Remember this story about the home in Greenback destroyed by a tornado? http://www.thedailytimes.com/article/20100428/NEWS/304289982

“We are not going to build a fancy house,” he said. “(We hope it will be) 800-1,000 square feet. I figure with — hopefully some friends that will come through — and this is a tight number, but we could do it for $45,000.”
Some have already stepped up to help the family.

“Johnny Weston and Associates have sent a truck down to help,” Blair said. “Numerous friends with chain saws have been here the whole time helping. I’ve had help the whole time from a lot of great people. Because she can’t do it. How can a 78-year-old woman get out and do this?”

Mrs. Whitehead could use your help. Donations can be made in Evelyn Whitehead’s name at GreenBank in Alcoa or on Foothills Mall Drive.

If you need more info about what is needed you should call Dereck Blair, who is a member of Whitehead’s family, at 865-755-3039.

From the DT: http://www.thedailytimes.com/article/20100428/OP05/304289998

Debt.

It’s been the subject of much discussion and perhaps a little hyperbole during the 2010 election season.

During the past 10 years, the County Commission has authorized $230 million in debt to build the public facilities that the citizens of Blount County use: schools, the Blount County Public Library, the Justice Center. Now, both candidates and incumbents are saying that it’s time to attend to the bill and to reduce the risk of an apparently successful hedging strategy that is making many people nervous.

During myriad campaign appearances, various Blount County Commission candidates have held forth on the debt, agreeing that it’s a Bad Thing —Capital B, Capital T— but, aside from saying it’s an issue and making vague promises to cut wasteful spending, what can county officials realistically do?

For the full story, click here: LINK

Joel does a good job laying out the issue. He should be commended for getting independent analysis. He also points to hyperbolic discussion, but I would say when a candidate is laying out what could happen, the possibilities aren’t hyperbole. Worst case scenarios don’t happen in a vacuum, sometimes they happen. Can we refinance the balloon easily and at a low rate? Possibly, but it remains to be seen.

But from the story we do know this; elected officials are reluctant to raise taxes and our new Finance Director Jennings says “The economy is not going to rescue us within the next few years.”

So back to Joel’s question; “..what can county officials realistically do?”

In relation to what other counties the size of Blount spend, waste has been identified; http://www.blounttn.net/twocounties.htm

Without a raise in taxes and without the prospect of the economy’s help, it’s time to see if our elected officials can identify waste as well. It’s the only choice they’re leaving themselves.

Let’s hear it for oil drilling off the coasts!

http://my.att.net/s/editorial.dll?pnum=1&bfromind=7406&eeid=7257883&
_sitecat=1522&dcatid=0&eetype=article&
render=y&ac=0&ck=&ch=ne&rg=blsadstrgt&_lid=332&
amp;_lnm=tg+ne+topnews&ck=

I would like to remind those who actually live in Blount County about a very important local election coming up next week, May 4th. That’s next Tuesday. Mark your calendar. It is important you vote this time. Why? Because in most cases, in Blount County, the winner of next weeks Republican primary (May 4th) will win the general election in August. If you are unhappy with the ruling elite, the good ole boy incumbents, this is your only real opportunity to do something about it. Just pull a Republican ballot and vote for someone new. Voting rules allow anyone to pull a Republican ballot. You may never have voted Republican before. I know I haven’t. But if you want to help decide who will run Blount County government pull a Republican ballot and vote for (or against) anyone you want.

If you chose not to vote or not to pull a Republican ballot you should only expect the same guys doing the same things for the next four years. Is that what you really want ?

Vote May 4th. Vote Republican for a change.

Then vote Democrat in August 5th if you have the opportunity to do so.

Shake it up baby !

H.K Edgerton is an African American Confederate Activist who came to national attention when he walked thousands of miles across the country carrying a large Confederate Battle Flag. As the president of Southern Heritage 411, he is a dedicated historian who has worked tirelessly to illuminate the truth regarding black roles in the history of the South, exposing the myths of Yankee history and setting the history straight regarding blacks and whites in the South.

