You are absolutely right Feisty. You have to stay on top of everything these days. Just like what is happening in Europe right now with the debt - it affects the markets here. Everything that happens in the US affects everyone else these days. Few people realize that.

I left the stock market the beginning of July and I'm feeling pretty good.

So, Feisty-

You want daily reporting by the MSM on the pro-Obama Priorities USA Action super PAC (founded by Obama PR mouthpiece Bill Burton and a pal)?

Me too, Feisty!

You go girl...

lol

Much like no one knew what went on "behind the scenes" during the budget/debt limit "negotiations" between Boner and the President. That said Riddle me this:

1. Why weren't the debt limit/budget negotiations between Boner and the Pres on C-Span?

2. Why shouldn't the gang of 6 do the same?

Perhaps the American public would like a taste of the "process."

Just askin!

Mixed Bag

So, Feisty-

You want daily reporting by the MSM on the pro-Obama Priorities USA Action super PAC (founded by Obama PR mouthpiece Bill Burton and a pal)?

Why not? The Democrats should be watched, too. But now that the crooked Roberts' Supreme Court has corrupted the election process beyond recognition, the Democrats have no choice but starting their own super pacs in self defense. Either that or lose.

Of course, the problem with that is that both major parties are going to eventually be wholly owned by a few wealthy individuals.

Romney is simply on another 'mission', and Huntsman (you know they always travel in pairs) is in it to provide an aura of credibility.

Their allegiance to this country has and always will be secondary to their common 'mission'.

Their 'campaigns' are simply a conduit for their collective purpose.

Neither of them have ever had any intention of actually winning the presidency.

Feisty Skankhead, you said "Those who aren't political junkies have NO idea what's going on behind the scenes..."

So whats your excuse? Besides your still bitter about the Supreme Courts ruling on Campaign Finance Reform. Thought you liked the first amendment?

Perry's super PAC managers Mike Toomey and David Carney also own Parker Island in a lake in New Hampshire.

This private island can be rented"when the pair are not in residence for $18,000. a week".

source:www.lonestarproject.net

It made for a great hideout when Toomey was evading a subpoena a few years back. It is a multi purpose private island...

Thanks for the private island update, Northstar.

Independent Redneck had a brilliant idea yesterday; NO politician should be able to spend more on campaining then what their annual salary would be!

Problem solved!

Richard continues to prove he is a religious bigot. No value at all.

Quibble all you want about PACs and Super PACs and corporations ....... money in politics ...... political money whores / whatever ....... which politician is doing what ...... only one politician in history has announced a goal of a BILLION DOLLARS.

Too bad he can't just do his job and run on his record.

oh golly noooooooo...There's going to be a but load of ads.

Anybody else think that all the alarm from the Feistys and Bevs and Navys is that they knew they are kinda dim and might just be persuaded by silly ads?

What else could explain the hysteria? If only that was the ticket - Capt'n Crunch would be number one, not Cheerios.

Hey Northstar - let's get a kiddie together and all go in and rent us an island. Could be a bunch of fun. I'll bring the jet skiis.

bob - watching Matthews right now. Even Fineman is admitting the stimulus sucked. Now talking about 26% approval for Obama's handling of the economy and the glory of a payroll tax holiday.

Poor libbies, all beside themselves and all. For christsake Obama just copied Palin and in in the bus.

What could go more wrong?

bob - watching Matthews right now. Even Fineman is admitting the stimulus sucked. Now talking about 26% approval for Obama's handling of the economy and the glory of a payroll tax holiday.

Gallup has Obama dropping 9% in three months on his approval for the economy. Ouch! That will leave a mark.

Source:http://www.gallup.com/poll/149042/New-Low-Approve-Obama-Economy.aspx?utm_source=alert&utm_medium=email&utm_campaign=syndication&utm_content=morelink&utm_term=All%20Gallup%20Headlines%20-%20Politics

And this bus tour of Obama's - how lame has that turned out to be. Obama looked like a door to door salesman running around the rural midwest, selling his magic elixir to the local rubes, and moving on to the next town to do the same again. All on these mammoth buses paid for by the taxpayers. Really just an ugly moment in American politics.

The wheels on the buss go round and round, round and round.

Obama's numbers go down, down, down.

Down down down.

But hey if ever there was a bus worth getting thrown under...

Perry's ride would do a slow roll.

Then back up.

