Loren Heal

Help Send @LHeal to #Oklahoma

Thu, 23 May 2013 16:55:00 -0400

I’m headed to Oklahoma to help out this weekend. I have a pickup truck, a chainsaw, and some shovels. I plan to buy some water and baby wipes and accept donations along the way.

D O N A T E

It will cost me a few hundred dollars. Any donations I take in above my expenses will be donated to The Salvation Army, Mercury One, or the Red Cross.

If you prefer, donate to another organization.

The Oklahoma chapter of Americans for Prosperity (twitter: @AFPOK): Send donations to the Salvation...

Tue, 21 May 2013 18:10:37 -0400

The Oklahoma chapter of Americans for Prosperity (twitter: @AFPOK):

Send donations to the Salvation Army Disaster Relief at

(800)725-2769

Or text “storm” to 80888.

Ready to do tumblr again.

Tue, 21 May 2013 17:06:37 -0400

Ready to do tumblr again.

Me, too.

Tue, 14 Aug 2012 11:32:08 -0400

Reviving my tumbler.

Another Reason Lugar Must Go #INSen

Mon, 19 Dec 2011 18:01:27 -0500

Another Reason Lugar Must Go #INSen :

Dick Lugar (R-IN) has been a Senator for so long, he’s lost touch with the way things work outside the Senate cloakroom. Lugar called for the House to pass the Senate’s bill that extends the current payroll tax rate by two months because it was “best for the country”. Yet as The Right Sphere reports, that will cause huge problems for the businesses who have to implement it. A little common sense would show why. Businesses that calculate payroll taxes do so with accounting payroll software. It takes time for these non-trivial changes to software and business practices to be implemented. A payroll tax switchover is already cooked in to most accounting packages, so that the planned payroll tax changes will happen automatically when current law would have them change (Jauary 1). Because payroll software needs accuracy, any significant alteration will take weeks to plan and execute, passing the window for the extension. As Rep Renee Ellmers (R,NC02) said in her press release:

Last week we passed a bill here in the House that extends the payroll tax cut for a full year. But instead of passing the House bill, or another bill which extended the payroll credit for a year, the Democrats in the Senate opted for a meager two month extension…that’s the definition of uncertainty!

The Senate refuses to do the job they were elected to do and is being irresponsible. They have not even passed a budget in over 950 days and now are kicking the can down the road again by only extending the payroll tax for a mere two months. A two month payroll tax extension is a disgrace. Americans have enough uncertainty with their jobs and homes. Senator Reid is kicking them while they’re down with this proposal.

Senator Lugar has ceased to understand the needs of Indiana, and should yield the floor to a new generation.

HHS ObamaCare Targets Insurance Companies Again

Fri, 16 Dec 2011 13:32:46 -0500

HHS ObamaCare Targets Insurance Companies Again:

The Department of Health and Human Services is sprinting like mad to get ObamaCare implemented ahead of the 2013 inauguration of President Obama’s successor, trying to cement as much of the law as possible state and federal bureaucracy. Today they promulgate more in their ever-expanding set of regulations about what is and is not insurance. The result will limit consumer choice and force more and more onto Medicaid.

HHS says state governments should pick one of the health plans available in their state as a “benchmark”, but by that they mean “baseline”: plans offered after the determination is made could only be more generous than the selected plan.

This approach, like the rest of ObamaCare, can only serve to narrow the number of choices consumers have, forcing more and more insurance companies out of the marketplace altogether.

The end result will be more and more people who are forced to choose Medicaid as their health insurance, while many others are unable to afford insurance altogether.

NTSB Power Grab

Wed, 14 Dec 2011 13:43:23 -0500

NTSB Power Grab:

In a move well outside its charter, the National Transportatation Safety Board on December 13 called for the 50 states to ban the use of texting and other electronic communications in moving vehicles.

http://www.ntsb.gov/news/2011/111213.html

NTSB couches its outrageous power grab in terms few would dispute, that “No call, no text, no update, is worth a human life.”

