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    Duluth Citizens Blog
    23 W. Central Entrance
    #153
    Duluth, MN 55811

79197 - Sat Feb 21 10:20:30 2009 - [Oh Oh something smells DFL fishy] By: Cynic

When I check the city assessors site I come up with home owned by Deyona Kirk at 5222 Boreal Cir(Hawk Ridge Estates) with an assessed value of 262K not 310K. It says the home was purchased in 2005 for about 60K. Hmmmmmmm

79196 - Sat Feb 21 08:33:11 2009 - [ANOTHER DFL DULUTH STIMULUS PACKAGE] By: Victimized in Duluth

Duluth is well known for its rip off schemes. City owned utilities are the highest in the Midwest and the DFL ran city that boasts a poverty rate twice that of the rest of the state.

http://finance.yahoo.com/family-home/article/106617/America%E2%80%99s-Rip-Off-Airports

AND IT DOESN’T STOP HERE. THIS IS ANOTHER DFL DUMBASS DULUTH STIMULUS PACKAGE:

PLANNING AND ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT COMMITTEE
09-0128R
RESOLUTION AUTHORIZING AN AMENDMENT TO THE COMMUNITY
DEVELOPMENT BLOCK GRANT AGREEMENT WITH MA & POP’S 4TH
STREET MARKET, INC. AND THE EXECUTION OF A SATISFACTION
OF MORTGAGE.
CITY PROPOSAL:
RESOLVED, that the proper city officials are hereby authorized to enter
into a first amendment to the community development block grant agreement,
substantially in the form of that on file in the office of the city clerk as
Public Document No. ____________, with Ma & Pops 4th Street Market, Inc.,
(agency) and Deyona and Jamar Kirk (the Kirks), pursuant to which the city will
accept $20,000 from the sale of the Kirk’s home, will release its mortgage lien
on the home, and will require the agency and the Kirks execute a promissory note
in the amount of $39,500.
FURTHER RESOLVED, that the manager of the city’s community development
division is hereby authorized to execute the satisfaction of mortgage upon the
receipt of a cashier’s check in the amount of $20,000 and the execution of a
promissory note in the amount of $39,500 substantially in the form of that
attached as Exhibit 1 to the amendment.
Approved: Approved for presentation to council:
Department Director Chief Administrative Officer
Approved as to form: Approved:
Attorney Auditor
CD KAH:jle 2/12/2009
2
STATEMENT OF PURPOSE: The agency is the owner of Ma & Pop’s 4th Street Market.
Deyona Kirk is the president of the agency. The agency secured a commercial loan
from Members Cooperative Credit Union (MCCU) for the purchase of the inventory.
However, due to the low collateral value of food inventory, MCCU’s loan was
contingent upon the agency securing a credit enhancement meeting MCCU’s loan
underwriting requirements.
In June of 2006, as part of an effort to ensure the ongoing presence of an
accessible neighborhood grocery market within the Central Hillside, the agency
entered into a community development block grant agreement pursuant to which the
city CDBG program purchased a $59,500 five-year certificate of deposit at MCCU
in an amount that meeting the underwriting requirements when combined with the
value of the inventory. A loan guaranty agreement between the city and MCCU
linked the agency’s loan performance with the certificate of deposit.
The city took a mortgage in the amount of $59,500 on the Kirk’s home in the event
that the agency defaulted on the loan and MCCU utilized the CDBG loan guaranty.
The mortgage lien had third priority after a first mortgage lien in favor of
North Shore Bank First Mortgage in the amount of $200,000 and a second mortgage
line in favor of the housing and redevelopment authority of Duluth, Minnesota in
the amount of $17,900. At that time the Kirks home was valued at $310,000 and
therefore even with the city’s position as a third mortgagee there was considered
to be adequate collateral in the value of the house to secure the city’s
interest. The term of the mortgage lien was until June 30, 2011 or until the
third party pledge agreement was released by MCCU. The agreement also required
the agency to create one full-time job equivalent per $20,000 of the certificate
of deposit.
Recent economic pressures have caused the Kirks to sell their home into a very
difficult market and after nearly a year they have found a willing buyer.
However, the general downturn in the housing market has resulted in lower
valuation and sale price (16 percent lower than the $310,000) for their house
resulting in the erosion of the city’s collateral position. Therefore, after the
first and second mortgage liens have been satisfied, $29,000 will be remaining
from the sale. The Kirks have requested that the city accept $20,000 from the
sale proceeds in exchange for the satisfaction of the city’s mortgage and have
agreed to execute a promissory note in the amount of $39,500 in favor of the city.

79194 - Sat Feb 21 01:37:25 2009 - [Extortion insurance brokerage racket] By: JBBP

Besides wages, what else do unions negotiate for...?

Insurance benefits. Health insurance benefits, in particular.

So...which insurance company, or companies, are awarded these contracts, in particular, for union members who are employed by the government?

Health care insurance premiums are through the roof. Most people who work in the private sector can't afford them. The poor rely on the government for health care...government union workers get health insurance benefits through union negotiations with the government. Claims are paid through private insurance companies in both cases, as a general rule.

Since government is funding the cost of the premiums in both scenarios, for the most part, it might be safe to say that this is one big reason why the cost of health insurance/health care is so profoundly expensive.

Seems to me that unions, which were once a valuable and worthy tool for working people, have morphed into a giant tax extortion/insurance brokerage racket. It would be interesting to see which insurance industry lobbyists have union support and vice-versa.

Follow the money, honey.

Thank you.

79193 - Sat Feb 21 00:29:20 2009 - [DFL Duluth ranks 5th in rip off airports] By: The Great Cornholio

Americas-Rip-Off-Airports , Duluth ranked 5th in the nation ! Thanks again DFL ! Screwing people any which way they can.

79192 - Sat Feb 21 00:27:17 2009 - [Why is there only one airline in Duluth?] By: Dolla Bill

You've gotta be drunk with DFL Kool-Aid from the feeble old man CongressCLOWN Oberstar and his whining about Delta Airlines. What a hypocrite. If you think Duluth is anything but a bad deal for flying in and out of, how come we have only one airline?

79191 - Fri Feb 20 23:53:46 2009 - [Another Duluth DFL ripoff uncovered] By: Dave D

http://finance.yahoo.com/family-home/article/106617/Americas-Rip-Off-Airports

Number 5.
No. 5: Duluth International Airport (Tie)
Location: Duluth, Minn.
Average fare per mile: $0.38
Department of Transportation's Origin and Destination Survey

I'm shocked. Really, I am. /sarcasm.

In Depth: America's Rip-Off Airports

No. 1: Cincinnati-Northern Kentucky International Airport
Location: Cincinnati, Ohio
Average fare per mile: $0.48
Department of Transportation's Origin and Destination Survey

No. 2: Cherry Capital Airport
Location: Traverse City, Mich.
Average fare per mile: $0.41
Department of Transportation's Origin and Destination Survey

No. 3: Tri-Cities Regional Airport (Tie)
Location: Johnson City, Tenn.
Average fare per mile: $0.39
Department of Transportation's Origin and Destination Survey

No. 3: Columbia Metropolitan Airport (Tie)
Location: Columbia, S.C.
Average fare per mile: $0.39
Department of Transportation's Origin and Destination Survey

No. 5: Duluth International Airport (Tie)
Location: Duluth, Minn.
Average fare per mile: $0.38
Department of Transportation's Origin and Destination Survey

79188 - Fri Feb 20 22:39:08 2009 - [Duluth DFL Pigs at the trough 2009] By: Dennis Miller

Is that Ross Perot with those big ears and cute little smurf voice? Check out the PORK FEST 2009 PIGS AT THE TROUGH

http://www.wdio.com/article/stories/S797552.shtml?cat=10335

79187 - Fri Feb 20 22:27:56 2009 - [Scanning for fatties breaking video] By: Dennis Miller

Taliban Tom,

Are you scanning for fatties our what? How can you be so obsessed with the obese? You wouldn’t even be able to get started with the wideload let alone experience any kind of happy ending. All you would be able to do is laugh at the wideload. Check out this breaking video of a younger wideload from her Carrboro days. She's a little more corpulent now. Save the zoo!

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=zxgOQUgQ3Wk&feature=related

79186 - Fri Feb 20 22:00:27 2009 - [Ben Dover sighting] By: Joel Syphilis

Finally a Ben Dover sighting in this picture

http://www.freedomdogs.com/news-archive-mainmenu-2/139-powers-of-the-people/3602-readying-for-revolutions.html

79185 - Fri Feb 20 21:59:07 2009 - [Never enough $$$ for Small Soft & thugs] By: Big Iron

The private sector pays the salaries, John H? Well thanks for that revelation, Cpt. Obvious. Now, how bout that raise?

79183 - Fri Feb 20 21:38:50 2009 - [Chester Park happy ending] By: Taliban Tom A

Hey Dennis can you get a happy ending in Chester Park at that cafe or nearby?

79182 - Fri Feb 20 21:21:14 2009 - [Kudos to the best laugh & sad fact ever ] By: Dennis Miller

Cynic said, "Stop arresting these prostitutes who actually give you something for your money".

Kudos to the best laugh and sad fact ever on the DCB. The DFL thieves, Netland, Lehto, Reinert, Johnson, Bergson, Gardner, Anderson, Cuneo, Prettner-Solon, Huntley, AFSCME and the DFD PAC have done much more damage to Duluth and are leaving us with anything but a happy ending.

79181 - Fri Feb 20 20:35:18 2009 - [Small Soft thinks money grows on trees] By: John H

Big Iron, if you are a government employee, your salary is paid for by those in the private sector. Worse than that is that you produce nothing for society except a lot of hot air.

STARFIRE: John H, Small Soft is and has been a big part of the DCB. He helps the DCB daily making it clear who is screwing whom. For that, we thank you Small One.

79178 - Fri Feb 20 20:18:22 2009 - [Blame the DFL for cutting down $$ tree] By: Big Iron

"I pay your salary". LOL! That's my all time favorite, Moderator! How about a raise, loser? Wait...you're max'd out on that 8 buck an hour job...sorry.

STARFIRE: Small Soft, Did you make it to the big shindig today for all the DFL ballasses? I couldn't imagine that the show could go without you. It looks to me by the turnout that the DFL and it's extortionist gang is just starting to see what is going to happen. Fear pf losing those obscene salaries could be seen in a many of their eyes. I hope your contract works out well as Charmin for you, Small One. Things heading South couldn't please me any more knowing that your kind will finally know the reality of the real world. The mysterious money tree has been cut down by your own thieving DFL selves.

79177 - Fri Feb 20 20:00:32 2009 - [Leave our girls alone-arrest real crooks] By: Cynic

Adam R., Yes I saw the room full of bloodsuckers at city hall. They showed Netland at the podium and I almost puked. Thank goodness I wasn't able to hear anything he said. They are all worried the teeet has dried up and what will they do. I did hear the old public defender say something about the laying off of 71 lawyers. Cripes music to my ears to hear "lawyers" are getting laid off. Errrrr laid off to do what? Go out and make another million somewhere else or is he talking about flunkies that can only make it on the government teeet. Stop arresting these prostitutes who actually give you something for your money and quit wasting the courts time and resources. How about going after some of the real crooks in city hall.

STARFIRE: Cynic, LMFAO! As of right now, I'm going to recommend you for the short list for this years DCB Man of the Year!

79176 - Fri Feb 20 18:34:22 2009 - [Is "C" next of kin to Bernie Madoff?] By: mons veneris

We all know that nobody bothers reading that "watch" site anymore, so they have to try to stir up controversy by mocking faith, family, America, and common sense, thus agitating the majority in Duluth, few people who don't get it yet know that most of the "watch" comments are altered or completely made up.

The watch has been a forum for an fat angry activist from the beginning. Navy veteran my ass !! The gig is up there DELETED, get back in that kitchen bake up some cookies and do something productive !

I have been watching that other web site for quite some time now. All I can say is that, "It" is a crook and that site is a cyberspace equivalent of a ponzi scheme. I wonder if "it" is related to Bernie Madoff ? "It" sure acts like it.” The "watch" seems to be nearing the end, thank god...that forum for hatred and lies has gone on long enough.

Nobody, and I mean nobody really bothers with the "watch" anymore. This city is moving forward, and those people are being left behind, virtually ignored as they kick and scream and wallow in their own narcissist liberal waste.

79175 - Fri Feb 20 18:22:56 2009 - [DFL Duluth Bashing Session a sham] By: Adam R

Why is Duluth and this area the laughingstock of the state and the country? Turn on the 6PM news and watch as the team of DFL greedy pukes line up to cry for money by increasing taxes. One colored gal claims to be poor and wants more money as she says she is a single parent and has 4 kids. You go girl! To avoid number 5 you may want to be talking next time instead of listening. As Jesse Venture said, "Don't blame the government for the mistakes you make in life." Keep the legs crossed. And Don, Donny Ness wants to increase taxes again. Imagine that. He is another DFL grub at the trough pulling down 100K and wants taxes increased on mom and pop. The whole room was jammed with more DFL crybabies than I have seen in one place since inauguration night. Reinert was flapping his gums between those ears at the "Blame Pawlenty" Bashing Party too.

What an absolute embarrasment the DFL has become. How many non governmental people attended? All government parasites from Tommy the Kommie to Donny, show me the money Ness.

79174 - Fri Feb 20 18:19:01 2009 - [DFL ruined Duluth long before Bush came] By: Barb J

Gen. Rant, give it up on the Bush excuse. The DFL ruined Duluth long before Bush was in office.

79173 - Fri Feb 20 18:17:37 2009 - [Highest concentrations of Dem voters] By: Dead Inside

For the DFLers (Dirty frauds and Liars)...

Q: Where will you find the highest concentrations of Democrat voters?

A: Welfare offices, public housing projects, and prisons.

