Sorry good readers, but Ogre's traveling all day today, so there will likely be nothing new to read here.

But hey, if you're looking for something new and exciting to read, check over some of the blogrolls over there on the right!

Posted by: Ogre at 02:03 PM | No Comments | Add Comment
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The North Carolina Stupid People "Education" Lottery is a smashing success -- but lottery officials (and those who want MORE to waste spend on education are nervous. The lottery is bringing in an average of $3.6 million PER DAY in North Carolina. The Legislature has already spent $3.3 million per day -- so officials are nervous that the sales will drop off after the novelty of the lottery has worn off.

Of course, they're counting on the new multi-state Powerball (also known as the lottery-that-you-have-even-less-chance-to-win-big) that starts May 30th to bring in more money and to keep that average up. However, that's a whole month away and they're not sure what they're going to do if the average theft income from the lottery falls below what the legislature has already spent.

Can you imagine an "income" stream of $3.6 million PER DAY and thinking that you're not getting enough?

Don't look for them to reduce the six-figure salaries of the people running the lottery -- but hold on to your wallet -- you're going to need to win the lottery to pay all the taxes you're going to get stuck with.

Posted by: Ogre at 11:01 AM | No Comments | Add Comment
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In an interesting, and unexpected move, the city council of Raleigh has refused to bow to bullying by the ACLU (American Crap-Lovers Union) and instead has decided to allow freedom of religion in the state capital.

The ACLU demanded that the city remove all references to any religion during opening prayers, despite the U.S. Constitution's protections of freedom of religion. The city, unimpressed by the threats of the Communist Lawyer's Association, told them to take a long walk off a short pier.

And yes, you can certainly expect the ACLU, with the help of exploited taxpayer money, will file suit. They might even win, because they have found a number of judges who don't like freedom of religion, either. However, the city can completely ignore the ACLU and any rulings from judges -- you see, the Constitution is the highest law of the land, and judge's rulings are called "opinions" for a reason.

You see, judges were designed to be the least powerful branch of government. If a judge tells the city to stop praying, what happens if they don't? The executive branch has to enforce that ruling. If the executive branch disagrees with the judge, they are completely free, and indeed SHOULD defer to the Constitution. I'm not holding my breath -- but nice job, Raleigh, standing up to these bastards whose primary goal is remove all signs of religion in this country.

Posted by: Ogre at 03:04 PM | Comments (5) | Add Comment
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1 Yup, mu.nu still hates my trackbacks.

Posted by: William Teach at April 27, 2006 06:26 PM (doAuV)

2 Notice how the only rights the Anti-Christian-Libbies-Union protects are lefty rights. They don't protect the boyscouts, Christians,etc. I loathe them.

Posted by: Jenn at April 27, 2006 07:08 PM (QD9ey)

3 It helps when I put it in the trackback box, not the Technorati tags box )

Posted by: William Teach at April 27, 2006 08:41 PM (IRsCk)

4 Funny, I read the article and it's clear that no one is trying to prevent anyone in Raleigh from praying or expressing their religious beliefs. Oh, wait a minute -- you're upset that the ACLU is moving to prevent overt references to Jesus Christ specifically? Well, how dare they follow precedent like that. This is just one more aspect of the war on Christianity, which is unfairly aimed at preventing Christians from garnering special privileges (which they loudly and obnoxiously equate with "persecution").

Posted by: Beaming Visionary at April 28, 2006 10:32 AM (np82y)

5 Indeed, Jenn, they're a horrible organization. And BV, you're right. I am upset that the ACLU is opposed to religious freedom, no matter who it is that's trying to be free.

Posted by: Ogre at April 28, 2006 02:07 PM (0eCfm)

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NOT raising taxes is not in the public's interest

This is Ted Arrington's (media-worshipped professor of politics at UNCC) statement in response to the no taxes pledge. The article outlines various complaints from politicians who refuse to take the pledge. They see it only as a "gimmick" instead of an actual statement that pledges the politician actually work for the taxpayers.

Then again, Democrats don't see themselves as working for the taxpayers -- they work for the government.

Posted by: Ogre at 01:03 PM | No Comments | Add Comment
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"Of the bureaucracy, For the bureaucracy, and By the bureaucracy..."

That is how the government of this United States is set up, right? It certainly has nothing to do with the PEOPLE today. Just an example, a few quotes from a GOVERNMENT EMPLOYEE, who is supposed to work for the people:

UNC Charlotte Chancellor Phil Dubois plans to convene a committee this summer to study how rapidly the campus should grow over the next decade or two.

