WASHINGTON (Reuters) -- General Motors Co. has completed the buyback of the government's holdings of GM preferred stock issued in the automaker's bailout for $2.1 billion, the U.S. Treasury Department said today.
The repurchase brings GM's total repayments to U.S. taxpayers to $23.1 billion, including $13.5 billion received from the automaker's initial public offering last month, the Treasury
Showing posts with label Articles. Show all posts
Showing posts with label Articles. Show all posts
Wednesday, December 15, 2010
Friday, October 15, 2010
Feds oppose Calif. Prop 19 to legalize marijuana
SAN FRANCISCO – Attorney General Eric Holder is warning that the federal government will not look the other way, as it has with medical marijuana, if voters next month make California the first state to legalize pot.
Marijuana is illegal under federal law, which drug agents will "vigorously enforce" against anyone carrying, growing or selling it, Holder said.
The comments in a letter to ex-federal drug enforcement chiefs were the attorney general's most direct statement yet against Proposition 19 and set up another showdown with California over marijuana if the measure passes.
With Prop 19 leading in the polls, the letter also raised questions about the extent to which federal drug agents would go into communities across the state to catch small-time users and dealers, or whether they even had the resources to do it.
Medical marijuana users and experts were skeptical, saying there was little the federal government could do to slow the march to legalization.
If California prevents police from enforcing the stricter federal ban on marijuana, the Supreme Court has ruled that the federal government cannot order local law enforcement to act, he said.
It "is a very tough-sounding statement that the attorney general has issued, but it's more bark than bite," Mikos said.
"The same factors that limited the federal government's influence over medical marijuana would probably have an even bigger influence over its impact on recreational marijuana," Mikos said, citing not enough agents to focus on small-time violators.
Besides California, 13 other states and the District of Columbia have legalized medical marijuana in recent years.
At the San Francisco Medical Cannabis Club, where you can buy marijuana-filled carrot cake and lollipops, manager James Kyne said the federal government would just be continuing "an endless cycle" with little positive effect.
Holder "is opening a bigger can of worms," Kyne said. "I really think the AG and the federal government could put our tax dollars to better use."
Marijuana is illegal under federal law, which drug agents will "vigorously enforce" against anyone carrying, growing or selling it, Holder said.
The comments in a letter to ex-federal drug enforcement chiefs were the attorney general's most direct statement yet against Proposition 19 and set up another showdown with California over marijuana if the measure passes.
With Prop 19 leading in the polls, the letter also raised questions about the extent to which federal drug agents would go into communities across the state to catch small-time users and dealers, or whether they even had the resources to do it.
Medical marijuana users and experts were skeptical, saying there was little the federal government could do to slow the march to legalization.
If California prevents police from enforcing the stricter federal ban on marijuana, the Supreme Court has ruled that the federal government cannot order local law enforcement to act, he said.
It "is a very tough-sounding statement that the attorney general has issued, but it's more bark than bite," Mikos said.
"The same factors that limited the federal government's influence over medical marijuana would probably have an even bigger influence over its impact on recreational marijuana," Mikos said, citing not enough agents to focus on small-time violators.
Besides California, 13 other states and the District of Columbia have legalized medical marijuana in recent years.
At the San Francisco Medical Cannabis Club, where you can buy marijuana-filled carrot cake and lollipops, manager James Kyne said the federal government would just be continuing "an endless cycle" with little positive effect.
Holder "is opening a bigger can of worms," Kyne said. "I really think the AG and the federal government could put our tax dollars to better use."
Saturday, October 9, 2010
Facebook co-founders give $170K to pro-pot measure
SAN FRANCISCO – California's ballot measure to legalize marijuana has a new friend: Facebook co-founder Sean Parker has given $100,000 to back the proposal.
Parker's donation was reported in Proposition 19 campaign finance filings this week.
And he's not the first big Proposition 19 donor with ties to the social networking site. Facebook co-founder Dustin Moskovitz has made two donations totalling $70,000, including a $50,000 contribution last month.
Neither Parker nor Moskovitz are still with Palo Alto-based Facebook, but both still have ownership stakes. Recent estimates put the value of the privately held company as high as $33.7 billion.
"What's interesting here is that (Parker) is a member of the generation that really gets it," said Stephen Gutwillig, a spokesman for the Drug Policy Alliance, the main beneficiary of Parker's contribution. "We think he's pivotal to the future of drug policy reform in the country."
