Thursday, May 26, 2016
Virginia Teachers Among Best Paid in the Nation
Recent number crunching from a national test prep company shows that Virginia public school teachers are among the best paid in the country. USATestprep compiled data from the Bureau of Labor Statistics, Forbes, and other outlets on teacher pay, local taxes, and cost of living. Based on their calculations, Virginia cracks the top 5 states for pay when cost of living and taxes are factored into the numbers. However neighboring states West Virginia and North Carolina are among the worst in the nation. Wyoming one of the reddest states in the union, is also one of the best paying states for teachers.
More details on their methods and sources can be read here.
Saturday, May 11, 2013
Breaking: Another Anonymous Smear in the LG Race
I just opened my email to find the following:
from: VA Truth2
Interestingly enough these documents are not official looking but rather something anyone could have made themselves... If it walks like a duck... or rather if it sounds like the chair of the PWC BOS??? ~ Zach Thompson
Wednesday, December 12, 2012
Jim Moran Calls Son "Good Kid" after Son Assaults Girlfriend
Today Dem. Congressman Jim Moran showed how much he cared about women. His son, Patrick Moran, smashed his girlfriend into a metal trash can, breaking her nose, and fracturing her skull. (Full Police Report is here.) After the sentencing the congressman referred to his son as a "good kid" involved in an "embarrassing situation." Imagine, someone who assaults his girlfriend is a good person? Where is the outrage? Is domestic abuse just an embarrassing situation? Maybe for a Congressman only concerned with his image. Is the Congressman really so blind that he can't recognize that assault is clearly wrong?
After coming under criticism today, the Congressman's office released an email from the woman where she said had merely tripped and fallen. This is after Patrick was already convicted for assault which multiple people witnessed.
We all know how the Democrats would have responded if a Republican said something like this. We saw it multiple times last year when a Republican was insensitive towards women, and the Democrats were advancing their "War on Women" meme. The elected official would be quickly condemned and then every other Republican would be called upon to distance themselves from the statements. Whether or not they did, ads would be launched and fundraising emails would be sent linking the various candidates together.
I thought it would be appropriate to create an ad in the spirit of the Obama ad attacking Romney for Mourdock's comments.
I hope you enjoy, and please call upon Democrats in the state to distance themselves from Jim Moran and support victims of domestic violence, not the abusers.
After coming under criticism today, the Congressman's office released an email from the woman where she said had merely tripped and fallen. This is after Patrick was already convicted for assault which multiple people witnessed.
We all know how the Democrats would have responded if a Republican said something like this. We saw it multiple times last year when a Republican was insensitive towards women, and the Democrats were advancing their "War on Women" meme. The elected official would be quickly condemned and then every other Republican would be called upon to distance themselves from the statements. Whether or not they did, ads would be launched and fundraising emails would be sent linking the various candidates together.
I thought it would be appropriate to create an ad in the spirit of the Obama ad attacking Romney for Mourdock's comments.
I hope you enjoy, and please call upon Democrats in the state to distance themselves from Jim Moran and support victims of domestic violence, not the abusers.
Monday, December 3, 2012
E.W. Jackson for Lieutenant Governor: Announcment Video and Letter from Steve Waters
E.W. Jackson announced his bid for Lieutenant Governor at the Republican Advance this past weekend. He gave the inspiring freedom fighting speech we loved hearing during his senate run earlier this year. If the convention hall is filled with liberty activists, he could definitely pull off a win. He will easily be the most exciting speaker there, and asking people to vote after hearing him speak is almost an unfair advantage for him. His charisma could be particularly important as the race drags on to multiple ballots, and people want the race to end.
The one concern I do have is whether his red meat speeches will be appealing to a majority of the state should he win the nomination. This is something E.W. Jackson needs to be thinking about now, and it is really only a question that can be answered in November of 2013.
The following is his announcement video, as well as an endorsement letter from Steve Waters, long time conservative campaign manager and the man E.W. recently hired to manage his campaign. They are both a bit long, but they are both worth considering in their entirety as you evaluate E.W. Jackson.
