Libertarian Party: Don't waste time investigating IRS, abolish it NOW along with income tax

The presidential administrations of Franklin Roosevelt, John F. Kennedy, Lyndon B. Johnson, Richard Nixon, Bill Clinton, and, now, Barack Obama have all been caught using the Internal Revenue Service to target political enemies.

As long as we have the IRS and the income tax we should expect more presidents to use their power to silence and intimidate free voices. No IRS investigation or firing of a few scapegoats will change that.

"We must abolish the IRS and end any need for a regulatory agency that snoops into people's private lives," said Libertarian Party Executive Director Carla Howell. "We must draw back total federal spending to the level of 1992, which is more than enough to fulfill the government's constitutional duties to protect our life, liberty, and property. This will allow us to balance the budget immediately, end the federal income tax completely, and give back an average of more than $12,000 to every family in America."

"We don't need an income tax, and we certainly don't need the IRS," Howell said.

The Libertarian Party is the only political party in America calling for both dismantling the IRS altogether and dramatically and immediately downsizing Big Government.

"The Libertarian Party is running candidates to dramatically downsize the federal government," Howell said. "We can cut federal spending by 50 percent, or even 90 percent, and Americans will be better for it. We can end the personal income tax, the corporate income tax, the death tax, and all federal payroll taxes. There will be no need for the IRS, nor any substitute agency."

"Ending the income tax, abolishing the IRS, and cutting federal spending to the level of 1992 means no more deficit spending," Howell said. "This will stop inflation and stabilize prices. Even more importantly, it will transfer wealth out of the wasteful, dysfunctional and destructive government sector and into the productive private sector, resulting in a bounty of new jobs and prosperity for Americans."

"We will make living in America and doing business in America much better," Howell said. "Individuals, businesses, and political organizations will all be safe from government interrogation and free to express their political views. It will dramatically increase the wealth of the private sector and inspire hundreds of billions of dollars in investment in small businesses and American jobs."

Another benefit of abolishing the IRS is that it would become far more difficult to fund massive interventionist military presence and warfare around the globe.

"It will also require our massive military budgets to go down, which currently encourage overseas meddling and war," Howell said. "We get rid of the IRS, we get rid of the income tax, we dramatically downsize federal spending and taxation, and America and the world will be better for it."

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Libertarian Party: Don't waste time investigating IRS, abolish it NOW along with income tax

Non-native goats and iguanas threaten Pacific islands

Feral goats and green iguanas wreaking havoc with the ecosystems in the small islands in the Pacific, biologists warn, in two separate studies published in Pacific Science last month, calling for control or elimination of these animals.

The animals have been introduced there by humans, but are now threatening the survival of native wildlife.

Feral goats rapidly deplete grazing lands, the first paper warns, while green iguanas threaten the local horticultural industry, according to the second study. Iguanas also reportedly cause car accidents when they cross roads and motorists try to avoid them, it adds.

Mark Chynoweth, a natural resource science manager at the University of Hawaii at Manoa and an author of the goat study, says that the population of feral goats on Pacific islands "poses a significant threat to the native flora and fauna, and is a critical barrier to conservation and habitat restoration".

"Non-native goats threaten native species through direct impacts grazing and indirect impacts, such as destruction of habitat," he adds.

The study recommends that the goats be removed from some of the vulnerable ecosystems in the Pacific.

Meanwhile, Wilfredo Falcn, a graduate student of the University of Puerto Rico and lead author of the second study, says that green iguanas have been imported to Pacific islands both legally and illegally from the Americas as exotic pets since the 1950s.

But because of the lack of natural predators on the islands and the iguanas' high reproduction rate, their population has risen dramatically and they are now expanding their range and displacing local species, particularly in Fiji. Eradication can be difficult because of their camouflage.

"It is important for people to understand that exotic species may have negative impacts if they become established outside their native range," Falcn tells SciDev.Net. "Moreover, sometimes they can grow to unmanageable sizes up to two feet in length and they may become hard to deal with."

Randolph Thaman, a professor at the University of the South Pacific in Fiji, says: "Both goats and green iguanas clearly constitute serious threats to small islands and their fragile native and cultural biodiversity and ecosystems, with goats having historically proven to be particularly disastrous".

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Non-native goats and iguanas threaten Pacific islands

ADB Provides $100,000 to Marshall Islands For Drought Relief

ADB Provides $100,000 to Marshall Islands For Drought Relief Efforts

MAJURO, REPUBLIC OF THE MARSHALL ISLANDS (20 May 2013) The Asian Development Bank (ADB) is providing a $100,000emergency grant to the Government of the Republic of the Marshall Islands to help fund drought relief efforts in the northern areas of the Marshall Islands.

