)
- Elections Officials Assured Voters That “It’s Not A Conspiracy” And The Problem “Can Be Resolved After The Machine Is Re-Calibrated.” “Guilford County Board of Elections Director George Gilbert says the problem arises every election. It can be resolved after the machine is re-calibrated by poll workers. ‘It’s not a conspiracy it’s just a machine that needs to be corrected,’ Gilbert said…Elections officials say the machines have been fixed as of Tuesday, and no problems have been reported since.” (Scott Gustin, Brandon Jones, And Charlie Glancy, “Guilford Co. Voters Say Ballot Cast For Romney Came Up Obama On Machine,” WGHP Fox 8, 10/23/12)
- Election Officials Check The Machines Every Morning And “This Problem Isn’t Unusual.” “Guilford County Board of Elections Director George Gilbert says the problem is the machines needed to be re-calibrated. Election officials say once the machines are rebooted, a new screen appears along with a new ballot…Gilbert says the machines are checked every morning and this problem isn’t unusual. The same issues were reported during the 2008 Presidential Election as well.” (Scott Gustin, Brandon Jones, And Charlie Glancy, “More Voting Problems Reported In Jamestown, Pleasant Garden,” WGHP Fox 8, 10/24/12)
- All Voters “Were Able To Get Their Vote Corrected.” “All of the voters who complained were able to get their vote corrected. As of now, there are no plans to change the way voters will cast their ballots.” (Scott Gustin, Brandon Jones, And Charlie Glancy, “More Voting Problems Reported In Jamestown, Pleasant Garden,” WGHP Fox 8, 10/24/12)
- Guilford County Uses Machines From Electronic Systems Software. “Guilford County switched to touchscreen in 1994. The electronic machines were purchased in 2006 from Electronic Systems Software.” (Scott Gustin, Brandon Jones, And Charlie Glancy, “More Voting Problems Reported In Jamestown, Pleasant Garden,” WGHP Fox 8, 10/24/12)
In Mesa County, Colorado, Officials Removed “A Voting Machine From Service After A Voter Complained His Vote Was Being Recorded Opposite Of What He Intended.” “Mesa County voters are being urged to double-check their early voting ballots after a machine was removed for possibly skewing a voter’s choices. The Daily Sentinel reports that Mesa County Clerk Sheila Reiner removed a voting machine from service after a voter complained his vote was being recorded opposite of what he intended.” (“Voters Report Faulty Voting Machine Cast Wrong Votes,” The Associated Press, 10/23/12)
Ohio Voters Complaining That Voting Machines Are Defaulting To Barack Obama
An Ohio Voter Claimed It Took Her Three Tries For The Voting Machine To Accurately Record Her Vote. “Joan Stevens was one of several early voters at the polls on Monday. But when Stevens tried to cast her ballot for president, she noticed a problem. Upon selecting ‘Mitt Romney’ on the electronic touch screen, Barack Obama’s name lit up. It took Stevens three tries before her selection was accurately recorded.” (Nick Bechtel, “Problem Found At Board Of Elections,” The Marion Star, 10/31/12)
Director Of The Marion County, Ohio Board Of Elections, Sophia Rogers: “Because Of Her Issue, We Had That Machine Recalibrated.” “Stevens also reported the issue to Sophia Rogers, the director of the board of elections for Marion County. Rogers said the machine worked fine when she and others tried voting on it. No one else had reported problems with the voting machines malfunctioning. Despite no problems with that particular machine, Rogers decided to take all precautions. She contacted the vendor and had them inspect the device. ‘Because of her issue, we had that machine recalibrated,’ Rogers said. ‘I am certain the equipment works properly.’” (Nick Bechtel, “Problem Found At Board Of Elections,” The Marion Star, 10/31/12)
Machines In Missouri Registering Romney Votes For Obama
Missouri Voter Says “She Tried Twice To Touch The Screen And Vote For Romney, But Both Times The Machine Indicated She Was Voting For Obama.” “One voter tells News 4 an electronic voting machine at the St. Louis County Board of Elections mistakenly cast a vote for President Barack Obama even though she voted for Mitt Romney. Diana Neff says the voting glitch happened on October 10 during absentee voting. She says she tried twice to touch the screen and vote for Romney but both times the machine indicated she was voting for Obama.” (Matt Sczesny, “Voter Says Machine Cast Vote For Wrong Candidate Twice,” KMOV News 4, 10/26/12)
- The Voter Was Able To Cast Her Intended Vote After A Poll Worker Reset The Machine. “Neff says she called over a poll worker who told her, this happens sometimes, and he seemed to reset the machine. After that, Neff says she got to cast her vote correctly.” (Matt Sczesny, “Voter Says Machine Cast Vote For Wrong Candidate Twice,” KMOV News 4, 10/26/12)
Thursday, November 1, 2012
RNC Chairman Reince Priebus, Elected Officials to Visit El Paso and Mesa Counties for Early Vote Push
Republican National Committee Chairman Reince Priebus will be making stops in El Paso and Mesa counties Thursday to encourage Coloradans to vote early for the GOP ticket. At each stop, Chairman Priebus, elected officials and Republican supporters will hold Commit to Mitt Early Voting events and make phone calls to remind people to vote early or return their absentee ballots. These events are part of a national effort to reach voters before Election Day and encourage them to cast their ballots for Governor Romney and Congressman Ryan. Colorado will play a crucial role in the November 6 election, and with Republicans maintaining a lead over Democrats in absentee and early votes cast, Colorado voters are clearly showing they cannot afford four more years like the last four years.
Our nation is at a turning point. Americans can’t afford another four years like the last four years under President Obama’s failed policies. When Mitt Romney is president, he will work with Democrats and Republicans, put the interests of the American people first, and deliver the real recovery President Obama could only promise. We know he can do it because he’s done it before in business and as Governor of Massachusetts. This election is a choice between the status quo and real change – change that offers promise that the future will be better than the past four years.
Thursday, November 1, 2012
Event: El Paso County Early Vote Push
Who: RNC Chairman Reince Priebus, COGOP Chairman Ryan Call, U.S. Congressman Doug Lamborn
Location: El Paso County Victory Office
205 Sutton Lane
Colorado Springs, CO
Time: 11:45 AM MDT
———————
Event: Mesa County Early Vote Push
Who: RNC Chairman Reince Priebus, U.S. Congressman Scott Tipton
Location: Mesa County Victory Office
1114 North 1st Street, Suite 102
Grand Junction, CO
Time: 2:15 PM MDT
Our nation is at a turning point. Americans can’t afford another four years like the last four years under President Obama’s failed policies. When Mitt Romney is president, he will work with Democrats and Republicans, put the interests of the American people first, and deliver the real recovery President Obama could only promise. We know he can do it because he’s done it before in business and as Governor of Massachusetts. This election is a choice between the status quo and real change – change that offers promise that the future will be better than the past four years.
Thursday, November 1, 2012
Event: El Paso County Early Vote Push
Who: RNC Chairman Reince Priebus, COGOP Chairman Ryan Call, U.S. Congressman Doug Lamborn
Location: El Paso County Victory Office
205 Sutton Lane
Colorado Springs, CO
Time: 11:45 AM MDT
———————
Event: Mesa County Early Vote Push
Who: RNC Chairman Reince Priebus, U.S. Congressman Scott Tipton
Location: Mesa County Victory Office
1114 North 1st Street, Suite 102
Grand Junction, CO
Time: 2:15 PM MDT
Friday, October 26, 2012
Biden Accuses Romney-Ryan Of $500 TRILLION TAX CUT!
The US national debt is sitting at $16 trillion. However, Biden, in a speech delivered at a campaign stop in Wisconsin, said that Romney-Ryan will give 120,000 rich families a $500 trillion dollars tax cut.
Hey, Joe, if you are going to make up a number, try keeping it plausible at least.
Hey, Joe, if you are going to make up a number, try keeping it plausible at least.
Obama Shows Desperation
With only a short time remaining until the presidential elections, President Obama is growing more and more desperate and getting remain petty and dirty.
In a recent television ad with Lena Dunham, the ad describes the first time voting as some sort of weird sexual event and losing one's virginity.
On the President's Tumblr page, Romney is depicted with a dunce hat on his head with the caption of "sums it up".
This is from the same administration that talked about being civil. Can you say, "hypocrisy", boys and girls?
In a recent television ad with Lena Dunham, the ad describes the first time voting as some sort of weird sexual event and losing one's virginity.
On the President's Tumblr page, Romney is depicted with a dunce hat on his head with the caption of "sums it up".
This is from the same administration that talked about being civil. Can you say, "hypocrisy", boys and girls?
Obama Goofs: "wind turbines manufactured here in China"
Did the President goof or speak what's on his mind?
Here is the President's exact quote.
"I want to build on the progress we've made. Doubling clean energy. I want fuel efficient cars and long-lasting batteries and wind turbines manufactured here in China! I don't want them manufactured in China, I want them manufactured here in the United States!"
Here is the President's exact quote.
"I want to build on the progress we've made. Doubling clean energy. I want fuel efficient cars and long-lasting batteries and wind turbines manufactured here in China! I don't want them manufactured in China, I want them manufactured here in the United States!"
Thursday, October 25, 2012
Senator Richard Burr, Congresswoman Virginia Foxx and NCGOP Chair Robin Hayes Invite President Obama to ‘Land that Plane’
President Obama kicked off what we are dubbing his “Can’t Afford Four More” Tour. The President will visit six swing states in a last ditch effort to sway voters. Curious that while Obama campaign aides tout their redoubled efforts in the state, the candidate himself will not be making a visit. Not to mention the fact that the campaign did not include North Carolina in their latest round of ads.
