And the DO NOT CALL beat goes on...Can the will of 50 Million people be thwarted? The solution is to give customers the ability to opt out of the various categories of callers separately. Politicians will not like this solution and it will be an operational nightmare, I believe.
"The battle over the do-not-call list has resulted in a whirlwind of legal and legislative activity over the past two weeks.
In his decision last week, Nottingham said the FTC's attempt to exempt political and charitable organizations amounted to unconstitutional discrimination against commercial sales calls.
Unsolicited calls from political and charitable organizations can be just as annoying to consumers as calls from commercial entities, the judge said. But while Nottingham blocked the FTC program, a federal appeals court on Friday refused to stay parallel do-not-call rules adopted by the FCC. The FCC rules require telemarketers to abide by the do-not-call list, which is maintained by the FTC."
September 30, 2003
September 29, 2003
2 Servings of Reality, Please
This is probably the Iraq reality. I am deeply disappointed if WMDs are found not to exist or have existed. Are they in Syria or not? Enough time has elapsed for us to have found them.
+++++++++++++++
From Thomas Friedman:
"With Mr. Kay's interim report, it is now becoming clear that this was not a war of necessity at all, it was a war of choice, and, on top of it all, it was a war of choice that is going to be a marathon, not a sprint. And, because the Bush team chose to start this marathon largely alone, the free-riding world is going to let us finish it, and pay for it, largely alone.
This is the cold, hard reality and U.S. politics will now be about how we manage it. So far, notes Jeff Garten, dean of the Yale School of Management, 'the politics of the day, whether by Republicans or Democrats, has not been up to the magnitude of the task. There is disparity between the words people use to describe the challenge and any honest appraisal of what it's going to take to succeed.'
President Bush is deeply morally unserious when he tells Americans that we can succeed in this marathon and still have radical tax cuts for the rich and a soaring deficit, and the only people who will have to sacrifice are reservists and soldiers. And the Democrats had better decide: What is their party going to be about? Wallowing in the mess, endlessly criticizing how we got into Iraq, or articulating a broader, more realistic vision for successful nation-building there?
The lessons learned this week, and their implications, are gigantic. They will shape America's role in the world, its perception of itself and its ability to grapple with both foreign and domestic problems for years to come. I think the American people will see this through, but they want a pragmatic, strategically optimistic, morally serious plan to get behind. The leader who presents that will be the next president — I hope."
+++++++++++++++
From Thomas Friedman:
"With Mr. Kay's interim report, it is now becoming clear that this was not a war of necessity at all, it was a war of choice, and, on top of it all, it was a war of choice that is going to be a marathon, not a sprint. And, because the Bush team chose to start this marathon largely alone, the free-riding world is going to let us finish it, and pay for it, largely alone.
This is the cold, hard reality and U.S. politics will now be about how we manage it. So far, notes Jeff Garten, dean of the Yale School of Management, 'the politics of the day, whether by Republicans or Democrats, has not been up to the magnitude of the task. There is disparity between the words people use to describe the challenge and any honest appraisal of what it's going to take to succeed.'
President Bush is deeply morally unserious when he tells Americans that we can succeed in this marathon and still have radical tax cuts for the rich and a soaring deficit, and the only people who will have to sacrifice are reservists and soldiers. And the Democrats had better decide: What is their party going to be about? Wallowing in the mess, endlessly criticizing how we got into Iraq, or articulating a broader, more realistic vision for successful nation-building there?
The lessons learned this week, and their implications, are gigantic. They will shape America's role in the world, its perception of itself and its ability to grapple with both foreign and domestic problems for years to come. I think the American people will see this through, but they want a pragmatic, strategically optimistic, morally serious plan to get behind. The leader who presents that will be the next president — I hope."
North Korea Calls Rumsfeld Illiterate Psychopath
The North Koreans apparently don't like our US leaders! I guess we don't like them much either. The challenge is to catch a falling dynasty before they do something nuclear.
The Role of the Delete Key in Blog
The debate continues. What is a Blog? Is it the unedited voice of a person or something else. In reality we have hybrid blogs that include the spin of political campaign writers, the teen blogs filled with diary-like thoughts, pundit blogs, war blogs, etc. The phenomenon continues to unfold. As in any new venture, nothing is fixed. No model is sacrosanct.
Perhaps the one truism is a blog is a 'net publishing opportunity in whatever forms make sense to the publisher/person.
Perhaps the one truism is a blog is a 'net publishing opportunity in whatever forms make sense to the publisher/person.
September 28, 2003
The Level of Discourse Continues to Slide
An indictment of PowerPoint presentaions in the NASA Columbia diaster.
+++++++++++++++++
"The independent board that investigated the Columbia disaster devoted an entire page of its final report last month to Mr. Tufte's analysis. The board wrote that 'it is easy to understand how a senior manager might read this PowerPoint slide and not realize that it addresses a life-threatening situation.'
In fact, the board said: 'During its investigation, the board was surprised to receive similar presentation slides from NASA officials in place of technical reports. The board views the endemic use of PowerPoint briefing slides instead of technical papers as an illustration of the problematic methods of technical communication at NASA.'
