Archive for November 23rd, 2009
» posted on Monday, November 23rd, 2009 at 7:27 pm by Damien Baldino
Senator Inhofe talks about “Climategate”
Here is the audio from Senator Inhofe’s interview on Washington Times America’s Morning Show.
I’ve always had a problem with the defensive nature of those who study global warming. There seems to be a reluctance to encourage further debate, and a rush to demonize anyone who questions the findings. No matter how you stand on global warming, questioning research is a healthy part of the scientific process which should be encouraged, not stopped in its tracks. Maybe there is nothing to “Climategate,” but it should be investigated.
one Comment | filed under Environment | tags: Climategate, Global Warming, Jim Inhofe
» posted on Monday, November 23rd, 2009 at 7:04 pm by Damien Baldino
ACORN document dump is probably a coincidence, right?
Just days after California Attorney General Jerry Brown announced an inquiry into ACORN, that organization engaged in a massive document dump. In all, the organization threw out more than 20,000 documents. I know you might think the whole situation looks fishy, but it must be some terrible misunderstanding. I just find the possibility of ACORN doing something unethical to be completely unfathomable. By the way, just in case you missed it, I’m hoping the heaping helpings of sarcasm came through.
You might think that the document dump is no big deal, and that certainly could be true. After all, throwing away 20,000 documents days after an investigation is announced isn’t that suspicious at all. It really could just be the result of some employees clearing out the office. By the way, many of those documents included the names, addresses, social security numbers, and drivers license numbers of employees or people paying membership fees. Disposing of such material in a haphazard manner is a crime in California, since such a find would be an identity thief’s dream. » read more
post a comment | filed under Crime
» posted on Monday, November 23rd, 2009 at 5:20 pm by Damien Baldino
Tax credits, the free market, and government contradictions
Congress approved an extension of the $8,000 credit for first-time home buyers. The credit was supposed to end this month, but it has been extended until April, 2010. In addition to the extension, it has been expanded to many buyers, not just those looking for their first home. Some see this tax credit as a savior for the housing market, but I see it as yet another mistake.
The housing bubble existed for many reasons. Some were the fault of lenders, some borrowers, and others were caused by the government. For years, the government has encouraged home ownership by loosening credit and extending loans to questionable borrowers. This influx of people into the housing market, who wouldn’t other wise had access to credit, was a contributor to the bubble. There were many stilts propping up the housing market, and these easy-to-get loans were one of the things that kept prices artificially high. » read more
post a comment | filed under Economy | tags: Affordable Housing, Housing Credit, Real Estate
