Sleepless nights for Bayh

Couldn't pass this one up...

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Sodrel calls on Hill for a positive race

(Posted originally on Hoosier Pundit by Scott Fluhr)

The Sodrel campaign has put out this press release:

(Jeffersonville, IN) – Congressional Candidate Mike Sodrel sent the attached letter to Congressman Baron Hill yesterday.

“Congressman Hill said he wanted to ‘elevate the level of discourse’ during this campaign so my proposal to him will help accomplish that” said Sodrel.

The two-part proposal would set up an independent, bi-partisan committee to set forth ground rules for all campaign advertisements and to review all advertisements for their accurateness and truthfulness. Secondly, Sodrel proposes a series of 20 town hall style meetings, one in each county, to discuss issues directly with the voters.

The letter sent to Hill was included with the press release (it was sent to Baron several days ago).

The text of it follows:

Dear Congressman Hill,

I would respectfully make the following two proposals to make this 9th District Congressional Campaign a more positive and issues-oriented one.

1. An Independent committee should be established to evaluate all political advertisements related to the 9th District congressional race. This committee would respond to any complaint brought about regarding the truthfulness, or appropriateness of any ad purchased by, or on behalf of the two candidates. They would also check and verify the facts on any statements made by a candidate about themselves or their opponent.

I propose the committee be made up of five (5) members. Two (2) members would be Democrats, and two (2) would be Republicans. The four (4) members thus appointed would then choose a fifth member.

In order to serve as a Democrat or a Republican member, an appointee must have held office as a member of the Democrat or Republican party, or be eligible to hold office as a member of their respective party. I would appoint the two Democrats and you would appoint the two Republicans.

Once established, the committee would set forth ground rules for all advertisements.The candidates would not have veto power over the standards established, but they would be permitted to comment in writing prior to the rules and regulations being finalized and made public.

2. I further propose that we participate in a series of joint town hall meetings. Congress will likely adjourn for the month of August, and will not be in session a large portion of October. There are twenty (20) counties in the 9th Congressional District. I propose a joint town hall meeting in each county where citizens are free to ask any questions they may have, in an informal atmosphere.

The length of any opening and closing statements would be mutually agreed on prior to the town hall meetings. The length of questions, the length of answers and any rebuttals would also be mutually agreed upon prior to the meetings. Only a timekeeper would be needed.

Audience members would have to be pre-identified as a legal resident and registered voter in the county in which the meeting is being held. Questions would come directly from the audience and candidates would alternate choosing an audience member to ask a question.

Mr. Hill, the fine people of the 9th Congressional District of Indiana deserve to know the positions of the candidates running for office. They also deserve an independent body to check the facts that are presented to them, and to judge the appropriateness of the campaign ads.

The key word is ‘independent’, not stacked with liberals or conservatives. We are prepared to make our appointments to the campaign board in a week or less. We are also prepared to schedule the town hall meetings on the same timeline. Additionally, we are prepared to respond to any counter-proposal within one (1) working day.

There are a little more than ninety (90) days left in this campaign. I look forward to your prompt response.

Mike Sodrel
Candidate
9th District, Indiana

I wouldn't hold my breath waiting for Baron Hill to agree to run a positive race.

Last summer, Baron personally attacked Mike Sodrel in a letter to the editor when Sodrel was not even a candidate for office.

Last winter, Baron told his supporters when announcing his reelection bid that he intended to "put Sodrel away forever."

His liberal allies in Indianapolis have spent a great deal of time attacking Mike Sodrel with negative smears, particularly concerning gas prices (which Baron promised to lower if returned to office).

His liberal allies in Washington have already dedicated $1.6 million (with more to follow, no doubt) to firebomb the 9th District with a negative campaign the likes of which southern Indiana has never seen, the sort of smearfest of lies that will make 2006 look tame in comparison.

Mike Sodrel has now put forward a mechanism to spare the people of the 9th District from three months of unmitigated misery (watching the ads from Kentucky will be bad enough), and Baron is almost certain to either ignore the proposal or twist it so as to be meaningless.

The irony, of course, would be delicious.

Sodrel's bipartisan commission proposal is amazingly similar to the ethics committee proposal put forward by Baron Hill in his reelection bid in 2006 (a proposal that hasn't seen the light of day in the Do-Nothing Democrat Congress). Don't, however, expect what is good for the goose to be good for the gander.

And who can forget Baron's repeated desire to have many, many, many debates in 2006 to talk about gas prices?

Baron won't want lots of debates now that he owns responsibility for high gas prices, and he won't want to have any sort of bipartisan effort to save folks in the 9th District from a negative campaign.

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Ackerson: where'd all my support go?

What do you do when you hold a press conference and no one shows up?

If you're Nels Ackerson, you just keep on talking.

Check out the picture from the event: you will see Nel's is speaking, but there's no one there in front of him listening...

A "friend" of Indiana's Hardball even brought me photographic proof.

Ackerson held a supposed press conference in Zionsville earilier this week (on Tuesday) where he falsely attacked Congressman Steve Buyer’s long record of support for veterans.

I know... I was thinking the same thing.

Our "friend" reported that no press showed up and the only people that were there was Nels, members of his staff, five veterans, the guy who took the picture, and two people who wondered up from the nearby walking path.

And I think the two people only stopped because Ackerson blocked the path in the park.

So, let's ask why is it that no one showed up?

My best guess is that Nels still doesn’t have the support of local Hoosiers like he thought he did. Reality has begun to set in and all those "Demmies" who showed up in the spring have faded off into Nel's imagination.

It was also passed along that Nel's held a Walk last weekend to get his material out to the voters. Ackerson's campaign was excited because they were finally going to get all their volunteers together!

Several canvassing locations were set up and Saturday came... Well, disappointment set in when the "walk" was not well attended and no one even showed up to canvass in Avon.

I guess I shouldn’t be surprised though. Ackerson's recent FEC filing only showed 18% of his contributions have come from within the district. 18%. That should make Nancy Pelosi proud. Better yet, over half of his donations to date have come from out of state.

Even with help from all of Ackerson's trial lawyer buddies who like to throw Nel's a fundraiser or three, Buyer still holds a very large lead in cash on hand.

This just proves that Hoosiers are starting to figure out who Nels Ackerson really is... more and more like Pelosi and Reid.

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This is global warming?

The Anchorage Daily News has a story about:

Gloomy summer headed toward infamy
CHILLY: Anchorage could hit 65 degrees for fewest days on record.
By GEORGE BRYSONgbryson@adn.com
Published: July 24th, 2008 12:10 AM

The coldest summer ever? You might be looking at it, weather folks say.

Right now the so-called summer of '08 is on pace to produce the fewest days ever recorded in which the temperature in Anchorage managed to reach 65 degrees.

That unhappy record was set in 1970, when we only made it to the 65-degree mark, which many Alaskans consider a nice temperature, 16 days out of 365.

This year, however -- with the summer more than half over -- there have been only seven 65-degree days so far. And that's with just a month of potential "balmy" days remaining and the forecast looking gloomy.

National Weather Service meteorologist Sam Albanese, a storm warning coordinator for Alaska, says the outlook is for Anchorage to remain cool and cloudy through the rest of July.

"There's no real warm feature moving in," Albanese said. "And that's just been the pattern we've been stuck in for a couple weeks now."

In the Matanuska Valley on Wednesday snow dusted the Chugach. On the Kenai Peninsula, rain was raising Six-Mile River to flood levels and rafting trips had to be canceled.

So if the cold and drizzle are going to continue anyway, why not shoot for a record? The mark is well within reach, Albanese said:

"It's probably going to go down as the summer with the least number of 65-degree days."

MEASURING THE MISERY

In terms of "coldest summer ever," however, a better measure might be the number of days Anchorage fails to even reach 60.

There too, 2008 is a contender, having so far notched only 35 such days -- far below the summer-long average of 88.

Unless we get 10 more days of 60-degree or warmer temperatures, we're going to break the dismal 1971 record of only 46 such days, a possibility too awful to contemplate.

Still, according to a series of charts cobbled together Tuesday evening by a night-shift meteorologist in the weather service's Anchorage office, the current summer clearly has broken company with the record-setting warmth of recent years.

Consider:
• 70-degree days. So far this summer there have been two. Usually there are 15. Last year there were 21. In 2004 there were 49.
• 75-degree days. So far this summer there've been zero. Usually there are four. It may be hard to remember, but last year there were 21. In 2004 there were 23.

So are all bets off on global warming? Hardly, scientists say. Climate change is a function of long-term trends, not single summers or individual hurricanes.

Last year the Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change concluded that it's "unequivocal" the world is warming, considering how 11 of the warmest years on record have occurred in the past 13 years.

So what's going on in Alaska, which also posted a fairly frigid winter?

LA NINA

Federal meteorologists trace a lot of the cool weather to ocean temperatures in the South Pacific.

When the seas off the coast of Peru are 2 to 4 degrees cooler than normal, a La Nina weather pattern develops, which brings cooler-than- normal weather to Alaska.

For most of the past year, La Nina (the opposite of El Nino, in which warmer-than-normal ocean temperatures occur off Peru) has prevailed. But that's now beginning to change.

According to the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration Web site, water temperatures in the eastern South Pacific began to warm this summer -- and the weather should eventually follow.

The current three-month outlook posted by the national Climate Prediction Center in Camp Springs, Md., calls for below-normal temperatures for the south coast of Alaska from August through October -- turning to above-normal temperatures from October through December.

I haven't been one to believe all this global warming crap.