79172 - Fri Feb 20 17:20:14 2009 - [Blah blah blah, blah, blah, blah] By: Gen. Grant

Lets talk about Katrina.......... Halliburton gets the NO BID contract to clean up the City of New Orleans, they in turn sell it off at half price to a subcontractor "so they make half the total sum of money for doing NOTHING
, the subcontractor in turns subcontracts it out for half the price and in turn that sub sub contractor sell it to a company that hires illegal aliens to do the cleaning and when the work is finished there told "Pay? What pay?". You can't make this shit up.

If you doubt this information call down to the Department of Labor at the Main U and ask for Randy Croce. He will be more than happy to explain the rip off of Katrina.

MODERATOR: General Cant, let me guess, Jim Croces's bro? Why don't we just ask the Big O instead. We will undoubtedly get the same DFL blame Bush response. And where was the illustrious Mayor of New Orleans during the fiasco? He and the rest of the parasites took off with credit cards in hand until someone else rebuilt the city, mainly illegals, and Nagin returned in prime Chavez form and proclaimed, "At the end of the day this will be a chocolate city again." How is that for racist you Progressive hypocrites? Where is the outcry DFL holier than thou whackjobs?

79169 - Fri Feb 20 15:18:46 2009 - [Make it legal for "ALL" not just the DFL] By: Cynic

I remember a guy who used to go to Yoshiko Sauna for sex......heck it must have been over 20 years ago and he went there for quite a while. I met a couple of the ladies that worked there. One used to go to the casino and quickly loose what she made. Besides that is was probably safer than picking something up off the streets. How about Duluth make prostitution legal for "ALL" not just the DFL.

79168 - Fri Feb 20 15:13:26 2009 - [Let the revolution begin!] By: AFSCME SUX

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=LsMl1bsPV5Q

This is a good example of what Duluth people need to do. As Dead says, grow a set.

Let the revolution begin!

79168 - Fri Feb 20 15:13:26 2009 - [Let the revolution begin!] By: AFSCME SUX

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=LsMl1bsPV5Q

This is a good example of what Duluth people need to do. As Dead says, grow a set.

Let the revolution begin!

79167 - Fri Feb 20 15:10:47 2009 - [Only DFLers can be that stupid] By: Cynic

I try to read through this Parasite's stuff but it is so silly that I loose interest. No one can possibly be that stupid. Then again when DFL it attached to a name anything is possible.

79167 - Fri Feb 20 15:10:47 2009 - [Only DFLers can be that stupid] By: Cynic

I try to read through this Parasite's stuff but it is so silly that I loose interest. No one can possibly be that stupid. Then again when DFL it attached to a name anything is possible.

79166 - Fri Feb 20 14:35:33 2009 - [STIMULUS DEAL GOES BAD] By: Locals Gone Wild

STIMULUS DEAL GOES BAD

DATE:February 20, 2009
SUBJECT:Prostitution Investigation
CASE #:08-412074
INCIDENT DATE:December 2008
INCIDENT TIME:
INCIDENT LOCATION:Yoshiko Sauna- 18 North 21st Avenue West

NATURE OF INCIDENT:Arrests/Search Warrant
BY:Lt. Daniel Chicos
________________________________________________________________________________
Description:Investigators from the Duluth Police Department

Neighborhood Impact Team received information in reference to prostitution activity occurring at the Yoshiko Sauna. Acting upon this information, Neighborhood Impact Team Investigators opened an investigation into these complaints.

On December 23rd, 2008, Neigborhood Impact Team Investigators arrested the following individuals relating to this investigation:

1.) SUN HUI GLENN dob 06/18/57

2.) KRYSTAL ANN WOODS dob 09/22/82

Both GLENN and WOODS were subsequently charged by the St. Louis County Attorney's Office for Solicitation of Prostitution.

Addditionally, on this date, Neighborhood Impact Team Investigators executed a search warrant at Yoshiko Sauna. During the execution of the search warrant, evidence was obtained to implicate the owner/operator of Yoshiko Sauna as knowingly promoting prostituition activities at the business.

The owner/operator of Yoshiko Sauna was identified as:

1.) SUZY WOO-YOUNG KOTTS dob 01/27/36
On today's date, KOTTS, who has a prior conviction for Prostitution, was formally charged by the St. Louis County Attorney's Office on the following charge: Promotion of Prostitution.

Further inquiries can be made through Sgt. Leigh Wright of the Duluth Police Department at the public information number 218-428-5296.

79165 - Fri Feb 20 13:38:05 2009 - [Unions have outlived their usefulness ] By: fred f

Why is it so hard to accept that labor unions have outlived their place in this country. Their sole purpose in today's society is to financially enrich their leaders at the expense of employers and consumers.

79164 - Fri Feb 20 13:12:39 2009 - [DFL change you can believe in] By: Dennis Miller

DFL Parasite you've been Bushwacked one too many times. We are seeing the results of the socialist regime in action. Blaming Bush is over and it's all the DEMS show now and they're failing badly right out of the gates. Look at all the CHANGE YOU CAN BELIEVE IN on Obama's one month anniversary today. The honeymoon is over and a corrupt Chicago politician, a corrupt Nevada senator and a corrupt bitch from the Bay Area aren't the answers and are obviously a big part of the problem. Just watch the Dow going down faster than the former Governor of NY's mistress. I can't want to see Franken in action. DFL change you can believe in.

79162 - Fri Feb 20 12:15:36 2009 - [DFLers lining pockets, produce nothing] By: DFL PARASITE saved you the time mod

Wait a minute now, mod. Last time I checked I PAY THE SAME TAXES AS YOU. What makes you think I like the red plan? My house lost it's value and I cannot refinance because of the bush error. I'm upside down like many others and I have a small home. I'm out of money a week short of payday like many people. You act like DFL'ers are sports stars who make 250,000 a game! Get a life, loser. I'm done here for the day.We'll check back later to see if you shut down yet. One more stop at the Claire's Watch site and I'm off to pay bills.

MODERATOR: DFL Parasite, you may pay indeed pay taxes as I do, but there is a big difference. You produce nothing and I pay your salary, it's that simple. Most area DFLers are not quite up to the 250K salary yet, but they are trying hard. Erik Lefto, 100K a year. What does he produce for society? LJ, from grocery clerk to AFSCME head honcho, another 100K a year. And what does she produce? Ken Leffler, another 100K a year and he produces what? Where do their salaries generate from? From hard working people who are working harder and getting less as these folks and many other DFLers like them are lining their pockets and calling it justice. They simply add their salaries and benefits to our property tax statements and force us to pay. It is extortion any way you look at it, albeit legal at this point in time. Sad, but true. We need real "Change" we can believe in. The government worker is now earning 40% more than the private worker who is paying the formers salary. What part of this is hard to understand when considering why this is unsustainable?

79160 - Fri Feb 20 11:59:41 2009 - [DFL Parasite need to see the light] By: Can't you see the light

I think DFL parasite needs to look back at the last few years. He forgets that we had a good economy until the democrats took over congress in 2006. The dow was at an all time high before that and has been falling since.
And as soon as it became obvious that OSama was going to be the president back in about september, the dow started loosing big time.

I'll send back my tax rebate when you send back to the taxpayers your bloated union wages. How about the big union bosses that make 6 figures, take some money from them. they don't need it.
the tax rebate that some people get is actually money that THEY EARNED. It is their money that the government took from them.

I pay my taxes, and lots of them, unlike half of OSama's cabinet. They don't pay their taxes until they get into the president's cabinet, you or I don't pay our taxes we go to jail.

79158 - Fri Feb 20 11:47:30 2009 - [We DFLers take care of all!] By: DFL PARASITE saved you the time mod

Let me ask how, if you're so much better than this area, do you keep living here? If you really believed the crap you write, why do you stay in Duluth, any well known DFL areas, or even this country? Go somewhere where there is no government to piss you off. Bring lots of ammo! Is the crap you write about the worse thing you have going on? I like coming here to get you idiots all worked up. It's entertaining. Overall I'm happy to have healthy kids, any job at all, a home I work hard for, food, and church. If you don't have the basic needs, you need to get off the computer, stop blaming everyone else, and fix yourself! Your GOP pals are rich and they won't give you a penny. We DFL'ers take care of all. We may not have GOP wealth and power, but at least we look out for people. Like humans should!

MODERATOR: DFL Parasite, you have already won the, "DFL Idiot of the day" award with that one. Just exactly where does your DFL get this money that it uses to, as you say, help all? The local AFSCME and DFDPAC hurts the average Duluthian much, much more than any company in the world. Just look at your property tax statement. A school district which won't allow people to vote, just pay. A county that wants to take care of people from all over the country, no matter where Stahlalinski claims they live. A city that is headed by a DFLer who, instead of making tough decisions, has decided to tax and fee the people to death. Now, many retired people have to sell their homes as they can no longer afford to pay the obscene government salaries and benefits of all the parasites. You DFLers get your money right from the pockets of hard working Duluthians, period. I can't wait until you finally break the back of your host and we can have real "Change" in this country. No more "Freeloaders". Both government employees and those they redistribute wealth to, many of whom are and should be working instead of living on the rest of our backs.

79157 - Fri Feb 20 11:37:44 2009 - [DFL Duluth is laughingstock of Minnesota] By: DFL PARASITE saved you the time mod

First off, Mod, you always change my name so I'm just helping you out. Typical GOP corruption. How do you figure there will be a 2010 sweep? Last time I checked the DFL will be there for 4 years. Pawlenty? How rich would you like to see Eagan get? That idiot can't even remember where Duluth is! Let him run. The DFL will kick his butt too which will be good because it's going to take at least 4 DFL terms to fix the bush error (era).

MODERATOR: DFL Parasite, I do not change your name. Awhile back I had to remind you of what your name really is, but now you seem to know it all by yourself. Have you ever heard of "Congress"? In 2010, the way the Messiah is going, being a Dumbacrat will be a tough job. If your DFL is so good in Minnesota, then how was Pawlenty elected and then re-elected in Minnesota to the highest position in the state? And why is it that the Duluth DFL continues to embarass the people who live in the area who do not drink the Kool Aid they force feed the people? And why does DFL Don Ness continue to get recognized in the nation with some of the most embarassing things imaginable crying and begging for more money? Why is Don Ness begging for almost half of all the federal money which will be allocated to the entire state of Minnesota? If the state has 5-6 million people and Duluth has 55,000 65,000, then Duluth should ask for no more than 1% of the total money, right? But no, our elected officials continue to make Duluth and Northeasten Minnesota the laughingstock of the state. Requesting money for snow making equipment when Rome is burning. You can't make this shit up!

79156 - Fri Feb 20 11:37:33 2009 - [Wall Street collapsing on Obama's watch] By: Adam R

DFL Parasite, it was just days ago when a 100 point drop in the Dow was a good day for your man, The Messiah. Now he seems to be able to achieve that 100 point drop within the first hour of trading. We should set up a board and guess how long it will be before Obama brings the market to around, say 1000 or so. It won't work because by the time we get the board set up, we'll already be there the way this Socialist is going. The market is already down 150 points this morning.

When are some of the DFL elected maggots going to take volunteer pay cuts from their obscene salaries like many of those in the private industry? Come on Parasite, it's time already. Cut, cut, cut. You and your comrades should be happy to pay some of that extorted money back to those who you took it from. Happy to pay for a Better Minnesota!

79155 - Fri Feb 20 10:39:37 2009 - [DFLer requests we send him/her more $$$] By: DFL PARASITE saved you the time mod

Dead, Yup! It IS all bushs fault. How can you sit there and blame a guy who just go elected for 8 yeard of GOP shit? Moderator, YOUR president bush put this country where it is! Get it through your tainted mellon. Look at the economy, dumbass. I love the impeachment talk also! If bush was allowed to remain out of prison for 8 years, Obama will be OK. Send back your tax break (unless you're the wealthy who won't benefit) so real people can get the help they need.

MODERATOR: DFL Parasite, well, I see why you are called the DFL Parasite. How much money is enough for you parasites? How can you not be ashamed to live on the backs of the rest of society? DFLers have no shame, they just try to bleed their hosts to death. Take a look at the numbers Obama is putting up since inauguration. Things are not looking so good for the DFD blogging team now are they. The best thing about all of this is that 2010 is already being set up for a clean conservative sweep. Keep up the good work Barry! With any luck we can see someone like Pawlenty in D.C. that understands that 0-789 billion does not equal success.

79154 - Fri Feb 20 10:26:32 2009 - [Government cannot be all things to all] By: Can't you see the light

Yes lets talk Katrina shall we...
How about the billions of dollars that the frds gave to new orleans to build up those levies over the years, and the democrats decided to spend it on something else, thereby destroying their own city.
And the piss poor handling of that situation cost the governor of louisana her job, and guess what she was a democrat.

And how is it that it's bush's fault that they were told to get out and they didn't. They had days to get out. there were even buses to help them get out, and they chose not to. The ones who chose to not heed the warnings and stay were the ones who thought the government should hold their hand.

79153 - Fri Feb 20 09:22:29 2009 - [Obama snubs help for Gulf Coast] By: Chicken Hammer

You know it's getting bad when even the Associated Press notices: "Democrats strike different tone on Katrina."

The economic stimulus signed by President Barack Obama will spread billions of dollars across the country to spruce up aging roads and bridges. But there's not a dime specifically dedicated to fixing leftover damage from Hurricane Katrina.

And there's no outrage about it.

Democrats who routinely criticized President George W. Bush for not sending more money to the Gulf Coast appear to be giving Obama the benefit of the doubt in his first major spending initiative.

79152 - Fri Feb 20 08:53:21 2009 - [Continual amusement from DFL parasite] By: Dead Inside

Once again, DFL PARASITE amuses me. It says that it's Bush's fault that everyone went out and voted DFL. So, it also realizes that voting DFL is not a good thing, yet continues to parrot any goofy media tripe that comes along concerning the DFL. This wang doesn't know if it's shit, pissed, snakebit or powderburned, lol. Wanker.

