Stimulas Money and Maine Jobs‏

In response to the November 17, 2009 article by Alicia P., Where have you
been this last few months Alicia? 

Everywhere one drives in Maine recently
there are signs stating the job is being paid for with Stimulus Funds.
People working, roads and bridges being repaired, all due to the Stimulus
Funds. And then there is the trickle down effect; the supplies, hot-top,
concrete, gas and/or diesel to drive vehicles and equipment, plus possible
repairs, all create jobs. Those workers now have the ability to purchase
things they might not without that paycheck. Stores benefit due to sales.
That trickles down to employees. Not to mention the income tax and FICA paid
into the government.

And think of the trickle down effect created with the up to $8,000 for first
time homebuyers. First there are the Realtors, the Home Inspectors, and the
Title Companies.  What is the first thing most homebuyers do? Make repairs
and improvements! Replacement windows, replace furnaces, paint inside and
maybe even out, new appliances and maybe furniture. The list goes on and on.
Jobs created, people not laid off, bills paid, income taxes and FICA to the
Federal Government. And who is the Federal Government? You and I, Alicia.
So, I don't know about other states, but the State of Maine has utilized
Stimulus Funds all over the State. And many, many people have benefited from
it.

While I'm at it, I'd like to address the subject of immigrants and Joe legal
and Jose illegal, but mostly immigrants. Many immigrants do not even attempt
to find work, even paid 'under the table' work. But they still enjoy all the
benefits listed in the article, without contributing a dime, or even a
penney to our government! We support them, pay their rents, and health care,
including maternity, give them food stamps. We even give them money to
purchase vehicles! Most do not even attempt to learn our language. When are
we and our government going to wake up and say NO. If someone wants to live
here and enjoy our freedoms, there needs to be strings attached. They should
be given a time frame to learn our language, get jobs and become
self-supporting.

And that is my opinion.

Dot Fitzgerald
A Very Concerned American.

MICHAUD VOTES FOR SPENDING BEFORE HE IS AGAINST IT?

Contact:

Alicia Preston

ap@theprestongroup.org

646-645-9373

MICHAUD VOTES FOR SPENDING BEFORE HE IS AGAINST IT?

Congressman Michaud votes to spend generations in to trillions of dollars in debt, then asks for panel to review spending.
 

Auburn, Maine – In too typical Washington style, Maine’s 2nd District Congressman Mike Michaud this week made news, after supporting a bill to create a panel to review federal spending levels. This support comes less than two weeks after voting for a trillion dollar health care spending bill that will cost Maine taxpayers an untold amount of money in tax increases, increased health care costs for individuals and businesses and Medicaid cost shifting.  This legislation to create a panel was initially introduced last March, however, Congressman Michaud only signed onto the bill recently—after first voting to spend massive amounts of more debt. See article on proposed spending panel HERE. 

“Only in Washington can you vote to increase the deficit and then with a straight face tell the voters that you want a panel to review federal spending.  Typical Washington games will not create jobs, a new congressman for the 2nd District will,” said 2nd Congressional District Candidate Jason Levesque. “We absolutely need to control spending.  Our greatest growing debt problem, however, is created by the legislation Congressman Michaud himself voted for; a trillion dollar stimulus plan that is not stimulating jobs and a trillion dollar health care plan that will actually increase cost not reduce it for many people.”

This latest announcement from the  Congressman comes just days after he acknowledged he cast his vote for the health care bill not for the benefit of the citizens of Maine, but for the right to be “at the table” with the President. See Michaud's Own Statement on this HERE.

Media wishing to speak to Jason, please contact Alicia Preston at phone number or email listed above.

Lisbon PWS Successful Spaghetti Supper

Philip W. Sugg Successful Spaghetti Supper

By

Connor Craig – 7^th grader, PWS Student Media Reporter

Lisbon - On Friday November 13, 2009 the Philip W. Sugg Middle School seventh grade parents and teachers hosted a spaghetti supper to raise money for Camp Kieve.  Camp Kieve is a leadership team building camp.  Each year, the seventh graders raise money to attend the camp for a week.  Fundraising has been getting harder each year with the economy.  Despite the economy, people were “hungry” to support the seventh graders and enjoyed good food cooked and donated by parents, staff and local area businesses.

 A raffle for 100 gallons of oil, donated by Piela Oil in Lisbon, raised $1000 for the students.  There were also many other silent auction items donated for the fundraiser.   The dinner and silent auction raised $1900.   During the evening, the Lisbon families who hosted the Haunted House presented a donation of $1150 from the Halloween event to seventh grade teacher, Mrs. Laurie Deraspe, in support of the Camp Kieve project. “We raised money at the Haunted House and wanted to make this donation.   Thanks to the volunteer efforts of Walter and Karen Morse, Dean and Jen Wiley, Erik and Christy Le, my wife and myself, along with a number of other volunteers we wanted to make this contribution so you may go and enjoy Camp Kieve,” shared Kevin Plourde. 

