When families have a shortfall, they determine where to cut spending, and likely the first cuts are not on essentials like food and shelter.
The educrats are at it again..............spouting stuff like if the state cuts their funds they will have to lay off teachers. If you are in the business of educating students you will only cut the essentials as a last option. I would think teachers fall into the category of being considered essential! Most ISD's have one non-teacher for every teacher. (That is according to the ISD Snapshots of information provided to the Texas Education Agency by ISD’s.) Some ISD's have expensive aides on the payroll filling the role of coaches (some are unable to attain certification credentials for various reasons, mainly not being able to pass the required certification test). Some individuals are classified as teachers when they are in fact not teachers. These individuals are on emergency certification certificates.
It is time to see how many of these education leaders have chosen the field of education for the love of education or the love of money. A number of Texas ISD Superintendents make more than $250,000 a year, base salary? Why not stipulate that superintendents cannot make more than the Governor.
ISD's need to set spending priorities and not just continue to threaten to cut teachers when they should be dramatically cutting other overhead. ISD's are fat and building athletic facilities, buying land, etc. are part of the fat priority problem. $60 million stadiums have a tendency to put a sour taste in the mouths of those who are required to pay the bills for such extravagance. It is really not about the cost of the actual structure it is about the associated long term costs of maintaining the structure(s). These are costs that taxpayers have to fund each and every year as long as they are still breathing air on the face of this earth. They will foot the bill through property taxes, business taxes, sales taxes, etc.
They sky is not falling!
Monday, January 31, 2011
Friday, January 28, 2011
Interesting numbers
Median income of U.S. men who are single, childless, 20 something, and live in city: $26,000
Of Women: $28,000
It appears females have over taken the males!
Percentage change in the average value of an American home since 2006: minus 25%
Changes between 1929 and 1933: minus 25.9
Appears we are statistically on track with regards to economic set backs!
Estimated number of pigs that could be bought with the money diverted in 2010 to congressional earmarks: 108,200,000
That is a bunch of bacon!
Median income in New York's 14th, the country's wealthiest congressional district: $60,099
Median income in New York's 16th, the courntry's poorest: $17,995
Distance between the two, in miles: 0.75 - less than a mile
Guess the rich and poor get along together!
Estimated value of the bulletproof-car market in Mexico: $90,000,000
Required travel equipment these days down south!
Of Women: $28,000
It appears females have over taken the males!
Percentage change in the average value of an American home since 2006: minus 25%
Changes between 1929 and 1933: minus 25.9
Appears we are statistically on track with regards to economic set backs!
Estimated number of pigs that could be bought with the money diverted in 2010 to congressional earmarks: 108,200,000
That is a bunch of bacon!
Median income in New York's 14th, the country's wealthiest congressional district: $60,099
Median income in New York's 16th, the courntry's poorest: $17,995
Distance between the two, in miles: 0.75 - less than a mile
Guess the rich and poor get along together!
Estimated value of the bulletproof-car market in Mexico: $90,000,000
Required travel equipment these days down south!
Tuesday, January 25, 2011
The Gospel of Wealth
An essay by Carnegie in 1889 about the transfer of wealth was not supportive of socialism. Carnegie stated "we didn't need socialism to solve our problems; philanthropy is "the true antidote for the temporary unequal distribution of wealth, the reconciliation of the rich and the poor.....""
Carnegie argued that the "duty of the man of wealth" was
"to consider all surplus revenues which come to him simply as trust funds, which he is called upon to administer in the manner which, in his judgment, is best calculated to produce the most beneficial results for the community - the man of wealth thus becoming the mere trustee and agent for his poorer brethren......"
A recent study by Barclays Wealth confirmed that "American philanthropists tend to understand their giving in a context in which the state is either absent or irrelevant". Philanthropists have a better understanding as to what and who should be helped as opposed to the redistribution of wealth method practiced by local, state and national governments.
The rich really do have a heart they just get no 'pat on the back'!
