The REAL Hazard to CA Citizens, Formaldehyde or CARB?

Dear Readers: Here is a thought a new friend shared with me: When California’s Governor Arnold Schwarzenegger lights up a cigar to celebrate another state-wide tax-raise, he is producing about 40 ppm (parts per million) of formaldehyde….and seems to be more in jeopardy on a motorcycle than enjoying a stogie.

In contrast, the California Air Resources Board (CARB) is mandating that composite wood panels (used in a multitude of furniture products and consumer goods) be certified to eventually have 0.05 ppm of this same, naturally-occurring compound. A combination of bureaucratic hubris, regulatory power-grabs, poor science, and interstate commerce regulations endangers billions of dollars in revenue and countless jobs in California and other states in an already weakened economy.

I submit the real hazard to California’s citizens is CARB.

The new friend is Jeff Lassle. He is a former director of a forest products company that is 135-years old and reeling from forced compliance with draconian requirements under the California Air Resources Board (CARB) rules for formaldehyde.

“Businessmen and women are afraid to complain, because they are afraid they are going to be targeted for regulatory retribution,” said Lassle. “These rules killed my job, the jobs of hundreds of Californians, and the livelihood of thousands of American in other states – because, according to the interstate commerce clauses, manufacturers who make items for California must meet our state’s guidelines.”

There are many extreme environmental measures endangering the economy of California’s enterprises and industry. It is so bad, that Governor Schwarzenegger recently signed a bill allowing the construction of a 75,000-seat stadium in the Los Angeles area; the bill nullifies a lawsuit filed by residents in nearby Walnut over the project’s environmental impact (click HERE to read the details).

Lassle put this act perspective: “American sports industries account for $16 billion in income annually. Its furniture and forestry products businesses account for $350 billion per year for the state (and approximately $2 trillion, when considering the national industries). Why doesn’t this type of real industry, that provides great jobs with reliable income, qualify for similar waivers and exemptions?”

Here is an example of a plea for regulatory relief from an Executive Vice President of International Wood Products to CARB Chairwoman, Mary Nichols (click HERE). The letter provides chilling details on the economic consequences to this state, especially during these economically challenging times, if CARB does not grant the Furniture and Forest Products Industry the same consideration it does sports teams.

The poor science and unreasoned promulgation of CARB requirements have been detailed in this weblog often, especially as they pertain to the diesel emission rules. Lassle offers a perspective on different series of regulations – those pertaining to formaldehyde in forest products, furniture items, and thousands of other retail goods that are critical to American consumers.

Formaldehyde is a simple chemical made of hydrogen, oxygen, and carbon. It occurs naturally and is made within our bodies. The typical human produces 1-1/2 oz. of it every day (and you can have 2 ppm in your bloodstream at any moment). Plants and animals also produce formaldehyde; and is present in the air. The average oak tree, for instance, emits 0.009 parts per million (ppm) of formaldehyde (think of it as less that 1 cent contained in $ 1 million – and that will give you a sense of the scale). The compound is also in many fruits and vegetables; it is a byproduct of cooking some vegetables and meats (e.g., brussel sprouts, cabbage, and a tasty sirloin steak).

This chemical breaks down quickly and is metabolized to simple carbon dioxide. Our bodies readily break down the low levels to which we are exposed everyday.

Formaldehyde does present specific health hazards (e.g., it is “known to the State of California to cause cancer“, and can cause allergic properties); however, these hazards are not pertinent to the already low levels found in wood products (especially when they are coated or painted). Furthermore, the concentrations that CARB mandates to be permitted in composite panels for furniture products are net set on hard data – just the desire to be the lowest level on the globe.

Lassle offers the following overview on formaldehyde limits currently used and accepted:

• The U.S. HUD Manufactured Housing Standard is 0.20 ppm of formaldehyde (equivalent to 20 cents in $1 million).
• European standards for composite board are set to be 0.1 ppm (equivalent to 10 cents in $1 million).
• By June of this year, the California forest products industry will have to ensure any item sold here has 0.08 ppm (equivalent 8 cents per $1 million) in Phase I of compliance with the new CARB standards
• By June of 2010 after Phase II is complete, the forest products industry produced items must be certified to have less than 0.05 ppm (equivalent 5 cents per $1 million).

Lassle notes that the furniture industry lags these rules by 12 months.

“The only reason CARB set levels this low is to have the most stringent standard in the world. These levels are at the limits of analytical detection. This is nonsense, and will contribute to California economic failures.”

[I would like to note that one of the CARB officials say “there is no safe level for formaldehyde”, citing its cancer-causing status. As mentioned above, our bodies produce safe levels of formaldehyde daily. Additionally, a study conducted by three separate groups determined that the CARB over-estimated the risk of cancer from formaldehyde up to 36,000 times. A review of these studies can be found HERE.

The ignorant CARB statement also belies that it is a general rule of occupational safety in industrial settings (i.e. laboratory) to reduce all exposures to carcinogens to lowest possible levels. Furthermore, the human body is designed to handle regular exposures to toxins found in foods and nature regularly. In fact, Californians routinely voluntarily consume carcinogenic ethyl alcohol in wines often; most wine imbibers do not develop cancer, and it is thought its consumption is beneficial! Utilizing the language of industrial hygiene for fear-mongering and bureaucratic empowerment is disgusting.