Senator Richard Burr, Congresswoman Virginia Foxx, NCGOP Chairman Robin Hayes and several North Carolina Council of State candidates will hold a press conference at 12:00 PM ET to invite President Obama to land his plane in North Carolina and prove that he is taking the state seriously.
With 13 days until the Election, Republican momentum and the GOP ground game is stronger than ever in North Carolina. Since the RNC’s absentee ballot and early voting turnout program began, there have been more than 2.2 million volunteer voter contacts in the state.
Senator Richard Burr, Congresswoman Virginia Foxx, NCGOP Chairman Robin Hayes and several North Carolina Council of State candidates will hold a press conference at 12:00 PM ET to invite President Obama to land his plane in North Carolina and prove that he is taking the state seriously.
With 13 days until the Election, Republican momentum and the GOP ground game is stronger than ever in North Carolina. Since the RNC’s absentee ballot and early voting turnout program began, there have been more than 2.2 million volunteer voter contacts in the state.
Wednesday, October 24, 2012
Look Out The Window
As Obama Travels Across The Country In A Last-Minute Bid For Votes, America’s Middle Class Deserves An Explanation For His Failed Policies
“Sometimes All President Barack Obama Has To Do Is Look Out The Window To Get A Firsthand Look At The Country’s Economic Woes.” (Julie Pace, “Rough Economy In Clear View For Obama On The Road,” The Associated Press, 10/2/12)
“Far From A New Dawn Of Broad-Based Growth, America’s Middle Class Decline Is Getting Worse.” “Second, the hollowing out of America’s middle class – still politely described as median income stagnation rather than ‘decline’ – is accelerating rather than slowing. According to the US Census last week, the US median household is 4.8 per cent poorer now than at the start of the recovery in 2009. Median incomes have now fallen to the pre-internet level of 1993. All of the gains of the Clinton years have been lost. The decline in the past three years follows a 3.2 per cent drop during the recession, which itself followed a shrinkage during the 2000-2007 cycle. Far from a new dawn of broad-based growth, America’s middle class decline is getting worse.” (Edward Luce, “The US Economy Is Still In A Sorry State,” Financial Times, 9/23/12)
Long-Term Unemployment: The Average Duration Of Unemployment Has More Than Doubled From 19.8 Weeks To 39.8 Weeks. (Bureau Of Labor Statistics, Accessed 10/23/12)
Net Worth: “The Net Worth Of The American Family Has Fallen To Its Lowest Level In Two Decades.” (Ylan Q. Mui, “Fed: Americans’ Wealth Dropped 40 Percent,” The Washington Post , 6/11/12)
Median Household Income: Household Income Is Down $4,520 From $55,198 In January 2009 To $50,678 In August 2012. (“Household Income Trends, August 2012,” Sentier Research, 9/25/12)
Government Assistance: “49.1%: Percent Of The Population That Lives In A Household Where At Least One Member Received Some Type Of Government Benefit In The First Quarter Of 2011.” (Phil Izzo, “Number Of The Week: Half Of U.S. Lives In Household Getting Benefits,” The Wall Street Journal’s “Real Time Economics,” 5/26/12)
Food Stamps: Since Obama Took Office, The Number Of Americans Receiving Food Stamps Has Increased From 31.9 Million To 46.7 Million, A 46 Percent Increase. (Department Of Agriculture, 9/28/12)
“Census Shows 1 In 2 People Are Poor Or Low-Income,” The Associated Press, 12/15/11)
Foreclosures: Currently 5. 64 Million Residential Mortgages Are Either 30 Days Delinquent Or In Foreclosure. (Press Release, “LPS ‘First Look’ Mortgage Report: September Month-End Data Shows Significant Rise In Delinquencies; Foreclosures Drop,” Lender Processing Services, 10/22/12)
Gas Prices: Since Obama Took Office, The Average Price Per Gallon Of Gas Has Nearly Doubled From $1.847 To $3.687. (“Gasoline And Diesel Fuel Update,” U.S. Energy And Information Administration, Accessed 10/23/12)
College Costs: Since Obama Took Office, The Average Cost Of In-State Tuition At A Four Year College Has Risen From $6,585 To $8,244, A 25 Percent Increase. (“Trends In College Pricing 2009,” College Board, 2008; “Trends In College Pricing 2011,” College Board, 2011)
Health Care Premiums: Under Obama, The Average Cost Of Family Health Care Premiums Has Increased By $3,065 From $12,680 To $15,745, A 24.2 Percent Increase. (“Employer Health Benefits, 2012 Annual Survey, Exhibit 6.4,” The Kaiser Family Foundation, 2012)
Student Loan Debt: “Student Loan Defaults Have Risen For The Sixth Straight Year.” “Student loan defaults have risen for the sixth straight year, as students from traditional non-profit universities have an increasingly difficult time paying off their college debt.” (Megan Hoyer, “More College Students Defaulting On Student Loans,” USA Today, 9/30/12)
Student Debt Has Stretched To A Record Number Of U.S. Households – Nearly 1 In 5. “With college enrollment growing, student debt has stretched to a record number of U.S. households – nearly 1 in 5 – with the biggest burdens falling on the young and poor.” (Hope Yen, “Student Debt Stretches To Record 1 In 5 Households,” The Associated Press, 9/27/12)
OVER THREE YEARS OF OBAMA’S FAILED POLICIES HAVE LEFT THE MIDDLE CLASS IN A SQUEEZE OF HISTORIC PROPORTIONS
“Obama, Who Came Into Office Promising To Bolster The Middle Class And Reduce Inequality, Has Presided Over A Turbulent Economy That So Far Has Done Neither.” “Analysts call continuing high levels of joblessness a prime factor in the income and wealth declines that have continued for most Americans even after the recession ended. Obama, who came into office promising to bolster the middle class and reduce inequality, has presided over a turbulent economy that so far has done neither.” (Michael A. Fletcher, “Obama’s Record: Struggling To Bring Back Jobs,” The Washington Post , 10/18/12)- “The Tepid Pace Of Job Creation Looms As Perhaps The President’s Biggest Political Vulnerability As His Re-Election Campaign Enters Its Final Weeks.” “The tepid pace of job creation looms as perhaps the president’s biggest political vulnerability as his re-election campaign enters its final weeks. The unemployment rate had been stuck above 8 percent for 43 consecutive months before falling to 7.8 percent in September. Still, nearly 5 million Americans have been out of work for six months or more.” (Michael A. Fletcher, “Obama’s Record: Struggling To Bring Back Jobs,” The Washington Post , 10/18/12)
- “[T]he President’s Policies Have Failed To Ignite Anything Close To The Robust Jobs Growth Needed To Overcome The Horrific Losses Caused By The Downturn.” “The aggressive series of actions helped construct a floor under the most severe economic collapse since the Great Depression, many economists agree. Yet, the president’s policies have failed to ignite anything close to the robust jobs growth needed to overcome the horrific losses caused by the downturn.” (Michael A. Fletcher, “Obama’s Record: Struggling To Bring Back Jobs,” The Washington Post , 10/18/12)
“Far From A New Dawn Of Broad-Based Growth, America’s Middle Class Decline Is Getting Worse.” “Second, the hollowing out of America’s middle class – still politely described as median income stagnation rather than ‘decline’ – is accelerating rather than slowing. According to the US Census last week, the US median household is 4.8 per cent poorer now than at the start of the recovery in 2009. Median incomes have now fallen to the pre-internet level of 1993. All of the gains of the Clinton years have been lost. The decline in the past three years follows a 3.2 per cent drop during the recession, which itself followed a shrinkage during the 2000-2007 cycle. Far from a new dawn of broad-based growth, America’s middle class decline is getting worse.” (Edward Luce, “The US Economy Is Still In A Sorry State,” Financial Times, 9/23/12)
BY ANY MEASURE, AMERICANS DESERVE BETTER THAN OBAMANOMICS
Jobs: Since Obama Took Office, The Nation Has Lost 61,000 Jobs And The Unemployment Rate Has Remained At Or Above 7.8 Percent For 45 Straight Months. (Bureau Of Labor Statistics, Accessed 10/23/12)- Including 1,035,000 Construction Jobs, And 610,000 Manufacturing Jobs Lost. (Bureau Of Labor Statistics, Accessed 10/23/12)
- The Manufacturing Sector Shed 16,000 Jobs In September And 22,000 Jobs In August. (Bureau Of Labor Statistics, Accessed 10/23/12)
Long-Term Unemployment: The Average Duration Of Unemployment Has More Than Doubled From 19.8 Weeks To 39.8 Weeks. (Bureau Of Labor Statistics, Accessed 10/23/12)
Net Worth: “The Net Worth Of The American Family Has Fallen To Its Lowest Level In Two Decades.” (Ylan Q. Mui, “Fed: Americans’ Wealth Dropped 40 Percent,” The Washington Post , 6/11/12)
Median Household Income: Household Income Is Down $4,520 From $55,198 In January 2009 To $50,678 In August 2012. (“Household Income Trends, August 2012,” Sentier Research, 9/25/12)
- FactCheck.org: “Family Income Also Declined, By $3,290, To A Median Of $60,974 — A Drop Of 5.1 Percent Under Obama.” (“Obama’s Numbers,” FactCheck.org, 10/8/12)
Government Assistance: “49.1%: Percent Of The Population That Lives In A Household Where At Least One Member Received Some Type Of Government Benefit In The First Quarter Of 2011.” (Phil Izzo, “Number Of The Week: Half Of U.S. Lives In Household Getting Benefits,” The Wall Street Journal’s “Real Time Economics,” 5/26/12)
Food Stamps: Since Obama Took Office, The Number Of Americans Receiving Food Stamps Has Increased From 31.9 Million To 46.7 Million, A 46 Percent Increase. (Department Of Agriculture, 9/28/12)