On 19 April 2013, the Government declared a state of emergency for the northern islands, which was later elevated to a state of disaster on 8 May, in response to the persistent drought which has exhausted rainwater supplies and made groundwater from wells unsafe to drink. Water scarcity has also contributed to outbreaks of water-borne disease.

About 5,000 people on the northern islands of Ailuk, Aur, Lae, Maloelap, Mejit, Ujae, Utrik, Wotho, and Wotje are experiencing the severe drought which is also contributing to food shortages, said Ayumi Konishi, Deputy Director General of ADBs Pacific Department. We are working with our development partners to provide life-saving support to affected people.

Very dry weather is expected to continue in Marshall Islands until at least July 2013. Even when rain returns to the affected areas it could take up to 12 months for food crops to recover, resulting in continuing food insecurity. Replenishment of groundwater and rainwater reserves will take several months.

ADB approved the grant under its Asia Pacific Disaster Response Fund.

The Marshall Islands consists of small low-lying atolls and islands spread over an 1,800 square kilometer area of the Pacific Ocean. This makes the country extremely vulnerable to natural disasters and climate change. The last severe drought faced by the Marshall Islands was in 2007.

ADB, based in Manila, is dedicated to reducing poverty in Asia and the Pacific through inclusive economic growth, environmentally sustainable growth, and regional integration. Established in 1966, it is owned by 67 members 48 from the region. In 2012, ADB assistance totaled $21.6 billion, including cofinancing of $8.3 billion.

ENDS

Scoop Media

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ADB Provides $100,000 to Marshall Islands For Drought Relief

U.S. Virgin Islands environment head arrested for drug trafficking

Federal agents have arrested the top enforcement officer for the U.S. Virgin Islands environment agency on drug trafficking charges after he was allegedly caught with a cache of cocaine on a government patrol boat.

In a statement issued late Saturday, the U.S. attorney's office in the three-island U.S. Caribbean territory said Roberto Tapia was ordered held without bail pending a Tuesday hearing. He is the director of environmental enforcement for the Virgin Islands' Department of Planning and Natural Resources.

A criminal complaint filed in the U.S. islands' district court alleges federal agents observed Tapia using one of the department's boats in a drug trafficking conspiracy. They allege Tapia was armed, uniformed and possessed a bag containing more than seven kilograms of cocaine when arrested Friday.

The case is being investigated by several local and U.S. agencies, including the FBI, the Drug Enforcement Administration, the Coast Guard and a public corruption task force.

On Sunday, acting Police Commissioner Rodney F. Querrard Sr. said it was a "sad day" when any law enforcer is accused of breaking the laws that they are sworn to uphold.

"I can assure the public that ours is a policy of zero tolerance for any violations of law by those in our law enforcement divisions zero tolerance," Querrard said from the U.S. Virgin Islands.

Tapia has been charged with conspiracy to possess with intent to distribute cocaine and possession of a firearm in furtherance of drug trafficking.

It was not immediately known if he had a lawyer. He has been placed on administrative leave pending the outcome of the case. It wasn't immediately clear if Tapia would be paid while on leave.

During a U.S. House committee hearing last month, DEA administrator Michele M. Leonhart told lawmakers that officials were concerned about upticks in drug trafficking in the Caribbean and the corrupting influence it can have on local law enforcement officials in the U.S. territories of Puerto Rico and the Virgin Islands.

"Traffickers have targeted these islands and you've got also corruption issues within local law enforcement that has caused problems, compromises of the investigations. It's just harder for these hard-working, very dedicated officers and agents to do their jobs," Leonhart said.

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U.S. Virgin Islands environment head arrested for drug trafficking

American Peter Uihlein wins Madeira Islands Open

SANTO ANTONIO DA SERRA, Portugal (AP) -- American Peter Uihlein won the Madeira Islands Open on Sunday in his 16th European Tour start for his professional title, closing with a 4-under 68 for a two-stroke victory.

Uihlein, the former Oklahoma State star who won the 2010 U.S. Amateur, birdied four of his last eight holes to finish at 15-under 273 at Santo da Serra.

''I'm just thrilled,'' Uihlein said ''To do it playing well on the back nine, coming down the stretch, is sweet. ... I just knuckled down I guess. It was all putting that did it today, I was just trying to free up and they started to roll in so it was nice.''

The 23-year-old Uihlein earned a European Tour exemption through next season. His father, Wally Uihlein, is the chief executive golf apparel and equipment manufacturer Acushnet.

''You grow up quick out here and that was the main reason I came over,'' Uihlein said. ''It's been a good process so far and hopefully I can keep going.''

He has three top-10 finishes in seven European Tour events this season.

Denmark's Morten Orum Madsen had a double bogey on the 18th for a 67 to tie for second with Chile's Mark Tullo. Tullo, the third-round leader, had a hole-in-one on No. 4, but had four bogeys in a 71.