He is speaking Thursday, April 29, 2010, at the Blount County Library in the Dorthy Herron Room, at 7 pm. before the Blount County Civil War Roundtable. The BCCWRT meets the last Thursday of each month at the library. (The mission of the Blount County Civil War Round Table is to educate, with regard to the history & heritage of the Civil War by living history and guest speaker programs; collective efforts with other historical groups; identifying and preserving, civil war sites; understanding the dynamics of strong regional and local concerns; and recognizing the many contributions of minority and ethnic groups.) for more information: Teresa Cutshaw 865-556-0315.

http://www.thedailytimes.com/article/20100427/OP01/304279975/-1/op

Hard to argue with most of it. Those are the questions.

However, I think one big question is missing.

Why do most people move to and visit Blount County?

The Hunter Study, the Planning Directors Study, appeals at planning meetings, polling, letters to the editor and now at least two Mayoral candidates (Mitchell & Kerr) say it’s the mountains.

Preserving the things that people, especially those that live here, know drive the economic engine that is Blount tourism isn’t simply a matter of growth – it’s a matter of future sustainability.

Related: http://www.blounttalk.com/b2evolution/blogs/index.php/2009/07/27/07-22-09blountwithparkremoved-jpg?blog=2

SO ! You think tea-baggers are within there rights ??
SO ! You think it’s about taxes and not race ???

Imagine that hundreds of black protesters were to descend upon Washington DC and Northern Virginia, just a few miles from the Capitol and White House, armed with AK-47s, assorted handguns, and ammunition. And imagine that some of these protesters —the black protesters — spoke of the need for political revolution, and possibly even armed conflict in the event that laws they didn’t like were enforced by the government? Would these protester — these black protesters with guns — be seen as brave defenders of the Second Amendment, or would they be viewed by most whites as a danger to the republic? What if they were Arab-Americans? Because, after all, that’s what happened recently when white gun enthusiasts descended upon the nation’s capital, arms in hand, and verbally announced their readiness to make war on the country’s political leaders if the need arose.

Imagine that white members of Congress, while walking to work, were surrounded by thousands of angry black people, one of whom proceeded to spit on one of those congressmen for not voting the way the black demonstrators desired. Would the protesters be seen as merely patriotic Americans voicing their opinions, or as an angry, potentially violent, and even insurrectionary mob? After all, this is what white Tea Party protesters did recently in Washington.

From the Blount GOP Philosophy page; That government is accountable for maintaining sound money and a responsible economy. Individual rights, liberties and properties are continually eroded when citizens are oppressed by excessive taxation, inflation, government waste and over-regulation.

From the Raven Society presentation as covered in the Daily Times; http://www.thedailytimes.com/article/20100426/NEWS/304269996

According to 2008 figures, residential developments cost the county $1.23 in services for every dollar in property tax paid. In contrast, farmland costs the costs 43 cents per dollar paid, she said.

As far as “over-regulation”, it seems the argument that “anyone should be able to do anything they want with their property” has become a talking point that’s being used by extensively by the GOP.

This notion, along with the cost of it, has left me with a question I hope someone who believes “anything” goes can help me answer.

If adding services cost $1.23 for every dollar in property tax paid, how does building where there is not infrastructure keep the county as a whole from avoiding “excessive taxation”?

Watch CBS News Videos Online

The Freedom From Religion Foundation has announced the 2010 Student Essay Contests.

There are three contests. One for high school seniors, one for college students and one for graduate/mature students.

Contest winners receive cash prizes up to $2000.

Here are more details of the Essay Contest.
http://www.blounttalk.com/b2evolution/blogs/media/users/forrest%20erickson/FFRF/Essay2010.pdf

Forrest Erickson

Senator Chris Dodd’s 1,400-page financial reform bill contains many economic land mines, and here’s one of the worst: Provisions that would make it harder for business start-ups to raise seed capital.

From the Wall Street Journal:

Currently, wealthy individuals who want to invest directly in a new business can do so with minimum interference from regulators. The law requires only that the investor be “accredited” by meeting thresholds for net worth ($1 million) or income ($250,000). Entrepreneurs depend on these “angel” investors, since many new businesses lack the collateral for bank loans and are too small to interest venture capitalists.

Amazon, Yahoo, Google and Facebook all benefited from angel investors, who typically target companies under five years old. According to a 2009 Kaufman Foundation study, such firms are less than 1% of all companies yet generate about 10% of new jobs. Between 1980 and 2005, companies less than five years old accounted for all net job growth in the U.S. In 2008, angels invested some $19 billion in more than 55,000 companies.