The 30-year-old served as Facebook's first president and helped transform the company from dorm-room project to big business. Parker and Moskovitz have become household names since the recent release of "The Social Network." The film chronicling the contentious origins of Facebook was No. 1 at the box office last week.
Pop musician and actor Justin Timberlake plays Parker in the movie, which portrays him as a hotshot who convinces Facebook founder Mark Zuckerberg to push out his friend from the burgeoning company.
In a recent Vanity Fair profile, the media-shy entrepreneur is described as a computer-programming prodigy with an uncanny knack for anticipating online trends and a penchant for designer clothes and partying.
At age 19, Parker helped develop Napster, the music-sharing software that turned the recording industry upside-down. He is now a partner at Founders Fund, a Silicon Valley venture capital firm.
Parker did not immediately respond to e-mails seeking comment.
About $1.5 million of the $2.4 million raised so far in support of Proposition 19 has come from the measure's main sponsor, Oakland medical marijuana entrepreneur Richard Lee. The only other six-figure donation not from Lee came from adult entertainment entrepreneur Phil Harvey, who gave $100,000.
Parker's donation came shortly after the Yes on 19 campaign committee reported having meager cash on hand heading into the final weeks before the election. The money from Parker and Harvey went to a separate committee to fund the Drug Policy Alliance's work on behalf of the measure.
Much of the money will go toward a get-out-the-vote campaign targeting young voters and voters of color, Gutwillig said.
Facebook recently came under fire from some marijuana advocates who claimed it was turning away advertising on the site in support of Proposition 19. Facebook said in a statement that company policy prohibits images of drugs, drug paraphernalia or tobacco in paid advertising but that ballot measure supporters were still free to advertise using different images.
Source: Associated Press/Yahoo News
Parker's donation was reported in Proposition 19 campaign finance filings this week.
And he's not the first big Proposition 19 donor with ties to the social networking site. Facebook co-founder Dustin Moskovitz has made two donations totalling $70,000, including a $50,000 contribution last month.
Neither Parker nor Moskovitz are still with Palo Alto-based Facebook, but both still have ownership stakes. Recent estimates put the value of the privately held company as high as $33.7 billion.
"What's interesting here is that (Parker) is a member of the generation that really gets it," said Stephen Gutwillig, a spokesman for the Drug Policy Alliance, the main beneficiary of Parker's contribution. "We think he's pivotal to the future of drug policy reform in the country."
The 30-year-old served as Facebook's first president and helped transform the company from dorm-room project to big business. Parker and Moskovitz have become household names since the recent release of "The Social Network." The film chronicling the contentious origins of Facebook was No. 1 at the box office last week.
Pop musician and actor Justin Timberlake plays Parker in the movie, which portrays him as a hotshot who convinces Facebook founder Mark Zuckerberg to push out his friend from the burgeoning company.
In a recent Vanity Fair profile, the media-shy entrepreneur is described as a computer-programming prodigy with an uncanny knack for anticipating online trends and a penchant for designer clothes and partying.
At age 19, Parker helped develop Napster, the music-sharing software that turned the recording industry upside-down. He is now a partner at Founders Fund, a Silicon Valley venture capital firm.
Parker did not immediately respond to e-mails seeking comment.
About $1.5 million of the $2.4 million raised so far in support of Proposition 19 has come from the measure's main sponsor, Oakland medical marijuana entrepreneur Richard Lee. The only other six-figure donation not from Lee came from adult entertainment entrepreneur Phil Harvey, who gave $100,000.
Parker's donation came shortly after the Yes on 19 campaign committee reported having meager cash on hand heading into the final weeks before the election. The money from Parker and Harvey went to a separate committee to fund the Drug Policy Alliance's work on behalf of the measure.
Much of the money will go toward a get-out-the-vote campaign targeting young voters and voters of color, Gutwillig said.
Facebook recently came under fire from some marijuana advocates who claimed it was turning away advertising on the site in support of Proposition 19. Facebook said in a statement that company policy prohibits images of drugs, drug paraphernalia or tobacco in paid advertising but that ballot measure supporters were still free to advertise using different images.
Source: Associated Press/Yahoo News
Thursday, September 30, 2010
Obama Healthcare bill includes Real Estate Sales Tax
Did you know that if you sell your house after 2012 you will pay a 3.8%
sales tax on it?
That's $3,800 on a $100,000 home etc.
