Brian Beutler | November 16, 2010, 4:51PM
The Republicans' top tax guy in the House threatened in the clearest possible terms today that he and the rest of the GOP would vote to block any tax cut for the middle class during the lame duck session unless tax cuts for the wealthy are extended for the same period of time.
In a policy speech at the business-friendly Tax Council today, incoming Ways and Means Committee chairman David Camp called the Democratic plan for tax cuts -- a permanent tax cut extension for all income up to $200,000, and a temporary extension for income above that level -- "a terrible idea and a total nonstarter."
"We would be foolish to fall for it," Camp said.
Now, everybody knows what's going on here. Republicans have been clear for months that their long term goal is to make sure all of these rates are extended permanently. But that means they don't want to have a fight in two or three years in which they side with the wealthiest two percent of the country against the Democrats. That's a losing fight, and terrible politics.
But they can't really come out and say that. If you ask a Republican member about this "decoupling" idea, the most common response you'll get is that it's a recipe for future tax increases. The implication is clear -- but good luck getting a more candid explanation.
[H/T: WSJ]
http://tpmdc.talkingpointsmemo.com/2010/11/gops-top-tax-guy-republicans-will-block-permanent-middle-class-tax-cut.php
Wednesday, November 17, 2010
10 Ways to Outfox Cops That Are Abusing Their Powers to Trick You
By Neill Franklin, LEAP
Posted on November 17, 2010, Printed on November 17, 2010
http://www.alternet.org/story/148860/
As a 33-year law enforcement veteran and former training commander with the Maryland State Police and Baltimore Police Department, I know how easy it is to intimidate citizens into answering incriminating questions or letting me search through their belongings. This reality might make things easier for police looking to make an easy arrest, but it doesn't always serve the interests of justice. That's why I believe all citizens should understand how to protect their constitutional rights and make smart decisions when dealing with officers of the law.
Unfortunately, this important information has remained largely unavailable to the public, despite growing concerns about police misconduct and the excesses of the war on drugs. For this reason, I agreed to serve as a technical consultant for the important new film, 10 Rules for Dealing with Police. The 40-minute docudrama aims to educate the public about basic legal and practical survival strategies for handling even the scariest police encounters. It was produced by the civil liberties group Flex Your Rights and is narrated by former federal judge and acclaimed Baltimore trial lawyer William "Billy" Murphy, Jr.
The opening scene portrays Darren, a young black man getting pulled over. He's driving home from college. This is the fifth time he's been pulled over in a year. Frustrated and scared, Darren immediately breaks Rule #1: Always Be Calm & Cool. Mouthing off to the officer, Darren aggressively exits the car and slams the door. The officer overreacts, dropping Darren with a taser shot to his chest.
Should the officer have tased Darren in that situation? Probably not. Would the officer likely be disciplined? No. But that's not the main point of 10 Rules. The point is that the choices you make during the course of such encounters have a massive impact on whether it ends with a simple warning, a tasing -- or worse. This is true even if you've done nothing illegal.
While being calm and cool is key to getting the best possible outcome, it's not enough to keep police from violating your constitutional rights. For example, when the officer commandingly asks Darren "You're not hiding any AK-47s in there? You don't mind if I take a look?", Darren gets tricked like most people do.
Intimidated and unaware of other options, he consents to the search. The officer carelessly dumps his bags, accidentally shattering Darren's laptop on the asphalt. In another "what if" scenario, the officer finds a small amount of marijuana hidden away. While someone else might have left it there, Darren winds up getting arrested.
What few people understand, but police know all too well, is that your constitutional rights only apply if you understand and assert them. Unless they have strong evidence (i.e. probable cause) police need your permission to search your belongings or enter your home. The instant you grant them permission to invade your privacy, many of your legal protections go out the window and you're left on the hook for anything illegal the police find, as well as any damage they cause in the process.