- FactCheck.org: Under Obama, Americans On Food Stamps Now At The “Highest Number On Record”: Nearly One In Every Seven Participate In The Program. “The number getting this aid reached nearly 46.7 million in July, the most recent monthly figures available. That’s the highest number on record, and equal to nearly one of every seven Americans. It’s also an increase of just under 46 percent since January 2009.” (“Obama’s Numbers,” FactCheck.org, 10/8/12)
“Census Shows 1 In 2 People Are Poor Or Low-Income,” The Associated Press, 12/15/11)
Foreclosures: Currently 5. 64 Million Residential Mortgages Are Either 30 Days Delinquent Or In Foreclosure. (Press Release, “LPS ‘First Look’ Mortgage Report: September Month-End Data Shows Significant Rise In Delinquencies; Foreclosures Drop,” Lender Processing Services, 10/22/12)
- “65 Percent Of Local Housing Markets Nationwide Are Worse Off Than Four Years Ago Based On An Analysis Of Five Key Metrics Impacting Housing In More Than 900 Counties Nationwide.” “RealtyTrac® (www.realtytrac.com), the leading online marketplace for foreclosure properties, today released an exclusive report on the health of local housing markets compared to four years ago. Titled ‘Election 2012 Housing Health Check,’ the report found that 65 percent of local housing markets nationwide are worse off than four years ago based on an analysis of five key metrics impacting housing in more than 900 counties nationwide. The key metrics analyzed were average home prices, unemployment, foreclosure inventory, foreclosure starts and share of distressed sales. In the 919 counties with data available for all five metrics, 580 (65 percent) showed at least three out of the five key metrics worse off than four years ago, while in 315 counties (35 percent) at least three of the five key metrics were better off than four years ago.” (Press Release, “65 Percent Of County Housing Markets Worse Off Than Four Years Ago According To RealtyTrac Election 2012 Report,” RealtyTrac , 10/22/12)
Because Obamanomics Has Failed, Americans Now Also Have To Pay More With Less
Food Prices: Since Obama Became President, The Monthly Price Of A Moderate-Cost Food Plan For A Family Of Four With Young Children Has Increased From $819.40 To $858. (“Official USDA Food Plans: Cost Of Food At Home At Four Levels, U.S. Average, January 2009,” USDA , 2/09; “Official USDA Food Plans: Cost Of Food At Home At Four Levels, U.S. Average, August 2012,” USDA, 9/12)Gas Prices: Since Obama Took Office, The Average Price Per Gallon Of Gas Has Nearly Doubled From $1.847 To $3.687. (“Gasoline And Diesel Fuel Update,” U.S. Energy And Information Administration, Accessed 10/23/12)
College Costs: Since Obama Took Office, The Average Cost Of In-State Tuition At A Four Year College Has Risen From $6,585 To $8,244, A 25 Percent Increase. (“Trends In College Pricing 2009,” College Board, 2008; “Trends In College Pricing 2011,” College Board, 2011)
Health Care Premiums: Under Obama, The Average Cost Of Family Health Care Premiums Has Increased By $3,065 From $12,680 To $15,745, A 24.2 Percent Increase. (“Employer Health Benefits, 2012 Annual Survey, Exhibit 6.4,” The Kaiser Family Foundation, 2012)
Student Loan Debt: “Student Loan Defaults Have Risen For The Sixth Straight Year.” “Student loan defaults have risen for the sixth straight year, as students from traditional non-profit universities have an increasingly difficult time paying off their college debt.” (Megan Hoyer, “More College Students Defaulting On Student Loans,” USA Today, 9/30/12)
Student Debt Has Stretched To A Record Number Of U.S. Households – Nearly 1 In 5. “With college enrollment growing, student debt has stretched to a record number of U.S. households – nearly 1 in 5 – with the biggest burdens falling on the young and poor.” (Hope Yen, “Student Debt Stretches To Record 1 In 5 Households,” The Associated Press, 9/27/12)
- Last Year, 13.4 Percent Of Borrowers Defaulted On Student Loans Within The First Three Years Of Payments. “The percentage of borrowers who defaulted on federal education loans within the first three years of payments rose to an average of 13.4 percent last year — 22.7 percent for those who attended for-profit colleges — according to statistics released on Friday by the Department of Education.” (Tamar Lewin, “Education Department Report Shows More Borrowers Defaulting On Student Loans,” The New York Times , 9/28/12)
- “The Rate Of Students Defaulting On Federal Loans Within Two Years, Also Released On Friday, Increased To 9.1 Percent, The Highest Level In More Than A Decade.” (Tamar Lewin, “Education Department Report Shows More Borrowers Defaulting On Student Loans,” The New York Times, 9/28/12)
Dem Pollster Says “Voters Still Don’t Know” What Obama’s Plans Are
Top Democrat Pollster Says “Voters Still Don’t Know” What Obama’s Plans Are For The Economy
Democrat Pollster Celinda Lake: “What Is Holding The President Back Is Voters Still Don’t Know What He Is Going To Do Early Next Year To Get This Economy Going…”
“‘What is holding the president back is voters still don’t know what he is going to do early next year to get this economy going,’ Democratic pollster Celinda Lake said. ‘There is still time for him to do that, because the economy is the No. 1 thing people are paying attention to.’” (Peter Hamby, “Down To The Wire: Campaign Enters Stretch Run,”CNN, 10/23/12)
Tuesday, October 23, 2012
Debate Fact Check: Obama’s Watered Down Sanctions Have Sent The Wrong Message To Iran’s Leaders
Obama: “I’ve made that clear when I came into office. We then organized the strongest coalition and the strongest sanctions against Iran in history, and it is crippling their economy.” (President Barack Obama, 2012 Presidential Debate, Lynn University, Boca Raton, FL, 10/22/12)
The Obama Administration Has Now Granted Waivers To “All Twenty Of Iran’s Major Trading Partners,” Including China, For Their Efforts To Reduce Iranian Oil Imports Ahead Of The Sanctions. “Though economic sanctions still haven’t slowed or stopped Iran’s nuclear drive, the Obama Administration has decided to make them even weaker. The Iran sanctions regime is looking like the U.S. tax code-filled with loopholes. It’s so weak, in fact, that all 20 of Iran’s major trading partners are now exempt from them. We’ve arrived at a kind of voodoo version of sanctions. They look real, insofar as Congress forced them into a bill President Obama had to sign in December. The Administration has spoken incantations about their powers. But if you’re a big oil importer in China, India or 18 other major economies, the sanctions are mostly smoke.” (Editorial, “Obama’s Iran Loopholes,” The Wall Street Journal, 7/2/12)
The Wall Street Journal : “The Current U.S. Approach To Sanctions … Is Destined To Become Increasingly Ineffective Over Time. It Also Doesn’t Help That The Administration Is Waging A Behind-The-Scenes Campaign To Water Down Existing Sanctions.” “All of this means that the current U.S. approach to sanctions, which depends on the ability and willingness of the Administration to go after individual Iranian or foreign companies, is destined to become increasingly ineffective over time. It also doesn’t help that the Administration is waging a behind-the-scenes campaign to water down existing sanctions by granting nearly every available waiver to countries that continue to buy Iranian oil.” (Editorial, “Iran Sanctions Test,” The Wall Street Journal, 7/30/12)
Fearing Higher Oil Prices And “Political Trouble In An Election Year,” The Administration Has Resisted Taking Strong Action Against Iran’s Nuclear Program. “Officials fear that too powerful a blow to the world’s third-largest oil exporter could cause an oil price increase, damaging the global economic recovery, undermining international support for the sanctions campaign and creating political trouble in an election year.” (Paul Richter, “Obama Administration Takes Back Seat On Iran Sanctions,” Los Angeles Times, 2/17/12)
The Washington Post: “The Result Is That President Obama Is Not Even Leading From Behind On Iran; He Is Simply Behind.” “The result is that President Obama is not even leading from behind on Iran; he is simply behind. At the forefront of the Western effort to pressure Tehran is French President Nicolas Sarkozy, who issued a statement Monday calling on the European Union, the United States, Japan, Canada and ‘other willing countries’ to ‘immediately freeze the assets of Iran’s central bank’ and suspend purchases of Iranian oil.” (Editorial, “More Half-Measures From Obama Administration On Iran,” The Washington Post , 11/22/11)
The Wall Street Journal : “The Cold Reality Is That After Nearly Four Years Of Failed Diplomacy And Half-Hearted Sanctions That He Opposed Until Congress Forced His Hand, Neither Iran Nor Israel Believe Him.” “The tragic lesson of history is that sometimes barbarians mean what they say. Sometimes regimes do want to eliminate entire nations or races, and they will do so if they have the means and opportunity and face a timorous or disbelieving world. No one knows that more acutely than Israeli leaders, whose state was founded in the wake of such a genocide. The question faced by Benjamin Netanyahu, Ehud Barak and other Israelis is whether they can afford to allow another regime pledged to Jewish ‘annihilation’ to acquire the means to accomplish it. The answer, in our view, is as obvious as Mr. Ahmadinejad’s stated intentions. In his U.N. speech Tuesday, President Obama took a tougher-than-usual election-season line against Iran, stating that ‘the United States will do what we must to prevent Iran from obtaining a nuclear weapon.’ But the cold reality is that after nearly four years of failed diplomacy and half-hearted sanctions that he opposed until Congress forced his hand, neither Iran nor Israel believe him.” (Editorial: “Israel Must Be ‘Eliminated’: Netanyahu Has To Take Iran’s Words Seriously. Why Doesn’t Obama?” The Wall Street Journal, 9/25/12)
