Free Republic

President Raul Castro expanded self-employment fields on Sunday, ahead of looming government plans to slash as many as one million jobs -- 20 percent of communist Cuba's work force -- from state payrolls. The economy, 95 percent of which is currently in state hands, does not have the ability to absorb such vast numbers of jobless. Castro's move aims to try to reduce the socioeconomic fallout, but it will be an uphill battle. The government began increasing taxation and regulation, and decreasing license-granting, until the self-employed sector was largely rendered paralyzed, like the rest of the economy. Cuba has no...

True story.. I work for the USPS as a mechanic... I fix and PM the machines that handle your mail. I am not a member of the union. I'm transferring to another mail handling plant. Long story short,,, I took a job paying 50K because I passed a test for the USPS.The test has changed to allow custodians to pass the test. Now anyone with common sense, but no real mechanical training can pass the test.I put in for a transfer to my hometown. On my second to the last day,,(before moving) a black custodian said: " If I was...

If the communist in charge wind up on top this next election cycle,,

Fidel Castro on Thursday declared passage of American health care reform "a miracle" and a major victory for Obama's presidency, but couldn't help chide the United States for taking so long to enact what communist Cuba achieved decades ago.

TALLAHASSEE, Florida - Floridians could opt out of the federal health care overhaul plan under a ballot proposal being considered by the Republican-controlled state Legislature. The proposed state constitutional amendment (HJR 37) is going before a House committee Monday. It would need 60 percent voter approval if it gets on the November ballot. The amendment would prohibit anyone including employers from being forced to participate in the federal system President Barack Obama is expected to sign into law.

Under a potentially controversial plan still taking shape in the Senate, all legal U.S. workers, including citizens and immigrants, would be issued an ID card with embedded information.Under the potentially controversial plan still taking shape in the Senate, all legal U.S. workers, including citizens and immigrants, would be issued an ID card with embedded information, such as fingerprints, to tie the card to the worker.

The Story of InflationDescribes the causes and effects of inflation and discusses alternative anti-inflation policies. (Comic, Comics, Comic book, Comic books, Comicbook, Comicbooks) Maximum 35 copies. 24 pp.

While record low temperatures were recorded elsewhere in Interior Alaska, Fairbanks has been an island of relative warmth. That could end tonight or Friday as the low clouds and flurries that have blanketed the area move out, according to the National Weather Service. Lows could drop to 35 below zero Friday night, according to Allura Weimer, hydrological meteorological technician at the National Weather Service. Normal temperatures range from 9 above to 9 below zero. The record low for Thursday is 33 below zero, set in 1969.

There has never been a better time to be a consumer. America is on sale. The Great Recession has caused massive job losses and hardship for millions, but it has also fostered a shoppers' paradise. Anyone who still has the means to spend can find unheard of deals.

HAVANA, Aug 31 (Reuters) - Talks aimed at resuming direct postal service between the United States and Cuba, which has been suspended for decades, are set to be held in mid-September in another sign of thawing U.S.-Cuba relations, Western diplomats said. (snip) The United States has approached Cuba before about resuming direct postal services but Cuba has insisted in the past that, among other things, this must be accompanied by a resumption of regular scheduled commercial flights between the two nations just 90 miles (145 km) apart. Currently, only charter flights are permitted under U.S. regulations. Cuba is also said...

Tropical Storm Andres formed overnight off the southwestern coast of Mexico, becoming the first named storm of the season in the Eastern Pacific and the latest arrival in 40 years, forecasters said Monday.

The 6'3", 285 pound homeowner hit Jenkins in the face. Jenkins fell to the floor and layed there, bleeding from the mouth, until deputies arrived.

(snip)The FBI reported 10,067 arrests in murder and non-negligent manslaughter cases in 2007. Half of the people arrested — 5,078 — were black. Almost 10 percent of black people arrested for murder were under age 18, the FBI data show.(snip)Seizing on President-elect Barack Obama's incoming administration as an opportunity for more funding, Fox added: "There is an urgency for reinvestment in children and families. In essence, we need a bailout for kids at risk."(Northeastern criminologist James Alan Fox, who co-authored the study)

Conservatives thoughts on just being laid off. (I was) I was laid off this week.Two weeks before Christmas. Am I scared, No, I have no debt and a savings account.I have been in my trade for 15 years and have excellent skills.I took and passed my states contractors license a few months ago and passed. Yea me!I have about 3 years of living expenses in the bank and no debt. I'm taking a well deserved few months off before the next year and will start my own business come spring. I'll be hunting and fishing in my spare time. Who...

Obama said: "What we need to do is examine: What are the projects where we're going to get the most bang for the buck? How are we going to make sure taxpayers are protected?

Obama's civilian defense force, that is ‘as well funded as the militaryDoes anyone know if a state controlled militia is legal under the constitution without succession?I did a search and found nothing. This is an offshoot of another thread, "Rep calls Obama a Marxists".

Investigators say the home owner had just pulled into his driveway after getting cash at the ATM... next thing he knew two men, a 17 year old and a 19 year old pulled a gun demanding the money. It happened at Belvedere Park in Mobile,Al. a quiet nieghborhood. "I was walking down the street and when i got down there i heard the gunshots..me and my friend, " says neighbor Willie Sullivan. Sullivan learned one of his neighbors a 68 year old disabled veteran -- was defending his home. "I don't mind confirming for you that they are all high...

Battered by weak sales, declining market share and miserable credit ratings, Detroit's Big Three automakers are now turning to the US government for help. Big Three turn to Washington

Allstate, State Farm, Liberty Mutual and more. This is the biggest scam in America today in my opinion. 10 Worst Insurance companies.

I was not sure where to post this, but I thought some here would like to see more Government Welfare, for Government employees, FBI,COE, etc.A friend drives a large commuter bus part time and he says this is how most of the government employees pay for their bus fare. Some bring in $170 dollars worth at a time. Does anyone know the details?">" ALT="some text" WIDTH=32 HEIGHT=32>