Of course, even if you know your basic rights, police officers are trained to shake your confidence. If you refuse a search, I might respond by threatening to call in a drug-sniffing dog and sternly reminding you that things will go much easier if you cooperate. Creating a sense of hopelessness for the suspect enables us to break down their defenses and gain compliance. In the film, we show several variations on these common threats, but the main lesson is that it doesn't matter what the officer says; you still have to remain calm and protect your rights.
In today's world of smart phone video, YouTube and Twitter, stories of police abuse travel fast, creating greater awareness of the problem of police misconduct. Unfortunately, this heightened awareness often serves to reinforce the notion that "cops can do whatever they want." It's true that much work remains to be done towards ensuring police accountability, but the very first step is to educate the public about basic constitutional rights.
Citizens who understand their rights are much less likely to experience negative outcomes, both on the street and in a court of law. Until each of us has the ability to protect our individual rights and recognize injustices against others, we're not likely to accomplish much in the realm of broader policy reform.
I hope 10 Rules for Dealing with Police will be embraced by parents, teachers, activists, and even police departments as we work towards reducing the tension that too often characterizes the relationship between cops and the communities they serve.
Here are the ten rules featured in the film:
1. Always be calm and cool: a bad attitude guarantees a bad outcome.
2. Remain silent: what you don't say can't hurt you.
3. You have the right to refuse searches: saying no to searches can't be held against you.
4. Don't get tricked: remember, police are allowed to lie to you.
5. Determine if you're free to go: police need evidence to detain you.
6. Don't expose yourself: doing dumb stuff in public makes you an easy target.
7. Don't run: they'll catch you and make you regret it.
8. Never touch a cop: aggressive actions will only earn you a more aggressive response.
9. Report misconduct: be a good witness.
10. You don't have to let them in: police need a warrant to enter your home.
Neill Franklin, a member of Law Enforcement Against Prohibition, has been police officer for more than 32 years and has served as a commander for the Maryland State Police’s Bureau of Drug and Criminal Enforcement, as well as a trainer with the Baltimore Police Department.
http://www.alternet.org/rights/148860/10_ways_to_outfox_cops_that_are_abusing_their_powers_to_trick_you/
Posted on November 17, 2010, Printed on November 17, 2010
http://www.alternet.org/story/148860/
As a 33-year law enforcement veteran and former training commander with the Maryland State Police and Baltimore Police Department, I know how easy it is to intimidate citizens into answering incriminating questions or letting me search through their belongings. This reality might make things easier for police looking to make an easy arrest, but it doesn't always serve the interests of justice. That's why I believe all citizens should understand how to protect their constitutional rights and make smart decisions when dealing with officers of the law.
Unfortunately, this important information has remained largely unavailable to the public, despite growing concerns about police misconduct and the excesses of the war on drugs. For this reason, I agreed to serve as a technical consultant for the important new film, 10 Rules for Dealing with Police. The 40-minute docudrama aims to educate the public about basic legal and practical survival strategies for handling even the scariest police encounters. It was produced by the civil liberties group Flex Your Rights and is narrated by former federal judge and acclaimed Baltimore trial lawyer William "Billy" Murphy, Jr.
The opening scene portrays Darren, a young black man getting pulled over. He's driving home from college. This is the fifth time he's been pulled over in a year. Frustrated and scared, Darren immediately breaks Rule #1: Always Be Calm & Cool. Mouthing off to the officer, Darren aggressively exits the car and slams the door. The officer overreacts, dropping Darren with a taser shot to his chest.
Should the officer have tased Darren in that situation? Probably not. Would the officer likely be disciplined? No. But that's not the main point of 10 Rules. The point is that the choices you make during the course of such encounters have a massive impact on whether it ends with a simple warning, a tasing -- or worse. This is true even if you've done nothing illegal.
While being calm and cool is key to getting the best possible outcome, it's not enough to keep police from violating your constitutional rights. For example, when the officer commandingly asks Darren "You're not hiding any AK-47s in there? You don't mind if I take a look?", Darren gets tricked like most people do.