Perry's ride would do a slow roll

Do you think it would have those funky curb feelers on it? lol

Yes, along with no rear view mirrors.

His choice.

a nice set of truck nutz.

The whole point of Colbert getting a PAC is to expose the process. That's right, vote for Colbert's Parry, spelled with an 'A', like in Iowa, and America. Buwahahaha, Operation Chaos, brought to you by the Roberts/Alito Supreme Court.

All right, now we are talking - operation chaos.

I am Obama's roiling approval rating.

Yeah, ended up opting for the free HH. Making friends and influencing people.

Spanky. so your are working the HH in Baltimore? Great for a people person in training!!

I will contribute to the kitty to rent Parker Island for a week. The house has twelve bedrooms and a guest house that sleeps six. The libbies get debs on the main house...

You are so good with numbers we could send our contributions to you, fiduciary account and everything...

I was not at HH but a nice dinner with friends... which all will tell you . ..I am a great person to have on a trip.

Actually I think electricity ruined our politics. We did a whole lot better when candidates had to talk to the people they wanted to represent than we do now that the media war games buy the victor. You want real campaign reform? How about each candidate gets a travel budget from the feds to get them to and from the sight of televised debates. All free networks are required to carry the debates as a public service. No advertising from individual candidates or special interest groups period. I am so sick of the endless loop of mud-slinging ads that do nothing but mis-inform voters. Lets just do with debates and position papers from the candidates and let the people decide who to vote for by listening to the candidates themselves.

But it'll never happen because too many politicians these days survive only as long as they can buy their way in. The last thing they want is for people to know what they're really thinking on the issues.

Spot-on, Suzy. That's why I'm for public campaign finance and limit what can be given. I like your suggestions as well.

Instead, we have pay-to-play (or ask questions) "town hall" meetings.

Here in Canada an election is held every 4 - 5 years unless there is a non confidence vote in parliament (usually when the governing party is a minority and they have to find common ground with another party to pass a law. - The election campaigns last 5 - 6 weeks and are paid for by public funds. That takes care of fundraising and large corporations are not involved. This way laws are passed on their merits.

Last time I looked we had around 7.2 unemployment rate and in case you didn't notice - we didn't have a real estate crash or banking problems in 2008.

I used to be for public funds until I learned this is how the Teabaggers got their foot in the door. Candidates should only be able to accept individual, disclosed contributions per the caps. It's an election by the people before the election that way.

I'd say max limit of $20 million. It would be a big benefit to the incumbant, but in today day and age, advertising is cheap and direct.

Too bad there is absolutely no way to control or police any of it anymore. Technology is a gift and a curse, as very clearly pointed out by Suzy.

And of course election campaigns themselves are BIG business!

True Patriot - by public funds - I mean government funded.

Love my Canadian neighbors. You set a good example.

I agree. There's no way to tell if the pacs are illegally coordinating with the campaigns, so they no doubt are. There's no law against the Perry pac guys from calling up their good buddy Slick Rick and shootin' the breeze all informal-like, just like good ole boys in Texas do all the time.

Would have been a brilliant argument, but is sure didn't hold up in Wisconsin, did it?

Odd that the mighty First Read never did find the time to set out all the money spent in Wisc, broken down by party.

Super-pac, super freak, it's all just super-freaky.

Oh and of course I'm the opposite of independent. Pick a damn side and get off the frigging fence.

I think the $30 million was on the fascist's side, you know, the "Imperial Walker" and his storm troopers.

Yeah, except you got it backwards - the dems spent more money.

Kinda wrecks the Citizens United is evil argument.

Ads. But I do so like Happy Meals and Frosted Flakes. Oh and I'm flat out koo-koo for Coco puffs.

Hey GOP Extinct!!!!!!!!!!!!

When or where did I ever claim to be Independent? Please get this one straight, brother. Happy to be a strong Fiscal Conservative.

Gee, I thought most of my posts would have made that clear. Oh well, guess I'll have to try harder.

I'm happy to be a strong fiscal Liberal. At least we balance budgets, practice PAYGO, and shun deficit- and-spend republicanism.

It almost makes a republican want to get a job.....

Amy, now THAT is an excellent observation. Ahh for the good ol' days when politics was a public service that you took time away from your job for, not a career in which you make millions.

Amy, see my post above. Maybe your whole office or business could rent it for a week!!

I can show you some islands in Michigan. We're supposed to have quite a few.

I know for a fact you guys have quite a few there in Maine too. I was on one of them some years back.