Carnegie argued that the "duty of the man of wealth" was
"to consider all surplus revenues which come to him simply as trust funds, which he is called upon to administer in the manner which, in his judgment, is best calculated to produce the most beneficial results for the community - the man of wealth thus becoming the mere trustee and agent for his poorer brethren......"
A recent study by Barclays Wealth confirmed that "American philanthropists tend to understand their giving in a context in which the state is either absent or irrelevant". Philanthropists have a better understanding as to what and who should be helped as opposed to the redistribution of wealth method practiced by local, state and national governments.
The rich really do have a heart they just get no 'pat on the back'!
Saturday, January 22, 2011
And we thought they were conservative
"Let’s take Leo Berman, firebrand conservative state rep. from House District 6 in Tyler, as the example. A story in the Tyler Morning Telegraph details how Mr. Berman, along with Senator Eltife, plans to introduce legislation for no other purpose than allowing a tax increase."
It appears that Rep. Berman and Senator Eltife have no issue with raising the hotel/motel tax to meet the needs to the spend thrift city of Tyler. Eltife the former Mayor of Tyler used to claim how he championed all good things; however, he forgets to mention that he did most of the championing on the backs of taxpayers. Eltife has always supported issues considered non-taxpayer friendly. Eltife always sided with the taxpayer funded lobbyist organizations like the TASB, TAC, and his favorite the TML. Go figure this senator to be a conservative just not of the fiscal nature!
http://www.empowertexans.com/node/1529
It appears that Rep. Berman and Senator Eltife have no issue with raising the hotel/motel tax to meet the needs to the spend thrift city of Tyler. Eltife the former Mayor of Tyler used to claim how he championed all good things; however, he forgets to mention that he did most of the championing on the backs of taxpayers. Eltife has always supported issues considered non-taxpayer friendly. Eltife always sided with the taxpayer funded lobbyist organizations like the TASB, TAC, and his favorite the TML. Go figure this senator to be a conservative just not of the fiscal nature!
http://www.empowertexans.com/node/1529
Wednesday, January 19, 2011
Modern government finance
Modern governments have only three methods of finance: taxation, debt, and inflation. All three encompass the problems associated with wealth redistribution, in that resources are expropriated from private hands for the use of government.
Taxation is a transfer of wealth forced on present generations. Debt is a wealth transfer forced on future generations. Inflation is the preferred method of redistribution for all get to participate. Inflation is a rise in prices. A rise in prices is equal to an increase in tax revenues, i.e. higher wages more income taxes collected, and higher prices more sales tax revenue, etc. Thus you see why inflation is the preferred method of debt finance. People often do not make the connection between the increase in prices and the increases in tax revenues.
FDR had a close advisor by the name of Harry Hopkins and his alleged motto was: "Spend-Spend-Spend; Tax-Tax-Tax; Elect-Elect-Elect."
Motto has at least held true in the past!
Taxation is a transfer of wealth forced on present generations. Debt is a wealth transfer forced on future generations. Inflation is the preferred method of redistribution for all get to participate. Inflation is a rise in prices. A rise in prices is equal to an increase in tax revenues, i.e. higher wages more income taxes collected, and higher prices more sales tax revenue, etc. Thus you see why inflation is the preferred method of debt finance. People often do not make the connection between the increase in prices and the increases in tax revenues.
FDR had a close advisor by the name of Harry Hopkins and his alleged motto was: "Spend-Spend-Spend; Tax-Tax-Tax; Elect-Elect-Elect."
Motto has at least held true in the past!
Saturday, January 15, 2011
Upshur County
Anyone been keeping up with Upshur County elected officials? What a mess the county has gotten itself into. County Judge, one Commissioner, and Sheriff all indicted on charges. Something to do with a gentlemen who attended a meeting of the commissioner's court with his mouth taped shut. County Judge suspended by Judicial Review Board pending outcome of indictment.
We all knew politics in Upshur County was a little on the wild side ever since commissioner's used to hold boxing matches amongst each other on the courthouse steps.
We all knew politics in Upshur County was a little on the wild side ever since commissioner's used to hold boxing matches amongst each other on the courthouse steps.
