Log Cabin Chronicles
CANAL BOAT JOURNEY: IN BEAUTIFUL LYON Posted 07.14.15 FRANK
BERNHEISEL The region around Lyon is predominantly agricultural with tourism working up to second place. Cows are much in evidence and are used both for meat and milk, which is made into a number of well-known cheeses: Bleu d'Auvergne, Cantal, Fourme d'Ambert and Saint-Nectaire. Cheese and wine are all that is needed to make Lyon's reputation as a culinary capital.
More National Parks funding needed Posted 07.13.16 FRANK
BERNHEISEL The inefficiency involved in having one federal agency apply to another for partial funding for a project that both the executive and legislative branches have long recognized as necessary, is appalling. Further, the grant will not complete this necessary job; estimated to cost $250 million. This situation will lead to further inefficiencies because of the effort required by the project team in the National Park Service to piece together the rest of the required funding.
CANAL BOAT JOURNEY: LYON DAYS Posted 06.21.15 FRANK
BERNHEISEL After breakfast we went by coach north to the Beaujolais region, which produces one of France's most famous wines. The vineyards stretch for ten miles along the Saône River and up the rolling hills. Wine was first produced here by the Romans; and then through the Middle Ages, winemaking was done by the Benedictine monks. Our goal was the Chateau Ravatys (see below) for a tour of the vineyard and the cellar followed by a wine tasting.
CANAL BOAT JOURNEY: PARIS DAYS Posted 06.06.15 FRANK
BERNHEISEL Wine in hand, we all chose typical fare for petite déjeuner -- Croque Monsieur, soupe à l'oignon, and Quiche Lorraine -- while seated in the enclosed sidewalk café enjoying the passing scene. The bright yellow Lamborghini playing Grand Prix on the Avenue de Suffren was a hit.
Being part of The Process Posted 04.26.16 FRANK
BERNHEISEL After a search on the Senate website, I found no phone number for the Majority Leader of the Senate. So, I tried to call Senator Mitch McConnell at his office in the Russell Senate Office Building; his number is 202-224-2541. I got a robo-answer saying that his office was experiencing a large number of calls and please send an e-mail.
Who really gets punished in the IRS game? Posted 04.12.16 FRANK
BERNHEISEL Fortunately, I did not have a question for the IRS because last year only 37 percent of those that called the IRS got through. If I had called and gotten through, my wait would have averaged 23 minutes. Snail mail is worse; the IRS backlog for letters waiting to be answered is currently over 900,000.
How many U.S. Supremes should America have? Posted 03.13.16 FRANK
BERNHEISEL Additionally, Judge Posner points out, -- contrary to what Justice Roberts said -- that the justices bring their attitudes and suppositions, which they have derived from their upbringing, training, personal and career experience, religion and national origin.
In Washington, a debate of sorts Posted 03.05.16 FRANK
BERNHEISEL Recently, I went to Capitol Hill to watch a debate entitled The Executive Branch VS. Congressional Prerogatives in National Security Decisions. This was sponsored by the American Foreign Policy Council (AFPC). I had been invited by my friend Liz who is affiliated with AFPC.
Safe drinking water, toxic lead levels, and slashing safety spending Posted 02.13.16 FRANK
BERNHEISEL The anti-regulation industry and the "government is the problem" folks have been attacking EPA for years. Adjusted for inflation, the $100 million annual budget of the EPA's drinking water office has fallen 15 percent since 2006, resulting in a more than 10 percent reduction of its staff.
Talking Dirty: U.S. Water And The EPA Posted 01.31.16 FRANK
BERNHEISEL So why didn't EPA solve this problem before so many people in Flint, Michigan, were exposed?
Tolerance resolution needed Posted 01.02.16 FRANK
BERNHEISEL The New Year's resolution is a tradition in our democracy. Given some of the events and words spoken in 2015, I think a resolution for 2016, based on Tolerance, might be appropriate.
AMERICAN DESERT DAYS PART 3 Posted 12.30.15 FRANK
BERNHEISEL We were headed to the Pipe Spring National Monument almost two hours away in Arizona. This small facility, 40 acres, is administered by the Park Service and has a long history, which includes the Paiutes Indians, Spanish explorers, and Mormon pioneers.
How do you rate America? Posted 12.20.15 FRANK
BERNHEISEL We Americans claim that we have the greatest democracy that the world has ever seen. We refer to the high principles enunciated in the Declaration of Independence and the Constitution. And we suggest that the rest of the world follow our lead.
AMERICAN DESERT DAYS PART 2 Posted 11.29.15 FRANK
BERNHEISEL Our itinerary said that this was "a dramatic flightseeing excursion" and it was. We flew over the Canyonlands National Park where the Colorado River doubles back on itself several times, as shown in the "Badlands." In a moment of geologic time the river will break through the low spot in the picture center and change course once more. We dodged the peaks of the Escalante and Henry Mountains, and had a great view of the Waterpocket Fold and other sandstone formations. Without oxygen our planes had a height limit of 10,000 feet and the mountains were over 11,000. The terrain was varied to say the least; changing every minute.
Refugee report from one German city Posted 11.21.15 FRANK
BERNHEISEL Freiburg has taken in 5000 refugees in the last year, which amounts to 2 percent of our local population. This even though Freiburg has a housing shortage that is the worst in Germany, based on percent of income devoted to housing costs. We are getting an additional 150 refugees per week. But it is working out.
A country of migrants Posted 11.19.15 FRANK
BERNHEISEL We are a country of migrants; everyone or their family came from somewhere else. Even the American Indians migrated, just earlier than the rest of us.
AMERICAN DESERT DAYS Posted 11.09.15 FRANK
BERNHEISEL The train from Chicago, the California Zephyr, was a half hour late arriving in Grand Junction, CO. We missed the sunset, but the sky was clear with plenty of daylight. We located Rob and his black Suburban in front of the train station; and he took us to the Red Cliffs Lodge in Moab, Utah.