Full article, click here; http://online.wsj.com/article/SB10001424052748704671904575194483171910348.html?mod=WSJ_Opinion_AboveLEFTTop

Anyone else up to writing/calling/emailing Sen. Alexander and telling him you don’t approve of his partisan vote on banking reform??? If you have family or friends in the states of North Dakota, Alaska, Virginia, or Florida you may want to tell them to call their DEMOCRAT Senator and give them h&ll for protecting the big banks. You know folks, you get what you vote for and if you stay mum when “what you got” screws up - you truly do deserve the scum…..pick up the phone or write today.

http://www.huffingtonpost.com/rj-eskow/when-senators-vote-for-th_b_550199.html

President Barack Obama suggested Wednesday that a new value-added tax on Americans is still on the table.

Link to full size flyer: http://www.blounttalk.com/b2evolution/blogs/media/users/kanderson/TRS%20April%2025%202010%20flier.pdf

Please join the Raven Society this coming Sunday at 2pm in the Sharon Lawson Room at the Blount County Library. Topics will include growth, scenic heritage, property rights and the County budget.

This is a public forum, everyone is welcome.

Visit msnbc.com for breaking news, world news, and news about the economy

Tomorrow Jim Folts will again speak on Blount County finances.

I urge everyone to attend and ask questions.
When: Thursday April 22, 2010 6:30 PM - 8:00 PM
Where: Blount County Library, Sharon Lawson Rm, Maryville, TN

This event is hosted by the Smoky Mountain Tea Party Patriots (with whom I have no affiliation).

Jim will speak about the most pressing issue facing Blount County Government. Out of control debt. This debt could hurt our pocket books, our schools (and therefor the education and future earning ability of our children and grand children) and our property value.

I agree with Jim when he says:

You Deserve Better Government

Forrest Erickson

Heard that the Blount County early voter turn out was lower than expected. Anyone else hearing anything? Does a low voter turn out favor new comers or incumbents?

The Center for Strong Communities at Maryville College will convene an educational forum about current health care legislation at the Blount County Library, from 6:30 until 8 p.m., Tues., April 27.

The program is designed to study what the legislation states it will do and the timeline for it to take effect. Presenters will give an overview of the existing legislation and discuss “What’s in it for me?” with regard to those with employer-based insurance, uninsured individuals, Medicare-eligible individuals and those who purchase individual coverage (non-Medicaid).

The program is being presented in response to comments and requests from people who attended the previous health care forum last fall.

“We received very positive feedback from the September program, which was a study of data from our region, principles of health care reform being debated, and the status of legislative bills at that time,” said Dr. Billy Newton, director of the Center for Strong Communities.

“For ‘Part 2,’ we will follow a similar plan with three informational presentations and time for questions. It is not our purpose to try to evaluate the merits of legislation or anticipate how it may still change. Our focus is to help people learn what it is as it stands right now.”

Dr. Carole Myers, who teaches courses in health care policy to graduate students at the University of Tennessee, will give the opening presentation. Myers recently presented at the Leadership Summit in Blount County entitled, “Health Care – Redefined.”

Also presenting are Tony Garr and Beth Uselton, who research health care issues and legislation for the Tennessee Health Care Campaign. Members of the League of Women Voters will facilitate a time for participants to submit questions to the speakers. Assisting with the program are Rev. Steve Musick, Libby Johnson, Micky Roberts and Newton.

For more information, please contact Newton at 865.273.8894 or billy.newton@maryvillecollege.edu.

Link to video: http://www.msnbc.msn.com/id/3036697/vp/36651881#36651881

GOP opposition to the Bill from CBS:

All 41 GOP senators sent a letter to Democrats Friday expressing “opposition to the partisan legislation,” arguing the financial reform bill “allows for endless taxpayer bailouts of Wall Street.”

The bill creates a consumer protection agency to police mortgage lending and credit card transactions. It regulates the complex derivates market for the first time. And it requires big banks to keep more cash on hand.

But what’s generating the most controversy is the creation of a $50 billion fund - paid for by the banks themselves and not taxpayers - for unwinding troubled banks.

“It seemed to me and many others that the very existence of this fund would perpetuate the same kind of risky behavior that led to the last crisis,” said Senate Minority Leader Mitch McConnell.

From Wate:

MARYVILLE (WATE) - A 3.3 magnitude earthquake, confirmed by the U.S. Geological Survey, shook Blount County early Tuesday morning.