To be honest, I see it as the planet going thru yet another cycle, changing and correcting itself along the way. A cold summer in Alaska should be followed up by a warmer winter.

Our mild temps over the last few weeks were a result of a high pressure system sitting there, pushing air down from Canada. And that changes this week; we will warm up.

Are we as humans contributing to all this? Yes, but not as much as some would like you to believe.

Let the planet correct itself. Relax Algore...

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Carson's brother files for Demmie Cty Chair

Jennifer Wagner over at the Hoosier Political Report is reporting:

After several weeks of chatter and behind-closed-doors negotiations, the race to replace Marion County Democratic Party Chair Mike O'Connor has turned into a contest after all.

O'Connor announced he would step down, and it was agreed that former Marion County Chair Ed Treacy would take his place for the remainder of the term, which expires in March. Treacy has the support of Seventh District Congressman André Carson, though it is widely expected that Treacy will give up the leadership position in March to let someone new take over.

Apparently, that whole plan fell by the wayside on Friday when Sam Carson informed county party officials he plans on running against Treacy in the caucus, which will be held this Wednesday night.

Congressman Carson's supporters have been burning up the phones all weekend to make sure all of the eligible precinct and vice-precinct committeefolks show up at the caucus and vote for Treacy.

Here's the big catch: If there aren't enough people at the caucus to satisfy a quorum, Indiana Democratic Party Chair Dan Parker gets to pick the next Marion County Chair.

Of course, all of this will be overshadowed if Barack Obama picks Evan Bayh as his running mate this week, but don't take your eye off the local political scene for too long.

Interesting... the Democrat Party is trying very hard to hold it all together.
Last thing they want is a family feud. And it looks like that is just what they are going to get.

This caucus might be a good event to catch this week.

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Brickyard continued

5:03p-Lap 122-This signals the end of the blog . . .I have a 9 yellows and I'm out policy . . .I hope you all were entertained, and since my first in-event blog had such catastrophic results, I doubt I'll ever do this again. I'll write a post-mortem on this tomorrow. Thanks for putting up with me!

4:51p-Lap who cares--since this race will mean nothing, and there will nothing we can glean from this race, I've diverted my attention to the commercials. I seem to be fascinated by Kasey Kahne. I refer to him on the air as the King of the Soccer Moms. Don't think that needs any explanation. However, a marketing question for you. Do you folks really think that Budweiser is getting their money's worth out of this deal. Allstate is all over this guy, and even the Life Lock folks have made more commercials with Kasey than Budweiser has. And, is it a good idea for the lead pitch guy for an insurance company to also be the lead face for a beer company. Something I've been wondering about all year.

4:47p-Lap 109--Quick plug, we'll be talking about this all day tomorrow in The Zone on XL950. Call (736.0950) or e-mail (greg@xl950.com). I'll be shredding NASCAR officials all day like the track did to their tires today. There's like 3 inches thick of the stuff on the outside of the track. People sitting in the front rows (luckily those are the ones that are generally open) would look like they went to work in the mines.

4:35p-Lap 101--Tony Stewart just through a PC olive branch to NASCAR saying that they are making the best of a bad situation today. Apparently when you become a NASCAR team owner, you have to have a frontal labotomy. Or maybe the removal of something a little lower.

4:27p-Lap 99--I'll invoke politics for one of the few times that I'll ever write on this blog (remember, I'm the comic relief here) . . .send a letter to your congressman, this is awful!

4:20p-Lap 93--Pattern's pretty much established at this point . . .10 laps of green flag racing, 5 laps of yellow flag racing, and we change tires. Yawn.

4:06p-Lap 83--Yellow comes out, and nobody had done blown up (okay grammar for NASCAR coverage) before they dropped the yellow. We are obviously making progress. I'm pretty sure the Jordans and Minardis have a great chance to steal a win today @ IMS.

3:56p-Lap 71--Restart, with already the announcement of a competition caution on lap 81. At this rate, the race will finish @ 6:20p. That would make the average speed 100mph. Catch the excitement of NASCAR, America's 28th fastest racing series!

3:44p-Lap 65--Appears that Kyle Busch could be the newest loser in the my tires stink festival that is today's race. Luckily for him, caution falls as he loses about 15 places in 2 laps.

3:38p-Lap 58--Sorry these are a little disjointed, wireless at the speedway can tend to work as well as Goodyear tires today at the track. This is not a goodyear fault, this is a NASCAR fault. Seriously, the first time you've had this type of car at the track, and you don't have an open test. A ship of fools. Another yellow is planned for lap 64, so apparently, we're going to run 10 laps on and 5 laps off for the rest of the day.

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More from Brickyard

3:21p-Lap 47--Edwards starts to have a tire going down, Kenseth has the entire rear right side of car torn off because of a tire issue. This is a freaking disaster.

3:13p-Lap 38--What might have been . . .cue up the old country song . . .Top four running together are Busch, Earnhardt, Gordon, and Johnson (Jr. is a lap down). If Hendrick removes the right guy last year, dear God what a lineup that would have been.

3:05p-Lap 31--Just saw a close up of Ryan Newman's tires . . .not good. Not sure if NASCAR fans are even aware of Formula 1 (other than just that strange place that Montoya came from), but those fans got their money back . . .these might want to ask for their money back too if this doesn't get better.

2:55p-Lap 25--Just had my first welcome to Indy moment of the day . . .Jeff Gordon passed Junior in turn 4 to take the lead. Grandstand erupts in applause. Anywhere else, there would be the ceremonial lobbing of KFC buckets and sixers of PBR. Not at Indy. I love my hometown. Junior has tire vibration, will go a lap down in the pits. He had run about 20 laps on his tires.

2:59p-Lap 29--Juan Pablo has tire blow up on backstraight, those tires had been on his car for about 15 laps. I think we got some issues here. . .it's not Michelin, but it ain't good either . . .

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LIVE Rakestraw blogs from Brickyard

2:41p-Lap 14--I don't think the competition caution will ever happen, because cars will simply be hitting each other much quicker than that. Kurt Busch appears to lose a rear tire, spins, hits Kevin Harvick. At this race, Jason Leffler might win the race in the #70, in an average speed of 48 mph. They will make this a mandatory caution, so everyone has to come in.

2:32p-Lap 8--Several drivers pit early, competition yellow pushed back to lap #14. Jethro Jesus (better known as Dale Earnhardt, Jr.) leads those that are pitting early. They'll take the green flag on lap #10, so 4 laps of green, 6 laps of caution. Could be that type of day. BTW, more fans here today than I thought there would be. I had heard reports of 50,000 tickets remaining, looks like maybe about 20k worth of empty seats. Not bad, 230,000 people at the place, still beats any other track in the series

2:25p-Lap 4--It took 3 laps for our first yellow, so much for the competition caution, 55 of Michael Waltrip spins, don't think it had anything to do with tire issues. I think the driver simply ran out of talent. Seriously, Michael Waltrip might be one of the least talented little brothers of all time.

Pre-Race post: My buddy, the host of this little online shindig, Brian Jessen, is probably going to be a little mad at me. I've had it in my mind that I'd blog live from the track for a few days, but I didn't tell him about it until I knew I'd actually pull it off. So, welcome to the live raceday blog that had no pre-promotion whatsoever. About 2p right now, so about 20 minutes from now, it's race time. Tires are the big talk here, but after being here for the F1 debacle three years ago, nothing seems that bad. Last year there were tire concerns coming into the race, but after 30 laps, everything had settled in, and no problems. If this does become a manufactured race, where there have to be several "competition cautions," then there's only one group to blame: NASCAR. Seriously, it's not that hard. Have an open test here, like you had for the first 13 runnings of this race. This track is unlike any other they run all season, you think they may have wanted to have more than say, 3 cars turning laps here in the new car at a tire test a few months back. Anyway, hopefully that's all water under the bridge in about 50 minutes, keep checking in to see . . .

GR

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Obama - too busy for the soldiers

A Soldier’s Letter Home (from Hoosier Access)

I received an email from a friend, who has an acquaintance serving in Afghanistan at present. This soldier is giving his first hand account of Senator Barack Hussein Obama’s visit to Afghanistan.

Hello everyone,

As you know I am not a very political person. I just wanted to pass along that Senator Obama came to Bagram Afghanistan for about an hour on his visit to ‘The War Zone’. I wanted to share with you what happened. He got off the plane and got into a bullet proof vehicle , got to the area to meet with the Major General (2 Star) who is the commander here at Bagram.

As the Soldiers where lined up to shake his hand he blew them off and didn’t say a word as he went into the conference room to meet the General. As he finished, the vehicles took him to the ClamShell (pretty much a big top tent that military personnel can play basketball or work out in with weights) so he could take his publicity pictures playing basketball. He again shunned the opportunity to talk to Soldiers to thank them for their service.

So really he was just here to make a showing for the American’s back home that he is their candidate for President. I think that if you are going to make an effort to come all the way over here you would thank those that are providing the freedom that they are providing for you.

I swear we got more thanks from the NBA Basketball Players or the Dallas Cowboy Cheerleaders than from one of the Senators, who wants to be the President of the United States. I just don’t understand how anyone would want him to be our Commander-and-Chief. It was almost that he was scared to be around those that provide the freedom for him and our great country.

If this is blunt and to the point I am sorry but I wanted you all to know what kind of caliber of person he really is. What you see in the news is all fake.