Owning an island is neat in concept, but you got pirate issues.

Damn pirates, a' raping and a' plundering. Great in a movie, bad if it's your island.

They got any pirates in Maine? Black flag pirates, not the San Fran treat kind.

They just have mosquitoes. They take a big chomp outa you and sit on the fence and eat it.

Spanky - That jet lag is messing with your mind.

Turn down the Rick James - Check out Baltimore's aquarium.

You don't have to bring the desert with you, but then you couldn't leave your head at home.

At least you have the I-Pad to lay on the pillow tonight.

At least you have the I-Pad to lay on the pillow tonight.

Ain't that sweet - our ambulance chasing attorney is finally up to speed with the rest of us... lol

The curse of technology...

Shhhh - it's really Ms.Spanky's. I done did stole it from her.

What's the matter you no like Pirates Richard?

But yeah, time lag is jacking me up.

Pirates, in the day, had the highest code of ethics.

The law owes much to that influence.

You stole the M"s pad?

At least there is a 7-11 nearby...

Oh no, not a "pad" joke. Jokes on us - Apple no richest corp out there.

In 2003 I bought my first Apple stock for $32 per share. It split thereafter and is now worth ass loads more.

Pirates - slittin' throats and hoisting the black flag.

Unions have been buying elections for decades. Why did it only become a problem when corporations were allowed to enter the game, too?

Frankly, I don't think either of them should be allowed to "invest" in elections. Politicians are supposed to represent We the People of the United States, not the corporations, the unions, the lobbyists or foreign interests. Get them all out. Our electoral process has been so far bastardized by money that it's impossible for an average Joe to even try to run for office. How can we expect a representative government when the only people who can get into office have no idea what it's like to live like the other 98% of the people in this country?

Why did it only become a problem when corporations were allowed to enter the game, too?

Cause there are more corporations, and they have access to more money than the Unions do.

Unions also are subjected to far stricter reporting requirements than corporations as well. We have to get a receipt if we buy a pack of gum.

Corporations,....not so much.

Suzy,

Unions have been buying elections for decades. Why did it only become a problem when corporations were allowed to enter the game, too?

GOP,

Cause there are more corporations, and they have access to more money than the Unions do.

GOP are you saying its OK for the Unions to buy elections but now that Corporations can do the same its not fair?

With unions, we knew who was behind them and who ran them and how much was donated. With corporations, post-Citizens United, we have no such accounability.

Hey man, at least GOPisextinct is honest: yeah we d it, but now you guys will be able to kick our asses.

I don't suppose he could compare and contrast the reporting requirements between the two. GOPisextinct?

Show us the money trail/reporting reqs. I'd love, love, love to hear you back up your gum receipt comment. You all have got to stop talking about tax requirements. It just is not a winning argument for you all.

Fielden,

Should unions be able to use membership dues in any manner they wish, even if they contribute the money to politicians and causes that are not representative of their memberships?

Got it. As long as we know it's only democrats buying elections we're ok with collective entities buying elections, but as soon as we can no longer confirm that it's only democrats, we must stop this evil evil process because we can't trust it anymore. Thanks for clearing that up. I feel better now.

Show us the money trail/reporting reqs. I'd love, love, love to hear you back up your gum receipt comment. You all have got to stop talking about tax requirements. It just is not a winning argument for you all.

Huh?

I don't suppose he could compare and contrast the reporting requirements between the two. GOPisextinct?

Sure Spanks, sure. Unions are answerable to their membership and the Federal government. Corporations are answerable to their shareholders and the Federal government.

Now what are you gonna do?

Unions and Union Members:

Financial Reporting and Fiscal Controls

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• What is the Labor-Management Reporting and Disclosure Act (LMRDA)?

OVERVIEW

Every labor organization subject to the Labor-Management Reporting and Disclosure Act of 1959 (LMRDA), the Civil Service Reform Act of 1978 (CSRA), or the Foreign Service Act of 1980 (FSA) must file a financial report (Form LM-2, LM-3, or LM-4) each year with the Office of Labor-Management Standards (OLMS) of the U.S. Department of Labor. The three forms vary in the level of financial details that must be reported. The filing requirements are determined by the total annual receipts of the union.

In addition, to ensure fiscal integrity, unions must maintain records that are sufficient to clarify or support the information shown on these reports, secure adequate bonding to provide protection against losses due to fraudulent or dishonest actions, and restrict the amounts of loans made to officers and employees.