Night train to Hog Butcher Posted 10.30.15 FRANK
BERNHEISEL Bernie, our faithful limo man, let us out right in front of Union Station to catch the 4:05 p.m. Capital Limited to Chicago. Cars and seats were assigned based on destination; this all took ten minutes, max. No TSA agents, no scanners, and no pat downs were endured
US Congressmen should live in Washington Posted 10.28.15 FRANK
BERNHEISEL It appears as if Paul Ryan is going to be Speaker of the House of Representatives. In his pronouncements about the speakership, I think that he exemplifies one of the things wrong with the Congress.
Raise the US gas tax Posted 10.22.15 FRANK
BERNHEISEL The cost to improve our America's highways by making all investments with a positive benefit-cost ratio would have been $161.7 billion in FY 2014. This cost will grow to $184.2 billion in five (5) years. So far, Congress has done nothing.
Take Back America: Can you Trump this? Posted 09.7.15 FRANK
BERNHEISEL In the U.S. we have many people enthusiastically supporting Donald Trump for president. The Donald claims that he will make America great again.
Illegals? Refugees? What's in a name? Posted 09.1.15 FRANK
BERNHEISEL In the United States we do not seem to have any "refugees" or "migrants". We have "illegal immigrants" or "illegals", and too many of them, according to The Donald and other presidential candidates.
Bomb Iran? Posted 08.15.15 FRANK
BERNHEISEL According to the Washington Institute, Iran's current lead time to develop a nuclear bomb, Breakout Time, is three months (1). And it could be less. Also, Iran has developed the Shahab-3 medium-range ballistic missile, which has a range of 1,200 miles, which is the distance from Tehran to Tel Aviv.
CANAL BOAT JOURNEY: THE FINAL DAY Posted 07.22.15 FRANK
BERNHEISEL The Viking Pride got underway as we were eating breakfast on Day 6 of our trip. For a change of pace, I had my first Eggs Benedict of the trip; they were delicious.
CANAL BOAT JOURNEY: AND ON TO NORMANDY Posted 07.13.15 FRANK
BERNHEISEL Day five of our trip was the highlight for many of our fellow passengers; it was a full day excursion to the D-Day beaches of Normandy.When many Americans think of Normandy, D-Day is what comes to mind.
Inequality Posted 06.17.15 FRANK
BERNHEISEL The federal government of the United States is projected to be a $3.9 trillion operation in fiscal year 2016. This makes the Executive Branch of federal government the largest organization in the world with almost three million civilian employees; uniformed military are not included. Not counted as employees are the 10.5 million contractor employees that, according to Rep. Stephen Lynch (D-MA.), work for the federal government.
CANAL BOAT JOURNEY: AND ON TO ROUEN Posted 06.04.15 FRANK
BERNHEISEL One of the first treats was passing through the locks at Notre Dame de la Garenne. These river boats are designed to just fit into the locks; there was about a foot clearance on each side. The dam linked to the locks had seven weirs to control river flow; these are gates between the towers in the photo. One fed a hydro generation station but there were no above-ground high tension lines visible.
CANAL BOAT JOURNEY: A RENDEZVOUS WTH MONET Posted 05.27.15 FRANK
BERNHEISEL The Monet paintings in the house were copies; the originals are in museums to keep them from being damaged. Monet's amazing collection of Japanese woodblock prints was still in the house and many had faded. We were told by our Paris guide, Thierry, to make sure we visited the kitchen of Monet's house; it was great.
From Paris in style and comfort, on a canal boat Posted 05.22.15 FRANK
BERNHEISEL On the internet it seems like everyone wants to sell Paris. We looked at hotels, tours, and packages. Then I received a special eight-day river cruse from Viking for a river cruise starting in Paris, right near the Tour d'Eiffel. Kathy and I signed up and left for Paris on May 2.
Working on the railroad Posted 05.16.15 FRANK
BERNHEISEL Kathy and I were scheduled to go to New York from Washington for my granddaughter's, graduation. We had tickets on Amtrak Northeast Regional run at 8:10 on Saturday morning. Tuesday evening the Northeast Regional went off the rails and crashed. Eight people were killed. The railroad is closed and we've made other arrangements.
Musings on the Middle East Posted 04.22.15 FRANK
BERNHEISEL The United States has been involved in the Middle East and North Africa for its entire history. Cast your mind back to high school history and you will remember the Barbary Pirates and the Barbary Coast Wars; one in 1801 and the other in 1815. These activities essentially led to the development of the U.S. Navy. (The Barbary Coast includes Algiers, Tripoli, and Tunisia.)
Equal Justice Under American Law? Posted 03.14.15 FRANK
BERNHEISEL US General Petraeus is a smart and capable guy. But General Petraeus screwed up. And it looks like he will receive a slap on the wrist.
Alan Turing, and early computing Posted 02.28.15 FRANK
BERNHEISEL In 1960 I graduated from George Washington University with a degree in Mathematical Statistics and went to work for the UNIVAC Division of Sperry Rand. I was immediately sent to classes to learn to program the company's scientific computers, Univac 1103 and Univac 1105. We learned binary machine language and assembly language to program these machines. We also learned the history of the programmable digital computers.
A US Government service, well run Posted 02.03.15 FRANK
BERNHEISEL Living here in Washington DC we hear from Congress and others that the federal government is staffed with quot;bureaucratsquot; who are perpetrators of quot;waste, fraud and abuse.quot;. We hear that we should be quot;Running government like a businessquot; from such leaders as John Kasich, Rick Scott, and Nikki Haley.
An Obama war on coal? Posted 01.13.15 FRANK
BERNHEISEL The coal-mining industry seems to be a tight little club where mines and staff are rotated around to confuse the opposition. Also, while mines get citations and fined, they just keep on operating. Recent data from MSHA indicates that the nine most delinquent mines owe fines of more than $1 million each and mines that don't pay their penalties have injury rates 50 percent higher than those that do.
What to do about [dirty] coal Posted 12.24.14 FRANK
BERNHEISEL "There's a War on Coal " was a rallying cry from Mich McConnell in his bid for re-election. However, there should be a war on coal because coal is dirty. Unfortunately, people in the industry will be out of a job if the coal mines and fired power plants are shut down.