Friday, January 14, 2011
Governmental entities fight to keep what they have
With the Texas Ledge about to convene the governmental entities concede they're just trying to keep what they have, and that presents a problem. In reality they should have nothing for it all belongs to the people.
Communities and governmental entities of all sizes across Texas are looking to shield their budgets and turf from the Texas Ledge. Bureaucrat Duncanville City Manager Kent Cagle said "we expect them to come after our revenue on all sorts of fronts." He refers to the Texas State Legislature. Perhaps Mr. Cagle needs to be reminded that the revenue of which he speaks belongs to the citizens of Duncanville.
Items that governmental entities have on their agenda for the coming legislative session include:
1) Appraisal/revenue caps - Cities and counties strongly oppose any proposal to limit increases on property appraisals or taxes collected in association to those appraisals.
2) Development authority - Counties want the right to regulate and assess fees in undeveloped areas.
There are many more......................
Communities and governmental entities of all sizes across Texas are looking to shield their budgets and turf from the Texas Ledge. Bureaucrat Duncanville City Manager Kent Cagle said "we expect them to come after our revenue on all sorts of fronts." He refers to the Texas State Legislature. Perhaps Mr. Cagle needs to be reminded that the revenue of which he speaks belongs to the citizens of Duncanville.
Items that governmental entities have on their agenda for the coming legislative session include:
1) Appraisal/revenue caps - Cities and counties strongly oppose any proposal to limit increases on property appraisals or taxes collected in association to those appraisals.
2) Development authority - Counties want the right to regulate and assess fees in undeveloped areas.
There are many more......................
Wednesday, January 12, 2011
1/3 don't graduate at all
"As former Florida Gov. Jeb Bush noted in the keynote address Dec. 1 at his Foundation for Excellence in Education, right now only one-third of U.S. students graduate from high school ready for college or careers.
Another third don’t graduate at all, and another third require remedial work either in college or the workplace. “Those numbers are shameful,” he said.
And they are dangerous to the country’s future, as demonstrated by the latest report of the Program for International Student Assessment, which ranked U.S. students 23rd in the world in science, 32nd in math and 17th in reading.
The U.S. trailed all its major competitors and trading partners in Europe and Asia, notably in advanced regions of China.
Scott Gordon
Gordon told the House Committee on Education and Labor, of 20,000 students who enter first grade each year, only 3,000 are likely to graduate from college."
Another third don’t graduate at all, and another third require remedial work either in college or the workplace. “Those numbers are shameful,” he said.
And they are dangerous to the country’s future, as demonstrated by the latest report of the Program for International Student Assessment, which ranked U.S. students 23rd in the world in science, 32nd in math and 17th in reading.
The U.S. trailed all its major competitors and trading partners in Europe and Asia, notably in advanced regions of China.
Scott Gordon
Gordon told the House Committee on Education and Labor, of 20,000 students who enter first grade each year, only 3,000 are likely to graduate from college."
Monday, January 10, 2011
Nearly 1 in 4
Latest information from the Education Trust and the U.S. Army conclude that nearly one-fourth of the students who try to join the U.S. Army fail its entrance exam. 25% cannot answer basic math, science and reading questions. We have dumped boat loads of taxpayer money into our famous public education system in hopes of producing a better product and now the U.S. Army says they can't use the product.
Enlistment test basic math question:
"If 2 plus X equals 4, what is the value of X?"
Do you have what it takes to pass the enlistment exam?
President Obama appointed Arne Duncan as Secretary of Education when he took office and Mr. Duncan recently said "Too many of our high school students are not graduating ready to begin college or a career - and many are not eligible to serve in our armed forces."
The system of public education is in sad shape and no one knows how to fix the problem. The career bureaucrats within the public school education system have destroyed a once productive part of our society. Tim Callahan of the Professional Association of Georgia Educators stated "It's surprising and shocking that we are still having students who are walking across the stage who really don't deserve to be and haven't earned that right."