COMPLIANCE ASSISTANCE MATERIALS

BASIC INFORMATION

• Employment Law Guide - Union Members - Provides information on the basic requirements and provisions of the Labor-Management Reporting and Disclosure Act of 1959 (LMRDA), including certain rights guaranteed to union members.
• Form LM-2 - Required for every labor organization subject to the LMRDA, or the Civil Service Reform Act of 1978 (CSRA), and the Foreign Service Act of 1980 (FCA) with total annual receipts of $250,000 or more.
• Revised LM-2 User Guide (PDF) - Guides users through the process of preparing and completing the LM-2 form.
• Form LM-3 - Required for every labor organization subject to the LMRDA, the Civil Service Reform Act of 1978 (CSRA), or the Foreign Service Act of 1980 (FCA) with total annual receipts of $10,000 or more but less than $250,000. (However, if your labor organization is in trusteeship you must file Form LM-2.)
• Form LM-4 - Required for every labor organization subject to the LMRDA, the Civil Service Reform Act of 1978 (CSRA), or the Foreign Service Act of 1980 (FCA) with total annual receipts of less than $10,000. (However, if your labor organization is in trusteeship you must file Form LM-2.)
• Conducting Audits in Small Unions - A guide for trustees with a limited, focused review of financial records that was developed for use by trustees from small unions. (PDF Version)
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Required Reports and Forms

• Reports Required under the LMRDA and the CSRA Provides general information on reports required under the Labor-Management Reporting and Disclosure Act of 1959 (LMRDA) and the Civil Service Reform Act of 1978 (CSRA).
• Form LM-1 Labor Organization Information Report - Discloses certain information about the structure, practices, and procedures of the union.
• Form LM-10 Employer Report Discloses information on specified financial dealings of employers with their employees, unions, union agents, and labor relations consultants.
• Form LM-15 Trustee Report Discloses the reasons for a trusteeship, when it was established, the financial condition of the trustee union at the time the trusteeship was established, and other required information.
• Form LM-15A Report on Selection of Delegates and Officers - Disclosure of matters relating to the selection of officers or the selection of delegates to a convention of the parent body imposing trusteeship.
• Form LM-16 Terminal Trusteeship Information Report Required disclosure when a subordinate labor organization is restored to the autonomy otherwise available to it under its constitution and by-laws.
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• Form LM-21 Receipts and Disbursements Report (Consultant) Discloses information on payments made or received during the fiscal year as a result of arrangements requiring the Form LM-20.
• Form LM-30 Labor Organization Officer and Employee Report - Union officers or employees must file a Form LM-30 if they or their spouses or minor children have certain interests or dealings related to an employer whose employees their union represents or is actively seeking to represent.
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• Form T-1 - Disclosure of information regarding each trust in which a labor organization has an interest through the labor organization's financial contribution to the trust, or a contribution made on the labor organization's behalf or as a result of a negotiated agreement to which the labor organization is a party.

FACT SHEETS

• Fact Sheet on the Labor Management Reporting and Disclosure Act
• The New Form T-1 Describes which labor organizations must file Form T-1 for each trust in which they hold an interest.
• Fact Sheet on the Office of Labor-Management Standards - Provides information on the Office of Labor Management Standards and how to obtain Labor-Management Reporting and Disclosure Act of 1959 (LMRDA) compliance assistance materials. (PDF Version)
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RECORDKEEPING

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APPLICABLE LAWS AND REGULATIONS

• Labor-Management Reporting and Disclosure Act of 1959 (LMRDA) - Provides for the reporting and disclosure of certain financial transactions and administrative practices of labor organizations and employers.
• 29 CFR Chapter IV - Regulations implementing the LMRDA.

RELATED TOPICS AND LINKS

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Da Noid, No , This Mike Toomey is born and raised in Texas. He was the chief of staff for Perry, and a major lobbyist before he took a government job. I always thought it was the other way around. government job equals lobbyist job later.

Nobody in their right mind would meet with Moveon.org. They are flakes of the highest order.

Money is the milks of both parties. Public financing for all federal offices is the only way to go. Then you won't see all our politicians being bought and sold to the highest bidders. That includes the president and all the senators and reps.

Hey Arlen

What idiot wrote your c&p job. Did you even read it? Liberals are pathetic.

"Public financing for all federal offices is the only way to go."

A prudent socialistic approach.