The board echoed a message that Mr. Tufte and other critics have been trying to disseminate for years. 'I would refer to it as a virus, rather than a narrative form,' said Jamie McKenzie, an educational consultant. 'It's done more damage to the culture.'"
+++++++++++++++++
"The independent board that investigated the Columbia disaster devoted an entire page of its final report last month to Mr. Tufte's analysis. The board wrote that 'it is easy to understand how a senior manager might read this PowerPoint slide and not realize that it addresses a life-threatening situation.'
In fact, the board said: 'During its investigation, the board was surprised to receive similar presentation slides from NASA officials in place of technical reports. The board views the endemic use of PowerPoint briefing slides instead of technical papers as an illustration of the problematic methods of technical communication at NASA.'
The board echoed a message that Mr. Tufte and other critics have been trying to disseminate for years. 'I would refer to it as a virus, rather than a narrative form,' said Jamie McKenzie, an educational consultant. 'It's done more damage to the culture.'"
September 27, 2003
No-Call List: Constitutional Doubt on Hot Political Issue
The potato gets hotter. Politicians will be at great pains to avoid restrictions on their fund-raising and 'get out the vote' calls. The first amendment first and foremost was intended to protect a person's right to speak freely or publish freely. The rights of individuals to choose not to receive or read such speech is really the issue here. The bottom line is determining whether the Constitution really provides a right of privacy for the individual. This is different than the protections granted by the Fourteenth Amendment.
++++++++++++++++++++++++++++
"In a passing remark, Judge Nottingham outlined what he thought regulators might remain free to do if his ruling stands.
'Were the do-not-call registry to apply without regard to the content of the speech, or to leave autonomy in the hands of the individual,' he wrote, 'it might be a different matter.'
Congress could, then, at substantial political cost and in some cases against its members own interests, create a registry that would allow the blocking of a broader range of calls from charities, political fund-raisers and the like. It could also probably allow consumers to choose which kinds of call they would block."
++++++++++++++++++++++++++++
"In a passing remark, Judge Nottingham outlined what he thought regulators might remain free to do if his ruling stands.
'Were the do-not-call registry to apply without regard to the content of the speech, or to leave autonomy in the hands of the individual,' he wrote, 'it might be a different matter.'
Congress could, then, at substantial political cost and in some cases against its members own interests, create a registry that would allow the blocking of a broader range of calls from charities, political fund-raisers and the like. It could also probably allow consumers to choose which kinds of call they would block."
September 26, 2003
Whither Weblogs
>From Howard Lovy
I don't know where Weblogs are headed, or what they will eventually morph into, but right now they're perfect for fomenting an immediate worldwide shouting match on issues both trivial and important. It's in this combination of provocation, anger, emotion and resultant immediate exposure to competing ideas where the Weblog phenomenon can find its home in the general media landscape.
I don't know where Weblogs are headed, or what they will eventually morph into, but right now they're perfect for fomenting an immediate worldwide shouting match on issues both trivial and important. It's in this combination of provocation, anger, emotion and resultant immediate exposure to competing ideas where the Weblog phenomenon can find its home in the general media landscape.
Public NewsRoom - Omya
Nothing's easy in Vermont. This request should not have required a permit at all.
Reuters Business News
He's the sort of racist headline that stinks. Reaching this level is a grand achievement for anyone in GM. Playing the race card in the headline demonstrates the wrong focus. Blacks are equally capable of this achievement as whites or Indians or Chinese. Bah on Reuters headline writers.
FTC Do Not Call Issue
The article below describes the dilemma facing the outbound telemarketing business.
http://www.nytimes.com/2003/09/22/business/22TELE.html?pagewanted=1&tntemail1
The rules in effect do not allow a telemarketer to call a consumer after October 1, 2003 that has registered a phone number on the FTC's "DO NOT CALL" list. There are 48 million numbers on that list.
More about the Do Not Call Registry: http://www.donotcall.gov/
The "DO NOT CALL" registry is only for residential and personal cell phone numbers. Commercial enterprises, including non-profits, are not allowed to register business phone numbers, so B2B telemarketing can continue.
http://www.nytimes.com/2003/09/22/business/22TELE.html?pagewanted=1&tntemail1
The rules in effect do not allow a telemarketer to call a consumer after October 1, 2003 that has registered a phone number on the FTC's "DO NOT CALL" list. There are 48 million numbers on that list.
More about the Do Not Call Registry: http://www.donotcall.gov/
The "DO NOT CALL" registry is only for residential and personal cell phone numbers. Commercial enterprises, including non-profits, are not allowed to register business phone numbers, so B2B telemarketing can continue.
RCR Wireless News
Here's the Constitutional crux of the judiciary's ruling on the DO NOT CALL registry:
+++++++++++++++++++++
“The FTC by exempting charitable solicitors from the amended rules do-not-call registry, has imposed a content-based limitation on what the consumer may ban from his home. … The mechanism purportedly created by the FTC to effectuate consumer choice instead influences consumer choice, thereby entangling the government in deciding what speech consumers should hear. This entanglement creates a regulatory burden on commercial speech.”
+++++++++++++++++++++
“The FTC by exempting charitable solicitors from the amended rules do-not-call registry, has imposed a content-based limitation on what the consumer may ban from his home. … The mechanism purportedly created by the FTC to effectuate consumer choice instead influences consumer choice, thereby entangling the government in deciding what speech consumers should hear. This entanglement creates a regulatory burden on commercial speech.”
