Thursday, September 13, 2007

Missing Kayaker off Jersey coast...

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The Dive team responded to a request from the Mannasquan Coast Guard station to assist in the search for a missing person last seen on a kayak off of Point Pleasant beach.

Dive Team Captain Chet Nesley provide the following information for this post:
FYI
"The dive team was called out by the coast guard station manasquan inlet today. To help look for a missing kayaker. The kayaker left the beach in point and was never seen again.
We had a good place to start cause you could still see the drag marks in the sand were he put the kayak in the water. It was off new york ave in the beach.
We did a surf line swim for 500yards up current from that point, we had 25 feet of vis. so it was easy going for the divers. We moved the search to the inlet and did a complete search above and below. But came up with nothing.
Will let you know if anything comes up".


The Asbury Park Press provided the following information on their website and entire story can be found at:
http://www.app.com/apps/pbcs.dll/article?AID=/20070913/NEWS/70913106


POINT PLEASANT BEACH — Coast Guard officials continue to search for a missing kayaker, who has been identified as a prominent developer from Fort Myers, Fla., who recently has been plagued by lawsuits.
On Wednesday, the Coast Guard received the missing report about D'Alessandro at 1:30 p.m. and a helicopter was on the scene three minutes later, according to Petty Officer Nyx Cangemi.Soon after, the crew discovered an overturned orange kayak about nine miles off shore, he said, adding that authorities have not confirmed that the kayak belonged to the missing boater.
I will be up there this weekend for a scheduled Rescue\Search training session and looks like it will be modified for this incident...

Tuesday, September 11, 2007

Augusta County Candidates...

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Spent the day working on getting the signs out for representation with the election less then 60 days away. Picked up numerous new locations and interest in the Republican Candidates is also running high in the County...



Since I was the "Grass-Roots" guy with the pick-up truck it seems I spent most of the day pounding the stakes and putting up the signs while the Candidates stayed on the porch talking politics with the Augusta County residents. In fact several times I went onto the next location because the Candidates were still talking with the citizens who kept them busy with questions and comments about the future of Augusta County... The "Farm Future" issue was very popular and numerous new locations for signs came from the farm community as well as interest in the Republican Candidates...




Jeremy Shifflett, Republican Candidate for the Beverley Manor District, was responsible for generating new locations and additional interest in the Republican Party within the County and Beverley Manor District.












Never...

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After watching the treatment that the Four Star General received from the politicians yesterday in Washington, it was good to see that the "People" of the United States have not forgotten.
Daily News Record had an article today that is worth looking at: http://dnronline.com/news_details.php?AID=12143&CHID=1

Sunday, September 09, 2007

A short ride and and something to think about...

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$50,000,000 / $18,000,000,000 = .002777%




At the end of the Buena Vista Parade ~2007~


I started the long walk back to the starting point of the parade and where I left my vehicle before walking with many outstanding Republicans in this yearly Labor Day parade.


It was a long walk back and I was glad to see the offer from the “Sime-mobile” for a ride back to my vehicle…


During the past two election cycles I have had the opportunity to speak and discuss issues with Arin Sime who is the Libertarian Candidate running in the State Senate election for the 24th district. I have always found it interesting talking with Sime and discussing the “Libertarian” view of the economic process and government spending…

Dad always told me that there is “No such thing as a FREE ride” and this lift to my vehicle soon turned to political issues, but I must admit it was I who brought up the transportation issue during this ride…

I told Sime that I had read his comments about funding the transportation issue during the debate between the three candidates that happened the week before… Sime had stated in the Daily News Record article that the Virginia State budget had doubled in less then 10 years and that funding should be found within the existing budget revenue. I replied that I had heard that same info somewhere prior in a recent Republican Primary runoff and smiled…

Sime then leaned over and stated that the $50 million needed for transportation projects only made up .00278% of the $18 Billion budget. Less then a third of 1%…

As I went back to read the Daily News Record article on this debate I found interesting comments and proposals from all three candidates. One that stood out instantly was the comment made by the Democrat Candidate who stated the Abuser Fees “seemed to be at odds with the state’s efforts to make roads safer.” which obviously needs more information because if you want to correct “Abusive” actions an effective way is to hit them in the wallet…

Discussion during the debate turned to possible solutions for the $50 million needed for the transportation projects. Republican Incumbent Candidate Emmett Hanger thought that a possible $1 cent increase in the fuel tax could provide the extra $50 million needed and should be considered…

With no surprise the Democratic Party Candidate saw another potential tax increase so he chimed in with raising the fuel tax by $2 cents for each gallon.
Hey, What’s another $100 million out of the taxpayers pocket?…

Libertarian Candidate Sime referred back to his previous statement about the Virginia State budget doubling over the past ten years.