  “The spaghetti supper was absolutely a complete success,” commented Mrs. Deraspe.   “We raised over $1000 from the spaghetti dinner.”  The evening was a success due to the help from parents, staff and the community. Everyone walked out the doors of PWS with their bellies full and happy they had helped the students of seventh grade students attend Camp Kieve for a week in March.

Haunted House presentation

 front(l-r):  Anna Willey, Kathy Wheat, Shelby Plourde

center:    Laurie Deraspe

Back(l-r): Kathleen Littlefield, Dean Willey, Kevin Plourde, Taylor Plourde, Jennifer Robitaille

 Volunteers

 Front(l-r):  Deanna Ward, Amy Austin, Lisa Curtis, Mrs. Littlefield, Ms. Wheat.

Back(l-r):  Kelly Wade, Kathi Yergin, John Golino, Steve Curtis, Bobbi Hill, Marci Jouver

American Legion Christmas Project

Nelson-Conley American Legion Post #66, Lisbon Falls, is seeking Lisbon
connections in both Iraq and Afghanistan for its 7th Annual Christmas
Project. If you know an active duty person who will be in either
location this Christmas, please contact Bill Barr at (207) 353-4388 or e-mail:
bbarr27@roadunnercom. We would like a platoon in each theater.
 

Joe and Jose Read and be educated

Joe and Jose...



You have two families: "Joe Legal" and "Jose Illegal". Both families have two parents, two children, and live in California .
Joe Legal works in construction, has a Social Security Number and makes $25.00 per hour with taxes deducted.

Jose Illegal also works in construction, has NO Social Security Number, and gets paid $15.00 cash "under the table".

Ready? Now pay attention...

Joe Legal: $25.00 per hour x 40 hours = $ 1000.00 per week, or $52,000.00 per year. Now take 30% away for state and federal tax; Joe Legal now has $31,231.00.

Jose Illegal: $15.00 per hour x 40 hours = $600.00 per week, or $31,200.00 per year. Jose Illegal pays no taxes. Jose Illegal now has $31,200.00.

Joe Legal pays medical and dental insurance with limited coverage for his family at $600.00 per month, or $7,200.00 per year. Joe Legal now has $24,031.00.

Jose Illegal has full medical and dental coverage through the state and local clinics at a cost of $0.00 per year. Jose Illegal still has $31,200.00.

Joe Legal makes too much money and is not eligible for food stamps or welfare. Joe Legal pays $500.00 per month for food, or $6,000.00 per year. Joe Legal now has $18,031.00.

Jose Illegal has no documented income and is eligible for food stamps and welfare. Jose Illegal still has $31,200.00.

Joe Legal pays rent of $1,200.00 per month, or $14,400.00 per year. Joe Legal now has $9,631.00.

Jose Illegal receives a $500.00 per month federal rent subsidy. Jose Illegal pays $500.00 per month, or $6,000.00 per year. Jose Illegal still has $ 31,200.00.

Joe Legal pays $200.00 per month, or $2,400.00 for insurance. Joe Legal now has $7,231.00.

Jose Illegal says, "We don't need no stinkin' insurance!" and still has $31,200.00.

Joe Legal has to make his $7,231.00 stretch to pay utilities, gasoline, etc.

Jose Illegal has to make his $31,200.00 stretch to pay utilities, gasoline, and what he sends out of the country every month.

Joe Legal now works overtime on Saturdays or gets a part time job after work.

Jose Illegal has nights and weekends off to enjoy with his family.

Joe Legal's and Jose Illegal's children both attend the same school. Joe Legal pays for his children's lunches while Jose Illegal's children get a government sponsored lunch. Jose Illegal's children have an after school ESL program. Joe Legal's children go home.

Joe Legal and Jose Illegal both enjoy the same police and fire services, but Joe paid for them and Jose did not pay.

Do you get it, now?

If you vote for or support any politician that supports illegal aliens...

You are part of the problem!

Fire Department has Busy Weekend‏

The following submitted by:
Michael Robitaille, Deputy Fire Chief

Members of the Lisbon Fire Department were kept busy this past weekend with a variety of calls.  The first, of 11 calls was received around 8pm on Friday with the last call occurring on Monday around noon.  Members were actively involved with incidents that ranged from car crashes to fires.  One firefighter suffered non life threatening injuries while working a house fire in Topsham.  The firefighter was injured while laying fire hose to a working house fire.  He was transported to a local hospital and released with a leg injury. 

Friday 9:00pm – Station Coverage due to power outage - Lisbon Falls and E.T. Smith Hose Co.

