Stabenow (D): Rise of Hurricanes Are Reality of Climate Change; Halfway Through Hurricane Season: 0 Named Storms

Democratic Senator Debbie Stabenow out of Michigan gives us another example of proof of what Obama warned us about: politicians saying what they need to "scare the heck" out of the American people to get their agenda passed::

"Climate change is very real," she confessed as she embraced cap and trade's massive tax increase on Michigan industry - at the same time claiming, against all the evidence, that it would not lead to an increase in manufacturing costs or energy prices. "Global warming creates volatility. I feel it when I'm flying. The storms are more volatile. We are paying the price in more hurricanes and tornadoes."

However, we are now about the halfway point of the hurricane season, and we haven't heard a peep out of the Atlantic. There have been no named storms, only a couple tropical depressions. This time last year we were on number five, and four named storms the year before that this time last year. What increase is she talking about?

Looking at the number of tornadoes this year, I don't see any dramatic increase there, either.

Great News: Government May Start Buying Your Clunkers Using Your Grandkids Money

A new bipartisan government waste amendment attached to an upcoming FDA bill could be flying through the Congress:

Sens. Debbie Stabenow, D-Mich., and Sam Brownback, R-Kan., introduced an amendment Tuesday that would set up a program that allows consumers with older, less fuel efficient vehicles to trade in their "clunker" for a voucher worth up to $4,500 toward the purchase of a new car that must get at least 22 miles per gallon or an SUV or pickup that gets at least 18 mpg -- clearly a focus on U.S. manufacturers.

The one-year program is expected to help sell 1 million vehicles, according to Stabenow and Brownback.

The definition of "clunker" is a vehicle that gets 18 mpg or less, and the voucher size varies. Owners who purchase a new passenger car that gets at least 4 mpg higher than their old "clunker" get a $3,500 voucher. If the mileage difference is more than 10 mpg, the consumer gets the full $4,500.

First, what is the one of the 2008 GOP presidential hopefuls doing supporting this? Hasn't he learned anything thing through Republican losses over the last few years and the tea party protests? Also, the polls are constantly saying that people are upset by all of the government waste, and they're not buying what the Goracle is selling regarding global warming aka climate change. There is no reason why any Republican should vote for this bill.

If the hit their mark of 1 million cars traded in over a year, the project would spend $3.5-4.5 Billion just for buy the cars. That's not including the program's employees salaries, supplies needed, office space, etc. This would be an massive amount of government growth.
What is the benefit of this new government expenditure? A few people may get a sweet deal on their lemons. They'll be able to buy better cars sure, but at what cost? It will further endebt us to China and makes my grandkids pay off our spending spree until they're grandparents.

The reduction of carbon emissions will be negligible, and the few new higher fuel efficiency cars will barely make a dent on our dependence on foreign oil. The bang to hype ratio is way out of whack on this program.

Republicans need to fight this. They need to shed this label of being Democrats light. When they stick to their fiscal responsibility roots, they win elections. It's when they start spending like Democrats that they start losing power.

Watch Out For The "Fairness" Bullies

Sen. Stabenow wants hearings on radio 'accountability'; talks fairness doctrine


This morning, radio host Bill Press brought up the recent closing of liberal station Obama 1260 when speaking with Michigan Sen. Debbie Stabenow, and talked about whether there needs to be a balance to right-wing talk on the radio dial.

BILL PRESS: Yeah, I mean, look: They have a right to say that. They've got a right to express that. But, they should not be the only voices heard. So, is it time to bring back the Fairness Doctrine?

SENATOR DEBBIE STABENOW (D-MI): I think it's absolutely time to pass a standard. Now, whether it's called the Fairness Standard, whether it's called something else — I absolutely think it's time to be bringing accountability to the airwaves. I mean, our new president has talked rightly about accountability and transparency. You know, that we all have to step up and be responsible. And, I think in this case, there needs to be some accountability and standards put in place.

BILL PRESS: Can we count on you to push for some hearings in the United States Senate this year, to bring these owners in and hold them accountable?

SENATOR DEBBIE STABENOW (D-MI): I have already had some discussions with colleagues and, you know, I feel like that's gonna happen. Yep.

Although Obama has been publicly opposed to reinstating the fairness doctrine, conservative radio has talked nonstop about the fear of it returning (or perhaps something like it with another name) while there's a Democrat in the White House and a Democratic majority in Congress.

UPDATE: A commenter points out that Stabenow is married to Tom Athans, a liberal talk radio executive.

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http://www.politico.com/blogs/michaelcalderone/0209/Sen_Stabenow_wants_hearings_on_radio_accountability_talks_fairness_doctrine.html?showall
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My Thoughts

Liberals know that they can't compete for viewers, listeners, or readers in any of the media markets. They are consistently ignored by most of America. Liberal radio hosts and stations fail and go out of business on a regular basis. Liberal print media like the New York Times and the Seattle P-I are either in bankruptcy or on the brink of collapse. Liberal TV outlets like MSNBC and CNN are getting killed every night by Fox News.

Liberals cannot force people to actually tune in and listen to their garbage. So, they want to make the government force everyone in the media to promote liberal shows even if they lose them money.

Basically, liberals say that for every conservative there must be a liberal counterpoint. This is a losing formula for many radio and TV stations. That is why they don't do it. The government should stay out of our lives and businesses. When liberals get this through their head? They have the right to say what they say just as we have the right to ignore them.

Obama has been quoted as being against reinstating the Fairness Doctrine. However, ultra liberals like Pelosi and Reid want to have the doctrine or something very similar to it passed as soon as possible. If the legislation gets to the president's desk, will he veto it?

He has an obvious contempt for those in the conservative media. He has called out Sean Hannity many times throughout the campaign. A couple of weeks ago, he called on the GOP to ignore Rush Limbaugh. Fox News as a whole has also been a favorite target of his administration through his press secretary, Robert Gibbs, and his own comments.

He may very well succumb to the far left and sign it into law. If he does, there will be a backlash that could contribute to him losing a second term.