2-12-09

Anthony Watts: The recent fires in Australia and the loss of life and property were apparently compounded by a draconian policy that prevented people who lived in the fire threat zones from cutting trees and brush near their properties…A family in Australia saw the threat, decided on civil disobedience, cleared a firebreak, and got fined $50,000. They feel vindicated now, because their house is one of the few in Reedy Creek, Victoria,  still standing, the only one in a two kilometer radius. Good for them.

Heritage Foundation: Rep. Paul Ryan (R-WI) asked the Congressional Budget Office to estimate the impact of permanently extending the 20 most popular provisions of the stimulus bill. What did the CBO find? As you can see from the table below, the true 10 year cost of the stimulus bill $2.527 trillion in in spending with another $744 billion cost in debt servicing. Total bill for the Generational Theft Act: $3.27 Trillion.

Dave Letterman: “Joaquin, I’m Sorry You Couldn’t Be Here Tonight”

Karl Rove: The debate here is about means, not ends. Americans and both parties want a revived economy. Republicans want focused proposals that create jobs and growth, while the White House seems ready to accept what House and Senate appropriators have drawn up.

Gateway Pundit: Crackpot Rep. Maxine Waters Told to Calm Down By Fellow Democrat

John Nichols: If it works, everyone will take credit. If it fails, the blame will rest with Republicans who demanded compromises and Democrats who agreed to them.

Filed under: Chip by Chip