Friday 10:30pm – Durham Fire Station Coverage – Lisbon Falls Engine 7

Friday 10:40pm – Structure Fire - Sokokis Drive, Topsham – Lisbon Falls Truck 6

Saturday 4:15am – Motor Vehicle Crash – Frost Hill Ave. – Lisbon Falls Engine 7 and Rescue 10

Saturday 2:00pm – Motor Vehicle Crash – Rt. 196 and Blethen Street – Lisbon Falls Engine 7, Rescue 10, and Tank 9

Saturday 9:30pm – Winter Street – Topsham – Salvage call – Cancelled Enroute – Lisbon Falls Truck 6

Sunday 4:30pm – Lisbon Road – Salvage Call – Lisbon Falls Truck 6

Sunday 5:00pm – Main Street – Check on Permitted Burn – Lisbon Falls Engine 7

Monday 6:00am – Faith Street – Salvage Call – Lisbon Falls Truck 6

Monday 12:15pm – Pinewoods Road – Stove Fire – Lisbon Falls and E.T. Smith Hose Co.

Sokokis Drive, Topsham Photo by Topsham Fire Department

 Frost Hill Avenue Photo by Lisbon Fire Department

Why were WE supporting a community below sea level

Katrina negligence ruling could cost feds
 
NEW ORLEANS - The federal government could be vulnerable to billions of dollars in claims

 after a judge ruled that the Army Corps of Engineers' failure to properly maintain a 

navigation channel led to massive flooding in Hurricane Katrina. 
 
The entire article is available here:
 
http://www.msnbc.msn.com/id/34028940/ns/us_news-crime_and_courts

Food for thought and your comments;
 
Since the Army Corps of Engineers is funded by the federal government this will be yet

 again a drain on our tax dollars.  I have no wish to debate the rights of these people to

 compensation for the governments apparent screw-up, but why exactly do WE maintain an

 entire city and residential area that is below sea level.  The government has paid billions

 of dollars to people in flood prone areas to move and purchased that property to prevent 

rebuilding, so why do we spend billions of dollars to do the exact opposite here?

Lisbon Superintendent Announces New Appointments

Lisbon’s Superintendent, Richard A. Green, recently announced new appointments in Lisbon.  Pictured (l-r) Darrell Orr, Lisbon School Department Director of Transportation and Operations; and his staff,  Kelly Byras, Secretary for Transportation and Operations; and Stan Craig, District-Wide Maintenance.    Photo by Monica Millhime.

Lisbon - Superintendent of Schools, Richard A. Green, recently announced three new appointments for the Lisbon School Department. 

Green announced Darrell Orr, as the new Director of Transportation and Operations.  “Orr has worked with the Lisbon School Department for over 20 years, previously serving as Head of Maintenance for the District,” shares Green.  “Orr is a very dedicated employee and a true leader in this position.”  In September, Orr and wife, Sandy, spent their honeymoon visiting the Grand Canyon, and other national sites.  Orr enjoys spending time with his family, riding snowmobiles with his grandson, and riding his motorcycle with his wife.

“Stan Craig has been promoted to District-Wide Maintenance, the position vacated by Orr.  Craig has been employed with the Lisbon School Department for 19 years, primarily as a Custodian and Bus Driver.  Craig brings numerous years of maintenance experience to the capacity,” according to Green.   Craig enjoys tinkering on anything mechanical.  Craig and his wife, Sandy, have three children.  Craig enjoys riding his Harley with his wife, burying his ATV in the mud, and getting together with friends. 

After of couple of years of departure, Green welcomed Kelly A. Byras, to the Lisbon School Department as Secretary for Transportation and Operations.  “Byras originally joined the Lisbon School Department in a temporary capacity after graduating from Mid State College in 2003.  She secured a permanent position in 2005 in Lisbon Schools’ Accounts Payable Department.  Byras possesses a can-do attitude and is an asset to Lisbon Schools.  We are pleased to welcome her back in the Lisbon School Department,” shares Green.  Byras enjoys spending time with her family and friends and is delighted to be back in Lisbon. 

Lisbon Junior Volunteers Elect Officers‏

 Click on to enlarge

Lisbon’s  PWS Junior and LHS Young Adult Volunteers elected officers at their November monthly meeting.  Pictured (front row)  Alyssa Briglio; (back l-r) Cody Campbell, Paige Galligan, Paula Caron, Meghan Craig, Ashley Longley, and Sarah Craig.  Not available for photo – Breeann Sautter and Olivia Harrington.  Photo by Monica Millhime.