Intimidated and unaware of other options, he consents to the search. The officer carelessly dumps his bags, accidentally shattering Darren's laptop on the asphalt. In another "what if" scenario, the officer finds a small amount of marijuana hidden away. While someone else might have left it there, Darren winds up getting arrested.
What few people understand, but police know all too well, is that your constitutional rights only apply if you understand and assert them. Unless they have strong evidence (i.e. probable cause) police need your permission to search your belongings or enter your home. The instant you grant them permission to invade your privacy, many of your legal protections go out the window and you're left on the hook for anything illegal the police find, as well as any damage they cause in the process.
Of course, even if you know your basic rights, police officers are trained to shake your confidence. If you refuse a search, I might respond by threatening to call in a drug-sniffing dog and sternly reminding you that things will go much easier if you cooperate. Creating a sense of hopelessness for the suspect enables us to break down their defenses and gain compliance. In the film, we show several variations on these common threats, but the main lesson is that it doesn't matter what the officer says; you still have to remain calm and protect your rights.
In today's world of smart phone video, YouTube and Twitter, stories of police abuse travel fast, creating greater awareness of the problem of police misconduct. Unfortunately, this heightened awareness often serves to reinforce the notion that "cops can do whatever they want." It's true that much work remains to be done towards ensuring police accountability, but the very first step is to educate the public about basic constitutional rights.
Citizens who understand their rights are much less likely to experience negative outcomes, both on the street and in a court of law. Until each of us has the ability to protect our individual rights and recognize injustices against others, we're not likely to accomplish much in the realm of broader policy reform.
I hope 10 Rules for Dealing with Police will be embraced by parents, teachers, activists, and even police departments as we work towards reducing the tension that too often characterizes the relationship between cops and the communities they serve.
Here are the ten rules featured in the film:
1. Always be calm and cool: a bad attitude guarantees a bad outcome.
2. Remain silent: what you don't say can't hurt you.
3. You have the right to refuse searches: saying no to searches can't be held against you.
4. Don't get tricked: remember, police are allowed to lie to you.
5. Determine if you're free to go: police need evidence to detain you.
6. Don't expose yourself: doing dumb stuff in public makes you an easy target.
7. Don't run: they'll catch you and make you regret it.
8. Never touch a cop: aggressive actions will only earn you a more aggressive response.
9. Report misconduct: be a good witness.
10. You don't have to let them in: police need a warrant to enter your home.
Neill Franklin, a member of Law Enforcement Against Prohibition, has been police officer for more than 32 years and has served as a commander for the Maryland State Police’s Bureau of Drug and Criminal Enforcement, as well as a trainer with the Baltimore Police Department.
http://www.alternet.org/rights/148860/10_ways_to_outfox_cops_that_are_abusing_their_powers_to_trick_you/
Sorting Out the Peak Oil Confusion
Peak Oil Reality
By Keith Kohl
Wednesday, November 17th, 2010
There's a peak oil heckler outside my office.
I pass him every morning in the parking lot. Like a gnat, he buzzes around and refuses to leave me alone, no matter how much I swat... My own personal fan, as I like to call him.
Each verbal prod or poke causes me to react in the same manner. I laugh all the way to my desk.
My mirthful response is due to the fact that he shares a very common trait with many of the antagonists I come across on a daily basis: denial.
And just like theirs, his misconceptions lead to a dangerous line of thinking.
Not only are his peak oil rants hand-fed to him by certain media outlets; but he doesn't seem to care whether or not the information is even legitimate.
I guess I shouldn't be surprised by how easy it is to mix things up. But time and time again, there's one subject at the top of his list...
"The world has plenty of oil"
That phrase is constantly shouted at me, often by caps-lock-obsessed people like my fan.
And every time I hear it, I chuckle. Because they're right.
We do have plenty of oil left in the earth — certainly enough to last until we shift our energy demand to renewable energy. Unfortunately, he and everyone else using this line of reasoning are making a serious mistake.
They're asking the wrong question. I believe it's the most common misconception in the entire peak oil debate.