Obama’s Sanctions On Iran Are Filled With Loopholes And Waivers For Countries Like China
The Obama Administration Has Now Granted Waivers To “All Twenty Of Iran’s Major Trading Partners,” Including China, For Their Efforts To Reduce Iranian Oil Imports Ahead Of The Sanctions. “Though economic sanctions still haven’t slowed or stopped Iran’s nuclear drive, the Obama Administration has decided to make them even weaker. The Iran sanctions regime is looking like the U.S. tax code-filled with loopholes. It’s so weak, in fact, that all 20 of Iran’s major trading partners are now exempt from them. We’ve arrived at a kind of voodoo version of sanctions. They look real, insofar as Congress forced them into a bill President Obama had to sign in December. The Administration has spoken incantations about their powers. But if you’re a big oil importer in China, India or 18 other major economies, the sanctions are mostly smoke.” (Editorial, “Obama’s Iran Loopholes,” The Wall Street Journal, 7/2/12)
- China Is Iran’s Top Oil Customer. “The American waiver granted to China, Iran’s top customer of oil, was regarded as especially significant because it averted a potentially serious collision between China and the United States, which are both members of the group of six big powers that are negotiating with Iran in the nuclear dispute. Under the American law, banks of countries that are Iranian oil importers can be denied access to the American banking system.” (Rick Gladstone, “U.S. Exempts Singapore And China On Iran Oil,” The New York Times , 6/28/12)
- “The Problem Is That China’s Reduction Is An Apparent Fluke,” Driven By A Pricing Dispute With Iran, “Not A Dedicated Effort To Reduce Trade Or Isolate Iran Economically.” “The problem is that China’s reduction is an apparent fluke, not a dedicated effort to reduce trade or isolate Iran economically. Imports fell by about 50% in February and March because a Chinese oil giant delayed the start of a contract over a price dispute. Once that was resolved, imports shot back up-by 34% between April and May, and again by 35% between May and June.” (Editorial, “Obama’s Iran Loopholes,” The Wall Street Journal, 7/2/12)
- After Settling A Pricing Dispute, China Boosted Its Purchases Of Iranian Imports By 17% In June. “By contrast, Iran has is showing more flexibility when it comes to negotiating prices-a move China has taken advantage of. After a pricing dispute that ended with Beijing getting the upper hand, the country, long Tehran’s largest oil buyer, has reversed a cut in Iranian imports, boosting them by 17% in June. As a result, Iran’s oil exports have stabilized in the past two months at about 1.1 million barrels a day and the rate of decline of its production has slowed, according to analysts.” (Benoît Faucon, “Iran Barters And Bargains To Help Oil Sales,” The Wall Street Journal, 8/7/12)
Obama Worked Behind The Scenes To “Water Down” Sanctions, Hoping To Avoid Trouble In An Election Year
The Wall Street Journal : “The Current U.S. Approach To Sanctions … Is Destined To Become Increasingly Ineffective Over Time. It Also Doesn’t Help That The Administration Is Waging A Behind-The-Scenes Campaign To Water Down Existing Sanctions.” “All of this means that the current U.S. approach to sanctions, which depends on the ability and willingness of the Administration to go after individual Iranian or foreign companies, is destined to become increasingly ineffective over time. It also doesn’t help that the Administration is waging a behind-the-scenes campaign to water down existing sanctions by granting nearly every available waiver to countries that continue to buy Iranian oil.” (Editorial, “Iran Sanctions Test,” The Wall Street Journal, 7/30/12)
Fearing Higher Oil Prices And “Political Trouble In An Election Year,” The Administration Has Resisted Taking Strong Action Against Iran’s Nuclear Program. “Officials fear that too powerful a blow to the world’s third-largest oil exporter could cause an oil price increase, damaging the global economic recovery, undermining international support for the sanctions campaign and creating political trouble in an election year.” (Paul Richter, “Obama Administration Takes Back Seat On Iran Sanctions,” Los Angeles Times, 2/17/12)
- The Obama Administration Actively Worked “Behind The Scenes To Water Down Congressional Language That Would Impose Crippling Sanctions On The Central Bank Of Iran (CBI).” “President Barack Obama’s administration is working behind the scenes to water down congressional language that would impose crippling sanctions on the Central Bank of Iran (CBI). The Obama administration sent to Congress this week a list of requested changes to the sanctions language found in the Senate’s version of the defense authorization bill, which was passed last week. Those sanctions, which would punish any bank that does business with the CBI, were part of an amendment authored by Sens. Mark Kirk (R-IL) and Robert Menendez (D-NJ) that passed the Senate over the administration’s objections by a vote of 100 to 0. … The administration’s laundry list of requested changes to the bill was sent to leaders of the House and Senate Armed Services Committees. The administration wants to delay the implementation of sanctions not related to oil purchases from 60 to 180 days, and wants to water down the severity of sanctions measures if and when they are put into effect.” (Josh Rogin, “Administration Tries To Water Down Iran Sanctions Legislation,” Foreign Policy’s The Cable , 12/6/11)
- U.S. Senate Voted For Sanctions Despite Obama’s Preference For Engagement. “The U.S. Senate on Thursday voted to make it harder for Iran to gain access to the entire world financial system, aiming to choke off the country’s ability to process oil revenue amid concern that Iran’s ambitions to acquire a nuclear weapon are building. The 100-0 vote came in spite of warnings from the Obama administration that the sanctions would alienate allies and drive up oil prices. The administration so far has been trying to use diplomatic avenues to persuade allies to get away from Iranian oil, which provides half of the government’s revenues . But Congress, frustrated that U.S. President Barack Obama has so far declined to apply sanctions to Iran’s central bank, decided to press him to take steps in that direction. ‘This is the maximum opportunity to have a peaceful diplomacy tool to stop Iran’s march to nuclear weapons,’ Sen. Bob Menendez (D., N.J.), one of the chief sponsors, said.” (Siobhan Hughes, “Senate Votes Unanimously To Sanction Iran Central Bank,” The Wall Street Journal, 12/1/11)
- After The Treasury Department Failed To Water Down SWIFT Legislation, Obama “Changed Course And Voiced Support For The Measure.” “When the Senate Banking Committee began preparing legislation on SWIFT, a Treasury Department official met with aides to ask that it be watered down. After the committee adopted the original language, the administration then changed course and voiced support for the measure.” (Paul Richter, “Obama Administration Takes Back Seat On Iran Sanctions,” Los Angeles Times, 2/17/12)
The Washington Post: “The Result Is That President Obama Is Not Even Leading From Behind On Iran; He Is Simply Behind.” “The result is that President Obama is not even leading from behind on Iran; he is simply behind. At the forefront of the Western effort to pressure Tehran is French President Nicolas Sarkozy, who issued a statement Monday calling on the European Union, the United States, Japan, Canada and ‘other willing countries’ to ‘immediately freeze the assets of Iran’s central bank’ and suspend purchases of Iranian oil.” (Editorial, “More Half-Measures From Obama Administration On Iran,” The Washington Post , 11/22/11)
The Wall Street Journal : “The Cold Reality Is That After Nearly Four Years Of Failed Diplomacy And Half-Hearted Sanctions That He Opposed Until Congress Forced His Hand, Neither Iran Nor Israel Believe Him.” “The tragic lesson of history is that sometimes barbarians mean what they say. Sometimes regimes do want to eliminate entire nations or races, and they will do so if they have the means and opportunity and face a timorous or disbelieving world. No one knows that more acutely than Israeli leaders, whose state was founded in the wake of such a genocide. The question faced by Benjamin Netanyahu, Ehud Barak and other Israelis is whether they can afford to allow another regime pledged to Jewish ‘annihilation’ to acquire the means to accomplish it. The answer, in our view, is as obvious as Mr. Ahmadinejad’s stated intentions. In his U.N. speech Tuesday, President Obama took a tougher-than-usual election-season line against Iran, stating that ‘the United States will do what we must to prevent Iran from obtaining a nuclear weapon.’ But the cold reality is that after nearly four years of failed diplomacy and half-hearted sanctions that he opposed until Congress forced his hand, neither Iran nor Israel believe him.” (Editorial: “Israel Must Be ‘Eliminated’: Netanyahu Has To Take Iran’s Words Seriously. Why Doesn’t Obama?” The Wall Street Journal, 9/25/12)
Saturday, October 20, 2012
Free Marijuana for Voting?
Fliers offering $40 worth of free medical-grade marijuana were reportedly passed out in Eagle Rock to try and draw residents to vote in the local election.