Dubois has previously said he thinks UNC Charlotte's student population probably needs to be much larger

Dubois also told trustees that he's confident that the N.C. General Assembly will approve UNC Charlotte's request for a $45.8 million

This is 100% backwards from how this country was founded. The government was supposed to work for the people. The people were to tell the government what to do, not the other way around. This just gives further proof that the government is absolutely, completely, beyond control.

The only remaining question is whether the government can be brought back subservient to the people with or without violence.

Posted by: Ogre at 11:01 AM | No Comments | Add Comment
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"Every new sweeping tax law Congress enacts -— always called a 'reform' —- makes the job even more complicated and, if possible, more confusing. And the tax code longer. But we're all supposed to swear, on penalty of perjury, that we've done our best to find it... Is tax reform the answer? It's more like the problem, since every reform tends to complicate tax law only more. And the longer and worse the tax code gets, the less chance there is of really reforming the thing. What to do? Don't mend it, end it. Abolish the tax code and start all over. Think about it: Would anybody starting from scratch come up with a system as indecipherable and counterproductive as the one we've got? So why not opt for a clean break with the past? Abolish the Internal Revenue Code and begin anew." —Paul Greenberg

Posted by: Ogre at 09:58 PM | No Comments | Add Comment
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The Ogre is traveling on business for a few days, so the regular posting schedule may be a bit off...

Posted by: Ogre at 09:21 PM | Comments (2) | Add Comment
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Ah, again with the lighter mood -- found at That 1 Guy's:

Your Famous Last Words Will Be:

"I dunno, press the button and find out."

Go ahead, Smokey, you know you want to take the quiz.

Posted by: Ogre at 07:02 PM | Comments (3) | Add Comment
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If this is your first visit to this blog, this is the part you need to read! I know there's at least a few new readers out there who aren't real familiar with how blogs work and how to find their way around this particular blog.

First, I'll explain the concept of a blog. I blog is a place on the internet that isn't printed anywhere else (normally) where you'll find information, news, and opinions. On this particular blog, you'll find mostly news and opinion regarding North Carolina politics and government, especially at the state level. You'll also often find some lighter post in the afternoons and on Fridays.

Here's how it works: At various times throughout the day, primarily between the hours of 6am and 3pm ET, new posts will appear. Some days it's as few as 3, some days as many as 10. The first post of the day is almost always about North Carolina government. Most afternoons there's something lighter, a joke, a cartoon, or a llama. And Friday afternoons are a free-for all: you never know what you'll find!

The main page shows the title of the post and a very brief description about the post. Simply click on the title of the post to take you to a page like this one you are reading to see and read the entire post.

At the end of each post, you'll see comments people have about the post. If no one has posted a comment on that topic, you can add your own comment (please do!). Please do feel completely free to comment on any post at any time!

As the day goes on and more topics are posted, the posts will move down the screen -- so if you leave a comment and want to see what others are saying, just scroll down and you'll find the topic. The last 7 days worth of topics normally stay on the main page.

Down the left column, you'll find a few ads and other miscellaneous links to fun places. Down the right side you'll find my "blogrolls" -- these are lists of links to other blogs that I am associated with in some way. Below that, again, more links to some other places I've found and like for some reason.

So, feel free to read away and add comments any time you like. I only ask that you attempt to remain civil in your comments. I will not normally delete or modify your comments unless you are uncivil or rude. If you have any questions, just add a comment to this post, or send me an email -- the email link is over there in the navigation section.

Posted by: Ogre at 01:38 PM | No Comments | Add Comment
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Once again, there are more questions regarding ethics and Jim Black. Apparently a number of chiropractors gave him cash in return for slipping a provision in the law that would lower co-payments on chiropractic treatment.

The law was slipped into the appropriations bill by Jim Black personally. The provisions he added were not debated by the state House. And after it passed, the chiropractors then paid off his bribes.

The provision forces insurance companies to pay more out of their pocket by forbidding them from asking individuals to pay for services. Instead, the government should be allowing insurance companies to set their own rates. Because of this action, everyone else that does not use chiropractor services MUST pay more for their own insurance.

This is exactly what drives insurance costs up -- forcing people to pay for services they do not want or use. This is not a free market where people can band together and join their funds -- this is government forcing people to pay for services they do not want or receive -- and it's wrong, never mind the ethical considerations of the cash bribes to Jim Black.

However, since the D.A., the Board of Elections, and the governor are all Democrats and Jim Black supporters, don't look for anything to come from this. Jim Black is clearly above the law in all matters.