Lisbon – On Tuesday, November 10, members of Lisbon’s Philip W. Sugg Middle School Junior Volunteers, along with the Lisbon High School Young Adult Volunteers, met at 7 a.m. at PWS for their monthly meeting.  A full agenda, including election of officers, and committee sign-ups for community programs and upcoming projects were discussed by the group.  Campaign speeches were presented by the slate of hopeful officers to members and visiting guests, PWS Assistant Principal/Co-Curricular Director, Thomas Landberg; Kathi Yergin, PWS PAG President, and newly elected Lisbon School Committee Member; and PWS Adjunct Officer, Lisa Caron.  Voting results were tabulated and election results were  announced.  LHS students, Meghan Craig, President; and Ashley Longley, Adjunct Officer.  PWS students, Paul Caron, President; Cody Campbell, Vice President; Paige Galligan, Secretary; Sergeant at Arms, Olivia Harrington; Meeting Greeters, Alyssa Briglio and Breeann Sautter.  “Monthly meetings for our Lisbon Junior and Young Adult Volunteers is new this year,” shares Community Resource Coordinator, Monica Millhime.  “Our Lisbon Volunteer Program has grown beyond our expectations, especially with our students.  We modeled  our Junior meetings after the adult parent groups.  With over 100 students in the program, from grades five through twelve, we wanted to make sure community events and volunteer opportunities were communicated to our students,” according to Millhime.  Each month, administrators, teachers and  various committee project guests attend meetings to update students on events.  “It is impressive to see students at a meeting early in the morning with so much energy and enthusiasm at meeting to find out ways they can make a difference in their schools and our community,” commented Yergin.  FMI on the program call 754-0021 or email mmillhime@lisbonschoolsme.org

MY SOAP BOX

Rudeness: the disrespect and failure to behave within the context of a 
society or a group of people's social laws or etiquette.
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Rude
 
Just because something is in "black & white" doesn't mean it is 100%
true.
Even if it is in a news paper or on your favorite talk show.
 
Just because one person says something is wrong doesn't mean it is.
 
Opinions ... Everyone has one ... Live with it ... 
 
God gave us a brain for a reason, (Genesis or Evolution, either way even
 
The "Big Bang" had to start somewhere) don't believe everything you
read,
and even less of what you hear.
 
Sometimes people (even me) need to remember, email stories may not be 
true, but some times they are just a nice story that still should be
shared
in the belief that they should be ... 
 
And for the record, the part about the dancing dogs showing up on your 
screen if you forward an email to 10 people in 2 minutes doesn't happen 
- if it did it would be considered a virus.
 
Email Etiquette ... Yes there is such a thing ... Google it. 
 
Take Another Look Before Hit that "SEND" button and if it is a
particularly 
"hot" topic, give it at least a few minutes of rest (or even over night)
after you have finished it and before you press the "Send" button. 
 
They say "words said in anger can not be unsaid" ... But emails sent in 
anger can be quoted word for word ... (Sorry I didn't post this sooner
Dale) 
 
Spell check is not always your friend ... Or is that fiend ...
 
Thank you to all who make this an outlet for information and
specifically
to the Lisbon Reporter for giving us an outlet to post the various news,
 
information, facts and opinions for the Lisbon Community.
 
I'll step off my soap box and offer it up to whom ever cares to use it.
 
On a side note, has anyone ever put a tomato in a fruit salad?
 
- Gregg Garrison
 
"Knowledge is knowing that a tomato is a fruit. 
Wisdom is NEVER putting it in a fruit salad."

Maine Stimulus Jobs flaws in reporting‏

 The following submitted by Alicia P.

Hey,

I wanted to make sure you saw the below story from ABC news and the Maine page I found on recovery.gov about this.  If I’m reading it correctly, it claims that there is a 1^st, 2^nd, 23^rd and 92^nd, plus district 00 got nearly 150k.  Here is the link. http://www.recovery.gov/Pages/TextView.aspx?data=stateSummaryAllCD&statecode=ME

 And the link to the ABC news story about the issue.  http://abcnews.go.com/Politics/jobs-saved-created-congressional-districts-exist/story?id=9097853

If you are interested in a quote from Jason, I have provided one.  Let me know how I can help.

AP

“My opponent, Congressman Michael Michaud, voted for this stimulus bill that costs taxpayers a trillion dollars and has done almost nothing to create jobs in Maine.  What we see now is irresponsible management of the program. They can call it simply ‘human error’  but I think when you are dealing with a trillion dollars of the people’s money,  there is no room for this kind of massive mistake in the management and maintenance of the program.   I’d like to know where this money actually went.  I’d like to know if Michael Michaud still believes we should hand him and his colleagues another trillion for another government program—this time for healthcare—when we see the government can’t handle it.”  Jason Levesque, Me. 2^nd Congressional District Candidate

CONGRESSMAN MICHAUD'S HEALTHCARE SUPPORT MAKES NATIONAL NEWS‏

CONGRESSMAN MICHAUD’S HEALTHCARE SUPPORT MAKES NATIONAL NEWS
Glenn Beck Slams Michaud for ‘Coaxed’ Vote
 

Auburn, Maine – Maine’s Second District Congressman was in notable company last night on Glenn Beck’s cable network television program, spotlighted for his decision to vote for the trillion dollar health care legislation after “personal coaxing” from the President.

“Michael Michaud in Maine was won over with "personal coaxing" from the president.  Personal coaxing? My grandfather would have called them bribes.” Glenn Beck Program, Fox News, November 16, 2009.

See Transcript HERE! <http://www.foxnews.com/story/0,2933,575361,00.html>  Video of Program attached.

