Occasionally it happens. We get a report of a police officer crossing the line and beating someone. When a cop crosses that line, even if the person on the receiving end of that beating clearly had it coming; there is due process.
That officer is put on administrative leave, or suspended with pay, until such time as the incident is resolved. Many say they should be put on unpaid leave, but then we always presume innocence in this country, so that would not be fair. They are not presumed guilty, but they are kept from their duties.
Any complaints from the town, or department, that they don't have enough officers without this one on the job are disregarded. Any complaints that the limited budget that the department has is now paying someone to sit at home are also, rightfully, disregarded.
The reason being that we can't take the chance that the officer is found guilty, and we did nothing. They are supposed to be role models, after all.
So now we have the NFL. From them we accept the "innocent until proven guilty" logic in allowing an accused player to keep playing. This is backed up by the logic that they wouldn't have enough good players if they benched this particular player. And then we pile on the reason that it would be unfair to bench someone when there is a salary cap.
In short we accept excuses as valid reasons from the NFL that we would never accept from a public official. Good thing kids can name more police officers than NFL players...
Oh, wait...
Showing posts with label abuse. Show all posts
Showing posts with label abuse. Show all posts
Monday, September 15, 2014
Saturday, May 12, 2012
Link Card Accepted at Market Day
For those of you from another state, Illinois uses something called the Link Card in place of food stamps. This saves people who need government assistance from the indignity of not using a credit or debit card, like everyone else.
Since, despite the taxes we pay, we don't have enough money for the schools to use on things they should have, we have Market Day sales. I will not take anything away from Market Day. I have tried many of their items, and found them mostly superior in quality. This post in no way maligns or impugns (those words look weird, don't they), the products or character of the Market Day company.
By now you're wondering if I've lost it. How can these two items be tied together. Link cards and Market Day. One is a pay in to the system, the other a pay out. Well my gentle reader, there is a way these two things are linked. (pardon the pun)
The flyer sent home with my children for, Market Day, states that they will be accepting the Link card as a form of payment. This is yet another example of Illinois circular reasoning. And it's circular math.
We under-fund schools so they need to have fund raisers. We give people Link cards with some of the tax money that could otherwise have gone to schools. (OK, its mostly lost as graft, but bear with me.) They are then allowed to use those Link cards to purchase food from Market Day, with proceeds going to the previously mentioned, under-funded schools. Like all perpetual motion machines this one will not stay running long without an outside force providing additional energy. That would be our tax money; which feeds this great wheel both top and bottom.
I will not speak out against Link cards here. (That is another post. They are readily abused) I will certainly not speak out against Market Day. I will say that it makes no kind of sense to allow Link cards to be used for Market Day purchases, since by their very nature, their products are priced higher than necessary. Else there would be no proceeds to forward to the school system.
While I would love nothing more than to rant against the people abusing their state paid food plan, I cannot. Not out of any sense of sympathy for them, but because they are not operating outside the rules that were set down. It's cheesy, no doubt; but completely legal. And really, why shouldn't we all be abusing the state's coffers. Our "Leaders" do.
Off topic: the President's recent comments about being in favor of Gay Marriage are as insincere as they are brilliant. I say insincere because if he were in favor, he would have spoken out months ago, when fist asked. Instead, he waited until it was politically expedient. Which is why it is brilliant. He won't lose any votes for saying he is in favor of it. However his opponent, in an effort to differentiate himself, immediately went on record against it. This will cost him votes. Brilliant, but insincere.
Since, despite the taxes we pay, we don't have enough money for the schools to use on things they should have, we have Market Day sales. I will not take anything away from Market Day. I have tried many of their items, and found them mostly superior in quality. This post in no way maligns or impugns (those words look weird, don't they), the products or character of the Market Day company.
By now you're wondering if I've lost it. How can these two items be tied together. Link cards and Market Day. One is a pay in to the system, the other a pay out. Well my gentle reader, there is a way these two things are linked. (pardon the pun)
The flyer sent home with my children for, Market Day, states that they will be accepting the Link card as a form of payment. This is yet another example of Illinois circular reasoning. And it's circular math.
