Seems pretty clear that the cuts need to include everyone to pass, not just those making less than $250,000. Curious to see how this finally plays out, as the Bush tax cuts expire soon, and I’m sure voters of all economic classes won’t like the increase that results from that happening.

HT: Drudge Report

Alarming? Absolutely, but it’s hard to be shocked by this. Heck, our leadership has been doing everything it can, whether intentional or otherwise, to do away with “American Exceptionalism.” I’m actually shocked that it took China this long to get there!

We really are a 1-party system.

HT: lp.org

…but, sadly, it looks like nobody else wants it!

It seems calls to replace the U.S. dollar as the world’s currency are getting louder, and I honestly have my suspicions that our President is on that bandwagon.  After all, his administration is calling for a new economic world order,and I doubt that is going to lead to nations continuing to remain as independent as they are. (aside: what’s up with Presidents and their use of the phrase “new world order?’  Are they deliberately trying to freak out the conspiracy theorists?)

Japan’s economy, only months ago forecast to be the best performing among the world’s most advanced nations, has become the worst.

Full Article

From best to worst.  Not a good sign.  For anyone.

See also: Japanese Economy, Leader Both Sinking

Five Oregon state lawmakers want to impose a hefty tax on beer and have introduced a bill that brewers say would cripple them.

Full Article

Basically, these lawmakers are claiming that alcoholism costs Oregon over $13 billion annually (assumption on my part, as the article gives no indication of how these costs are broken down time-wise), so they’re justified in a 1900% tax on beer.  1900%!  How does driving companies out of business get the state’s finances back in the black?

Based on this line of logic, expect anything you can be addicted to, which is pretty much everything, to come up for similar tax considerations.

Hackers orchestrated a highly coordinated, global attack on ATM cards involving the theft of a staggering $9 million from bank customers — and they could strike again, according to an investigation by FOX 5 TV in New York.

Full Article

I’ve never quite understood how world governments are unable to keep up with hackers.  Can’t we put a couple on the payroll after a little rehabilitation?  It’s a risky gamble, but it worked with Frank Abagnale.

The U.S. government’s bailout of the American International Group is helping promote Shariah law, a lawsuit filed in federal court in Michigan alleges.

Full Article

The problem stems from this:

This month, AIG announced that it would offer Shariah-compliant homeowner insurance policies, known as takaful, to U.S. customers through one of its subsidiaries. To be Shariah compliant, companies cannot earn interest and must agree to send a percentage of their revenue to Islamic charitable groups.

The big question: Would this fly if it were policies contributing to Christian groups?  Probably not.  However, until the Supreme Court decides to separate mosque and state in the same way it’s separated church and state, we’ve got a big problem.