79150 - Fri Feb 20 02:33:57 2009 - [Twisted mind of a local DFL thief] By: DFL PARASITE saved you the time mod

Katrina? BENDOVER, are you really wanting to mention Katrina? Look at your pal bush and let's talk Katrina! That idiot is the reason everybody affected by Katrina went out and voted DFL! He screwed those people then gave them poison trailers to stay in! He messed that up worse than wearing a flight suit with a "mission accomplished" banner in the background. Shut up and KM(DFL)A!

MODERATOR: DFL Parasite, I just had to put this peach from you out for other readers to see. Do you really believe all your own BS? And how long will you cry about Bush? The current President is Obama, but based on the job he is doing at running the country into bankruptcy, who knows how long he will be tolerated before he is impeached.

79149 - Thu Feb 19 23:58:19 2009 - [Gardner has bigger ones than Big Iron] By: Big Iron

Big brass ones? Here? No one ran for elected office because they all said they were AFWAID. Johnson, Gardner and Stover had bigger ones than the complainers here, including me.

79148 - Thu Feb 19 23:16:11 2009 - [Two different animals altogether] By: Randy L

Stargasm yeah very funny Starfire or should I say brownstar HAH HAH HAH. Yeah I know people with the fire department, they told me about you. Where's Ben Dover tonight, washing moms panties ? ha ha By the way do you all know Ben Dover is a pornstar name ? Hey Starfire maybe your girlfriend Ben is waiting for you. Turn off the computer and go see him. Let see if you post this one Starfire you DELETED.
Whatever right wingers, Obama won get over it and shut this blog down, your time is up in this city.

I'm union and I don't back down !!

STARFIRE: Randy L, a Stargasm is must different than the sensation you experience with DFL parasite and his Brownstar.

79147 - Thu Feb 19 22:57:25 2009 - [Obama's "Change", 100 points down a day] By: Ben Dover

Well, I hate to be the one to tell you, but it looks like Obama will be no more than a one termer at most. Actually, when more of his "Change" becomes apparent, I believe that the Congress may have to impeach him just to save the country from all the "Change". I see that the market was back to the Obama usual 100 point daily point drop, but that is just usual since it became clear that the Kool Aid had reached enough folks to put him into office. Now he is escalating a war in Afghanistan but where are the anti war clowns that were out protesting the former President? Yea, I know, they are standing in line waiting for handouts from the governmnent like pigs at the trough waiting for the meal. Real Progressive, more like pigs. The best part is that we haven't even started to have fun yet. Wait till this Obama Spending Bill money is pissed away on garbage and the country is in no better shape. The situation will only get worse. It is simple math folks. If the private sector worker is making almost 1/2 of that of the government sector worker, how long can this last? We are about to find out. But in the interim, politicians like Donny Boy Ness are taking every opportunity to get their hands out and get as much money as they can in hopes of once again fooling their constituents into believing that they have done something positive and then run for re-election again.

American politicians behavior based on apparent election cycle short term successes and not on long term planning is why the political farce is and will continue until the system simply can't go on anymore as it will be broke.

It is actually getting funny turning on the tv every day now and watching all the corruption ridden politicians getting busted for tax evasion or extortion or whatever else they have chosen to do to line their pockets at the expense of America's future. The funniest thing is when people tell me that the U.S. doesn't have corruption like other countries. It is called "Politics" in the U.S., corruption in other parts of the world.

It is going to be great to watch all the government grubs cry like hell when there is no more money to pay those bloated salaries and pensions. I have faith that their greed will lead to their demise and I welcome it. So cry, pout, stomp your feet, strike, whatever it takes to be done with you these criminals. Obama is bailing you out this time, but all good things must come to an end.

STARFIRE: Ben Dover, you are so right. The market hasn't been this low for 6 years. It seems that Obama is trying in his first couple months to beat Bush's approval rating of 27%, which took him 8 years to achieve. But the dumbass left believes in printing more and more money to solve the problem. The DFL has about as much on the ball as the people who were trying to steal all they could in New Orleans after Katrina wading in 4 feet of water after they had been warned to leave for four days. Stupidity is something that is cleary not curable. Just look at the DFL!

79146 - Thu Feb 19 22:56:25 2009 - [U.S.-leading in technology & innovation] By: Jake

WDIO digital tv isn't workingfor me. I live only 2 miles from the antenna farm, have reprogramed the tv, and turned the antenna. It worked before too. Anyone else having problems? If so advertiser won't be happy.

79145 - Thu Feb 19 22:25:15 2009 - [Don't let the asshats push you around] By: Randy L

You tell em brother. I'm talking to you DFL "Parasite". Don't let these asshats on this right wing hate blog push you around. They like to manipulate and lie but keep on blogging you will get your message through when one of the smarter moderators is working. Looks like that jerk Starfire is off today, opposing blogs are being posted tonight.

STARFIRE: Randy L, are you in need of a Stargasm too?

79143 - Thu Feb 19 21:59:20 2009 - [New name is DFL Blowass] By: DFL PARASITE saved you the time mod

Wow Dead Inside, you really are a tough guy! Let me say this: If you can get through this DFL union guy, have at it. I'll take a bullet for our DFL leaders because after 8 years of bush, the DFL is here to save our country. FXXX You and the DCB follower. Yup, I said followER.

STARFIRE: DFL Parasite, you wouldn't take a day off without double time pay so don't even waste our time with this crock about taking a bullet for anything. What a blowass! And clean up your potty mouth or I'm done with you and I'll give you a Stargasm to shut you up!

79142 - Thu Feb 19 21:51:09 2009 - [Do you practice what you preach?] By: DFL PARASITE saved you the time mod

I would like to see no more than a 1/2 dozen posts here on the DCB, but there are already 20 today so far today, not counting the 8 of mine that you've denied. I, like many other clear thinking DFLers want to see this site shut down. This is DFL country and we have never had any competition. There simply is no other point of view except for the DFL point of view. If we DFLers are going to rule this city, we have to shut down the DCB. DCB is the Axis of Duluth evil. You can either shut it down the easy way or the hard way, but either way, the DCB is going down. Post this if you bastards practice what you preach about free speech.

79140 - Thu Feb 19 18:22:07 2009 - [Physical force is needed to rectify] By: Dead Inside

Get Real, it's obvious that you couldn't comprehend what the hell I was talking about. When you verbally flail about like a fish out of water, you're making it more difficult for yourself to see the truth your heart already knows, like the rest of the sheeple. It's already been all talked out. There has been many, many chances for the people in positions of power to change their ways yet they have refused to. History has shown, time and time and time and time again that they will do what is in their best interests, not the community's. Forget all about your faggoty elections, democracy, votes and money. None of these are significant. If you feel that they are despite the overwhelming evidence of the last two hundred years in the political arena, you are in need of an official lobotomy. Action needs to be taken and not just talked about. Physical force is what is now needed to rectify the mistakes of the past. Those in power do not give up power. It must be taken. Just like I already said before...

Until you are ready to take some action that doesn't involve blogs and complaints, I'll keep on waiting for people to grow a pair of big brass ones.

So, I guess your "vote" it to stay hidden in the closet and hope that someone else makes things better for you. How much more will you endure before you grow a pair?

79139 - Thu Feb 19 18:21:26 2009 - [Things only worse with Obama in office] By: Nothing has changed

Kool-Aid Drinkers,

Was this Bush's fault or are bigger forces at play?

http://www.pbs.org/wgbh/pages/frontline/meltdown/view/

Nothing changes with Obama in office. It only gets worse.

79138 - Thu Feb 19 18:16:12 2009 - [Cleveland another new Sister City?] By: Locals Gone Wild

DATE: 02/19/2009
SUBJECT: Fugitive Arrest
CASE #: 09-226295
INCIDENT DATE: 02/19/2009
INCIDENT TIME: 1500 hrs
INCIDENT LOCATION: City of Duluth
NATURE OF INCIDENT: Arrest

BY: Sgt. Clancey (218)390-2071
________________________________________________________________________________

Description:
On 02/19/2009 at 3:00p.m. the Duluth Police Department arrested Kevin Bernard Gregory, DOB 09/03/1986 at an undisclosed address in the City of Duluth. Gregory is a fugitive from Cuyahoga County (Cleveland Ohio). Gregory is wanted for 19 counts of rape, 18 counts of kidnaping and intimidation of a crime victim or witness. Duluth Police Officers acted on a tip from the Cleveland Police Department. Gregory was arrested without incident. Gregory was lodged at the St. Louis County Jail.

79137 - Thu Feb 19 17:48:03 2009 - [DFL priorities heading into a Depression] By: All Aboard

Connecting Duluth’s Downtown Waterfront and the Future of Transportation

Please join the Greater Downtown Council for the next Downtown Perk Breakfast session on Tuesday, March 10, 2009. Representatives from the Duluth Transit Authority, City of Duluth, St. Louis County and Passenger Rail initiative will join for a panel discussion on future transportation connections and their impact on the Downtown Waterfront.

Tuesday, March 10
7:30-8:30AM
Radisson Hotel
$15 member, $20 non-member
RSVP to kjohnson@downtownduluth.com

Kristi Stokes
President
Greater Downtown Council
5 W. First St.
Duluth, MN 55802
218-727-8549

79136 - Thu Feb 19 16:40:02 2009 - [DFL Culture of Corruption Example] By: Web Hound Jr.

DFL Culture of Corruption, I like that! Do you drieve your vehicles more than 75,000 miles?

Here's another example of the DFL Culture of Corruption on Stahl's buzz.duluth

http://www.areavoices.com/buzz/

"The City of Duluth employs very capable and experienced mechanics, routine maintenance is being undertaken and equipment is built a lot better than it was in 1987," he said, referring to a report done that year on how the city should replace its fleet.

That study recommended that vehicles be replaced either every 72 months or 75,000 miles. As Fedora notes, "Since then, technology, manufacturing and vehicle dependability has improved significantly. So, in other words, we are following a vehicle replacement strategy assuming vehicles were made in 1987."

79135 - Thu Feb 19 15:46:05 2009 - [Money vs. Brass Balls & Big Mouth] By: Get Real

Dead Inside are you ready to ante up to compete with the local DFL culture of corruption? I'm talking about keeping up with the $150,000 or so they spent last local election. It's going to take more than brass balls and a big mouth to get elected.

79134 - Thu Feb 19 15:33:08 2009 - [Starts at city hall goes up to the Pres] By: Cynic

Keep everyone more and more dependent on the government so the people will not finally wise up and rise up and throw the crooked government we now have OUT. Any fool can see it start at city hall and goes all the way to the presidency.

79133 - Thu Feb 19 15:13:32 2009 - [Hear Hear!] By: Danny G

Dead Inside:

D

79132 - Thu Feb 19 15:02:36 2009 - [Stuff that makes ya wonder] By: Hose Dragger J

Interesting how his Honor da Pres goes to Canada and jumps their stuff about Alberta oil sands and da price of crude rises over $4 a barrel in the same day. No proof but stuff that makes ya wonder.

79131 - Thu Feb 19 13:27:41 2009 - [Waitin for people to grow big brass ones] By: Dead Inside

Interesting. I see an awful lot of rhetoric but no cajones. How much more are you willing to take in the shorts before you actually start DOING something instead of cry about it? And before you say anything, it takes more than one person to make the kind of change that is needed. What are YOU prepared to do? Are you content to let greedy politicians keep talking at you in the face and stabbing you in the back? If so, STFU. I don't want to hear it. Until you are ready to take some action that doesn't involve blogs and complaints, I'll keep on waiting for people to grow a pair of big brass ones.

79130 - Thu Feb 19 12:27:32 2009 - [Make good choices and you are penalized] By: fred f

The bailout thing for mortgages pisses me off. If some idiot with a $8.25/hour job decided he wanted to finance a $250,000.00 house and now finds out he can't keep up with the payments he deserves to be out on the street. Where's my reward for living within my means and paying my mortgage on time every month?

79122 - Thu Feb 19 10:29:58 2009 - [The dream is Dead!] By: It's Black and White

Media this morning is telling those, who have been responsible in their finances and are distgruntled by the Obomination of a mortgage bailout, not to be angry, because, just think about the downward spiral of real estate values that will be stemmed!

What idiots can support more massive tax debt created to temporarily bandaid a already greed gutted system? Surgery couldn't save what has been done. The dream is Dead! The guts of our system have been previously removed and rotted away due too those who foolishly continued to vote themselves largness from the public treasury! It was time to start over with the courage to promote the pain we faced if we used common sense!

Only those who created the mortgages they knew couldn't be paid will walk away unscathed. The dream of a chance at American Pie has been made unachievable for the masses and future generations! Obama's "Course of Cure" is proof "The Lobby" rejoiced as they watched Democracy Die! His "Change" is really just more of the same "Crisis" he speaks often of. Those like President Lincoln who fought the resultant principles of slavery are turning in their graves, along with those who died to preserve Democracy here!

To say anything is possible in here is true. What is happening is hard to understand in this age of knowledge and technology! The greedy, intentionally ruined, economy is proof the resultant tax slavery being secured by the "Change" can be praised and supported only by a blind, idiotic, apathetic, lazily dependent, slavery bound people!

79121 - Thu Feb 19 10:22:36 2009 - [As real as a flying nun] By: Dennis Miller

Adam R,

Every time I hear the DFL propaganda I think of Kool-Aid. Just the other day Reinert passed his first bill. BFD. Last time I heard, that’s his job to pass bills as that’s what he’s getting paid to do.

Go here http://www.house.leg.state.mn.us/members/members.asp?id=15299

Aren’t those big floppy ears cute? I just want to wind them up and watch him go like the Flying Nun http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=SnhgpVb-u5s as the DFL representing you the people is as real as a flying nun.