We under-fund schools so they need to have fund raisers. We give people Link cards with some of the tax money that could otherwise have gone to schools. (OK, its mostly lost as graft, but bear with me.) They are then allowed to use those Link cards to purchase food from Market Day, with proceeds going to the previously mentioned, under-funded schools. Like all perpetual motion machines this one will not stay running long without an outside force providing additional energy. That would be our tax money; which feeds this great wheel both top and bottom.
I will not speak out against Link cards here. (That is another post. They are readily abused) I will certainly not speak out against Market Day. I will say that it makes no kind of sense to allow Link cards to be used for Market Day purchases, since by their very nature, their products are priced higher than necessary. Else there would be no proceeds to forward to the school system.
While I would love nothing more than to rant against the people abusing their state paid food plan, I cannot. Not out of any sense of sympathy for them, but because they are not operating outside the rules that were set down. It's cheesy, no doubt; but completely legal. And really, why shouldn't we all be abusing the state's coffers. Our "Leaders" do.
Off topic: the President's recent comments about being in favor of Gay Marriage are as insincere as they are brilliant. I say insincere because if he were in favor, he would have spoken out months ago, when fist asked. Instead, he waited until it was politically expedient. Which is why it is brilliant. He won't lose any votes for saying he is in favor of it. However his opponent, in an effort to differentiate himself, immediately went on record against it. This will cost him votes. Brilliant, but insincere.
Friday, February 10, 2012
So insulting it causes physical pain.
I will question why this is being sent. If you need flood insurance, and have a mortgage, (Like your's truly) your lender tells you in no uncertain terms that you'd better have this type of insurance. So this is a sales come-on. From the government. Indirectly of course but... seriously? I think this particular truth is so "self-evident" that I need not even state it.
Someone mentioned something about debt, and some soldiers still deployed in some filthy sandbox. These concerns clearly pale when held to the light of marketing flood insurance to people who don't need it.
We more money put into space exploration. I want off.
Sunday, December 4, 2011
American's Elect is a scam
American's Elect (http://www.americanselect.org) is a scam. I had, in the past, recommended those with a dissatisfaction in either or both parties, to head to their website and check them out. That was than. I will state, for the record, A: that the organization I recommended is a scam that had taken me in, and B: no longer exists, as such.
You see, in its early days it was an organization that claimed to want to represent a candidate, not a party. They claimed they would get their candidate, chosen by an online process, (should have been alarm klaxons) on the ballot in all 50 states. They had some start up capital provided by some rich guys, but assured everyone that all of our interests are the same. A dissatisfaction with politics as usual.
Well there are certain rules that political parties are required to play by. One of them is that they have to disclose funding. Now I have seen, on both sides, how easily this is faked, but at least they are making the effort to fake it. When American's Elect was asked to provide the sources of their funding, as required by any 527 organization, (its a class of charities or non profits) they first balked. Then they delayed. Then the Re-filed themselves as a 501 c(4) charity, which is not required to disclose its funding sources. That alone legally precludes them from backing a political candidate. But as you will see, they don't feel the rules apply to them.
A quick search shows that they were initially funded (no such records are available for the present time, of course) by a group of hedge-fund managers. So, rich people playing at politics. I don't know if they got tired of trying to buy one side or the other, or if they just felt they could hijack an election, but theories abound.
One is that they are working for the Democrats, trying to split the conservative vote. Possible. Rich guys, power, Possible. Doubtful. Another is that they are working for the Republicans trying to split the liberal vote. Possible, youth oriented, demographics show liberal tendencies, Possible, Doubtful. Another is that they are just trying to win an election directly for the hedge fund managers so they can directly change the tax structure in their favor. Possible. More likely. Any way you slice it, it is the lowest form of rich people, claiming to be aligned with the disenfranchised poor.
Why do I say the lowest form of rich people. Industrialists build things and provide jobs. Even the green movement creates hard goods and creates jobs. Wall street, to a degree helps creation of jobs. Hedge Funds though:
"A hedge fund is a private pool of capital actively managed by an investment adviser.[1][2] Hedge funds are only open for investment to a limited number of accredited or qualified investors who meet criteria set by regulators. These investors can be institutions, such as pension funds, university endowments and foundations, or high net worth individuals."
