Tag Archives: senate

International, U.S.

NAZI-land & United Police States of America: U.S. Senate approves their final version of NDAA 2012, less than one day after the House approved their final version

“I hope you believe America is part of the battlefield.”-Lindsey Graham, U.S. Senator from South Carolina

In a confusing back and forth between the House and Senate, on December 15 the Senate passed the latest version of the National Defense Authorization Act for Fiscal Year 2012, allowing the indefinite detention and torture of U.S. citizens.  It passed 83 to 13!

“What this legislation does…says from the Congress’ point-of-view, that we expressly authorize the indefinite detention…”-Carl Levin, U.S. Senator from Michigan

“We think al Qaeda operatives, citizens or not, are not common criminals. We think they are crazy people. If you’re an American citizen and you want to help…destroy your own country, here is what’s coming your way.”- Lindsey Graham, U.S. Senator from South Carolina

“If we start labeling our citizens as enemies of the United States without any due process, I think we will have done serious damage.”-Mark Udall, U.S. Senator from Colorado, who hypocritically voted for the bill while voicing objection to the bill

Yesterday the House passed their final version of NDAA 2012, HR 1905.

According to the CSPAN website: “It will now head to the President’s desk to be signed into law.”

 

 

Business/Economics, Idaho, U.S.

What Economic Recovery? Government Incompetence: Confusing & conflicting plans to “save” United States Postal Service, thousands will still lose their jobs

On November 2 the U.S. Senate presented a plan to “save” the USPS.

That plan would pay back U.S.$7 billion of the funds Congress stole, I mean, that Congress forced the USPS to overpay in retirement funds.  However, the $7 billion is to be used to buy out employees (a nice way of laying people off, as many as 100,000 employees will lose their jobs in the buy out).  It would also require a two year study before ending Saturday deliveries. The draconian retirement fund payment schedule would be ended as well (it’s the main reason the USPS is in financial trouble).

Then on November 7, the U.S. Postmaster General announced that he will officially present plans to “save” the USPS on November 21!

His plan will include laying off thousands of workers, closing offices and sorting facilities, and ending Saturday deliveries.  He’ll make his official announcement at the November 21, National Press Club Speakers luncheon in Washington DC.

Local Idaho postal workers told me what ever plan is official announced that it’s basically a sham, what’s going down with the USPS is a “done deal”.

 

 

U.S.

Government Incompetence & No Economic Recovery for U.S.: Congress lays off thousands of Air Traffic Controllers

“The FAA employees who will be furloughed perform critical work for our nation’s aviation system and our economy. These are real people with families who do not deserve to be put out of work during these tough economic times.”-Randy Babbitt, FAA Administrator

Because the U.S. Senate failed to approve the House tax plan to fund the Federal Aviation Administration, about 4,000 people will be laid off.  As usual, both republicans and democrats blame each other!

However, the democrat controlled Senate might have a point, because the republican controlled House plan added on pork spending ($16.5 million worth), basically subsidizing commercial airline operations in ten states.