But the bargain the texter faces is not to trade his life for a single call, text, or update, but rather an increased risk that he will be insufficiently attentive to the driving task while engaged with the portable device.

According to the NTSB’s press release itself, there are more cell phones in use in the U.S. than there are people. So (taking the NTSB’s causality statistics arguendo) if there are 3,100 deaths per year due to cell phone use while driving, then less than 1 in 100,000 cell phones “causes” a traffic death every year.

More precisely, suppose, given the statistics here:

http://www.edgarsnyder.com/car-accident/cell-phone/statistics.html

that roughly 20% of drivers are regular texters. That would mean that of the 930 billion vehicle miles driven by Americans every year,

(http://www.calculatedriskblog.com)

about 180 billion miles are driven by regular texters.

Over the course of 180 billion miles, 3,100 deaths yield one death for every 58 million miles.

Yes, talking on the phone is risky, as is texting, updating Facebook, or changing radio stations.

But every time we allow the government to restrict our ability to take risks, we take one more incremental step toward a soft, pillowy totalitarian world in which we exist endlessly and live not at all.

The Incomparable @SarahPalinUSA

Tue, 09 Aug 2011 11:21:38 -0400

The Incomparable @SarahPalinUSA:

As a writer, I am continually impressed by Sarah Palin’s ability to do the writer’s job: convey meaning as efficiently as possible. By efficiently, I mean so that the words we use do not get in the way of understanding. The reader neither has to struggle with a definition or sentence construct, nor wonder why she didn’t use some polysyllabic parallelism.

Some highbrow types might think that’s a left-handed compliment, but it isn’t. It’s a full on tip of the hat from an aspiring wordsmith to his better.

But the test of a pundit is not just the ability to convey meaning, but the ability to grasp it, divine the important parts, and write about them.

Read the linked essay on the downgrade of the US credit rating, and what’s important for us now.

It's not clueless flipflopping, though. (h/t @mkhammer)

Mon, 25 Jul 2011 08:01:47 -0400

It's not clueless flipflopping, though. (h/t @mkhammer):

Even though the president says stuff he has no reasonable anticipation of being able to back up, he’s the reasonable, one according to Associate Depressed,

Uh, @ewerickson? Check your sources.

Wed, 20 Jul 2011 12:06:26 -0400

Uh, @ewerickson? Check your sources.:

I know it’s hard to pass up the admission against interest aspect of the Democratic Underground calling Eric Holder an international criminal and terrorist supporter.

But considering the other bat-guano crazy material in their post (http://gadaf.fi/anw) you linked to from Redstate (http://gadaf.fi/anx), their reliability as a source takes something of a hit.

I mean, they thought Obama was one of them all along.

Iran Captures Bases in Iraq. Will Obama Respond?

Mon, 18 Jul 2011 08:13:42 -0400

Iran Captures Bases in Iraq. Will Obama Respond?:

The Obama Administration has something of a decision to make. Will it respond to Iranian aggression and enforce Iraq’s internationally recognized borders, or will it allow the Iranian thugs to use military force against an American ally with impunity?

Obama for years declared the Iraq war to be A dumb war. A rash war. A war based not on reason but on passion, not on principle but on politics.. Indeed, in many ways that statement got him elected to the office he now occupies.

So, will he capitulate, showing our Iraqi allies that they are alone in their fight to remain free from Iranian domination, or will he respond with decisive military action? In all likelihood he will do the former, protesting diplomatically with words that will be ignored by the mullahs.

If you are a conservative in Wisconsin, you have a great opportunity Tuesday to nudge the Wisconsin...

Mon, 11 Jul 2011 23:15:40 -0400

If you are a conservative in Wisconsin, you have a great opportunity Tuesday to nudge the Wisconsin Democratic Party toward more rational, pro-Wisconsin ideas

I know it’s crazy, but the Dems actually pushed through an open primary system when they were in power, so that anyone can vote in any party’s primary.

The Republicans are running unopposed, so there is no reason for you to vote in the Republican primary.