79121 - Thu Feb 19 10:22:36 2009 - [As real as a flying nun] By: Dennis Miller

79120 - Thu Feb 19 10:11:46 2009 - [Guess who needs to go at the LIB] By: youtube dude

Lib reader,

I think this would be applicable for who I'd like to see gone at the lib
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=FO214IFRW1M

79119 - Thu Feb 19 09:42:13 2009 - [DFL taking all they can in tough times] By: Adam R

I see that Republican Minnesota Representatives are recommending a 5% pay cut for themselves and other elected officials for the next two years. That's right, it is being recommended by Republicans. Where is our DFL team on this one? They are standing in line for more handouts from the state and federal governments as usual. Duluthians should be ashamed of their elected DFL leaders from the city right to the capitol.

Could you even imagine Reinert or Huntley or Solon or any one of the other clueless DFL team putting forth such a bill to actually help Minnesotans? They are too busy helping themselves and their kronies. Do you think Don Ness will lead by example and take a pay cut or will he continue to tax the retired in Duluth right out of their homes and call this justice?

DFL Duluth, taking what they can for themselves before the ship sinks.

79118 - Thu Feb 19 09:14:17 2009 - [Another change needed at the LIB] By: LIB Reader Online

"Help reduce liabilities"! My gosh I might have to stop calling the LIB the LIB. Second thought, that is not going to happen until there is one more change at the LIB. Anyone want to guess who that is?

In the meantime go green and read the LIB online for free saving money, energy and the trees.

This is a good editorial by the LIB. They are starting to get it.
_____________________________________________________________________________

Duluth News Tribune
Published February 19 2009
Our view: Winson can take it; but can the city’s union contracts?

Every organization needs the right person at the right time. And the head of the organization known as the city of Duluth has decided that the right person for these tumultuous times of financial affliction is Mark Winson.

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Every organization needs the right person at the right time. And the head of the organization known as the city of Duluth has decided that the right person for these tumultuous times of financial affliction is Mark Winson.

Even if the last time Winson was the city’s chief administrator he negotiated contracts giving city unions health care plans with no deductibles, no co-payments, no premiums and full coverage of most dental services, as the News Tribune’s Brandon Stahl reported yesterday.

Winson expressed no regrets, however, explaining that the deals reduced the number of health plans available to city workers, something that saved administrative costs.

While easy to criticize, especially with a city liability still in the hundreds of millions of dollars, anyone who isn’t at the table during difficult contract negotiations can’t know the wheelings and dealings, the give and take and the compromises needed to hammer out agreements. And Mayor Don Ness said he has no intention of further exploring the background of his pick for chief administrative officer. Nor will he dig deeper into what may — or may not — have happened at contract time in 2003.

Duluth’s city councilors, on the other hand, tasked with signing off on Winson’s return to City Hall, may feel inclined to do a bit of digging. They should. Vetting is their responsibility as elected leaders.

They can expect to find that in 2000, Winson sounded the alarm about retiree health care and was one of the first to do so. They’d learn how universally well-liked Winson is and of his reputation for being approachable, knowledgeable, experienced, easy to talk to and fair.

Once satisfied, councilors can approve Winson’s appointment.

They also can approve a contract with an outside law firm to handle the city’s negotiations with the unions this year. Expert counsel is critical. Times have changed, even since 2003. Contracts more reminiscent of those in the private sector, where terms hinge on the fate of the economy, are needed.

And then the City Council can apply the same scrutiny to approving new union deals as it should to Winson. Councilors can carefully consider all long-term implications to assure taxpayers the next batch of contracts are in the best interest of the city — and will help reduce liabilities.

79116 - Wed Feb 18 22:11:27 2009 - [Don't underestimate the greed of the DFL] By: Vulva

DFL Parasite, I like your handle. You're well conditioned to call yourself that. Keep up the good work. You'll eventually confess your sins and acknowledge your extortion of tax payers and the elderly. Tell me DFL Parasite, do you sleep well at night ? Does the guilt ever keep you up at night ? Are you afraid the public is turning against you ? Remember We Are Watching.

no freeloading (interesting handle btw )You claim that 60,000 is not enough for teachers. LOL ! Looks like you have also fallen victim to Tom Doohers propaganda and misinformation campaign. I assume you all have seen his ads that run every evening during the local news. Have any of you wondered where the money is coming from for those ads ? The cost is millions of dollars.

Cynic you said " Ya let's get those old dying people out of the County run nursing homes and out on the streets. That will show em who's boss. " Be careful of what you say Cynic, they may do that. Don't ever underestimate the greed of those people. They will do anything to keep benefits coming their way. If needed they will without hesitation throw nursing home residents into the snow bank to avoid paying even 1 dollar of health insurance.

79114 - Wed Feb 18 20:19:15 2009 - [Another terroirst in the White House?] By: Joel Syphilis

Where are the anti-war protester on moron corner, Lake and Superior Street? How many Obama bombs will kill innocent women and children today? Isn’t Afghanistan a sovereign nation? Another 17,000 more troops and how much more American blood? Where’s the outcry? I thought Obama was about ending wars, not escalating war and the hell that comes with it. Another terroirst in the White House.

79113 - Wed Feb 18 19:45:42 2009 - [Something just as important] By: Dead Inside

As a nice change, kind of like a vacation, let's talk about something just as important as america sliding into the ocean. Let's talk about Chris Brown beating up Rhianna.

79111 - Wed Feb 18 17:24:42 2009 - [We're on a roll now Barry!!!!] By: jthyme

WOO HOO!! We're on a roll now! The Dow was up +3.03 (+0.04%) today. THANK YOU, MR. PRESIDENT!

MODERATOR: jthyme, This must be the "Change" Barry promised. It is truly beautiful, isn't it.

79110 - Wed Feb 18 16:35:32 2009 - [Up to the challenge of Obama?] By: Lester P

Are our lives up to the challenge of Obama?

79109 - Wed Feb 18 15:10:41 2009 - [Is Obama up for the challenge?] By: Swinger

http://www.freedomdogs.com/news-archive-mainmenu-2/bizarre/3576-eagle-eye.html

Is Obama up for the challenge of our lives?

79108 - Wed Feb 18 14:52:48 2009 - [$456,000 City of Duluth settlement] By: Web Hound

Not bad since the city originally tried to steal the land for $50,000. WH

Duluth settles Voyageur Lakewalk Inn Dispute

The city of Duluth and the Voyageur Lakewalk Inn have settled out-of-court in a dispute over air-space rights. The settlement is in the amount of $456,000.

In March, a court-ordered commission decided the city must pay the motel $545,000 for the air-space above the Inn which the city uses for a parking ramp.

The city appealed the ruling. The city council must approve the settlement, which could happen Monday.

Tune in to Eyewitness News at 5 p.m. for the complete story.

http://www.wdio.com/article/stories/S793914.shtml?cat=10335

79106 - Wed Feb 18 13:05:18 2009 - [They just can't stay away from the DCB] By: jthyme

DFL Parasite said:
Is this blog still here? I thought you'd be gone like the archives! Well, back to Claire's Watch site and the Buzz Blog.
See ya f-faces! I figure that was a perfect sign off...right at your maturity level.

I'll believe it when I see it. We all know darn well it will be back just like the others who say they're leaving but don't. This moron (DFL Parasite) will be here posting and shooting off it's mouth sooner than later.

79105 - Wed Feb 18 11:40:26 2009 - [Where's the empathy?] By: Cynic

no freeloading, Ya let's get those old dying people out of the County run nursing homes and out on the streets. That will show em who's boss.

79104 - Wed Feb 18 11:37:48 2009 - [Good job Brandon Stahl] By: Cynic

I thought Brandon Stahl did a good job reporting on how Winson is little more than another union puppet and give away artist. Ness needs him to get elected again and Ness will do anything to get reelected. Anyway good job Brandon and you know I'm a big critic of yours.

79103 - Wed Feb 18 11:01:04 2009 - [Two Americas-Freeloaders and the Payers] By: no freeloading

St. Louis County, who gets over a third of my property taxes, spends about 40% on social services. How much of this money goes to pay welfare benefits, pay for subsidized housing, or other programs for those who choose not to work or exercise effective birth control?
This is real money that we are spending out of our pockets as budgets continue to get tighter and tighter.
What disgusts me the most is that you people seem to blame all of the problems on city workers, teachers, and other problems. The real problem is people who choose not to seek an education so they can get a real job, or the person who decides to have 6 kids by 6 different fathers and then have no way to pay to house, clothe, or support them without the help of social services. The problem with people here is that we don't take responsibility for any or our own actions- but we just complain when someone else has it better than us, yet forget about those who are truly "freeloading."
I've visited my kids classroom and have watched his teachers in action. If she makes 60k a year, she's still underpaid. I know city workers who continually do more with less. Their numbers dwindle more and more every year, yet their workload remains the same or increases. These hardworking, dedicated employees have the same rights as you or me to live where they want to, regardless of their employer. Retired employees fulfilled their conditions of city contracts, and should receive benefits and pay promised to them regardless of where they live. If the mayor goes against this, he is going against the city sharter and should be removed from office.
If you are going to complain about property taxes, begin with the county and school districts.

MODERATOR: no freeloading, the truth of the matter is that both the groups you talk about are free loaders, the government employees who refuse to take cuts in their obscene salaries and benefits and the others who refuse to work. How many government employees have quit because the pay is so bad? Your statement that $62,000 for 9 months of work plus full benefits shows your clear ignorance of the problems facing this area and the country right now. This is the kind of thinking that will, in the end, sink the ship. There are now two Americas, those that suck the money and those that are forced to pay the money. Simple as that.

79103 - Wed Feb 18 11:01:04 2009 - [Real problem - Social service seekers] By: no freeloading

79102 - Wed Feb 18 10:39:41 2009 - [DFLer more proof to CUT education $$$$] By: DFL PARASITE saved you the time mod

Is this blog still here? I thought you'd be gone like the archives! Well, back to Claire's Watch site and the Buzz Blog.
See ya f-faces! I figure that was a perfect sign off...right at your maturity level.

MODERATOR: DFL Parasite, you are clearly one more reason to cut funding for education. You seem to posess the "World Class" education and "Excellent" education that your Union Propaganda Minister, Tom Dooher is always ranting and raving about. Oh, that's right, your education is terrible, but the salaries and the benefits for the chosen few are sure nice. Thanks taxpayers!!!!!

79101 - Wed Feb 18 08:25:06 2009 - [Not pleased with County Board] By: Yaah

County Board Kids...The St. LOUIS COUNTY BOARD REMINDS ME OF THE DAYS IN KINDERGARTEN.You can't have my ball!She said it!He said it! No I didn't!WHAAAAA!! Grow up and at least try to act like responsible public servants!Oxymoron I know.With zero control on this board I don't believe any amount of money will keep an outside Administrator on the job more than a year or two!What a Cluster F... these people create. See you at the next Election.

79100 - Tue Feb 17 23:12:19 2009 - [DCB can not be everything to everybody] By: Claire

Hey, what happened to the archives?

STARFIRE: Claire, Ask not what the DCB can do for you, but what you can do for the DCB.

79099 - Tue Feb 17 21:01:40 2009 - [How can I reduce tax witholding?] By: LIB Reader Online

Javier,

What's the law on exemptions for payroll taxes. How can I claim more dependants and write a check at the end instead of the state owing me money that I might not get back for a while?

79098 - Tue Feb 17 20:28:24 2009 - [Greenbacks soon to be Funny Money] By: Javier

Got an income tax coming, better file your return ASAP. Looks what's happening in California:

http://www.nytimes.com/2009/02/18/us/18calif.html?_r=1

It's a disaster, and Kansas can't make payroll. Keep in mind Minnesota is looking at a $6-$7 billion budget shortfall. Good thing the feds are printing money like M & Ms.

79097 - Tue Feb 17 20:13:25 2009 - [A jungle animal is a jungle animal] By: Blue Duck

Have you all seen this news story ?

http://www.cnn.com/2009/US/02/17/chimp.attack/

This reminds me of an anecdote my grandfather used to tell me:

"You can take a chimp out of the jungle but you can't take the jungle out of a chimp"

79096 - Tue Feb 17 19:38:44 2009 - [Sharia law in the U.S.] By: Mike P

"sharia law" in the USA.

http://www.cnn.com/2009/CRIME/02/17/new.york.beheading/?iref=mpstoryview

79095 - Tue Feb 17 19:03:38 2009 - [Democrats top heavy with liars & cheats] By: Adam R

Another great day for Wall Street. Down almost 300 points again. Obama seems to be a real hit these days. The more he spends, the more the market tanks. I see that the pay of another government position, the Postmaster General has increased to over $857,000 a year. Makes a lot of sense since the Post Office lost 3 billion this past year. Way to lead Obama!!!! When will Obama start cutting the government pork. Looks like Burris is living up to Democratic standards and has lied on his affidavit back in January. Democrats are quickly running out of candidates who don't openly lie or pay taxes like the rest of us.

Obama does take the cake for the quote of the day. He said when he signed his Pork Bill, "Today marks the beginning of the end." Oh Barry, I couldn't agree with ya more!

79094 - Tue Feb 17 19:01:43 2009 - [Market knew the real loser for Prez. 09] By: Lester P

Just for a fun exercise, take Number Crunchers then and now numbers and check back to around June of 08. Excepting the gas and oil prices, and of course the tax cheats, there are some interesting changes. June is about when it was realized that the country was going to have a real loser for president in 09. The downsizing, out sourcing, and hedging assets got underway in earnest.

79093 - Tue Feb 17 18:46:58 2009 - [Lets get together and discuss this] By: Tony R

Numbers Cruncher,

Excellent posts. How about your own blog with your numbers link to the Duluth News Tabloid, above?

Email me at ramoneanthony@gmail.com and let's discuss this.

Ciao!

Tony

79092 - Tue Feb 17 18:43:08 2009 - [Randy and Big Iron have the same problem] By: Big Iron

Exactly how I feel, Randy L. My two 3 car garages and sheds are stuffed.