December 3, 2012
Dear Friends,
This past June at the Republican Convention, myself and other conservative movement leaders approached Bishop E.W. Jackson asking him to consider running for Lieutenant Governor in 2013. This past Wednesday evening E.W. called and asked me to manage his campaign for Lieutenant Governor for the upcoming 2013 GOP Convention. I accepted his offer with great excitement and enthusiasm. I know how important the 2013 elections are for us to elect men and women into office that will stand up for the beliefs and principles critical to our way of life as free individuals. Without any hesitation I know that E.W. has the qualities of leadership needed to lead the fight for what we stand for, as he shares the very principles and beliefs that we hold so dear. E.W. has devoted his life to defending these beliefs and will be a formidable candidate in the general election next November.
The Virginia 2013 elections are of paramount importance to our Commonwealth and our Nation. Due to the results of the past election we now know more than ever that our rights, values, liberties and freedoms are under attack daily. Our core beliefs as Christians and as a free people are under attack as never before. Everything we hold close and dear to our hearts, our way of life, is under fire from the Executive, Legislative, and Judicial branches of our government. Our individual states are the only line of defense that we have left at this point to protect us from a run-a-way tyrannical federal government and the progressives in the states that work to undo our liberties, just as the current Administration in the White House is attempting to do. Unfortunately, our team is emotionally drained right now. We need a leader(s) that will re-invigorate our spirits and our hopes. We need a leader who will lead us to fight to safeguard our liberty, values and beliefs. E.W. Jackson is a leader who will lead our efforts. This is one of the reasons that I believe E.W. will make a fantastic Lieutenant Governor for our great Commonwealth.
I believe Virginia is critical in this fight because of our rich history in our Nation’s past to lead the way for other states in the fight for Liberty. I also know that Virginia is no longer a red state at this time and one of the things learned in this past election is that the democrats are very competitive at the state level. If we are not careful we will begin to lose the majority we have in the House of Delegates, our small margin in the State Senate, and possibly the loss of the Governor, Lieutenant Governor and Attorney General positions.
To make matters more troubling, there is a battle for the heart and soul of our Republican Party like I have never seen in my lifetime. Many in leadership across the nation and in Virginia are once again ringing the bell for our party to water down our values and become less conservative and more moderate if not democrat light. Have they not learned anything! Pat McSweeney once said, “We don’t lose because we are pro-life but because we are not pro-life enough.” I completely agree. I also believe we are losing the marriage battle not because we are wrong but because we are afraid to have the debate and speak out on this very important and controversial issue. Our party is losing because we are not leading on important issues. We are not engaging and educating the electorate and citizenry on these and other issues that are critical to the survival of our society. I believe that is the case because who represents our party, with the small exception of a limited few. I do not believe they have the convictions or moral courage to lead this important debate. Many of our representatives and leaders in the party tell you that they are pro-life. They list this position on their websites and in their literature during their campaigns. They even tout their “pro family” record during their campaigns. However, when discussions are held behind closed doors or when they cast their votes during legislative sessions they betray us. We MUST do a better job of choosing our elected leaders. We need to be very clear, and very strong, to the leaders and elected officials in our party that the time has come for them to be more concerned with losing our support, financial and manpower, than with placating the elites, and liberal democrats who would not vote for them to begin with.
I am supporting E.W. Jackson and leading his campaign because I know he is a person who will lead on our issues and who will never betray them. He will use his power as Lieutenant Governor to push the republican leadership in the Senate to pass our conservative legislation. The same legislation that is killed in the State Senate each year, many times by our very own Republican leadership. As Lieutenant Governor E.W. will have the platform to speak out on the critical issues that are confronting our society. We need a Lieutenant Governor like E.W. Jackson, that will travel across the Commonwealth advocating on behalf of our issues and who will help to elect strong conservatives to the State Senate using his position of leadership. E.W. would do a brilliant job in his leadership role of the Senate as Lieutenant Governor. We need an authentic, passionate conservative to oversee the State Senate. He will also be a great partner to our nominee for Governor, Ken Cuccinelli. The two of them will make a brilliant team along with a Republican Attorney General. E.W. already has a national profile. Many of you have seen him on FOX News and other networks advocating our issues. The other fact is that we have to have more diversity on our ticket. He knows the African American Community and having him on our ticket will provide the credibility necessary as we reach out to recruit African Americans into our party. E.W.’s liberty minded concepts on the role of government will make a refreshing and articulate spokesperson to the younger generation who are concerned about the future of our Nation. He will be able to connect with members of the Tea Party, supporters of Ron Paul and Libertarians like no one else on the ticket with the exception possibly of Ken Cuccinelli. Together, E.W. and Ken will motivate and empower many conservatives, Tea Party, Ron Paul supporters, Libertarians and conservative African Americans and other minorities who have stayed out of the political process because of their lack of trust and bad perceptions of our party. Let’s face it, we do have a branding issue and it is not because of our conservative platform as some have claimed since the losses of this past election.