The criticism comes following Congressman Michaud’s vote to pass the Health Care Legislation despite acknowledging serious concerns over the effects of the bill.
“My vote in favor of the House health care reform bill does not represent an endorsement of every provision in it.  Despite remaining concerns, I voted to move the process forward to allow the bill to be improved…As I have said before, this bill is not perfect.  Since August, I have raised several concerns over this legislation.  More specifically, I remain concerned about parts of the bill that cut Medicare and Medicaid.  These cuts would unfairly impact Maine due to our unique situation as having one of the most efficient health care systems in the country, while receiving some of the lowest reimbursement rates for services provided.” My Vote on Health Care Reform, By Representative Mike Michaud, November 9, 2009

Last night’s national acknowledgment of Michaud’s reasoning behind his vote, the “personal coaxing” by the President and desire to be “at the table” comes on the heels of a nationally placed television ad targeted in Michaud’s Congressional district. The ad, sponsored by a business coalition including the US Chamber of Commerce, noted that the House Health Care reform proposal “could wipe out even more jobs, raise costs, and put employers' and employees' current health care benefits at risk.” SEE AD HERE! <http://www.employersforahealthyeconomy.org/>

“Congressman Michaud was elected to represent the best interests of the people of Maine.  Instead, he has acknowledged he put aside that responsibility after being coaxed by the President and desiring to remain ‘at the table.’ This is a great breech of the trust the People of the 2nd District.  This health care legislation will have a drastic affect on the already strained state budget, will harm seniors, will force millions to switch doctors, increase taxes and do nothing to reduce health care costs for most individuals and businesses,” Jason Levesque, 2nd District Congressional candidate said.  “We need reform, but we need the right reform.  We need to allow people to cross state lines to purchase health insurance; this will increase competition and decrease costs.  We need to reform medical malpractice insurance to remove the defense attorney form the exam room and allow individuals the same tax benefit large businesses receive when purchasing insurance.  It is time we looked to find real reform that will help the people of Maine, not reform that helps special interests and panders to party leadership.”

Media wishing to speak to Jason, please contact Alicia Preston at phone number or email listed above.

Our Tax Dollars At Work

The following has been submitted by Gene.

2010 is an election year for 1/3 of the senate and all of the house of representatives. It would be nice if congress got the message; the voting taxpayers are in charge now.

Social Security 2009


LET US SHOW OUR LEADERS IN WASHINGTON "PEOPLE POWER" AND THE POWER OF THE INTERNET.

PLEASE FORWARD TO ALL OF YOUR FRIENDS.

IT DOESN'T MATTER IF YOU ARE REPUBLICAN OR DEMOCRAT!

KEEP IT GOING!!!!

Propose this in 2009:

S TART A MOVEMENT TO PLACE ALL POLITICIANS ON SOCIAL SECURITY


------------ --------- --------- ----

SOCIAL SECURITY:

(This is worth reading. It is short and to the point.)

Perhaps we are asking the wrong questions during election years.

Our Senators and Congresswomen do not pay into Social Security and, of course, they do not collect from it.

You see, Social Security benefits were not suitable for persons of their rare elevation in society. They felt they should have a special plan for themselves So, many years ago they voted in their own benefit plan.

In more recent years, no congress person has felt the need to change it. After all, it is a great plan
For all practical purposes their plan works like this:

When they retire, they continue to draw the same pay until they die.
Except it may increase from time to time for cost of living adjustments. .....

For example, Senator Byrd and Congressman White and their wives may expect to draw $7, 800,000.00 (that's Seven Million, Eight-Hundred Thousand Dollars), with their wives drawing $275, 000..00 during the last years of their lives.
This is calculated on an average life span for each of those Dignitaries.

Younger Dignitaries who retire at an early age, will receive much more during the rest of their lives.
Their cost for this excellent plan to them is $0.00. NADA!!! ZILCH!!!
This little perk they voted for themselves is free to them. You and I pick up the tab for this plan. The funds for this fine retirement plan come directly from the General Funds;

"OUR TAX DOLLARS AT WORK"!
From our own Social Security Plan, which you and I pay (or have paid) into, every payday until we retire (which amount is matched by our employer), We can expect to get an average of
$1,000 per month after retirement.
Or, in other words, we would have to collect our average of $1,000 monthly benefits for 68 years and one (1) m onth to equal Senator Bill Bradley's benefits!
Social Security could be very good if only one small change were made.

That change would be to
Jerk the Golden Fleece Retirement Plan from under the Senators and Congressmen. . Put them into the Social Security plan with the rest of us
Then sit back......
And see how fast they would fix it!
If enough people receive this, maybe a seed of awareness will be planted and maybe good changes will evolve.

The Lisbon Reporter‏ from a reader

Mr. Hall,
 
I am shocked by your question and will assume it was rhetorical.
 
Just kidding Dean, don't doc me points ... 
 