U.S. Priority Number One: Pass A Budget Posted 12.09.14 FRANK
BERNHEISEL In 1974 Congress passed The Congressional Budget and Impoundment Control Act, which established the federal government's fiscal year as the 12-month period beginning on October 1 and ending on 30 September of the next year. We are now over two months into fiscal year 2015 and there is no Budget. Congress has not passed the Budget before October first since before 2000.
Picking losers, and winners Posted 11.28.14 FRANK
BERNHEISEL In 2011 Solyndra, the solar panel manufacturer, went bankrupt. Normally this would not be big news, however Solyndra had received a loan guarantee from the U.S. Department of Energy (DOE) for a $535 million loan and DOE would lose money. Needless to say, the anti-government types went ape.
ON TO DRESDEN Posted 11.11.14 FRANK
BERNHEISEL The Journey Continues: The Fontane had docked at night. In the morning we could see that we were right on the edge of the old city of Dresden, within easy walking distance to many attractions. After breakfast we did a coach and walking tour of the city with a local guide. Almost all the damage to the central city from the WWII bombing by the British and Americans had been rebuilt
FROM
MAGDEBURG TO DRESDEN Posted 10.28.14 FRANK
BERNHEISEL The Journey Continues: On Sunday morning, the full
touring group of 112 travelers set out in three coaches; we were informed that coaches are different from buses because they
have a bathroom. The group came from America, Australia, England, and Scotland. We left the Hilton Berlin headed for the
Viking ship, Fontane, in Magdeburg, which is almost 100 miles from Berlin.On the way to Magdeburg we stopped in
Potsdam and toured the Schloss Sanssouci -- our first of many palaces -- which was built by Frederick the Great in about
1750.
Back to Berlin, and beyond Posted 10.10.14 FRANK BERNHEISEL I was last in Berlin in December 1950 as an American military dependent high school senior from Wiesbaden to play football. It was one of those grey north German days with snow showers and a little over a year after the end of the Berlin Airlift. This past September I came as a tourist on a glorious fall day with blue sky and bright sunshine. Frank Bernheisel's column archives: Click Here
Where does the money go? Posted 09.15.14 FRANK BERNHEISEL According to the U.S. Census, the median family income in 2012 was $51,371. Frank Bernheisel's column archives: Click Here
Dear President Obama Posted 09.02.14 FRANK BERNHEISEL My, how things have changed since 2009. You came to the presidency with broad support as a president of peace, determined to get our military out of Iraq, to finish the war in Afghanistan, and resolve the country's domestic problems (there were several). Fast forward -- many on the home front are unhappy with you, or worse. Abroad, the situation is dire, which is why I write. Frank Bernheisel's column archives: Click Here
Watching China Watch Posted 08.29.14 FRANK BERNHEISEL Today's China Watch above-the-fold front-page story is about the 'Comfort Women' that were captured and forced to provide sex to the Japanese army during World War II. Estimates of the number of Comfort Women ranges between 100,000 and 400,000 and included women from Korea, China, the Philippines, the Dutch East Indies, and elsewhere. Frank Bernheisel's column archives: Click Here
Reform taxes now Posted 08.01.14 FRANK BERNHEISEL Until 2007, the US economy grew pretty well each year with growth staying above four percent per year or so. The chart below shows clearly the impact of the Great Recession. As we have heard from our leaders and our wonderful media the growth since coming out of the Great Recession has not been that great -- the preliminary data for 2014 shows zero (0) growth. The House of Representatives needs pass a bill to change the tax system to stimulate growth.
Frank Bernheisel's column archives: Click Here
That religion test Posted 07.18.14 FRANK BERNHEISEL Recently, five justices of the Supreme Court held that for-profit corporations have a right to religious freedom that trumps individual religious freedom. Further, the Court held that the Greece, NY Town Council can begin its governmental sessions with sectarian Christian prayers overriding the religious freedom of the assembled citizens. Frank Bernheisel's column archives: Click Here
Conscience, Choices, and the US Constitution Posted 07.05.14 FRANK BERNHEISEL The Supreme Court in Burwell v. Hobby Lobby Stores, Inc. threw out a lot of smoke. It elaborated on its opinion that corporations are persons so that now corporations have religious beliefs. Worse than that, corporations have religious rights. Also, that the religious beliefs and rights of corporations take precedence over the rights of employees. Frank Bernheisel's column archives: Click Here
Carbon taxes, and why Posted 06.11.14 FRANK BERNHEISEL This [carbon] pollution is a negative externality -- that is, it is a cost imposed on the whole of society and not just the individual who consumes a certain product. For example, if you drive a car, the pollution generated in building and driving the car affects everyone, drivers and non-drivers alike. Frank Bernheisel's column
archives: Click Here
A brief note on Memorial Day Posted 05.27.14 FRANK BERNHEISEL Memorial Day in the US was created to honor the Civil War dead. Frank Bernheisel's column
archives: Click Here
See anyone you know? Posted 05.05.14 FRANK BERNHEISEL The U.S. Department of Education has released a list of fifty-five colleges and universities that are under Title IX investigation. The fifty-five higher education institutions are currently under review by the department's Office for Civil Rights for allegedly mishandling sexual assault and harassment on campus in violation of the gender equity law Title IX. Frank Bernheisel's column
archives: Click Here
Guaranteed annual income and universal draft, for all Posted 04.10.14 FRANK BERNHEISEL In Switzerland, a group called Generation Basic Income has gathered more than the 100,000 signatures necessary to put a ballot initiative before the country's voters. If passed, the initiative would amend Switzerland's constitution to guarantee every citizen a yearly unconditional income. Frank Bernheisel's column
archives: Click Here
Remember the old coat hanger days Posted 04.01.14 FRANK BERNHEISEL According to the Supreme Court, abortions are legal in the United States and they should be available, safe, and infrequent. Both Justice Kennedy and I are old enough to remember when the only option was a coat hanger. Frank Bernheisel's column
archives: Click Here