As additional background, the actual potential of formaldehyde to cause nasal cancer is questionable. The American Cancer Society reports that 50, yes only 50, cases of nasal cancer are diagnosed yearly in the United States. The causes of nasal cancer are chiefly related to genetics, the HPV virus and smoking and according to the Center for Disease Control, Formaldehyde has never been directly linked to even one case of cancer to date.]

To place the significance of this “safety enhancement” in perspective, Lassle noted that a professional toxicologist (Dr. F.J. Murray, DABT of Stanford University) estimated that the extra protection provided by CARB’s punitive formaldehyde levels would protect 0.16 person per 38 million over a 70 year time. In summary, CARB’s gutting a multi-billion dollar industry critical to our state’s economy will theoretically save….1 foot on 1 person in the entire state’s 38 million population each 70 years.

If a piece of furniture is not certified to be at or below the above threshold levels, it cannot be sold in the state of California. Therefore, many furniture distributors and sellers are in jeopardy of not being able to sell their current stock – especially as inventory has been slow to move in the current economic environment. Many in that industry are appealing to CARB to extend deadlines, so that they can sell off the current stock (click HERE to read further details).

Wayne Nunnally, purchasing and sales manager of Peterman Lumber Inc. in Fontana, said the new regulation, effective Jan. 1, 2009, doesn’t give hundreds of businesses enough time to sell off existing stock. The wood must be certified where it is manufactured, and so far, certified wood has not arrived from overseas mills.

Although the current products might meet the new standard, they won’t have the necessary certification to be sold in California, Nunnally said.

“We are in favor of reducing air pollution, but we want to make it so we don’t get killed,” he said. “We might have to dump it and lose money because of the inventory.”
Lassle details the current unrest in the furniture and forestry products industry: “Many people can survive a year or two without profits. However, the new CARB rules pertaining to permission will extend the losses, especially in this economy. Businesses will close, and this will prolong our state’s weak economy.”

At the present time, CARB does not appear to be receptive based on the scientific and economic counter-arguments offered by environmental professionals and experienced businesspeople. Furthermore, other state and countries are poised to benefit from our state’s ill considered regulations impact on California itself; an example follows:

Ernie Montano, vice president of a La Mirada importing company, has surveyed a sampling of California importers and has estimated that there is nearly $200 million worth of noncompliant materials in warehouses and lumberyards.

Montano, of Del Valle, Kahman & Co. Inc., said he is already getting calls from wood suppliers based in Mexico and Arizona offering to buy his inventory at prices about half what his company paid for the wood.

Sadly, the only profits that CARB seems interested in is their own. Failure to meet the draconian certification requirements can lead to fines of $10,000 per day, and in special situations $70,000 a day and 1 year of jail time. Additionally, the CARB salary levels are ASTONISHING! Specific details and analysis are HERE; a snippet is below:

The average CARB employee makes $85,000 a year; 35% of CARB employees make $90,000 a year or more.

Californians should be very concerned. Imagine going into a Target to by a coffee table, only to find none available or priced at levels far higher than in neighboring states. With no sales, employees from a wide range of industries will become jobless.

In conclusion: CARB is the real threat to all Californians.

Citizens who want to take action can start by reviewing the information HERE: Miracle in California — Stopping the Cancer of Big Government!.

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MUT News and Views:

Not only the state, but the Nation, is entering into malaise territory: AP to Americans: Stop being “grouchy”.

Happy Veteran’s Day: And a sincere Flaming Capitalism salute to all current and former members of the American military.

A look at how children are being exploited to promote the “global warming” inanity by The Anchoress, another example of poor science is being used to control the populace and suppress liberty and capitalism.

GOP Now Leads Dems In Gallup’s Generic Congressional Ballot via Gateway Pundit.
Whether or Not Obama Focuses On The Economy, It Gets Worse via Instapundit.

UPDATES:

Reid tossing cap-and-trade under the bus?

Californians Unplugging the Political Machine by Fighting Union Thuggery

Dear Readers: I have an essential update in the fight for California Capitalism and our state’s prosperity. The HOTTEST news is that there is a website that will help our citizens action groups (e.g., the Southern California Tax Revolt Coalition, Tea Party Patriots) organize to promote the first TEA PARTY PROPOSITION!

We really need motivated citizens for the petition drive. It seems that only if we can get massive participation and significant signature numbers will the media and politics begin to take California’s regular constituents seriously.

Please check out the website: THE CITIZEN POWER CAMPAIGN – Unplug the Political Machine. (http://www.unplugthepoliticalmachine.org/)

A summary of “WHO WE ARE”:

We are a gathering of rank-and-file citizens and taxpayers of California who understand the devastation which the Public Employee Unions are wreaking on California. The Public Employee Unions have essentially converted a big piece of their rank-and-file members’ dues into an unprecedented and oppressive political war chest, which they use to seduce and bully the politicians in Sacramento into giving away billions in indefensible pensions and benefits to their members.

The only solution is for the citizens and taxpayers to take their power back, and so we are creating The Citizen Power Campaign. This is a movement of ordinary people who are gathering together to place an initiative on the 2010 ballot to prevent the Public Employee Unions from converting taxpayer dollars into special interest political contributions to rig elections and ultimately push California into bankruptcy.

The Public Employee Unions, and their shills, will accuse us of being a front for corporate interests. Untrue! Big Business, along with Big Government, Big Labor, and Big Media, are all part of the problem. This is a citizens’ movement. Sympathizers, believers in human dignity, may join up — even if they don’t live in California. This movement is propelled in large measure by the Tea Party Patriots and determined to fight privilege and elitism wherever encountered — beginning by making the Public Employee Unions live by the same rules as the rest of us!

