Here We Go Again: News 9/30

Ladies and Gents, I am so far behind that I have to post these articles now. The longer I allow the numbers to grow, the more difficult it is to get started. I am forcing myself to get off my butt! I will be posting the articles somewhere else and posting the links here. Some may have their links to a story outside of my blog, but at least it will be posted. That is the important thing. Okay, here we go again.

Bloggers.
Iranians Rip Off Tyranny's Mask. 6/27/09.

Military - Afghanistan.
Afghan border efforts showing signs of success. 6/23/09.
Afghan pilots closer to providing own air support. 6/29/09.
Pentagon: Afghan citizens drive military success in Afghanistan. 7/23/09.

Military - Middle East.
Odierno: U.S. troops out of Iraqi cities ahead of June 30 deadline. 6/28/09.
President hails Iraq city withdrawal as 'important step'. 6/30/09.
Iraqi authority proceeding after initial friction. 7/21/09.

Misc.
Brand New Soldiers' Angels Watches. Friday, July 17, 2009.

This is important to all Californians:

A Study Done On AB32.

Summary (of study above):
Small businesses drive the economic engine in California. They comprise 99.2% of all employer firms and 99.7% of all firms. They account for over half the employment, over 90% of net new job creation, and 75% of the creation of gross state output. Costs borne by small businesses due to the implementation of AB 32 must be carefully evaluated for a full understanding of their significance and impact on the state and residents.

Currently California is facing one of the highest unemployment rates, worst real estate markets with rising foreclosures, and people looking to move out of the state to find a more affordable living. Businesses, similarly are faced with some of the highest taxes, utility costs, and unfriendly regulatory environment that will likely result in more leakages of businesses elsewhere. Each of the 50 states in the United States superimposes an array of regulations over and above those that exist at the federal level An adverse impact on small business is bound to adversely impact the production of goods and services, the risk tolerance of the American enterprise, the productivity of labor, the
quality of life, and the overall well being of the State and its citizens.

Legislative and regulatory mandates may result in practices, enact policies that raise the costs of operating for small business or provide a deterrent to small business growth, and hence provide disincentives for economic risk taking and entrepreneurship. This appears to be the case here. While the ultimate goals of AB 32 are not in question, the findings of this study suggest that the costs associated with the implementation of this Act will have a significant adverse impact on California’s economy, consumers, and small businesses.

The authors of this study are Sanjay B. Varshney, Ph.D., Dean College of Business Administration; California State University, Sacramento and Dennis H. Tootelian, Ph.D., Professor of Marketing & Director, Center for Small Business, California State University, Sacramento. Great study, lengthy though.

May you walk with the LORD always, and when you cannot take another step, may He carry you the rest of the way until you can walk along side Him again. Digg!