Dems to lift debt ceiling by $1.8 trillion, fear 2010 backlash - - POLITICO.com

Dems to lift debt ceiling by $1.8 trillion, fear 2010 backlash - - POLITICO.com
The federal government is broke and going broker. At least a dozen states are insolvent--probably more. There are cities filing for bankruptcy. Can you imagine what the Republican Party could do with the issue of lunatic government borrowing and spending if they had some cohesion and leadership? But instead we have people talking about a Palin-Beck ticket in 2012 and yammering about gay marriage and every other social issue under the sun. Unbelievable.

Public Policy Polling: Obama's December Standing

Public Policy Polling: Obama's December Standing: "Perhaps the greatest measure of Obama's declining support is that just 50% of voters now say they prefer having him as President to George W. Bush, with 44% saying they'd rather have his predecessor. Given the horrendous approval ratings Bush showed during his final term that's somewhat of a surprise and an indication that voters are increasingly placing the blame on Obama for the country's difficulties instead of giving him space because of the tough situation he inherited."
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Now, that has to hurt.

Glocester farmer, evicted in foreclosure, seeks to compel care for animals | Rhode Island news | projo.com | The Providence Journal

Glocester farmer, evicted in foreclosure, seeks to compel care for animals | Rhode Island news | projo.com | The Providence Journal: "The evicted owner of Bonniedale Farms, upset with the way 136 animals on his farm have been treated since he was forced off the property Monday by Wells Fargo Bank, plans to go before a Superior Court judge Wednesday to get a restraining order to force the bank or its agents to provide food, water and care for the animals left behind."
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What an awful situation. Thanks to Mystery Reader for bringing it to our attention.

Cantor Introduces Flag Resolution Into U.S. House - wtvr

Cantor Introduces Flag Resolution Into U.S. House - wtvr: "WASHINGTON, D.C. - The U.S. House of Representatives is reviewing a resolution that would allow all Congressional Medal of Honor recipients to properly display the flag on their property at all times."
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Courtesy of Republican Eric Cantor, the latest salvo in the Barfoot affair. Thanks to Fred Pilot for this update.

Homeowner Explains 'Hitler' Graffiti - Orlando News Story - WKMG Orlando

Homeowner Explains 'Hitler' Graffiti - Orlando News Story - WKMG Orlando: "The messages she spray-painted in large red letters on her home, located at 430 Emerald Drive, said, 'Hitler would be a welcome neighbor here. Stop the harassment to my family.' Another message said 'Merry Xmas.'

Jones told Local 6 News partner Florida Today on Tuesday afternoon that she had been mocked by her neighbors and humiliated at meetings, all because she failed to pay the $120 monthly homeowners association fee."
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You would think that by now the lawyers and property managers who advise these associations would have the big picture, but it seems that some people still don't get it. Let me spell it out: your Titanic seems to have hit the iceberg of public opinion. I don't think rearranging the deck chairs will help at this point.

Much Of Upper Midwest Gets Slammed In Snowstorm - cbs2chicago.com

Much Of Upper Midwest Gets Slammed In Snowstorm - cbs2chicago.com: "The first major winter snowstorm of the season made life miserable throughout much of the Upper Midwest and the governor of Wisconsin has already declared a state of emergency."
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Last night I was driving the twins to indoor soccer and piano lessons in a snowstorm, and this morning I spent an hour and a half shoveling. It is still snowing. I hope the weather is nice in Copenhagen.

Federal Officials From HUD Accuse Condo Association Of Discriminating Against Kids - wbztv.com

Federal Officials From HUD Accuse Condo Association Of Discriminating Against Kids - wbztv.com: "The kids are no longer allowed in common areas at the Stonecleave Condos, only a small area on the edge of the complex. It's unfair and kids say its a bad rule.

'We go from house to house or stay in one house. So you gotta stay in one house and watch a movie,' says Tyler, Tracey's 15-year-old son.

Now the US department of Housing is stepping in saying its discrimination against families with kids to charge them a ten dollar fine every time they use the common grassy areas or ride their bikes. A judge will hear the case and could award damages."
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It's bad for the grass, you see. The people who make rules like this must be hatching out of pods.

Homeowners association drops legal action against Colonel - NBC12 News, Weather Sports, Traffic, and Programming Guide for Richmond, VA |

Homeowners association drops legal action against Colonel -
This is a great day for everybody who has spoken out against violations of civil liberties by homeowners associations. This went all the way to the White House. Finally, at long last, the HOA bullies went up against the wrong guy--Col. Van T. Barfoot--and lost. Let's hope that the message went out to all the baskethead control freaks and file-churning lawyers who are tyrannizing home owners all over the nation that the country and its policy-makers finally, at long last, see the big picture.

Col. Barfoot gets White House support | Richmond Times-Dispatch

Col. Barfoot gets White House support | Richmond Times-Dispatch: "I think its silly to think that somebody that's done that couldn't have a flagpole,' said Gibbs, the White House press secretary, referring to Barfoot's service in three wars."
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This HOA is taking a ferocious beating in the national press. Latest shot comes from President Obama's press secretary. Anybody with an ounce of common sense would make a public announcement that in view of this man's service to his country, they are letting him keep the flagpole. But if they had an ounce of common sense they never would have gone after him in the first place.

Thanks to George Staropoli for this follow-up link.