However this brings up a good point - Readers need to remember 
the Lisbon Reporter is a BLOG, a Web Log, not a news agency, 
they simply pass on information from readers in an effort to 
keep the other readers informed.
 
To assist those who would like to check their facts before they 
post them, I offer the following sites to start with:
 
http://www.snopes.com/
http://factcheck.org/
http://www.urbanlegends.com/
 
These are but three of the many sites on the world wide web you can 
use to check the information.
 
If something sounds too good ... Or too bad ... to be true, use the
tool you have right here in front of you.  If nothing else, use 
www.google.com and see what pops up.
 
Happy surfing - Gregg Garrison
 
"Knowledge is knowing that a tomato is a fruit. 
Wisdom is NEVER putting it in a fruit salad."

Brazil and executive order‏

Doesn't anyone check out the real facts anymore?

Please check your facts before you make a fool out of yourself

Dean Hall

Lisbon Falls

Thank you for providing clarification.

Bogus Brazilian Oil Claims

September 18, 2009

Q: Did Obama loan $2 billion to Brazil’s oil company to benefit China and George Soros?
A: The president had nothing to do with the loan, which the Export-Import Bank approved for Brazil to buy U.S.-made equipment and services.
FULL QUESTION

I received this in an e-mail. Is it true?

Today even though President Obama is against off shore drilling for oil for this country. He signed an executive order to loan 2 Billion of our taxpayers dollars to a Brazilian Oil Exploration Company (which is the 8th largest company in the entire world) to drill for oil off the coast of Brazil. The oil that comes from this operation is for the sole purpose and use of China and not the USA. The Chinese government is under contract to purchase all the oil that this oil field will produce, which is hundreds of millions of barrels of oil".
We have absolutely no gain from this transaction whatsoever.
⬐ Click to expand/collapse the full text ⬏

Wait it gets more interesting. Guess who is the largest individual stockholder of this Brazilian Oil Company and who would benefit most from this? It is American Billionaire, George Soros, Liberal businessman who is a radical left wing supporter, finances MoveOn.org as well as other liberal programs and was President Obama’s largest and most generous supporter during his campaign. If you are able to connect the dots and follow the money, you are probably as upset as I am. Not a word of this transaction was on any of the other news networks.

FULL ANSWER

This claim stems from a "preliminary commitment" made back on April 14 by the board of directors of the Export-Import Bank of the United States. The bank intends to loan up to $2 billion to finance exports to the Brazilian oil company Petróleo Brasileiro S.A., known as Petrobras, over the next several years.
The e-mail is false on two counts.

• The message falsely says the decision was due to an "executive order" by the president. No presidential order was required. Furthermore, none of President Obama’s appointees had joined the Ex-Im board at the time of the vote, which was unanimous, and bipartisan. The Ex-Im Bank states: "In fact, at the time the Bank’s Board consisted of three Republicans and two Democrats, all of whom were appointed by George W. Bush."
• The message falsely claims that "we have absolutely no gain" from the loan. In fact, the loan is being made specifically to finance purchase by Petrobras of U.S.-made oilfield equipment and services. The mission of the Ex-Im Bank is to encourage exports by making such loans.

The bank’s chairman and president, Fred P. Hochberg, underscored the purpose of the loan during a trip to Brazil at the end of July:

Ex-Im Bank President Hochberg, July 29: I chose Brazil as my first international destination for good reason: Brazil is a powerhouse among South American economies and offers tremendous opportunities for U.S. exporters in many sectors. I want Brazilians to know that Ex-Im Bank has the will and the capacity to finance their purchases of U.S. equipment, products and services

Obama appointed Hochberg to the Ex-Im Bank on April 20, nearly a week after the board voted to approve the loan. He was confirmed May 14 and sworn in May 21.
The message claims that George Soros would "benefit most" from the loan, but that is also a baseless accusation. Soros is a favorite whipping boy of conservatives because of his early financial help to the liberal group MoveOn.org. And he is indeed a major investor in Petrobras, through his New York-based hedge-fund firm, Soros Fund Management LLC. But the hedge fund recently sold 22 million shares of common stock in the company (which carry voting rights) while buying 5.8 million shares of preferred stock (which is non-voting.) As reported by Bloomberg News, Soros reduced his stake in the company before any of the Ex-Im Bank’s promised loan has been dispensed.
There is some truth to the claim that China would benefit, but not much. Brazil recently agreed to export 200,000 barrels of oil per day to China in coming years. But that was in return for a loan by China of $10 billion, five times more than the U.S. Ex-Im Bank is lending to finance purchase of U.S. gear.
The Ex-Im Bank also would like it known that no loan has yet been made, and that the "preliminary commitment" could eventually result in either a direct loan or a loan guarantee. Either way, the Ex-Im Bank states, "no taxpayer dollars are involved." The bank is self-sustaining

Lisbon PWS Community Service Project‏

By:  Paula Caron

PWS Student Reporter

PHOTOS BY PAULA CARON.

