Should Cost be a Significant Factor in Sentencing Convicted Criminals?

Apparently the court system in Missouri thinks so. In her article, Missouri Tells Judges Cost of Sentences, publsihed in the September 18 New York Times, Monica Davey reports that "When judges here [Missouri] sentence convicted criminals, a new and unusual variable is available for them to consider: what a given punishment will cost the State of Missouri". According to the article "legal experts say no other state systematically provides such information to judges, a practice put into effect here last month by the state’s sentencing advisory commission, an appointed board that offers guidance on criminal sentencing." Smart Sentenciing Volume 2 Number 5 August 17, 2010 A Bulletin of the Missouri Sentencing Commission includes a discussion of cost of sentencing as a variable when determining sentences. According to the Bulletin the Missouri Sentencing Commission has added data about the risk of being reincarcerated and the costs of sentences to its online application as a variable to enhance the availability of objective inform I found it somwhat surprising that "....no other state systematically provides such information to judges". On alternative for those interested in pursuing this subjct further would be to start by following a search I conducted on the National Center for State Courts website using the terms cost and incarceration. David Badertscher

The Cause of Poverty: Marriage Absence

By Mike McManus

Last week the Census announced that America's poverty rate had increased to 14.3 percent in 2009 with 44 million people, up from 13.2 in 2008 and 40 million people in poverty.

America's press blamed America's high unemployment rate for the problem. However, though the jobless rate doubled in a year from 5 to 10 percent, poverty increased only one percent.

The primary cause of poverty is not joblessness but marriage - or rather, marriage absence. Indeed, the Heritage Foundation published data last week: "Marriage: America's No. 1 Weapon Against Childhood Poverty."

It notes, "Marriage Drops the Probability of Child Poverty by 82 percent."

That's stunning. However, 36.5 percent of families headed by a single mother were poor in 2008 while only 6.4 percent of married, two-parent families are poor.

Yet the marriage rate has plunged 51 percent since 1970.

Heritage notes that children of unwed parents have soared eight-fold since 1960 when only five percent of births were out-of-wedlock, to 40.6 percent in 2008. A third of America's children live in unmarried families, seven-tenths of whom are poor.

Marriage absence should be a major political issue in the current campaigns for governors, state legislators and even Congress.

Why? "Marriage absence is driving federal and state deficits," says David Usher, President of the Center for Marriage Policy in St. Louis.

"Health care coverage, personal bankruptcy and home loan defaults are infrequent problems for married couples. Children raised in intact families are the last to get in trouble, flunk out of school, join a gang, have babies, become chronic substance abusers, or grow up to be criminals."

What can be done to reverse these trends? Heritage suggests federal strategies:

1. Reduce anti-marriage penalties in welfare programs. Why should the government reward single parenthood with welfare, food stamps, free medical care, housing subsidies, etc? Robert Rector of Heritage estimates that "The cost of subsidizing single parenthood is $280 billion. The people who receive large subsidies should no longer get one-way handouts." He asserts those subsidies should require full-time work. Welfare Reform took that strategy, reducing welfare rolls 60 percent.

2. Require welfare offices to provide factual data on the value of marriage, and require federally funded birth control clinics to provide information on benefits of marriage.

By contrast, the new Center for Marriage Policy is recommending initiatives that could be taken by state government.

Missouri State Rep. Cynthia Davis, the Center's Executive Director, says present law provides "perverse incentives" to destroy rather than preserve marriage. For example, she tells of a woman who was "poisoned by her friends to get out of the marriage. They said she could get custody of their child, which comes with a big lump of money, plus she got her husband to pay her lawyer's fees. Their child was a teenager who did not want to live with her mom, but her dad, which she did. But the mom got a court order for him to pay child support to her anyway."

To put it differently, the state provides incentives for marriage destruction, not marriage preservation. Hundreds of studies prove that couples with enduring marriages are happier, healthier, live longer, and have more sex and better sex. (See "A Case for Marriage" by Maggie Gallagher and Linda Waite.)

Rep. Davis introduced a bill requiring that couples with children agree on the divorce, unless fault (adultery, abuse) is proven - a reform of No Fault Divorce I have called Mutual Consent. Why? She says, "It is simple. If there are children, more people are involved. Mutual Consent would breed more stability for society in general." The bill did not pass, but she was term-limited and will be out of office next year. As the Center's Director, she can pursue legislation as a private citizen, yet with a knowledge of people and issues that only a former legislator would have.