Friday, October 19, 2012
They Said It! Bill Clinton Agrees With Romney: Under Obama, “We’re Not Fixed”
Former President Bill Clinton: “Governor Romney’s argument is ‘we’re not fixed, so fire him and put me in.’ It is true, we’re not fixed. When President Obama looked into the eyes of that man who said in the debate, ‘I had so much hope four years ago and I don’t now,’ I thought he was going to cry because he knows that it’s not fixed.” (Former President Bill Clinton, Remarks At A Campaign Rally, Parma, OH, 10/18/12)
Thursday, October 18, 2012
The Cost Of Obama’s Inconsistency On Coal
Last Night, Obama Said “I’ve Tried to Be Consistent” On Coal. OBAMA: “So what I’ve tried to do is be consistent. With respect to something like coal, we made the largest investment in clean coal technology to make sure that even as we’re producing more coal, we’re producing it cleaner and smarter.” (President Barack Obama, Presidential Debate, Hempstead, NY, 10/16/12)
Biden In 2008: “No Coal Plants Here In America.” (Sen. Joe Biden, Remarks At A Campaign Event, Maumee, OH, 9/16/08)
The Energy Information Administration Expects 175 Coal-Fired Generators To Retire Between 2012 And 2016. “Plant owners and operators report to EIA that they expect to retire almost 27 gigawatts (GW) of capacity from 175 coal-fired generators between 2012 and 2016. In 2011, there were 1,387 coal-fired generators in the United States, totaling almost 318 GW. The 27 GW of retiring capacity amounts to 8.5% of total 2011 coal-fired capacity.” (“27 Gigawatts Of Coal-Fired Capacity To Retire over The Next Five Years,” Energy Information Administration, 7/27/12)
Clean Coal Supporters Were Barred From Entering A Biden Event Held In Chesterfield, Virginia. “At a Chesterfield, Virginia rally Tuesday for Vice President Biden, clean coal supporters said that their T-shirts, hats and signs were taken as they passed through security. Others said that they were barred from entering after an official who had earlier confiscated clean coal T-shirts called it a ‘private event.’” (Paul Bedard, “Coal Supporters Harassed, Barred At Obama-Biden Events,” Washington Examiner , 9/26/12)
“Officials At The American Coalition For Clean Coal Electricity Say They Are Flummoxed” By The Obama Campaign’s Actions. “Officials at the American Coalition for Clean Coal Electricity say they are flummoxed by the actions. They have been pressing both Obama and the Romney campaigns to endorse their goal of promoting high tech coal plants that produce cleaner energy and do not yell or jeer at political rallies. The advocates stand out in their blue shirts and hats, some of whom even made to the floor at last month’s Republican National Convention in Tampa, Florida.” (Paul Bedard, “Coal Supporters Harassed, Barred At Obama-Biden Events,” Washington Examiner , 9/26/12)
According To FirstEnergy Spokesman Mark Durbin, The Cutbacks Will Continue “Indefinitely” Until The Economy Improves. “The cutbacks will continue indefinitely – until the stagnant economy improves, he said. ‘It’s tough to say how long the reduced operations might last. It could be awhile. We’ll just have to wait and see,’ Durbin said.” (Bob Downing, “FirstEnergy To Cut Back Operations At Sammis Power Plant,” Akron Beacon Journal , 8/17/12)
Duke Energy Will Close Its Walter C. Beckjord Generating Station In Clermont County. “Large Ohio coal plants will go dark within a few years. Duke Energy announced that the Walter C. Beckjord Generating Station in Clermont County east of Cincinnati will cease operating coal-fired units in 2015. The plant has produced energy for six decades.” (Steve Bennish, “EPA Rules To Force Old Coal Plants To Adapt, Close,” Dayton Daily News, 1/6/12)
GenOn Will Close Plants In Niles And Avon Lake, OH. “Ohio plants affected include those in Niles and Avon Lake, and plants retiring in Pennsylvania are in New Castle, Portland, Shawville, Titus and Elrama. The closures will occur between 2012 and 2015.” (Chelsea Miller, “7 Coal-Powered Plants To Close In Ohio And Pa.,” Youngstown Vindicator, 3/1/12)
GenOn Energy Will Close Its Avon Lake, OH, Coal-Fired Power Plant In 2015 Due To “Insufficient Returns” As A Result Of EPA Regulations. “GenOn Energy is moving forward with its plan to close the Avon Lake power plant in April 2015. According to an email from GenOn spokesman Mark Baird, after more review of the viability of adding additional controls to bring the plant into conformity with EPA regulations, ‘forecasted returns are insufficient.’” (Cheryl Higley, “GenOn On Track With Closing Plant In Avon Lake,” The Plain Dealer, 4/6/12)
Another Affiliate Of Murray Energy, Ohio Valley Coal Company, Recently Announced The Elimination Of 29 Hourly Jobs At Its Powhattan No. 6 Mine Citing “Regulatory Excess Of The Obama Administration As A Direct Cause Of The Layoffs.” “The Ohio Valley Coal Company announced Friday it has been forced to reduce its workforce at the Powhatan No. 6 Mine in Belmont County, Ohio. According to a news release 29 hourly jobs will be cut. The company cites regulatory excess of the Obama Administration as a direct cause to the layoffs.” (Colin Lawler, “Ohio Valley Coal Co. Announces Layoffs,” WTRF, 7/21/12)
According To The American Coalition For Clean Coal Electricity, Due To EPA Regulations, 22 Coal Units In Pennsylvania Are Retiring Or Being Converted, Resulting In The Retiring Or Converting Of 3,588 Megawatts Of Electricity. (“Coal Retirements As Of September 2012,” The American Coalition For Clean Coal Electricity, Accessed 9/19/12)
Alpha Natural Resources Announced It’s Eliminating 1,200 Jobs, Nearly A Tenth Of Its Work Force. “Coal producer Alpha Natural Resources said Tuesday it’s cutting production by 16 million tons and eliminating 1,200 jobs companywide, including 400 with the immediate closing of eight mines in Virginia, West Virginia and Pennsylvania. The mine shutdowns start Tuesday, while the rest of the layoffs will be completed by the end of the first quarter after Alpha fulfills current sales obligations, Chief Executive Officer Kevin Crutchfield said. In all, the layoffs amount to nearly a tenth of Alpha’s 13,000-person work force.” (Vicki Smith, “Alpha Closing 8 Mines, Cutting 1,200 Jobs In All,” The Associated Press, 9/18/12)
GenOn Energy, Inc. Will Close Three Pennsylvania Coal-Fired Power Plants Because Of Onerous Federal Regulations. “GenOn Energy Inc. will shut down eight power plants over the next three years, three of them old, coal-burning power plants in Western Pennsylvania: at Elrama in northern Washington County, Shawville in Clearfield County and near New Castle in Lawrence County. The Houston-based power company announced the power plant deactivations Wednesday as part of its 2011 earnings report, blaming economics and federal environmental regulations requiring installation of pollution control equipment.” (Don Hopey, “Off Switch Hit For Power Plants,” The Pittsburgh Post-Gazette, 3/1/12)
In Virginia, Coal Generates 30 Percent Of The Electricity, Provides Power For Up To One Million Homes And 58,000 Businesses, And Employs More Than 45,000 People. “Coal provides 30 percent of Virginia’s electricity – some 20.2 billion kilowatts, according to the Energy Information Administration. That’s enough to power 1 million homes and 58,000 businesses. Virginia ranks 12th in the nation in coal production, EIA said. Direct and indirect employment from coal mining account for 45,210 jobs and a combined payroll of $3.4 billion.” (Kenric Ward, “Climate Regulations Leaving Virginia Coal Out In The Cold,” The Examiner, 8/12/12)
American Electric Power Co. Will Close One Unit At Its Clinch River Plant And Will Shutter Its Glen Lyn Plant By 2014. “About 500,000 tons of coal a year are burned at the Clinch River plant, an aging Appalachian Power Co. facility that has been producing electricity since Dwight Eisenhower occupied the White House. The fate of this 53-year-old power plant, and others like it across the country, could soon be determined by new regulations proposed by the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency. … American Electric Power Co., the parent company of Appalachian, says the rules would force it to shut one unit at the Clinch River plant and convert the remaining two to burn natural gas instead of coal. The second coal-burning facility that Appalachian runs in Southwest Virginia, the Glen Lyn plant in Giles County, would be shut down completely by 2014.” (Laurence Hammack, “Power Or Poison? EPA Rules Could Limit Coal-Fueled Plants’ Emissions,” Roanoke Times, 10/9/11)
Alpha Natural Resources Announced It’s Eliminating 1,200 Jobs, Nearly A Tenth Of Its Work Force. “Coal producer Alpha Natural Resources said Tuesday it’s cutting production by 16 million tons and eliminating 1,200 jobs companywide, including 400 with the immediate closing of eight mines in Virginia, West Virginia and Pennsylvania. The mine shutdowns start Tuesday, while the rest of the layoffs will be completed by the end of the first quarter after Alpha fulfills current sales obligations, Chief Executive Officer Kevin Crutchfield said. In all, the layoffs amount to nearly a tenth of Alpha’s 13,000-person work force.” (Vicki Smith, “Alpha Closing 8 Mines, Cutting 1,200 Jobs In All,” The Associated Press, 9/18/12)
Virginia State Sen. Phillip Puckett (D-Lebanon): “It’s Very Clear To Me That The Administration Does Not Support The Coal Industry In A Way That’s Beneficial To Our Area. So, I Don’t Plan To Support President Obama For Re-Election.” (George Jackson, “VA Sen. Phillip Puckett Says He Will Not Support Obama In 2012,” WJHL, 9/22/11)
IN 2008, OBAMA CAMPAIGNED ON BANKRUPTING COAL-FIRED POWER PLANTS