Is it really that shocking? Who is responsible for passing students when they don't deserve to pass? The individuals with the 'red' pens who issue the final grades for students in the education system. Perhaps we have the wrong individuals working in the education system! Is there no shame in passing a student that did not earn the right to pass? It appears that the folks currently working within the education system don't see the bigger picture. If the U.S. Army has concluded that 25% can't pass the entrance exam then folks we have a problem with feature threats and our ability to be ready to defend ourselves against future aggressors. Our protectors can't read; therefore, they can't operate the resources involved in defense.
Here is a real twist - in another recent poll a majority of parents believe schools have improved since they were in school and that their children are getting a better education than they did. Wonder if those parents ever had to take the same exam as those trying to enlist today? I would be will to bet that those parents can read and do basic math. After all we have had an adequate defense to date! Oh, I would be willing to bet that the parents who took place in this poll have not one clue if their child is actually involved in the learning process. Just because he/she knows how to punch a few keys on a keyboard does not equate to learning, and those good grades placed on the report card are more than likely inflated. Pass them on.........................
Enlistment test basic math question:
"If 2 plus X equals 4, what is the value of X?"
Do you have what it takes to pass the enlistment exam?
President Obama appointed Arne Duncan as Secretary of Education when he took office and Mr. Duncan recently said "Too many of our high school students are not graduating ready to begin college or a career - and many are not eligible to serve in our armed forces."
The system of public education is in sad shape and no one knows how to fix the problem. The career bureaucrats within the public school education system have destroyed a once productive part of our society. Tim Callahan of the Professional Association of Georgia Educators stated "It's surprising and shocking that we are still having students who are walking across the stage who really don't deserve to be and haven't earned that right."
Is it really that shocking? Who is responsible for passing students when they don't deserve to pass? The individuals with the 'red' pens who issue the final grades for students in the education system. Perhaps we have the wrong individuals working in the education system! Is there no shame in passing a student that did not earn the right to pass? It appears that the folks currently working within the education system don't see the bigger picture. If the U.S. Army has concluded that 25% can't pass the entrance exam then folks we have a problem with feature threats and our ability to be ready to defend ourselves against future aggressors. Our protectors can't read; therefore, they can't operate the resources involved in defense.
Here is a real twist - in another recent poll a majority of parents believe schools have improved since they were in school and that their children are getting a better education than they did. Wonder if those parents ever had to take the same exam as those trying to enlist today? I would be will to bet that those parents can read and do basic math. After all we have had an adequate defense to date! Oh, I would be willing to bet that the parents who took place in this poll have not one clue if their child is actually involved in the learning process. Just because he/she knows how to punch a few keys on a keyboard does not equate to learning, and those good grades placed on the report card are more than likely inflated. Pass them on.........................
Sunday, January 2, 2011
Is $300,000 enough
Wells Fargo Retirement Survey has a lot of troubling news for wannabe retirees:
Among those ages 50 to 59, retirement savers predict that they'll need $300,000 for their retirement nest eggs, but the typical 50-something saver has just $29,000 set aside thus far. Wells Fargo estimates that $29,000 would produce about $190 per month for retirees -- far less than they'll need.
Just don't see how $300,000 is enough to base a retirement. If you were able to get 10% a year return then you might have it made with hopefully your Social Security at full benefit. When was the last time you got 10% return on your conservative assets? Today if your really diligent you can find 4%. It is hard!
Looks like there is going to be a lot of poor folks in retirement. United States government to offer bailout funds for those coming up short..............guess we will have to wait and see.
Among those ages 50 to 59, retirement savers predict that they'll need $300,000 for their retirement nest eggs, but the typical 50-something saver has just $29,000 set aside thus far. Wells Fargo estimates that $29,000 would produce about $190 per month for retirees -- far less than they'll need.
Just don't see how $300,000 is enough to base a retirement. If you were able to get 10% a year return then you might have it made with hopefully your Social Security at full benefit. When was the last time you got 10% return on your conservative assets? Today if your really diligent you can find 4%. It is hard!
Looks like there is going to be a lot of poor folks in retirement. United States government to offer bailout funds for those coming up short..............guess we will have to wait and see.
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