A second reform that could cut the divorce rate is to require divorcing couples to live apart for a year if there is Mutual Consent, and two years if contested. Maryland, Illinois and Pennsylvania have such a law and their divorce rate is HALF that of 9 states with No requirement to live apart (NH. TN, ID, FL, OR, NM, WY, NM, and KY). Why? If couples have to live apart for a year, many couples decide to reconcile before the divorce takes effect.

David Usher, Center President, charges "The welfare state is eating Missouri alive. The cost to taxpayers of marriage absence is at least $1.3 billion per year. A sensible marriage policy could reduce illegitimacy and divorce by half. The deficits will abate when marriage is restored."


----Michael J. McManus is a syndicated columnist writing on "Ethics & Religion". He is President & Co-Chair of Marriage Savers. He lives with his wife in Potomac, MD.

Eddie Long hit with third sexual coercion lawsuit but is defended by congregation members

Anti-gay pastor Eddie Long has been hit with a third sexual coercion lawsuit by another male ex-member of his church.  Long is continues to deny any wrongdoing and it has come out that one of the men filing the lawsuits has a burglary charge against him:

Bishop Eddie Long made a church summer camp counselor call him “Daddy” and coerced him into sexual acts, according to a lawsuit filed Wednesday against the mega-church leader.

Jamal Parris, 23, a former member of New Birth Missionary Baptist Church, became the third young male to file suit against the nationally known preacher and his church.

The suit, similar to two filed on Tuesday (Read a PDF of one of the earlier lawsuits), accuses Long of using his power to force the plaintiff into a sexual relationship. In exchange, Long placed Parris and the two other men on the church’s payroll, bought them cars and other gifts, and took them on lavish trips, according to the suits filed in DeKalb County Superior Court.

Long adamantly denies the allegations and has scheduled a press conference Thursday morning.
“It is unfortunate that these young men have chosen to take this course of action,” Long's attorney, Craig Gillen, told the AJC Tuesday night

And today, several church members came out in support of Long saying that the charges are lies:

Church members . . .  said they simply didn't believe the allegations, speaking of Long's love and passion for his wife.

Atlanta-area radio host Frank Ski, a 12-year-member of Long's church, told the Atlanta Constitution-Journal that he had "extreme support" for the man he's known for more than a decade.

"It's difficult for me because Bishop Long and I are very close," he told the paper. "I'm one of these people who's really old school. When you're a friend and I support you, I support you. Right now it's allegations."

By A. McEwen

MASSIVE RECALL: Beetles Found in Similac Infant Formula

by Yuka Yoneda,

Abbott Labs just announced that they are recalling certain Similac brand powder infant formulas in Guam, Puerto Rico, the USA and some parts of the Caribbean due to a “remote” possibility that it is contaminated by a common beetle. The risk was discovered when the presence of the insects in formula from one production area in a single manufacturing facility was unearthed during an internal quality review. Read on for details of the recall.

Luckily, the FDA says that the formula containing these beetles poses no immediate health risk. But if you do notice that your baby does not want to eat, it could be because of gastrointestinal discomfort caused by the contaminated formula. If your baby has ingested Similac recently and has stomach pains or discomfort that lasts for more than a few days, Abbott and the FDA advise that you should see a doctor.

Not all Similac formulas were potentially affected, so check your containers carefully. The products that are being recalled are: certain Similac powder product lines offered in plastic containers and certain Similac powder product lines offered in sizes such as 8-ounce, 12.4-ounce and 12.9-ounce cans. Liquid Similac is not believed to have been affected and is not part of the recall.

If you would like to inquire about the recall further, you can call the company at 800-986-8850.

Bill Gates tops Forbes US rich list

23 September 2010 11:46 GMT / By Ben Crompton

 
Whilst the majority of the world's population struggle to make ends meet (to put it mildly), some folk are having no such problems; as Forbes again compiles its Forbes 400 rich list of the most minted in the US, with Microsoft founder Bill Gates finding himself at the top of the rich list with a cool $54 billion.