The Public Employee Unions will spends tens of millions of dollars opposing this.

But as Saul Alinsky once wrote, “Power has always derived from two main sources, money and people.” The Public Employee Unions have the money. This is about people. This is about Citizen Power!

We need volunteers to get petitions signed as soon as possible; only by prompt, over-whelming citizen force can we hope to push back on the thuggery of elite union leadership and its political protections. Please read this piece for details on the initiative:

Freeing State Employees from Union-Political Elite’s Deal: CA’s 1st TEA PARTY INITIATIVE.

The time to act is NOW:

The government collects dues for the unions, and the unions give as much as 1/3 right back to the politicians who gave them that right in the first place. It’s a sweet deal for the politicians and the unions. Jerry Brown himself, who started all this in California, will most certainly receive tens of millions from the public employee unions next year in his run for governor.

How much money is involved? Let’s look at round numbers for just one union – the California Teachers Association. There are 340,000 teachers, who pay approximately $1000 per year in union dues. $300 per year, per teacher, goes toward politics. That’s $100 million per year, right of the top of teachers’ salaries, collected by the government, given to the CTA and its affiliates, and then funneled right back into the political campaigns of the politicians who do their bidding, which usually means voting for more spending and higher taxes on you and me.

In short – our taxes, being used to make us pay more taxes.

To understand the power behind organized and informed citizens, please view the video from the first stop in a nation-wide relay in support of California’s Central Valley Farmers:

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MUT News and Views:

* Korean navies exchange fire: Hot Air gives the details. Please prayer for the safety of the Noble Princess (my step-daughter), who is currently residing in South Korea.

* EPA lawyers: Cap-and-trade bill is “fatally flawed”

* Kenneth Gladney Police Report Describes Brutal SEIU Beatdown from Gateway Pundit (read about California’s version of Gladney by clicking HERE).

* Senate throws Obama’s Baton in the dumpster; takes fiscally responsible stance and rejects abject Obama Socialism from Voting Female Speaks.

* Ann Althouse covers the legal situation between Carrie Prejean and TMZ (a site I will never visit again). The reason for the recommendation — she also sites an Alinsky rule: Make the enemy live up to its own book of rules. You can kill them with this, for they can no more obey their own rules than the Christian Church can live up to Christianity.

As I note in my “Quote of the Week”: It’s wise to study the ways of one’s adversary. Don’t you think?

* W.C. Varones reviews Californian and National financial disasters.

* Freedom Week (UPDATED… with important information regarding another “week”); Beers with Demo takes a look at the FALL OF THE BERLIN WALL (one of the best summaries I have read)….. and….

SAN DIEGO BEER WEEK! (I did not know we had a beer week; this is my “something new” learned on this day!)

Last, but certainly not least….

* The ‘Shut up’ President Blames & Aims by our most cherished patroness, the Anchoress.

You arrogant ass. You’ve killed us!

Dear Readers: As I post “iconic American movie” quotes often, I wanted to note that many of my blogosphere compatriots referenced “Star Wars” to describe their disgust for the U.S. House of Representatives’ passage of their healthcare reform bill this past Saturday. I love “Star Wars” and appreciate the connection.

However, for me, a quote from “The Hunt for Red October” came more readily to mind.

You arrogant ass. You’ve killed us!

For those of you who love Sean Connery (like myself), you may recall that Captain Topalov of the Soviet Alpha Submarine Konovalov was chasing The Red October. After a near-miss, the arrogant Topalov had the safety device on a torpedo removed to ensure it detonated when it stuck its opponent. After clever maneuvering by American Captain Bart Manusco (who was piloting The Red October), the torpedo was pointed at the Konovalov. At this point, the Konovalov’s disgusted First Mate said the above line.

It is applicable in 2 ways: worst case and best base. The worst case is if the Obama Administration succeeds in pushing through its vision of Utopian medical care for all, then we are all killed (or at least our liberties). For example, potential doctors are “going Galt” and declining to pursue health careers in anticipation of the lack of compensation, appreciation, and professional flexibility.

The best case is that the passage has killed off the treacherous “Blue Dogs” and the GOP Congressman Cao that voted to pass this 1900 page monstrosity. Jumping in Pools as a complete list of these so-called “Blue Dogs”; below is the list that features those Democrats in Republican districts, most at threat:

Congressman Arcuri - New York’s 24th congressional district – R+2.
Congressman Berry - Arkansas 1st congressional district – R+8.
Congressman Carney – Pennsylvania’s 10th congressional district – R+8.
Congressman Cuellar - Texas’ 28th congressional district. – EVEN.
Congresswoman Dahlkemper – Pennsylvania’s 3rd congressional district – R+3.
Congressman Donnelly – Indiana’s 2nd congressional district – R+2.
Congressman Ellsworth – Indiana’s 8th congressional district – R+8.
Congresswoman Giffords – Arizona’s 8th congressional district – R+4.
Congressman Hill - Indiana’s 9th congressional district – R+6.
Congressman Mitchell – Arizona’s 5th congressional district – R+5.
Congressman Moore – Kansas 3rd congressional district – R+3.
Congressman Murphy - Pennsylvania’s 8th congressional district – D+2.
Congressman Pomeroy - North Dakota’s at-large congressional district – R+10.
Congressman Salazar – Colorado’s 3rd congressional district – R+5.
Congressman Space - Ohio’s 18th congressional district – R+7.
Congressman Wilson – Ohio’s 6th congressional district – R+2.