When did this happen? It's in the healthcare bill. Just thought you
should know.
SALES TAX TO GO INTO EFFECT 2013 (Part of HC Bill)
REAL ESTATE SALES TAX
So, this is "change you can believe in"?
Under the new health care bill - did you know that all real estate
transactions will be subject to a 3.8% Sales Tax? The bulk of these new
taxes don't kick in until 2013 (presumably after obama's re-election).
You can thank Nancy, Harry and Barack and your local Democrat Congressman
for this one. If you sell your $400,000 home, there will be a $15,200
tax. This bill is set to screw the retiring generation who often
downsize their homes. Is this Hope & Change great or what? Does this
stuff makes your November and 2012 votes more important?
Oh, you weren't aware this was in the obamacare bill? Guess what, you
aren't alone. There are more than a few members of Congress that aren't
aware of it either (result of clandestine midnight voting for huge bills
they've never read). AND, there are a few other surprises lurking.
sales tax on it?
That's $3,800 on a $100,000 home etc.
When did this happen? It's in the healthcare bill. Just thought you
should know.
SALES TAX TO GO INTO EFFECT 2013 (Part of HC Bill)
REAL ESTATE SALES TAX
So, this is "change you can believe in"?
Under the new health care bill - did you know that all real estate
transactions will be subject to a 3.8% Sales Tax? The bulk of these new
taxes don't kick in until 2013 (presumably after obama's re-election).
You can thank Nancy, Harry and Barack and your local Democrat Congressman
for this one. If you sell your $400,000 home, there will be a $15,200
tax. This bill is set to screw the retiring generation who often
downsize their homes. Is this Hope & Change great or what? Does this
stuff makes your November and 2012 votes more important?
Oh, you weren't aware this was in the obamacare bill? Guess what, you
aren't alone. There are more than a few members of Congress that aren't
aware of it either (result of clandestine midnight voting for huge bills
they've never read). AND, there are a few other surprises lurking.
Monday, September 27, 2010
Obabma Asministration going to take away internet privacy
Report: US would make Internet wiretaps easier
WASHINGTON – Broad new regulations being drafted by the Obama administration would make it easier for law enforcement and national security officials to eavesdrop on Internet and e-mail communications like social networking Web sites and BlackBerries, The New York Times reported Monday.
The newspaper said the White House plans to submit a bill next year that would require all online services that enable communications to be technically equipped to comply with a wiretap order. That would include providers of encrypted e-mail, such as BlackBerry, networking sites like Facebook and direct communication services like Skype.
Federal law enforcement and national security officials say new the regulations are needed because terrorists and criminals are increasingly giving up their phones to communicate online.
"We're talking about lawfully authorized intercepts," said FBI lawyer Valerie E. Caproni. "We're not talking about expanding authority. We're talking about preserving our ability to execute our existing authority in order to protect the public safety and national security."
The White House plans to submit the proposed legislation to Congress next year.
The new regulations would raise new questions about protecting people's privacy while balancing national security concerns.
The Times said the Obama proposal would likely include several requires:
_Any service that provides encrypted messages must be capable of unscrambling them.
_Any foreign communications providers that do business in the U.S. would have to have an office in the United States that's capable of providing intercepts.
_Software developers of peer-to-peer communications services would be required to redesign their products to allow interception.
The Times said that some privacy and technology advocates say the regulations would create weaknesses in the technology that hackers could more easily exploit.
WASHINGTON – Broad new regulations being drafted by the Obama administration would make it easier for law enforcement and national security officials to eavesdrop on Internet and e-mail communications like social networking Web sites and BlackBerries, The New York Times reported Monday.
The newspaper said the White House plans to submit a bill next year that would require all online services that enable communications to be technically equipped to comply with a wiretap order. That would include providers of encrypted e-mail, such as BlackBerry, networking sites like Facebook and direct communication services like Skype.
Federal law enforcement and national security officials say new the regulations are needed because terrorists and criminals are increasingly giving up their phones to communicate online.
"We're talking about lawfully authorized intercepts," said FBI lawyer Valerie E. Caproni. "We're not talking about expanding authority. We're talking about preserving our ability to execute our existing authority in order to protect the public safety and national security."
The White House plans to submit the proposed legislation to Congress next year.
The new regulations would raise new questions about protecting people's privacy while balancing national security concerns.