79091 - Tue Feb 17 18:12:34 2009 - [Obama's beginning of the end] By: Numbers Cruncher

***UPDATED***February 17, 2009 1715 CST

You can run but you can’t hide from the numbers. Always remember that the numbers don’t lie like politicians do.

In the beginning - Obama's starting numbers: Today’s
January 20, 2009 21:00 CST Numbers

Obama Approval Rating THEN 83% NOW 62%

DOW Jones: THEN 8281.22 NOW 7552.60

Oil WTI Cushing Spot THEN $36.51/bbl NOW $34.93/bbl

Local gas THEN $1.86/gal NOW $1.97/gal

U.S. Fed Funds Rate THEN .25 NOW .25

U.S. Unemployment THEN 7.2 THEN 7.6 and growing

Inflation THEN 0.10 NOW 0.10

GDP Growth Rate THEN -0.2 NOW -0.2

Cabinet Tax Cheats THEN 0 NOW TOO MANY TO TRACK
________________________________________________
Killefer* withdrawn tax cheat
Geithner Treasury Secretary tax cheat
Daschle * withdrawn tax cheat
Richardson * corruption allegations
Gregg**withdrew on principles not a tax cheat
_______________________________________________

National Debt THEN $10,000,000,000,000.00 NOW $10,773,059,930,774.73

U.S. NATIONAL DEBT CLOCK
http://www.brillig.com/debt_clock/

US National Debt and President Responsible For It
http://www.cedarcomm.com/~stevelm1/usdebt.htm

*Democrat majority US Senate 2 years
**Democrat majority US House 2 years
***Democrat President since January 20, 2009 and counting

CHANGE YOU CAN BELIEVE IN??????????

79090 - Tue Feb 17 17:41:19 2009 - [Another public employee sittin & bloggin] By: Cynic

You wouldn't think Randy L would have time to read some third rate blog would you? Another public employee with all those toys but with nothing better to do than sit here blogging like me. Man I'm having some good laughs today.

79089 - Tue Feb 17 17:28:14 2009 - [Obama will put everyone on the teeeeeet] By: Cynic

Oh and I agree why the hell is Stauber even bringing the issue up. It is a non issue and has been decided long ago. If he wants to do something maybe the state could pass some legislation............ha ha ha ha ain't gonna happen is it? Hell when O-bomba gets done everyone will be on government teeeeeeet.

79088 - Tue Feb 17 16:28:19 2009 - [Life Style Of A Poor Country Boy] By: Randy L

Like Joe I am also a city employee. We have the right to live where ever we wish. You people have no business controling our lives. I know you're all jealous because we were smart enough and well educated to get a good job. I choose to live out of the city for a variety of reasons. I love snowmobiling. Because of my unique job schedule I have time to enjoy my well earned toys. Hell,if you spent 8,000 dollars on a new snowmobile every year would you not want to use it also ? Fishing is also great out where I live. I spent 35 grand for my new fishing boat, I earned it and I want to enjoy my freetime because of all the sacrifices I made for you ungrateful people. In addition I need room for my ATV and 30 foot 5th wheel travel trailer. It would cost too much to rent a storage garage if I lived in town.

79087 - Tue Feb 17 16:04:53 2009 - [Take it down the Yellow Brick Road] By: DFL PARASITE saved you the time mod

THIRD POST OF YOURS DELETED TODAY - TYPICAL LIBERAL THAT JUST DOSEN'T GET IT WHO IS ALSO A GREAT CANDIDATE FOR JOHN STOSSEL'S STUPID IN AMERICA, THE CONTINUATION.

TONY R: DFL Parasite, in answer to your question; definitely not you. Take your Al Franken Vulgar Kool-Aid down the Yellow Brick Road. If you post something worthwhile it will get posted.

Ciao!

The " REAL" Tony Ramone
ramoneanthony@gmail.com
http://www.duluthcitizensblog.com
http://duluthnewstabloid.blogspot.com
http://www.facebook.com/people/Tony_Ramone/1497522456
http://www.youtube.com/DCBtony

79086 - Tue Feb 17 15:53:39 2009 - [Stauber should move to Texas] By: DFL PARASITE saved you the time mod

Typical GOP wacko trying to break the law! Stauber wants to tell people where to live. I think he needs to move to Texas where he'll be understood!

79085 - Tue Feb 17 15:33:43 2009 - [Nothing that can be done about it] By: Cynic

Joe Don is right the courts have ruled city employees can live where they want so it is a rather mute point. It doesn't mean they are not dirty rat finks for doing so but there is nothing that can be done about it. As for crime in the city there is zero where I live but everyone cannot live in the same part of the city. Although with steady jobs and income that is above the private sector city employees could afford to live most anywhere in the city bar a few places. I did once work in town and was always glad to be back home to get away from slime that has moved into our city.

79084 - Tue Feb 17 14:03:02 2009 - [Residency ruled illegal by the courts ] By: Joe Don

As a city employee that lives outside the city I felt a need to respond to your posting. Even though we might choose to live in the areas around Duluth, we still shop, eat, and do everything else in the city. We still have a vested interest in this city and choose to live outside as many of us choose to be away from the crime and people the welfare programs have brought into this great city. Also where in the city can you live and be able to hunt, ride 4 wheelers and do other recreational things. Having a requirement that city employees live in the city has already been ruled illegal by the courts in the cities.

79083 - Tue Feb 17 13:34:01 2009 - [No more freeloading bloodsuckers ] By: Dead Inside

That is a most cogent point. If you are working for the city, you should also live in the city or else you have no vested interest in seeing the city prosper or for even doing a decent job. I say fire all out of towners who are on the payroll. Also, if you are collecting retiree benefits, you should also live in the city or else cut them off at the knees. We don't need no more freeloading bloodsuckers leeching our assets for other communities.

79081 - Tue Feb 17 13:00:32 2009 - [City employees should live in the city] By: Web Hound

http://www.areavoices.com/buzz

Stauber: city employees should live in the city

Calling around for a story I'm working on due out this week, I asked city councilor Jim Stauber if he would approve Mark Winson's contract. He said he would, but will make a public issue that Winson lives in Hermantown. Apparently, that's where Winson lived when he was the CAO for Doty and Bergson.

"It's so frustrating to me," Stauber said. "I also had that same issue with "previous CAO's
John Hall and Julio Almanza."

Stauber went on to say that he believed every city employee should live in Duluth, believing that as much as 20 percent of city staff live outside the city.

"It's the wrong message to send," he said. "I'm willing to work and receive benefits from you, but we've found a better place to live."

I have a call into Winson for an interview on another story and will ask him for his thoughts/get his response on this issue then. But I also know that city employees read this blog and I'd love to get their thoughts -- if you work for the city, should you also live here?

79080 - Tue Feb 17 12:09:03 2009 - [Franken no Rhode Scholar] By: Dennis Miller

Listening to Al Franken, Franken makes Bush sound like a Rhode Scholar. The DC elite are laughing at Minnesota. Franken is living proof that there are serious problems with education in this country.

79079 - Tue Feb 17 12:04:10 2009 - [Signing of Stimulus Bill Reaction] By: Dolla Bill

Down, down, down to 6,000 we go!

DOW 7,588.21
Trade Time: 12:00pm ET
CHANGE YOU DON'T WANT TO BELIEVE IN: -262.20 (3.34%)

79078 - Tue Feb 17 11:35:48 2009 - [No Money for U.S. Financial Obligations ] By: I C RED PEOPLE

65 Trillion - U.S. Financial Obligations Exceed The Entire World's GDP

http://thefinalhour.blogspot.com/2009/02/65-trillion-us-financial-obligations.html

79076 - Tue Feb 17 09:53:32 2009 - [DFL Duluth Ness embarrasses us all] By: Adam R

Just when we all thought that DFL Bergson would take the prize for most embarassing mayor ever of Duluth, DFL Ness is trying to steal away that title.

The city must have a lot of extra money when DFL Ness can take take out of his day to meet with a guy who IS NOT a Minnesota Senator and beg for all the free things that he wants for Duluth. These DFLers are some of the biggest losers I have ever witnessed. No shame, just business as usual. As this rate the DFLers will start calling whomever they want to come and meet to talk about wealth redistribution even before they decide to run for office. DFL Ness has forgotten that he is mayor of Duluth, not just DFL Duluth.

Terrible lack of leadership and poor judgement on his part.

79074 - Tue Feb 17 07:55:06 2009 - [Why the deception with Comfort Systems?] By: Muffin Top

Mike P my Comfort Systems bill has more extra charges than my phone bill. The Comfort Systems rate link is confusing and doesn't even show all the extra charges. Why the deception? The chamber guy said that Duluth is over 2 times as expensive as St. Cloud. Why? This doesn't help create jobs in Duluth. It only puts more money in a few people with political control pockets.

79073 - Tue Feb 17 07:38:20 2009 - [Prez wants to work with these types] By: Go Daddy

Aren't you glad our prez wants to work with these types and reason with them like normal rational people?

http://news.yahoo.com/s/nm/20090216/us_nm/us_bridgestv_murder

79072 - Tue Feb 17 01:08:32 2009 - [Franken is just plain out scary] By: Chicken Hammer

Franken sucks as a comic. Franken as a senator is just plain out scary!

79070 - Mon Feb 16 22:54:27 2009 - [Franken - A true DFL dufus] By: Joel Syphilis

Franken: Call me 'Senator-elect'

http://www.politico.com/news/stories/0209/18913.html

The DFL duo of Franken and Donny Boy were paling around today. Al least Donny talks with some form of intelligence. Franken on the other hand sounds like he's been having a few. Did he stop at DFLer Herb's before going on TV? This guy is a true DFL dufus.

79069 - Mon Feb 16 22:43:08 2009 - [Socialist Marxist type of health system ] By: Change U Can't Beleive

The over 100 pages in the stimulus bill regarding health care sets up the INFRASTUCTURE for National Health care. Patients with rare diseases and the elderly will not receive care which means that research for the cure of rare diseases will be discontinued. The sad thing about this is that this will take a long time to change once implemented. Teenagers today will have to live with this type of health care their entire lives.

This is the socialist/Marxist type of health system that the Western European govt's have had. It is what the new president believes in.

79067 - Mon Feb 16 19:40:11 2009 - [Potswald should have been fired] By: Adam R

How can you expect a guy like Mayor Ness, who doesn't understand how things work in the real world, to do the right thing and fire Lisa Potswald. Instead he has shown that, as one who lives off of others as he does, he can find another cushy job for her to slack off at to cover up his poor judgement of hiring her in the first place and then force the taxpayers to once again, pay for his mistake. A real leader would have made a contract which would include firing her if things didn't work out and things clearly have not worked out. But then again, that would mean that he would be accountable for his decision making instead of covering it up by shoving another outrageous salary down the throats of the taxpayers so that he doesn't have to make a "difficult decision." What is that kid going to do when he actually has to make some tough decisions? This city is screwed!

79066 - Mon Feb 16 19:11:07 2009 - [Compare Comfort Systems rates to others] By: Mike P

Compare Comfort Systems gas rates with other utility companies.

http://www.comfortsystems.ws/UtilityRates/UtilityRates.htm

http://www.puc.state.mn.us/PUC/consumers/utility-companies/gas/index.html

79065 - Mon Feb 16 19:11:02 2009 - [Hope elected officials don't waste time] By: Mr. Duluth

You know Dennis that this site in question came from some educated yahoos that made it like Wikipedia, or a rip off of sorts. There are many projects not listed even I guess and the authors stated at this web page. Many of the pros, or cons don't have write ups and one sided view for each project listed.

I was just kidding Dennis and I don't even waste my time at that page anymore. I just hope those people we elect to office don't waste there time either.

79064 - Mon Feb 16 16:54:43 2009 - [Duluth, Welfare city of the North] By: Dennis Miller

Mr. Duluth,

I went to that site, www.stimuluswatch.org, and if I were you I'd change my name out of embarra$$ment. Duluth is there begging many more times than any other city in the state. Duluth’s going to have to change its name from Christmas City to Welfare City as it runs heavily on handouts.

79063 - Mon Feb 16 15:17:41 2009 - [City MUST have more money than we know] By: LIB Reader Online

I am happy the city hired Mark Winson back but have to agree with the person from AZ in the comments below. The commenter states “You've got an employee who can't do the job she was hired to do, so in these tight budget times, they create another position for her and she stays on. Maybe the budget isn't as tight as reported”.

Obviously for some person for AZ to comment means they were able to escape the socialist confines on DFL Duluth.

Then there is the other comment from someone in Finland, MN who states “Stay tuned for upcoming news on the Duluth Port Authority corruption issue. Maybe it will be covered by Duluth Tribune (they have avoided coverage of this issue in the past), otherwise check Minneapolis papers”.

Could it be the LIB is controlled by the DFL and corruption goes unreported?

DFL corruption is one more reason to go green and read the LIB online for free saving money, energy and the trees.
_______________________________________________________________________________
Duluth News Tribune
Published February 15 2009
Letter from the Editor: How we broke a big City Hall story
Duluthians love to know what’s up at City Hall, and this was a newsy tale. Read how the News Tribune broke the biggest story of the week--the rehiring of Mark Winson (above) as Mayor Don Ness' top aide--and more in Rob Karwath's Letter from the Editor column.
By: Rob Karwath , Duluth News Tribune

A little bit about a lot of things following a week that saw a big News Tribune scoop at Duluth City Hall, the cancellation of school in Duluth and Superior, a new online publishing project and interesting reader feedback.

Let’s start with that scoop.

The biggest story of the week was one we reported first. Mayor Don Ness sacked his top deputy, Chief Administrative Officer Lisa Potswald, and replaced her with Mark Winson, who held the post from 2001 to 2005, when former Mayor Herb Bergson infamously fired him by taping a note to Winson’s office door.

