Monique Chartier

Hillary Clinton’s Parting Words to the Chinese – Let’s Look at the Tape Again

By Monique Chartier | February 26, 2009 |

From Bloomberg via Drudge: Treasuries fell for a third day as the government sold $22 billion of seven-year notes in the last of three auctions this week as it issues an unprecedented amount of debt to spur the U.S. economy. Secretary of State Clinton’s plea that the Chinese government continue to purchase US paper now…

Stimulus Funds: Take your Time, Gov!

By Monique Chartier | February 25, 2009 |

Governor Carcieri has asked for another extension to submit the state budget. Spokeswoman Amy Kempe said earlier today: “The budget submission will be delayed to allow the governor to meet with House and Senate leaders to discuss the impact of the federal stimulus law. This is not a process that should be rushed. It turns…

Here’s the Plan

By Monique Chartier | February 25, 2009 |

We move to Houston. We collect $3,000 each from their fine city council. We direct the funds to their prescribed use by paying off our AmEx bills. We each collect the $300 from AmEx! (Who says over-the-top bailouts and panicked corporations are a bad thing?)

East Providence Meets the March 1 Deadline

By Monique Chartier | February 24, 2009 |

… to issue teacher layoff notices. Tonight, the School Committee voted 4-1 to approve the recommendation by Superintendent Mario Cirillo to send lay off notices, effective September 1, to fifty five teachers. Most of the time, in most cities and towns, only a fraction of those receiving notices are actually laid off. School Committee member…

The Representative for the First Congressional District Will Probably Not Lack an Opponent Next Year

By Monique Chartier | February 24, 2009 |

Yesterday afternoon, the RI Republican Party sent out this slightly coy e-mail. Some Questions for Rhode Islanders in the First Congressional District Do you think its time we replace Patrick Kennedy in Washington? Would you like to see a real challenger emerge who has a proven track record fighting for Rhode Island? A leader who…

Why Firefighters (in Woonsocket, anyway) Will Not Accept a Pay Cut to Save Jobs

By Monique Chartier | February 23, 2009 |

This morning, WNRI‘s Dave Kane, not exactly a wild-eyed anti-unionist, asked in all sincerity for an explanation as to why Woonsocket firefighters had declined to discuss a pay cut with Mayor Susan Menard when their refusal to do so meant definite layoffs. He received the following e-mail, apparently from a former president of the Woonsocket…

City Council to Consider Measure Making Itself the Rhode Island within Rhode Island

By Monique Chartier | February 23, 2009 |

If Rhode Island has had one of the worst business climates in the country due to taxes and fees, at tonight’s City Council meeting, Cranston may seek to similarly distinguish itself on the state level. The other is a resolution that would seek the General Assembly’s authorization to require all businesses in the city to…

Academy Awards: Mark Steyn Takes a Look at the Man, the Myth

By Monique Chartier | February 22, 2009 |

… Oscar himself. He’s short. He’s muscular. He has no private parts. No, not Tom Cruise. We’re talking about one of that select handful of silver screen legends recognised instantly by their first name alone: Brad, Barbra, Arnie… and Oscar. He’s Hollywood’s most indestructible star, unless your chauffeur accidentally reverses over him in the limo.…

Station Nightclub Fire: How Attorney General Patrick Lynch Shielded the Guiltiest Party

By Monique Chartier | February 19, 2009 |

[February 20, 2009 is the sixth anniversary of the fire at the Station nightclub.] Attorney General Patrick Lynch has given two principal excuses for his refusal to prosecute Denis LaRocque, the man who repeatedly inspected the Station nightclub in his capacity as a West Warwick Fire Inspector. Let us examine them. 1.) “Without malice or…

Censorship, a.k.a. the “Fairness” Doctrine, is Nothing to Laugh at but …

By Monique Chartier | February 17, 2009 |

… did anyone else get the giggles when they heard who is now promoting it? “Essentially, because there’s always been a lot of big money to support the right wing talk shows and, let’s face it, Rush Limbaugh is fairly entertaining even when he’s saying things I think are ridiculous,” Clinton said. “I think the…