But on the Democratic side, the following candidates could use your vote:

Senate District Pro-Wisconsin candidate

2 Otto Junkerman

8 Gladys Huber

10 Isaac Weix

14 Rol Church

18 John Buckstaff

32 James Smi http://bit.ly/pknZzm

HHS Press Release on Insurance Exchanges

Mon, 11 Jul 2011 13:49:20 -0400

HHS Press Release on Insurance Exchanges:

HHS and states move to establish Affordable Insurance Exchanges, give Americans the same insurance choices as members of Congress

Proposed rules offer states flexibility, choices, competition and clout for
consumers and small businesses

Today, the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) proposed a framework to assist states in building Affordable Insurance Exchanges, state-based competitive marketplaces where individuals and small businesses will be able to purchase affordable private health insurance and have the same insurance choices as members of Congress. Starting in 2014, Exchanges will make it easy for individuals and small businesses to compare health plans, get answers to questions, find out if they are eligible for tax credits for private insurance or health programs like the Children’s Health Insurance Program (CHIP), and enroll in a health plan that meets their needs.

“Exchanges offer Americans competition, choice, and clout,” said HHS Secretary Kathleen Sebelius. “Insurance companies will compete for business on a transparent, level playing field, driving down costs; and Exchanges will give individuals and small businesses the same purchasing power as big businesses and a choice of plans to fit their needs.”

Today’s announcement is designed to help support and guide states in their efforts to implement Exchanges. HHS proposed new rules offering states guidance and options on how to structure their Exchanges in two key areas:

Setting standards for establishing Exchanges, setting up a Small Business Health Options Program (SHOP), performing the basic functions of an Exchange, and certifying health plans for participation in the Exchange, and;
Ensuring premium stability for plans and enrollees in the Exchange, especially in the early years as new people come in to Exchanges to shop for health insurance.

These proposed rules set minimum standards for Exchanges, give states the flexibility they need to design Exchanges that best fit their unique insurance markets, and are consistent with steps states have already taken to move forward with Exchanges.

Forty-nine states, the District of Columbia and four territories accepted grants to help plan and operate Exchanges. In addition, over half of all states are taking additional action beyond receiving a planning grant such as passing legislation or taking Administrative action to begin building exchanges. States will continue to implement exchanges on different schedules through 2014.

“States are leading the way in implementing health reform, and today’s announcement builds on that momentum by giving states flexibility to design the Exchange that works for them,” said Center for Consumer Information and Insurance Oversight Director Steve Larsen. “This regulation allows us to meet states where they are.”

Today’s proposals build on over a year’s worth of work with states, small businesses, consumers and health insurance plans and offer states substantial flexibility. For example, it allows states to decide whether their Exchanges should be local, regional, or operated by a non-profit organization, how to select plans to participate, and whether to partner with HHS to split up the work.

In drafting these proposals, the administration examined models of Exchanges, held numerous meetings with stakeholders and consulted closely with state leaders, consumer advocates, employers and insurers. To continue that conversation, HHS is accepting public comment on the proposed rules over the next 75 days to learn from states, consumers, and other stakeholders how the rules can be improved and HHS will modify these proposals based on feedback from the American people. To facilitate that public comment process, HHS will convene a series of regional listening sessions and meetings.

To reduce duplication of effort and the administrative burden on the states, HHS also announced that the federal government will partner with states to make Exchange development and operations more efficient. States can choose to develop an Exchange in partnership with the federal government or develop these systems themselves. This provides states more flexibility to focus their resources on designing the right Exchanges for their local insurance markets.

For more information on Exchanges, including fact sheets, visit http://www.healthcare.gov/exchanges.

#TXSen - Ted Cruz gets key endorsement

Mon, 16 May 2011 15:56:38 -0400

#TXSen - Ted Cruz gets key endorsement :

Former Texas Solicitor General and US Senate candidate Ted Cruz received the endorsement of Project Madison, a national PAC that supports proven conservative candidates.

In the race for US Senator from Texas, the Republican primary is the whole ball game, as it isn’t likely that a Democrat will do well.

