THE PERSISTENT IRRITATION

Coalition finds a treasure trove of easy cuts to federal budget

Yesterday, a coalition of non-profit organizations representing a diverse range of political opinions released a report that shows how Congress can cut almost $400 billion in wasteful spending. Nothing new, right? I mean, there's no shortage of opinions on what to cut these days.

What makes this list interesting is that nearly all of the subsidies and tax breaks listed in this report actually have negative environmental impacts. Whether it's a subsidy to an oil company or an incentive to grow commodity crops where they shouldn't be grown, our government routinely incentivizes the destruction of our environment. From GreenScissors.com:

The Green Scissors report finds cuts in energy, agriculture, transportation, and land and water projects. Targets include massive giveaways of publicly-owned resources such as timber, oil and natural gas and minerals, poorly conceived road projects and a bevy of questionable Army Corps of Engineers water projects.

As highlighted in the report, the federal government could end the following programs and save the United States:

• $72,000,000,000 for general revenue transfers to the Highway Trust Fund,
• $30,000,000,000 for crop insurance, and
• $4, 820,000,000 for Oil and Gas Royalty relief.

Seems to me the first step in the budget cutting process should be to look very closely at these harmful subsidies.

But don't take my word for it. Click here to read the report and decide for yourself. And if you agree with me, perhaps send a note to your local Super Committee member and tell him/her that they should take a look, too.

 

Scenes from a protest

There's been some chatter about the "union thuggery" going on in Wisconsin. Maybe radiologists, teachers, husbands and wives of teachers, and small children are what we call thugs these days. Come to think of it, maybe politeness and community and common good are what we now call socialism.

 

Bad PowerPoint, bad PR

This is a tad disturbing. I've spent much of the evening reading about this, so not sure whose hat to tip. Probably Salon but possibly NYT or TechHerald.

And while we're on the subject of privacy, what's up with scribd.com anyway?

WikiLeaks_Response_v6

Video - 35th Ward Aldermanic Forum

Earlier this week, the Logan Square Chamber of Commerce hosted a forum for 35th ward candidates. Miguel Sotomayor, Nancy Schiavone and incumbent Alderman Rey Colon spoke for 90 minutes on a variety of business and community issues including parking, schools, public safety and that mysterious thing called Menu Money.

Video after the jump...

What's Going On In Your Ward? | Progress Illinois

What's Going On In Your Ward? | Progress Illinois.

Alderman Ed Bus Beats the Blizzard

 

Snow May Cancel 53rd Ward Alderman’s Press Conference But Not His Work Ethic

Due the first blizzard in as many years, Alderman Ed Bus’ press conference originally scheduled for Wednesday was canceled. The press conference will be scheduled for 10:30 am Thursday February 10, 2011 at 10:30 am on the 2nd  floor of Chicago City Hall 121 N La Salle St  Chicago, IL.

The aldermen (53rd) is proud to announce that he is the only mayoral candidate who can shovel snow at a rate of 3½ blocks a hour. No other candidate can match Alderman Bus’ speed at clearing snow. 

See the alderman shoveling out Chicago:  http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=xOK0SBBwpHQ

“In my years of public service a few flakes have stood in the way of my progress, but never a snow flake,” said the alderman. “With the Ed Bus Tumblers leading the way we have cleared the sidewalks right down to the cracks I personally chalked and duct taped last summer.”

“Of all my ethics that have been questioned, not once has my work ethics been called on the carpet.” added Bus. “and I have more ethics than any other candidate currently or previously running for the fifth floor or the Mayor’s office.”

At the press conference next week, Alderman Ed Bus, Chicago’s mayoral candidate for Chicago, will answer a couple of questions on a few subjects. He hopes that this transparent process will satisfy the jackals among our esteemed media esprit de corps.

The Alderman’s Press Secretary, Media Consultant and Racetrack Advisor Jack “The Flack” Wabash is willing to work with certain members of the fifth estate who are willing to work with him, so please fax your 8 x 10 publicity photo to ensure your spot blocking the other cameras.

Alderman Ed Bus and his adventures can be found at www.53rdward.com.

Can you believe this guy?

Ed Bus press release

You get what you vote for

The pride of the Illinois GOP at the 4:15 mark

The race for Illinois Governor in 77 seconds

Tom Geoghegan at the Hideout

There’s no better place to hear Tom speak than at Mark Bazer’s “The Interview Show” at  the Hideout, Chicago’s greatest venue for thought-provoking music, community and discussion.

During his run for Congress last year, Tom spoke with Bazer about filibusters, ancient Mesopotamian usury laws, and the merits of beer on the campaign trail. This time around, Tom will talk about his new book, the success of countries with bigger social safety nets, and how a stronger social democracy might be the key to increased competitiveness in the international marketplace.

Other guests include Grammy award-winning hip-hop artist Rhymefest and Chicago folk musicians Sones de Mexico Ensemble.

WHAT: “The Interview Show”  at The Hideout

WHEN: Friday, Nov. 5. 6:30 p.m. to 8 p.m.

WHERE: 1354 W. Wabansia Ave., Chicago.

TICKETS: $5 at the door.


(Photo credit: Rob Elder)