While there's a wide range of big earners from all industries, high earners in the tech world include Larry Ellison, co-founder of the software giant Oracle, with a massive $27 billion fortune (third place) whilst Google founders Sergey Brin and Larry Page make it into the list with $15 billion.

The silly amounts of money continue with Michael Dell and Steve Ballmer having recorded earnings of 14 billion and 13.1 billion respectively.

And as a host of private equity deals place Facebook's value at around the 23 billion, Mark Zuckerberg's personal wealth has also increased to $6.9 billion, an increase of around 245 per cent - he's coming in at number 35. Apple's Steve Jobs brings up the rear with $6.1 billion.

So what does all this mean? Well, it shows us that there's some staggeringly wealthy people - something we were probably previously aware of - and that we all enjoy a good rich list, as we console ourselves with how much better we'd be at spending the money; wondering why they don't all just cash up and pack in work.

The main tech earners from the list are as follows:

1. Bill gates - 54 billion

Co- founder of Microsoft, in terms of richness Bill Gates has been hitting the top spot now for 17 consecutive years. He is known as somewhat of a philanthropist, using his Gates Foundation for good causes, however he is still running in second place in terms of money raised for charity - Sir Jimmy Savile pipping him to the top spot.*
*Possibly not the case, but we're sure it's a close run thing.

3. Larry Ellison - 27 billion

A self-made billionaire, Larry Ellison is chief executive officer of Oracle Corporation, a major enterprise software company. As well as enjoying the odd fighter jet Ellison co-owns a $200 million yacht.

11. Larry Page, Sergey Brin - 15 billion

Co-founders of the search giant Google, the two have produced one of the most recognisable brands in the world - however both have seen their personel wealth drop from the 2009 Forbes list.

15. Michael Dell - 14 billion

Founder of the computer giant Dell, Mr Dell sees personnel wealth take a drop from 2009, but we're sure it won't keep him awake at night.

16. Steve Ballmer - 13.1 Billion

CEO of Microsoft, Steve Ballmer is known for somwhat eccentric and over-the-top behaviour - many of these can be seen on YouTube.

35. Mark Zuckerburg - 6.9 billion

The youngest billionaire in the world, with a net worth of $6.9 billion he has a 24 per cent share of Facebook.

42. Steve Jobs - 6.1 billion

Apple CEO and co-founder, Mr Jobs has a huge fanbase as the company's i-products continue to be a huge hit. Jobs' fortune has increased by 1 billion since 2009.

Do All Black Men Want White Women? (Tiger’s Jungle Fever)

Week before last, I finally buckled under the pressure and wrote a blog about Tiger Woods. I don’t know about y’all, but I’m tired of waking up to more “shocking scandal” about the former all-American golfer. Yet, like a train wreck, I sometimes find myself unable to look away.

Still, my plan was to walk away from the topic for the foreseeable future, but then I received an email from one of my new readers.

Hey, NWSO, I stumbled upon a status update on FaceBook yesterday that read: ‘FRIEND’S NAME is disappointed at the way the media, golfers, and random people are approaching Tiger Wood’s situation.’ 

I had thoughts but none were definitive enough to add my two cents, so I said nothing. I shrugged my shoulders and carried on with my own business. During my digression from my finals work, I stumbled upon a Tiger Woods article where someone’s response surprisingly moved me; I usually eschew this type of rhetoric altogether for fear of becoming the “angry Black woman.” I gave her a chance, though, and I’m glad I did. Here’s what she wrote: 

“Whenever a professional man, Black or White falls, no Black woman is ever behind it but whenever a professional Black man falls, check out who is normally behind it. Always White women.

Look what marrying one did to O.J.—jail. Look how sex with one for one night told lies on Kobe and almost sent him to jail. [NFL player] Steve McNair never lived to tell his tales because she wiped out his tail. Now who was swinging the famous golf club that has put Tiger’s life that his Black dad built in this mess? A White woman who Tiger gave a life, a name and face. Tell me that his dad is not turning in his grave to see his son give up what made him for a White woman?

Lionel Richie cheated on his Black wife with a White woman and married her. He had to give up his career because of her jealous insecurities. He was miserable and went back to what made him—singing. She left him because she could not stand what she did to a Black woman happening to her.

