“The Way I See It” is an attempt by the guest columnist to enlighten readers on a subject, as he views it, and does not necessarily reflect the views of this publication. Comments on this article may be addressed to: Dolphin Talk, P.O. Box 777, Port O’Connor, TX 77982; Website: www.TheDolphinTalk.com; Email: dolphin1@tisd.net

How the Obama Administration Is Reducing Unemployment

I had noticed conflicting data on unemployment numbers for some time. The Obama Administration extended unemployment benefits to 99 weeks to avoid a backlash from workers unable to find jobs in a struggling, over-regulated, and fearful economy. To make the Economic numbers look better, the “Unemployment” numbers only include the people currently receiving benefits, not those unemployed people that do not qualify, have exhausted their 99 weeks, or are working at any part-time job while seeking a full-time job. This made it possible for them to claim a 9-10% unemployment rate when it was really 14- 17%. Then as more people exhausted their 99 weeks they were encouraged to apply for Social Security Disability, even if they were healthy.

Investors Business Daily reports that “More workers joined the federal government’s disability program in June than got new jobs, according to two new government reports, a clear indicator of how bleak the nation’s jobs picture is after three full years of economic recovery.” Because of relaxed rules for claiming disability 85,000 workers left the work-force permanently. Also, in just the last month, almost 275,000 put in applications for disability benefits. How many of these workers will ever go back to work even if the economy improves and jobs become available?

We must note that this is a Social Security program, underfunded and going broke already. Where will the money come from to pay these newly “disabled”, from the Social Security funds paid in by soon to be retired workers? This is another Beltway Boondoogle, fudging the numbers to make things look better than they are. Based on data from the Social Security Ad. and Bureau of Labor Statistics the graph at

http://news.investors.com/article/617233/201207061636/disability-climbs-faster-than-jobs-under-obama.htm

shows Disability payments have increased by 15% since 2009 while Payrolls have only increased by 2%. This of course means more Federal Debt, for an unfunded corruption of a welfare program (SS Disability) simply to make Obama’s unemployment numbers look better than they really are. Democrat pundits laud the current 8.2% (by their calculations) as somehow “showing how their programs are working”.

They are getting more people on permanent welfare, that will forever vote for more Federal socialism and higher taxes.

Bill Brayshaw AKA Longknife 21
Seadrift

I had previously reviewed a book by Nelson DeMille and then followed it with one entitled PLUM ISLAND which describes a small island in Long Island Sound off the coast from Greensport and Orient Point. This area is being used by the Federal Government to research viable germ warfare, when suddenly two young and seemingly prosperous scientists from the research center are found shot. As the residents of other portions of the North Shore of Long Island have believed for many years that they would become fatally susceptible to any happening in that research center, fear and strange rumors then evolve.

An excellent plot and well drawn characters make the reader continue; and adding to this, DeMille brings into conversations a highly defined sense of humor. The plot is somewhat scary as no one wants to believe that research into poisonous germ warfare really exists in a nearby area, but finally some acceptable explanations evolve. It was great fun reading about many of the old-time residents of Long Island, those in particular, who trace their ancestry back to the Mayflower or before.

And a very interesting book, KEEPER OF THE KEYS as written by Perri O’Shaughnessy has made its way into our Library. The author, really authors as they are sisters, Pamela and Mary O’Shaughnessy, have written a well developed series of books concerning an attorney, Nina Reilly. Ms. Reilly becomes a resident of the Lake Tahoe area with her young son and finds herself deeply involved in much criminal activity of that area.

KEEPER OF THE KEYS is labeled a “stand-alone” book, meaning it is not a part of a series, but has made its place with a nonrelated group of characters. The plot moves and moves and moves, but I felt that it was the skillfully drawn people and their emotional tie-ins that made this book. Set in parts of Southern California and involving two families and their now-adult children, the reader soon discovers the pitfalls in growing up and the courage it requires. Courage that is soon forced upon the adult to succeed in the necessary relationships of grown-up life.

For all of you readers looking for a comfortable or light book to read this Summer: we have several in that are totally enjoyable. One entitled SPRING FEVER by one of my favorite authors, Mary Kay Andrews, tells the story of life in a small town in North Carolina and the very different and unusual residents. Also on the shelves of new books are James Patterson’s latest in one of his series, 10th ANNIVERSARY and another book by Danielle Steele. But I would heartily recommend Richard North Patterson’s newest, FALL FROM GRACE. As usual with his books, this one is a winner!

Just a quickie: we have an unbelievable array of books for purchase at our Library, both hard cover and soft cover, of all types of fiction and even nonfiction. Come see us before you take your trip! And we welcome all you summer visitors to our Library; we may be small but we have a lot of good books and DVDs! Just takes a Library Card!

And remember: Our Library is open on Monday and Tuesday from 9-1 & 2-6; on Wednesday, we open at 1:00 p.m. till 6:00 p.m.; Thursday from 12:00 Noon till 5:00 p.m. and Saturday from 9:00 a.m. till 1:00 p.m.

“When an old person dies, a Library burns down.” – Karin Gillespie

As not only the Summer doldrums have hit, but it was also the day following our Independence Day, when the July 5th meeting of the Service Club was held.  Many members were either out of town or had visitors to their home, and so the meeting under the chairmanship of Peggy Elliott, Treasurer, was extremely short.  In fact, the meeting was called to order, reports were quickly given, and the meeting was then adjourned.

A reminder that the August meeting is set for Thursday, August 2nd.  This will be the last of the Summer schedule; our normal calendar of two meetings a month will resume on September 6th with the election of officers and payment of our annual dues.

Once again, we are pleased to welcome all community-interested women to our meetings.  They are held on the 1st & 3rd Thursdays of each month (beginning in September) at 10:00 a.m. in the Meeting Room of the Community Center.  Please call our President, Janet Johnson at 983-4733 for further information.

 kubeckasue@yahoo.com  361 798-0560

3-year-old Luke Tanner came down from Houston with his Mom and Dad to fish with his Grandpa, Capt Bob Hill.

The weather has been pretty much normal for this time of year, hot, lighter winds and occasional showers. The Fourth os July holiday has come and gone and of course the fireworks were spectacular. So were the crowds. Sunday Beach was a popular destination as it always is. Mid-day has been tough with temps up near 100.

The last week was a full moon and the fishing responded as usual. Some days good, some days not so hot. Lots of trout are coming from San Antonio Bay reefs for croaker fishermen. I’ve had some pretty good days fishing for trout and reds in the ICW with shrimp. Waders are catching trout on artificials on the south shorelines from Greens to Panther.

I fished the lakes a few times with shrimp this week. The full moon didn’t help much but we brought out some trout and reds. The water levels have been pretty high so the lakes are easy to navigate.

The surf has been fishable a few days and most folks are catching nice trout on Croakers. Don’t forget, when its too rough to be safe out there, go do something else.

I’ve caught a little bit of everything at the jetties. This week we even caught some 18” Red Snapper. Reds are there along with Drum, Mangroves, Mackerel and a surprising number of Tarpon.

Capt. Bob Hill
Port O’Connor Charters
(281) 984-0015
www.fishportoconnor.com