The USGS says the quake happened at 5:28 a.m. Tuesday, five miles from Maryville at a depth of 5 kilometers.

The quake was six miles from Friendsville, seven miles from Alcoa and 19 miles from Knoxville.

Map and conversation on Knoxviews; http://www.knoxviews.com/node/13613

In 2000, local celebrity Edye Ellis appeared on television touting a new Mission Goal Plan Future Vision for the nine counties surrounding and including Knox County called Nine Counties One Vision. Soon after that, five of those counties narrowly escaped the state and federal encroachment of the newly christened Knoxville Area Transportation Planning Organization–the TPO. In that same year, UT-Battelle was founded.

UT-Battelle helped Federal researchers in Roane and Anderson counties, who were abhored and tired of dealing with Union Shop methodologies and wages; with a back door way to sneak their projects onto UT’s Knoxville campus, and enjoy non-union state funded labor. Not until 2005, did department heads across the campus realize that Knoxville state monies were being consumed by Anderson and Roane county federally funded researchers. The economic disaster of 2008 opened up the gaping wound for all of East Tennessee to see, and by the end of 2009, lawmakers in Nashville were busily scurrying about trying to salvage the reputation of UT-Battelle, by claiming 200 new Federal positions would be created, while simultaneously slashing 6% of the labor force on state land.

Although un-related and coincidental, the TPO was also born in that fateful year of 2000. From that day forward, any and all federal and state monies for federal and state roads in Blount, Loudon, Sevier, and Knox counties; came under one umbrella centered in Knoxville. All state and federally funded road projects in these four counties must first be approved by the most connected powerful politicians in downtown Knoxville. Typically, the mayor of the city of Knoxville wears the biggest crown in this organization. Comforting to know that the decisions for our roads here in Blount County, must first be approved in Knoxville, eh? And by the way, the T in the TPO doesn’t stand for transportation, it stands for Asphalt, and only Asphalt–nothing more, or else.

Grainger, Jefferson, and Union counties appeared to be the only ones left un-scathed by the Nine County Mission Vision Plan assault; however all nine of these counties still get to put V-O-L in front of their telephone numbers. Let us hope, that as every county in our state, realizes the dire straits our budgets are in, we decide to rid ourselves of the worn out mis-directed organizations and abandon the out-dated Mission Vision Plans that we can no longer afford. Let’s get back to nine counties and nine visions.

http://blogs.knoxnews.com/flory/2010/04/rarity-linked_entities_file_fo.html

Mitch McConnell is at it again. Pretending to be on the side of “the people” while carrying the load for Wall Street. Here is Paul Krugman today in the NYTimes:

“It’s a truly shameless performance: Mr. McConnell is pretending to stand up for taxpayers against Wall Street while in fact doing just the opposite. In recent weeks, he and other Republican leaders have held meetings with Wall Street executives and lobbyists, in which the G.O.P. and the financial industry have sought to coordinate their political strategy.

And let me assure you, Wall Street isn’t lobbying to prevent future bank bailouts. If anything, it’s trying to ensure that there will be more bailouts. By depriving regulators of the tools they need to seize failing financial firms, financial lobbyists increase the chances that when the next crisis strikes, taxpayers will end up paying a ransom to stockholders and executives as the price of avoiding collapse.

Even more important, however, the financial industry wants to avoid serious regulation; it wants to be left free to engage in the same behavior that created this crisis. It’s worth remembering that between the 1930s and the 1980s, there weren’t any really big financial bailouts, because strong regulation kept most banks out of trouble. It was only with Reagan-era deregulation that big bank disasters re-emerged. In fact, relative to the size of the economy, the taxpayer costs of the savings and loan disaster, which unfolded in the Reagan years, were much higher than anything likely to happen under President Obama.”

Here is the link:
http://www.nytimes.com/2010/04/16/opinion/16krugman.html?th&emc=th

At tonight’s county commission meeting a notable event happened.
At the end of the meeting, during the time set aside for public input on items not on the agenda, Chairman Steve Samples committed to Linda King to get an answer to her follow up question from February’s meeting when she asked about possible public liability when students are taken from class for a breakfast at Hardee’s.

Can anyone point me to a link where we can watch the video of commission meetings when it becomes available?