Elin cheated with Tiger on his ex so it is karma. White women are aggressive ‘knicker swingers’ and controlling! Was anyone crying poor Mrs. McNair? Nope! The Kardashians will be doing a take two—more idiots down soon. NFL player [Richard] Jefferson from the Nets made the wisest decision of his life. So did Will Smith, Denzel, Obama, Sam Jackson and few others.”

I didn’t care much for the comment until the commenter wrote: “Was anyone crying poor Mrs. McNair? Nope!” It made me think about Michael Jordan’s wife, and even Shaq’s wife (Okay, so Shaq doesn’t have a squeaky clean image but you get my drift). Does anyone cry for Black women? The only concrete thing that came to my mind was: Could it be that this whole Tiger Woods media tirade is because he cheated on a **insert dramatic pause** White woman? It’s like, How dare Tiger cheat on an educated White woman?!!! 

Sorry this is so long but I had to share with someone I thought could actually deliver some type of meaningful insight. 

Oh, boy, where do I begin?

I kind of see what the commenter was trying to say, but I feel like she was way off base with her initial argument. First, the claim that every tragedy to befall successful Black men is the fault of White women is preposterous. I have two words to dead that argument—Robin Givens.

I don’t know the sister personally or the dynamics of her bedroom, but I’ll be damned if Robin didn’t appear that she ran Mike Tyson through the wringer. Sure he had/has a whole bunch of personal issues that can’t be blamed solely on Robin, but it didn’t look like this Black woman helped raise him up.

Secondly, maybe I’m just overly sensitive but the whole marrying “one” reeks of a racist undertone to me. Actually O.J.’s incarceration had nothing to do with his marriage to Nicole Brown-Simpson or her murder (I won’t even get into the if he did it conundrum), he went to jail for stealing football memorabilia years after his former White wife had passed. Sure, some could argue it was payback for him getting acquitted for Nicole’s murder, but that’s a very weak argument.

As for Kobe, he wanted to do it in the butt with a sidepiece that just happened to be White. Shoot, you don’t think if a 6’6” basketball player tried to ram it up your rear uninvited a Black woman wouldn’t rat him out because of some unspoken cultural bond? GTFOH!

Steve McNair just happened to be dealing with a psycho chick that shot him in his sleep, I doubt her skin color had anything to do with her mental state and whatever lies he was feeding her. Besides that, the chick’s name was Sahel Kazemi, which sounds more Middle Eastern than “White” to me. (I tried to confirm her ethnicity but got tired of devoting energy to uncovering something that in the end won’t really matter because they’re both dead).

In regards to the “point” about Tiger; once again, I see no merit as to what race has to do with Elin swinging a club at her cheating husband. In case you missed it, the man has over a dozen mistresses; I think a Black woman, or any woman for that matter, would swing a lot more than a gulf club at his head. Also, if I’m not mistaken, Elin actually had a modeling career before getting with Tiger, so not is sure that he gave her a “life, name and face.” And last I checked, (Okay, I didn’t check) Tiger’s father was alive and kicking so I doubt he’s doing any rolling around in graves any time soon. Not to mention Tiger’s pops is an African

American/Native American/Chinese man that married a Thai/Dutch/Chinese woman, so I doubt he’d be that upset about his son getting with a White woman.

SMH
I won’t even waste any more time poking holes in the comment, but I will say this: Yes, we (Americans) live in a society that revolves around race; but damn, does everything have to be about Black and White?
Yeah, Tiger cheated and all of the women were Caucasian, but would things be drastically different if there were a few, or all, chocolate bunnies in the mix? I doubt it. He’d still be an undiagnosed sex addict (seriously, it sounds like dude is a sexaholic) that stepped out on his wife. I don’t see how the skin color of the women changes anything, like if he was being a whore with Black women that would make things better.
Pffft!

Seriously, people, race is only as big as you make it. With that said, the reader who pulled this quote does did raise an interesting point in that the media probably wouldn’t be in such an uproar if the powerful Black man wasn’t “ruining” a precious White woman. Throughout American history, White women have traditionally been put up on a pedestal, while Black women were pushed to the side—only to be secretly lusted after in the shadows.
I have no problem with the idea of Black love, just like I have no problem with White, Yellow, Green love. I don’t care if the world’s greatest golfer or Tyrone from down the block fell in love with a White woman or not—truthfully, it’s none of my business—as long as they honor each other and their vows I’m with it. The problem here is Tiger did none of that.