You've seen me splash this answer on the pages of Energy and Capital too many times to count, so if you're one of my veteran readers, please bear with me a moment...
It's not about how much oil is left in the ground; rather the rate at which we can produce that oil.
We all know the bathtub metaphor. If we could fill a bathtub the world's remaining crude oil, there'd be no reason to worry. But if you only have a tiny straw with which to extract the oil from the tub, the situation dramatically changes.
Now, our current situation isn't as simple as that. The oil we're trying to produce is much more expensive to extract.
And you can see that much for yourself...
Declining production: The 6.7% fear factor
With the average decline rate for oil production at about 6.7%, the world needs to find roughly five million barrels of new oil every year — just to make up for the loss from natural decline.
And that decline rate will only rise. Several years ago, most analysts believed the annual decline rate was closer to 4.5%.
Considering the easy-to-get oil from the world's super-giant fields is declining, more of the world's production is coming from non-traditional means, and some sources like deepwater wells are cursed with much steeper decline rates.
Besides, we're literally going to the ends of the earth for just a chance at new oil supplies. Anyone else remember when the Russians boldly planted their flag on the Arctic seabed?
Think of the once-mighty Ghawar oil field...
Ghawar is the world's largest oil field, pumping out approximately five million barrels per day. That single field has been responsible for nearly 65% of all Saudi oil production from 1948 to 2000.
Taking that into account, oil producers must come up with a new Ghawar each year just to make up for the losses from natural decline. That's approximately five million barrels of new oil per year that we have to make up for.
Take a moment and give that some perspective.
Rethinking unconventional oil
As Nick Hodge reminded you yesterday, the reliance on unconventional oil and gas resources is becoming greater.
You have to wonder how much oil left in that bathtub is the easy-to-get stuff. And people often misunderstand how deep the tub is.
While we're at it, let's clear up one of the biggest misconceptions about unconventional oil — that we have trillions of barrels of oil from shale.
I can only hope you aren't among those who believe this.
Never mistake the Green River oil shales in Colorado and Wyoming for the shale boom happening.
Yes, there is a huge amount of oil there; but I have little faith that companies will ever succeed in reaching commercial production.
At the very least, ramping up production from the oil shales in Colorado and Wyoming would take decades. Unless a miracle happens, the cost would be enough to cause the wealthiest investors to cringe, flushing and shaking their heads with an emphatic “No!”
And, dear reader, this is where the hecklers truly show their ignorance...
“Well if it worked in the Bakken shale, it'll work there,” they say.
When you hear that, you know they're clueless.
To start, oil shale deposits (such as those found in the Green River formation) are the best example of unconventional oil out there. It's not even oil — rather sedimentary rocks that contain a large amount of kerogen. Kerogen requires much more processing.
It's a far cry from the light, sweet grade of crude that made Jed Clampett smile...
If we ever reach the point of developing the Green River Shales, we'll literally be scraping the bottom of the barrel.
The shale oil that you've heard about in the Bakken formation is actually light, sweet crude in an unconventional reservoir rock with low permeability. The problem has been that producers don't just stick a vertical well down and expect to hit pay dirt...
They are, however, becoming more efficient with each horizontal well they drill.
Right now, I'm putting the finishing touches on a new report highlighting one such opportunity taking unconventional production to the next level.
You'll hear all about it very soon.
Until next time,
Keith Kohl
http://www.energyandcapital.com/articles/peak-oil-IEA/1342
By Keith Kohl
Wednesday, November 17th, 2010
There's a peak oil heckler outside my office.
I pass him every morning in the parking lot. Like a gnat, he buzzes around and refuses to leave me alone, no matter how much I swat... My own personal fan, as I like to call him.
Each verbal prod or poke causes me to react in the same manner. I laugh all the way to my desk.
My mirthful response is due to the fact that he shares a very common trait with many of the antagonists I come across on a daily basis: denial.
And just like theirs, his misconceptions lead to a dangerous line of thinking.
Not only are his peak oil rants hand-fed to him by certain media outlets; but he doesn't seem to care whether or not the information is even legitimate.
