Thoughts On A Sunday

The weekend weather hasn't made it easy to get any work done outside The Manse. It seems every time it got sunny and I'd start to had outside the clouds would quickly move back in a drop some rain. I couldn't even hang any laundry out to dry yesterday because the passing showers came by far too often.

A day off from yard work now and then isn't a bad thing...as long as now and then doesn't occur every day!

A line of thunderstorms came through this afternoon, causing damage in a number of places in New Hampshire, though not here, thank goodness.

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The weather has also kept the weekend traffic to a minimum. A perfect example: BeezleBub had a driving lesson this morning and the traffic in downtown Laconia was almost non-existent. Even our favorite breakfast joint wasn't all that busy, meaning we didn't have to wait to get a table at a time we usually would have to wait 15 or 20 minutes.

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As Jennifer Rubin writes in regards to the reactions to Israeli interdiction of the Gaza-bound flotilla, “While the Turks call for a 'final solution' Obama says nothing.”

I have to say that Dubya had it right.

(H/T Instapundit)

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I wonder how many more disincentives Congress will heap upon businesses before they realize they are one of the main reasons the economy isn't recovering?

The best thing they could is get out of the way.

Yeah, like that will happen.

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Speaking of disincentives, Cap'n Teach tells us about one of the unintended consequences of things like ObamaCare and other government mandates: more new jobs are coming without benefits.

Many of the jobs employers are adding are temporary or contract positions, rather than traditional full-time jobs with benefits. With unemployment remaining near 10%, employers have their pick of workers willing to accept less secure positions.

In 2005, the government estimated that 31% of U.S. workers were already so-called contingent workers. Experts say that number could increase to 40% or more in the next 10 years.

Cap'n Teach writes, “Why would employers want to hire employees they have to either give health benefits to or pay a fine on? Quite a bit smarter to make them temporary or contract workers.”

I have no doubt this will be the trend unless the 112th Congress repeals ObamaCare next year. All this shows is that Obama and the Democrats in Congress are masters at ignoring the Law of Unintended Consequences. It also shows they have no understanding of economics and the effects mandates have on economic decisions.

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One of my favorite bloggers, Bruce MacMahon of No Looking Backwards is hanging up his blogging keyboard.

It's not that he's tired of blogging. Instead, he's putting his efforts into running for representative to the New Hampshire House.

The days of sitting on the sidelines are over. It's time for me to stop talking about the good, the bad, and the ugly - where our state (and federal) government is concerned - and start doing something about it. It's time to put my money where my mouth is, so to speak. Time to live up to the name "No Looking Backwards" and set my sights forward.

New Hampshire is at a crossroads, with our future and our children's future dependent upon which road we choose to travel.

I'm choosing to continue in my efforts to rescue New Hampshire (and our country) from the destructive forces of big government, runaway taxation, special interest-driven politics, and reckless spending.

He's not just talking the talk, he's also walking the walk.

As someone who's run for office on more than one occasion, I can say “Welcome to the club, Bruce!”

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Just like John Edwards claimed, there are two Americas, just not the ones he claimed.

It's broken down into these two categories: private sector and government sector. At the moment it's far more lucrative and better paying to be the latter. The former actually does something and pays the taxes that make the second possible. But as the first group shrinks the second will find it harder to maintain their pay and benefits. And if the first group fails, so does the second.

(H/T Maggie's Farm)

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Bogie and her Wondeful Spouse have a new addition to their home: a 46” Samsung LCD HDTV. It replaces their old dead TV.

They did the right thing by wall mounting it, which allows them a little more flexibility as far as arranging their furniture.

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I have to ask this question, too: “What part of illegal don't you understand?”

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And people wonder why California is such an economic basket case.

With all the economic problems the state is suffering you'd think California legislators would be focusing on them. Instead they're debating the pros and cons of paper versus plastic bags in grocery stores.

California is doomed.

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And that's the news from Lake Winnipesaukee, where now that the weekend is ending the weather is clearing, the weekenders are heading home, and where lake residents will once again have the lake to themselves...until next weekend.