tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1730004210504829544Fri, 22 Apr 2011 00:29:02 +0000Tertium Quids is an independent, nonpartisan, issue advocacy organization that promotes legislative efforts to expand individual opportunity and free markets, while reducing the size, role, and cost of government in Virginia.http://tertiumquids.blogspot.com/noreply@blogger.com (Norman Leahy)Blogger3418125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1730004210504829544.post-5317946591305871663Mon, 29 Nov 2010 18:13:00 +00002011-03-29T13:56:45.668-04:00As much as I like and trust the 'ol Blogger platform, it's time to try new and, I'm told, better blogging things.So, from this moment on, the TQ blog, as well as our radio show and other efforts, will now be found here.Please make a note, and bookmark, of it.http://tertiumquids.blogspot.com/2010/11/tq-blog-has-moved.htmlnoreply@blogger.com (Norman Leahy)0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1730004210504829544.post-169246211222658392Thu, 25 Nov 2010 20:40:00 +00002010-11-25T16:22:07.244-05:00constitutionpolitical arrogancebailout maniaNigel Farage, leader of the UK Independence Party, tears the Eurocrats a new one in their own parliament for continuing the reckless bailouts of bankrupt nations by other bankrupt nations.Sound familiar? It will. Just wait until Congress decides to openly bail out California and other insolvent states by printing dollars.It's almost enough to make me miss Alan Grayson. Almost.http://tertiumquids.blogspot.com/2010/11/just-who-hell-do-you-think-you-people.htmlnoreply@blogger.com (Josh Eboch)0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1730004210504829544.post-5843372161224734864Tue, 23 Nov 2010 20:15:00 +00002010-11-23T15:22:13.252-05:00crony capitalismeconomic developmentBob McDonnellBill BollingGovernor McDonnell and his "chief jobs creation officer" (formerly Lt. Gov.) Bill Bolling are pleased to announce that at least $1.5 million of your money has been handed to Micron Technology, so the company may expand its operations in NoVa:The Virginia Economic Development Partnership worked with the City of Manassas to secure the project for Virginia. Governor McDonnell approved a $500,000 http://tertiumquids.blogspot.com/2010/11/taxpayers-fleeced-again-according-to.htmlnoreply@blogger.com (Norman Leahy)0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1730004210504829544.post-8584450334264989667Tue, 23 Nov 2010 15:22:00 +00002010-11-23T10:35:03.013-05:00film incentivesVia the Tax Foundation's twitter feed (which you really should follow -- @taxfoundation) comes a Bloomberg story on how other states, facing tough fiscal times, are cutting back or eliminating their film subsidies:Incentives for Hollywood have been scaled back in Wisconsin, capped in Rhode Island, suspended in New Jersey, Iowa and Kansas and scheduled to expire in Arizona. While states continue http://tertiumquids.blogspot.com/2010/11/elsewhere-states-pull-back-on-film.htmlnoreply@blogger.com (Norman Leahy)0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1730004210504829544.post-8065730764521299807Tue, 23 Nov 2010 14:32:00 +00002010-11-23T09:38:12.905-05:00rpvPoliticoGeorge AllenRepublicansPolitico has a lengthy piece on how the RPV's decision to embrace a primary for choosing its Senate nominee could benefit George Allen.Three days ago, I wrote a similar piece for the Washington Examiner, and even ended with much the same conclusion. Compare the Politico ending:“Certainly [Allen] has got much better name recognition. But it cuts both ways. A lot of people have been going out http://tertiumquids.blogspot.com/2010/11/politico-and-me.htmlnoreply@blogger.com (Norman Leahy)0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1730004210504829544.post-8138273963500158991Mon, 22 Nov 2010 20:36:00 +00002010-11-22T15:45:44.664-05:00film incentivescrony capitalismstupid government tricksMovie maker Steven Spielberg was spotted in Richmond last week. Tongues wagged, fanboys tittered. And the result of his visit? Virginia's taxpayers will be footing part of the bill for his next picture:State officials have offered superstar film director Steven Spielberg tax credits to film his new movie on Abraham Lincoln in Virginia, several sources in Gov. Bob McDonnell's administration tell http://tertiumquids.blogspot.com/2010/11/bit-of-welfare-for-mr-spielberg.htmlnoreply@blogger.com (Norman Leahy)0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1730004210504829544.post-5800449753938195599Mon, 22 Nov 2010 15:30:00 +00002010-11-22T10:31:44.734-05:00tsastupid government tricksThe inevitable SNL take on the TSA:http://tertiumquids.blogspot.com/2010/11/come-fly-with-me.htmlnoreply@blogger.com (Norman Leahy)0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1730004210504829544.post-4477257880675668042Mon, 22 Nov 2010 14:24:00 +00002010-11-22T09:40:57.173-05:00politicsA recent, and deeply silly, thread has developed in Virginia political circles: criticizing Governor's for traveling out of state for this, that and the other political event.The RPV famously castigated Tim Kaine for his wanderings while he served as both Governor and DNC chairman. And now that Bob McDonnell is raising his profile nationwide, the state's Democrats are returning the favor.Once http://tertiumquids.blogspot.com/2010/11/governors-travels.htmlnoreply@blogger.com (Norman Leahy)0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1730004210504829544.post-8457274239817755052Sat, 20 Nov 2010 19:55:00 +00002010-11-20T14:58:30.816-05:00climategateenvironmental wackosOne year after the climategate emails were unleashed, the following video reminds us of what we've learned since then...including how truly twisted the aims and policies of hard-core eco-mentalists are:http://tertiumquids.blogspot.com/2010/11/eugenics-by-another-name.htmlnoreply@blogger.com (Norman Leahy)0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1730004210504829544.post-5912730513818633695Fri, 19 Nov 2010 20:03:00 +00002010-11-19T15:14:16.320-05:00tsaPeter Galuzska braves the TSA "bong" at Richmond "International" Airport:The line at the TSA security checkpoint int he north terminal was Dali-esque. There were at least a dozen or more TSA agents milling about. But only about four seemed to be involved with the long line of passengers waiting to be screened. One TSA official, kept barking. "Take off all of your belts and all items from your http://tertiumquids.blogspot.com/2010/11/going-through-bong-at-ric.htmlnoreply@blogger.com (Norman Leahy)0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1730004210504829544.post-1375614152602612029Fri, 19 Nov 2010 15:58:00 +00002010-11-19T11:17:52.348-05:00property rightshousingBob McDonnellRon Uttenvironmental wackosThe Governor's housing commission has issued a preliminary report that, on the face of it, looks harmless enough. But dig a bit deeper, and there's much to be concerned about -- including the administration's continuing push to make housing even more expensive for Virginians through a heavy dose of central planning.The interested parties applauded the recommendations, which is a bit chilling. Buthttp://tertiumquids.blogspot.com/2010/11/mcdonnell-administrations-effort-to.htmlnoreply@blogger.com (Norman Leahy)1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1730004210504829544.post-955616614237497828Fri, 19 Nov 2010 14:11:00 +00002010-11-19T09:31:16.669-05:00privatizationABC storeslotteryYes, says Fred Malek, head of the Governor's reform commission:The chairman of the Governor's Reform Commission suggested yesterday that the commission look at more state privatization, including privatizing the state lottery.Fred Malek said he believes Gov. Bob McDonnell agrees with him.The commission's first attempt at privatization -- selling off the state's liquor stores -- has become mired http://tertiumquids.blogspot.com/2010/11/privatize-state-lottery.htmlnoreply@blogger.com (Norman Leahy)2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1730004210504829544.post-6155289089608643932Fri, 19 Nov 2010 13:46:00 +00002010-11-19T09:04:21.624-05:00debtSpeaker-to-be John Boehner says the GOP will have to "deal with it as adults", a big task for any issue confronting Congress, but the battle lines over raising the nation's debt limit are already forming, and the opportunities for fractures to appear in the Republican front are numerous:The GOP will have a House majority of just over 50, and Democrats presumably wouldn’t vote to raise the debt http://tertiumquids.blogspot.com/2010/11/looming-debt-limit-fight.htmlnoreply@blogger.com (Norman Leahy)1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1730004210504829544.post-3654688673728134321Thu, 18 Nov 2010 18:02:00 +00002010-11-18T13:06:00.147-05:00Bob McDonnellGov. McDonnell plays the "lightning round" with Time's Mark Halperin. It's amusing, and an interesting insight into how a politician's mind works. Yes, words matter. And choosing the most diplomatic words matters even more.(HT: Adam Rhew)http://tertiumquids.blogspot.com/2010/11/what-are-first-words-that-come-to-mind.htmlnoreply@blogger.com (Norman Leahy)1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1730004210504829544.post-3818235704058140429Thu, 18 Nov 2010 16:03:00 +00002010-11-18T11:08:59.445-05:00austrian economicsThe Ludwig von Mises Institute has created a wiki, where you can learn more about the Austrian school (but be advised, it's heavy on the Murray Rothbard...which is fine, if you're feeling particularly anarchistic).It might be a handy reference, once it's further developed.http://tertiumquids.blogspot.com/2010/11/curious-about-austrian-economics.htmlnoreply@blogger.com (Norman Leahy)3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1730004210504829544.post-7539636953445200255Thu, 18 Nov 2010 13:44:00 +00002010-11-18T09:01:08.543-05:00GMeconomyWith shares of the "new" Genera; Motors flying off the lot, and the financial press generally in a tizzy about the rebirth of a great American company, there have been a few voices of calm, and experience, saying "don't buy the hoopla."Like former hedge fund manager Michael Steinhardt, who neatly deflates the bubble (advance to 5:23...and notice how quickly he is "thanked" for his insight, and http://tertiumquids.blogspot.com/2010/11/would-you-buy-shares-of-gm.htmlnoreply@blogger.com (Norman Leahy)1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1730004210504829544.post-2147954726119531060Thu, 18 Nov 2010 13:30:00 +00002010-11-18T08:33:59.997-05:00business as usualJeff Schapiro takes a justifiable swing at the tobacco settlement commission, and how it's rather clubby, and very political, workings just