  Philip W. Sugg students (L) Cody Campbell designs cards for the troops oversees, with assistance from dynamic brother and sister duo,(R) Connor and Sarah Craig.

  

Lisbon - On Thursday November 12, 2009, Philip W. Sugg teacher, Mrs. Marilyn Curtis held a Community Service Craft Night at the school.  PWS students and families created various crafts of candy cane reindeer, wreaths, and wrote letters.  Crafts were made for those in the community not able to go out and about on their own, the homeless, and the troops over seas. Mrs. Curtis has sponsored a number of community service projects over the years. “I have been sending packages to the troops since 1968, and continue to do so each year. My whole family has always volunteered to assist.  I wanted my students and families to experience the great joy we feel when making and giving to others,” shared Mrs. Curtis. “Family Community Service Nights are one way to do this.” Students had a great time creating the crafts and being with their families. The Community Service Night was a huge success thanks to the giving spirit of students and their families.  FMI on getting involved with this project and others planned throughout the year; contact Mrs. Marilyn Curtis at mcurtis@lisbonschoolsme.org.

Annie Jr.was without power and the show went on

TLR,
 
I attended the November 13th performance of Annie Jr., by the Lisbon High School Drama Club. 

Before the start of the play, Ms. Fox welcomed us and talked about her group of young men 

and women with such praise and emotion.  Ms. Fox said the group of actors had only six weeks

 to prepare.  
 
This group did a fantastic job...WELL DONE!  The directing, acting, singing and props were 

executed with passion and professionalism.  I am so proud of these students.  
 
The power went out with only one scene left in the play.  Ms. Fox announced that the 

show will go on as the  students had worked so hard to prepare for this night.  Ms. Fox 

held a flashlight up so the actors could be seen.  Even without lights and background music 

they completed the show.  The power outage didn't stop them.  The audience gave them a well 

deserved standing ovation.  BRAVO!!
 
Janice Comber

ECONOMY -- HOW WE GOT IN OUR CURRENT SITUATION

The following article submitted by Art R.

I have been doing a significant amount of research into our current
economic catastrophe.  The following is an excerpt from an interesting
article on the subject from a trusted source.  I am trying to be
selective for fear some may not read such a long article.  It is
interesting to note that we lectured Japan on how to handle their long
economic downturn and we are acting contrary to our own
advice........ARE WE THAT STUPID  OR IS REDISTRIBUTION OF WEALTH MORE
IMPORTANT THAN THE SECURITY OF OUR COUNTRY............Please note that
redistribution of wealth is a politically correct term for Socialism /
Communism.........................PLEASE READ the 

following................

"It's amazing; the US is doing everything that Japan did wrong," said a
friend yesterday.

Let's see, in the 1980s Japan's corporate leaders thought they were
going to take over the world. Investors thought so too. They expanded.
They wheeled. They dealed. Prices shot up and they all thought they
were geniuses.

In the '80s, everyone wanted to be Japanese. Management consultants
used Japanese words to describe commonplace insights. For example,
instead of saying that businesses always need to try to do things
better, they referred to "kaizen" as if it were the secret of success.
And US economists urged the Reagan Administration to have an
"industrial policy" - because that was what Japan had. Japanese
businesses were the envy of the world. Japan was the world's second
largest economy. But in growth and stock prices it was Numero Uno.

It turned out, as it always does, that Japan did not have the secret to
everlasting success. Instead, what it had was what comes before a fall.
The stock market crashed in Tokyo in 1989. The Japanese economy entered
a recession. At first, the experts believed it was temporary. They
urged investors to take advantage of the opportunity to buy into Japan,
Inc. at record low prices. They thought Japanese industry was
unstoppable...unbeatable. It would recover in no time, they said.

But Japan, Inc. didn't recover. Instead, it went into a long, drawn-out
recession that lasted year after year...with on-again, off again
deflation...and several stock market rallies. Each time stocks rallied,
they fell again. Each time the economy began to grow...along came
another setback. This continued for the next 20 years...until March of
this year...when Tokyo stocks hit their lowest point for the whole bear
market. A generation of investors had been nearly wiped out. Over two
generations they had made nothing. Trillions worth of wealth had been
erased.

What did the Japanese authorities do during these last two decades?
They fought the correction every step of the way, with the boldest
attempt at fiscal and monetary stimulus every undertaken up to that
point. Interest rates came down to effectively zero. And government
spending soared, creating the largest deficits in Japanese history.
Now, Japan's national debt approaches 200% of GDP - a peacetime record.
If it continues to grow at this rate, it will hit 300% of GDP in just a
few more years.

Sound familiar? It should. The key US interest rate is now effectively
zero. The Fed says it will leave it there for "as long as it takes."
And deficits have reached staggering levels - 13% of GDP. At this rate,
the US debt/GDP ratio will hit 100% in just a few years. And if it
continues, US debt/GDP will reach 200% not long after - as recession-
reduced tax revenues meet stimulus-increased outlays.