A small price to pay for fairness Posted 03.23.14 FRANK BERNHEISEL I just bought a new Dodge Caravan to replace the 1997 Caravan with 160,000 miles. The new one cost $22,000 including taxes, etc. The new Caravan was assembled in Windsor, Ontario, Canada. I purchased the Caravan though a dealer and talk about a big waste of time -- but I digress. Frank Bernheisel's column
archives: Click Here
Bad Drugs Equals Health Problems Posted 02.24.14 FRANK BERNHEISEL Recently, I was reading the labels on the containers of the pills and other medicines that I take and have taken. Most of the vitamins, medicines (those with 'real' labels and not just the pharmacy label) say "distributed by" but not where they are made. The aspirin says "Made in Canada," and some of the supplements are labeled "Made in USA." None of the pharmaceuticals have origin labels. Is this a problem? Frank Bernheisel's column
archives: Click Here
Flooding oceans deep and stormy. And expensive. Posted 02.07.14 FRANK BERNHEISEL The waters are definitely rising -- in the 20th century the sea level rose about 20 centimeters or eight inches. Scientists say that this rise is a major factor in the damage done by storms like Katrina, Irene, Isaac, and Sandy. Frank Bernheisel's column
archives: Click Here
End NFL tax-exempt status Posted 01.27.14 FRANK BERNHEISEL Tax earmarks are essentially tax increases for everyone who doesn't receive the benefitÉin this case, working Americans are paying artificially high rates in order to subsidize special breaks for sports leagues. This is hardly fair. Frank Bernheisel's column
archives: Click Here
Don't support Iran Sanctions Posted 01.27.14 FRANK BERNHEISEL If Iran develops nuclear weapons, its neighbors will feel that they need them also. These would include Turkey, Saudi Arabia, and Egypt. This proliferation would increase the likelihood of nuclear material and eventually weapons falling into the hands of terrorists. The negotiated resolution has the potential for a solution and deserves support. Frank Bernheisel's column
archives: Click Here
The Social Security Entitlements Posted 12.08.13 FRANK BERNHEISEL Social Security is an entitlement. There is a contract between us and the federal government that as soon as we start to work (for most jobs) our employer will take part of our wages and put it in a federal trust for us. This is combined with the health care insurance premium into the Federal Insurance Contribution Act (FICA) tax. Frank Bernheisel's column
archives: Click Here
US Tax give-aways Posted 11.23.13 FRANK BERNHEISEL In 2011, according to the U.S. Census Bureau, families in the upper 10 percent were making more than $140,000 per year. That includes all the members of both the Senate and the House of Representatives. Frank Bernheisel's column
archives: Click Here
That Twitter bump Posted 11.12.13 FRANK BERNHEISEL Twitter recenty had its initial public offering (IPO) of stock yesterday. It's stock was offered at $26 per share and jumped to $44.90 per share in what is called the bump. The folks on Wall Street cheered -- a huge success. Frank Bernheisel's column
archives: Click Here
Letter to my two US senators from Virginia Posted 11.05.13 FRANK BERNHEISEL These states made these choices for their own economic and political reasons. This underscores the fact that shutdowns of the federal government are both costly and damage the social fabric. Frank Bernheisel's column
archives: Click Here
Obamacare website Posted 10.28.13 FRANK BERNHEISEL The Republicans want an investigation into why Obamacare cannot be rolled out on time and they want to find out who is responsible. Are they proposing to give those they identify a House of Representatives medal? Frank Bernheisel's column
archives: Click Here
Sen. Mike Lee on Obamacare Posted 10.11.13 FRANK BERNHEISEL He [Sen. Mike Lee} neglected to point out that THE PEOPLE reelected President Obama by a five million vote margin over Mitt Romney when the issue was the Affordable Care Act. Frank Bernheisel's column
archives: Click Here
Dear Speaker Boehner Posted 09.21.13 FRANK BERNHEISEL As the Speaker of the House, you may be wondering why I have taken the time to spell out what should be self-evident. The reason is -- the House of Representatives is not performing its functions. Some specifics: Frank Bernheisel's column
archives: Click Here
I may have seen Russia from afar Posted 09.08.13 FRANK BERNHEISEL It was Saturday morning and we were riding in a very nice dome car with a bar on the Alaskan Railroad going from Anchorage to Denali. I was enjoying the scenery along the Cook Inlet through the lens of an early morning Bloody Mary, when the train screeched to an unexpected stop in Wasilla. Frank Bernheisel's column
archives: Click Here
Right to privacy? I don't think so. Posted 08.05.13 FRANK BERNHEISEL The U.S. Supreme Court based its [Roe vs. Wade] decision, on a right to privacy in turn based on the 14th Amendment to the Constitution. However, a whole bunch of folks on the right side of the political spectrum do not agree with this decision and are working hard to overturn it. Also, a whole bunch of folks in the South (there is some overlap here) do not agree with the 14th Amendment. Frank Bernheisel's column
archives: Click Here
This is Koched up Posted 07.24.13 FRANK BERNHEISEL The Great Recession has caused some to lose their jobs and others to lose their homes. Not so the billionaire Koch brothers who constantly complain about the government's unfair burdens on the wealthy. Frank Bernheisel's column
archives: Click Here
Edward Snowden: Patriot or Traitor Posted 06.24.13 FRANK BERNHEISEL At age 29, I worked for Booz Allen as a computer expert on classified projects and had a top secret and a Q clearance. We, at Booz, were smart and arrogant; we could solve any problem. I see a different arrogance in Snowden -- a moral arrogance. His judgment overrides all others, and he will do what he wants no matter what the consequences. In fact, he said that he was willing to face the consequences of his actions. It appears to me that he planned something like this for a while and maneuvered his way in the system to accomplish it. Frank Bernheisel's column
archives: Click Here
Gun control -- let's see some action Posted 06.19.13 FRANK BERNHEISEL This week, seven killed and 26 wounded in Chicago. Recently, four killed in St. Louis, five in Santa Monica. And on and on...If Congress wonÕt do anything, we should give up, right? Frank Bernheisel's column
archives: Click Here
Your trash: What happens to it? Posted 06.09.13 FRANK BERNHEISEL Today, most cities and counties in the US and Canada have recycling programs. In 2010, Americans generated about 250 M tons of trash of which 29 M tons were burned for energy. About 65 M tons were recycled and used to manufacturer new products. Of the remainder, about 20 M tons, mostly yard waste, was composted and the remaining 55 percent disposed in landfills. Frank Bernheisel's column