Forrest Erickson

From the DT:

Imagine this. We modernize building codes, tighten appliance energy standards, retrofit buildings to make them efficient, build commercial structures designed to minimize use of electricity and fossil fuels.
What if we did all that?
According to an energy efficiency study released Monday from Georgia Tech and Duke University, existing energy demand in Tennessee could be reduced by about 6 percent by 2020 and by about 12 percent in 2030.

That’s equivalent to the electricity produced by seven power plants — the same types of plants that can turn Smoky Mountains into smoggy mountains.
Increased energy efficiency could create 15,600 jobs by 2020 and another 5,900 jobs by 2030.

For the full opinion, click here; http://www.thedailytimes.com/article/20100414/OP01/304149953/-1/op

It is very important to vote in the May primary this year. Ask a Partnership employee that trusts you how they feel about this situation..

http://www.thedailytimes.com/article/20100414/NEWS/304149986

From the DT print edition:

The candidates were asked their opinions on the county’s efforts to regulate ridge top and hillside development. The Planning Commission has been developing regulations that would apply to ridge-top and hillside development visible from what are defined as Scenic Landscape Resource(s) of Significance (SLRS).

“I’m for putting a ban on ridge-top developments,” Mitchell said. “I don’t want to start seeing the scarred sides (of mountains). There does need to be regulation on the development of those.”

“You have to talk about it in terms of balance - what is good for all of us,” Cunningham said. “You have to respect private property rights.”

Cunningham cited the Planning Commission’s efforts to develop regulations. “There is a way to build on a mountain commensurate with the environment through earth tones, through tinted windows.”

Kerr said he supports regulation of ridge-top development.

“We must protect the resources that are the lifeline for the future of our county.”

Related: http://www.blounttalk.com/b2evolution/blogs/index.php/2009/05/03/how-eden-was-lost-a-parable-of-planning?blog=2

Nary an incumbent Republican candidate for County Commission showed up at the League of Women Voters’ candidate forum last night. (Nary means none, for you foreigners). Were they all busy somewhere together?

This is a very interesting take on the Obama Administration. The author’s language can be a bit ‘descriptive’ at times so be prepared if you plan to read. Would love to hear comments because, in my humble opinion, I think the author nailed it…..now I wish we could find someone like this for our County Mayor and state Governor.

http://www.3quarksdaily.com/3quarksdaily/2010/04/people-thought-obama-would-be-progressive-because-hes-black-big-mistake-but-he-could-still-be-the-mo.html

Are the local campaign finance reports available online? It’s easy to find the State reports. I’d like to see where Cunningham and Mitchell are getting their money.

http://www.lcni5.com/cgi-bin/c2.cgi?062+article+News+20100412105404062062003

Why are we not out in defiant revolt against the fuel prices? The gov. says they want to help the economy; all they need to do is go to the pumps on Fri. when Joe Six-pack gets paid and observe-1) Joe and Mary fill their old cheap vehicles up 2) they discuss going out to eat or taking the rug rats to Wally World or the Mall 3) they decide they are out of money so they go to the grocery store and buy some cheap food (often not very nutritious) and go home because they ARE OUT OF MONEY! Now, I’m no Economist, but it is clear to me that FUEL PRICES are causing the problem. Why are we letting these ***************’S do this to us? WHY?

From the “You’ve Got to Be Kidding Me” section of the business section; http://fastfood.freedomblogging.com/files/2010/04/doubledown_hdr.jpg

Here’s an idea for eaters with a death wish. Walk into a KFC and hand the person behind register a knife or gun. Tell them you don’t mind dying, you would just like to be killed with slightly more expediency than the “Double Down” would do it.

Related: http://www.nationmaster.com/graph/hea_obe-health-obesity

The SMAS April Star Party is tonight. We use the Clear Sky Clock to predict viewing conditions and it is showing great conditions for tonights Unicoi Crest Star Party. http://cleardarksky.com/c/ChrkNF1TNkey.html


Directions to Unicoi Crest at: http://www.smokymtnastro.org/cherohala.htm
If you want help finding the place, some of us will be meeting and eating people at the Maryville Back Yard Burger.

Back Yard Burgers
1762 W Broadway Ave, Maryville - (865) 983-1009

Arrive and eat at 6:30 PM. Depart for Unicoi at 7:00. This will give us an 8:30 arrival on the mountain.