The Times said the Obama proposal would likely include several requires:
_Any service that provides encrypted messages must be capable of unscrambling them.
_Any foreign communications providers that do business in the U.S. would have to have an office in the United States that's capable of providing intercepts.
_Software developers of peer-to-peer communications services would be required to redesign their products to allow interception.
The Times said that some privacy and technology advocates say the regulations would create weaknesses in the technology that hackers could more easily exploit.
Thursday, September 9, 2010
Obama against burning of Quran...Theres a supprise!
WASHINGTON- "If he's listening, I hope he understands that what he's proposing to do is completely contrary to our values as Americans," Obama said. "That this country has been built on the notion of freedom and religious tolerance."
Well if all Americans are supposed to be tolerant of each others religion, then why is Obama sticking his nose into Rev. Terry Jones of Florida's religion???
Said Obama: "Look, this is a recruitment bonanza for Al Qaida. You could have serious violence in places like Pakistan and Afghanistan." The president also said Jones' plan, if carried out, could serve as an incentive for terrorist-minded individuals "to blow themselves up" to kill others.
I think the Rev. is trying to use this as a recruiting tool for his religion. Thought the U>S> was supposed to be a free country.... maybe the U.S. should be the next country to be liberated by its own military....
Well if all Americans are supposed to be tolerant of each others religion, then why is Obama sticking his nose into Rev. Terry Jones of Florida's religion???
Said Obama: "Look, this is a recruitment bonanza for Al Qaida. You could have serious violence in places like Pakistan and Afghanistan." The president also said Jones' plan, if carried out, could serve as an incentive for terrorist-minded individuals "to blow themselves up" to kill others.
I think the Rev. is trying to use this as a recruiting tool for his religion. Thought the U>S> was supposed to be a free country.... maybe the U.S. should be the next country to be liberated by its own military....
Thursday, August 12, 2010
GM posts Q2 net income of $1.3 billion, sales of $33.2 billion
WOW!! That is so impressive.... NOT! Obama motors was given a free pass on paying there long term and retired employees health care and other benefits. Easy for any company to show profits when the government allows them to breach their contractual agreement. Sure doesn't look like the government helped out "We the People" on this one does it???
And to beat all, the government used taxpayer money to do it....
And to beat all, the government used taxpayer money to do it....
Tuesday, June 8, 2010
Government still after your Freedom
Two lawmakers say it's time for prepaid cell phone users to identify themselves.
New York Democratic Sen. Chuck Schumer (SHOO'-mur) and Texas Republican Sen. John Cornyn (KOHR'-nihn) have introduced legislation requiring consumers to produce identification before buying such phones.
That's rattled some civil liberties groups, who say the bill may threaten privacy rights.
Prepaid phones can be a lifeline for people with limited incomes or poor credit.
But since they can be purchased anonymously, they're a favored tool of drug dealers and other criminals looking to cover their tracks.
Prepaid phones also have been linked to suspected terror activity.
Authorities say accused Times Square bomb plotter Faisal Shahzad (FY'-sul shah-ZAHD') used one to purchase a car in which to hide the bomb.
New York Democratic Sen. Chuck Schumer (SHOO'-mur) and Texas Republican Sen. John Cornyn (KOHR'-nihn) have introduced legislation requiring consumers to produce identification before buying such phones.
That's rattled some civil liberties groups, who say the bill may threaten privacy rights.
Prepaid phones can be a lifeline for people with limited incomes or poor credit.
But since they can be purchased anonymously, they're a favored tool of drug dealers and other criminals looking to cover their tracks.
Prepaid phones also have been linked to suspected terror activity.
Authorities say accused Times Square bomb plotter Faisal Shahzad (FY'-sul shah-ZAHD') used one to purchase a car in which to hide the bomb.
Friday, April 23, 2010
US Invasion - Illegal Imagrants - Help !
It has been said that the only reform we need is enforcing the law. Illegal is Illegal! It has also been said: You won't even need to deport them. Just ban ALL services without proof they are legally in the USA. No job, no housing, no welfare and no support systems. Eliminate the "anchor baby". Only give them US citizenship if the parents are here legally. They would leave on there own.
A line has been crossed and it isn't immigration anymore its invasion. Subsidizing having children and giving government welfare to our neighbors is a recipe for disaster. Dems should be happy, more poverty to fuel votes for themselves, and corporate should be happy to have more people to exploit. In the end only the American people lose.