And last but not least:

Congressman GOP Rep. Anh (Joseph) Cao of Louisiana, who took over corrupt Democratic Congressman William Jefferson’s seat. According to Michelle Malkin, the 30 pieces of silver paid to Cao was: A “commitment from President Obama.”Just ask our European allies how much that is worth.

PLEASE USE THIS LINK TO CONTACT THEM: United States House of Representatives!

This vote shows the political elites serve themselves before serving the interest of their constituents. Disgusting.

And let me add to your disgust! Obama plumbed Grand Canyon depths of political inanity by comparing those odious “Blue Dogs” to…..the victims of the Fort Hood Terror Attack. Ann Althouse has a summary of his statement:

His idea was: Soldiers make sacrifices for the good of the country, so congressional Democrats should put their concerns about the next election aside for the good of the country.

The sad part is that, yes, Obama can go lower. He will go lower. There are still oceanic trench depths to explore! Then, as his level of circumspection and decorum decrease further, he can go off-world and plumb the depths of Valles Marineris, The Grand Canyon of Mars.

After spending Sunday in prayer, with my beloved Horemheb reminding me that the legislative cycle has only just begun, I will start by reminding my compatriots that we knew that we had a lot of work to do and that 2010 is our turning point. I will also note that Obama referred to our citizen activists as “tea-baggers” in a recent speech: “Does anybody think that the teabag, anti-government people are going to support them if they bring down health care?”

As our friend, Lipstick Underground, notes — we must focus our attention on the U.S. Senate. We must explode this liberty-crushing detriment to our society like the Konovalov.

Here is the list of Senators that need our attention:

Mark Begich-AK- ph 202-224-3004,
email(http://www.facebook.com/l/ff769;begich.senate.gov/contact/contact.cfm_)

Blanche L. Lincoln -AR-ph -202-224-4843, email(http://www.facebook.com/l/ff769;lincoln.senate.gov/contact/email.cfm)

Mark Pryor-AR ph 202-224-2353
Email(http://www.facebook.com/l/ff769;pryor.senate.gov/contact/)

Joseph Lieberman- CT-202-224-4041
Email (http://www.facebook.com/l/ff769;lieberman.senate.gov/contact/)

Thomas Carper-DE ph 202-224-2441
Email (http://www.facebook.com/l/ff769;carper.senate.gov/contact/)

Bill Nelson- FL- ph 202-224-5274
Email (http://www.facebook.com/l/ff769;billnelson.senate.gov/contact/index.cfm)

Even Bayh-IN 202-224-5623
Email (http://www.facebook.com/l/ff769;bayh.senate.gov/contact/email/)

Mary Landrieu- LA ph 202-224-5824
Email (http://www.facebook.com/l/ff769;landrieu.senate.gov/contact/index.cfm)

Susan Collins -( R ) ME-ph 202-224-2523
Email(http://www.facebook.com/l/ff769;collins.senate.gov/public/continue.cfm?FuseAction=ContactSenatorCollins.EmailIssue)

Olympia Snowe-( R ) ME – ph 202-224-5344
Email (http://www.facebook.com/l/ff769;snowe.senate.gov/public/index.cfm?FuseAction=ContactSenatorSnowe)

John Tester-MT ph -202-224-2644
Email (http://www.facebook.com/l/ff769;tester.senate.gov/Contact/index.cfm)

Kent Conrad-ND-202-224-2043
Email(http://www.facebook.com/l/ff769;conrad.senate.gov/contact/webform.cfm)

Ben Nelson-NE- ph 202-224-6551
Email (http://www.facebook.com/l/ff769;bennelson.senate.gov/contact-me.cfm)

Ron Wyden-OR 202-224-5244
Email (http://www.facebook.com/l/ff769;wyden.senate.gov/contact/)

Robert Byrd-WV- 202-224-3954
Email (http://www.facebook.com/l/ff769;byrd.senate.gov/contacts/)

Mark Warner- VA- 202- 224-2023
Email (http://www.facebook.com/l/ff769;warner.senate.gov/public/index.cfm?p=Contact)

Bob Bennett- UT-Phone: (202) 224-5444,
Email: http://www.facebook.com/l/ff769;bennett.senate.gov/public/index.cfm?p=ContactForm

Joe Lieberman-CT-(202) 224-4041, Fax(202) 224-9750

California’s Kenneth Gladney

Dear Readers: Some of you may remember the story of Kenneth Gladney, the townhall protester who was beaten by S.E.I.U. thugs during a rally this summer in St. Louis. It seems California has its own Mr. Gladney, as this post from Gateway Pundit demonstrates: ANOTHER SEIU BEATING– State Worker Bloodied Because He Was Going to Expose Corruption.

(Hat-Tip: http://gatewaypundit.firstthings.com/)

MUT’s Money Quote:

A state worker is recovering after a bloody brawl at a union hall. He says members of the local SEIU 1000 beat him up and sent him to the hospital all because he wanted to expose allegedl corruption within the union.

Ken Hamidi is a state worker at the California Franchise Tax Board. Last night he walked into a union hall in Sacramento for an SEIU local 1000 meeting.