E.W. has made the commitment to run a properly financed and professionally managed campaign. He took the first step in fulfilling this commitment when he reached out and asked me to manage his campaign. Under my leadership we will have a professional staff and will raise the funds necessary to win the nomination and the General Election. E.W. and myself are committed to winning! We are putting our campaign infrastructure in place and are finalizing our fund raising plans. Be prepared, when E.W. calls you, he will be asking for your support and to donate to his campaign and if he does, I humbly ask you to become a part in this campaign whether through financial donations or volunteering.
In closing, I am very excited to work on E.W.’s behalf because of who he is and what he stands for. This is exactly how I felt in 2008 when I managed the U.S. Senate nomination campaign of another favorite of believers of freedom and liberty, Bob Marshall. We have to elect and vigorously support candidates like E.W. Jackson. E.W.’s views and beliefs will inspire people in this upcoming election. We need a leader who will motivate us once again and who will help to give us hope for upcoming victories. We have to elect leaders such as E.W. or we can expect the same results time and time again that have happened far too often. We have to elect leaders who are principled and courageous, leaders who will stay the course of their convictions regardless of political consequences from those in the party that are only concerned with preserving their own presumed power. We know that winning without principle is not winning at all. Winning elections based on principles and beliefs is true victory. True victory is what we will accomplish by electing E.W. Jackson as Virginias next Lieutenant Governor.
Please contact me if you have any comments or questions concerning E.W.’s candidacy. I encourage you to join our campaign and to help us restore true conservative leadership to the office of Lieutenant Governor. I look forward to hearing from you soon, especially if want to join the Jackson for Lieutenant Governor Campaign! We want you to be a part of our team.
Our slogan is “Let Liberty Light the Way for Virginia!” And if you think about it, that is exactly where the fight is, the problems we face and the solutions...LIBERTY!!!
God Bless you and your families!
Steve Waters
The one concern I do have is whether his red meat speeches will be appealing to a majority of the state should he win the nomination. This is something E.W. Jackson needs to be thinking about now, and it is really only a question that can be answered in November of 2013.
The following is his announcement video, as well as an endorsement letter from Steve Waters, long time conservative campaign manager and the man E.W. recently hired to manage his campaign. They are both a bit long, but they are both worth considering in their entirety as you evaluate E.W. Jackson.
December 3, 2012
Dear Friends,
This past June at the Republican Convention, myself and other conservative movement leaders approached Bishop E.W. Jackson asking him to consider running for Lieutenant Governor in 2013. This past Wednesday evening E.W. called and asked me to manage his campaign for Lieutenant Governor for the upcoming 2013 GOP Convention. I accepted his offer with great excitement and enthusiasm. I know how important the 2013 elections are for us to elect men and women into office that will stand up for the beliefs and principles critical to our way of life as free individuals. Without any hesitation I know that E.W. has the qualities of leadership needed to lead the fight for what we stand for, as he shares the very principles and beliefs that we hold so dear. E.W. has devoted his life to defending these beliefs and will be a formidable candidate in the general election next November.