Here's the thing, If you want to come to the US... no problem, follow the rules legally and learn the language like everyone else did. Illegal is Illegal.
Once again Our Government spends money helping other countries from invasion while turning its head from its own. I say " Is there another country that will offer Aid to the US invasion?"
A line has been crossed and it isn't immigration anymore its invasion. Subsidizing having children and giving government welfare to our neighbors is a recipe for disaster. Dems should be happy, more poverty to fuel votes for themselves, and corporate should be happy to have more people to exploit. In the end only the American people lose.
Here's the thing, If you want to come to the US... no problem, follow the rules legally and learn the language like everyone else did. Illegal is Illegal.
Once again Our Government spends money helping other countries from invasion while turning its head from its own. I say " Is there another country that will offer Aid to the US invasion?"
PR: 
LD: 
I: 
Rank: 
C: Tuesday, March 30, 2010
New medical symbol
To prepare for the new health care reform package, the White House felt it necessary to develop a new medical symbol that truly depicts the Health Care Plan you will be getting.
Sunday, March 28, 2010
America's greatest threat: B. Hussein Obama
Hear it from his own mouth : http://news.yahoo.com/video#video=18811226
He wants to continue to take control (freedom of choice) away from the American people and put the Government in charge. Health care is just one of many stepping stone he tends to carry this country across. In a time that Our economy is at its worst and unemployment at its highest in decades... He tends to TAX the U.S. Citizens even more. This is not good at all. This is one step closer to Dictatorship and communism. I think the U.S. Military may be needed to Liberate Washington and Fast !
He wants to continue to take control (freedom of choice) away from the American people and put the Government in charge. Health care is just one of many stepping stone he tends to carry this country across. In a time that Our economy is at its worst and unemployment at its highest in decades... He tends to TAX the U.S. Citizens even more. This is not good at all. This is one step closer to Dictatorship and communism. I think the U.S. Military may be needed to Liberate Washington and Fast !
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Wednesday, March 24, 2010
Obamacare TAX or Fine - Either way, he's taking your money
Obama has pulled it off, the largest Tax implemented in years and at the worst economical in history. Above that, the Dictator is going to fine you if you can't afford it.... The U.S. Government is broke, so instead of cutting back on spending... they just go out and crack heads and take it.
NEWS FLASH: U.S. Citizens are loosing their Freedoms one dollar at a time.
Look at how the government has handled Social Security. Its broke... and I for one pay in and have no guarantee i will get anything for it..... I can not count on it for my retirement which is what it is supposed to be for.
Now with this Health care tax. Even the people that don't work and pay tax.... will now have to pay tax or a fine, lol . Guess nobody figured that one out yet. At least that is one good thing about it. The non tax payers that voted Obama in can thank him for costing them money..... Guess it isn't gonna be a freebie program for the non tax payer after all.
NEWS FLASH: U.S. Citizens are loosing their Freedoms one dollar at a time.
Look at how the government has handled Social Security. Its broke... and I for one pay in and have no guarantee i will get anything for it..... I can not count on it for my retirement which is what it is supposed to be for.
Now with this Health care tax. Even the people that don't work and pay tax.... will now have to pay tax or a fine, lol . Guess nobody figured that one out yet. At least that is one good thing about it. The non tax payers that voted Obama in can thank him for costing them money..... Guess it isn't gonna be a freebie program for the non tax payer after all.
Saturday, February 27, 2010
Obama Quick to Spend US dollars Abroad
Obama hears of an earthquake in Chile and before they can get a death count, he has already commited US Taxpayer dollars. Turns out 147 people have died. As we feel for these people... let us not forget about the hundreds of homeless that die here on US soil. Let us not forget that US tax Payer Dollars should be spent on the US needs before others.
People starving in the US do without while the US government Sends taxpayer money offshore... OBAMA... Look out your front window at all the Homeless sleeping on your streets of DC. Many of which are US Veterans.... Don't they deserve a helping hand before someone across the world.
If the US Government insist on spending tax payer money all over the world, it should TAX the entire world instead of leaving the burden on the working class of America.
People starving in the US do without while the US government Sends taxpayer money offshore... OBAMA... Look out your front window at all the Homeless sleeping on your streets of DC. Many of which are US Veterans.... Don't they deserve a helping hand before someone across the world.
If the US Government insist on spending tax payer money all over the world, it should TAX the entire world instead of leaving the burden on the working class of America.
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