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  1. SiriuslyLong is offline
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    09-20-2011, 10:20 AM #1

    Made in China: Key Parts of New Calif. Bridge Won’t be Made in America

    I guess they didn't want to pay those expensive union wages? That is, unless they are government workers.

    http://www.theblaze.com/stories/made...de-in-america/

  2. Havakasha is offline
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    09-20-2011, 10:43 AM #2
    Would you say the average union member is wealthy? I think you exaggerate the union component of the larger China issue. Dont you think it is more complex then what you seem to be suggesting in this thread?

    You really are stretching things to suggest that all poblems are caused by unions. Just as you are stretching things by suggesting that Govt is the source of all our problems. Thats a very extreme view.
    Common sense should tell you its more nuanced then that.
    Last edited by Havakasha; 09-20-2011 at 10:47 AM.

  3. Havakasha is offline
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    09-20-2011, 10:50 AM #3
    Cash-strapped California schools seek savings through solar
    By Steve Almasy, CNN
    September 17, 2011 4:58 p.m. EDT

    Solar panel price dip = schools save big


    California's San Ramon Valley school system had $20 million in budget cuts in five years
    Now it's paying $23 million for solar panels with the help of low-interest federal loans
    Solar panels will offset up to 75% of each school's electricity use, official says
    The program has broad support, although some residents have expressed concern
    (CNN) -- California schools are hurting. Budget cuts in the millions are causing school districts to find ways to save cash.
    Some schools have laid off staff. Others have increased class sizes.
    And some have spent millions on solar panels to trim their electricity bills.
    With the help of low-interest loans from the federal government, the San Ramon Valley Unified School District installed 10,000 photovoltaic panels at five schools. It was one of 90 systems in California, including some colleges, to do so.
    Those panels should create enough electricity to offset 67% to 75% of each school's electrical use, a San Ramon Valley official said. The savings initially will be used to pay back the loans, which came from federal stimulus funds, officials said.

    U.S. military goes solar
    The panels will effectively pay for themselves in 16 years, said Terry Koehne, a spokesman for the San Ramon Valley district, which has 35 schools and 27,000 students about 30 miles east of San Francisco.
    "It's pure profit after that," he told CNN. "And following that, we're going to start realizing savings of $2 (million), $3 (million), $4 million a year."
    Like many California schools, San Ramon Valley has seen budget cuts -- $20 million in five years -- and needs to spend its money wisely.
    Budget cuts trigger early end to solar credits
    Upfront costs for the panels and installation were $23 million, Koehne said, a price "the overwhelming majority" of the area residents accepted. According to the Contra Costa Times, though, some people objected to spending millions on equipment while other detractors worry the school system won't see the savings predicted.
    But Koehne said the program is saving money for both the community and the school district "at a time when we desperately need it."
    "And it also helps us to reduce the carbon footprint," he added. "It's a no-brainer."
    The solar industry has experienced recent turmoil: Three U.S. companies have filed for bankruptcy protection, including California-based Solyndra, which was the target of a federal raid last week and an investigation into $535 million in loan guarantees funded by the 2009 stimulus bill.

    Solar panels cover one of the parking lots of Dougherty Valley High School in San Ramon, California.
    Nevertheless, solar panels are less expensive right now, thanks in part to a growing competition from Chinese manufacturers.
    SunPower, which is manufacturing the panels for San Ramon Valley, predicted the savings will come sooner -- they're big enough that the 90 school systems they work with can save money right away. Bill Kelly, SunPower's managing director, said the energy saved and government incentives will help schools save millions of dollars in the first year.
    And, he added, there are multiple benefits to the community, including putting electricians back to work installing the panels.
    "One of the things that's rewarding for me is that technology companies like ours are bringing job opportunities to California," Kelly said. "And then we're also helping students that will be coming into the market prepare for those jobs."
    The company sponsored a two-week "solar institute" for dozens of students to learn about how this energy benefits their schools and to become advocates for solar power, Koehne said.
    Many of the panels in California were installed on roofs, but San Ramon installed solar canopies that cover its school parking lots, too. The canopies also move, getting the most energy they can by tracking the sun through the daylight.
    Monica Garcia, president of the school board for the Los Angeles Unified School District, said the electric bill savings will be more than $100 million over 20 years.
    "What that means to me is less dollars going to facilities and more dollars going to kids," she said.
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  4. SiriuslyLong is offline
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    09-20-2011, 11:50 AM #4
    Quote Originally Posted by Havakasha View Post
    Would you say the average union member is wealthy? I think you exaggerate the union component of the larger China issue. Dont you think it is more complex then what you seem to be suggesting in this thread?