[Note: All misspellings are from the original email. Crossposted to the DFB]

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Obama's smoke and mirrors game in Israel

So Obama went to the Western Wall in the Old City of Jerusalem early this morning in what was announced as "not a planned stop" but clearly was a staged photo op.

Check out some of the story from ABC News:

The pre-dawn sky was dark.

And then one man at the Wall began screaming: "Obama, Jerusalem is our land! Obama, Jerusalem is not for sale!"

He kept yelling this for Obama's entire 10 minutes at the Wall, refusing to stop despite repeated entreaties to do so from the crowd.

Obama chatted with the men with whom he'd come to the Wall, before walking to the Wall to place a note he had previously written between the Wall's cracks. He put his hand on the Wall, bowed his head and appeared contemplative.

The heckler, not an Obama fan, continued yelling.

Obama turned from the Wall and walked back to his crowd. Some young men tried to drown out the heckler, chanting, "Obama! Obama! Obama!"

After shaking some hands, Obama got back in his motorcade and headed to the airport.

"It was rowdier than the last time I was there, you know?" Obama told reporters on the plane. "I mean, people were sort of, like, holerin'. You know I was expecting more reverence."

Wait... last time you were there? But you were expecting something else?
So if you've been there before, you'd know what to expect when you came a second time.

So, hadn't planned on stopping yet had a prewritten note to leave at the Wall.

Love how this "news story" is written. "The predawn sky was dark." Sounds more like a romance novel or a love note. Yet this reporter, Jake Tapper, is ABC News' Senior National Correspondent. Senior, so that means he's one of the best? Edward R. Murrow must be rolling over in his grave about now.

This whole trip is smoke and mirrors. Planned photo ops to try and hide the fact that Obama has no foreign policy experience.

After Obama leaves the Wall, is he headed to the river Jordan to walk on the water? I mean, the press and others alike are trying to compare him to the Messiah.

This whole trip is great way for the press to build Obama up.

But if you look, he is only "even" in the polls with McCain.

Do the Democrats honestly think the American people don't see there's a whole lot of fluff and no substance?

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The Obama Show arrives in Germany

This is from a German news website about Obama's visit:

The "Obama show," as one newspaper calls it, is set to take Berlin by storm on Thursday, July 24. But a small minority is questioning whether the Democratic candidate can live up to the hype -- or justify the costs.

In the build-up to what is probably the most anticipated American campaign speech ever held on foreign soil, one of Berlin's main city magazines offered its readership cut-out American flags to wave at Barack Obama's planned address.

The presumed Democratic nominee plans to arrive in the German capital on Thursday morning. Not much of his agenda for the day has been made public, but he is set to speak at Berlin's Victory Column -- formally the main site of the Love Parade -- at 7PM local time.

Those who want to hear Obama live have been told to start arriving three hours earlier. Berlin authorities say that as many as a million people could attend. Four TV stations are broadcasting the entire speech, and the rest are scrambling to secure prime locations at the site.

Only around 13,000 Americans live in Berlin. So what is motivating Berliners and Germans in general to treat a Democratic presidential hopeful to such a royal welcome?

In comparison to US elections, German political campaigns are short, stolid and sober affairs that focus as much on party platforms as personalities. In the wake of World War II, many Germans view charismatic leadership with mistrust.

That, however, doesn't mean that ordinary Germans or the media are immune to the aura of a politician who knows how to work a crowd.

The current edition of Germany's most serious news weekly, Der Spiegel, features Obama on its cover with the only vaguely ironic headline "Germany Meets the Superstar" -- a play on the title of the German version of the TV show "American Idol."

And many German bloggers do seem to idolize the Illinois senator.

"For me he already is the American president," wrote one user of a Website about Obama's Berlin visit. "He may not be have been elected, but he's the president in people's hearts."

What the hell is going on here? This love fest is becoming ridiculous.

When will the American people wake up?

Germany? Israel?
It looks like again, Obama is wasting time, trying to change the issues. We still don't know what he really stands for. But we do know that they "love" him in Europe.

Since when did the American people care what the German's thought about our leaders?

I am sorry Senator. "You're no Jack Kennedy."

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SHOCKING!! Obama has more staff and offices than McCain!

TheHill.com - Obama takes advantage in field offices: "In states where both campaigns have announced field offices that they’ve opened or plan to open, Obama has a definite advantage. In Ohio, Obama will have 18 offices open by the end of this week, while Sen. McCain (R-Ariz.) has eight. In Virginia, Obama has opened 20 while McCain has opened six.

In Missouri, Obama has plans for 30 offices while McCain is aiming to have 10, the Kansas City Star reported.
While Obama has 50 staffers already in the Show Me State with plans to hire 150 altogether, McCain had only a handful with hopes of hiring 50 workers."

This is news? Are you kidding me?

In 2004 we were often outnumbered 4 and 5 to 1 in most battle ground states when you compare offices and staff. In Minnesota alone when you add ACT, MOVEON.org, Kerry Edwards and the state Democrats they had over 400 full time paid staff with over 20 offices. BC04, RNC Victory and State Party barely had 100 with only 5 offices.

My point is can anyone remember the last time a GOP POTUS Campaign had more offices or staff than a Democrat's?

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Did McCain drop a hint?

Minnesota Governor Tim Pawlenty.

Not one of the two I was pulling for to be honest.

McCain was up in New Hampshire last evening. During a meeting last night, several sources have leaked that McCain dropped a serious hintabout Minnesota Governor Tim Pawlenty.

The source said "out of the blue" McCain told the gathering that he thinks they are "really going to like" Pawlenty.

Now folks, this could mean many things... but we are all in VP Watch Mode. So there's only one way to take it.

What's that? Yeah, reportedly McCain also said nice things about Mitt Romney, Mike Huckabee and Rudy Giuliani... but nothing like this comment.

Now, McCain may have been talking about Pawlenty because the meeting was with New Hampshire GOP delegates, and the Republican convention is in Pawlenty's state. Remember, National Convention is in St. Paul...

Pawlenty is a long-time supporter of McCain's. He's from a swing state with considerable support across the Republican Party, including evangelicals, and has always been thought by Republican strategists to be on McCain's short list.

And... Pawlenty is visiting Washington this week. While there, he was at McCain headquarters in Virginia on Tuesday for meetings, reportedly.

Heheheheheh...

Come on now... is Pawlenty "the man"? Honestly, I don't think so. He may be known within the GOP circles, but battling against Obama, McCain is more than likely to pick someone with stronger name ID.

Mitt Romney, Mike Huckabee, Rudy Giuliani, John Kasich or Condi Rice...
Now there's a thought.

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South Bend laying off cops, firefighters?

The South Bend Tribune is reporting:

South Bend to cut 200 jobs by 2010
By JAMIE LOO
South Bend Tribune Staff Writer

The city is cutting more than 200 employees over the next two years and could close parks facilities, because of a loss in property tax revenues from House Enrolled Act 1001.

Among those positions are 53 firefighters, 40 police officers and some parks personnel, which will have to be cut by 2010. It's a total of 15 percent of the city's staff.

Mayor Stephen Luecke told the Common Council during its first budget hearing Monday that the numbers are not pretty but are realistic.

The city will lose a projected $18.2 million annually to its general fund and $3.1 million to its Tax Increment Financing District funds by 2010, which means a loss in city services.

Although Luecke said he supports property tax reform, HEA 1001 didn't provide replacement revenues for city services. Luecke said by 2010 property tax owners will pay about $21.3 million less annually in property taxes, but in the end it's a tax shift.

The mayor outlined some of the cuts, which include:
* Funding for programs such as Youth Services Bureau, Healthy Communities Initiative, La Casa de Amistad and Workforce Development Initiative.
* The commercial corridor program, which is used for enhancements in the city's five commercial corridors.
* The 50/50 shared cost curb and sidewalk program. Lamppost and historic streetlight efforts would also be cut.
* After-school program funding, and Weed and Seed funding.

You can read the rest of the article here.
And I strongly encourage you to do so.

When I read it (several times over), Mayor Luecke never says anything about laying off cops and firefighters. Yes, they talk about public safety:

Council President Timothy Rouse, D-at large, said he knew coming into the meeting that the numbers would be extensive particularly because public safety takes up 75 percent of the operating budget.

But again, no where about cops and firefighters.

Animal Control Officers? Yes. Take Home Vehicles? That's there too.

Cops? No. Firefighters? Uh, nope.

Love how the press sensationalized this one.

You show me an elected official who would have enough conviction to lay off cops and firefighters... and I will show you an elected official who would need private security to escort him out of the building.

No matter how tight budgets are going to get for a bit (because of House Enrolled Act 1001), smaller town and county governments will learn how to operate within their means. Kinda like how you and I have to live each day.

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Greatest political ad of all time

Truly, one of the greatest political ads of all time...

I knew this side of John McCain was in there... just waiting to come out.




To quote my good friend Josh Gillespie:
"How long have we waited for a candidate or a campaign to have the cojones to call the media out like this? All I can say is, make sure to vote in that survey."

(H/T to Patrick Ruffini’s twitter feed and Hoosier Access)

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Edwards, Nunn on Obama's short list

All the talk these days has been about who John McCain will pick for Vice President.

But what about Obama?

Time Magazine reports:

Former presidential candidate John Edwards and former Georgia Senator Sam Nunn are on a list of potential running mates for Democrat Barack Obama, according to a Michigan Congresswoman.

Representative Carolyn Cheeks Kilpatrick, who leads the Congressional Black Caucus (CBC), said on Thursday that members of her caucus suggested the two at a meeting with the officials who are vetting candidates. The vetting team, Caroline Kennedy and Eric Holder, indicated that the two were on the list.