Duluthians love to know what’s up at City Hall, and this was a newsy tale. City Hall reporter Brandon Stahl broke it on duluthnewstribune.com at 8:51 p.m. Tuesday, when we also sent out e-mail and text alerts. We shared the story with our partners on FOX 21 News at Nine. And we published a detailed account in Wednesday’s paper.

You’ve heard me talk about the value of beat reporting. Here’s how it pays off. Nobody works the city beat harder than Stahl, who also reports through the day on his Buzz.Duluth blog on duluthnewstribune.com. Stahl knows the sources. He gets the news. He really did this time.

You’ve also heard me talk about the value of publishing across multiple media platforms. Here, we pulled all the levers. We had a big story. We got it out quickly online, in e-mail, on cell phones, on TV and in the newspaper. All to bring you the news fast and on your terms.

We flexed our electronic muscle earlier Tuesday as well. We delivered first word that classes had been canceled in Duluth and Superior because of the ice storm. Newspapers never used to be in the game of school cancellations. It was the exclusive domain of our broadcast brethren. The paper was on the street by the time superintendents made their call. No use calling us.

No more. Our Web site allows us to break news instantaneously to the 260,000 unique visitors who come to our site each month, tallying up about 3.5 million monthly page views. E-mail and text alerts help us communicate school closings or any breaking news development to the biggest audience in town.

School officials know this, and I talked to Duluth Superintendent Keith Dixon, Hermantown Superintendent Brad Johnson and others early Tuesday. Multimedia editor Jimmy Bellamy and I got the story up fast and first, telling you which districts were open and closed. We’ll do it again whenever weather forces schools to cancel classes.

We launched another online initiative last week, partnering with the staff of the Greyhound, the student newspaper at Duluth East High School, to post their stories, photos, videos and more on duluthnewstribune.com.

We’re opening our site to area students, exposing their good work to a huge audience and welcoming news from their high school communities, told in their own voices.

Under the guidance of adviser Kirstin Peterson, the Greyhound staff has begun posting to our site. You can see their work by going to duluthnewstribune.com and clicking the “high schools” button near the top of the page. You’ll see a brief description of our project and a link to “Duluth East High School.”

We’re just getting started. And know that we want to roll this out to more — maybe even all — area high schools. We also can create similar sites within our site for other area organizations. If you’re interested, please contact me.

Finally, what would a week be without feedback? Last week, I had two opportunities to talk to groups of readers.

A day after speaking to the University for Seniors program at the University of Minnesota Duluth, Circulation Manager Steve Kidd and I visited two ninth-grade English classes in Moose Lake.

Two different audiences, one common theme: Even in the Web world, young and older readers maintain an affinity for print. I knew that was the case with the seniors. But the ninth-graders also said they love the paper paper, even as they use it along with our Web site.

It confirmed what I’ve heard from other high school and college students. With sentiment like that, print is certainly here to stay.

ROB KARWATH is executive editor of the News Tribune. You can reach him at (218) 720-4177 or rkarwath@duluth news.com.

Tags: rob karwath, duluth city hall, mayor don ness, mark winson, city government, opinion, columnists
****************************************************************************
5 comments

John I. Finland, MN 02/16/2009 1:26 PM

Stay tuned for upcoming news on the Duluth Port Authority corruption issue. Maybe it will be covered by Duluth Tribune (they have avoided coverage of this issue in the past), otherwise check Minneapolis papers.
John F Ilse
Finland, MN
jfilse@lakenet.com

Report a Violation
Tom B. Scottsdale, AZ 02/15/2009 5:38 PM

Who cares? It's not like you broke the Watergate story. Jeesh.

Report a Violation
Eugene S. Lake Havasu City, AZ 02/15/2009 11:15 AM

Bragging about your ability to break the big story, leaves out an important question about the City Hall moves.

You've got an employee who can't do the job she was hired to do, so in these tight budget times, they create another position for her and she stays on. Maybe the budget isn't as tight as reported.

Gene S., Lake Havasu City, AZ

79062 - Mon Feb 16 14:18:35 2009 - [Duluth's gas dept. is a ripoff Sell it!] By: Dave B

Duluth's city run gas dept. is a ripoff. The only way out for Duluth consumers is to sell it.

79061 - Mon Feb 16 12:16:55 2009 - [Can't wait for the crap to start flying] By: C Double U

Interesting tidbit, I was just told this past weekend by a City Employee that the Basic Union has selected it's negotiating team, made up of mostly Water & Gas personnel. Oh boy... this negotiation is going to be fun to watch.

City: We're going to reduce your pay by 3%, take away some more health benefits, and reduce the number of paid vacation days by 3 per year. Take it or leave it.

Union: We want a 4% raise each year for 3 yrs, $50 more dollars a month in deferred compensation or toward our family medical coverage, and compensatory time allowed at 1.5 times the rate of pay and carry over allowable to 250 hrs. (I making this all up of course)

City: Counter offer. Back to original offer, and Comfort Systems put up for sale.

Ohhhh I can't wait for the crap to start flying.

79060 - Mon Feb 16 09:56:11 2009 - [Comfort Systems Double Talk] By: AFSCME SUX

This is an interesting subject on Stahlinski's blog:

http://www.areavoices.com/buzz/

What the task force said about selling the gas utility

For a litte light reading on a Friday night, I decided to go through the retiree health care task force recommendations and came upon a section titled "should the gas utility be sold?"

The answer?

"To use an old metaphor, selling it would be to consume the seed, rather than just the crop the seed produces. Aside from the questionable proposition of selling an earning asset, it seems doubtful to the task force that the citizens of Duluth, to say nothing of the council or the Mayor, would have interest in selling the gas utility to Minnesota Power as suggested. In spite of MP's strong reputation for low rates and good service, a substantial public outcry in opposition was heard."

An interesting passage, especially considering the chair of the task force was Arend Sandbulte, the former CEO of Minnesota Power, one of the chairs of Don Ness's election campaign, and one of the mayor's closest advisors (or so he told me a couple months ago).

79059 - Mon Feb 16 09:25:07 2009 - [Union Employees Have it Better ] By: Lies You Must Know

Unions: The 7 Lies You Must Know
The Seventh Lie - Union Employees Have it Better ==================================================

This is the last of our 7 lies. It is the glue that holds all the other lies together. Union employees are just a lot better off than everyone else.

There is a lot to like about this argument if you are a union organizer. The first is that if you aren't very curious about government statistics - and really, who is - it actually looks like this argument is true.

Each year when unions are forced to explain how they managed to lose even more union members over the last year they always will point people to the annual Bureau of Labor Statistics information on union wage rates. They will then tell you that these statistics prove that union members make about thirty percent more than non-union members across the country.

You read that right. Thirty percent.

Surely if this were true people would be lining up at union halls around the country trying to get a union into their workplace, right? Of course the answer can be found in that age-old saying there are lies, damn lies and statistics.

The annual BLS statistics aren't very good. First, they do not account for regional differences. It turns out that union members congregate mainly in large metropolitan areas, especially on the two coasts. Turns out that these same areas are also where it is most expensive to live and wage rates tend to be higher in these areas.

In addition, the statistics that unions like to quote just lump everyone together, which then assumes that union membership is distributed evenly across job classifications. Turns out that also isn't true. So you end up comparing unionized NFL and NBA players with non-union Mcdonald's and Wal-Mart workers.

If you try to compare apples to apples (which is impossible using the BLS data set) the union premium tends to shrink. In many industries there is no gap at all - in some the non-union employees make more.

People aren't stupid. The reason why non-union employees aren't lining up to join unions is not because this union premium is a big secret, or that employers have some kind of mind control over their employees. It's because they know by observing with their own eyes that the statistics just aren't true. Some companies pay more than others. Some have better benefits. Some lay off half their workforce during the slow time of the year. Some work overtime non-stop.

The bottom line is that having a union does not make life better. In most of the important, day-to-day ways it makes life worse. It adds another layer of bureaucracy and politics to your work life. It adds additional costs and rules. It can hurt the competitiveness of a company, making it more vulnerable to market forces.

Again, the best way to illustrate this point is by using a clipping file. Show examples of companies represented by unions that have failed.

http://www.1shoppingcart.com/app/netcart.asp?MerchantID=74816&ProductID=3430315

Phillip Wilson - LRI Management Services www.LRIMS.com 800-888-9115

==================================================
Organizing Campaign Consulting Services
==================================================

Do you need help to win your union organizing campaign? Call us. We are the only management-side consulting company that offers a package with a money-back guarantee. You don't win - you don't pay. It's that simple. Our team includes attorneys and former union organizers. Call us at
800-888-9115 today to speak to a campaign expert.

==================================================
About This Email
==================================================

© 2006 Labor Relations Institute, All rights reserved.

PRIVACY and SPAM POLICY: I never rent, trade or sell my email list to anyone for any reason whatsoever. You received this email because you requested to receive it from LRI Management Services. To leave the list or change email address simply click on the link at the bottom of this email. You cannot unsubscribe by replying to this email. Thanks!

LRIMS.com - 800-888-9115
Labor Relations Institute

7850 South Elm Place - Suite E
Broken Arrow, OK
74011
US

79058 - Mon Feb 16 08:40:36 2009 - [Voting down stimulus until depression] By: Dead Inside

I will continue to vote the stimulus down until the country is in a depression the likes of which have not been seen before so the righteous can rise up and throw off the yoke of oppressing "democracy" forever.

79057 - Mon Feb 16 08:20:19 2009 - [Bring back the cops to Lincoln Park] By: West End Charlie

Lincoln Park Face-lift? Did we not already do this a dozen years ago? Storefront renovations? I see we put the money into new green awnings, paint ect...Now the thugs have petty buildings to stand in front and harass customers.Bring back the Cops who walked the bricks with a night stick. If you want a thriving Lincoln park, then you better take the cops out of the cars,and get on the bricks.
I'm sure councilor EEEckenberg will find some money to fund these guys.

79056 - Mon Feb 16 06:57:49 2009 - [DFL incompetence with Potswald matter] By: Dolla Bill

Chief Administrative Officer Lisa Potswald is being replaced because she's not doing the job she was hired to do. What's up with a city that's financially screwed up beyond belief creating another high paying job for someone who's failed in their duties. This is one more reason why Duluth is in the position it finds itself. DFL incompetence on all sides is shown again in Duluth.

79055 - Sun Feb 15 20:35:20 2009 - [Stimulate Duluth with more Fed spending] By: Mr. Duluth

I call upon all the Duluthians to get out and vote for all the purpose projects listed at www.stimuluswatch.org for Duluth.

Even if you don't agree with the project, vote for it. This is our chance to get money, otherwise that some other two bit town will get the cash. We need to get all good ratings for our projects, which some are not rated high. So surf and vote. Duluth needs this and so does our country. Stimulate Duluth.

Red Rocket, red rocket.......

79054 - Sun Feb 15 16:43:42 2009 - [This going to be a very rough ride] By: Web Hound

The color of our skin stuff seems to be a big thing. I thougt we were moving past that as a nation. Then there's the resditribution of wealth.

This is how redistribution of capital assets in this case your tax dollars and manpower are implemented, not necessarily the most productive, efficient and fair methodology. Get your seat belt on. This is going to be a very rough ride.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=opxuUj6vFa4

79053 - Sun Feb 15 08:38:13 2009 - [The Sixth Lie - Protection] By: Lies You Must Know

Unions: The 7 Lies You Must Know
The Sixth Lie - Protection
==================================================

This is one of the main ploys used by organizers:
creating fear of the employer in the minds of voters. I've seen organizers get employees in a frenzy over job security in companies that never fired employees for anything other than attendance. Creating fear in the minds of employees is the quickest way for an organizer to build support among employees.

The facts? In most companies today employees are only terminated after a series of write-ups or other progressive discipline. Our employment law landscape is quite different than it was even ten years ago - employers walk on eggshells whenever they have to fire an employee.

The reason for all this caution is the enormous number of employment laws we have in place today.
There are more than 10 different "protected classes" today (when you add up state and sometimes even municipal requirements there can be more than 20). Then plaintiffs attorneys have discovered a way to prove "reverse discrimination"
which is a cause of action available to anyone who isn't in a protected class - in other words anyone can sue for anything.

While union organizers like to focus attention on things like "at-will" status and "open-door"
policies (telling workers that it is really just an open door onto the street), the truth is much different. An employer who fires someone without a solid case - including documents and proof that the decision is consistent with prior actions and standing company rules - is just asking for trouble.

So employers take care when terminating employees.
What about unionized employees - do they have it any better. Turns out the answer is no.

While most union employees are covered by a grievance and arbitration procedure, they also give up their right to speak for themselves or to process their own case. This means that politics can often decide cases instead of the merits.

There are thousands of union members each year who accuse their unions of unfairly representing them in the grievance process. It turns out that unions don't do that great a job protecting their own members. You can prove this to employees by showing them copies of the unfair labor practice charges filed against the union. Click here to get the last 100 charges filed against the union.

http://www.1shoppingcart.com/app/netcart.asp?MerchantID=74816&ProductID=3430317

In addition, unions can also negatively impact a company in other ways which also threatens job security. Being laid off by a struggling company doesn't feel a whole lot better than getting fired
- either way you are looking for another job.

Tomorrow: The Seventh Lie - Union Employees Have it Better

Phillip Wilson - LRI Management Services www.LRIMS.com 800-888-9115

==================================================
Organizing Campaign Consulting Services
==================================================

Do you need help to win your union organizing campaign? Call us. We are the only management-side consulting company that offers a package with a money-back guarantee. You don't win - you don't pay. It's that simple. Our team includes attorneys and former union organizers. Call us at
800-888-9115 today to speak to a campaign expert.

==================================================
About This Email
==================================================

© 2006 Labor Relations Institute, All rights reserved.