"Because hedge funds are not sold to the public or retail investors, their advisers have historically not been subject to the same restrictions that govern other investment fund advisers, with regard to how the fund may be structured and how strategies are employed. Hedge funds must now comply with many of the same statutory and regulatory restrictions as other institutional market participants.[8] Regulations passed in the United States and Europe after the 2008 credit crisis are intended to increase government oversight of hedge funds and eliminate any regulatory gaps.[9]"
You see, in its early days it was an organization that claimed to want to represent a candidate, not a party. They claimed they would get their candidate, chosen by an online process, (should have been alarm klaxons) on the ballot in all 50 states. They had some start up capital provided by some rich guys, but assured everyone that all of our interests are the same. A dissatisfaction with politics as usual.
Well there are certain rules that political parties are required to play by. One of them is that they have to disclose funding. Now I have seen, on both sides, how easily this is faked, but at least they are making the effort to fake it. When American's Elect was asked to provide the sources of their funding, as required by any 527 organization, (its a class of charities or non profits) they first balked. Then they delayed. Then the Re-filed themselves as a 501 c(4) charity, which is not required to disclose its funding sources. That alone legally precludes them from backing a political candidate. But as you will see, they don't feel the rules apply to them.
A quick search shows that they were initially funded (no such records are available for the present time, of course) by a group of hedge-fund managers. So, rich people playing at politics. I don't know if they got tired of trying to buy one side or the other, or if they just felt they could hijack an election, but theories abound.
One is that they are working for the Democrats, trying to split the conservative vote. Possible. Rich guys, power, Possible. Doubtful. Another is that they are working for the Republicans trying to split the liberal vote. Possible, youth oriented, demographics show liberal tendencies, Possible, Doubtful. Another is that they are just trying to win an election directly for the hedge fund managers so they can directly change the tax structure in their favor. Possible. More likely. Any way you slice it, it is the lowest form of rich people, claiming to be aligned with the disenfranchised poor.
Why do I say the lowest form of rich people. Industrialists build things and provide jobs. Even the green movement creates hard goods and creates jobs. Wall street, to a degree helps creation of jobs. Hedge Funds though:
"A hedge fund is a private pool of capital actively managed by an investment adviser.[1][2] Hedge funds are only open for investment to a limited number of accredited or qualified investors who meet criteria set by regulators. These investors can be institutions, such as pension funds, university endowments and foundations, or high net worth individuals."
Further:
"Because hedge funds are not sold to the public or retail investors, their advisers have historically not been subject to the same restrictions that govern other investment fund advisers, with regard to how the fund may be structured and how strategies are employed. Hedge funds must now comply with many of the same statutory and regulatory restrictions as other institutional market participants.[8] Regulations passed in the United States and Europe after the 2008 credit crisis are intended to increase government oversight of hedge funds and eliminate any regulatory gaps.[9]"
(Ibid)
Seems we have a winner as to the motivations of this particularly sleazy group. Recent changes to the law will regulate the back-door dealings of hedge fund managers. We can't have that now can we? This is not politics as usual. This is far worse. This is people willing to do anything, to preserve a good old boy network of legalized insider dealing, at the expense of those who can least afford it. And they don't even feel it is worth falsifying donation records. We are so far beneath them as to be not even worth lying to.
Saturday, November 26, 2011
Illinois math
http://www.nwherald.com/2011/11/25/state-reaping-less-from-lottery-in-new-fiscal-year/alruvan/
We are then assured this is only temporary.
"The state last year chose Northstar Lottery Group as the Illinois Lottery's first-ever private manager, promising that sales – and therefore the state's share of revenue – would increase."
A little history is presented. The comedic potential builds. Then the punchline:
"Northstar CEO Connie Laverty O'Connor said total sales are up 12 percent and instant ticket sales are up 23 percent, compared to last year"
This is odd since the State's revenues are down... Some clarification please.
"O'Connor said the company still is paying expenses incurred last spring for advertising and equipment as it prepared to take over."