But wait...the feds say they won't let it happen. They'll turn this
thing around. The economy will begin to grow. Tax revenues will rise.
Prices will go up.

Hey...that's just what the Japanese said!

So far, the US is doing almost exactly what the Japanese did...propping
up zombie companies and stimulating the economy as best it can.

But if it does the same thing the Japanese did, won't the US get the
same results the Japanese got?

Here is where it gets interesting. Because the US economy is not
exactly like the Japanese economy. Japan had high savings...and a
positive trade balance. It could run up huge government debts and "owe
it to itself." It could finance its government debts with the savings
of its own people, in other words. It never had to worry about
foreigners refusing to buy its bonds...or selling them suddenly.

America's government debt is different. The US doesn't save enough to
finance its own deficits. So it depends on the kindness of strangers.
And if those strangers ever lose faith in America's ability or
willingness to repay its debts, they'll drop the dollar like an
annoying girlfriend. And when they do, the whole global monetary system
will come crashing down.

But suppose savings rates go up in America - to, say, 10% of GDP, like
they were before the bubble years. That would make $1.4 trillion of
savings available to finance the feds' deficits. And suppose the slump
continues...as we think it will, with another big scare in the
investment markets. People will seek safety in...yes, you guessed
it...US bonds. This will take the pressure off the dollar and permit
the US to finance its countercyclical spending without depending
heavily on foreigners. The recession/depression will be annoying...but
not insufferable. And Bernanke will figure het has more to lose by
undermining the dollar than to gain from it. In that case, the Japan-
like slump could go on for many years - just as it has in Japan!

Offshore Drilling.....This is disgusting!

 Submitted by Robert C.


Why aren`t Obama supporters mad about this?


Please liberals, keep an open mind and read the article.  Are you so
ingrained in the liberal world that you aren`t willing to read an
article critical of the idealism.


I Googled this and sure enough, it is in the August 18, 2009 issue of
the Wall Street Journal.  Wonder why it does not show up on SNOPES? 
Hmmm. 


To find this Wall St. Journal article I had to search on the Journal's
search engine.  Type in...Obama Underwrites Offshore Drilling. 
The web page in this e-mail has been shut down.   You can access the
Journal article from the links given below.


Amazing how if another country drills, it is ok. Does not pollute.  But
we can't. Can anybody explain it to me?  This should be front page news
on every newspaper in the USA





I HOPE THIS GETS YOU AND MAKES YOU MAD --- LIKE IT DOES ME

To my liberal friends, before you delete this, please take the time to
read the entire email.

This is a perfect example why I refrain from watching the news on
--- ABC, NBC, CBS, CNN or MSNBC - You didn't see a word of this on any
of those networks.  They report only what they want you to know...

On 20 August 2009, on a segment of the "Glen Beck Show" on FCN (Fox
Cable News) ... was the following:
 
"Today even though President Obama is against offshore drilling for oil
for
this country.  He signed an executive order to loan 2 Billion or more
of our
taxpayers dollars to a Brazilian Oil Exploration Company (which is
the 8th
largest company in the entire world)  to drill  for oil off the
coast of Brazil. 

The oil that comes from this operation is for the sole purpose and use
of
China  and not the  USA . 

The Chinese government is under contract to purchase all the oil that
this oil field will produce, which is hundreds of millions of barrels
of oil". 

  We have absolutely no gain from this transaction whatsoever.

  Wait, it gets more interesting:
  Guess who is the largest individual stockholder of this Brazilian
  Oil Company, and who would benefit most from this ---???

  It is American Billionaire, George Soros, the Liberal businessman who
is
  a radical left wing supporter, finances "MoveOn.org" as well as other
  liberal programs, and was President Obama's largest and most generous
  supporter during his campaign. 

  If you are able to connect the dots and follow the money, you are
probably
  as upset as I am. 

  Not a word of this transaction was on any of the other news networks.

  Forward this factual e-mail to others who care about this country, so
they
  may see where it is going. 

  Does anyone think this was the type of change Obama meant ---???
  Or, maybe it was.

SURPRISE:
For the "Nay Sayers" - the "Disbelievers" - the "Republican Bashers" -
and especially for the "BHO Cheering Section" ---

Kindly NOTE:
On 18 August 2009 - "The Wall Street Journal"
published the same news.

http://online.wsj.com/article/SB10001424052970203863204574346610120524166.html



Obama Underwrites Offshore Drilling
Too bad it's not in  U.S.  waters.

You read that headline correctly.
Unfortunately, the Obama Administration is financing oil exploration
off Brazil .

The  U.S.  is going to lend billions of dollars to  Brazil 's
state-owned oil company ...

--- Article --- continues...
http://online.wsj.com/article/SB10001424052970203863204574346610120524166.html
You can only wonder WHAT President Obama ---
 is getting out of this ---???