might turn out to be Virginia's next Big Scandal:http://tertiumquids.blogspot.com/2010/11/problem-with-tobacco-honeypot.htmlnoreply@blogger.com (Norman Leahy)0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1730004210504829544.post-5846942171688363163Thu, 18 Nov 2010 13:15:00 +00002010-11-18T17:45:49.203-05:00income taxescorporate tax ratesJLARCtaxesAlthough a recent study by Virginia's Joint Legislative Audit and Review Commission found that (surprise!) state income tax rates do not play a large role in the relocation decisions of businesses and individuals, the 2010 Census would beg to differ.According to an article in yesterday's Washington Examiner,Migration from high-tax states to states with lower taxes and less government spending http://tertiumquids.blogspot.com/2010/11/jlarc-eats-its-words-on-income-tax.htmlnoreply@blogger.com (Josh Eboch)2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1730004210504829544.post-3188755149058952685Wed, 17 Nov 2010 14:53:00 +00002010-11-18T08:15:06.627-05:00fdafarmsdhspolitical arrogancetsaS. 510, the Food Safety and Modernization Act, is up for a vote in the Senate today. For those who aren't aware, this bill would give the Food and Drug Administration and the Department of Homeland Security total control over the food supply in America, including food grown in home gardens and on family farms.Of course, as anyone who has been molested in an airport lately can tell you, our http://tertiumquids.blogspot.com/2010/11/s-510-tsa-porno-scanners-coming-to.htmlnoreply@blogger.com (Josh Eboch)1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1730004210504829544.post-8706418530287673506Wed, 17 Nov 2010 14:40:00 +00002010-11-17T10:05:44.082-05:00economicscorporate welfareIn a clucking editorial about the importance of government seed money in creating private sector jobs, the Richmond Times-Dispatch repeated a Northrop Grumman talking point about why it was laying off 380 workers:The reductions are occurring in part because the corporation is nearing the completion of "major milestones in existing contracts."Perhaps so. But over at the Virginia News Source, a http://tertiumquids.blogspot.com/2010/11/incompetence-at-northrop-grumman.htmlnoreply@blogger.com (Norman Leahy)0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1730004210504829544.post-5405288098642429693Tue, 16 Nov 2010 17:41:00 +00002010-11-16T12:50:57.995-05:00ethicsBobby ScottSo Democratic Rep. Charles Rangel has been "convicted" of 11 ethics violations by the House Ethics committee. While it will take the full committee to recommend a punishment (which can range from cross looks to expulsion), not all of the members are ready to throw Charlie under the bus.Including Virginia's own Rep. Bobby Scott who......says that Rangel did not violate House rules by using a http://tertiumquids.blogspot.com/2010/11/rangels-guilty-except-in-scotts-eyes.htmlnoreply@blogger.com (Norman Leahy)0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1730004210504829544.post-7712137156888579650Tue, 16 Nov 2010 14:55:00 +00002010-11-16T10:04:10.247-05:00For those male fliers looking to make both a political and fashion statement regarding the TSA's groping policy, here is a rather cheeky idea -- wear a kilt:Think about it -- if you're a male, and you want to bollix-up the nonsensical airport security-industrial complex, one way to do so would be to wear a kilt. If nothing else, this will cause TSA employees to throw up their hands in disgust. Ifhttp://tertiumquids.blogspot.com/2010/11/in-praise-of-kilts.htmlnoreply@blogger.com (Norman Leahy)1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1730004210504829544.post-7719712685984701529Tue, 16 Nov 2010 14:35:00 +00002010-11-16T09:38:23.708-05:00taxesDan MitchellDan Mitchell's video fisking the White House over tax cuts is nine minutes well-spent:http://tertiumquids.blogspot.com/2010/11/all-your-money-belongs-to-state.htmlnoreply@blogger.com (Norman Leahy)0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1730004210504829544.post-4937071703287144771Tue, 16 Nov 2010 14:24:00 +00002010-11-16T09:33:59.216-05:00jim webbJim Antle dives into the deep end of Sen. Jim Webb and finds a swirl of contradictions:In an interview with RealClearPolitics, Webb recalled a conversation with the president about the health care bill. "I told him this was going to be a disaster," the senator is quoted as saying. "The president believed it was all going to work out."Whatever Webb said behind closed doors, his Senate votes are a http://tertiumquids.blogspot.com/2010/11/which-webb-are-you.htmlnoreply@blogger.com (Norman Leahy)3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1730004210504829544.post-3115614385698583441Tue, 16 Nov 2010 13:21:00 +00002010-11-16T09:19:00.915-05:00UVAPat Michaelsclimategateclimate changeMichael MannKen CuccinelliOver the weekend, AmericanThinker.com detailed attempts by UVA to block the release of email records to Attorney General Cuccinelli that could show a former professor knowingly defrauded state taxpayers.Professor Michael Mann has been at the center of the climate change controversy ever since emails were released last year from the University of East Anglia that referred to using "Mike's Nature http://tertiumquids.blogspot.com/2010/11/american-thinker-on-climategate-and.htmlnoreply@blogger.com (Josh Eboch)0