Just a reminder: The Southern California Tax Revolt Coalition and Tea Party Patriots are organizing to push back on the state “Axis of Evil” — the partnership between union leaders and political elites. Please check this for further details: Freeing State Employees from Union-Political Elite’s Deal: CA’s 1st TEA PARTY INITIATIVE.

California’s Eyes Turn to Capitol Hill Today!

FLAMING CAPITALISM ALERT: Gateway Pundit reports the crowds outside Congress are….MASSIVE. Click HERE for more pictures.

CLICK HERE TO FOLLOW THE TWEETS!!!!

I will try and add a few choice tweet reports below:

* Hearing all the entrances of the House buildings are jammed up!
* Daniel Lipinski (Ill.) UNDECIDED on Pelosicare Phone: (202) 225 – 5701 Fax: (202) 225 – 1012
* Frank Kratovil (Md.) UNDECIDED on Pelosicare Phone: 202-225-5311 Fax: 202-225-0254
* Stephanie Herseth Sandlin (S.D.) UNDECIDED on Pelosicare Phone: 202-225-2801Fax: 202-225-5823

Admired Patron Instapundit has a number: 10,000 (plus some great shots).

Michelle Malkin reports there have been arrests……of Code Pinko activists!She also has links to live-streaming of the event.

Dear Readers: Before I get too far on the topic of today’s punditry, I wanted to direct your attention to two exceptional posts, recommended to me by friends:

1) House of death: U.S. Government cover-up unveiled; Capitalist Hero Kimberly Dvorak, a real friend to the Shrine, provides an example of real investigative reporting. MUT”s Money Quote:

The ‘House of Death’ case lends itself to a sad part of American history for the government, a low point, but now five years and a new president later the case continues to be swept under the mat.

Over the past nine months the White House has hammered away at the Bush Administration on everything from bungling the war on terrorism to the economy. How many times have we heard “We are a nation of laws?” Or “I don’t mind cleaning up the mess; just don’t tell me how to do it?” Or seen the word “transparency” used.

U.S. law enforcement certainly tweaked the laws concerning the Juarez House of Death case that ultimately cost 12 lives; 11 of which could have been prevented. So why are the recent and current White House Administrations failing to stand by the laws of America? Why look the other way? These are questions this story will attempt to answer without any help from government officials.

2) Crisis Compels Economists To Reach for New Paradigm; Our finance expert, Professor Athena, recommends this read. MUT’s Money Quote:

The goal for economists now is a model that takes account of what happens in the financial sector, yet is simple enough to apply in policy making. The quest is bringing financial economists — long viewed by some as a curiosity mostly relevant to Wall Street — together with macroeconomists. Some believe a viable solution will emerge within a couple of years; others say it could take decades.

I hope you read them both. Now, on to today’s subject: Operation House Call. A summary of today’s event in Washington DC today is found at Gateway Pundit: Michele Bachmann Rallies Troops Before Massive DC Protest (Audio-Video). The essence of this event is as follows:

When: Thursday, Nov. 5, Noon
What: Congressional “House Calls” to House and Senate district offices (or join Rep. Bachmann on the steps of the U.S. Capitol in D.C.)
What to do: Gather with friends outside the district office at noon; ask to speak with a staff member. Explain your concerns about the health care proposals under consideration and deliver your letters, stories, petitions, etc.

It seems that the elite media is essentially ignoring this event, hoping the mob and rabble stay away for lack of coverage. Speaker of the House Pelosi has shut off the live cameras around Capitol Hill, and has also substantially reduced parking to thwart citizens petitioning their representatives directly. You can understand her concern about this action — Pelosi is planning to bring the 1900 page behemoth to a vote this Saturday.

The Southern California Tax Revolt Coalition, LLC is organizing phone support. This is a notice from our compatriot, Lipstick Underground:

THURSDAY – MELT THE PHONES!

In conjunction with Operation House Call in Washington D.C. tomorrow, we here in California need to make a coordinated effort to melt the switch boards in D.C. regarding healthcare “reform” legislation:

White House Switchboard: 1:00 PM Pacific; 202-456-1414

Congressional Switchboard: 10:15 AM Pacific; 202-224-3121

Washington – We have our eyes on you!

I will monitor as best I can (blogging will be light; I have to take the Young Prince to his first orthodontics treatment AND a birthday party). Hopefully, I will be able to provide solid reports — as the Citizen Journalists are going to do the job today that the elite media will not do!

California Thanks New Jersey and Virginia!

Dear Readers: I am sure everyone has in the Tea Party/Tax Revolt movement has an opinion on last nights election results. I wanted to add my 2 denarii to the opinion swarm, by offering a news round-up of posts that highlight my views (and as I had the rare opportunity to analyze the results with my sweetie this morning, I will share his thoughts as well). I hope you enjoy the links.

I think the vote in Virgina, which was a Republican blow-out in a state that Obama took last year, clearly shows Obama’s charms have faded considerably. Horemheb, my beloved husband, also says this — and is in agreement with our admired Patron, Instapundit (both men prove to be highly accurate pundits). Instapudit’s post is here: The Obama magic has faded.

Horehemeb also notes that it seems that the youth and minority vote failed to show, allowing the results to be decided by more traditionally consistent voters. Dick Morris had the most optimistic take on the returns: A Deathblow for ObamaCare. I certainly hope he is right! Mut’s Money Quote, outlining why the VA results has the post impact:

But Virginia results are the most important. More than 80 Democratic congressmen and twenty senators come from …areas.. that John McCain carried in 2008. For them, the sudden switch in Virginia, a swing state that Obama actually carried, heralds tough political times ahead.