The Virginia 2013 elections are of paramount importance to our Commonwealth and our Nation. Due to the results of the past election we now know more than ever that our rights, values, liberties and freedoms are under attack daily. Our core beliefs as Christians and as a free people are under attack as never before. Everything we hold close and dear to our hearts, our way of life, is under fire from the Executive, Legislative, and Judicial branches of our government. Our individual states are the only line of defense that we have left at this point to protect us from a run-a-way tyrannical federal government and the progressives in the states that work to undo our liberties, just as the current Administration in the White House is attempting to do. Unfortunately, our team is emotionally drained right now. We need a leader(s) that will re-invigorate our spirits and our hopes. We need a leader who will lead us to fight to safeguard our liberty, values and beliefs. E.W. Jackson is a leader who will lead our efforts. This is one of the reasons that I believe E.W. will make a fantastic Lieutenant Governor for our great Commonwealth.
I believe Virginia is critical in this fight because of our rich history in our Nation’s past to lead the way for other states in the fight for Liberty. I also know that Virginia is no longer a red state at this time and one of the things learned in this past election is that the democrats are very competitive at the state level. If we are not careful we will begin to lose the majority we have in the House of Delegates, our small margin in the State Senate, and possibly the loss of the Governor, Lieutenant Governor and Attorney General positions.
To make matters more troubling, there is a battle for the heart and soul of our Republican Party like I have never seen in my lifetime. Many in leadership across the nation and in Virginia are once again ringing the bell for our party to water down our values and become less conservative and more moderate if not democrat light. Have they not learned anything! Pat McSweeney once said, “We don’t lose because we are pro-life but because we are not pro-life enough.” I completely agree. I also believe we are losing the marriage battle not because we are wrong but because we are afraid to have the debate and speak out on this very important and controversial issue. Our party is losing because we are not leading on important issues. We are not engaging and educating the electorate and citizenry on these and other issues that are critical to the survival of our society. I believe that is the case because who represents our party, with the small exception of a limited few. I do not believe they have the convictions or moral courage to lead this important debate. Many of our representatives and leaders in the party tell you that they are pro-life. They list this position on their websites and in their literature during their campaigns. They even tout their “pro family” record during their campaigns. However, when discussions are held behind closed doors or when they cast their votes during legislative sessions they betray us. We MUST do a better job of choosing our elected leaders. We need to be very clear, and very strong, to the leaders and elected officials in our party that the time has come for them to be more concerned with losing our support, financial and manpower, than with placating the elites, and liberal democrats who would not vote for them to begin with.
I am supporting E.W. Jackson and leading his campaign because I know he is a person who will lead on our issues and who will never betray them. He will use his power as Lieutenant Governor to push the republican leadership in the Senate to pass our conservative legislation. The same legislation that is killed in the State Senate each year, many times by our very own Republican leadership. As Lieutenant Governor E.W. will have the platform to speak out on the critical issues that are confronting our society. We need a Lieutenant Governor like E.W. Jackson, that will travel across the Commonwealth advocating on behalf of our issues and who will help to elect strong conservatives to the State Senate using his position of leadership. E.W. would do a brilliant job in his leadership role of the Senate as Lieutenant Governor. We need an authentic, passionate conservative to oversee the State Senate. He will also be a great partner to our nominee for Governor, Ken Cuccinelli. The two of them will make a brilliant team along with a Republican Attorney General. E.W. already has a national profile. Many of you have seen him on FOX News and other networks advocating our issues. The other fact is that we have to have more diversity on our ticket. He knows the African American Community and having him on our ticket will provide the credibility necessary as we reach out to recruit African Americans into our party. E.W.’s liberty minded concepts on the role of government will make a refreshing and articulate spokesperson to the younger generation who are concerned about the future of our Nation. He will be able to connect with members of the Tea Party, supporters of Ron Paul and Libertarians like no one else on the ticket with the exception possibly of Ken Cuccinelli. Together, E.W. and Ken will motivate and empower many conservatives, Tea Party, Ron Paul supporters, Libertarians and conservative African Americans and other minorities who have stayed out of the political process because of their lack of trust and bad perceptions of our party. Let’s face it, we do have a branding issue and it is not because of our conservative platform as some have claimed since the losses of this past election.
E.W. has made the commitment to run a properly financed and professionally managed campaign. He took the first step in fulfilling this commitment when he reached out and asked me to manage his campaign. Under my leadership we will have a professional staff and will raise the funds necessary to win the nomination and the General Election. E.W. and myself are committed to winning! We are putting our campaign infrastructure in place and are finalizing our fund raising plans. Be prepared, when E.W. calls you, he will be asking for your support and to donate to his campaign and if he does, I humbly ask you to become a part in this campaign whether through financial donations or volunteering.