    You really are stretching things to suggest that all poblems are caused by unions. Just as you are stretching things by suggesting that Govt is the source of all our problems. Thats a very extreme view.
    Common sense should tell you its more nuanced then that.
    Actually, if you read the article, some union guy is quoted as follows “There is no way that American workers will be able to ever compete with $12 a day,”

    It's really a circular argument. CA wants to save $400 MM of tax payer dollars which is admirable. Yet, they decide against "investing" (as Obama would use it), in the US and CA. You pay Americans that $400 MM, the nation and state get a cut of payroll taxes. American's will invariably spend some of that $400 MM creating more tax revenue and "demand". Some part of that will be saved which increases liquidity in the banking system, which in theory could be lended to promising businesses to further fuel growth.............

    If part of a government's role is to create demand, they certainly missed a good shot at it, and some taxes too.

    Yeah, that's really extreme.

  5. Havakasha is offline
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    09-20-2011, 12:06 PM #5
    Yeah. Its All and always union members, gov't and Obama's fault for all U.S. problems. lol. Carry on with your "crusade".
    .

    What did you think of what the California school system is doing with solar?

    P.S. NO. lol

    I repeat.
    "You really are stretching things to suggest that all poblems are caused by unions. Just as you are stretching things by suggesting that Govt is the source of all our problems. Thats a very extreme view".
    Common sense should tell you its more nuanced then that.
    Last edited by Havakasha; 09-20-2011 at 01:05 PM.

  6. SiriuslyLong is offline
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    09-20-2011, 12:21 PM #6
    Quote Originally Posted by Havakasha View Post
    Yeah. Its All and always union members, gov't and Obama's fault. lol. Carry on with your "crusade".
    .

    What did you think of what the California school system is doing with solar?
    Can you read? Or is this just a tactic to avoid saying there is nothing extreme going on here, AND you understand my point?

  7. Havakasha is offline
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    09-20-2011, 12:24 PM #7
    I read what you post ALL the time.

    S&L quote. "I guess they didn't want to pay those expensive union wages? That is, unless they are government workers."

    Do you answer what i ask you or is that just a tactic to avoid having to admit being wrong some times?


    What did you think of what the California school system is doing with solar?

    P.S. I said your views on govt and unions are extreme. Not this thread. Lmfao.
    Tricky huh? You really need a sense of humor at times.
    Last edited by Havakasha; 09-20-2011 at 12:34 PM.

  8. SiriuslyLong is offline
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    09-20-2011, 12:28 PM #8
    Quote Originally Posted by Havakasha View Post
    I read what you post ALL the time.

    S&L quote. "I guess they didn't want to pay those expensive union wages? That is, unless they are government workers."

    What did you think of what the California school system is doing with solar?
    Well are you going to agree with me that CA missed a good opportunity to stimulate the economy and recant your comments about this thread being extreme?

  9. SiriuslyLong is offline
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    09-20-2011, 03:15 PM #9
    Quote Originally Posted by SiriuslyLong View Post
    Well are you going to agree with me that CA missed a good opportunity to stimulate the economy and recant your comments about this thread being extreme?
    Are you ready to admit that this action is somewhat hypocritical? Like you and your tax accountant?

  10. Havakasha is offline
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    09-20-2011, 03:43 PM #10
    I agree that its evil to go to an accountant. I repent. lol.
    I agree that those damn Rebpublicans dont like the word stimulus now that Obama is in office and are doing everything in their power to stop any. Yes i agree they are hypocritical. And it think its TRULY hypocritcal for you to be using the word stimulus. We ALL know how you feel about that evil practice. lol.

    Infrastructure. (slight brain damage).Alternative energy (painful headaches), Tax cuts on the wealthy
    (He's melting). Single Payer Healthcare (gone to the grave)

    Defaulting on the debt, (achieving orgasm), Peter Schiff (multiple orgasm). Ron Paul (love at first sight). Rick Perry (a budding romance).

    You get the picture.
    Last edited by Havakasha; 09-20-2011 at 04:04 PM.