The great globular cluster Omega Centauri will be at maximum elevation at 0:47 AM March 11. It is a wonder to see.
See: http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Omega_Centauri You will never forget the view of this object. You will get home late.

This should be a great night but dress for increasing cold. Bring a snack, hot chocolate or coffee to ward off the cold.


From the Weather Underground Here are sun rise and set figures:

April 10, 2010 Rise: Set:
Actual Time 7:09 AM EDT 8:05 PM EDT
Civil Twilight 6:43 AM EDT 8:31 PM EDT
Nautical Twilight 6:12 AM EDT 9:02 PM EDT
Astronomical Twilight 5:41 AM EDT 9:34 PM EDT

Forrest Erickson

Massey Energy runs the coal mine that blew up in West Virginia. At least 25 miners died. Massey is a poster child for the excesses of giving corporations the “freedom” to do what they want to make money. Massey bossman Don Blankenship is a leader in union-busting and de-regulation. Miners’ lives? Collateral damage. See:

http://dirtdiggersdigest.org/archives/1250

Lets hear it for less government regulation.

From The Daily Times:

Jeff Welch, director of the Knoxville Regional Transportation Planning Organization, briefed members of the Blount County Chamber of Commerce’s transportation committee on Thursday. He said that although a draft EIS will be released for public comment in late spring or early summer of this year, the study will not be finalized until 2011 at earliest.

and this

The Pellissippi Parkway extension would tie Old Knoxville Highway to East Lamar Alexander Parkway. The most recent extension of the Pellissippi Parkway to Old Knoxville Highway was completed in August 2006. The state is looking at alternatives including a no-build option.

The draft statement has been sent to the Federal Highway Administration for comment

The delay leaves property owners in limbo as to whether to sell their land or develop it, and local governments are not able to plan ahead, Johnson said. “The sooner the better for all concerned — even for those who are opposed to it. A decision one way or another would be best so we can start planning what is going to happen in the future.”

For the full story, click here; http://www.thedailytimes.com/article/20100409/NEWS/304099986

Related: http://www.blounttalk.com/b2evolution/blogs/index.php/2010/01/06/do-we-need-the-ppe?blog=2

“KNOXVILLE, Tenn. – The Tennessee Department of Transportation will reopen an 11-mile stretch of U.S. 129/SR115 in Blount County known as “The Dragon” on Monday, April 12 at 8:00 a.m. The stretch of U.S. 129 from the Tabcat Bridge to the North Carolina state line will be open to traffic each day between 8:00 a.m. and 8:00 p.m. The section of U.S. 129 from just past the Foothills Parkway to the Tabcat Bridge will remain closed as crews work to remove a rockslide that closed the roadway in March.”

So this means that there will be NO access from the Tennessee side….RIGHT !?!

Morgan Keegan makes headlines again!!

http://www.tennessean.com/article/20100407/
BUSINESS01/100407051/Morgan+Keegan+accused+of+fraud

Link: http://gawker.com/5506871/the-illustrated-tea-party-dictionary

This is good for a mid-afternoon wake-up exercise. See if you can spot the spelling errors in each of the “illustrations.”

Here’s a sample definition for you:

Mainstream Media: Like ACORN and the Government, the Mainstream Media is a nefarious cabal who, unbeknownst to most of the nation, meet in smoky dens to deliberately play down conservative ideas and promote liberal ones by using ‘journalism’ and ‘objectivity’. Fox News, Rush Limbaugh and a select few others eschew these tools and are safely above the conspiracy.

From Wired:

Now broadband companies effectively have no regulations that constrain them, as the FCC has left itself with no statutory means to control what telecoms do with their internet networks.

A broadband company could, for instance, ink a deal with Microsoft to transfer all attempts to reach Google.com to Bing.com. The only recourse a user would have, under the ruling, would be to switch to a different provider — assuming, of course, they had an alternative to switch to.

Companies can also now prohibit you from using a wireless router you bought at the store, forcing you to use one they rent out — just as they do with cable boxes. They could also decide to charge you a fee every time you upgrade your computer, or even block you from using certain models, just as the nation’s mobile phone carriers do today.