What did you think about the quote the reader pulled and the views expressed in it? Do you think that every time a Black man goes down it’s the fault of a White woman? Do you feel that some Black women always want to blame their man troubles on women of different races? Ladies, do you take it as a personal insult when a successful Black man marries/dates outside the race? Why? Do some of you really feel that Black men view White women as the ultimate trophy and the sisters are consolation prizes? Why do you think American culture is so focused on race? At the end of the day, shouldn’t people be more outraged about Tiger’s cheating than by the color of the women he cheated with and married?

Speak your piece…

Babysitter, 11, Faces Murder Charges for Killing 2-Year-Old

Grieving Mother Says Babysitter Should Go to Prison for Life

By EMILY FRIEDMAN

An 11-year-old girl may face murder charges after the 2-year-old she was babysitting allegedly died from injuries she sustained under her care.

The young babysitter claimed that the toddler, identified as Zyda White, had fallen off the bed Saturday evening, according to ABC News' Atlanta affiliate WSB-TV.

But when the mother of the victim brought her to a hospital early Sunday morning, the girl died. An autopsy later determined that the child had died of blunt force trauma.

The case is now being treated as a homicide, according to Sandy Springs Police.

Lt. Steve Rose said the babysitter was the daughter of a co-worker of the victim's mother.

Ashlea Collier, the toddler's 23-year-old mother, told WSB-TV that she found her daughter "lying on the bed" and "blue" when she arrived to pick her up.

Collier asked what had happened, and the 11-year-old said that her daughter had fallen off the bed, but that she had given her juice and let her sleep, according to WSB-TV.

Collier added that she was under the impression the 11-year-old's mother, her co-worker at the restaurant chain Chili's, would be watching her daughter together, and never expected the 11-year-old to be left alone with Zyda.

"I'm upset I didn't tell my baby I loved her before she left," said Collier. "I think this girl [the babysitter] should do life in prison."

Messages left at the address where the babysitter and her mom are believed to live were not immediately returned.

The Fulton County District Attorney's Office, the agency that will decide whether the 11-year-old is charged and tried as a child or as an adult, told ABC News that the investigation is still ongoing.

"Our office is awaiting a full report on this matter from the Sandy Springs Police Department. Upon receipt of that report, we will conduct our own investigation and make a decision regarding the appropriate charges," said District Attorney Paul Howard Jr. in an e-mail. (abc news-us)

Russia officially reneges on S-300 SAM sale to Iran

According to the Associated Press:

Russian President Dmitry Medvedev issued a decree Wednesday banning all sales of S-300 anti-aircraft missile systems to Iran. Russia signed a 2007 contract to sell the sophisticated systems that could boost Iran's ability to defend against air strikes. Israel and the United States have objected to the deal, and no such missiles have been delivered yet. Medvedev's decree also prohibited exports of tanks, aircraft and sea vessels to Iran.

This was not unexpected. If anything it comes as a relief of sorts to the Iranians, as the matter is no longer subject to open-ended limbo. The Iranians will likely receive their money back, possibly with a penalty sum attached for nondelivery. Meanwhile, continued development of an Iranian equivilant, the IR-300, is on-going according to Iranian defense officials.

Posted by Mark Pyruz

Bill Clinton: Giving Carter a Run for His Money

Jennifer Rubin - 09.23.2010 - 9:00 AM
Bill Clinton’s noxious comments, complaining that Russian immigrants to Israel pose an obstacle to peace, sounded like the utterances of xenophobes in America who lament that our country is being “overrun” by outsiders. Clinton’s comments were cringe-inducing:

“An increasing number of the young people in the IDF are the children of Russians and settlers, the hardest-core people against a division of the land. This presents a staggering problem,” Clinton said. “It’s a different Israel. 16 percent of Israelis speak Russian.”

And then to prove that decency and discretion were never Clinton’s strong suits, he cited a conversation between him and Natan Sharansky:

“I said, ‘Natan, what is the deal [about not supporting the peace deal],’” Clinton recalled. “He said, ‘I can’t vote for this, I’m Russian… I come from one of the biggest countries in the world to one of the smallest. You want me to cut it in half. No, thank you.’”
Clinton responded, “Don’t give me this, you came here from a jail cell. It’s a lot bigger than your jail cell.”