So a state lottery, which has existed for decades, needed advertising and equipment? Perhaps I don't fully understand. Perhaps there is full disclosure, and this is the truth.
William of Occam was a 14th century philosopher who is credited with a bit of logic we all know and love, even if we don't know the name. Occam's razor states that the simplest solution is probably correct. What would the simplest solution be here in the land of Honest Abe Lincoln? Let's read further...
"Reports show the state's share of lottery revenue dropped by $2 million in July, to $41 million; by $4 million in August, to $35 million; and by $6 million October, to $49 million. It rose by $6 million, to $59 million, in September."
I don't normally begin with a link, but if you want to read the whole thing here you go. Headlines are all something like: State Lottery revenues down for fiscal year. Something like that. Here are some excerpts. I am using the one from my newspaper, but it was an Associated Press article, so it was everywhere.
"The state's share of Illinois Lottery revenue dropped in three of the first four months of the fiscal year compared to the same period last year"
We are then assured this is only temporary.
"The state last year chose Northstar Lottery Group as the Illinois Lottery's first-ever private manager, promising that sales – and therefore the state's share of revenue – would increase."
A little history is presented. The comedic potential builds. Then the punchline:
"Northstar CEO Connie Laverty O'Connor said total sales are up 12 percent and instant ticket sales are up 23 percent, compared to last year"
This is odd since the State's revenues are down... Some clarification please.
"O'Connor said the company still is paying expenses incurred last spring for advertising and equipment as it prepared to take over."
So a state lottery, which has existed for decades, needed advertising and equipment? Perhaps I don't fully understand. Perhaps there is full disclosure, and this is the truth.
William of Occam was a 14th century philosopher who is credited with a bit of logic we all know and love, even if we don't know the name. Occam's razor states that the simplest solution is probably correct. What would the simplest solution be here in the land of Honest Abe Lincoln? Let's read further...
"Reports show the state's share of lottery revenue dropped by $2 million in July, to $41 million; by $4 million in August, to $35 million; and by $6 million October, to $49 million. It rose by $6 million, to $59 million, in September."
So down 2M, down 4M, down 6M, and up 6M. -2+ -4 + -6 + 6 = -6. The state of Illinois is down a net of 6 million dollars, in a year when total sales are up 12%. The article does not state what the total sales were however. But hey this is the internet folks. 3,2,1...
"The Illinois Lottery ended fiscal year 2011 on June 30, with another record-breaking year – its ninth consecutive year of increasing sales. During fiscal year 2011, which ran from July 1, 2010 through June 30, 2011, the Lottery generated $2.278 billion in sales, an increase of 3% over last year. Over the past five-year period, since fiscal year 2007, Lottery sales have increased by more than 11%. "
You read that right. Another record year. 2.278 Billion, with a B, in annual sales. And the states share is 41M + 35M + 49M + 59M = 184 Million.
http://www.illinoislottery.com/subsections/news01.htm
The lottery's own page says that 58 cent of every dollar is paid as prizes, the state gets 30 cent, 7 cent is for retailer/ vendor commissions and bonuses, and 5 cent for administrative costs.
Some math, and some double checking later and we have, assuming the total sales of 2.278 billion, as reported: Total prize payout 1,321,240,000. (1.32124 B) Admin costs of 113,900,000 (113.9 M) Vendor take as 159,460,000 (159.46 M) and the State's share as 683,400,000 (683.4 M).
I may not know how to use the square root of -1 in an equation, but I know that 683.4 Million is a hell of a lot more than 184 million. 499.4 Million to be exact. That is 499,400,000 missing from the State's share. I think that the news needs to dig a bit deeper on this one. Why are we not gathering torches and pitchforks, and marching on Springfield? Corruption in Illinois is a big friggin' joke. It's funny too: right up until you realize who it's being played on.
http://www.huffingtonpost.com/2011/09/26/illinois-budget-watchdog-_n_981882.html
"In a statement announcing the report, Laurence Msall, Civic Federation president, described the state's recent budget process as "somewhat improved" over recent years, as the annual gap between revenue and expenses was significantly reduced -- from $3.9 billion to $454 million."
here is a good block quote...