OpinionJournal - Featured Article
Some reasonably recent polling data from Iraq and commentary fromm a WSJ editorial. Why don't we get this sort of information form CNN, NYT and CBS?
++++++++++++++++++
"This new evidence on Iraqi opinion suggests the country is manageable. If the small number of militants conducting sabotage and murder inside the country can gradually be eliminated by American troops (this is already happening), then the mass of citizens living along the Tigris-Euphrates Valley are likely to make reasonably sensible use of their new freedom. 'We will not forget it was the U.S. soldiers who liberated us from Saddam,' said Abid Ali, an auto repair shop owner in Sadr City last month--and our research shows that he's not unrepresentative."
++++++++++++++++++
"This new evidence on Iraqi opinion suggests the country is manageable. If the small number of militants conducting sabotage and murder inside the country can gradually be eliminated by American troops (this is already happening), then the mass of citizens living along the Tigris-Euphrates Valley are likely to make reasonably sensible use of their new freedom. 'We will not forget it was the U.S. soldiers who liberated us from Saddam,' said Abid Ali, an auto repair shop owner in Sadr City last month--and our research shows that he's not unrepresentative."
CNN.com - Do-not-call registry faces tougher challenge - Sep. 25, 2003
The DO NOT CALL Registry willl eventually happen, but under the first amendment, what authority does Congress have to exempt charities, pollsters and political calls? This will eventually find its way to the Supreme Court.
PCWorld.com - States Fight Internet Tax Ban
The debate rolls on as technology undermines the traditional basis for taxation and in the future will make it virtually impossible to differentiate among services to be taxed. However, politicians will never cease trying
September 25, 2003
Profligate Spending on K-12 Education in Vermont
John McLaughry's summary of the education data for Vermont through 2002 reveals the mammoth increases in Vermont education spending since Act 60 was implemented without the quality results. This spending cannot continue unchecked. This one statistic points to the heart of the problem: Spending per pupil rose 42% in Vermont in just four years, twice the increase nationally.
We are on a spending and taxing spree that is unsustainable. See below.
+++++++++++++++++++++
ETHAN ALLEN INSTITUTE"Ideas for Vermont's Future"Independent - Nonprofit - Nonpartisan 4836 Kirby Mountain Road Concord, VT 05824 802 695 1448
For release Tuesday, September 23, 2003
Vermont Education by the Numbers
John McClaughry
Each year the U.S. Department of Education publishes a Digest of Education Statistics. The September 2003 Vermont Economy Newsletter takes a close look at state education spending trends reported in the 2002 Digest. It finds some eye-popping conclusions about VermontÂ’s performance.
Since school year 1996-97 the number of children in public schools nationally has increased by five percent. In Vermont, enrollment peaked in 1996-97 and has decreased by eight percent since. At the same time the number of Vermont teachers has increased by six percent.
As a result, VermontÂ’s pupil to teacher ratio is the lowest in the nation (11.4). Over the past 20 years the Vermont ratio has fallen 46% faster than that of the rest of the country.
Now letÂ’s look at spending, in inflation adjusted dollars. Back in 1983 Vermont spent right at the national average per pupil. Spurred by the new Foundation Plan of 1986 and the state surpluses in 1987-89, by 1991 Vermont per pupil spending had risen to $8800, 25% above the national average of $7000. Then in the early 1990s per pupil spending dropped because cash strapped legislatures froze the general fund contribution to state foundation aid, and local taxpayers resisted sharp property tax increases.
But after enactment of Act 60 in 1997, Vermont school spending took off like Seabiscuit. This was due to the availability of revenues from the new state property tax, coupled with official exhortations to low spending towns to jack up their spending in the name of “equal educational opportunity”. By 2002 per pupil spending had reached $10,200, 29% above the national average.
From 1997-98 to 2001-02 Vermont spending rose 30%, compared to 25% for the nation as a whole. But the rest of the nation had more students; Vermont had fewer students. Spending per pupil rose 42% in Vermont in just four years, twice the increase nationally.
The Vermont Department of Education has lauded the performance of our public school students, measured by test scores. Around the country, black and Spanish speaking students, for whatever reasons, do less well on tests. Since only two percent of VermontÂ’s students are black or Spanish speaking, a more informative comparison is between all Vermont students and all white students nationally.
That comparison shows that for 4th and 8th grade writing - the only NAEP outcomes measured in 2002 – Vermonters scored within two percent of the national average. However only 46% of 8th graders scored “proficient” or above, and only 32% of Vermont 4th graders did so.
What does this add up to? Since 1997 Vermont has been on an education spending jag. Its per pupil spending is now 29% above the national average. Even as the number of pupils has dropped by 8%, the number of teachers has increased by 6%. Spending per pupil has increased from $7800 to $10,200 in inflation adjusted 2002 dollars. But student outcomes are stuck at the national average for white children, and a majority of Vermont students tested fall below the level defined as “solid academic mastery”.
And all that spending has come from taxes – mostly property taxes, both statewide and sharing pool. No wonder the 2003 legislature made serious changes in Act 60.