New Jersey is the quintessential blue state. If it goes Republican, blue state congressmen needn’t worry. Their districts are likely still safe. But when a Republican in Virginia wins by 20 points, it sends a message to red-state Democratic congressmen to take cover.

Horemheb also noted that voters, especially Independents such as himself, are most focused on fiscal conservatism. Michael Barone concurs, especially in his piece reviewing the results and focusing on New Jersey. His piece, Lessons from the 2009 election results, has this Money Quote:

From the 1996 election up through and including 2008., affluent counties in the East, Midwest and West have trended Democratic, largely through distaste for the religious and cultural conservatives whom voters there have seen (not without reason) as dominant in the Republican party. Now, with the specter of higher tax rates and a vastly expanded public sector, they may be—possibly—headed in the other direction. An interesting trend to watch.

I must admit, I got greedy last night. Once Christie won in New Jersey (congrats to the new Governor), I thought we had the TRIFECTA! However, it was not meant to be. However, I think the New Jersey victory was the bigger win by far (especially as Obama campaigned heavily there, and the the GOP taking the Governorship of a Blue State is the bigger repudiation of big-state nanny governments). So, if I could only have two of the three, VA and NJ are aces.

Ann Althouse, who resides in an area adjacent to NY-23 and has a better feel for the place, has a great review of why Owens won: After all that, why didn’t Doug Hoffman win? Mut’s Money Quote:

Hat-tip: http://althouse.blogspot.com

Owens, by contrast, is big and rugged-looking. He’s an Air Force veteran and he has that military solidity, calm and self-possession. He seems like a country guy, and this is a rural district. He presented himself as a centrist. On the human level, Owens is the kind of person voters around here feel comfortable with. Hoffman’s not. Neither was Scozzafava.

Don Surber notes this reason for the Hoffman failure, which I think is probably the most significant one: In choosing Democrat Bill Owens over Conservative Doug Hoffman, perhaps the people of the district were telling outsiders to butt out.

Thanks Virgina and New Jersey. I believe your votes will help us stop the big government take-over of the healthcare industry, prevent the passage of Cap-and-Trade, and will underscore the importance of fiscal conservatism and free-market capitalism for the elections next year.

Here is a quote from American author Napoleon Hill to leave as a parting thought:

“Victory is always possible for the person who refuses to stop fighting.”

Miracle in California — Stopping the Cancer of Big Government!

Dear Readers: I wanted to lead off the post today with some great news, courtesy of my heroes at Hot Air! It seems that a heavily Democratic district in the Bay Area is closely more closely contested than it has been in previous history, and some Democratic pundits have expressed concern about tonight’s results. Personally, I think it is raising expectations, so that the inevitable Democratic win in that district will be made by the elite media to minimize any conservative victory in VA, NJ or NY. However, it is just too good to dispute at this moment, so I will savor the optimism. I am praying diligently for “A Miracle in the 10th.”

California is in need of a lot of miracles. I had the privilege of talking with Bryan Bloom yesterday, a heroic citizen activist hoping to save our state’s businesses from its perpetual over-regulation. Bryan said something so profound yesterday, that I wanted to take the opportunity to repeat it:

Everyone gets taxed, and its like losing blood. It is unpleasant, but survivable. Over-regulation is a cancer. It is slow, painful, and often not diagnosed until it is too late. It kills businesses.

(MUT Note: Chris Reed, host of “Top Story” on KOGO AM 600 interviewed Bryan related to the Chamber of Commerce meeting that focused on the effects of over-regulation on state’s enterprises. The podcast can be found by clicking HERE! More on Chris Reed and Top Story can be found by clicking HERE).

Bryan professed enormous frustration in dealing with the behemoth that is the California bureaucracy. For example, the California Air Resources Board is just NOW becoming responsive to the numerous complaints from regulated businesses, and just beginning to recognize the unintended consequences on employment and productivity of the implementation of their diesel exhaust regulations. Bryan wanted to note that Assemblyman Dan Logue has been on the front-lines of this battle, and led a fact-finding tour to Nevada.

No! Dan did not go to Vegas! He located expatriate Californians, in a quest to learn why they fled our state. Louge’s findings are detailed HERE; a brief but shocking excerpt is below:

Another business owner stated he was dogged by so much state regulation and high taxes that he felt unwelcome in California.

“They treat you like an enemy not like someone who is creating wealth and jobs and opportunity,” said Steve Patmont, owner of Patmont Motor Werks, who moved his business from Pleasanton to Nevada.

“Nevada is a place that appreciates those of us who are job creators,” he testified. “I went to Nevada and they rolled out the red carpet. ‘I say ‘God Bless America’ and ‘Thank God for Nevada.’”
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Assemblyman Villines repeatedly asked the participants if they were asked by state or local officials why they were leaving and what could be done to change their minds. All stated that no one asked that question – not one.

One of the most interesting speakers was Kris Holt, who is hired by businesses in Nevada to travel to California to recruit businesses to Nevada.

He said that California’s hostile business climate and high taxes has made his job easy.

“California is the feeder state for our job recruitment,” he said. “The State of Nevada is very grateful for California’s over regulation and over taxation of business.”