Classy, Bill. Maybe next he’ll go after Elie Wiesel.
As you can imagine, Israelis were not too pleased. Bibi, demonstrating the art of understatement which has marked his political maturation, had this to say:

As a friend of Israel, Clinton should know that the immigrants from the former Soviet Union have contributed and are making a great contribution to the advancement, development and strengthening of the IDF and the State of Israel. Only a strong Israel can establish solid and safe peace.

Now with Bill Clinton — it’s always a safe bet that he’s making stuff up. Sharansky’s associates hinted as much. (”Sharansky’s associates were surprised by Clinton’s remarks. The Jewish Agency chairman said, ‘I wasn’t even at Camp David. Clinton may have gotten confused with our conversations three years earlier, when I expressed my doubts over the dictatorial nature of the Palestinian Authority regime.’”)
But, as a colleague observed, the best retort was this:

Coalition Chairman Zeev Elkin said he felt “great pride” following Clinton’s remarks. Elkin, who a Russian immigrant himself, told Ynet, “I am proud of former President Clinton’s distinctions. He made the right distinction that the Russian speakers and settlers have been carrying the Zionism banner in the State of Israel in recent years. “We see this in the number of people graduating from IDF officer courses, and unfortunately, in the Second Lebanon War obituaries. We also see it in the struggle for our right to settle in all of the Land of Israel.”

Well, that’s one way of looking at it. Another, as detailed in Start Up Nation: The Story of Israel’s Economic Miracle, is that Russians have provided much of the brainpower and entrepreneurial risk-taking that has fueled Israel’s technology boom, transforming Israel’s economy from a socialist basket-case to a vibrant, modern economy.

Why does Clinton say these things? Who knows — maybe he’s tired of Jimmy Carter and his wife getting all the headlines. Or maybe he’s just an undisciplined egomaniac who says whatever pops into his head.

Vikings land former Eagles receiver Hank Baskett

The Vikings’ signing of wide receiver Hank Baskett could quell the Vincent Jackson rumors — for now, at least. Baskett, who was cut by the Philadelphia Eagles on Tuesday, is expected to sign with the Vikings as early as today. NFL Network first reported the move. Baskett has 76 career receptions for 1,080 yards and six touchdowns in his fifth NFL season, mostly with the Eagles. — Pioneer Press

Breaking News: Could the Eagles Trade Kevin Kolb to Cleveland?

Kevin Kolb: Could the Eagles trade him to Cleveland? It seems highly unlikely, especially since Vick is a mobile (and at times, fragile) QB and a rookie (Kafka!) is the third stringer. Plus, Philly tabbed Kolb their QB of the future earlier this year. But … as ESPN’s Sal Pal has been pointing out, the guy who drafted Kolb, Tom Heckert, is now the GM in Cleveland. The Browns, with Jake Delhomme hurt and Seneca Wallace not the future of the franchise, are in the market for a QB (sorry, Colt McCoy). Other landing spots for Kolb include Seattle and Minnesota, with the Vikings more likely because they don’t have a long-term solution either.

Sex Abuse Charges for Baptist Megachurch Pastor Eddie Long

September 22, 2010 on CNN:

Two Georgia men have filed a lawsuit claiming that prominent Atlanta, Georgia, pastor Eddie Long coerced them into sex.

The suits, filed Tuesday in DeKalb County, Georgia, allege that Long used his position as a spiritual authority and bishop to coerce young male members and employees of his New Birth Missionary Baptist Church into sex.

A spokesman for Long told CNN on Wednesday that the allegations are "a case of retaliation and a shakedown for money by men with some serious credibility issues."
Read more

Rahm Emanuel Leaves The White House?

 By Stacy

Obama’s Chief of Staff could be abandoning ship as early as October according to the latest rumors. If Rahm Emanuel leaves, he will become the leading contender in pending race for the Mayor of Chicago. Get the full story, photo and video below!

Still deliberating, an aide to the Chief of Staff told FOX news that he is still in the evaluation process, but things will move quickly once a decision is made. The popular Democrat has over $1 Million in campaign funds in reserve, and has been considering the move since current Chicago Mayor Richard M. Daley announced his retirement at the beginning of September.