In closing, I am very excited to work on E.W.’s behalf because of who he is and what he stands for. This is exactly how I felt in 2008 when I managed the U.S. Senate nomination campaign of another favorite of believers of freedom and liberty, Bob Marshall. We have to elect and vigorously support candidates like E.W. Jackson. E.W.’s views and beliefs will inspire people in this upcoming election. We need a leader who will motivate us once again and who will help to give us hope for upcoming victories. We have to elect leaders such as E.W. or we can expect the same results time and time again that have happened far too often. We have to elect leaders who are principled and courageous, leaders who will stay the course of their convictions regardless of political consequences from those in the party that are only concerned with preserving their own presumed power. We know that winning without principle is not winning at all. Winning elections based on principles and beliefs is true victory. True victory is what we will accomplish by electing E.W. Jackson as Virginias next Lieutenant Governor.
Please contact me if you have any comments or questions concerning E.W.’s candidacy. I encourage you to join our campaign and to help us restore true conservative leadership to the office of Lieutenant Governor. I look forward to hearing from you soon, especially if want to join the Jackson for Lieutenant Governor Campaign! We want you to be a part of our team.
Our slogan is “Let Liberty Light the Way for Virginia!” And if you think about it, that is exactly where the fight is, the problems we face and the solutions...LIBERTY!!!
God Bless you and your families!
Steve Waters
Thursday, November 29, 2012
VA House of Delegate Caucus Endorses Rob Bell for Attorney General
Leading up to the Republican Advance, the first of many endorsement lists has been released. One thing stands out. The House of Delegate GOP Caucus overwhelmingly supports Rob Bell for Attorney General. His list includes 36 different Delegates who have endorsed him, an overwhelming majority of the House GOP Caucus. The list includes Speaker Bill Howell and delegates of every stripe from all over the commonwealth. The list also includes two former delegates, Bill Carrico and Bill Janis. Two other things that stand out about the list. Rob Bell has the support of Congressman Rob Hurt. He also seems to be distancing himself from Jeff Frederick (former Delegate and RPV Chairman) who recently endorsed him by leaving him off the list. If Bell won't even acknowledge that Jeff Frederick has endorsed him, should Frederick's supporters back Bell?Mark Obenshain's endorsement list will be interesting to see in the coming days.
The full list from the email is below.
We Endorse Rob Bell!
5th Congressional District
Congressman Robert Hurt
Albemarle County
Sheriff Chip Harding
Honorable Ken Boyd, Chairman, Board of Supervisors
Honorable Rodney Thomas, County Supervisor
Botetourt County
Delegate Christopher Head
Campbell County
Delegate Matt Fariss
Caroline County
Delegate Robert Orrock
Jeff Sili, Republican Committee Chair
Chesapeake
Honorable Rick West, City Councilor
Chesterfield County
Delegate Roxann Robinson
Danville
Delegate Daniel Marshall III
Sandra Warren, Republican Committee Chair
Fairfax
Delegate David Albo
Delegate Thomas Rust
Honorable John Peterson, Director NOVA SWCD
Fauquier County
Honorable Jim Fisher, Commonwealth’s Attorney
Honorable Lee Sherbeyn, County Supervisor
Fluvanna County
Honorable Jeff Haislip, Commonwealth’s Attorney
Debbie Rittenhouse, Republican Committee Chair
Franklin County
Delegate Charles Poindexter
Grayson County
State Senator Bill Carrico
Greene County
Sheriff Steven Smith
Gary Lowe, Republican Committee Chair
Halifax County
Delegate James Edmunds
Hanover County
Delegate Christopher Peace
Honorable Trip Chalkley, Commonwealth’s Attorney
Sheriff Dave Hines
Honorable Wayne Hazzard, County Supervisor
Henrico County
Delegate John O’Bannon
Former Delegate Bill Janis
Sheriff Mike Wade
Isle of Wight County
Delegate Rick Morris
Bill Coburn, Republican Committee Chair
Cher McCoy, Republican Committee Chair
Loudoun County
Delegate Tag Greason
Delegate Joe May
Delegate David Ramadan
Louisa County
State Senator Tom Garrett
Lunenburg County
Delegate Thomas Wright Jr.