“It certainly seems,” Sime said, “we can find that level of money in that level of increase in the last decade.”
Interesting ride and conversation on the way back to my vehicle...

"Bonnie Lea" up on the beach...

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I received e-mail from the Rescue Dive Team that another Scallop boat became victim of the season up in New Jersey and ended up on the beach off of New York Avenue in Point Pleasant New Jersey...

Several Dive Team members responded with the First-Aid Squad but the team response was not needed this time. Team member Flo Melo provided these photos of the "Bonnie Lea" after it was determined that the scallop boat could not be pulled off the beach and had to be destroyed...





The Asbury Park Press had good coverage of this incident and follow up story at:

http://www.app.com/apps/pbcs.dll/article?AID=/20070908/NEWS02/709080421/1070

"The Bonnie Lee's ill-fated ordeal began more than 12 hours earlier. Matthews said he took it out of the Manasquan Inlet and headed south, only to meet up with high winds. Because of the weather, he said he decided to turn around and head back to the inlet, but on the way back, the boat's motor failed.
"I lost power and ended up on the beach," he said.
Police and Coast Guard officials received word of a vessel with engine trouble about 2:30 a.m., and about five minutes later, the Bonnie Lee had washed up on the beach, police said.
Both agencies said that when the boat's motor stalled, the two men on board were unable to get the anchor out, and jumped off as the vessel washed ashore"






The Point Pleasant Rescue Dive Team has been busy this year with numerous calls to search and support efforts in recovering boats and their personnel. Other incidents can bee viewed at: http://ptrescuedive.blogspot.com/

Photos provided by team member Flo Melo...









Thursday, September 06, 2007

"Class Warfare Issue" ~Card~

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Democratic Presidential Candidate John Edwards, as with many of the Democratic Party Candidates, has already trotted out the “Rich are getting richer, and the poor are getting poorer”. The Class Warfare Card has been pulled out once again and you can be sure it will be used many times from now to November 2008... David Limbaugh has a great article about this in the Washington Times: http://washingtontimes.com/article/20070906/COMMENTARY/109060023/1012

Mr. Hederman concludes, "The Census report refutes the notion that 'the rich are getting richer and the poor are getting poorer.' Instead, all quintiles are growing wealthier with more money income."

Heritage's Rea S. Hederman Jr. notes the U.S. Census Bureau's annual report shows in 2006 the growing economy increased median family income and lowered the poverty rate, and income inequality did not statistically increase. This is without even factoring in tax transfer payments from upper- to lower-income groups.

It is without a doubt that these same Candidates will do whatever possible to blame this “Class Warfare Issue” on the Bush Tax Cuts of 2003 but the hard fact numbers prove otherwise…


The Heritage Foundation reports the Office of Management and Budget's Mid-Session Review — an update of its budget projections from February — shows the 2003 tax cuts have boosted economic activity by increasing incentives to work, save and invest. The deficit will decrease from $248 billion last year to $205 billion this year. "One hundred percent of the budget deficit's decline is caused by revenue increases, and none by spending cuts. Lawmakers have not cut one dollar from the budget."

If this confirmed data ever makes it to the light of day in the mainstream media the Candidates will once again claim that the tax cuts and greed of this administration will be paid for by our children. Once again, the data:

And get this: "At 1.5 percent of GDP, the budget deficit is now lower than it was in 24 of the past 30 years." Mr. Bush will have fulfilled his promise to cut the budget in half despite spending on the war, Katrina and even entitlements".

This data does not mean that we do not have hard decisions to make in the future and spending continues to be the main problem of the equation. But it is interesting to recall who hijacked efforts to improve and correct the massive spending in entitlement programs….

Heritage cautions that out-of-control entitlement spending "still threatens America's fiscal and economic future." But we should note that here, too, Democrats ruthlessly played the class warfare card to prevent President Bush from accomplishing entitlement reform.