Cheeks Kilpatrick said, "Former Senator Sam Nunn's name has come up, as well as John Edwards' name has come up among our CBC members. I reported that to them and they had both of those names on their list."

Wait, didn't John Edwards lose once before? Great choice there...

Where's Evan Bayh? Right... he supported that lady...

And, not to sound prejudice here... but when did the Congressional Black Caucus get so much influence in selecting the Democrat Nominee for Vice President?

If that's the case, why not ask Jesse Jackson for input?


11:10pm EST
Scratch Edwards...

Check out Gary Welsh's rant about Edwards.

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'Save Our Starbucks' campaigns

I was kidding ya know...

After all, it is just "coffee".

Starbucks Gets Pleas Not to Close Stores
By JANET ADAMY and ANNA PRIOR
July 21, 2008;

Now that Starbucks Corp. has disclosed the 600 locations it wants to shutter, a phenomenon is taking hold: the Save Our Starbucks campaign.

In towns as small as Bloomfield, N.M., and metropolises as large as New York, customers and city officials are starting to write letters, place phone calls, circulate petitions and otherwise plead with the coffee company to change its mind.

"Now that it's going away, we're devastated," said Kate Walker, a facilities manager for software company SunGard Financial Systems who recently learned of a store closing in New York City.

It is an unusual twist in the saga of Starbucks, one of the fastest-growing retailers of the past decade. For years, Starbucks gained attention when a town didn't welcome it. Independent coffee shops complained about the big-muscled competition, and residents bemoaned the erosion of local character.

But ever since Starbucks announced this month that it would close 600 stores by early next year, as its business struggles, the rallying cause has switched to saving these endangered locations.
(Blog Editor's comment: love this liberal term now being over used - endangered. Being that case, my son is an endangered 14 year old. He turns 15 in September.)

Ms. Walker is in charge of consolidating 525 people from seven of her company's New York offices into a new building in January. The Starbucks inside that building, at Madison Avenue and 44th Street, "was something that we were using to psych people up" about the move, she said.
(Blog Editor's comment: "psych people up"? Mike, get your work done and I'll buy you a Double Espresso from Starbucks. How old are the people that work for this lady?)

Her hopes were dashed last week when Starbucks released the list of the stores it plans to close. She jumped on the Internet to find a phone number for the company's main office so she can ask officials to reconsider. "Knowing Starbucks, there's probably [another] one within a few blocks," she said. "But that's probably two blocks too far."
(Blog Editor's note: two block's is too far to walk?)

Ms. Zackfia said the states with the highest percentage of closures include many with low population density and signify that Starbucks "expanded before some markets were ready," she said.
(Blog Editor's comment: duh, too fast of growth...)

Online, several "Save Our Starbucks" petitions have popped up for stores across the country, including locations in San Diego, Dallas and New York City.

The closures mean Starbucks will eliminate about 12,000 jobs, which comes out to 20 for every location it plans to shut. In addition to creating jobs and generating revenue, Starbucks outlets serve as key draws for other retailers, making the loss of one a blow to the surrounding area.

Bloomfield, N.M, also may make its case to Starbucks, said Jo Duckwitz, who works in the city's procurement office. Ms. Duckwitz said she doesn't think the customers in this city of fewer than 7,000 people will sorely miss the cafe, but it is a potential blow to the city's campaign to bring more shops to Bloomfield, she said.
(Blog Editor's comment: I can hear this in the Board Room. "Sir, we need to scrap the plans to build a Crate & Barrell in Bloomfield. They just announce they are closing their Starbucks.")

Well, Starbucks has done it.

They have made American become "dependent".

I enjoy coffee, usually start my day with a cup or three. Yes, one could say that I have a dependency on caffeine in the morning. Heck of a headache I get if I haven't had my daily dose.

But my "dependency" does not derive from one particular coffee house. I am not hooked on Starbucks, Mickey D's, BK Turbo Joe or Millhouse Coffee from the Circle K.

Coffee is not a drug; caffeine is. Starbucks just learned how to dress it up and sell it legally.

Looks like the Betty Ford Clinic will have some competition now.
I can see the press release: "Starbucks announces treatment center to be opened. Caffeine addicts get treatment at the Pike's Place Coffee Clinic, located in Seattle."

Imagine the money these people are going to save. With that type of cash, you could run out to a department store and buy a high grade coffee maker.

Save our Starbucks Petitions.... geez.

We don't have any of those around here.... do we?

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Prayers for Congressman Hill & Family

Received this press release yesterday afternoon...

Contact: Katie Moreau 202.225.5315
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Monday, July 21, 2008

"After a long and brave battle against leukemia, I am deeply saddened to report that we have lost a member of our family, Josh Huddleston. Josh was not only my son-in-law, but a dedicated husband and friend. We sincerely appreciate the outpouring of love and support we have received during this difficult time."

Politics is one thing.
And for the next couple days, no harsh words against Congressman Baron Hill.

Just prayers; for him and his family.

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Indy Star blows off Burton/Buyer/Pence Press Conference

What if you had a press conference and the major news paper in this state decided not to show up?

Well, Congressman Dan Burton, Steve Buyer and Mike Pence held a press conference on Monday afternoon at an Indianapolis truck dealership to talk about the current energy crisis.

And, according to Congressman Buyer, the Indianapolis Star was a "no show". I had a chance to speak with Buyer about the incident at his Hendricks County Fundraiser Monday evening.

Needless to say, he was shocked.

But... WISH TV covered it (thank you!).
Here's their write up from their website:

Indiana's Republican Congressmen are calling on House Speaker Nancy Pelosi to allow a vote on off shore drilling.

Their request for a House vote on drilling comes one week after President Bush lifted the executive ban on off shore drilling.

"It is now time for Congress to lift the ban on drilling in the outer continental shelf," said Congressman Steve Buyer.

Indiana Republican Congressmen Steve Buyer, Mike Pence and Dan Burton joined together. They had strong words for their colleagues in Washington D.C. who oppose opening new areas to oil exploration and drilling.

"Everywhere I go on Capitol Hill it is clear that no one in liberal democrat majority recognizes that we are facing an energy crisis," said Congressman Mike Pence.

"The problem is Nancy Pelosi. Once we get past her I think we will get the job down," said Congressman Dan Burton.

The congressmen said just lifting the ban on drilling will benefit consumers because it would send a message that the United States is serious about reducing its oil dependency.

"When the world sees that America is serious about taking care of its own energy requirements and bridging itself to an alternative future you will see an immediate impact on price and it will go down," said Congressman Buyer.

The lawmakers agree the U.S. needs a comprehensive energy plan that includes nuclear, solar and wind energy programs. But they say the first step towards reducing energy costs is allowing the oil companies access to new oil fields.

"The only thing standing between the American people and more access to American oil in the outer continental shelf is one vote on the floor of the House of Representatives," said Congressman Pence.

The lawmakers believe the votes are there to pass legislation. However, Speaker of the House Nancy Pelosi won't allow a vote to take place.

Even if new drilling started right away, it would be years before that oil made it to the marketplace. The congressman said once other oil producing nations find out the U.S. is serious about increasing its own production, oil prices will immediately fall.

What is going on with the Indianapolis Star?

Oh yeah, I forgot...

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Burton, Buyer Taking Action on Energy Concerns, While Carson Sings Kumbaya

(Originally posted on Hoosier Access)

Three of Indiana’s Congressmen are taking steps towards moving our country towards energy independence. Well, really only two are, Congressmen Dan Burton and Steve Buyer, while the other, the 7th CD’s rookie Congressman Andre “Juggernaut” Carson is linking arms and singing Kumbaya with Nancy Pelosi while seeking to penalize drilling companies at the same time.

But let’s take a look at what each Congressman is doing.

Back in May, Congressman Steve Buyer introduced H.R. 6001, the Main Street U.S.A. Energy Security Act of 2008. The purpose of that bill is three fold: 1) To re-balance the United States energy portfolio, 2) increase and utilize the Nation’s domestic energy resources and supply and 3) strengthen energy security and independence.

This past Thursday, Congressman Burton introduced H.R. 6544, the Relief Now on the Road to Renewable Energy Act of 2008. This bill is designed to provide immediate relief from high fuel and food prices and to pursue alternatives in renewable energy.

How you ask?

I’ve touched on Congressman Burton’s Energy Plan before, but essentially Burton’s bill calls for expanding refinery capacities, encouraging the building of new refineries, while opening up drilling in ANWR, where Mike Sodrel and Luke Puckett were last week and where Minority Leader John Boehner is this week, and in the Continental Shelf.

Here’s what I like about Congressman Burton’s plan however. It goes beyond drilling. Didn’t expect that from a Republican now did you. Here’s the thing. Republicans and Democrats are to blame for the predicament were in. The Burton Energy Plan understands that. So while it still calls for an expansion in drilling, it also gives incentives for those who buy hybrid cars and for those who seek to make their homes more energy efficient through solar power and fuel cells. It also rewards those homes and businesses that have already been doing this for some time.

It pushes for further research and gives incentives for coal to liquid fuel programs, while expanding research and investment into Wind, Nuclear (it’s not so scary anymore) and other bio-fuels. And get this! The bill encourages working on reducing green house emissions. Yep! You read that correctly. A conservative Republican from Indiana is working to reduce green house emissions!