Madison County
Delegate Edward Scott
Honorable George Webb, Commonwealth’s Attorney
William Harvill, Republican Committee Chair
Manassas City
Steven Thomas, Republican Committee Chair
Newport News
Delegate David Yancey
Hazel Call, Hampton Roads Republican Women Chair
Orange County
Doug Rogers, Republican Committee Chair
Honorable Diana Wheeler, Commonwealth’s Attorney
Petersburg
Debra Mallory, 1st Vice Chair Tri-City Republican Women
Pittsylvania County
Delegate Donald Merricks
Poquoson
Delegate Gordon Helsel, Jr.
Paul Keddell, Republican Committee Chair
Powhatan County
Delegate Lee Ware Jr.
Prince George County
Barbara Tabb, Republican Committee Chair
Prince William County
Delegate Richard Anderson
Delegate Jackson Miller
Richmond
Jerilynn Grigsby, Tuckahoe Republican Women Chair
Scott County
Delegate Terry Kilgore
Spotsylvania County
Delegate Mark Cole
Stafford County
Delegate Mark Dudenhefer
Delegate William Howell, Speaker, House of Delegates
Tazewell County
Delegate James W. Morefield
Virginia Beach
Delegate Salvatore Iaquinto
Delegate Barry Knight
Delegate Harry Purkey
Delegate Christopher Stolle
Delegate Ronald Villanueva
Washington County
Delegate Israel O’Quinn
Westmoreland County
Delegate Margaret Ransone
Jeannemarie Davis Running for Governor?
Now begins the analysis of figuring out the implications of Bolling announcing he wouldn't run for the nomination for Governor of VA. One thing I began pondering was what would Bolling's supporters do? Do they sit out? Get behind someone for LG or AG? Something else? Interestingly as I talked to multiple people a fascinating rumor emerged. Numerous people were talking about Jeanemarie Davis running for Governor. Nature abhors a vacuum. There are a number of people who can't stand Cuccinelli, and think he is too extreme for the party. For them Jeannemarie is an experienced person with a more moderate record. They think she may be reconsidering running in a crowded Lieutenant Governor field. When I contacted Davis's campaign they refused to deny the rumors. Bolling's withdrawal has definitely shaken up the race, and it will be interesting to see if anything else changes as a result.
For my part I am excited Cuccinelli is the nominee, and look forward to seeing him passionately advocate first principles in his bid for governor.
UPDATE:While the original statement from the Davis campaign was rather noncommittal, a response after this post was unequivocal that Davis was not thinking about switching races. We'll see what happens. As Bolling has shown us, things sure can change in politics. There are a number of Republicans out there who don't want Ken to get the nomination. Some of them want Davis to run for Governor.. We'll see what happens.
For my part I am excited Cuccinelli is the nominee, and look forward to seeing him passionately advocate first principles in his bid for governor.
UPDATE:While the original statement from the Davis campaign was rather noncommittal, a response after this post was unequivocal that Davis was not thinking about switching races. We'll see what happens. As Bolling has shown us, things sure can change in politics. There are a number of Republicans out there who don't want Ken to get the nomination. Some of them want Davis to run for Governor.. We'll see what happens.
Tuesday, November 27, 2012
Ceasefires With Hamas Sure are Bloody
In an expected but tragic move, Iran is using the recent ceasefire between Gaza and Israel as a chance to rearm Hamas. This means the ceasefire will be rather bloody as it is simply a chance for Hamas to rearm before restarting its attacks on Israel.
According to the report, Iran began preparing the weapons shipment around the same time Israel and Hamas negotiated cease-fire understandings late last week.
The shipment is said to include Iranian-made Fajr-5 medium-range rockets, the same model that was fired into the Tel Aviv and Jerusalem areas during Operation Pillar of Defense, the Times reported.