Tuesday, September 04, 2007

Buena Vista Parade ~2007~

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Took a ride down to Buena Vista for the Labor Day Parade and found numerous politicians ready for a mile walk and opportunity to meet with those they represent. Good weather and plenty of sunshine made it another great event...







Attorney General Bob McDonnell attended and was up and down both sides of the street where he was welcomed by many who wanted to thank and support his efforts in Virginia...







Delegate Ben Cline represents the district which includes Buena Vista and was very popular with those who attended the parade...











Congressman Bob Goodlatte also attended and participated in the parade and was greeted by many including the Mayor of Buena Vista Todd Jones...







Delegates Chris Saxman and Bill Janis (56th district) walked the route and was a part of the large Republican Party representation at the parade, which stopped traffic several times while people came out to greet them... http://www.billjanis.com/







State Senator Emmett Hanger walked the route next to the van driven by his wife and took this time to meet with many from the 24th district...













Delegates Chris Saxman and Bill Janis with Randy Marcus and John H. Hager.
Hager was elected as Chairman of the Republican Party of Virginia in July 2007 and is the father of Henry Hager who is engaged to be married to Jenna Bush in the Spring of 2008...
















Bob Goodlatte and Bob McDonnell "Worked" the crowd together and were stopped numerous times by people who wanted photos with them or to talk "Politics" of the day...




Delegate Ben Cline was sure to work the porches along the parade route....







Attorney General Bob McDonnell made it a point to stop and greet every Law Enforcement member along the parade route...









Congressman Bob Goodlatte was popular with "ALL" along the parade route...





The "Politics" continued even after the parade...


Great event...





Friday, August 31, 2007

"Healthcare Issue" Card...

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We heard it numerous times during the 2006 campaigns. It first picked up steam during the 2004 campaigns and has become a familiar staple to the Democratic Party candidates speech lineup… It’s the overused claim that “47 Million Americans live in America without any Healthcare Insurance”…


The actual numbers from the Census Bureau are out and they show that not all of the 47 million claimed are uninsured because of the cruel, cruel, world of free enterprise.. It is enlightening to see the actual numbers and to see the amount of people who choose not to carry medical insurance but yet they can easily afford it, are not actual citizens of the United States, or are “Young and Invincible”.



The article “The ’47 million uninsured’ myth” that appeared in IBD brings up some interesting points and questions. First let’s look at some actual numbers provided by the Census Bureau and ignored by the “Democratic Party Issue Machine” http://money.cnn.com/news/newsfeeds/articles/newstex/IBD-0001-19231302.htm


Who are the Uninsured?:

White alone (not Hispanic):……10.8%……..21.162 million
Black alone:………………………20.5%…….7.652 million
Asian alone:……………………..15.5%………2.045 million
Hispanic (any race):…………….34.1%…….11.328 million

Foreign born:…………………….33.8%……..12.615 million
(Naturalized)……………………..16.4%……..2.384 million
(non-citizen)………………………45.0%…….10.231 million

Less the $25,000.………………..24.9%……..13.933 million
$25k to $49.9k……………………21.1%……..15.319 million
$50k to $74.9k……………………14.4%……..8.459 million
$75k and up………………………8.5%……….9.283 million


“One of the shocking things in the Census Bureau's report this week on poverty and health care in America is that so many well-to-do people can easily afford health care, but choose to go without it“.



“The median household income, according to the data released this week, is $48,200. You might be surprised to discover that 38% of all the uninsured -- that's almost 18 million people -- have incomes higher than $50,000 a year. An astounding 20% of all uninsured have incomes over $75,000. These are people who can afford coverage“.


Where will the money for this “Universal Healthcare for All” come from and what type of healthcare will we get for “Our” money”

“Is it really a good idea to tax working people to subsidize those who refuse to pay for a necessity they could easily buy? The answer, of course, is no.”