Bryan notes that the need for such draconian rules is only NOW just being questioned by members of the California Air Resources Board. “There is 40 percent fewer miles being driven, due to the poor economy,” Bryan noted. “Therefore, during a recent meeting in San Diego, results were brought up by the Board that emission levels have clearly dropped as a result of far less miles being driven by diesel trucks. Staff was asked about this and also asked why the exhibits they were showing the Board did not reflect this. The Board later demanded once again a full economic impact study.

Let me do a quick and cheap impact study for CARB. First, our compatriot W.C. Varones detailed a report from the LA Times (hardly the bastion of big business) that describes the exodus of tax-payers from this state — due to……………over-regulation! California has one of the highest unemployment rates in the country. A record number of California businesses are closing their doors.

Economic Impact study complete! Let the repeal begin!

On a more serious note, Byran says that California’s citizens really need to get active and involved. He indicated that the presence of citizen activists at CARB sessions and related meeting (e.g. the members of the Southern California Tax Revolt Coalition) made a difference, and underscored that punitive regulations based on poor science hurt everyone. He suggested that citizens contact CARB board members directly, and describe their concerns and the effects they are experiencing.

I came to discover that San Diego County Supervisor Ron Roberts has been a member of the California Air Resources Board since 1994. Roberts can be quite instrumental in saving Bryan’s company, and that of many other San Diegans, from the unfair fines and ridiculous mandates of CARB. His contact information is:

Webmail: http://www.sdcounty.ca.gov/cnty/bos/sup4/contact.html

Mailing Address: 1600 Pacific Highway, Room 335; San Diego, CA 92101
Phone: (619) 531-5544
Facsimile: (619) 531-6262
Email: ron-roberts@sdcounty.ca.gov

Also, Californians can donate to the Pacific Legal Defense fund, so they can go forward with lawsuits that can directly counter-act the over-regulation (e.g., Most CARB science-panel members have overstayed their terms of office, charges PLF lawsuit).

You seem to regard science as some kind of dodge… or hustle.

Dear Readers: In keeping with the “Ghostbusters” iconic movie theme this week, I am inspired by this quote (made by the University’s dean, as he kicks Peter Venkman — Bill Murray’s memorable character — and the rest of the team out).

The purpose of science is to serve mankind. You seem to regard science as some kind of dodge… or hustle. Your theories are the worst kind of popular tripe, your methods are sloppy, and your conclusions are highly questionable! You are a poor scientist!

The dean could just as easily be talking about the California Air Resources Board, which has a fake pHD holder developing regulatory policy and utilizes finding based on questionable methodology to shackle the productivity of our citizens. Californians, I ask you — is Texas really better than our state?

According to Bryan Bloom of Priority Moving, a San Diego business man whose business has been adversely impacted by the draconian diesel-fuel emission rules promulgated from CARB based on bad science, over-regulation is wiping out state enterprises:

Everyone gets taxed, and its like losing blood. It is unpleasant, but survivable. Over-regulation is a cancer. It is slow, painful, and often not diagnosed until it is too late. It kills businesses.

Photo – Hat-tip Chris Reed SDUT: “Thornhill U” where CARB’s Hien Tran got a PhD!!!

The following piece is by Dean Calbreath, that underscores the seriousness of the problem (as highlighted in the Chamber of Commerce meeting that was held last Friday):

For more than two hours, a panel of legislators and local politicians heard business leaders talk about regulations that they would like to see altered or removed, as well as proposals for making compliance easier.

For Ann Kimmer, who runs Seabreeze Books & Charts, a nautical bookshop in Point Loma, the complaints ranged from the municipal fees she pays for her price scanner to a proposed statewide ban on the use of plastic bags.

Marek Winiarz, president of Metrix, a marketing consulting firm in Jamul, complained that state energy policy focuses too much on solar energy and not enough on supporting energy conservation measures that could provide greater savings at a lower cost.

Dale Watkins, head of Sheffield Platers, an electroplating firm in Sorrento Valley, complained about dealing with too many bureaucracies.

“I have to fill out three different forms to give the same information to three different agencies,” he said. “I have to report my inventory using four templates.”

Bryan Bloom, who runs Priority Moving, a trucking company in San Diego, said new rules against diesel trucks being imposed by the California Air Resources Board would force him to get rid of nearly his entire 11-truck fleet.

Although the state has set aside money to help truck operators with the new law, Bloom said that money is going to larger competitors. He also noted that a number of academics ­ led by James Enstrom of the University of California Los Angeles ­ have disputed whether the new regulations will do any good.

“That leaves me with very few options except to shut down or drive my trucks to Nevada or Arizona,” Bloom said. “And you can multiply that by thousands of businesses across the state.”

I am originally from Michigan. I hate to think I will eventually say, “I once lived in California”.We need to support businessmen such as Bloom, who have made many personal and professional sacrifices to stem the tide of over-regulation in this state.

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MUT News and Views:

Assemblyman Dan Logue has been on the front-lines of the battle against state over-regulation. He spear-headed a fact-finding tour of Nevada to determine WHY California’s employers fled there (click HERE for the full piece; an except is below).

Another business owner stated he was dogged by so much state regulation and high taxes that he felt unwelcome in California.

“They treat you like an enemy not like someone who is creating wealth and jobs and opportunity,” said Steve Patmont, owner of Patmont Motor Werks, who moved his business from Pleasanton to Nevada.