Wednesday, November 21, 2012
Green Businesses Going Bankrupt
Although environmentally-conscious people have been attempting to raise awareness for decades, the ever-popular movement to “Go Green” has only begun to gain attention from the general public in recent years. From conserving water and electricity to recycling plastic and cans to purchasing products that contain natural ingredients versus harmful ones, more and more citizens are making a conscious effort to make a difference.
As always, when something becomes trendy, more and more people want to be a part of it.
Entrepreneurs quickly realized that going green for the planet also offered the possibility of adding green to their bank accounts. Multiple green businesses manufacturing earth-friendly products like solar panels—an alternative energy source—began sprouting up in states across the country, from Colorado to California.
Solar Energy Companies
One such green business in Colorado was Abound Solar, a manufacturer of cadmium telluride thin-film photovoltaic modules used to convert sunlight into electricity. Abound is often compared to Solyndra, a green company based in Fremont, California that also manufactured thin-film solar cells.
It initially appeared that companies like Abound and Solyndra were going green and going strong. After all, the idea of finding a natural alternative to coal is an exciting one! The government thinks solar energy is a good idea, too.
Businesses Borrowing Green to Go Green
Maybe it’s more accurate to say that the government thought solar energy was a good idea.
Solyndra received a $25.1 million tax break from California’s Alternative Energy and Advanced Transportation Financing Authority, the majority of which came from the Energy Policy Act of 2005. Abound received a $400 million loan from the U.S. government in 2010. Then Solyndra declared bankruptcy in February 2012. Abound did the same in June 2012 after it laid off roughly 125 workers.
Jaws dropped, and DenverPost.com reported that angry Republicans had launched an attack on the Obama administration and how they handled federal loan guarantees for Abound and other green Colorado businesses. Some even went as far as claiming that Abound knowingly sold defective panels, which were essentially manufactured with government dollars. Abound and other companies claim that they could no longer compete with Chinese competitors.
Ironically, all of this bad press has given the now-defunct green businesses more attention after filing for bankruptcy than they had while they were still in business.
Green Businesses Causing Taxpayers to Lose Green
Solyndra and Abound Solar were not the only greenbusinesses to receive government assistance, and unfortunately, they were not the only ones to file bankruptcy or appear to be heading in that direction. Others include:
This article was guest written by Jon Reiter. He is a marketing agent for www.jonbclarke.com/ an experienced Denver bankruptcy attorney.
As always, when something becomes trendy, more and more people want to be a part of it.
Entrepreneurs quickly realized that going green for the planet also offered the possibility of adding green to their bank accounts. Multiple green businesses manufacturing earth-friendly products like solar panels—an alternative energy source—began sprouting up in states across the country, from Colorado to California.
Solar Energy Companies
One such green business in Colorado was Abound Solar, a manufacturer of cadmium telluride thin-film photovoltaic modules used to convert sunlight into electricity. Abound is often compared to Solyndra, a green company based in Fremont, California that also manufactured thin-film solar cells.
It initially appeared that companies like Abound and Solyndra were going green and going strong. After all, the idea of finding a natural alternative to coal is an exciting one! The government thinks solar energy is a good idea, too.
Businesses Borrowing Green to Go Green
Maybe it’s more accurate to say that the government thought solar energy was a good idea.
Solyndra received a $25.1 million tax break from California’s Alternative Energy and Advanced Transportation Financing Authority, the majority of which came from the Energy Policy Act of 2005. Abound received a $400 million loan from the U.S. government in 2010. Then Solyndra declared bankruptcy in February 2012. Abound did the same in June 2012 after it laid off roughly 125 workers.
Jaws dropped, and DenverPost.com reported that angry Republicans had launched an attack on the Obama administration and how they handled federal loan guarantees for Abound and other green Colorado businesses. Some even went as far as claiming that Abound knowingly sold defective panels, which were essentially manufactured with government dollars. Abound and other companies claim that they could no longer compete with Chinese competitors.
Ironically, all of this bad press has given the now-defunct green businesses more attention after filing for bankruptcy than they had while they were still in business.