Those changes are not likely to stabilize real education spending, or the property tax burden, the sales tax increase notwithstanding. At the present rate of spending the relief promised in 2003 will evaporate by no later than 2006, and perhaps sooner.
The real problem is that when Act 60 broke the historic link between local taxation and local school spending, there remained no effective mechanism to restrain education spending. That’s why the legislature was forced to create a “cost containment” study committee to figure out what to do next.
If, as the Supreme Court decreed in the Brigham case, there can no longer be a link between local tax base and local school budgets, then pressure to contain school spending will have to be imposed from the power that now controls all education spending – the state. That will not prove to be popular.
Assuming the Five Supreme Legislators won’t repent of their Brigham handiwork, the only way out – both for better education and for taxpayer relief – lies in completely changing the way children get educated. We now have a monopoly education system controlled from Montpelier, its costs constantly pushed upwards by, notably, an aggressive and politically well organized teachers union.
The alternative is to give up the monopoly whose revenues come entirely from the government Instead, go to a “system” where many vendors, public and private, compete for the patronage of informed, empowered consumers, placing their children in schools or other arrangements that best do the job the parents want.
If Vermonters donÂ’t begin to examine the merits of such an alternative, the education statistics of 2012 are likely to make the disappointing results of the past six years seem pretty moderate by comparison.
#####
John McClaughry is President of the Ethan Allen Institute (www.ethanallen.org).
We are on a spending and taxing spree that is unsustainable. See below.
+++++++++++++++++++++
ETHAN ALLEN INSTITUTE"Ideas for Vermont's Future"Independent - Nonprofit - Nonpartisan 4836 Kirby Mountain Road Concord, VT 05824 802 695 1448
For release Tuesday, September 23, 2003
Vermont Education by the Numbers
John McClaughry
Each year the U.S. Department of Education publishes a Digest of Education Statistics. The September 2003 Vermont Economy Newsletter takes a close look at state education spending trends reported in the 2002 Digest. It finds some eye-popping conclusions about VermontÂ’s performance.
Since school year 1996-97 the number of children in public schools nationally has increased by five percent. In Vermont, enrollment peaked in 1996-97 and has decreased by eight percent since. At the same time the number of Vermont teachers has increased by six percent.
As a result, VermontÂ’s pupil to teacher ratio is the lowest in the nation (11.4). Over the past 20 years the Vermont ratio has fallen 46% faster than that of the rest of the country.
Now letÂ’s look at spending, in inflation adjusted dollars. Back in 1983 Vermont spent right at the national average per pupil. Spurred by the new Foundation Plan of 1986 and the state surpluses in 1987-89, by 1991 Vermont per pupil spending had risen to $8800, 25% above the national average of $7000. Then in the early 1990s per pupil spending dropped because cash strapped legislatures froze the general fund contribution to state foundation aid, and local taxpayers resisted sharp property tax increases.
But after enactment of Act 60 in 1997, Vermont school spending took off like Seabiscuit. This was due to the availability of revenues from the new state property tax, coupled with official exhortations to low spending towns to jack up their spending in the name of “equal educational opportunity”. By 2002 per pupil spending had reached $10,200, 29% above the national average.
From 1997-98 to 2001-02 Vermont spending rose 30%, compared to 25% for the nation as a whole. But the rest of the nation had more students; Vermont had fewer students. Spending per pupil rose 42% in Vermont in just four years, twice the increase nationally.
The Vermont Department of Education has lauded the performance of our public school students, measured by test scores. Around the country, black and Spanish speaking students, for whatever reasons, do less well on tests. Since only two percent of VermontÂ’s students are black or Spanish speaking, a more informative comparison is between all Vermont students and all white students nationally.
That comparison shows that for 4th and 8th grade writing - the only NAEP outcomes measured in 2002 – Vermonters scored within two percent of the national average. However only 46% of 8th graders scored “proficient” or above, and only 32% of Vermont 4th graders did so.
What does this add up to? Since 1997 Vermont has been on an education spending jag. Its per pupil spending is now 29% above the national average. Even as the number of pupils has dropped by 8%, the number of teachers has increased by 6%. Spending per pupil has increased from $7800 to $10,200 in inflation adjusted 2002 dollars. But student outcomes are stuck at the national average for white children, and a majority of Vermont students tested fall below the level defined as “solid academic mastery”.
And all that spending has come from taxes – mostly property taxes, both statewide and sharing pool. No wonder the 2003 legislature made serious changes in Act 60.
Those changes are not likely to stabilize real education spending, or the property tax burden, the sales tax increase notwithstanding. At the present rate of spending the relief promised in 2003 will evaporate by no later than 2006, and perhaps sooner.
The real problem is that when Act 60 broke the historic link between local taxation and local school spending, there remained no effective mechanism to restrain education spending. That’s why the legislature was forced to create a “cost containment” study committee to figure out what to do next.
If, as the Supreme Court decreed in the Brigham case, there can no longer be a link between local tax base and local school budgets, then pressure to contain school spending will have to be imposed from the power that now controls all education spending – the state. That will not prove to be popular.
Assuming the Five Supreme Legislators won’t repent of their Brigham handiwork, the only way out – both for better education and for taxpayer relief – lies in completely changing the way children get educated. We now have a monopoly education system controlled from Montpelier, its costs constantly pushed upwards by, notably, an aggressive and politically well organized teachers union.