Scotland's Craig Lee closed with a 71 to finish three strokes behind Uihlein.

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American Peter Uihlein wins Madeira Islands Open

Bay Harbor Islands toll booths going electronic

In about a year, driving into or leaving Bay Harbor Islands via the Broad Causeway will no longer include hitting the brakes to pay the toll.

The town is a step closer to joining the all-electronic SunPass system and eliminating the current cash and Baypass tollbooths from the causeway that connects Bay Harbor Islands to the mainland.

At its Monday night meeting, the council unanimously voted to approve an agreement between the town and Florida Turnpike Enterprise that outlines how the new electronic tolls will work. The council also gave the green light for the citys staff to request bids from contractors to build the toll gantry.

Town Manager Ron Wasson told The Miami Herald he anticipates that the toll will remain $1 for vehicles with a SunPass, and slightly higher about 20 to 25 cents extra for vehicles without the pass. Through the Toll-By-Plate system, non-SunPass holders can still drive on the Broad Causeway and will get a monthly bill in the mail.

According to the approved agreement, eight cents from every transaction will go to Florida Turnpike Enterprise and the rest will go to Bay Harbor Islands.

While the Broad Causeway is part of State Road 922, the town maintains and operates the causeway.

Drivers who frequently use the Broad Causeway will have the option to connect their SunPass to a program that allows them to pay a $250 flat annual fee instead paying the $1 toll each time. This service can be provided in person at the Bay Harbor Islands town office, 9665 Bay Harbor Terrace.

The town has budgeted $1.6 million for all electronic tolling equipment, including cameras and software, Wasson said. In addition, in 2011 the town budgeted slightly more than $189,000 for the SunPass gantry construction, according to meeting records.

In other decisions Monday, the dais also voted in a new mayor. Robert Yaffe replaced Isaac Salver as mayor. According to Bay Harbor Islands laws, the mayor and vice mayor are voted in by the rest of the council each year.

It took several nominations to settle on a mayor. First, Vice Mayor Jordan Leonard nominated Yaffe, who initially declined, saying that he recently started his own law practice. The council unanimously voted for Salver. Then the meeting broke into a short break, during which staff members and several officials on the dais listened to an audio recording of the mayoral nomination and voting process that took place prior. When the meeting was reconvened, the town attorney said the council will repeat the process of voting in a mayor because it is unclear whether there was a second supporting Yaffes nomination of Salver for mayor. Newly elected Councilwoman Kelly Reid nominated Yaffe, who declined for a second time. Reid then nominated councilwomen Stephanie Bruder and Solange Rousselot, both of whom declined. For the third time, Yaffe was nominated, and this time he accepted.

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Bay Harbor Islands toll booths going electronic

Drug charge for Virgin Islands environment officer

KINGSTON, Jamaica Federal agents have arrested the top enforcement officer for the U.S. Virgin Islands environment agency on drug trafficking charges after he was allegedly caught with a cache of cocaine on a government patrol boat.

In a statement issued late Saturday, the U.S. attorney's office in the three-island U.S. Caribbean territory said Roberto Tapia was ordered held without bail pending a Tuesday hearing. He is the director of environmental enforcement for the Virgin Islands' Department of Planning and Natural Resources.

A criminal complaint filed in the U.S. islands' district court alleges federal agents observed Tapia using one of the department's boats in a drug trafficking conspiracy. They allege Tapia was armed, uniformed and possessed a bag containing more than 15 pounds (seven kilograms) of cocaine when arrested Friday.

The case is being investigated by several local and U.S. agencies, including the FBI, the Drug Enforcement Administration, the Coast Guard and a public corruption task force.

On Sunday, acting Police Commissioner Rodney F. Querrard Sr. said it was a "sad day" when any law enforcer is accused of breaking the laws that they are sworn to uphold.

"I can assure the public that ours is a policy of zero tolerance for any violations of law by those in our law enforcement divisions zero tolerance," Querrard said from the U.S. Virgin Islands.

Tapia has been charged with conspiracy to possess with intent to distribute cocaine and possession of a firearm in furtherance of drug trafficking.

It was not immediately known if he had a lawyer. He has been placed on administrative leave pending the outcome of the case. It wasn't immediately clear if Tapia would be paid while on leave.

During a U.S. House committee hearing last month, DEA administrator Michele M. Leonhart told lawmakers that officials were concerned about upticks in drug trafficking in the Caribbean and the corrupting influence it can have on local law enforcement officials in the U.S. territories of Puerto Rico and the Virgin Islands.

"Traffickers have targeted these islands and you've got also corruption issues within local law enforcement that has caused problems, compromises of the investigations. It's just harder for these hard-working, very dedicated officers and agents to do their jobs," Leonhart said.