PRIVACY and SPAM POLICY: I never rent, trade or sell my email list to anyone for any reason whatsoever. You received this email because you requested to receive it from LRI Management Services. To leave the list or change email address simply click on the link at the bottom of this email. You cannot unsubscribe by replying to this email. Thanks!

LRIMS.com - 800-888-9115

Labor Relations Institute

7850 South Elm Place - Suite E
Broken Arrow, OK
74011
US

79052 - Sun Feb 15 06:33:05 2009 - [They did it too, why not Duluth? ] By: Mr. Duluth

That would be neatoo if Duluth got a stimulus package for 417 mil. I hope the city gets anything out of the deal seeing Wall Street, Banks, etc. have got a stimulus payment.

DC, give up some cash!

79051 - Sat Feb 14 18:22:00 2009 - [DFL Duluth has its hand out as usual] By: Dave D

http://www.stimuluswatch.org/

Great website. Minnesota wants $983,556,849, while Duluth wants 413,263,980. Seriously.

79050 - Sat Feb 14 12:07:33 2009 - [$20 million urgent refugee and migration] By: Mike P

Here is the Presidential Memorandum - Unexpected Urgent Refugee and Migration

http://www.whitehouse.gov/blog_post/relief_for_gaza/

And here is the U.S. Department of State press release on the memorandum and where the $$$ are going.

http://www.state.gov/r/pa/prs/ps/2009/01/115587.htm

As in the past, only worry about Saudi Arabia immigrants to the USA.

79049 - Sat Feb 14 09:12:47 2009 - [Company Fight Is Proof Trick] By: Lies You Must Know

Unions: The 7 Lies You Must Know
The Fifth Lie - Company Fight Is Proof
==================================================

This popular argument is a trick. It uses the company's opposition as proof that the union would benefit employees. It puts the union into the same category as drugs or cigarettes when you were a kid - that stuff you weren't supposed to do but everybody did anyway. The logic goes that the only reason parents opposed those things was because they were fun - thus the parent's opposition proved that it was a risk worth taking.

The bad news for the union (and unfortunately for many teenagers) is that sometimes the "parents"
are right. Drugs, cigarettes and unions can all be bad for you - and those who oppose them may actually be looking out for your best interests.

The facts? Companies don't oppose unions because they fear the union will negotiate big wage and benefit increases. That is a silly argument, because that is totally in the company's control.
I guess the union might convince employees that they can trick the company into making improvements that it otherwise wouldn't agree to.
But long term do you really want to work for a company that is that stupid?

The reason companies oppose unions has nothing to do with what they think employees will get.
Companies know that so long as they are patient and firm in their resolve they can pretty much negotiate whatever they want into a contract.
However, they also know that once a union is voted in they lose their ability to make quick adjustments to market conditions.

Here is the problem. The bargaining process is adversarial and can take months or even years.
During that time the company is effectively stuck doing things the way it has always done them in the past. In today's economy waiting months or a year to implement a change that your non-union competitors can implement immediately can mean the difference between survival and bankruptcy.

Customers also know this about unionized companies
- many actually ask their unionized vendors to alert them several months in advance of contract negotiations. Because there is a risk of supply disruptions during contract negotiations, many customers will look for alternate suppliers around this time. This is never a good thing.

This is why companies fight unions so vigorously.
Studies suggest that the "dead-weight" loss of a union on an organization is around 20% of the companies overall productivity and profitability.
This is not because of wage and benefits increases. Today the gap between union and non-union employees is shrinking, and if you control for regional and industry differences in many cases there is no gap at all.

If you have a vendor that asks about whether your company is unionized, share that fact with employees. Another great way to make this point is to use articles in your clipping file showing how unionized companies have a hard time surviving today. Explain that THIS is the real reason you oppose the union.

http://www.1shoppingcart.com/app/netcart.asp?MerchantID=74816&ProductID=3430315

Tomorrow: The Sixth Lie - Protection

Phillip Wilson - LRI Management Services www.LRIMS.com 800-888-9115

==================================================
Organizing Campaign Consulting Services
==================================================

Do you need help to win your union organizing campaign? Call us. We are the only management-side consulting company that offers a package with a money-back guarantee. You don't win - you don't pay. It's that simple. Our team includes attorneys and former union organizers. Call us at
800-888-9115 today to speak to a campaign expert.

79047 - Sat Feb 14 01:11:58 2009 - [We've become morally/ethically corrupt] By: Dead Inside

Now see there? Cornholio's post is indicative of how much america has become morally/ethically corrupt. There's no sense of good american values like those to live by anymore. We need to revert back to a simpler time, before people in general turned into complete pussified douchebags because of technology. Get rid of all the computers and appliances and day-glo faggoty clothing stores and body piercings. Start being real men and women again instead of looking at somebody and having to wonder, lol. Women should look like women and men should look like men. Bring back smoking in the office and any damn where else you please. Don't cry about unimportant shit but worry instead about putting bread on the table. What it all boils down to is that we need a real good old fashion depression. I want to see bankers, mortgagers and investors jumping from tall buildings and men riding around the country on trains looking for work wherever they can get it and then move on to the next town when it peters out.

And don't even get me started on the kids. Pffftt.

79046 - Fri Feb 13 23:11:08 2009 - [Firmly believe unions are bad ] By: Chicken Hammer

I firmly believe unions are bad and would love to see them go away. I also enjoy reading the daily post by LYMK but how many people actually buy his products? And have you looked at the links and tried to get any more information on his products? A two to four word product name and the price. That's it.

79045 - Fri Feb 13 22:17:09 2009 - [Housekeeping Monthly, 13 May, 1955] By: The Great Cornholio

The 1950's. A great time in America. When men were men and women were women.

Here is an article from Housekeeping Monthly, 13 May, 1955. These guidelines, in my opinion, are timeless.

* Have dinner ready. Plan ahead, even the night before, to have a delicious meal ready on time for his return. This is a way of letting him know that you have be thinking about him and are concerned about his needs. Most men are hungry when they get home and the prospect of a good meal is part of the warm welcome needed.
* Prepare yourself. Take 15 minutes to rest so you'll be refreshed when he arrives. Touch up your make-up, put a ribbon in your hair and be fresh-looking. He has just been with a lot of work-weary people.
* Be a little gay (the term "gay" was much different than today) and a little more interesting for him. His boring day may need a lift and one of your duties is to provide it.
* Clear away the clutter. Make one last trip through the main part of the house just before your husband arrives. Run a dustcloth over the tables.
* During the cooler months of the year you should prepare and light a fire for him to unwind by. Your husband will feel he has reached a haven of rest and order, and it will give you a lift too. After all, catering to his comfort will provide you with immense personal satisfaction.
* Minimize all noise. At the time of his arrival, eliminate all noise of the washer, dryer or vacuum. Encourage the children to be quiet.
* Be happy to see him.
* Greet him with a warm smile and show sincerity in your desire to please him.
* Listen to him. You may have a dozen important things to tell him, but the moment of his arrival is not the time. Let him talk first - remember, his topics of conversation are more important than yours.
* Don't greet him with complaints and problems.
* Don't complain if he's late for dinner or even if he stays out all night. Count this as minor compared to what he might have gone through at work.
* Make him comfortable. Have him lean back in a comfortable chair or lie him down in the bedroom. Have a cool or warm drink ready for him.
* Arrange his pillow and offer to take off his shoes. Speak in a low, soothing and pleasant voice.
* Don't ask him questions about his actions or question his judgment or integrity. Remember, he is the master of the house and as such will always exercise his will with fairness and truthfulness. You have no right to question him.
* A good wife always knows her place.

79043 - Fri Feb 13 20:39:03 2009 - [Is it just Muffin Top?] By: Muffin Top

IF ALL THE INFO BELOW IS ACCURATE, WE ARE TOTALLY SCREWED.
NO MATTER HOW YOU LOOK AT THE ENCLOSED INFORMATION, AS AN AMERICAN , THIS POST SHOULD RAISE THE HACKLES ON THE BACK OF YOUR NECK, AND MAKE YOU START WORRYING ABOUT HOW YOUR CHILDREN & GRANDCHILDREN WILL BE FORCED TO LIVE IN THE USA PRETTY SOON. PLEASE SPARE ME ALL THE POLITICAL POSTURING FROM EITHER SIDE OF THE SPECTRUM.

I DON'T GIVE A DAMN ABOUT ANYONE'S OUTRAGEOUS INDIGNATION FROM EITHER THE LEFT OR THE RIGHT, DEMOCRAT OR REPUBLICAN, CHRISTIAN OR MUSLIM, JEWISH, HINDDHU, BUDDHIST OR EVEN FREAKIN' MARTIAN. I AM SPEAKING SIMPLY AS A CONCERNED AMERICAN CITIZEN. THIS STUFF IS SCARY. IF YOU ARE NOT CONCERNED, THEN I GUESS BEING AN AMERICAN MEANS SOMETHING COMPLETELY DIFFERENT TO YOU THAN IT MEANS TO ME. THE USA WILL CEASE TO EXIST AS WE KNOW IT WITHIN A FEW SHORT YEARS. GUESS THIS IS THE CHANGE HE MEANT. WHAT THE HELL, WE'VE HAD A GOOD RUN... 1776 - 2009 ??? FRIGGIN' SAD, MAN.

President Barack Hussein Obama has signed an executive order presidential determination allowing hundreds of thousands of Palestinians to resettle in the United States. Sure, what can go wrong when we allow hundreds of thousands of people who have been, as Mark Steyn memorably described, "marinated" in a "sick death cult," who voted for Hamas, and 55% of whom support suicide bombings live here and at the American taxpayers' expense:

By executive order, President Barack Hussein Obama has ordered the expenditure of $20.3 million in migration assistance to the Palestinian refugees and conflict victims in Gaza.

The "presidential determination" which allows hundreds of thousands of Palestinians with ties to Hamas to resettle in the United States was signed on January 27 and appeared in the Federal Register on February 4.

President Barack Hussein Obama's decision, according to the Register, was necessitated by "the urgent refugee and migration needs" of the "victims."

Few on Capitol Hill took note that the order provides a free ticket replete with housing and food allowances to individuals who have displayed their overwhelming support of the Islamic Resistance Movement (Hamas) in the parliamentary election of January 2006.

Let's review some of Barack Hussein Obama's most recent actions since he was inaugurated a little more than two weeks ago:

* His first call to any head of state as president was to Mahmoud Abbas, leader of Fatah party in the Palestinian territory.
* His first one on one interview with any news organization was with Al Arabia television.

* He ordered Guantanamo Bay closed and all military trials of detainees halted.

* He ordered all overseas CIA interrogation centers closed.

* He withdrew all charges against the masterminds behind the USS Cole and 9/11.

* Today we learn that he is allowing hundreds of thousands of Palestinian refuges to move to and live in the US at American taxpayer expense.

Is it just me or is anyone else seeing a pattern here?

79042 - Fri Feb 13 18:50:51 2009 - [Look out for another tax] By: Cynic

Check out the e-cigarette on DNT site. I'm tempted to start smoking again......well technically it would not be starting smoking again......or would it......errrr......what..... I'll bet the government will quickly look for ways to tax it higher than other products.

79041 - Fri Feb 13 18:25:42 2009 - ["Stupid in America"] By: Mons Veneris

Dave C.

Check out this program:

ABC News 20/20 "Stupid in America"

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Bx4pN-aiofw

Money is not the answer.

79039 - Fri Feb 13 16:23:46 2009 - [Big Labor threatens banks on card check] By: Javier

http://online.wsj.com/article/SB123448928542280419.html

From today’s Wall Street Journal

Shut Up, They Said
Big Labor threatens banks on 'card check.'

First the political class came for the bonuses and corporate jets. Now the First Amendment?

The biggest bailout news this week wasn't the ritual shaming of bank CEOs Wednesday on Capitol Hill. The real political cudgels were wielded in a February 10 letter that Big Labor sent to Wall and K Streets: Any business that takes a bank rescue dollar must give up its rights to free political speech and free association.

Anna Burger, chair of the Change to Win federation, wrote that financial services firms and their trade group should "immediately cease all lobbying and advocacy" against "card check" legislation that would end the secret ballot in union elections. The letter was sent to Steve Bartlett, the head of the Financial Services Roundtable, with helpful copies to Congressman Barney Frank and Senator Christopher Dodd, who happen to have life or death power over the banks.

It seems the Roundtable, a banking lobby, has dared to join the rest of American business in opposing the Employee Free Choice Act. Ms. Burger even took exception to the group's plans to make the bill "a highlighted topic" for discussion at its spring meeting. She also noted that two members of the Roundtable's board "engaged in direct partisan opposition to Employee Free Choice." Someone call the Stasi.

"It is shameful that the Roundtable makes lobbying against the right of workers to organize a legislative priority and, worse yet, is using taxpayer-financed TARP subsidies to do so," wrote Ms. Burger, whose group includes the Teamsters and the Service Employees International Union, among others.

The government has in the past restricted the use of federal funds to directly lobby Congress. But Ms. Burger wants to extend this to any organization that somehow takes money from Uncle Sam. In the case of the banks, capital injections have gone to the balance sheet with a goal of aiding financial stability and increasing lending. The point wasn't to micromanage how banks spend every dollar.

But if Big Labor wants to limit speech, why stop at the bankers? The unions, including those that belong to Change to Win, get plenty of government money for their affiliates to run job training and other programs. For that matter, many employees of companies that have received bailout cash -- General Motors or Chrysler, say -- use some of their wages to pay union dues. The unions then use those dues to become major political players at election time -- to the tune of $450 million in the last election cycle, and that's the amount they admit to spending. If banks can't lobby against card check, the United Auto Workers ought to be banned from politics too.

The real goal of the Burger letter is to intimidate the people who oppose "card check," which is Big Labor's No. 1 priority but has mobilized business in united opposition because of the great harm it would do to the U.S. economy. We hope the banks tell Ms. Burger we still live in a free country, though sometimes it's hard to tell.