The alternative is to give up the monopoly whose revenues come entirely from the government Instead, go to a “system” where many vendors, public and private, compete for the patronage of informed, empowered consumers, placing their children in schools or other arrangements that best do the job the parents want.
If Vermonters donÂ’t begin to examine the merits of such an alternative, the education statistics of 2012 are likely to make the disappointing results of the past six years seem pretty moderate by comparison.
#####
John McClaughry is President of the Ethan Allen Institute (www.ethanallen.org).
September 24, 2003
Boston.com / News / Boston Globe / Editorial / Opinion / Op-ed / Dumbing down American readers
Harold Bloom is a dean of American and other literature. He's certainly no fan of Stephen King's work!
Makers of Kazaa Are Suing Record Labels
It's time this nonsense ceased. People who download copyrighted music or other property without paying are breaking the law. If those who do this believe the law needs changing, that's the avenue to pursue. Meanwhile, the companies or individuals who own the copyrights should continue to pursue and prosecute egregious offenses.
The Buzzwords of Howard Dean - How he spins the issues. By William Saletan
Cool analysis of Dean's buzzwords and those of others who are or wannabe President.
NPR : Mental Illness in Children - Part III
Three cheers to NPR and Michelle Trudeau's team for this series on mental disorders in children. Perhaps the result of recent research and this publicity will put the brakes on the Ritalin surge of the past few years. The understanding on the brain's functions and malfunctions can only help parents and practitioners to help children.
FOXNews.com - Your World w/ Neil Cavuto - Common Sense - Painting a Complete Picture
Mainstream media has an obligation to report the full story in Iraq.
Dean Invokes Boston Tea Party, Rips 'King' George (washingtonpost.com)
Hogwash from Mr. Dean. He speaks and acts as 'presidential' as a World Wrestling Federation actor.
September 22, 2003
Worried Optimism on Iraq
"Friedman's first rule of Middle East reporting: What people tell you in private is irrelevant. All that matters is what they will defend in public. And when I see Iraqis defending our shared aspirations — with both their words and their lives — my optimism will know no bounds and every glass will look full."
Thomas Friedman is right on the money again and this column is written with unusual passion. Keep at it, Thomas!
Thomas Friedman is right on the money again and this column is written with unusual passion. Keep at it, Thomas!
Rutland Herald Online - Clavelle move could shake up Democrats, Progressives
I like Peter and I think he's a man who can bring true leadership to politics, but I think he's created a mess for himself. While it may be true that he can beat Jim Douglas in a two way race for governor, he has certainly alienated leaders of both the Progs and the Dems, though they are at pains not to come across too harshly in the media. In private they must be seething.
But this is Peter's style: get the idea out there and let people decide if they support it/him. I think he has a tough row to hoe to pull this off and garner support from both parties.
Mr Racine must not be happy with this turn of events and Mr. Shumlin must be absolutely apoplectic!!
Great politics...only in Vermont!
But this is Peter's style: get the idea out there and let people decide if they support it/him. I think he has a tough row to hoe to pull this off and garner support from both parties.
Mr Racine must not be happy with this turn of events and Mr. Shumlin must be absolutely apoplectic!!
Great politics...only in Vermont!
The BloggerCon 2003 Weblog: Paul Krugman and Lies
A fascinating essay by Dave Winer concerning Paul Krugman and The NY Times and 'big media' in general. While Winer is attentive to his blogging agenda, nevertheless he aptly suggests that big media does a very one-sided job of reporting the 'news' depending on the bias of the particular paper or channel.
Winer is right on this, but blogging will not solve it. Media should have the courage to state their bias, not just in the editorial pages , but reporter bias, copy editor bias, publisher bias. It's no surprise and perfectly normal for these biases exist, after all they are human. What I resent is the failure of media to own up to their biases.
Perhaps they are blinded by their perceived objectivity!
Winer is right on this, but blogging will not solve it. Media should have the courage to state their bias, not just in the editorial pages , but reporter bias, copy editor bias, publisher bias. It's no surprise and perfectly normal for these biases exist, after all they are human. What I resent is the failure of media to own up to their biases.
Perhaps they are blinded by their perceived objectivity!
Caught in the Credit Card Vise
Sounds like late fees and usurious interest rates will soon get the attention of Congress to rein in the CC companies
For Billions of Birds, an Endangered Haven
A fair and balanced piece on the effects on bird life in North America of the Northern Boreal Forest in subarctic Canada, a two million square mile breeding ground for birds of all kinds and wildlife of many sorts. We do have time to keep it intact, according to environmental groups. The minor threats at this point a re poi, gas and mining exploration and logging, in particular pulp wood.
Do Not Call Registry
The article below describes the dilemma facing the outbound telemarketing business.
http://www.nytimes.com/2003/09/22/business/22TELE.html?pagewanted=1&tntemail1
After October 1, 2003, the rules do not allow a telemarketer to call a consumer that has registered a phone number on the FTC's "DO NOT CALL" list. There are 48 million numbers on that list.