Green Businesses Causing Taxpayers to Lose Green
Solyndra and Abound Solar were not the only greenbusinesses to receive government assistance, and unfortunately, they were not the only ones to file bankruptcy or appear to be heading in that direction. Others include:
- Evergreen Solar
- SpectraWatt
- Beacon Power
- Nevada Geothermal
- SunPower
- First Solar
- Babcock and Brown
- EnerDel’s subsidiary Ener1
- Amonix
This article was guest written by Jon Reiter. He is a marketing agent for www.jonbclarke.com/ an experienced Denver bankruptcy attorney.
Sunday, November 18, 2012
Finding Agreement Between the Left and Right
If the election has accomplished anything it has show us just how bitter and divided of a nation we are. No parties exchanged power in either house of Congress, and a president who was elected overwhelmingly 4 years ago barely won the popular vote as he won a tight reelection in which he received barely more votes than his opponent in 2008 received. Both sides are still pitted against each other refusing to give an inch as we face the nation's difficult economical and fiscal problems.
Before the election I saw something very humorous on facebook. Two people from very different backgrounds liked the same article about a political issue, and both had almost identical sentiments about the article. The first is my good friend Pat Hall. She has worked tirelessly for many liberal candidates on the local level. She strongly supported Barack Obama in 2008, and 2012. She supported the Occupy Wall Street movement from the beginning, and can't stand the Tea Party, Fox News, et al... because they are too conservative and destroying the country.
On the other hand is Donna Holt. She was Tea Party before Tea Party existed. She lead the Campaign 4 Liberty movement in VA from the beginning as she has worked tirelessly to promote help Ron Paul win the nomination in both the 2008 and 2012 election cycles. She was under 1% away from unseating someone endorsed by practically every Republican leader in the state in the race for Republican National Committeewoman this summer. While I don't know this, I wouldn't be surprised if Fox News is too liberal for her.
While both these are tireless political activists as a result of their deep love for their country, they are seemingly on opposite ends of the political spectrum. Last month they both shared an article entitled 10 Bankers Thrown Behind Bars. Pat Hall commented, "let's keep this up but I don't see any of the biggies yet." Similarly Donna Holt commented, "Too little, too late if you ask me."
While there will always be disagreement in a political world, seeing this made me wonder what other issues could the left and right find common ground on. Only by working together can anything be accomplished. I bet there are a number of issues where 60+% of the nation agree. What issues can be found where people from both sides can work together? What solutions to problems can we put forth that a broad spectrum of people would agree with? We will always have differences, but when we can focus politically on what we agree about instead, we will be able to accomplish things and reduce the bitter partisanship that is destroying the present political climate.
Before the election I saw something very humorous on facebook. Two people from very different backgrounds liked the same article about a political issue, and both had almost identical sentiments about the article. The first is my good friend Pat Hall. She has worked tirelessly for many liberal candidates on the local level. She strongly supported Barack Obama in 2008, and 2012. She supported the Occupy Wall Street movement from the beginning, and can't stand the Tea Party, Fox News, et al... because they are too conservative and destroying the country.
On the other hand is Donna Holt. She was Tea Party before Tea Party existed. She lead the Campaign 4 Liberty movement in VA from the beginning as she has worked tirelessly to promote help Ron Paul win the nomination in both the 2008 and 2012 election cycles. She was under 1% away from unseating someone endorsed by practically every Republican leader in the state in the race for Republican National Committeewoman this summer. While I don't know this, I wouldn't be surprised if Fox News is too liberal for her.
While both these are tireless political activists as a result of their deep love for their country, they are seemingly on opposite ends of the political spectrum. Last month they both shared an article entitled 10 Bankers Thrown Behind Bars. Pat Hall commented, "let's keep this up but I don't see any of the biggies yet." Similarly Donna Holt commented, "Too little, too late if you ask me."
While there will always be disagreement in a political world, seeing this made me wonder what other issues could the left and right find common ground on. Only by working together can anything be accomplished. I bet there are a number of issues where 60+% of the nation agree. What issues can be found where people from both sides can work together? What solutions to problems can we put forth that a broad spectrum of people would agree with? We will always have differences, but when we can focus politically on what we agree about instead, we will be able to accomplish things and reduce the bitter partisanship that is destroying the present political climate.