7.3 million private sector jobs lost but Fed workers doing "Just Fine"...

"Federal workers are enjoying an extraordinary boom time — in pay and hiring — during a recession that has cost 7.3 million jobs in the private sector."

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USA TODAY newspaper has an interesting article on how well the federal worker segment of our workforce is making out during this recession we all(?) face...

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"Federal employees making salaries of $100,000 or more jumped from 14% to 19% of civil servants during the recession's first 18 months — and that's before overtime pay and bonuses are counted."
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"When the recession started, the Transportation Department had only one person earning a salary of $170,000 or more. Eighteen months later, 1,690 employees had salaries above $170,000."

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"The growth in six-figure salaries has pushed the average federal worker's pay to $71,206, compared with $40,331 in the private sector."
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I just hope these guys have health care insurance, or do we have to help them with that also?...

"Climategate" Scientist issues...

The Roanoke Times has an interesting commentary piece by a local associate professor regarding the actions of many of the "Global Warming" scientist and their newly discovered manipulation of temperature data and computer models...

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The recently release of emails between some of the highly regarded and "trusted" scientist shows that there were efforts to change, alter, doctor, manipulate, temperature data and findings to advance the "fear tactic" of imminent global warming caused by man...

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The scientist in the Roanoke Times piece points out many aspects of the actions taken by these "Global Warming" scientist...

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* Scientists who have repeatedly refused to share data, models and analytic techniques, even under peer review requests and Freedom of Information law.

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* Scientists who would rather destroy their data than risk analysis of that data by someone outside their circle (recent reports indicate that they have destroyed original temperature records, retaining only the altered data).

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* Scientists who selectively screen data in order to produce politically desired results.

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* Scientists who propose coercion to remove journal editors who are willing to publish dissenting views.

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So how do we trust these guys anymore?...

Santa, Marines, Rhonda, and Chris comes to Craigsville as part of the Toys~4~Tots program...

Santa caught a ride with a couple Marines in dress blues and friends on a train coming into Craigsville to help promote and support the Toys~4~Tots program...

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Once again Chris from Spank that Donkey has done a great job in coordinating the local Toys~4~Tots program and this year there is video showing the train carrying Santa coming into Craigsville where there was an impressive crowd...

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Also included on this train were many other supporters including Rhonda Winfield, railroad support staff, and a brass band with a old friend Mark S.....

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Note the amount of toys donated at this stop by the crowd and their support of the Toys~4~Tots program...

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"It's not a tax increase if you return it to the prior rate"...What?!...

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I had heard this theory before but I had to run this example by my "Democrat" friend to see if it applied here also....

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It is being reported that Democratic Virginia Governor \ Democratic National Committee Chairman Tim Kaine is looking at cutting back or eliminating the Car-Tax relief all together to fill the $2.7 to $3.5 billion state revenue void...

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"One of the sacred cows in Virginia's budget, car tax relief for residents, is among the spending items outgoing Gov. Timothy M. Kaine and his team are analyzing as they look to plug a state revenue hole estimated to be anywhere from $2.7 billion to $3.5 billion."

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The first time I heard this "Democrat-theory" used was when many were saying that by allowing the Bush tax-cuts to expire it is not an actual tax increase but just allowing the tax rate to return to where it was before the tax-cut(?).....

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Somehow I feel that there will still be less money in my paycheck and a even higher amount going to the government via the tax "adjustment"...

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"An outright repeal of the car tax subsidy could save the state $1.9 billion over the upcoming two-year budget cycle and fill a large chunk of the projected revenue hole. But it would also place localities that rely on those funds in a tough spot and likely mean higher tax bills for vehicle owners."

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Fortunately House Majority Leader Morgan Griffith sees this for what it is...

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"House Majority Leader Morgan Griffith, R-Salem, said any reduction to the car tax refund amounts to "a huge tax increase" that "hits the families of Virginia right in the eye."
Anything the state withholds, localities would be "entitled to bill" to their residents, he added."

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Governor-elect Bob McDonnell sets the "right" tone...

The NewsVirginian has an article describing the cost effective and cost cutting efforts already being made by Governor-elect Bob McDonnell in his transition into the Virginia Governors office and executive mansion...

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“They have taken a very frugal approach, saying they want to turn money back,” said Richard F. Sliwoski, director of the Department of General Services, which coordinates much of the transition work.

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Actions like this may be small in actual savings as compared to the total Virginia budget, but a attitude like this combined with sensible budget projections and cost effective programs is what we need to get our State government back to where it should be...

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“And that applies to the transition period just the same as it does to his time in office,” Martin said. “While the potential savings identified are proportionately small in the context of the overall state budget, they are symbolically important when it comes to setting a tone for how government must operate in these tough fiscal times.”

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