More about the Do Not Call Registry: http://www.donotcall.gov/
The "DO NOT CALL" registry is only for residential and personal cell phone numbers. Commercial enterprises, including non-profits, are not allowed to register business phone numbers, so B2B telemarketing can continue.
http://www.nytimes.com/2003/09/22/business/22TELE.html?pagewanted=1&tntemail1
After October 1, 2003, the rules do not allow a telemarketer to call a consumer that has registered a phone number on the FTC's "DO NOT CALL" list. There are 48 million numbers on that list.
More about the Do Not Call Registry: http://www.donotcall.gov/
The "DO NOT CALL" registry is only for residential and personal cell phone numbers. Commercial enterprises, including non-profits, are not allowed to register business phone numbers, so B2B telemarketing can continue.
Dying to Kill Us
Pape's analysis fails to understand that Radical Islam is at war with Western Democracy. His statistical analysis and the conclusions he draws fails to account for this fundamental reality. His analysis is typical "academia at work."
Clintons Anoint Clark
Safire's analysis fits the Clintonian model for political power. Could he have hit it right on the head? It will be interesting to see if others pick up this drumbeat.
ajc.com | Opinion | Falsely bleak reports reduce our chances of success in Iraq
The media reporting from and about Iraq seems to me to unbalanced, particularly on NPR and in the New York Times, at least 'above the fold.' Congressman Marshal may be right. I appreciate him pointing out the potential problem. The media did a reasonably decent job covering the advance to Baghdad and the overthrow of Saddam, but lately all the headlines are about the GIs killed. Certainly the killing should not be ignored, but where's the rest of the story?
September 19, 2003
The Tax-Cut Con
Krugman is vociferous in his opposition to tax cuts, but wrong. He's the liberal NY Times economic apologist. Bash Bush, bash tax cuts...spend, spend, spend. Make government bigger, redistribute income, that's what Krugman believes, but won't say so directly.
d-
d-
September 18, 2003
Our War With France
Three cheers for Friedman. He gets it and is not afraid to say it. The French are misled, misguided antagonists and their self interset pollutes any attempt at a rational Mid-east policy. Thanks, Thomas.
I wonder if they support Israel or Arafat?
I wonder if they support Israel or Arafat?
A Tribute to the Legacy of Johnny Cash in Word and Song
Johhny typified the contrasts in th human condition, in his music and in his life. I have great respect for him.
September 16, 2003
Smart Growth Principles of VT Smart Growth Collaborative
I can agree with these principles. What's missing, though, is the accommodation for population growth and prosperity for all citizens. Without these added, the principles are a recipe for population and growth control, that unspoken hidden agenda of many groups that sponsor the Smart Growth Collaborative.
+++++++++
• Maintains the historic development pattern of compact village and urban centers separated by rural countryside.
• Develops compact mixed-use centers at a scale appropriate for the community and the region.
• Enables choice in modes of transportation.
• Protects the state's important environmental, natural and historic features, including natural areas, water quality, scenic resources, historic sites and districts.
• Serves to strengthen agricultural and forest industries and minimizes conflicts of development with these industries.
• Balances growth with the availability of economic and efficient public utilities and services.
• Supports a diversity of viable businesses in downtowns and villages, including locally-owned businesses.
• Provides for housing that meets the needs of a diversity of social and income groups in each community.
+++++++++
• Maintains the historic development pattern of compact village and urban centers separated by rural countryside.
• Develops compact mixed-use centers at a scale appropriate for the community and the region.
• Enables choice in modes of transportation.
• Protects the state's important environmental, natural and historic features, including natural areas, water quality, scenic resources, historic sites and districts.
• Serves to strengthen agricultural and forest industries and minimizes conflicts of development with these industries.
• Balances growth with the availability of economic and efficient public utilities and services.
• Supports a diversity of viable businesses in downtowns and villages, including locally-owned businesses.
• Provides for housing that meets the needs of a diversity of social and income groups in each community.
Microsoft adopts latest Wi-Fi standard | CNET News.com
Here in rural Vermont there is little reliable cell phone coverage (~20% of the state) and broadband is slowly penetrating beyond the few urban areas. It's time the state's policy makers adopted 802.11 as a "last mile' alternative to traditional wireline broadband options. True, it won't have the range to cover a whole community, but several hot spots linked with a wireless ISP to the Internet backbone could provide more coverage than exists now.
Retired General Poised to Seek Democratic Nomination in '04
Edwards' comments suggest that America is a tightly controlled class society with limited opportunity for individuals to rise up and prosper. This is the worst kind of pandering to the victim mentality. Edwards deserves to be fourth or lower among Democratic presidential contenders. This sort of political rhetoric drives me nuts.
Republicans for Dean
Mr. Brooks concludes that if Dean were the Presidential candidate for the Democrats, he would lose handily based on the character of the voting populace.
+++++
"Over the past few decades, the electorate has become much
better educated. In 1960, only 22 percent of voters had
been to college; now more than 52 percent have. As voters
become more educated, they are more likely to be
ideological and support the party that embraces their
ideological label. As a result, the parties have polarized.
There used to be many conservatives in the Democratic Party
and many liberals in the Republican Party, groups that kept
their parties from drifting too far off-center."