79037 - Fri Feb 13 15:28:12 2009 - [Is cutting pay the answer?] By: Dave C

So cutting teachers salary is the solution? That won't motivate the teachers to do a better job. I'm not saying I have the answer - but would you work harder if you got your pay cut? I sure as hell wouldn't.

MODERATOR: Dave C, I think it is most important to identify the problem and get the facts straight. Then, we can look for ways to improve on the situation. The first fact that is always conveniently glossed over is the obscene amounts paid to teachers in this country. I don't have the answer either, but I just became aware of these outrageous salaries within the past couple of years. I always heard how hard it was to make it on a teachers salary. Now that I know the truth, I will vote against any and all operating levies until these greedy grubs start living on less like the rest of society. Someone should publish the salaries of these local teachers the week before the next vote on an operating levy. I think we both know what the outcome would be if people knew the truth. I have asked a few of my friends if they knew how much teachers earn in Duluth. Most thought it was between 25 and 40 grand. When I tell show them the printout of the salaries, each and every one was outraged. Just think when the rest in this country realize who the real thieves are.

79036 - Fri Feb 13 15:27:57 2009 - [$38 an hour is peanuts] By: Big Iron

Dave C, anyone who gets paid more than 38 bucks an hour for menial civil service work gets criticized here.

79035 - Fri Feb 13 15:09:27 2009 - [Time for Claire to STFU] By: Claire

TONY R: We're not going there Claire. It's time for you to STFU again!

79034 - Fri Feb 13 14:44:30 2009 - [U.S. ranks near bottom in education] By: Dave C

You people are hilarious. Now you are attacking teachers for making too much money? It's not like make 62K right out of school. That's probably a teacher with 20 years of experience. Get your priorities in order.

MODERATOR: Dave C, the U.S. is now 25th out of 30 of the developed countries in education rank. I would guess the U.S. ranks 1st only for the amount that the teachers receive in salaries. Do you have what it takes to figure out what is wrong with this equation? Most money spent per student and almost last place in quality. Something is very, very wrong.

79033 - Fri Feb 13 13:25:07 2009 - [Wants union lies posted in evening too] By: Big Iron

Lies, can you post that "stuff" in the evening please? Say around 11 or 12? It would be great for making me fall asleep...yawn.

MODERATOR: Big Iron, I'll see what I can do to get it posted again in the evening.

79032 - Fri Feb 13 12:10:22 2009 - [Sirius XM heading to bankruptcy?] By: John R

Sirius XM Bankruptcy Possible By Feb. 17
By Amy Gilroy -- TWICE, 2/13/2009 9:05:00 AM
New York — Sirius XM confirmed it is in discussions to refinance its debt, and the company could file for bankruptcy as early as Feb. 17 if the discussions are not successful.

Sirius XM issued a statement saying, “The company is in discussions with others with respect to transactions that could refinance some of its and "XM’s
indebtedness. These transactions may not be successfully consummated. If these transactions are not consummated, it may be forced to file for bankruptcy protection.”

The company also announced that XM, its wholly owned subsidiary, has refinanced close to half of its debt due in December, although the company still faces a looming payment of approximately $175 million in debt on Feb. 17.

Sirius owes DISH Network CEO Charlie Ergen the $175 million due on Feb. 17, according to the Wall Street Journal and is in talks with Ergen as well Liberty Media, which has a controlling interest in DirecTV.

79031 - Fri Feb 13 09:47:44 2009 - [UNIONS - The Fourth Lie - Respect] By: Lies You Must Know

Unions: The 7 Lies You Must Know
The Fourth Lie - Respect
==================================================

Another common refrain in organizing campaigns is that the union will get you the respect you deserve. The company will be forced to respect its employees if they band together as a union. It is a great way to rally the troops without having to actually promise anything. "United we stand, divided we beg," the organizer will say.

It would be great if respect was that easy to gain. We go around for years getting pooped on by our company until we have a vote one day and then
- boom - we are respected. Sounds appealing, huh?

The facts? Most organizers who use this line want you to confuse fear with respect. They are saying that if the union is voted in that the company will fear the union - or at least fear what the union might do - and treat employees with more respect.

Think about that organizer's formula. The company will treat you better because it is scared of what the union might do. This formula may have worked back in the day. Unions used to be able to shut down entire industries on a whim - they did it too. Violent strikes were not uncommon.

In that environment - especially if you were a monopoly and could afford to make concessions like in the automobile, steel or airline industry - you just rolled over and passed the cost onto your customers. Then the world got flat.

Not to downplay the violence and intimidation that happened in the heyday of unions, but it turns out that there are forces that are much more violent and intimidating to employers than any union. Like competition from all corners of the world.

When you are struggling for survival, the threat of a strike or some bad PR doesn't really get your attention the way it might have in the past. Look at Ford, GM and Chrysler for good current examples of this. But there is a whole graveyard of companies - many of them unionized - that were squashed out of existence by the forces of the world market over the last 25 years.

Unions know this lesson better than anyone. It turns out that the restrictive work rules and unwieldy bargaining and dispute resolution process common to most union contracts are uniquely effective ways to make an employer uncompetitive in today's marketplace. Even with wage and benefit concessions, these companies tend to get hammered when market conditions get tough. They just aren't nimble enough to take on the world.

In today's flat economy the threats that worked decades ago are useless: unions know that a struck company will either find another way to get its product to customers, replace striking workers or go out of business. Either way the union loses a bunch of dues paying members.

Unions aren't feared by companies. While it remains true that companies don't want a union any more today than they did 20 years ago (maybe even less), that is not fear of what the union might do. It is fear that their competitors will eat their lunch.

If a union was truly interested in earning the respect of a company it would help the company eliminate inefficiencies, develop new ways to work and help it open new markets. It would work as a partner. Unfortunately unions are stuck in the past, remembering the good-old days and only interested in slowing down change. That is why they are going extinct.

The best way to illustrate this point is through a clipping file. You can find hundreds of articles describing the fate of unionized companies that could not survive in a competitive market.

http://www.1shoppingcart.com/app/netcart.asp?MerchantID=74816&ProductID=3430315

Tomorrow: The Fifth Lie - Company Fight is Proof

Phillip Wilson - LRI Management Services www.LRIMS.com 800-888-9115

79030 - Fri Feb 13 09:20:47 2009 - [Charter files for Chapter 11] By: Spanky

Well, it has finally happened and just in time. Comcast is waiting to pick up many of Charter's systems that are near their theirs.. like the small patch in the south metro. Finally Comcast ad sales will be able to take over the south metro area...they have been waiting so long...My managers and reps will be out of work but with the numbers they have been posting they should have lost their jobs a while ago. Very unlikely Comcast will hire them since they are used trash Time Warner let go years ago...This leaves me with more worries and think of all that stock I was given that is now worth nothing....

Charter Communications to file Chapter 11

Struggling Charter Communications Inc., the nation's fourth largest cable operator, said Thursday that it plans to file for Chapter 11 bankruptcy by April 1. Charter has been skirting insolvency for years, but this time it faces a brutal combination of tight credit and billions of dollars of debt coming due. The company hasn't recorded a profit since it went public in 1999.
Shares of St. Louis-based Charter tumbled 3.4 cents, or 48 percent, to about 3.7 cents on Thursday. The stock earlier hit a low of 2.5 cents.

79027 - Thu Feb 12 23:10:23 2009 - [Obama spending country to its death] By: Swinger

Why a stimulus like the one we're getting. Do the math. The GAO says this isn't sustainable. Reform is needed but all we're seeing so far is massive spending and borrowing. This is not just about numbers, it's about values and people.

This video was created by the U.S. Government Accountability Office (GAO)

Part 2

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=DXr_Ga_n0pY&feature=PlayList&p=4163108B7920FFEE&playnext=1&index=20

79026 - Thu Feb 12 23:03:59 2009 - [Things already worse under Obama] By: Swinger

Where's the change? It seems like things are even worse. This video was created by the U.S. Government Accountability Office (GAO)

Part 1

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=KIgrxpp97OQ&feature=PlayList&p=4163108B7920FFEE&playnext=1&index=21

79024 - Thu Feb 12 22:35:48 2009 - [Claire the ultra feminist strikes again] By: Claire

You DCBers have essentially given up. It is obvious that the DCB doesn't want to be taken seriously anymore. DCBTony (Ben Dover) has now come up with a new moniker (or character) to attack my little blog's "hate" and credibility--Mons Veneris. I am now starting to believe the conspiracy theory that DCBTony is deliberately trying to sabotage the DCB from within. I am sorry if I offend anyone by repeating these incredibly dumb and offense monikers here, but I don't know how to point out the ridiculousness of the DCB names without repeating them. The use of monikers like Mons Veneris and Muff Iver makes the feminist in me think that the DCB is being run by middle schoolers.

STARFIRE: Claire, we are all so very sorry for upsetting you. We all realize that you are such a fine, upstanding citizen of the highest character and integrity. We are so glad you came to Duluth to save us for without you and your elitist DFL friends, we would probably never be able to make it on our own. Welcome to our city Sweety!

79023 - Thu Feb 12 22:24:45 2009 - [More money is not the answer] By: Mons Veneris

Great article, LIB Reader.

If you have not seen this yet, check it out. More and more money is not the answer.

ABC News 20/20 "Stupid in America"

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Bx4pN-aiofw

79022 - Thu Feb 12 21:55:49 2009 - [Where oh where is all the money going?] By: LIB Reader Online

No matter how much the DFL spends they won't make the list as the money isn't going to the classroom or the kids.

The DFL is why you need to go green and read the LIB online for free saving money, energy and the trees.
______________________________________________________________________
Duluth News Tribune
Published February 11 2009
Reader's view: Focus for school should be on the classroom

Am I hearing right? Our school district is borrowing $293 million plus interest and yet considering increasing class sizes and going to four-day school weeks to make budget?

The U.S. News and World Report in December included an evaluation of 21,069 public high schools and picked the 100 best. Minnesota has 798 public high schools and none made the list.

Science and math are called nation builders. America now ranks 25th among the 30 industrialized nations of the world. We are 25th in math and 21st in science. Nineteen countries now produce more scientists and engineers.

We must do better.

Michelle Rhee was appointed head of Washington, D.C., schools with orders too turn them around. She fired 270 teachers and principals who were incompetent or, like in any group in society, had gone sour over time. The firings upset the National Education Authority, the world’s largest teachers’ union with 3.2 million members, because tenure was ignored.

This could become a problem because President Obama complimented her for turning Washington, D.C., schools around, but the NEA gave $50 million to his campaign, according to the Dec. 8 Time magazine, and encouraged votes for him.

My approach to education would be to pay the most for the best teachers in the state and offer equal-industry pay for outstanding science and math teachers. Classes would be small, and teacher tenure would never be a reason to interfere with goodeducation.

Duluth has a lot of outstanding teachers, and I am afraid Duluth’s political correctness and enormous amount of spending — for demolition, property acquisition, new buildings, air conditioning, parking lots, new stadium, bleachers and more — will handicap funding for future salaries and maintenance.

The district could go over its proposed spending and then ask itself how much, really, is going for education.

William W. Lee
Duluth

STARFIRE: LIB Reader Online, given that the first 500 teachers in ISD 709 earn over $62,000 a year, base pay, for 9 months of work, the question of where the money is going is not too difficult for most of us to figure out. It is going right into the teachers pockets at the expense of our children's future.

79021 - Thu Feb 12 20:24:05 2009 - [Bring back Herb] By: Danny G

BRING BACK HERB!

79020 - Thu Feb 12 19:56:03 2009 - [A good fit for the Obama team........] By: Javier

I would formally like to announce my nomination for U.S. Commerce Secretary, now that Obama is 0 for 2 in his selection. Someone that is sure to get confirmed, and would bring a great perspective of "commerce".

I hope you all join me in an e-mail campaign to the Senators and President to nominate someone that has local ties and would be a great fit in the Obama administration . . .

Herb Bergson

STARFIRE: Javier, Herb certainly has the integrity for the job. I wonder if he will use that great mugshot from Wisconsin when he was all pie eyed and had the bandaid over the eye after he crashed the car in circumstances that only Ted Kennedy may be able to truly appreciate.

79019 - Thu Feb 12 19:29:23 2009 - [A good alibi by the small one] By: Big Iron

Moderator and Cynic, I didn't write that post at 17:48. I was ice fishing all day.

STARFIRE: Big Iron, sure you were Small Soft.

79018 - Thu Feb 12 19:17:09 2009 - [The Puppet and the Puppet Master] By: Anonymous

The Puppet and the DFD Puppet Master.

http://www.prog-action.org/archives/newcomm_10_07.html

79017 - Thu Feb 12 18:46:50 2009 - [What do you mean we, Small Soft?] By: Cynic

Saginaw J aka John W. of Saginaw aka DRZ aka Small Soft/Big Iron, What do you mean we? You said time and again you neither live in nor work for the city of Duluth. In that case you have nothing and are nothing when it comes to the City of Duluth. Well other than a lot of hot air. Are you now saying you work for the City of Duluth?

Saginaw J/Big Iron said: "Web Hound Jr. professionally speaking we don't have time to be on the council and don't need to as we already have 5 of the 9 councilors."

79016 - Thu Feb 12 18:04:54 2009 - [St. Louis County Rejects Online] By: Inspector Clouseau

Do you see your name here? I see one retired DFDer so there's another Franken vote...

List of Rejected Ballots for SAINT LOUIS County

http://www.colemanforsenate.com/rejected-absentee-ballots/SAINT%20LOUIS/

079015 - Thu Feb 12 17:48:04 2009 - [5 out 9 is a majority] By: Big Iron

Web Hound Jr. professionally speaking we don't have time to be on the council and don't need to as we already have 5 of the 9 councilors. When are you people going to get it? Last I heard 5 out 9 is a majority.

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