I guess I shouldn't be surprised by how easy it is to mix things up. But time and time again, there's one subject at the top of his list...
"The world has plenty of oil"
That phrase is constantly shouted at me, often by caps-lock-obsessed people like my fan.
And every time I hear it, I chuckle. Because they're right.
We do have plenty of oil left in the earth — certainly enough to last until we shift our energy demand to renewable energy. Unfortunately, he and everyone else using this line of reasoning are making a serious mistake.
They're asking the wrong question. I believe it's the most common misconception in the entire peak oil debate.
You've seen me splash this answer on the pages of Energy and Capital too many times to count, so if you're one of my veteran readers, please bear with me a moment...
It's not about how much oil is left in the ground; rather the rate at which we can produce that oil.
We all know the bathtub metaphor. If we could fill a bathtub the world's remaining crude oil, there'd be no reason to worry. But if you only have a tiny straw with which to extract the oil from the tub, the situation dramatically changes.
Now, our current situation isn't as simple as that. The oil we're trying to produce is much more expensive to extract.
And you can see that much for yourself...
Declining production: The 6.7% fear factor
With the average decline rate for oil production at about 6.7%, the world needs to find roughly five million barrels of new oil every year — just to make up for the loss from natural decline.
And that decline rate will only rise. Several years ago, most analysts believed the annual decline rate was closer to 4.5%.
Considering the easy-to-get oil from the world's super-giant fields is declining, more of the world's production is coming from non-traditional means, and some sources like deepwater wells are cursed with much steeper decline rates.
Besides, we're literally going to the ends of the earth for just a chance at new oil supplies. Anyone else remember when the Russians boldly planted their flag on the Arctic seabed?
Think of the once-mighty Ghawar oil field...
Ghawar is the world's largest oil field, pumping out approximately five million barrels per day. That single field has been responsible for nearly 65% of all Saudi oil production from 1948 to 2000.
Taking that into account, oil producers must come up with a new Ghawar each year just to make up for the losses from natural decline. That's approximately five million barrels of new oil per year that we have to make up for.
Take a moment and give that some perspective.
Rethinking unconventional oil
As Nick Hodge reminded you yesterday, the reliance on unconventional oil and gas resources is becoming greater.
You have to wonder how much oil left in that bathtub is the easy-to-get stuff. And people often misunderstand how deep the tub is.
While we're at it, let's clear up one of the biggest misconceptions about unconventional oil — that we have trillions of barrels of oil from shale.
I can only hope you aren't among those who believe this.
Never mistake the Green River oil shales in Colorado and Wyoming for the shale boom happening.
Yes, there is a huge amount of oil there; but I have little faith that companies will ever succeed in reaching commercial production.
At the very least, ramping up production from the oil shales in Colorado and Wyoming would take decades. Unless a miracle happens, the cost would be enough to cause the wealthiest investors to cringe, flushing and shaking their heads with an emphatic “No!”
And, dear reader, this is where the hecklers truly show their ignorance...
“Well if it worked in the Bakken shale, it'll work there,” they say.
When you hear that, you know they're clueless.
To start, oil shale deposits (such as those found in the Green River formation) are the best example of unconventional oil out there. It's not even oil — rather sedimentary rocks that contain a large amount of kerogen. Kerogen requires much more processing.
It's a far cry from the light, sweet grade of crude that made Jed Clampett smile...
If we ever reach the point of developing the Green River Shales, we'll literally be scraping the bottom of the barrel.
The shale oil that you've heard about in the Bakken formation is actually light, sweet crude in an unconventional reservoir rock with low permeability. The problem has been that producers don't just stick a vertical well down and expect to hit pay dirt...
They are, however, becoming more efficient with each horizontal well they drill.
Right now, I'm putting the finishing touches on a new report highlighting one such opportunity taking unconventional production to the next level.
You'll hear all about it very soon.
Until next time,
Keith Kohl
http://www.energyandcapital.com/articles/peak-oil-IEA/1342
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