archives: Click Here
Tax-free in America Posted 05.30.13 FRANK BERNHEISEL We are going to hear a lot about the big scandal at the American IRS -- who knew what and when and yada, yada, yada. The Congress of the United States seems to think it is more fun to hold circus hearings that doing their jobs. Frank Bernheisel's column
archives: Click Here
Oh, those Oklahoma senators Posted 05.23.13 FRANK BERNHEISEL The people of Oklahoma are known for being very conservative and adverse to big government and government spending. Nonetheless, in 2010 the federal government spent $38.5 billion in Oklahoma or $10,256 for each resident in the state (U.S. Census Bureau). Frank Bernheisel's column
archives: Click Here
Garbage Use: A No-brainer Posted 05.13.13 FRANK BERNHEISEL The U.S. generates 250 million tons of municipal solid waste (MSW) per year (EPA, 2010). This trash from residential and commercial waste generator and includes 35 million tons of yard waste and 34 million tons of food waste. It does not include industrial waste or construction and demolition waste. Frank Bernheisel's column
archives: Click Here
US gun control, or lack of, and the ATF Bureau Posted 04.26.13 FRANK BERNHEISEL The Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, and Firearms (ATF) is part of the Department of Justice (DOJ) and the federal law enforcement organization responsible for the investigation and prevention of federal offenses involving the use, manufacture, and possession of firearms and explosives. They also are responsible for illegal trafficking of alcohol and tobacco products. The ATF also regulates via licensing the sale, possession, and transportation of firearms, ammunition, and explosives in interstate commerce. Frank Bernheisel's column
archives: Click Here
Big Pharma, Big Profits Posted 04.22.13 FRANK BERNHEISEL I was taking Lipitor and my doctor thought the change in the cholesterol numbers was good. This is the new medicine -- we do a test and look at the numbers, prescribe a pill and retest. Eureka, the numbers change. Frank Bernheisel's column
archives: Click Here
How about those so-called Obama phones? Posted 04.12.13 FRANK BERNHEISEL I know that those who believe Fox News and some of the polemics zipping around the Internet will be in disbelief. After all, the source is that liberal rag, The Washington Post
A couple of key points, which may whet your appetite... Frank Bernheisel's column
archives: Click Here
Gay Marriage: The game is on Posted 03.26.13 FRANK BERNHEISEL We never got separation of church and state, right. The First Amendment says: "Congress shall make no law respecting an establishment of religion, or prohibiting the free exercise thereof." That was not clear to some and so Jefferson clarified it, when he described the First Amendment as erecting a "wall of separation between church and state." But we did not follow through and some of us have insisted in dragging religion into public institutions ever since.
The US Deficit Posted 03.18.13 FRANK BERNHEISEL Notice the Deficit has declined from the peak in 2009 and is projected to decline in the future. Could this be because of the Stimulus and the Tax Increase for the wealthy?
About those US Lawmakers' Workloads Posted 02.22.13 FRANK BERNHEISEL The salary of a Member of the US House of Representatives starts at $174,000 and goes up based upon seniority and assignments. Oh, and it is adjusted for cost of living annually. This works out to $$14,500 per month.
License all guns, and tax ammo, too Posted 01.18.13 FRANK BERNHEISEL In my opinion,
there is no justification for normal citizens owning military type weapons, specifically assault rifles like the AR 15 with
removable and large capacity magazines -- particularly when fully automatic conversion kits are available for sale from
magazines or the Internet.
Tax
guns, tax ammo Posted 12.22.12 FRANK
BERNHEISEL I propose one addition to LaPierre's proposal. Guns
and ammunition should be taxed at the federal level to pay for these armed police and their support.
GOP Platform No. 2 Posted
12.18.12 FRANK BERNHEISEL The record on immigration law is
not pretty. The Chinese Exclusion Act was passed in 1882, and with revisions allowed the U.S. to suspend Chinese immigration,
a ban that was intended to last 10 years. It was repealed in 1943. So much for honoring the contribution of those that built
the railroads. The point is that enforcing bad laws is bad policy; and 'illegal' can just be a contrivance to play to
someone's biases.
GOP Platform No. 1 Posted
11.24.12 FRANK BERNHEISEL The pundits, even those on Fox
News, are saying the Republicans must recognize reality and change. Maybe. The pundits say the Rs need to do better with
women. Romney received only 44 percent of the women's vote and there are more women voters than men. The reason may have
something to do with the Rs policies about women.
ITALY:
The Grand Tour Part Three Posted
11.14.12 FRANK BERNHEISEL The Adventure Concludes | Our
second night in the Lake area was dark and stormy night, and it rained the next morning for the boat ride to the ) palace on
Isola Bella Charles III of Spain built in the 17th century. The palace was amazing and proves the nothing exceeds like
excess.
Italy:
The Grand Tour Part Two Posted
11.10.12 FRANK BERNHEISEL The Adventure Continues | Again,
up early and bussed down the hill to the dock at St. Agnello to catch the ferry to Capri. The bus was left behind so we
toured Isola de Capri by small boat and walked around the town of Capri. The town is up on the big rock reached by the
funicular -- a balanced two-car cable system; as one goes up, the other goes down.
Italy:
The Grand Tour No. One Posted
11.09.12 FRANK BERNHEISEL The Adventure Begins | We flew
from Washington to Rome, with a brief stopover at London/Heathrow to change airplanes. Our Grand Tour was executed by
Trafalgar and offered fourteen optional excursions -- at extra cost, of course. We opted for all.
John
Sununu disses Colin Powell Posted
10.29.12 FRANK BERNHEISEL GOPer John Sununu, well known for
talking when he should be listening, has said that Colin Powell expressed his support for President Obama because he is
black. We should not be surprised.
Tax cuts and class warfare Posted 07.14.12 FRANK BERNHEISEL The
Republicans, both in public office and wannabes, are calling for the tax cuts from the Bush administration to be made
permanent. (They are due to expire on December 31, 2012.) President Obama has proposed that the tax cuts be renewed for
incomes of $250,000 or less, which the Republicans are calling class warfare.