While Campaigning For President In 2008, Obama Said That His Cap-And-Trade Program Would Bankrupt Coal-Powered Plants. OBAMA: “So, if somebody wants to build a coal plant, they can – it’s just that it will bankrupt them, because they are going to be charged a huge sum for all that greenhouse gas that’s being emitted.” (Sen. Barack Obama, Interview With The San Francisco Chronicle‘s Editorial Board, 1/17/08)Biden In 2008: “No Coal Plants Here In America.” (Sen. Joe Biden, Remarks At A Campaign Event, Maumee, OH, 9/16/08)
- Biden: “We’re Not Supporting Clean Coal.” (Sen. Joe Biden, Remarks At A Campaign Event, Maumee, OH, 9/16/08)
- In 2007, Then-Presidential Candidate Joe Biden Said “I Don’t Think There’s Much Of A Role For Clean Coal In Energy Independence,” And “Clean-Coal Is Not The Route To Go In The United States.” BIDEN: “I don’t think there’s much of a role for clean coal in energy independence, but I do think there’s a significant role for clean coal in the bigger picture of climate change. Clean-coal technology is not the route to go in the United States, because we have other, cleaner alternatives.” (Amanda Little, “An Interview With Joe Biden About Energy And The Environment,” Grist.org, 8/30/07)
- In 2007, Biden Ranked Coal Ahead Of High-Fructose Corn Syrup And A Terrorist Attack As More Likely To Contribute To The Death Of An Average American. HBO’S BILL MAHER: “Senator Biden, forgetting about the upcoming Iowa caucus for just a moment, which would you honestly say is more likely to contribute to the death of your average American: a terrorist strike or high-fructose corn syrup and air that has too much coal in it?” BIDEN: “Air that has too much coal in it, corn syrup next, then a terrorist attack. But that is not in any way to diminish the fact that a terrorist attack is real. It is not an existential threat to bringing down the country, but it does have the capacity, still, to kill thousands of people. But hundreds of thousands of people die and their lives are shortened because of coal plants, coal-fired plants and because of corn syrup.” (Sen. Joe Biden, Slate, Yahoo, The Huffington Post Presidential Forum, 9/13/07)
ONCE IN OFFICE, OBAMA SURROUNDED HIMSELF WITH PARTISAN ACTIVISTS WHO ALSO OPPOSED COAL
The Intelligencer & Wheeling News Register: “Obama’s Goal, In Which Top EPA Officials And Liberals In Congress Cooperate Enthusiastically, Is To Wreck The Coal Industry.” “Obama’s goal, in which top EPA officials and liberals in Congress cooperate enthusiastically, is to wreck the coal industry. As we have pointed out, eliminating relatively low-priced electricity generated from coal will put many industries in this region at a competitive disadvantage against those elsewhere. That may well be part of the liberals’ strategy.” (Editorial, “End EPA War Against Coal,” The Intelligencer/Wheeling News Register , 1/1/12)- Energy Secretary Steven Chu: “Coal Is My Worst Nightmare.” (Steven Chu, “The Energy Problem: What The Helios Project Can Do About It,” Berkeley, CA, 4/23/07)
- EPA Chief Lisa Jackson Encouraged College Activists To Campaign Against Coal. “College environmental activists met Thursday with Environmental Protection Agency chief Lisa Jackson to tell her what they’re doing at their schools to try to shut down campus coal-fired heating plants. ‘It’s so important that your voices are heard, that campuses that are supposed to be teaching people aren’t meanwhile polluting the surrounding community with mercury and costing the children a few IQ points because of the need to generate power. It’s simply not fair,’ Jackson said.” (Renee Schoof, “EPA Chief Encourages College Activists In Campaign Against Coal,” The Kansas City Star, 10/27/11)
OBAMA HAS IMPLEMENTED AN AGENDA THAT IS KILLING COAL AND COSTING FAMILIES WELL-PAYING JOBS
Under Obama, 111 Coal Power Plants Closed From 2009-2012 . “But in the past two years, an increasing number of coal-powered electricity plants across the country have announced closures. Estimates vary, but banking and industry analysis firm Credit Suisse put expected and known closures for 2009-2012 at 111 plants, that’s one-fifth of the nation’s nearly 500 coal plants.” (Lisa Desjardins, “The War Over Coal Is Personal,” CNN, 7/17/12)The Energy Information Administration Expects 175 Coal-Fired Generators To Retire Between 2012 And 2016. “Plant owners and operators report to EIA that they expect to retire almost 27 gigawatts (GW) of capacity from 175 coal-fired generators between 2012 and 2016. In 2011, there were 1,387 coal-fired generators in the United States, totaling almost 318 GW. The 27 GW of retiring capacity amounts to 8.5% of total 2011 coal-fired capacity.” (“27 Gigawatts Of Coal-Fired Capacity To Retire over The Next Five Years,” Energy Information Administration, 7/27/12)
- EIA: “Coal-Fired Capacity Retirements Expected To Occur in 2012 Will Likely Be The Largest One-Year Amount In The Nation’s History.” “The coal-fired capacity expected to be retired over the next five years is more than four times greater than retirements performed during the preceding five-year period (6.5 GW). Moreover, based on EIA data, the approximate 9 GW of coal-fired capacity retirements expected to occur in 2012 will likely be the largest one-year amount in the nation’s history.” (“27 Gigawatts Of Coal-Fired Capacity To Retire over The Next Five Years,” Energy Information Administration, 7/27/12)
- According To The National Mining Association, A Typical Coal Miner In The United States Earns $73,000 A Year. “Third, the coal industry is a significant source of jobs. The typical coal miner earns $73,000 a year, says the National Mining Association, which represents the mining industry in Washington.” (Andrew P. Morriss, “EPA Foolishly Seeks To Destroy Nation’s Coal Industry,” McClatchy DC, 8/2/12)
CAMPAIGNING FOR A SECOND TERM, OBAMA TRIES TO PANDER ON COAL TO CONNECT WITH COAL-RELIANT STATES
The Obama Campaign’s Energy Plan Attempted To Ignore Clean Coal. “The Obama campaign’s energy plan ignored clean coal until it was pointed out by the media. After that the technology was added to the website dedicated to energy. Ironically, Biden signed a Clean Coal hat last year.” (Paul Bedard, “Coal Supporters Harassed, Barred At Obama-Biden Events,” Washington Examiner , 9/26/12)- “The Obama Campaign Added A Section On ‘Clean Coal’ To Its Website This Week After House Republicans Alleged That The President’s ‘All-Of-The-Above’ Energy Plan Neglected The Fossil Fuel.” (Andrew Restuccia, “Obama Campaign Adds ‘Clean Coal’ To Website After GOP Complaints,” The Hill’s E2 Wire , 5/11/12)
- The Wall Street Journal: Coal Is Not Part Of Obama’s “All Of The Above” Energy Strategy. “Everyone in Washington including President Obama claims to favor an ‘all of the above’ energy portfolio. As misguided as that is-far better to let markets decide which energy sources to develop-the EPA has now admitted that Mr. Obama doesn’t really mean it. Coal is not part of his ‘all.’” (Editorial, “Killing Coal,” The Wall Street Journal, 4/5/12)
- The Group Wants Obama To Yank The “Cynical Pro-Coal Ad” And Stop The Blatant Pandering. ” “The group has created an online petition asking Obama to yank the commercial: ‘Tell the Obama campaign: stop your cynical pro-coal ad,’ it reads. Coal has emerged as an important issue in the presidential race, with Romney contending that Obama’s environmental policies have been hostile to it and other fossil fuels – at a steep price to jobs and energy independence. Obama has insisted that he supports ‘clean coal’ operations as well as renewable sources of energy.” (Laura Vozzella, “Environmentalists Blast ‘Pro-Coal’ Obama Ad,” The Washington Post , 10/11/12)
The Obama Campaign Has “Barred” Coal Supporters From Their Events
Clean Coal Supporters Were Asked To Leave An Obama Event In Bowling Green, Ohio. “Wednesday at a rally for President Obama in Bowling Green, Ohio, clean coal advocates in their T-shirts and hats were asked to leave and their video tracker filming their treatment was filmed by an event video tracker.” (Paul Bedard, “Coal Supporters Harassed, Barred At Obama-Biden Events,” Washington Examiner , 9/26/12)Clean Coal Supporters Were Barred From Entering A Biden Event Held In Chesterfield, Virginia. “At a Chesterfield, Virginia rally Tuesday for Vice President Biden, clean coal supporters said that their T-shirts, hats and signs were taken as they passed through security. Others said that they were barred from entering after an official who had earlier confiscated clean coal T-shirts called it a ‘private event.’” (Paul Bedard, “Coal Supporters Harassed, Barred At Obama-Biden Events,” Washington Examiner , 9/26/12)
“Officials At The American Coalition For Clean Coal Electricity Say They Are Flummoxed” By The Obama Campaign’s Actions. “Officials at the American Coalition for Clean Coal Electricity say they are flummoxed by the actions. They have been pressing both Obama and the Romney campaigns to endorse their goal of promoting high tech coal plants that produce cleaner energy and do not yell or jeer at political rallies. The advocates stand out in their blue shirts and hats, some of whom even made to the floor at last month’s Republican National Convention in Tampa, Florida.” (Paul Bedard, “Coal Supporters Harassed, Barred At Obama-Biden Events,” Washington Examiner , 9/26/12)
OBAMA’S PANDERING HAS NOT DISGUISED HIS WAR ON COAL IN THE STATES
Ohio