"The Illinois Lottery ended fiscal year 2011 on June 30, with another record-breaking year – its ninth consecutive year of increasing sales. During fiscal year 2011, which ran from July 1, 2010 through June 30, 2011, the Lottery generated $2.278 billion in sales, an increase of 3% over last year. Over the past five-year period, since fiscal year 2007, Lottery sales have increased by more than 11%. "
You read that right. Another record year. 2.278 Billion, with a B, in annual sales. And the states share is 41M + 35M + 49M + 59M = 184 Million.
http://www.illinoislottery.com/subsections/news01.htm
The lottery's own page says that 58 cent of every dollar is paid as prizes, the state gets 30 cent, 7 cent is for retailer/ vendor commissions and bonuses, and 5 cent for administrative costs.
Some math, and some double checking later and we have, assuming the total sales of 2.278 billion, as reported: Total prize payout 1,321,240,000. (1.32124 B) Admin costs of 113,900,000 (113.9 M) Vendor take as 159,460,000 (159.46 M) and the State's share as 683,400,000 (683.4 M).
I may not know how to use the square root of -1 in an equation, but I know that 683.4 Million is a hell of a lot more than 184 million. 499.4 Million to be exact. That is 499,400,000 missing from the State's share. I think that the news needs to dig a bit deeper on this one. Why are we not gathering torches and pitchforks, and marching on Springfield? Corruption in Illinois is a big friggin' joke. It's funny too: right up until you realize who it's being played on.
http://www.huffingtonpost.com/2011/09/26/illinois-budget-watchdog-_n_981882.html
"In a statement announcing the report, Laurence Msall, Civic Federation president, described the state's recent budget process as "somewhat improved" over recent years, as the annual gap between revenue and expenses was significantly reduced -- from $3.9 billion to $454 million."
So the amount that the state is short is 45.4 million LESS than what they were shorted by the lottery.
THAT IS A SURPLUS OF 45.4 MILLION. Now that may not seem like much when the deficit is 8+ billion, but if each year we take in more than we spend we get out of the hole. Instead, we are crawling further in.
All numbers reported are as presented by Northstar lottery group and the Illinois lottery. All derivations are mine, so feel free to double check them. I did twice. All anger, ire, rage, and revolution should be directed toward the State of Illinois.
http://www2.illinois.gov/Pages/ContactUs.aspx
That's the address above. Please let them know how you feel. And remember this crap come the next election. Remind me: I'll re-run this post.
http://www2.illinois.gov/Pages/ContactUs.aspx
That's the address above. Please let them know how you feel. And remember this crap come the next election. Remind me: I'll re-run this post.
Sunday, July 31, 2011
Abusive Parent.
Think for a minute about the relationship you have with your government. It is very like having an abusive parent. You get constantly berated, blamed, told you are unworthy, it is never the abusers fault, and you get beaten. When it stops and for one brief shining day you have only old pain and bruises, you are grateful and feel like part of a functional family, even though this is far from true.
In government you get constantly lied to, it is never anyone's fault when something is wrong, you are beaten (taxed). On rare occasion when the lying, beating, and blame pause, it is only so each side can jockey for re-election rather than fix the problems their petty bickering and frankly, stupidity, have caused. Look to Washington now. We are in the eleventh hour before they even began to examine the debt ceiling issue. As though it was a complete (Expletive) surprise to everyone at the federal level we were running out of money. If you make 1000 dollars a week and spend 1750 it should not be a shock that your money is all gone. When they finally get to a deal on this budget mess, will you feel like you have a functioning government, for one brief, shining day?
I will not assign blame to either major party here, but rather both. Actually neither should be blamed. You all have the government you deserve. We don't need to fire a shot to remove these clowns, we only need to vote. Voter turnout is typically in the 20-30% range. And of those 10% are party hard-liners. That leaves twenty percent of us whose votes actually mean anything.
Less than 600 people control what laws the rest of us must abide by. Most freely admit they don't "have the time" to read every bill that passes their desk. If you pulled that at work you would be fired. Time to fire some chumps. Up next, should we make gasoline a utility?
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)