In 2010, Project Madison endorsed Pat Toomey and Marco Rubio.

Ted Cruz doesn't pander #TXSen #tcot

Thu, 28 Apr 2011 12:43:53 -0400

Ted Cruz doesn't pander #TXSen #tcot:

I can’t stand silly politicians, who will spout silliness because they believe it.

I also can’t stand politicians who will agree with silliness just to get elected.

Far, far better are politicians who will make a case for their principles — whatever those principles are. Ted Cruz, candidate on the Republican side for US Senator from Texas, is one who will do that.

Give me a campaigning politician who will make a principled argument, and I’ll show you an elected official who will lead.

A Clean Solution for California Energy

Wed, 20 Apr 2011 17:34:35 -0400

A Clean Solution for California Energy:

To meet Jerry Brown’s demand that a third of electrical power must be generated with renewable sources, California energy companies should:

Purchase large fans, such as are used to create wind effects in Hollywood movies.
Power the wind machines with coal-fired power plants.
Use the fans to drive wind turbines

Granted, some energy is lost in the transfer, but this plan has the advantage that, if enough fans are bought and enough coal is burned, the demand for clean, renewable energy can at least be met.

The World's Stupidest Post #birthers

Mon, 18 Apr 2011 16:29:05 -0400

The World's Stupidest Post #birthers:

So someone at Canada Free Press posted about Trump being so great and the One True Conservative because he’s going after Obama on the birth certificate. Never mind that the birth certificate issue was first brought up by Hillary supporters.

In a comment to the linked post, I wrote the following:

Obama’s eligibility is not the most important issue.

Yes, the Constitution is at the center of our country’s government, and adherence to it is important and fundamental. I swore an oath to defend it “from all enemies, foreign and domestic”, and have never considered myself released from that oath. I believe it should be interpreted by the meaning of the words as the founders meant them when they wrote them.

I am as conservative as anyone, perhaps more than anyone.

Further, I am curious about Obama’s history, his ties to communists, and where he picked up these unAmerican ideas of his.

But if the President is found ineligible, it does not immediately mean that anything he did in office is illegal. That you would suggest otherwise makes you sound like a crackpot.

Obama’s mother was an American. A stinking commie, but an American. Passing though the birth canal of an American woman is not good enough, but a piece of paper is? I would not have the President declared ineligible merely because of a paperwork issue.

There are other Constitutional issues on which to attack Obama, so your contention that this is the most important one is a matter of interpretation.

Finally, Donald Trump has a record of saying whatever he thinks is popular at the time. He called for universal health care in his book in 2000. He called George Bush the worst president in history, and wondered why Nancy Pelosi hadn’t done more to impeach him for “lying us into Iraq”.

Trump is an idiot, and anyone who buys his crap is a worse idiot.

And by “idiot”, I mean not a conservative.

Let's have the Big Budget Fight now.

Wed, 13 Apr 2011 04:29:45 -0400

Let's have the Big Budget Fight now. :

Why wait?

Shut the government down.

Reauthorize agencies and departments, one at a time, at 2006 or 2008 spending levels for the rest of the year. Reset the baseline for the FY12 budget.

Do that, Mr. Boehner, and I will personally come to your district in Ohio and knock on doors asking for votes for you. And I won’t be alone.

The Budget Deal: All Phony

Tue, 12 Apr 2011 17:48:58 -0400

The Budget Deal: All Phony:

So Speaker Boehner and the Democrats came to an agreement to spend this year essentially what the Democrats proposed. All of his figures are “less than what the President wanted to spend.” So there are no cuts at all, only a little quibbling over whether Obama is to get all of what he asked for, or more than he expected.

Rasmussen: Obama Approval New Low #tcot

Mon, 11 Apr 2011 16:59:18 -0400

Rasmussen: Obama Approval New Low #tcot:

President Obama is managing to irritate his base while simultaneously failing to appeal to opponents.

The new low came among those who Strongly Approve of the President’s performance, mostly hard-left progressives.

Obama’s inability or aversion to making decisions is not helping his standing with voters.