According To The American Coalition For Clean Coal Electricity, Due To EPA Regulations, 30 Coal Units In Ohio Are Retiring Or Being Converted, Resulting In The Retiring Or Converting Of 6,623 Megawatts Of Electricity. (“Coal Retirements As Of September 2012,” The American Coalition For Clean Coal Electricity, Accessed 9/19/12)- ACCE CEO Mike Duncan: “EPA Continues To Ignore The Damage That Its New Regulations Are Causing To The U.S. Economy And To States That Depend On Coal For Jobs And Affordable Electricity.” (Evan Weese, “30 Coal-Fired Power Plants In Ohio Threatened, Industry Charges,” Columbus Business First , 9/19/12)
- FirstEnergy Was To Close Ohio Power Plants By September 1 Because The Company Did Not Want To Install New Expensive Pollution Controls Mandated By The EPA. “At the first of the year, FirstEnergy said it would close the old power plants by Sept. 1, estimating that some 400 jobs in Ohio would be lost. Also on the death list were two small power plants in Maryland and two in West Virginia, which the company intends to close this year as originally planned. The company decided to close the old plants because it did not want to install expensive new pollution controls to meet the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency’s new restrictions on emissions of mercury and other toxic metals. Those standards take effect 2014, or with an EPA-approved extension, 2015.” (John Funk, “FirstEnergy Will Keep Older Power Plants Open Until 2015, Launch Nearly $1 Billion In Transmission Upgrades,” The Plain Dealer, 5/1/12)
According To FirstEnergy Spokesman Mark Durbin, The Cutbacks Will Continue “Indefinitely” Until The Economy Improves. “The cutbacks will continue indefinitely – until the stagnant economy improves, he said. ‘It’s tough to say how long the reduced operations might last. It could be awhile. We’ll just have to wait and see,’ Durbin said.” (Bob Downing, “FirstEnergy To Cut Back Operations At Sammis Power Plant,” Akron Beacon Journal , 8/17/12)
- In 2010, FirstEnergy Completed Installing Anti-Pollution Control Equipment At The Sammis Plant – A $1.8 Billion Project. “FirstEnergy in late 2010 completed installing anti-pollution equipment, including scrubbers, at the Sammis plant. It was a $1.8 billion project that began in 2005.” (Bob Downing, “FirstEnergy To Cut Back Operations At Sammis Power Plant,” Akron Beacon Journal , 8/17/12)
- The Job Cuts Are “In Response To A Combination Of Economic Factors.” “The job cuts are ‘in response to a combination of economic factors, including continued slow customer load growth and an abundance of electric generation supply resulting in low power prices,’ said Anthony J. Alexander, FirstEnergy president and chief executive officer.” (“FirstEnergy May Cut 200 Akron Jobs In November,” The Canton Repository, 9/19/12)
Duke Energy Will Close Its Walter C. Beckjord Generating Station In Clermont County. “Large Ohio coal plants will go dark within a few years. Duke Energy announced that the Walter C. Beckjord Generating Station in Clermont County east of Cincinnati will cease operating coal-fired units in 2015. The plant has produced energy for six decades.” (Steve Bennish, “EPA Rules To Force Old Coal Plants To Adapt, Close,” Dayton Daily News, 1/6/12)
- According To Duke Energy, The New EPA Rules “Would Require Hundreds Of Millions Of Dollars – To Which Our Customers Would Be Exposed – To Bring The Plant Into Compliance.” “‘Due to the age and physical limitations of the Beckjord facility, the (new EPA rules) would require hundreds of millions of dollars – to which our customers would be exposed – to bring the plant into compliance. This fact, combined with a lower plant usage forecast, compelled Duke Energy Ohio to accelerate Beckjord’s anticipated retirement date,’ Duke said.” (Steve Bennish, “EPA Rules To Force Old Coal Plants To Adapt, Close,” Dayton Daily News, 1/6/12)
GenOn Will Close Plants In Niles And Avon Lake, OH. “Ohio plants affected include those in Niles and Avon Lake, and plants retiring in Pennsylvania are in New Castle, Portland, Shawville, Titus and Elrama. The closures will occur between 2012 and 2015.” (Chelsea Miller, “7 Coal-Powered Plants To Close In Ohio And Pa.,” Youngstown Vindicator, 3/1/12)
GenOn Energy Will Close Its Avon Lake, OH, Coal-Fired Power Plant In 2015 Due To “Insufficient Returns” As A Result Of EPA Regulations. “GenOn Energy is moving forward with its plan to close the Avon Lake power plant in April 2015. According to an email from GenOn spokesman Mark Baird, after more review of the viability of adding additional controls to bring the plant into conformity with EPA regulations, ‘forecasted returns are insufficient.’” (Cheryl Higley, “GenOn On Track With Closing Plant In Avon Lake,” The Plain Dealer, 4/6/12)
- City Schools Will Face An Annual Revenue Loss Of $3.9 Million Due To The Plant’s Closure. “Replacing the revenue generated from the plant will be crucial for the city schools, which could lose $3.9 million annually when the plant closes. Those losses come on top of state funding cuts and past devaluations of the power plant that are contributing to a projected $3 million deficit by fiscal year 2014.”(Cheryl Higley, “GenOn On Track With Closing Plant In Avon Lake,” The Plain Dealer, 4/6/12)
- Murray Energy Estimates That The Obama Administration Has Destroyed 2,868 Jobs In Eastern Ohio. “‘At its peak, OhioAmerican employed 239 local people in high-paying, well-benefited jobs,’ said Mr. Stanley T. Piasecki, General Manager and Superintendent. ‘University studies show that our Mines can create up to eleven (11) secondary jobs in our communities, for store clerks, teachers, etc., to serve our direct employees. Thus, if one uses the eleven (11) to one (1) multiplier, the Obama Administration has destroyed 2,868 jobs in eastern Ohio with this forced Mine closure,’ stated Mr. Piasecki.” (Press Release, “OhioAmerican Energy, Inc. Coal Mining Operation Closed In Eastern Ohio,” Murray Energy, 7/31/12)
Another Affiliate Of Murray Energy, Ohio Valley Coal Company, Recently Announced The Elimination Of 29 Hourly Jobs At Its Powhattan No. 6 Mine Citing “Regulatory Excess Of The Obama Administration As A Direct Cause Of The Layoffs.” “The Ohio Valley Coal Company announced Friday it has been forced to reduce its workforce at the Powhatan No. 6 Mine in Belmont County, Ohio. According to a news release 29 hourly jobs will be cut. The company cites regulatory excess of the Obama Administration as a direct cause to the layoffs.” (Colin Lawler, “Ohio Valley Coal Co. Announces Layoffs,” WTRF, 7/21/12)
- General Manager Ronald Koontz: The Obama Administration’s War On Coal Is “Seeking To Destroy The Coal Industry And The Jobs Of Our Own Employees And The Livelihoods Of Their Families.” “Announcing the reduction of 29 jobs at its Powhatan No. 6 Mine in Belmont County, Ohio, General Manager Ronald Koontz attacked the Obama administration for a ‘war on coal seeking to destroy the coal industry and the jobs of our own employees and the livelihoods of their families.’” (Erich Schwartzel, “Two Coal Companies Downsize,” Pittsburgh Post Gazette, 7/20/12)
Pennsylvania
Pennsylvania Democrats Are Asking The EPA To Keep Open 14 Waste-Coal To Energy Plants In The State That Are Currently Slated For Shutdown As A Result Of EPA Regulations. “Pennsylvania congressmen from both parties are asking for the Environmental Protection Agency’s help to keep open 14 waste coal to energy plants in the state. The 14 plants are slated to be shut because of the EPA’s Mercury and Air Toxics Standards. Three of the plants are in Cambria County and one each in Indiana and Clarion. The letter asks the EPA to consider that the plants reduce the amount of waste coal in Pennsylvania and allow them to continue without meeting the current limitation in hyrdochloric acid emissions.” (Paul Gough, “Senators Ask EPA To Reduce Waste-Coal Limits,” Pittsburgh Business Times , 10/16/12)- According To A Letter Authored By The Congressmen, The Plants Employ Over 1,000 People, Many In Economically Distressed Areas Of Pennsylvania. “‘Besides the environmental benefits, these plants directly employ over 1,000 people, with additional thousands employed indirectly. We believe the economic stimulus from the plants to economically distressed areas of Pennsylvania is considerable. Removal of waste coal piles across Pennsylvania also benefits communities that have long lived with the legacy of problems associated with abandoned ‘gob’ and ‘culm’ piles that were created before environmental regulations existed,’ the letter said.” (Paul Gough, “Senators Ask EPA To Reduce Waste-Coal Limits,” Pittsburgh Business Times , 10/16/12)
According To The American Coalition For Clean Coal Electricity, Due To EPA Regulations, 22 Coal Units In Pennsylvania Are Retiring Or Being Converted, Resulting In The Retiring Or Converting Of 3,588 Megawatts Of Electricity. (“Coal Retirements As Of September 2012,” The American Coalition For Clean Coal Electricity, Accessed 9/19/12)
Alpha Natural Resources Announced It’s Eliminating 1,200 Jobs, Nearly A Tenth Of Its Work Force. “Coal producer Alpha Natural Resources said Tuesday it’s cutting production by 16 million tons and eliminating 1,200 jobs companywide, including 400 with the immediate closing of eight mines in Virginia, West Virginia and Pennsylvania. The mine shutdowns start Tuesday, while the rest of the layoffs will be completed by the end of the first quarter after Alpha fulfills current sales obligations, Chief Executive Officer Kevin Crutchfield said. In all, the layoffs amount to nearly a tenth of Alpha’s 13,000-person work force.” (Vicki Smith, “Alpha Closing 8 Mines, Cutting 1,200 Jobs In All,” The Associated Press, 9/18/12)