Who will pay for this Universal Healthcare that the democrats so advocate? Several examples and questions about this to follow but for now lets look at H.R. bill #676 and Democratic Representatives John Conyers website that provides the following proposed sources for income to pay for this Healthcare…


New Sources of Revenue Under H.R. 676 = $1,259 billion


1. Payroll Tax (3.3% additional on employer\employee…
This increase and source of revenue will come from those of us in the workforce and paying payroll taxes…


2. Stock Transfer Tax (0.25% on seller and buyer)
A form of additional tax on those investing their money in the Stock market and United States economy. These investments are responsible for much of the outstanding economy we have had for six years running…


3. Reduce Corporate Welfare.
Libertarian Neal Boortz has an interesting statement in the form of a question here. Do corporations pay taxes? Or are the additional taxes just passed on to the consumer?

4. Reverse 2001 and 2002 Tax Cuts…
Once again the Democrats solution to everything is to eliminate the evil Bush tax cuts for they are unfair. They again ignore that the tax cuts by President’s Kennedy, Reagan, and Bush 43 all resulted in growing economies and much more revenue coming into the governments treasuries…

5. Tax Surcharge: 5% on Richest 5% of Taxpayers; 10% on Richest 1%:
Again the Democratic Party’s solution is to go after those who create most of the jobs and opportunities for the rest of us. A perfect example of the “Class-Warfare” card…


Another important element of the H.R. 676 bill is that universal healthcare for all will be available for everybody residing in the United States. At no time will it be required that the person seeking free healthcare will have to produce a social security card. The IBD article has an interesting point about this:


“That latter piece of data is alarming. Drilling even deeper, one finds that fully 27% of all the uninsured in the U.S. -- that's 12.6 million people -- aren't even citizens.
Not coincidentally, the government also estimates that about 12 million illegals now reside in the U.S., though some think tanks put the number as high as 20 million.
Putting the two together, this suggests that -- surprise -- a major reason for the uninsured "problem" is our failure to enforce our border”.



These numbers from the Census Bureau show the true number and status of the 47 million that the Democrats love to talk about but the truth is also that there are those out there that are not covered and should be taken care of. IBD provides an interesting point on this subject also:


“Once you whittle it down, you start to realize that the number of hard-core uninsured who are citizens is in fact fairly small -- perhaps half the reported 47 million or less.
Yet it's not clear that shrinking the 47 million to zero would help all that much. Because the uninsured still get health care. They get it through Medicaid, the state-run, federally funded program for the indigent. They get care, by law, in any emergency room in the country.”


The Democratic Party Candidates claim that they will make the healthcare system available to all, no matter what their status, make it more affordable, and the government will provide for all those 47 million. But we have seen what happens when the Government steps in and tries to run important aspects of our life and also take more control and liberties from us.


“Making consumers responsible for spending their own health care dollars -- and letting them benefit when they control costs -- is the real answer to our "uninsured problem."
It would lead to lower costs, and wider coverage -- something universal care advocates promise, but can't deliver“.





My local area has a “Coalition” that has been focusing on the “Healthcare for All” issue for years and have been very vocal in parades and other public forums for sometime. It is commendable that this coalition is looking out for those less “fortunate” but the above data shows that there are many different categories to a claim. Many of these same “Coalition” members have also been very vocal in their opposition to the President and his administration when it comes to the healthcare issue.

But lets look a few aspects of this issue that the Democratic Candidates seem to exclude from their stump speeches:

It looks like the vast majority of the revenue for H.R. bill #676 will come from the payroll tax payer. The person going out and working and paying those payroll taxes and lets not forget the additional tax on the employer. Remember what Boortz said about who really pays for taxes to the corporations or employer? You the consumer pays…

What about those who are no longer in the workforce and paying payroll taxes? How do they contribute to the H.R. 676 solution in providing “Healthcare for all”?
There is a tax surcharge on the top 1% and 5% but does that mean the income earners or tax on all wealth in America? If the person is retired and has their “Riches” already will they be taxed or is it just the working people or “Income” tax payers? If I am retired or rich already does that mean all that I will pay is an additional tax on “Income” or a tax on my wealth that I already have?

“Healthcare for All”? Does that mean my payroll taxes will pay for the free healthcare for Bill Gates, Barbara Striesand, Al Gore, Donald Trump? And what about the 17.74 million that the above data reports who make $50,000 and more but decide not to pay for their own healthcare? The worker should instead pay increased taxes so the the government can run this program?

And what about those in “Coalitions” that are retired, no longer pay payroll taxes, can afford their own healthcare, have already made their riches and pay taxes on little income? Sure they are going to advocate “Healthcare for All” when the bill is going to paid by everybody else….