"The weight of the data, it seems to me, supports the Inclusiveness side. And the chief result of polarization is that the Democrats have become detached from antipolitical independent voters. George Bush makes many liberal Democrats froth at the mouth, but he does not have this effect on most independents. Democrats are behaving suicidally by not embracing what you might, even after yesterday's court decision, call the Schwarzenegger Option: supporting a candidate so ideologically amorphous that he can appeal to these swingers."
+++++
"Over the past few decades, the electorate has become much
better educated. In 1960, only 22 percent of voters had
been to college; now more than 52 percent have. As voters
become more educated, they are more likely to be
ideological and support the party that embraces their
ideological label. As a result, the parties have polarized.
There used to be many conservatives in the Democratic Party
and many liberals in the Republican Party, groups that kept
their parties from drifting too far off-center."
"The weight of the data, it seems to me, supports the Inclusiveness side. And the chief result of polarization is that the Democrats have become detached from antipolitical independent voters. George Bush makes many liberal Democrats froth at the mouth, but he does not have this effect on most independents. Democrats are behaving suicidally by not embracing what you might, even after yesterday's court decision, call the Schwarzenegger Option: supporting a candidate so ideologically amorphous that he can appeal to these swingers."
September 15, 2003
Opposition To Wind Farms On The Rise - The Caledonian-Record News
The folks in Vermont's Northeast kingdom (NEK) are riled up about the proposal for wind farms on their mountains. It's high time Vermont decides its policy concerning wind farms generally. The policy is a tough issue, well intentioned for the production of renewable energy, an opportunity for entrepreneurs and established companies to make a few bucks, but not everyone agrees that we should have the farms.
I remember the uproar when the power company wanted to replace the towers along the causeway leading from Milton to Grand Isle. The public outcry about spoiling the magnificent view resulted in the placement of underwater power lines. Seems to me this same shallow, sandy area would be a lovely place for a wind farm in the path of consistent southerly breezes most of the year.
As I stated in a Burlington Free Press opinion piece last month, Vermont should decide its policy for wind farms upstream of the regulatory process. These decisions should not be made on a case by case basis. Too much is at stake and emotions are running high about the affect on mountain views or lake vistas. A Vermont policy is urgently needed.
I remember the uproar when the power company wanted to replace the towers along the causeway leading from Milton to Grand Isle. The public outcry about spoiling the magnificent view resulted in the placement of underwater power lines. Seems to me this same shallow, sandy area would be a lovely place for a wind farm in the path of consistent southerly breezes most of the year.
As I stated in a Burlington Free Press opinion piece last month, Vermont should decide its policy for wind farms upstream of the regulatory process. These decisions should not be made on a case by case basis. Too much is at stake and emotions are running high about the affect on mountain views or lake vistas. A Vermont policy is urgently needed.
September 14, 2003
Our Two airedales - Photo by Dave & Carol Usher at pbase.com
Our Airedales, Jesse and Scuffer sitting in the low tide at Ocean Park , Main
TCS: Tech Central Station - Doth Protest Too Much?
A sensible view of the WTO protesters. While this author may be a conservative, his perspective bears careful review. The media focuses on protestors, perhaps thinking this provides a 'balanced' view. It may be that the protestors are rabble with a worldview that suggests that whatever is happening in world trade is wrong.
Here's a keen observation from Kevin Hassett:
+++++++++++++++++++++++++
"The activities of the protestors are so far away from where the real action is that television viewers back in the states know more about the protestors than we participants in the conference do.
Which raises an important question. Why does the news media feel compelled to give air time to the protestors who, aside from forcing conference organizers to erect fences, have had absolutely no effect on the goings on? While there has been death and violence in the streets, there has been more death and violence in the streets of New York presumably, and with equal effect on world trade.
Perhaps the best answer is that the media feels compelled by a desire for "balance" to "present all sides." Balance apparently means that a journalist should report on the activities of people who think the WTO is a good idea and also on the activities of those who think it is part of an alien plot to destroy the world. The alien plot characterization of the views of these folks is only a slight exaggeration. The protestors at the barricades are so downright weird that Mexican farmers who showed up to protest with them have been leaving in droves, purportedly because they are so creeped out by the violence.
This scenario vividly captures how destructive media choices can be. The problem in this case being that a few groups of professional rabble rousers with no material things to say get more media play than legitimate organizations such as the AFL-CIO that appear at these meetings with strong dissenting opinions. The coverage choice denies the audience back home of any legitimate information about the debate, and makes life easier on reporters. One might have to work hard to understand the issues if one wanted to present the opposing views voiced by reasonable people in the conference halls. A suicide at the barricades, on the other hand, is easy copy."
Here's a keen observation from Kevin Hassett:
+++++++++++++++++++++++++
"The activities of the protestors are so far away from where the real action is that television viewers back in the states know more about the protestors than we participants in the conference do.
Which raises an important question. Why does the news media feel compelled to give air time to the protestors who, aside from forcing conference organizers to erect fences, have had absolutely no effect on the goings on? While there has been death and violence in the streets, there has been more death and violence in the streets of New York presumably, and with equal effect on world trade.
Perhaps the best answer is that the media feels compelled by a desire for "balance" to "present all sides." Balance apparently means that a journalist should report on the activities of people who think the WTO is a good idea and also on the activities of those who think it is part of an alien plot to destroy the world. The alien plot characterization of the views of these folks is only a slight exaggeration. The protestors at the barricades are so downright weird that Mexican farmers who showed up to protest with them have been leaving in droves, purportedly because they are so creeped out by the violence.