- The Dora Mine In Jefferson County, Pennsylvania Is One Of The Eight Mines Alpha Will Idle. “The Dora Mine in Jefferson County, owned by the Amfire subsidiary of Alpha Natural Resources (NYSE: ANR), is one of eight mines Alpha will idle due to the changing climate for the coal industry. The others are in West Virginia and Virginia. Other mines in Pennsylvania are not affected, an Alpha Natural Resources spokesman said in an email to the Pittsburgh Business Times.” (“Coal Mine Near Latrobe To Be Idled,” Pittsburgh Business Times , 9/19/12)
GenOn Energy, Inc. Will Close Three Pennsylvania Coal-Fired Power Plants Because Of Onerous Federal Regulations. “GenOn Energy Inc. will shut down eight power plants over the next three years, three of them old, coal-burning power plants in Western Pennsylvania: at Elrama in northern Washington County, Shawville in Clearfield County and near New Castle in Lawrence County. The Houston-based power company announced the power plant deactivations Wednesday as part of its 2011 earnings report, blaming economics and federal environmental regulations requiring installation of pollution control equipment.” (Don Hopey, “Off Switch Hit For Power Plants,” The Pittsburgh Post-Gazette, 3/1/12)
- The Plant Closings Will Cost 180 Pennsylvania Jobs. “[T]he three Western Pennsylvania plant closures will result in a loss of 180 jobs – 60 at Elrama, 40 at New Castle and 80 at Shawville. All of those workers, as well as workers at other power plants scheduled to close, can apply for job openings at other GenOn power plants, he said.” (Don Hopey, “Off Switch Hit For Power Plants,” The Pittsburgh Post-Gazette, 3/1/12)
- PBS President And CEO D. Lynn Shanks: “Additionally, The Escalating Costs And Uncertainty Generated By Recently Advanced EPA Regulations And Interpretations Have Created A Challenging Business Climate For The Entire Coal Industry.” (Erich Schwartzel, “Two Coal Companies Downsize,” Pittsburgh Post Gazette, 7/20/12)
- Rooney: Obama’s Refusal To Mention Coal When Discussing American Energy Is “Disappointing.” “Last Thursday, in what the White House touted as his ‘big American-made energy’ speech, the president never mentioned coal. ‘That’s — that is just disappointing,’ said T.J. Rooney, former chairman of Pennsylvania Democrats, who oversaw several very successful election cycles for his party.” (Salena Zito, “Pa. Coal Country Skeptical Of Obama,” Pittsburgh Tribune-Review , 3/25/12)
- Rooney: Obama Needs To “Strike A Better Balance” With The Country’s Natural Resources. “T.J. Rooney, Pennsylvania’s former Democratic Party chairman, said Obama needs to ‘strike a better balance’ with all of the country’s natural resources. ‘Right now, it is a problem,’ said Rooney, noting he’s frustrated that he hasn’t heard the president talk lately about clean coal as part of his ‘all-of-the-above’ approach to energy production. Obama hasn’t mentioned coal in speeches or news conferences since October, the Tribune-Review found in reviewing White House press reports.” (Salena Zito, “Romney’s Focus On Energy In PA Visit,” Pittsburgh Tribune-Review , 4/23/12)
Virginia
According To The American Coalition For Clean Coal Electricity, Due To EPA Regulations, 16 Coal Units In Virginia Are Retiring Or Being Converted, Resulting In The Retiring Or Converting Of 2,518 Megawatts Of Electricity. (“Coal Retirements As Of September 2012,” The American Coalition For Clean Coal Electricity, Accessed 9/19/12)In Virginia, Coal Generates 30 Percent Of The Electricity, Provides Power For Up To One Million Homes And 58,000 Businesses, And Employs More Than 45,000 People. “Coal provides 30 percent of Virginia’s electricity – some 20.2 billion kilowatts, according to the Energy Information Administration. That’s enough to power 1 million homes and 58,000 businesses. Virginia ranks 12th in the nation in coal production, EIA said. Direct and indirect employment from coal mining account for 45,210 jobs and a combined payroll of $3.4 billion.” (Kenric Ward, “Climate Regulations Leaving Virginia Coal Out In The Cold,” The Examiner, 8/12/12)
American Electric Power Co. Will Close One Unit At Its Clinch River Plant And Will Shutter Its Glen Lyn Plant By 2014. “About 500,000 tons of coal a year are burned at the Clinch River plant, an aging Appalachian Power Co. facility that has been producing electricity since Dwight Eisenhower occupied the White House. The fate of this 53-year-old power plant, and others like it across the country, could soon be determined by new regulations proposed by the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency. … American Electric Power Co., the parent company of Appalachian, says the rules would force it to shut one unit at the Clinch River plant and convert the remaining two to burn natural gas instead of coal. The second coal-burning facility that Appalachian runs in Southwest Virginia, the Glen Lyn plant in Giles County, would be shut down completely by 2014.” (Laurence Hammack, “Power Or Poison? EPA Rules Could Limit Coal-Fueled Plants’ Emissions,” Roanoke Times, 10/9/11)
- The Closures Will Increase Electricity Rates From 10-15 Percent And Cost 80 Area Jobs. “The closures and conversions could mean a 10 percent to 15 percent increase in electricity rates, Appalachian has said – adding another twist to the conflict between coal and clean air. … About 80 power plant jobs would be lost to the regulations in the 9th District.” (Laurence Hammack, “Power Or Poison? EPA Rules Could Limit Coal-Fueled Plants’ Emissions,” Roanoke Times, 10/9/11)
- CONSOL Energy Is Responding To “Weak Market Conditions” In Idling The Mine. “CONSOL Energy is responding to weak market conditions throughout its export markets in Asia, Europe and South America,” the company said in a written announcement of the decision. The Buchanan Mine – CONSOL’s only mine in the county – produces about 400,000 tons monthly of metallurgical-grade coal for steel production. According to information on CONSOL’s website, Buchanan set a company record for coal production in 2011 with 5.7 million tons mined that year.” (Mike Still, “Global Market Conditions Idles CONSOL Mine,” TriCities, 9/5/12)
- The Idling Has Led CONSOL To Furlough 606 Employees. “CONSOL spokeswoman Cathy St. Clair said Tuesday that the company has furloughed 606 employees at the Buchanan complex. The complex’s preparation plant will retain six employees while another 160 salaried employees and 11 mine rescue team members will stay on the job, St. Clair said.” (Mike Still, “Global Market Conditions Idles CONSOL Mine,” TriCities, 9/5/12)
Alpha Natural Resources Announced It’s Eliminating 1,200 Jobs, Nearly A Tenth Of Its Work Force. “Coal producer Alpha Natural Resources said Tuesday it’s cutting production by 16 million tons and eliminating 1,200 jobs companywide, including 400 with the immediate closing of eight mines in Virginia, West Virginia and Pennsylvania. The mine shutdowns start Tuesday, while the rest of the layoffs will be completed by the end of the first quarter after Alpha fulfills current sales obligations, Chief Executive Officer Kevin Crutchfield said. In all, the layoffs amount to nearly a tenth of Alpha’s 13,000-person work force.” (Vicki Smith, “Alpha Closing 8 Mines, Cutting 1,200 Jobs In All,” The Associated Press, 9/18/12)
- “Closing Four Mines In West Virginia, Three In Virginia, And One In Pennsylvania,” Miners Will Be Either Reassigned Or Laid Off Immediately, And Support Positions Will Also Be Cut Proportionally. “Alpha said it is closing four mines in West Virginia, three in Virginia and one in Pennsylvania. They are a mix of deep and surface mines. All the mines being closed are non-union operations. Alpha didn’t immediately name the mines because they wanted to inform all the workers first. Though some miners will stay on to seal the operations, most will either be reassigned or laid off immediately. Support positions will also be cut proportionally as Alpha reduces its operating regions from four to two, Crutchfield said, and two executives will retire Nov. 1.” (Vicki Smith, “Alpha Closing 8 Mines, Cutting 1,200 Jobs In All,” The Associated Press, 9/18/12)
- “The Virginia Mines Are Guest Mountain Deep Mines No. 8 And No. 9 Near Norton, And The Twin Star Surface Mine Near Hurley.” (Vicki Smith, “Alpha Closing 8 Mines, Cutting 1,200 Jobs In All,” The Associated Press, 9/18/12)
- The Plant “Has Been Forced To Scale Back Its Operations In Recent Years To Comply With The Clean Air Act.” “The plant opened in 1949 and has been forced to scale back its operations in recent years to comply with the Clean Air Act. GenOn will get back about $32 million the city had held in escrow to use for environmental controls under an agreement signed in 2008, the AP reports.” (“Coal-Fired Power Plant In Alexandria Is Poised To Close, Pleasing Local Officials,” The Associated Press , 9/30/12)
Virginia State Sen. Phillip Puckett (D-Lebanon): “It’s Very Clear To Me That The Administration Does Not Support The Coal Industry In A Way That’s Beneficial To Our Area. So, I Don’t Plan To Support President Obama For Re-Election.” (George Jackson, “VA Sen. Phillip Puckett Says He Will Not Support Obama In 2012,” WJHL, 9/22/11)
- Puckett : In Southwest Virginia, “The Story Here Is Coal.” “‘The story here is coal,’ said state Sen. Phillip P. Puckett (D-Russell County), who admits the regulatory and economic climate has made life tricky for his party. But Puckett said Kaine also has performed better than most Democrats in southwest Virginia.” (Fredrick Kunkle, “Woes In Virginia Coal Fields, Energy Policy Move To Fore In U.S. Senate Race,” The Washington Post , 9/23/12)
- Puckett : “He Doesn’t Listen To Me, And Quite Frankly He Wasn’t My Choice For The Democratic Nomination.” (George Jackson, “VA Sen. Phillip Puckett Says He Will Not Support Obama In 2012,” WJHL, 9/22/11)
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