“Nevada is a place that appreciates those of us who are job creators,” he testified. “I went to Nevada and they rolled out the red carpet. ‘I say ‘God Bless America’ and ‘Thank God for Nevada.’”
.
Assemblyman Villines repeatedly asked the participants if they were asked by state or local officials why they were leaving and what could be done to change their minds. All stated that no one asked that question – not one.

One of the most interesting speakers was Kris Holt, who is hired by businesses in Nevada to travel to California to recruit businesses to Nevada.

He said that California’s hostile business climate and high taxes has made his job easy.

“California is the feeder state for our job recruitment,” he said. “The State of Nevada is very grateful for California’s over regulation and over taxation of business.”

Click HERE for Logue’s state Economic Recovery Package, featuring needed de-regulation!

Gateway Pundit features the Mike Pence Video, “Let Your Voice Be Heard”…as we all need to in California.

Fire Andrea Mitchell reports that the NJ Democrats are funding robocalls promoting Dagget (the Independent challenger for Governor), hoping to thwart a Christie victory. My prayers continue for conservative wins in NJ, VA and NY.

W.C. Varones explores using a “Cash for Gulf carts” program for a free unit!

Finally, Congresswoman Michelle Bachman is calling for a citizen’s housecall on Capital Hill Thursday, Nov. 5th. She has many speakers (including Mark Levin) and wants Americans to go into the offices and directly impress upon legislators the importance of VOTING NO to the proposed healthcare reform packages (Pelosi is planning a vote Friday). Click HERE for further details.

Happy Halloween! NY, NJ and VA Races WILL Impact California

Dear Readers: Live long, prosper, and eat lots of candy!

Mutnodjmet and the Young Prince as Kirk and his Yeoman!

Check out this fabulous piece from Iowahawk as my treat to you: Obama Like Me? Roman, Please.

Our friend and compatriot, Fight for California, has a must-read on the San Diego Chamber of Commerce meeting, which focused on how regulations are killing California businesses. The piece is: California’s people call for investigations into Climate Change Hoax. An excerpt:

Scott Molloy of the Building Industry Association described how his 4th generation business was in jeopardy and the effects are so catastrophic that his father, grandfather, and great-grandfather were “rolling over in their graves” as the family enterprises are driven out-of-state or out of business. This echoed the same concerns of the farmers in the Central Valley as government mandated droughts are wiping out generations of wealth.

Another 3rd generation machine shop owner, Dale Watkins of Sheffield Platers, Inc. told the Legislative Panel that he had to fill out 3 different forms for 3 different agencies and some type of streamlining was in order. He was followed by Roy Hobbs, representing the San Diego Port Tenants Association, who said the unfriendly regulatory environment has caused chaos in the recreational boating industry.

I wanted to make one observation: Three critical races happening in other states WILL directly impact California, as we citizens begin to make a stand against extreme environmental regulations. I will be praying that the citizens of NY-23 elect Hoffman, the citizens of New Jersey elect Christie, and the citizens of Virgina elect McDonnell. If this is done, I believe that the rush for federal Healthcare-takeover and Cap-and-Tax requirements will be as dead as this:

Virginians! New Jerseyans! New Yorkers! Hear my plea! Californians desperately need to focus on critical state matters: tax-abuse by our legislature, the Central Valley Farm crisis (all the fun of Katrina without the water), regulatory abuses and horrendous policies developed and implemented by the California Air Resources Board, repealing of the state version of Cap-and-Tax, and freeing our people from our own “axis of evil” (Union and Political Power Elites) via our first Tea Party Proposition.

If the people in our three sister states can stem federal government power-grabs, then there is a chance the Californians can turn back the bureaucratic over-reach that is killing our state. Please read Assemblyman’s Dan Logue’s piece on the California Economic Recovery package that focuses on reigning in the over-regulation (click HERE).

I will be following the results of Tuesday’s elections carefully. Though they are across the country, they will have a substantial impact on the Left Coast!

E tu, Obama!

Dear Readers: An awesomely awesome read today from Iowahawk, which is an essential for anyone who loves history and wit.

Obama Like Me? Roman, Please

Anyhow, every since we got wifi at the Pantheon, I’ve been spending a lot more time online checkin’ out the dillyo back in the mortal ‘hood. That when I read about this choad praetor Rocco Landesman, saying that your new imperator Obamacus is “the most powerful writer since Julius Caesar.” At first I was LMFAO because, let’s face it, the Juice didn’t waste his prime warrior time word processing a bunch of papyrus scrolls. Word cuz, where I come from that kind of bullshit is for light-in-the-sandals scribefags like Livy and Plutarch. So I guess it was like hearing “Obama is the greatest chariot mechanic since Julius Erving.” But then I think about it, and I’m like, WTF? Obama’s palace asslick is comparing him to me? Srsly?

Agrippa, please — act like you know. Skinny fool stages his own tribute in front of some brokeass styrofoam Roman columns, lines up some chump posse of media hagiographers and art school twats, and now y’all are like he’s some OG mac daddy Julio-Claudian baller. Well, the Juice is here to say there ain’t no half steppin’ in the SPQR

MUT’s MONEY QUOTE: Yo Obamacus, Rome up your shit!

Iowahawk, we love you, man! A special shout-out from the ancient Egyptian contingent at the Shrine of Flaming Capitalism! And here is a famous depiction of the Queen of Egypt, Cleopatra VII, meeting Julius Caesar: