no third solution » Archive
Blackwater & Accountability
According to an AP article and a Defense Department report: Private security contractor Blackwater USA has had to fire 122 people over the past three years for problems ranging from misusing weapons, alcohol and drug violations, inappropriate conduct and violent behavior… …Blackwater has been involved in 195 shooting incidents since 2005, or roughly 1.4 per week. In more than 80 percent of the incidents, called “escalation of force,” Blackwater’s guards fired the first shots even though the company’s contract with the State Department calls for it to use defensive force only Wow. Previous post on Blackwater, national “defense” and accountability (or the lack thereof), here. … Read entire article »
Filed under: Warfare State, World Politics
On Molars
Maybe another argument against intelligent design, file this one alongside the appendix and the navel. One thing about molars that has perplexed scientists is why some people have very large wisdom teeth, while others (lucky for them) might not have any at all. Or, why people like me have wisdom teeth on one side of my mouth, and not the other. … Read entire article »
Filed under: Fun Stuff
Michigan’s New Taxes
If you live in Michigan, your state income tax bill just went up about 12%. In order to end the “shutdown,” legislatures voted to raise the income tax from 3.9% to 4.35%. They also approved a measure which allows them to start arbitrarily taxing certain services. Aside from the obvious culprits (e.g., strong lobbies against the tax by cable carriers and sports teams) there doesn’t seem to be any rhyme or reason to the program’s carve-outs. For instance: Cable television will avoid the surcharge, but investment advising will not. Manicures and tanning will be taxed, haircuts will not be. Lift tickets will be taxed, but not greens fees at the local golf club. Keeping your motorcycle in storage for the winter will be taxable, but keeping … Read entire article »
Filed under: Democracy is Great!, Michigan, Taxation is Theft