US student loan rates Posted
06.27.12 FRANK BERNHEISEL On July 1, the US student loan
program interest rates are scheduled to double from 3.4 percent to 6.8 percent. Why?
Masters
of the Universe Posted 06.09.12 FRANK
BERNHEISEL Recently on the financial news -- and also for at
least the last year -- I heard that the Masters of the Universe have been sitting on two trillion dollars,
$2,000,000,000,000, because of uncertainty.
Hi ho,
hi ho, it's off to work we go Posted
04.30.12 FRANK BERNHEISEL This could be applied to the men
and women in the U.S. House of Representatives. How else to explain Congress' decision to give itself a seven-day recess in
honor of Presidents Day. Or a two-week break for Easter and Passover, which was followed two weeks later by a second two-week
break.
ALEC: The
corporate go-to "guy" Posted
03.28.12 FRANK BERNHEISEL One of the contributing factor to
the death of Trayvon Martin was the Florida "Stand Your Ground" law. One might think that the law was just the
brainchild on a rightwing nut case legislator. One would be wrong; the law is the product of the American Legislative
Exchange Council (ALEC).
Santorum? Bring him on! Posted
03.22.12 FRANK BERNHEISEL I for one am really happy the Rick
Santorum is in the Republican primary races and collecting enough wins to stay in longer. In fact, I would like to see him
win the Republican nomination.
Current US transportation bill a waste Posted 03.14.12 FRANK BERNHEISEL I think that
funding the US transportation bill for only two years is a gigantic waste of time, effort, and money. Also, the amount of
money being discussed in inadequate.
Virginia Attorney General abuses his power Posted 03.05.12 FRANK BERNHEISEL I view your
demand of the University of Virginia as an abuse of the power of the office of the Attorney General. This was done not in any
pursuit of the public interest but because you personally believe that the conclusions of the Intergovernmental Panel on
Climate Change report are, to quote you, "unreliable, unverifiable and doctored."
Churches should comply or lose tax exemptions Posted 02.06.12 FRANK BERNHEISEL b>In the
US there are approximately 5000 hospitals of which 629 or 13 percent are Catholic. When the metric is beds or admissions, the
percentages are over 15 percent. These institutions employ over 640,000 people.
Free tax ride for charitable institutions? Posted 01.31.12 FRANK BERNHEISEL I was listening
to C-SPAN radio while shaving the other morning and the discussion was about Mitt Romney's tax return, the President's
speech, and the deficit. A man named Charles called in and pointed out that Mitt had deducted $7 million for charitable
contributions for 2010 and 2011. Of this, $3.1 million went to the Mormon Church. Charles made the statement that allowing
this tax deduction for Romney made him (Charles) pay more taxes and effectively forced him to support the Mormon
Church.
Build the pipeline, but... Posted 01.21.12 FRANK BERNHEISEL Now Exxon
Mobil, which owns the pipeline, says that they are going to bury the pipeline deeper where it crosses the river so it won't
rupture again. So why wasn't it buried deeply in the first place?
Economic Growth? Posted
01.11.12 FRANK BERNHEISEL Could this be the light at the end
of the tunnel?
Tipped Off Posted
01.01.12 FRANK BERNHEISEL On December 20, the Wall Street
Journal ran the following article, "Inside Capitol, Investor Access Yields Rich Tips". From my point of view,
the following paragraphs from the article are indicative of how corrupt the links between members of Congress and the
financial community are.
Your
lobbyists at work Posted 12.16.11 FRANK
BERNHEISEL This year, 12,792 professionals lobbied for
influence in the American capital, according to First Street Research Group in an analysis that tracks lobbyists. There are,
by law, 435 voting members of the House of Representatives and 100 Senators. That computes to 24 lobbyists for every elected
representative of the people.
For
two cents each, that's why Posted
11.22.11 FRANK BERNHEISEL This ship is the Emma
Maersk, built in Denmark in 2006. She and her seven sister ships are the longest container ships constructed and the
longest ships in service. She is 1,302 feet long and has one of the largest internal combustion engines built. developing
109,000 HP.
About the
fetus/person issue Posted 11.12.11 FRANK
BERNHEISEL The people of Mississippi -- those who voted --
rejected the ballot measure that would define a legal person as existing from the moment of conception.
Two cheers for bipartisanship Posted 10.23.11 FRANK BERNHEISEL So the Obama
Administration is blameless, right? No! The Obama Administration failed to do the due diligence that any venture capitalist
needs to do before investing in a project.
US War on
Drugs a failure Posted 09.26.11 FRANK
BERNHEISEL Let's be clear, the 'War on DrugsÕ -- started in
1971 by President Nixon -- has failed. ItÕs time for a new approach.
Is General
Electric a US corporation? Posted
08.02.11 FRANK BERNHEISEL Is GE an American company? Does it
benefit from being incorporated in Schenectady, New York, and having its headquarters in Fairfield, Connecticut?
MEET US REP. ERIC CANTOR OR, THE BEST GOVERNMENT MONEY CAN BUY Posted 07.22.11 FRANK BERNHEISEL Cantor owns up to $15,000 in the fund, which is called the ProShares Trust Ultrashort 20 Plus Year
Treasury ETF. Cantor, who leads the House GOP's debt ceiling negotiations, would see his ETF rise dramatically in value if
Republicans allow the country to default on its debt. And as Salon notes, Cantor recently broke off negotiations over raising
the debt ceiling.
Who do
US Congressmen serve? Posted 07.14.11 FRANK
BERNHEISEL As the old saying goes: a man cannot serve two
masters.
On killing Medicare in the US Posted 07.03.11 FRANK BERNHEISEL Dominating the US
air waves, we have Paul Ryan who says that the way to save money and eliminate the federal government debt is to kill
Medicare and turn us work over to private insurance companies. ItÕs a joke, right?
Farm Subsidies Posted
06.24.11 FRANK BERNHEISEL Recently, the US House of
Representatives passed the agriculture appropriations bill. This bill includes a bunch of subsidies for farmers and
agribusiness. These subsidies, partially listed below (thanks to the Cato Institute for those) add up to between $14 and $23
billion every year. These are in addition to the $6 billion a year ethanol subsidy, which has pushed the price of corn to
over $7 per bushel, increasing the cost of food.