And what does Andre “Juggernaut” Carson want to do? He signed onto H.R. 6515, the Drill Responsibly in Leased Lands Act of 2008 which, according to a Dan Burton press release, seeks to “impose a “use it or lose it” regulation on drilling companies who have leased Federal lands.” Congressman Burton went on to call the “legislation a “farce” and “the kind of political game-playing that disappoints Americans.” Burton went on to say “When bipartisan solutions are finally reaching the forefront, here’s an example of Pelosi-led fiddling while Rome is burning. You can’t force companies to drill for oil if they haven’t discovered it yet.”

So there you have it. Two plans of action to one plan of inaction. Republicans may not win the U.S. House back this year, but at least they are taking the situation seriously. The Democrats are really acting is if they have nothing to lose. Their inactivity may not cost them this year, but when G-Dub is out, who are Americans going to blame for $5 or $6 gas? Answer seems pretty simple to me.

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McCain to announce VP this week?

Bob Novak and Tim Carney over at the Evans-Novak Political Report are reporting:

Sources close to Sen. John McCain's presidential campaign are suggesting he will reveal the name of his vice presidential selection this week while Sen. Barack Obama is getting the headlines on his foreign trip. The name of McCain's running mate has not been disclosed, but Mitt Romney has led the speculation recently.

Jonathan Martin from Politico writes:

The most frequently mentioned name for McCain in recent weeks has been Mitt Romney. Despite their heated primary, the two have seemed to become more comfortable with one another. McCain has showered Romney and his family with praise in recent weeks and also subjected his old rival to some mild teasing of the sort that suggests more affection than antipathy. In turn, the former Massachusetts governor has become a fixture on TV news shows, seeming to try out for the number two gig and promoting the man he once derided as insufficiently conservative to effectively contrast with the Democrats.

Other potential candidates include former Ohio congressman and OMB director Rob Portman, a favorite of Bush loyalists, South Dakota Sen. John Thune, a reliable conservative and potential compromise pick, Minnesota Gov. Tim Pawlenty, Louisiana Gov. Bobby Jindal and Florida Gov. Charlie Crist.

Why is Alaska Governor Sarah Palin not on any of these lists?

Oh what a week! Let the speculation begin!

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Joining "the Call"

Sarcastically, I have been told I have all the answers. In reality, I don't.
And I am not afraid to admit that.

I have been blogging lately about crime in Indianapolis.
One on 7/18 entitled "The Call: Time to retake Indianapolis".
And the other on 7/21 entitled "Gary, Indiana: getting their act together".

A good friend emailed me, saying that if you are going to call for change, then lead the way. Organize it. Another told me to stop whining about it and do something myself.

Well, I can't right now. Also, I don't live in the city of Indianapolis. My home is safe in the outskirts of Hendricks County (at least for now...).

My rants have been written to be wake up calls, calling for others to take action and start the conversations that need to happen.

My post about Gary, Indiana was cross posted at Hoosier Access today, which is always an honor to be allowed to cross post from time to time.

And it received a comment.

Nathan Brindle writes a blog entitled "One Man's Vote". I eagerly suggest you check out his blog.

Well, Nathan left the comments today that sum up all that I have been trying to say for the last week.

Here's his comments:

It's really easy to say that we as citizens are mad as hell and we're not going to take it anymore. It's a lot harder to actually figure out how mitigation of what we're mad as hell about is going to be accomplished.

Maybe we should, I dunno, like, give Ballard a chance. He's only been in office for six months. Eight years of Peterson/Democrat incompetence is not going to be overcome easily in the short term.

But as I think Tully said in his column the other day, at the same time, where are the churches? Where are the community organizations? Why is everybody sitting on their butt waiting for the Mayor to magically produce salvation? If you want to clean up the town, get out there and start cleaning it up. Stop waiting for the government to do it for you (they usually screw it up anyway). Take some bloody responsibility for a change. No matter what plan the Mayor comes up with, I'll bet it's going to require public participation.

P.J. O'Rourke reported years ago after the first Gulf War that after entering Kuwait City, you couldn't even go out on the roof of your hotel without wearing a helmet and body armor, because of all the idiots firing their guns in the air in celebration. This eventually caused one of his companions to lean over the parapet and shout, "STOP IT! STOP IT! STOP IT! Get a f***ing broom and a mop and CLEAN UP THIS F***ING COUNTRY!"

OK, then. Everybody, let's get a broom and a mop, and let's clean up this effin' city. Run the bums off the sidewalks, get the panhandlers out of the medians, and lock up the drug dealers and the hookers and the gamblers. Tell the gang-banger teens and twenty-somethings to pull up their pants, turn their hats around, and get haircuts and jobs. Remind people that nobody is too poor to pick up their yard, and that the dole is meant to be temporary. And so forth. Teach people to take pride in themselves, their neighborhoods, and their city.

So, when do we start?

(You can also read the rest of the comments by clicking here.)

Thanks Nathan. Thanks for getting it.

And thanks for joining "The Call".

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Bayh goes after Lieberman

Boy, Evan (Birch Jr.) Bayh can't even stay on topic.



Love how Bayh can twist the issue.

Obama has been against the war from the start, but now he is for victory in Iraq?

Sounds like Lieberman was right.


H/T: Hoosier Political Report
(even though I see a different side of it then you did Jennifer...)

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Campo takes action; website is operational

Well look at this...

Not four hours after I posted a rant about Campo, an anonyous person comes along and posts a comment, telling me to check out the website.

Campo for Congress Website is up and running, that's "pretty amazing".

I posted a bit after 2pm Sunday afternoon and by some time after 6pm Sunday evening, the site was operational.

http://www.campoforcongress.com/

Just goes to show that Gabrielle Campo needs the Party's help more than ever. Minor details like a website (that people do go and check for... Heck, my traffic increased just by posting her name from readers in Indianapolis...) are important.

Kinda makes me nervous about what other details are being forgotten about...

Hey Tom John:
She's a good candidate, deserving of your time, energy, dollars and support.

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Gary, Indiana: getting their act together

Gary, Indiana.

One time known for winning the title of being the most dangerous city in America, having more murders than anywhere else.

But something is going on up there....

The Indianapolis Star is reporting:

The city has seen less than half the number of homicides it had by this time last year, and other Northwestern Indiana communities also have shown declines.

According to statistics from police and the Lake County coroner's office, Gary has had 20 homicides so far in 2008, compared with 42 through July of last year.

Mayor Rudy Clay attributes the decline in part to a willingness among residents to come forward when crimes are committed.

"The people of Gary are saying 'Hey, we're tired of it. We're not going to take it anymore,' " Clay said.

Now wait a second... Homicides are down around 50%? In Gary?

Rudy Clay says that the people aren't going to take it anymore?

(Maybe me and my family can take in a Railcats game, knowing it may be safer downtown Gary than before.)

But in Indianapolis, completely different story.

As of Sunday, 7/19/08, Indy's homicide numbers were completely different than that of Gary. Indy hit the 70 mark. And even though some say it is a lower number than before, it is nevertheless, 70 homicides.

But the people of Gary have decided that they are not going to take it anymore.

Wonder when the people of Indianapolis are going to make that same decision?

I wrote about this last week. People can get pissed off enough about property taxes enough that they rally around the Circle and at the Governor's Mansion. They start to lobby the legislature even.

But when it comes to murders and crime, for some reason that I cannot figure out, the people get quiet. No voices, no out crys.

How many more murders/homicides have to happen before Indianapolis wakes up and says "we're not going to take this anymore either"?

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Sorry I've been away

As the voice of the official SportsTalk station of ICH (I've been a part of the family for like a week now, can I abbrevitate?), I apologize for my lack of words over the last few days. Sometimes the day job gets in the way.

For me, the last few days have been fun, but apparently, my version of fun wasn't too fun for too many other folks. My version of fun every summer is the Indianapolis Tennis Championships (formerly RCA Championships, and if you really want to go old school, the US Clay Court Championships). I've been privliged to be a part of the tournament since 1997. It's more than just another sporting event for me, I played college tennis locally (many pounds ago). In fact, my first collegiate official match took place on the center court at the ITC, in front of like 2 people, which works really well in a stadium built for 8,000.

This might sound like an OJ defense here, but I can actually make sense of something that he said as a blatant lie, but applies for me; I love this thing, but maybe it's time to kill it.

See, when I think of the Tennis Indy finals, I think of Pete Sampras, Andre Agassi, John McEnroe, Boris Becker, Patrick Rafter, Guga Kuerten, and more recently James Blake and Andy Roddick. The last 2 years, the tennis public has been lucky enough to see Frank Dancevic, Dmitry Tursunov, and Gilles Simon.

I'll stop writing so you can google those last three names.

Tursunov and Simon are good players, who are both ranked in the top 35 in the world. Dancevic was just a lucky mug here last year. Either way, those names haven't exactly brought them in at the ticket booth. This year's tournament will have the lowest attendance in the event's history as a hardcourt event. I attended the Monday-Thursday night sessions and the first semi-final Saturday. Only on Thursday night was the stadium more than half full.

The tournament missed Andy Roddick for the first time since 2002 this season. The schedule change with the Olympics, which actually helped the tourney in 2004, really hurt it this year. But, this year proved that the fans like James Blake, but they love Andy Roddick.

Then again, they'd love to see Rafael Nadal, Roger Federer, Novak Djokovic, etc. But, those players haven't even sniffed coming here since the date was moved by the ATP tour in 2003. And, they won't be coming back anytime soon. Next year, the date for the tourney will move back a week. That will once again put the final in conflict with the Brickyard 400, but should actually bring more players back (including Roddick most likely).