Read more here:

Drug charge for Virgin Islands environment officer

Martin Bashir – Conservatives push grand Obama ‘conspiracy’ on IRS, AP, health care – Video


Martin Bashir - Conservatives push grand Obama #39;conspiracy #39; on IRS, AP, health care
May 16, 2013 The Grio #39;s Joy Reid and Republican strategist Ron Christie debate whether the IRS scandal is about bureaucratic ineptitude -- or whether the sca...

By: Licentiathe8th

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Martin Bashir - Conservatives push grand Obama 'conspiracy' on IRS, AP, health care - Video

Progress on Immigration Reform, Another Vote to Repeal Health Care, and Obama’s Cabinet – Video


Progress on Immigration Reform, Another Vote to Repeal Health Care, and Obama #39;s Cabinet
In the Webcast Extra: our panelists discuss progress in Congress to reform the immigration system. Also, why did the House Republicans vote to repeal Obamac...

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Progress on Immigration Reform, Another Vote to Repeal Health Care, and Obama's Cabinet - Video

Health care costs push off baby boomers' retirement plans

More baby boomers are pushing back their retirements and working longer, even as the recovery of the stock market replenishes portfolios that were depleted during the recession.

The reason: health care expenses.

The cost of medical care for a 65-year-old couple retiring this year is $220,000 over the remainder of their lives, according to new estimates by Fidelity Investments.

Th estimate assumes the couple has traditional Medicare, the government sponsored health plan for the elderly, and assumes life expectancies of 17 years for men and 20 years for women.

The estimate includes Medicare premiums, deductibles and co-insurance - the portion of medical care paid for by the patient - for health care and prescription drugs. The $220,000 does not include most dental care, over-the-counter drugs or long-term care.

Fidelity said health care costs are likely to be among the largest expenses in retirement.

"It will consume a considerable amount of a couple's retirement savings," said Brad Kimler, executive vice president of Fidelity's Benefits Consulting Business.

A recent poll by Fidelity of people aged 55 to 64 found 48 percent of respondents think they will need only $50,000 to pay for health care in retirement.

As people get closer to retirement and start to calculate the costs of medical care after they leave employer-sponsored plans, many decide to work longer to put aside more money to cover the costs of health care.

Originally posted here:

Health care costs push off baby boomers' retirement plans

Harvard Pilgrim Health Care Upgrades Teradata Integrated Data Warehouse to Power Analytics for Healthcare Reform

BOSTON, May 20, 2013 /PRNewswire/ --Harvard Pilgrim Health Care (HPHC), a full-service health benefits company headquartered near Boston has expanded its integrated data warehouse (IDW), Teradata (TDC) announced today. This upgrade supports their analytics access to increasing volumes of detail data to fuel improved consumer engagement, cost containment, and a new level of data transparency with both providers and patients.

(Logo: http://photos.prnewswire.com/prnh/20130415/CL94334LOGO)

Business users at HPHC access the Teradata data warehouse to analyze terabytes of integrated detail data spanning claims, encounters, members and providers. Using this powerful data asset, they take steps to improve the overall consumer experience, improve the quality of patient care, identify gaps in care and take actions to reduce per capita cost of care.

Harvard Pilgrim has almost 1.2 million members, and a growing network of over 135 hospitals and 28,000 doctors and clinicians. They have been a Teradata customer for over ten years.

"The Affordable Care Act opens the door for us to add members via Health Insurance Exchanges, starting later this year. Our new Teradata platform provides the analytics foundation to help us confidently move into the retail healthcare insurance market," said Ralph Miller, Director of Corporate Information Management, HPHC. "We recently formed a new medical informatics group to spearhead analytics projects that include understanding bundled payments, partnering more closely with providers and creating new wellness programs for our members. This growth in both data and the demand for information is substantial, and Teradata is positioned at the core of our data management and analytics infrastructure."

"Harvard Pilgrim Health Care continues to be a leader in leveraging its growing detailed information assets to produce ever-higher quality of insight and care across its extended community," said John Burke, Teradata industry vice president for financial services, insurance and healthcare. "We recognize the outstanding innovation and operational achievements of the HPHC Information Management team for its effective use of analytic intelligence to meet and exceed the goals of the business."

Teradata's momentum continues in the health care industry as companies invest in high performance data analytics to help them make the best decision possible in the midst of cost pressures, competition forces and market changes driven by health reform.

Teradata's health care customers include BKK (Germany), the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services, CHRISTUS Health, Centene, Express Scripts Inc., BCBS of Tennessee, Aurora, Highmark, BCBS of North Carolina, INPS (Italy), Medibank Private (Australia), and many others.

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Harvard Pilgrim Health Care Upgrades Teradata Integrated Data Warehouse to Power Analytics for Healthcare Reform