Jim Black and his fellow Democrats need to be removed from the control of the North Carolina House. The sooner they are removed, the sooner freedom in North Carolina can expand.

Posted by: Ogre at 01:04 PM | No Comments | Add Comment
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Apparently the government of North Carolina just isn't doing enough for it's subjects citizens. A legislative panel suggests that the state government should be prepared to give out piles of cash in case of "disaster."

They should be prepared to give out cash, gasoline, anti-viral drugs, a state "public health" laboratory, flu vaccinations, whooping cough vaccinations, bird flu vaccinations, and be prepread for animal disease, food contamination, and new flu strains -- For The Children (TM), of course.

For just $155 million, North Carolina can have a "dedicated fund" in case of disaster. So, people of North Carolina, the message from your government is:

Build anything you want. Build on the coastlines. Build in flood-prone and hurricane areas. Feel free to do anything that feels good. Save no money. Do not buy insurance -- because the state is prepared for any disaster and will give you cash if there is one.

Heck, this is better than the state-run lottery -- I've got a better chance of getting a pile of cash from the state from the disaster lottery than I do the so-called "education" lottery!

Posted by: Ogre at 11:08 AM | Comments (3) | Add Comment
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1 I can finally agree with you on one point. Houses located within, oh, I don't know, 200 yards of the ocean should not be allowed. Houses tht are not raised at least, oh, I don't know, 20 feet above the flood plane should not be allowed. As for the rest. I think your ass will be happy if you get the bird flu (which I don't personally think will ever happen here) and the stockpiled anti-virals save your life. Now, knowing the state they will stockpile Tamiflu, which I believe has been shown to NOT work on the bird flu. I'm sure from your point of view the corporations should take care of this - market demand and all that. So, if there is an unexpected event we can expect corporations to provide needed supplies at a reasonable price without leaving customers strande.....sorry, I can't even finish it. The countryÂ’s three largest oil and gas companies are expected to report combined first-quarter profits this week in excess of $16 billion, a 19 percent surge from last year that is sure to complicate life for the industry in Washington, where elected officials are scrambling for ways to assuage angry consumers and businesses.

Posted by: Robert P at April 26, 2006 04:22 PM (5swqh)

2 Hey Ogre! Now, don't be knocking the "Education" Lottery. I finally won $11 on one of the $2 Blackjack scratcher tickets. Only had to spend about $20 to do it. Woo hoo! Later,

Posted by: Cicero at April 26, 2006 07:08 PM (S35wq)

3 Agreement? Not quite, Robert, sorry! I think people should be free. If people want to build on the beach, they should be completely free to do so -- but government should have ZERO obligation to give them cash when they're flooded. The reason that state shouldn't stockpile bird flu virus is as you mention -- it doesn't exist! That's okay, the government will do as you suggest -- they'll spend my money on something, anything, just to spend it. And as for your complaint about oil companies making $16 billion -- have you looked to see how much GOVERNMENT collected off gasoline and oil sales during that time? Cicero! Great! Another $20 and you'll win even more!

Posted by: Ogre at April 26, 2006 09:07 PM (AS9yK)

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Need some? Just to prove there's a blog for everything, how about a Candy Blog.

Very colorful.

And silly, if you ask me.

Posted by: Ogre at 05:57 PM | Comments (7) | Add Comment
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In case you were wondering, yes, your tax dollars are being used to lobby the North Carolina legislature for a minimum wage increase. It seems North Carolina State Treasurer Richard Moore, an elected official, is using his name and a website to tell people to contact their legislators and encourage passage of a minimum wage hike to destroy jobs and the booming economy in North Carolina.

He's got a site up with his name and his picture. He's lobbying and going on speaking tours to support this increase. And yes, he's doing it on YOUR dime. Don't you just love what passes for government today? Government's sole purpose for existence, at least among the elected Democrats of North Carolina, is to support and expand government.

It used to be about the people. That time is long past. Perhaps it can return -- conservatives who challenge the Democrats would work in that direction.

Posted by: Ogre at 03:01 PM | Comments (2) | Add Comment
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Ah, it is a sad statement on what this country has become. Bush has announced his investigation into gas prices to determine if there is "unfair pricing." Unfortunately, this is 100% political with zero basis in reality and facts.

If there is "unfair pricing" it means that every single retail outlet in the country has gotten together and had a meeting. At that massive meeting, they all agreed to raise their prices and to not charge less than a certain price so they could all profit. Then, after they all got home from that meeting, all the individual station owners all have lived up to that agreement and no one has tried to sell gas for a lower price.