Still, if next year isn't much better than this year, I don't know how long this tournament can survive. There is another ATP event (with a MUCH better field) just a couple of weeks from now in Cincinnati. And, I'd rather have great memories than a lackluster experience every year. And, that's how I'd describe this week.

And, I'm being nice in using the phrase 'lackluster.' Empty might be the better feeling. Like most of the seats.

GR

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GOP: writing off Campo

Ok, so now Andre Carson has an opponent.

The Marion County GOP made it official Friday night during a Party caucus, selecting Gabrielle Campo to run for the 7th Congressional District seat in November.

No surprise here; most people figured Campo would walk away with the win. I mean, the GOP needs to choose someone to fall on the sword.

Campo, an Indianapolis social worker, will replace state Rep. Jon Elrod on the ballot. Elrod dropped out in June to focus on retaining his Statehouse seat... or at least that's what he wants to do right now. It could change in a few weeks, no one really knows except Elrod.

"Gabrielle is young, energetic and capable of waging a spirited challenge against Andre Carson," district Republican Chairman John Hammond said in a statement.

Cannot disagree with Hammond. But really, do we all think that the GOP is going to through everything they have into Campo's race? They missed their chance back during the special. All they did Friday night was fill the ballot because there was many people who wanted to run.

Would they have selected anyone if not one candidate had come forward to volunteer to run?

Look at the Visclosky/Leyva race in `da Region:
Mark Leyva has one this primary many different times, including last spring. But has the state/county Party thrown all they have into this race? Nope. And I can tell you from experience in Congressional races against Visclosky. Opponents against Pete have never been taken seriously.

Ask Andy Horning.
Ask Dr. Marvin Scott.

Both ran good races against Julia Carson, but never had 100% financial support from the GOP.

Now comes Gabrielle Campo.
Obviously someone with a future in the Party.

But a serious candidate for Congress? In my opinion, no.

Her website (http://www.campoforcongress.org/) isn't even up and running.

Is Campo running, using this as a spring board/name id improver for another race down the road (maybe even a second run at Andre in 2010)?

Will Tom John and Co. turn out 100% for Campo like they "did" for Elrod?

Stay tuned...

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Official: State fits Obama's game plan

The Indianapolis Star reports:
It's Official: State fits Obama's game plan: "Indiana, Plouffe said, is a 'state people are surprised we are playing so hard in. We believe that Indiana is highly competitive. We think we've got a terrific organization there, and McCain is not on the air and doesn't have any organization to speak of.'
Plouffe said the decision to run TV ads in Indiana and 17 other states is 'not a head fake.'"

Really?

What if the "Indiana plan" was part of a fundraising scheme for Obama?

What if Obama and HRC had already raised 1.7 million dollars out of Indiana and wanted to raise another 5-6 million? Why not invest one to two million dollars into a great diversion like Indiana?

NOTHING will motivate donors more than a real, or at least perceived to be real, local campaign for President. I think that if you "invest" a couple million into Indiana, even though you have no shot to win, but still net 3-4 million you can spend in Ohio, Iowa, Virginia or Colorado.

Why not do it?

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Getting their hands dirty

I have a lot of respect for people who research things before they speak about it.

Even more respect for people who, while researching, get their hands dirty.

Mike Sodrel and Luke Puckett are two men who now fall into that category.

They both have just returned from a trip to ANWR up in Alaska, namely the 10-02 Coastal Plain in ANWR that is at the center of debate about drilling.

A few blogs have been doing an excellent job at covering the trip.

You should check them out:
Kevin Tracy's blog
Hoosier Access

Sodrel and Puckett are now qualified to speak with a great deal of knowledge about ANWR. They spent their own time and money (no, special interest did NOT pay for this trip) to go up to Alaska and dig in to this issue.

To me, that says volumes about their leadership and their character.

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The Call: time to retake Indianapolis

The "call" has gone out.

David Myers over at Indianapolis New Government 2008 blog has a interesting idea.

If you remember last year tax protesters filled the circle to voice their concerns about taxes. But let this year with 69 homicides in our city, I see no blogs or post where they are planning any kind of action on crime. Sixty nine and counting and that’s only homicides. How many more crimes happen in this city each day?

I would like to see citizens letting their voices heard about crime in this city. I would like to see citizens fill the circle to let the criminals that we are not going to take this lying down. Would anyone be willing to start what you could call a protest like we did on property taxes? If so I am open to suggestion. You can view my blog (which has my email address) and I would like to hear you comments about the above subject.

I agree.

The time has come to organize.

You can also post comments here that I will pass along to David.

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Photographers taking fire, literally

Being in the media is a dangerous occupation these days.

Earlier this morning in Indianapolis, Kevin Hankins (a WISH-TV photographer) and a freelance photographer (who was taking pictures for IFD) were shot while IFD fought a blaze at an abandoned house in the 800 block of N. Tacoma Street (Indy's east side).

A firefighter's air tank also took a hit.

Both shooting victims were taken to Methodist Hospital.
Hankins has already been released and was of course, all over WISH TV with his story. I mean, gotta have that exclusive...

IMPD believes that the shots were fired by someone using a .22 caliber weapon from an area to the west of the fire. Officers and detectives checked the area but were unable to find suspects.

C'mon... it's pretty obvious that this fire was set to get attention and for some idiot to have target practice. WTHR mentioned this earlier as a rumor from some IMPD officers. Can't say I don't agree.

Indy's got some major problems.

Gary Welsh over at Advance Indiana has a posting about Mayor Greg Ballard's plan to clean up IMPD. Good read.

That's a start, but there's more to it than just cleaning up IMPD. People in Indianapolis need to come together and say enough is enough. Until that happens, crap like this will continue.

Keep praying for the officers of IMPD.
I should have an update on Officer Fishburn later today as well.

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Get your Starbucks while you can

My friends... it's worse than we thought.

I talked a while back about Starbucks closing up some "stores" in Indiana. Originally it was said that only tw stores would close.

One of which was in Bluffton? whereever that may be...

Well, the wound may be worse than we thought.

The Indpls Star is reporting that twelve (12) metro-area Starbucks and 23 others across the state are slated for closing thru March of 2009.

I know... take a deep breath. Together, we can get thru this.


Indianapolis stores slated to close:

• 3778 N. Meridian St.
  (commuters from the northside will love that)
  9642 Allisonville Road
  (commuters coming down from Noblesville will lose here)
• 3855 E. 96th St.
  (maybe it will help the flow of traffic?)
• 2910 N. College Ave.
  (where you could get a coffee and shot at all in one place)
• 5060 W. 38th St.
  (there was a Starbucks here?)
• 3021 W. 16th St. (previously announced)
  (converted an old Wendy's, new construction, nice location)
• 3801 S. Keystone Ave.
  (there's one here too?)

Metro-area stores set to close:

• Beech Grove (1718 Churchman Ave.)
  (that will hurt Beech Grove, sorry Mayor Wright)
• Carmel (2316 E. 116th St.)
  (all together now... auuhhhh)
• Greenwood (789 U.S. 31 North)
  (how many locations did Greenwood have anyway?)
• Plainfield (Metropolis Mall)
  (this one hurt... I shop out there...)
• Speedway (5945 Crawfordsville Road)
  (no more morning coffee on the way to the Track)

But hey, they are leaving two of them open on EAST Washington Street. Makes sense...
Locations that were by a Mall lost out.

The other Indiana stores are: (one in each town)

• Angola
• Batesville
• Bluffton (previously announced)
  (again, where is this...?)
• Crown Point
  (sorry Mom...)
• Evansville
  (looks like my sister loses one too...)
• Greensburg
• New Castle
• Portage
  (hey, how come`da Region only lost two?)
• Seymour
• South Bend
  (Irish fans don't drink coffee anyway...)
• Vincennes

Major college towns, like Lafayette (GO BOILERS!!), Bloomington & Terre Haute didn't lose any. Looks like our college students are contributing to our economy very well.

A many of the closing locations are brand new construction.
Here's a link to a map of the closings.

So who's the winner out of all this? Not you and I. Starbucks will continue to sell high priced coffee and junk (namely their Pike's Place Blend, tastes like wet dog and shoe leather).

No, the real winner here is McDonald's and the oncoming slaught of Dunkin` Doughnuts. Lower priced, good tasting coffee rules the day.

All I can say is THANK THE COFFEE GOD that the Brownsburg location is safe.

I mean, closing that one would have caused me to write something...

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Mitch: balancing Indiana's books

Most days, all we hear about is out of control spending by Congress or state legislatures.

But this is Indiana.

What? Haven't you heard?

Mitch Daniels has done it again. It seems our Governor has turned a massive deficit into surplus once again.

Can't wait to read JLT's response to this one...

State has $1.4 billion surplus
THE ASSOCIATED PRESS
July 17, 2008

INDIANAPOLIS — The state has ended the latest fiscal year with its third consecutive balanced budget.

State officials closed the books on the fiscal year that ended on June 30 with revenues exceeding spending by about $321 million. That was in part due to spending restraints ordered by Gov. Mitch Daniels that included some agencies not filling vacant positions and delaying some capital projects.

The state ended the year with nearly $600 million in its main checking account. That combined with savings accounts left the state with a budget surplus of about $1.4 billion.

State Auditor Tim Berry said Thursday that Indiana is on firm financial ground, while 29 other states — including the four surrounding Indiana — are facing fiscal woes.

Read more...

And you think Indy has a problem?

