Archive for June, 2008

New York’s Legislature Steals $2.75 Per Pack of Cigarettes »

By Jim Willis on Jun 17, 2008 in Government & Politics, Society & Culture, Taxes & Spending | 1 Comment

I’ve been busy lately–really busy–hence no words of wisdom on this blog for the past couple of weeks. During that time, a breathtaking development has occurred–more of our freedoms have disappeared. The New York State legislature has seen fit to raise taxes on a pack of cigarettes from $1.25 to $2.75 per pack. An additional [...]

Mayor Matt Ryan Raises the Gay Pride Flag — Again »

By Jim Willis on Jun 7, 2008 in Government & Politics, Mayor Matt Ryan, Society & Culture | 2 Comments

Once again, as he does each year, Binghamton Mayor Matt Ryan presided at raising the so-called “gay pride” flag over City Hall yesterday. From the City’s official press release on this, here are some of Ryan’s remarks:
“This is a chance to celebrate the many contributions of the LGBTQ [Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual, Transgendered, Queer] community, to [...]

Conflict of Interest at Empire State Development Corp. »

By Jim Willis on Jun 6, 2008 in Business, Gov David Paterson, Government & Politics, Taxes & Spending | 0 Comments

The fox is not only guarding, but is now in complete control of the henhouse. Gov. David Paterson has appointed chairman of M&T Bank, Robert G. Wilmers, as the statewide chairman of Empire State Development Corp. (ESDC). Mr. Wilmers will not step down as chairman of M&T while he oversees the ESDC.
I’ve written about Economic [...]

Gov. Paterson $upports Spanish Takeover of NYSEG »

By Jim Willis on Jun 6, 2008 in Business, Energy, Gov David Paterson, Government & Politics | 0 Comments

The fix is now in. Our illustrious philandering new governor, David Paterson, has granted his blessing on the foreign takeover of Energy East, which owns our regional electric and gas utility NYSEG (New York State Electric & Gas). He likes the idea that Iberdrola, the Spanish company who wants to buy it, will “invest” $2 [...]

Barack Obama - Change We Can Do Without »

By Jim Willis on Jun 5, 2008 in Elections, Government & Politics, Sen Barack Obama, Society & Culture | 5 Comments

It’s official–Barack Hussein Obama is the Democrat nominee for president. Sort of. Maybe. “Presumptive” they call it. That is, he is the nominee if the Clintonoids can’t figure out a way to smear him before or during the convention. Good for the Dems. I wonder if you Dems really know what you’re getting?
There is no [...]