Either that, or every single refiner of gasoline got together and had a meeting with the same results. What a damn load. If one company thinks they can sell more by lowering their price and still make a profit, they will. Gasoline sales are not declining -- if they were, prices would go down. It's a real simple economic system, even if most Americans apparently don't get it.

Instead, what drives prices up is government interference. When government changes regulations and states determine what exact formulas of gasoline they will permit in their state, that makes the price rise. When a state changes it's formula for each season, or each month, that makes the cost of making the gasoline go up.

If gasoline gets too expensive, stop buying it! The prices WILL drop if people don't buy it. All industry trends right now show that people are still buying the gasoline, so why in the world should they lower prices? Need help?

Buy a bicycle. Telecommute to work. Carpool. Take the damn bus. Get a new job closer to home. Combine trips to Wal-Mart and soccer practice. There are many, many things people can do to reduce gasoline usage -- they're NOT doing it so prices will not fall.

However, in this case, this "investigation" is not about economy or the markets. Instead, it is about politics. There is an election this fall and all 435 seats in the House are up for election. Yes, I'm aware that most people didn't know that and don't plan on voting. Yes, I'm aware that the vast majority of those seats are not actually having an election in November due to gerrymandering.

However, the perception from politicians is that Republicans are going to be voted out of their seats because of high gas prices. In a way, you can hold them responsible -- NOT because of "price fixing" but because of onerous government regulations -- mostly at the state level.

But, none of that matters. All that matters is that Republicans think that if the American people see them "investigating" and "doing something" about high gas prices, then the People will vote for Republicans. Morons, all of them.

Oh, how I yearn for freedom.

Posted by: Ogre at 01:42 PM | Comments (4) | Add Comment
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I seriously, honestly, want to know if ANY government-run school has EVER NOT asked for more money because it was the end of the world and all children would fail or die if they weren't given more money. Johnson schools has asked for a 15% increase for the year. And of course, it's a major crisis if they don't get it:

Some of this is not even break-even, weÂ’re just trying to keep our heads above water

It's a bare-bones budget

Posted by: Ogre at 11:05 AM | No Comments | Add Comment
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Take a moment, good reader, if you will, and visit some of the folks who support this site (besides yourself, of course):

In the top left position, you'll see the renter of the week, AubreyJ. Below that you can find Jim Black Must Go. And over on the right side, you'll find Larry Kissell for Congress (and I'm still not sure if I'm violating campaign finance laws by posting any comments about him here...)

Posted by: Ogre at 05:07 PM | No Comments | Add Comment
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Time for an afternoon game of baseball. Ogre likes the baseball. And no, no live blogging (maybe some time, just for fun) today -- just going to enjoy the sport.

Posted by: Ogre at 04:02 PM | Comments (3) | Add Comment
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Let's see -- the primary argument for amnesty and no borders to the United States is because the criminal alien invaders who are coming are entitled to a better life. They're only coming because they want a better life and the US is supposed to provide it for them, right?

Take a look at where that argument can lead. It follows the same exact logic -- after all, isn't Kender entitled to a better life?

Posted by: Ogre at 03:06 PM | No Comments | Add Comment
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When you lie down with pigs, you're going to smell when you get up.

One of the flyers focuses on her support for communism. No, really! In the flyer she opposes freedom of speech. She implies that you should vote for her because her opponent is opposed to campaign finance reform. So logically, she supports limiting the first amendment and freedom of speech in political campaigns. I find it rather ironic that she opposes freedom of speech while exercising it herself.

Oh, wait, I understand now -- she wants free speech for HER, but none for anyone else. Elected politicians should be allowed to do whatever they want, but individuals who want access to politicians or who want to use their money to support their ideas should be stopped.

Primary election: May 2nd.

Posted by: Ogre at 02:05 PM | Comments (6) | Add Comment
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The U.S. Supreme Court appears that they simply cannot be honest. Recently they issued a stay of execution to "determine whether lethal injection is cruel and unusual punishment." What a total crock.

Look, if you're opposed to the death penalty, that's fine. However, if you're claiming that lethal injection is "cruel and unusual," you're just a damn liar willing to use any means to reach your ends of banning the death penalty.

There's absolutely no possible way that anyone with 1/10 of a brain can logically argue that lethal injection is either cruel or unusual -- none at all. It can't get more non-cruel -- the damn convicted sick, twisted criminal is completely unconscious and can't feel a thing! Unusual? It's certainly a LOT less common than deranged people who slaughter others.

If you're against the death penalty, that's fine -- just be honest about it, dammit!

Posted by: Ogre at 01:03 PM | Comments (8) | Add Comment
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