Check this out:

Blagojevich Says Chicago Is 'Out Of Control'
Mayor Unaware Of Plan; Welcomes Partnership
UPDATED: 1:56 pm CDT July 17, 2008

CHICAGO -- As Gov. Rod Blagojevich on Wednesday signed a new law that will put in place tougher penalties for selling guns to minors, he also announced he's got a new idea to help combat the violence that Chicago is experiencing: he's talking to the Illinois State Police and the National Guard to see if they could help.

The Chicago Sun-Times depicted Blagojevich as the "new sheriff in town" Thursday morning in its coverage of the governor's plan to form an "elite tactical team" to help the city fight crime.

"Violent crime in the city of Chicago is out of control," Blagojevich said at the bill signing ceremony. "I'm offering resources of the state to the city to work in a constructive way with Mayor Daley to do everything we can possibly do to help stop this violence," said the governor.

The summer of 2008 will be remembered as especially violent. Blagojevich said there's been a child shot nearly every day since June 26, with 29 Chicago Public School students shot since last fall.

"Twenty-eight of those kids are African-American and Latino. Hard to imagine that that would be acceptable if that were, in fact, the case in other parts of the city or in a middle-class suburb somewhere," he said. "Something is wrong, and this violence has to stop."

Bringing in state troopers -- even National Guard helicopters to high-crime areas -- is still very much in the planning stages.

...

The governor said Chicago Mayor Richard Daley hasn't asked for help, but Blagojevich said he'll call the mayor once he has some concrete suggestions about what help he can provide. He didn't have many specifics, but he said it's more likely that state police will be brought in than the National Guard.

In fact, Daley's office said the mayor did not know anything about Blagojevich's comments and did not know he was going to make them.

"The mayor welcomes partnerships, not just on this issue but on a variety of issues," said spokeswoman Jody Kawada. "Beyond that, it is difficult to comment because we don't have any facts."

And police department spokeswoman Monique Bond said they learned of the comments after Blagojevich made them as well, and said it was too soon to comment.

But Bond took issue with the governor's contention that crime is "out of control" in Chicago, pointing out that if the current murder rate holds in the city, 2008 may end with fewer than 500 homicides and that it is expected to be one of the least deadly years in the city in the last 40 years.

...

Blagojevich said it is far more likely that state troopers would be used than guardsmen. In fact, his office moved quickly after the governor's comments to stress in a news release that Blagojevich was not considering bringing in National Guard troops to the city.

"The only way the National Guard would be involved, if they are involved, is with the use of tactical helicopters that are currently used in narcotics operations," spokesman Lucio Guerrero said in a prepared statement.

Blagojevich had few details, but suggested that one possibility would be to assign state troopers to areas of the city with lower crime rates, freeing Chicago police officers for areas where there is more crime.

"Maybe we can play a role in providing more manpower so that the mayor doesn't have to make that choice between taking a police from, let's say the North Side, and putting that police officer on the street on the South Side," he said.

He also suggested that retired Chicago police officers and state troopers could be hired on a temporary basis to help out during the summer months when the violent crime rate typically climbs.

Wow. Things must be bad up there.

Our neighbors to the north seem to be having more trouble than Indy. But wait… I thought the Democrats were a “unifed” Party?

Gotta love it when Democrats fight amoungst each other. Blagojevich is a Democrat and Daley is a Demmie Icon. Looks like Blagojevich is trying to step on Daley's toes a bit.

But didn’t Obama “help people in the city of Chicago”? Maybe if he’d give more attention to his home state, Chicago wouldn’t be having this type of troubles.

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McCain right on vouchers

Roland Martin is a commentator for CNN. He also writes a weekly sound-off segment on CNN.com.

His column this week from CNN.com is an interesting one:

"All I want is for my children to get the best education they can."

That statement, along with so many others, has been a consistent one that I've heard on my radio show and in discussions with parents for years, especially those whose children are stuck in inner-city schools with decrepit buildings and a lack of critical resources.

And for the past 20 years, one of the most talked-about solutions for parents stuck in dead-end, failing schools is to give them the option to use vouchers to send their children someplace where they could get a quality education.

Republicans have made vouchers a linchpin of their education overhaul initiatives. Democrats have steadfastly refused, saying it would take vital dollars out of the public school system.

This year's presidential candidates are lining up right along with their parties. Sen. John McCain, the GOP nominee, says vouchers are the right way to go to give parents an option for a better education, while Sen. Barack Obama says the GOP has talked and talked about vouchers, and it hasn't amounted to much more.

But part of the reason why vouchers have been denounced and dismissed is because Democrats have been far too obstinate on the issue, and have not listened to their constituents, especially African-Americans, who overwhelmingly support vouchers.

There is no doubt that on this issue, McCain has it right and Obama has it wrong.

The fundamental problem with the voucher debate is that it is always seen as an either/or proposition. For Republicans, it is the panacea to all the educational woes, and that is nonsensical. For Democrats, it is something that will destroy public education, and that too is a bunch of crap.

I fundamentally believe that vouchers are simply one part of the entire educational pie. There simply is no one sure-fire way to educate a child. We've seen public schools do a helluva job -- I went to them from K through college -- and so have private schools, home schooling, charter schools and even online initiatives. This is the kind of innovation we need, not more efforts to prevent a worthy idea from moving forward.

Obama's opposition is right along the lines of the National Education Association, and the teachers union is a reliable and powerful Democratic ally. But this is one time where he should have opposed them and made it clear that vouchers can force school districts, administrators and teachers to shape up or see their students ship out.

It is unconscionable to ask a parent to watch as his child is stuck in a failing school or district, and ask him to bank on a politician coming up with more funds to improve the situation. Fine, call vouchers a short-term solution to a long-term problem, but I'd rather have a child getting the best education -- now -- rather than having to hope and pray down the line.

McCain and Obama have presented comprehensive education plans, and those are noble. But leaving out vouchers does a tremendous disservice to the parents who are fed up with deplorable schools, and allows school districts to operate with impunity and without any real competition.

Vouchers to be an issue this fall? With McCain?

Remember, too many people think that McCain will be the downfall of the Party. But here's another issue of the GOP McCain supports.

And so does some of the media...

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This kind of change is a good thing

It's an election year.
All we hear about is that four letter word: CHANGE

And after a while, I get so sick of it.

So I am getting this "change" out of the way before Obama and McCain dominate the airwaves with their thoughts on change.

Indy's Conservative Hardball is branching out, changing.

Effective this morning, this blog is now known as:

Indiana's Conservative Hardball.

With contributors like Steve Dalton and Dan Turkette up in northern Indiana, Josh Gillespie, Chris Faulkner and myself covering central Indiana, it seems like we were always talking more about Indiana as a whole than just Indianapolis.

With the addition of Greg Rakestraw covering the world of sports, we've added more interesting content.

Hardball will be more of a read like a newspaper than just a blog about politics. We'll cover events and people in our state along with the nation that are effecting most people's conversation on a daily basis.

I hope you like these changes. Please let us know other ideas as well.

(Also, looking for contributors from Southern Indiana... email me if you are interested.)

Change with Hardball is a good thing.


Enjoy,
Brian

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Bennett Criticizes JLT's stance on ISTEP

The race for Indiana State Superintendent of Public Instruction is one of those races that not too many people follow (unless you are a politicial junkie). But this year, it may be different.

It seems both candidates have been getting some attention.
So I thought we should get to know Tony Bennett, (not the singer) the GOP and best qualified candidate in the race from his press release this evening...

Republican candidate for Indiana State Superintendent Tony Bennett criticized Democrat gubernatorial candidate Jill Long Thompson's stance on the ISTEP test Wednesday, noting that standardized testing provides a measure of progress being made in Indiana classrooms.

"How she can say she is against the ISTEP test in particular, and against standardized testing in general is beyond me," said Bennett. "In an era of our state's history when it's clear voters want to see more accountability and clearly defined progress, for her to say she is against measuring success in education is
unthinkable."

Bennett's comments came in response to a story in the Evansville Courier-Press about Long Thompson and running mate Dennie Oxley, which pointed out that "they don't agree with ISTEP and standardized testing."

"Governor Daniels and Dr. Suellen Reed have done a great job at making our schools better, and moving the ISTEP test to the spring as they have done will provide an even better metric for accountability in the classroom," said Bennett. "It's one thing to say we have work to do to make our schools the best in the nation-which we clearly do-but to completely undo so much of the work that has been done by eliminating a useful measuring tool as Jill Long Thompson wants to do is an irrational and irresponsible thing to do for our children."

After all this time, ISTEP testing is STILL an issue?

I just don't understand why the Democrat Party will not allow some issues to die.

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Region resident - To Iowa to help flood victims

NW Indiana Pilot goes to Iowa to help

Pilot and Former Home Builder in Iowa

American Self-Reliance Alive in The Heartland

I tell the story, on one of the posts above, but spread the photos out over the four posts, one by Ken's brother in law. That way you can see all the photos that he's sent in the last three days.

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Lieberman Shreds Obama Over Iraq

Gotta love this...

“Sen. Obama said this morning that he wants a foreign policy that is tough, smart and principled,” said Lieberman.

“This afternoon I want to ask my colleague who I respect and like a couple of direct questions:

“Was it tough when Sen. Obama voted to order U.S. troops to retreat from Iraq on a fixed timeline regardless of the recommendations of our military commanders or conditions on the ground?

“Was it smart when Sen. Obama opposed the surge and predicted that it would fail to improve our security?...