Moodys: Conflict of Interest Posted 06.09.11 FRANK BERNHEISEL Moody's and the
other rating "agencies" get paid by the people, like Goldman Sachs, who issued the bonds. Could there be a conflict
here?
American Farce Posted
06.02.11 FRANK BERNHEISEL What is wrong with a little farce?
Everyone gets to laugh, right? Wrong!
Arab Democracy Posted
05.19.11 FRANK BERNHEISEL There are no Arab democracies.
Every Arab state is run by a monarch or a dictator and dissent is forcefully suppressed. Lebanon is no exception.
Fort Sumter Re-fired Posted
04.18.11 FRANK BERNHEISEL The plan is bold! It is serious!
It took courage! It re-frames the debate! The ball is in Obama's court! Very wonky! It is a game-changer! Did I mention it is
serious? The math demands it! We need to have shared sacrifice! This puts us on the right course! It's serious and
bold!
Fort Sumter Re-fired Posted
04.13.11 FRANK BERNHEISEL On April 12, 1861, 150 years ago,
the men of honor standing on their principles, fired the shots and started the bloodiest war in American history. These were
the gentlemen of South Carolina who seemed to have a penchant for secession. They had gone in that direction in 1832 during
the nullification crisis but were out maneuvered by Andrew Jackson.
All
the nutcases come out to run for President Posted 03.30.11 FRANK BERNHEISEL The US is a free
country and as we come up to the presidential election -- it is only 19 months away -- we are proving it, every day. We do
this by encouraging every nutcase in America to run for president.
Fill
'er up! Posted 03.04.11 FRANK
BERNHEISEL Earlier this week I filled up my car with gas:
fourteen gallons at $3.359 for a total of $47.03. The price of oil in New York on March 2 was $101 per barrel. In 2008, which
was a recession year, Exxon Mobile and Shell made profits of $45 billion and $26 billion respectively. And, as far as I can
tell, Exxon paid no federal tax in 2009.
Geothermal Energy Usage Report Posted 01.15.11 FRANK BERNHEISEL We have had a
geothermal heating and cooling system working in our home here in northern Virgina since August, 2009 and we saw a drop in
total annual energy use of thirty-one percent in 2010 over 2009.
Let
Bush's tax cuts lapse Posted 11.10.10 FRANK
BERNHEISEL The tax cuts apply only to those people with income
and, for the most part, income well above the national average. Extending the tax cuts will do nothing for the millions of
Americans who are trying to find employment or are faced with imminent unemployment.
On Medicare Spending Posted
010.25.10 FRANK BERNHEISEL The huge budget deficits that the
[US] faces in coming decades are, above all, because of Medicare. The program will have to cover growing numbers of baby
boomers while health costs are likely to keep going up.
Yes, the rich are getting richer Posted 09.10.10 FRANK BERNHEISEL "...Income
inequality is actually declining in Latin America even as it continues to increase in the United States. Economically
speaking, the richest nation on earth is starting to resemble a banana republic."
Remembering what we Americans just celebrated ~ July 4, 1776 Posted 07.06.10 FRANK BERNHEISEL The introduction above is followed by a list of 18 grievances against George III. One of which was that
George III would not allow immigration reform. The more things change...
Pass a carbon tax Posted
06.24.10 FRANK BERNHEISEL The carbon tax should take effect
immediately and initially produce a 50 cent per gallon increase in the price of gasoline and diesel fuel. Then the carbon tax
should ramp up over ten years to result in $7 a gallon gasoline in today's dollars.
Judging
the judges Posted 06.07.10 FRANK
BERNHEISEL There are 33 states in the U.S. that elect state
judges. Youse got a problem wit dat? Yes, a few. For one thing, the opportunity for corruption is high.
FUN
STUFF IN WASHINGTON Posted 05.31.10 FRANK
BERNHEISEL Of course the big news is in the Gulf of Mexico and
Afghanistan but we should not let the fun little stories pass us by.
Bad
Viginia Litigation Posted 03.30.10 FRANK
BERNHEISEL I would like to register my outrage at the law suit
that the Commonwealth of Virginia has initiated...
Health care e-mails to my senators Posted 03.11.10 FRANK BERNHEISEL It has been sixty
years since Harry Truman tried to get universal health care passed in the United States. That is long enough and the issues
are clear; letÕs get a significant improvement in health care done, now.
The Republican health care bill Posted 02.10.10 FRANK BERNHEISEL As I mope around
the house nursing my cold (eye, nose, and throat infections -- hooray for modern antibiotics and walk-in clinics, even though
you pay out of pocket and out of program) I am musing on health care. Yes, America has really good and maybe the best health
care, if you can afford it.
Americans, don't be distracted Posted 01.25.10 FRANK BERNHEISEL The people of
Massachusetts elected Scott Brown to fill the vacant seat in the U.S. Senate and you would think that there had been a
cataclysm and that everything that had been done in the last full year -- where health care was debated, discussed and
dissected -- was negated and the President Obama was dead meat. Frank Bernheisel writes from the Washington DC
region.
Pass the US health care reform bill Posted 12.20.09 FRANK BERNHEISEL Why is the US
health care bill 2000 pages long? Because that is the way we do legislation in the U. S. of A. Specifically, Congress does
not choose to enact legislation that lays down principles, guidelines, and criteria. They try to spell things out in detail
to make sure that those faceless bureaucrats in Washington to not run amuck and do something rational. Frank Bernheisel
writes from the Washington DC region.
US
health care already rationed Posted
08.26.09 FRANK BERNHEISEL In the U.S. of A., we have a long
history of rationing health care. The reason triage came into the English language in 1918 is because the casualties
of WWI were so high they swamped the medical facilities. It is the same in every war and disaster. It also occurs in local
emergency rooms, especially on Friday and Saturday nights. Frank Bernheisel writes from the Washington DC
region.