If Rahm Emanuel leaves the White House, the most likely candidate to fill his shoes is said to be Pete Rouse. Often referred to as the “101st Senator” due to his intricate knowledge of Congress, Rouse would be a capable replacement. But most agree that replacing “Rahmbo” is an impossible task.

“Rahm has not to my knowledge made a decision or indicated a decision – so I’m not going to rule anything in or out,” Press Secretary Robert Gibbs said. “He’s in the process of thinking through what’s best for Rahm.”

If he does make the move, President Obama may use the opportunity to restructure his White House to accommodate a more compromising stance toward Congress. Most picture that Congress will have a stronger Republican presence after the mid-term elections.

“My expectation is, he’d make a decision after these midterm elections,” Mr. Obama said on ABC’s “Good Morning America.” “He knows that we’ve got a lot of work to do. But I think he’d be a terrific mayor.”

After two years of hard battles, it’s not surprising that the Chief of Staff would step aside. Do you think that the Chief of Staff will leave the White House next month? Photos of Mayoral candidates are already appearing all over Chicago, so the Chief of Staff will have to make his decision soon. If Rahm Emanuel leaves, do you think Obama will restructure his White House? Let me know your thoughts in the comment section! And don’t miss the pictures and videos below!

Bishop Eddie Long Scandal Continues: Third Man Alleges Sex

A third man has filed a lawsuit against Bishop Eddie Long claiming that the pastor coerced him into having inappropriate sexual relations.


According to a spokesman for lawyer B.J. Bernstein, a third lawsuit was filed this afternoon against the head of New Birth Missionary Baptist in DeKalb County Superior Court.
Jamal Paris, a member of the congregation, filed the suit against Long, the church and the Longfellows Youth Academy Inc.

Bishop Long has yet to personally comment on the case but will hold a press conference tomorrow afternoon.
As previously reported 21-year-old Anthony Flagg and 20-year-old Maurice Robinson both claim that they were chosen as the pastor's “spiritual sons” and have been having inappropriate relations with him since the age of 16, the legal age of consent in Georgia.

Both men are represented by attorney Bernstein.

 Details are still developing, but for more on this story please visit http://www.ajc.com/news/dekalb/bishop-eddie-long-third-619062.html

A Fair Trade - Eight Taxes for One By Joe Siano

Being a Libertarian, you can bet that I’ve never met a tax that I liked.

But what if there was a tax plan that:

·         Replaced eight federal taxes with just one tax?

·         That freed taxpayers from hours of tax prep and planning and closed the IRS?

·         Was so simple and straightforward that slick politician and bureaucrats could no longer hoodwink taxpayers with hidden taxes?

·         Made U.S. more competitive for the export market thereby stimulating manufacturing job growth in America?

Such an idea exists and it is called the Fair Tax.  I recently had a sit down with some folks with Fair Tax NJ and it was an eye opener.

The Fair Tax is a national sales tax that would be applied only at retail to finished consumer goods.  This tax is currently in the House under the name of HR 25 with 65 sponsors and in the Senate as S 296 with five sponsors.  If passed it would greatly simplify the lives individual taxpayers and businesses by eliminating and replacing:

·         The individual income tax

·         Corporate, partnership and other business income taxes

·         Payroll taxes – FICA and Medicare deductions

·         Capital gains tax

·         Inheritance taxes

·         AMT

·         Self employment taxes

·         Gift taxes

Because the Fair Tax is only charged on retail purchases it

1. Does not punish productive activity as the progressive income tax does
2. Is collected from all consumers including illegal aliens
3. Makes American products more attractive on the export market by removing “baked in” corporate taxes
4. Collects much more revenue from wealthy Americans than poor as the wealthy tend to more stuff in general and more expensive stuff in particular
5. Keeps the prying eyes of the IRS out of the lives of Americans

The current legislation also includes a “prebate” feature to ensure that low income American citizens can afford the necessities of life.  The prebate would not be available to available to illegals.

The Fair Tax is a good idea whose time ha come.  I encourage readers to ask their legislators and candidates about it.  I will be advocating for it my own campaign.

But before we go overboard, let’s remember that the Fair Tax is no magic bullet for government fiscal responsibility.  No matter what tax system we employ, it is still vital that America radically reduce the scope of government to its Constitutional limits.  Otherwise no tax scheme will save us from spending and borrowing ourselves into oblivion.