This scenario vividly captures how destructive media choices can be. The problem in this case being that a few groups of professional rabble rousers with no material things to say get more media play than legitimate organizations such as the AFL-CIO that appear at these meetings with strong dissenting opinions. The coverage choice denies the audience back home of any legitimate information about the debate, and makes life easier on reporters. One might have to work hard to understand the issues if one wanted to present the opposing views voiced by reasonable people in the conference halls. A suicide at the barricades, on the other hand, is easy copy."
September 12, 2003
BBC NEWS | Business | Q&A: How world trade talks affect you
BBC NEWS | Business | Q&A: How world trade talks affect you
Painful though it may be for many countries including our own, globalization does mean the reduction of subsidies that keep the prices of agricultural goods high. I don't pretend to have thought through all the ramifications, but free trade means 'free' trade doesn't it?
Painful though it may be for many countries including our own, globalization does mean the reduction of subsidies that keep the prices of agricultural goods high. I don't pretend to have thought through all the ramifications, but free trade means 'free' trade doesn't it?
FOXNews.com - Top Stories - Arafat Tells Supporters They Will Go to Jerusalem as Martyrs
I think this sounds like terrorist talk. No surprise because he is a terrorist.
d-
FOXNews.com - Top Stories - Arafat Tells Supporters They Will Go to Jerusalem as Martyrs
"To Jerusalem we are going as martyrs in the millions," Arafat told the crowd.
d-
FOXNews.com - Top Stories - Arafat Tells Supporters They Will Go to Jerusalem as Martyrs
"To Jerusalem we are going as martyrs in the millions," Arafat told the crowd.
A peace process in reverse - The Washington Times: Editorials/OP-ED
A peace process in reverse - The Washington Times: Editorials/OP-ED
This camp says Arafat is on his last legs. He has demonstrated no moves toward a serious peace in Israel. As I've said before and firmly believe, he is a terrorist, old school maybe, but still a terrorist. Yet his removal will create major bloodshed because he has significant support.
This camp says Arafat is on his last legs. He has demonstrated no moves toward a serious peace in Israel. As I've said before and firmly believe, he is a terrorist, old school maybe, but still a terrorist. Yet his removal will create major bloodshed because he has significant support.
September 11, 2003
Gen. Clark Reportedly Is Asked to Join Dean (washingtonpost.com)
What a sad commentary on the American voter! Two thirds cannot name one Democratic Presidential candidate.
Gen. Clark Reportedly Is Asked to Join Dean (washingtonpost.com): "Recent polls show nearly two-thirds of voters cannot name even one of the nine candidates, so there is room for a new candidate to move, some strategists think. But recent polls show Clark is not widely known and would enter near the back of the pack."
Gen. Clark Reportedly Is Asked to Join Dean (washingtonpost.com): "Recent polls show nearly two-thirds of voters cannot name even one of the nine candidates, so there is room for a new candidate to move, some strategists think. But recent polls show Clark is not widely known and would enter near the back of the pack."
Bin Laden Whereabouts
This article News suggests this bastard is alive and well. Perhaps he is, but his days are numbered. Intelligence analysts will pore over the video comparing it with detailed satellite photographs to pinpoint the location. Knowing when and where it was filmed will only reveal where he was not where he is. Nevertheless, we'll find him.
President Urging Wider U.S. Powers in Terrorism Law
On this second anniversary of the terrorist attacks in NYC and Washington, President Bush is proposing new tools in the law to fight terrorism. While many will oppose these changes, it is imperative that our law enforcers and investigators have all reasonable power and tools to pursue these radical Islamists.
This is a war and it will be a long one. We absolutely must root out these people an eliminatete them and the threat they pose to our people and our country.
"Tomorrow's anniversary is a time for remembrance," he (President Bush) said. "Yet history asked more than memory. The forces of global terror cannot be appeased, and they cannot be ignored. They must be hunted, and they will be defeated."
AMEN!
This is a war and it will be a long one. We absolutely must root out these people an eliminatete them and the threat they pose to our people and our country.
"Tomorrow's anniversary is a time for remembrance," he (President Bush) said. "Yet history asked more than memory. The forces of global terror cannot be appeased, and they cannot be ignored. They must be hunted, and they will be defeated."
AMEN!
September 1, 2003
Carol's Woolies
Here's Carol's latest creation, a Bengal Wooliecat! These take more time to make, but there's a big market out there!
This guy will be up on eBay this week.
This guy will be up on eBay this week.
CNN.com - Israel vows 'all-out war' on Hamas - Sep. 1, 2003
Make no bargains with terrorists. Radical Islamists expect no quarter. Give none.
Daniel Pipes is right. Radical Islam is the problem. Moderate Islam is the solution.
Daniel Pipes is right. Radical Islam is the problem. Moderate Islam is the solution.
Home Alone
We do need adult supervision in the difficult problems of life. Alas, our children are raised on the trash of Hollywood and MTV. Not much there to teach them to be adults. Ah, but most of them have parents to do the job. Parents. heed the call. Teach your children to be adults!
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