Health care? Do something! Posted
07.24.09 FRANK BERNHEISEL Coming to work, GOP Rep. Eric
Cantor of Virginia was on CSPAN radio talking about health care and how President Obama did not say much yesterday in his
press conference on health care. He went on about how Americans will not give up their sacred right to choose their own
doctor, etc. Frank Bernheisel writes from the Washington DC region.
Our
home geothermal heating-cooling project Posted
07.12.09 FRANK BERNHEISEL Kathy and I are having our house
converted to geothermal heating and cooling. The way this works is that a heat transfer fluid, similar to the
antifreeze/water fluid in a car, is pumped down the wells and either picks up heat or deposits heat -- depending on whether
it is heating or cooling. Frank Bernheisel writes from the Washington DC region.
The
vision not yet fulfilled Posted
07.12.09 FRANK BERNHEISEL Despite the fact that this is a
terrific country to live in and the land of opportunity, it is not yet the land of equalopportunity.ŹA child born to
family in Mississippi has twice the chance of dying before reaching one year, as one born in Minnesota. If life is one of
those unalienable Rights, for which our government was instituted to secure, why the gap between our statement of our vision
and our performance? Frank Bernheisel writes from the Washington DC region.
Mister President, bring on the Carbon Tax Posted 07.12.09 FRANK BERNHEISEL We need to have a
new energy policy in the United States. The cap and trade approach plus subsidies for industry of the Waxman-Markey bill is
not the solution. W-M is too complicated, too expensive, and hobbled by picking favorites. Also, it includes a big give-away
to coal. Frank Bernheisel writes from the Washington DC region.
Mister President, bring on the Carbon Tax Posted 07.12.09 FRANK BERNHEISEL We need to have a
new energy policy in the United States. The cap and trade approach plus subsidies for industry of the Waxman-Markey bill is
not the solution. W-M is too complicated, too expensive, and hobbled by picking favorites. Also, it includes a big give-away
to coal. Frank Bernheisel writes from the Washington DC region.
Did
Pelosi know? Posted 07.12.09 FRANK
BERNHEISELEverybody knew and stayed silent. Nobody did anything
because nobody cared. The American people did not care; they were busy watching Jack Bauer on "24" save the US by
torturing bad guys. It was OK, it was right there on TV. Frank Bernheisel writes from the Washington DC region.
Junk
the Junkers Posted 07.12.09 FRANK
BERNHEISELI think that the United States needs some new thinking
about the auto industry and the economy. Despite all the talk, I hear no new ideas.Germany for example, has a program to take
older cars, junkers, off the road. Frank Bernheisel writes from the Washington DC region.
There
ought to be a (new) law Posted 07.12.09 FRANK
BERNHEISELI suggest that we pass a law that says that no executive
of any publicly traded company can earn more than three times the salary of the President of the United States. Can anyone
make the case that their job is harder? Frank Bernheisel writes from the Washington DC region.
Picking It Up Posted
07.12.09 FRANK BERNHEISELMartin Luther King day, a national
holiday celebrated in all fifty states is becoming recognized as a day for community service. In that spirit, Kathy and I
started on our morning walk with two plastic grocery bags each, in which to store litter picked up along the bike
path. Frank Bernheisel writes from the Washington DC region.
What's the logic here? Posted
07.12.09 FRANK BERNHEISELLet me see if I have this right -- The
Senate Republicans want guys on the assembly line making less than $60,000 per year to agree to wage cuts before the
government will loan the companies they work for some $14 billion. Frank Bernheisel writes from the Washington DC
region.
Whither Detroit: To bail or not to bail, that is the question Posted 07.12.09 FRANK BERNHEISELEveryone seems to be down on the American car industry. The industry is to blame for making cars that no
one wants to buy, etc. etc. Until last spring, everyone seemed to want large pickups and SUVs (categorized as Light Trucks).
Yes, I know about the Prius, which sold about 45,000 units in the first quarter of 2008. However, light trucks sold 7.8
million units during that time. The first quarter also saw sales of five million domestic and 2.4 million imported
automobiles. Frank Bernheisel writes from the Washington DC region.
Election 2008 Posted
07.12.09 FRANK BERNHEISELKathy and I arrived at our polling
place. There were already about 30 people in line ahead of us. As we waited for the polls to open at 6 a.m., about 100 more
people arrived. The crowd was very unusual at our polling place -- usually we arrive about 6 and there are maybe five people
waiting. Frank Bernheisel writes from the Washington DC region.
So, how do we save on energy costs? Posted 07.12.09 FRANK BERNHEISELHere is the problem:
George Bush and Company took Iraq's oil off the world market just at the time that demand was rising. (Law: when demand rises
and supply does not, prices do.) To make matters worse, they introduced a lot of uncertainty into the market. (Law:
uncertainty in market equals risk and risk equals rising prices.) So, what is the solution for the US of A? Frank
Bernheisel writes from the Washington DC region.
Follow the (lobbying) money Posted
07.12.09 FRANK BERNHEISELIt's probably just a coincidence that
since George Bush became President, lobbying expenditures have almost doubled from $1.5 billion to $2.8 billion last
year. Frank Bernheisel writes from the Washington DC region.
Energy use Š the moral equivalent of war? Posted 07.12.09 FRANK BERNHEISELPer person in the US
of A, we each use the equivalent of 64 barrels of oil each year or 114,000 kilowatt hours (KWHr) of electricity. Swedes and
Germans use a lot less energy per person -- 44 and 32 barrels, respectively. Frank Bernheisel writes from the Washington
DC region.
You
gotta love it Posted 07.12.09 FRANK
BERNHEISELWell, we have the politicians and the Federal Reserve
worrying about a recession and lots of people are defaulting on their loans, and Bear Stearns and Bank of America are
going to the Arab states for money to prop up their finances and some of the loan companies are going bankrupt. Frank
Bernheisel writes from the Washington DC region.
About
this warPosted 07.12.09 FRANK
BERNHEISELWe have at least twelve candidates trying to be the next
President and not one, except Ron Paul, is saying anything definite about the war. It must be the good news. However, the
situation reminds me of Nixon campaigning to be president in 1968; he had a plan to end the war in Vietnam. The Vietnam war
ran on until 1975. Frank Bernheisel writes from the Washington DC region.
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