Read More http://www.wired.com/epicenter/2010/04/fcc-next/?utm_source=feedburner&utm_medium=feed&utm_campaign=Feed%3A+wired%2Findex+%28Wired%3A+Index+3+%28Top+Stories+2%29%29#ixzz0kMtHn5Tx

It may be long but then there IS so much to say isn’t there~

http://tpmcafe.talkingpointsmemo.com/talk/blogs/a/m/americandad/2010/03/an-open-letter-to-conservative.php?ref=mp

From the Knoxnews blog: http://blogs.knoxnews.com/draft/2010/04/american_patriot_will_be_late.html

Greeneville-based American Patriot Financial Group, whose bank subsidiary has a branch in Maryville, indicated last week that it will not file its annual report in a timely fashion.

In a filing with the SEC, the company said Sarbanes-Oxley has significantly increased the burden on its executive staff.

It also said this:

Due primarily to the continued deterioration of economic conditions in the markets in which the Company operates, which contributed to a deterioration in the Company’s asset quality and led to an increase in the Company’s provision for loan losses, as well as the results of regulatory examinations, the Company expects to report an approximately $3.9 million loss for the year ended December 31, 2009, compared to a loss of approximately $559,000 for the year ended December 31, 2008. The Company’s expects to recognize a provision for loan losses of approximately $3.1 million for the year ended December 31, 2009 as compared to a provision for loan losses of approximately $1.3 million for 2008. Total stockholders’ equity at December 31, 2009 was approximately $4.3 million, compared to approximately $8.3 million at December 31, 2008.

The Gauntlet’s been thrown, choose your side and hold steadfast.

Either un-bridled Capitalism is tyranny, or you believe that you too one day will eat at Gates and Buffet’s table. “… Cassell, 56, also provides Republican reading material in the waiting room …”

Rolling Stone reporter Matt Taibbi tackles the predatory deals that have left many municipalities reeling:

Birmingham became the poster child for a new kind of giant-scale financial fraud, one that would threaten the financial stability not only of cities and counties all across America, but even those of entire countries like Greece. While for many Americans the financial crisis remains an abstraction, a confusing mess of complex transactions that took place on a cloud high above Manhattan sometime in the mid-2000s, in Jefferson County you can actually see the rank criminality of the crisis economy with your own eyes; the monster sticks his head all the way out of the water. Here you can see a trail that leads directly from a billion-dollar predatory swap deal cooked up at the highest levels of America’s biggest banks, across a vast fruited plain of bribes and felonies — “the price of doing business,” as one JP Morgan banker says on tape — all the way down to Lisa Pack’s sewer bill and the mass layoffs in Birmingham.

Once you follow that trail and understand what took place in Jefferson County, there’s really no room left for illusions. We live in a gangster state, and our days of laughing at other countries are over. It’s our turn to get laughed at. In Birmingham, lots of people have gone to jail for the crime: More than 20 local officials and businessmen have been convicted of corruption in federal court. Last October, right around the time that Lisa Pack went back to work at reduced hours, Birmingham’s mayor was convicted of fraud and money-laundering for taking bribes funneled to him by Wall Street bankers — everything from Rolex watches to Ferragamo suits to cash. But those who greenlighted the bribes and profited most from the scam remain largely untouched. “It never gets back to JP Morgan,” says Pack.

For the full article, click here: http://www.rollingstone.com/politics/story/32906678/looting_main_street/print

*PG for language

NOTICE OF PUBLIC HEARING. public hearing on April 6,
2010 at 6:30 P.M., at the Blount County Courthouse Commission Meeting Room

To further define this area,
campgrounds will be limited to direct access on the
following arterial and collector status roads: Lamar
Alexander Parkway (Hwy 321) from Maryville City Limits
to the City Limits of Townsend, Highway 321 from the
Townsend City Limits to the Blount/Sevier County line;
Old Tuckaleechee Road around the southern boundary of
Townsend; Old Walland Highway from intersection with
Ellejoy Road to intersection at Melrose Bridge; Hwy 129
(Calderwood Hwy) from intersection with Six Mile Road to
intersection with Happy Valley Road.

From the Daily Times: http://www.thedailytimes.com/article/20100401/NEWS/100339993

Quick recap; Low tax rate = good. Big debt = bad.

There in lies the rub that faces Blount Countians. The only way we have kept our rate lower, is by doubling our debt.

Do you believe Blount should pay as it goes or do you believe in deficit spending? Both are tax increases, only one hands future generations the bill. Generations that got significant mention as something that needed to be looked after.