“Was it tough and principled when Sen. Obama said he would be open to changing his plan on Iraq after going there and talking to General Petraeus, which I think was the right position, only to change that position hours later after being heatedly criticized by organizations like MoveOn.org?

“I say respectfully the answer to all those questions is, no.”

There are times, like this one... when I would love to meet this man.

H/T: Hoosier Pundit & HotAir

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Bush Calls for Drilling, Price of Oil Falls $9

Funny how this worked...

Scott from Hoosier Pundit has a good post tonight:

From CNBC's Larry Kudlow:

In a dramatic move yesterday President Bush removed the executive-branch moratorium on offshore drilling. Today, at a news conference, Bush repeated his new position, and slammed the Democratic Congress for not removing the congressional moratorium on the Outer Continental Shelf and elsewhere. Crude-oil futures for August delivery plunged $9.26, or 6.3 percent, almost immediately as Bush was speaking, bringing the barrel price down to $136.

Now isn’t this interesting?

Democrats keep saying that it will take 10 years or longer to produce oil from the offshore areas. And they say that oil prices won’t decline for at least that long. And they, along with Obama and McCain, bash so-called oil speculators. And today we had a real-world example as to why they are wrong. All of them. Reid, Pelosi, Obama, McCain — all of them.

Traders took a look at a feisty and aggressive George Bush and started selling the market well before a single new drop of oil has been lifted. What does this tell us? Well, if Congress moves to seal the deal, oil prices will probably keep on falling. That’s the way traders work. They discount the future. Psychology and expectations can turn on a dime.

One last interesting tidbit from Kudlow:

The congressional ban on offshore drilling expires September 30, so that becomes a key date. A new report from Wall Street research house Sanford C. Bernstein says that California actually could start producing new oil within one year if the moratorium were lifted. The California oil is under shallow water and already has been explored. Drilling platforms have been in place since before the moratorium. They’re talking about 10 billion barrels worth off the coast of California.

Let's see the Luddites in the liberal leadership of Congress attempt to extend the offshore drilling ban.

Try it. Just try it.

Go ahead and make the GOP's day.

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Bush lifts offshore drilling ban

Gary Welsh has a good posting about President Bush lifting the ban on U.S. Offshore Oil & Gas Drilling:

President Bush lifted a ban on offshore drilling in the U.S., which his father enacted by executive order when he was president. Bush's actions are meaningless, however, unless Congress also acts to repeal a congressional ban still in effect. Sen. John McCain supports the move. Sen. Barack Obama opposes offshore drilling. The Democratic-controlled Congress is asking ,"What's the rush?" The U.S. has the largest untapped oil reserves in the world, yet we depend on foreign oil for most of our demand. With oil reaching close to $150 a barrel, the American economy is heading into a deep tailspin from which some think we may never recover. The largest bank failure in American history this past weekend is providing little confidence. Obviously, it will take many years to develop our untapped oil reserves, but the mere threat of new domestic oil development will put downward pressure on future oil prices.

Closer to home, three GOP candidates for Congress, including Mike Sodrel, Luke Puckett and Greg Goode, have headed north to Alaska to urge development of huge oil reserves in ANWR to meet our domestic oil needs. Not surprisingly, Democrats knocked the move. "The Republican Party has spent decades cozying up to the oil industry, and once again we are seeing their candidates put special interests in front of Indiana's interests," said Indiana Democratic Party Chair Dan Parker. "I find it bizarre that these three would choose to travel 3,500 miles to discuss energy policy with Big Oil rather than have an open discussion with voters in Indiana," Parker added. Really? Well, I find it bizarre that the Democratic-controlled Congress would intentionally wreck the U.S. economy and destroy the lives of millions of Americans simply to assure a good showing in this November's election. Americans overwhelmingly support the development of our nation's oil reserves, but Democrats think like their presidential candidate Barack Obama. They won't be happy until gas prices hit $10 a gallon. People are hurting and the Democrats love it--as long as they can count on the American people blaming Bush's party for the higher prices.

Amen Gary.

I couldn't have said it better myself.

Gotta love the President's quote here:

"Today I've taken every step within my power to allow offshore exploration of the OCS,'' Bush said in a statement at the White House. "This means the only thing standing between the American people and these vast oil resources is action by the U.S. Congress.''

Your move Speaker Pelosi and Senator Reid...

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Don’t “hope” for a better life. Vote for one.

Pretty powerful words...



Taking it right to Obama's message of hope.

Don’t “hope” for a better life. Vote for one.

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Holy S#^!

The sky is falling. If not, maybe it's just roof tiles from Lucas Oil Stadium. Peyton Manning has had knee surgery . . .now that you've all threw up a little bit in the back of your mouth, or have had heart palpitations at the very least, it's "routine" surgery. Isn't that a true oxymoron, right up there with "holy war?" An inflamed bursa sac in the right knee, out 4-6 weeks. No true need to panic, by all accounts he'll be fine, and missing the first 3-5 weeks of pre-season really isn't that bad. But, is this the first sign of age creeping into Mr. Manning's hall-of-fame career? Peyton did have a knee sprain earlier this decade, and missed the final pre-season game that year, but was just fine come regular season time. He's missed one play due to injury in his great career, and that was due to a hairline fracture in his jaw v. the Dolphins. Guy played with a wired jaw for the next week, no problem.

However, Peyton is now 32. He joked with some reporters in May that he only felt 28 or 29. Age catches up with everybody, even at a position where Vinny Testeverde can start for the Panthers and qualify for AARP benefits. If surgery was truly no big deal, than why didn't he have it earlier this year, when you know training camp won't be an issue?

That's because surgery's always a big deal, period. This WILL affect timing with receivers, not having the reps in practice and training camp over in Terre Haute. The only good that will come out of this is something we speculated about yesterday in The Zone on XL950 (how's that for timing!) . . .we really don't know what we've got with Jim Sorgi because he never gets to play with the first-stringers, and more importantly the first string offensive line. Jim's a sacrificial lamb every August because he's playing with the guys that played the o-line the movie the Replacements. We'll actually get some glimpse as to how good this guy really is in case nuclear winter ever does happen here in Indy . . .if (pause for more vomit) Peyton ever goes down during the regular season.

Tennis last night was okay, HR derby was great, but this is what matters most day . . . Peyton's sac. Sorry for the 4th grade humor. I've been up way too early for a sports guy today . . .

Greg

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Starbucks is closing up in Indiana

Well, only a few locations anyway.

The Indianapolis Business Journal is reporting:

Starbucks Corp. plans to close a location at 3021 W. 16th St. as part of a downsizing that the Seattle coffee giant blames on a slow economy and decline in consumer confidence. About 600 stores will be shuttered nationwide in the pull-back, Starbucks announced July 1.

Only one other Indiana location will close, in the northeastern Indiana town of Bluffton.

Bluffton? Who cares about Bluffton? I don't even know where Bluffton is...

All I know is that I soon will have one less location to find coffee.

Maybe if the coffee wasn't so expensive, people might start coming back?

Or lose the Pike's Place Blend... that stuff is nasty. Bring back coffee's of the day.

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Home Run Derby tonight!

The State Farm Home Run Derby comes to Yankee Stadium for the first time tonight as eight players will try to slug their way to the title.

Rays rookie sensation Evan Longoria, former MVP and current Twins' slugger Justin Mourneau, Indians OF Grady Sizemore, and the Rangers’ Josh Hamilton will represent the American League. On the senior circuit, Astros OF Lance Berkman, the Brewers’ Ryan Braun and a pair of 2B in the Phillies’ Chase Utley and Marlins’ Dan Uggla round out the NL team.

All of the contestants are first-timers in the competition, which begins at 8 tonight on ESPN.

The 79th Major League Baseball All-Star Game, the last to be played at the current Yankee Stadium -- which closes at the end of this season -- will be televised nationally by FOX, also with pregame ceremonies beginning on Tuesday at 8 p.m. ET.

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Favre: another emotional roller coaster

I am an ESPN junkie. I don't hide it.
And I admit, I really don't care for Stephen A. Smith.

But in this case... I kinda... agree... with him.
(Please don't make me turn in my Packers Fan Membership Card...)

Ok, maybe not word for word, but Stephen A.'s comments about the recent Favre situation, and the coverage of it, actually make sense.

S.A.S. Favre
by bsap11

Dare I say it... is it time for all this to end?

Six months ago, I am crying to my friend Greg about Brett's retirement.
Now, part of me feels it is the best thing for him to do.

All I do know for certain, is that I am tired of the emotional roller coaster Brett Favre likes to put the NFL on each year.

Brett, if you want to come back, the Packers have your contract. And if they choose not to release you, then that's their choice.

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Campo announces for 7th CD Race

Well, the race is on for who wants a crack at Andre Carson...

GABRIELLE CAMPO ANNOUNCES BID FOR CONGRESS
Social Worker declares for 7th District against Carson

Social Worker Gabrielle Campo announced her candidacy for Congress this morning in Indiana’s Seventh Congressional District.

“I am proud to announce today that I am a candidate for Congress because, as someone who works for families every day, I know we need a Congressperson who offers real hope for change and truly represent all Hoosier families,” Campo said.

Campo made her announcement in front of the City Market, a symbol of urban renewal that Campo pledges she would bring to Congress.

“The City Market, much like Indianapolis, has a rich history, but in recent times, has been neglected. However, community leaders and local government worked together to enable the City Market experience a new revival. It is the type of collaboration I want to bring to Washington and the type of leadership we need more of in the Seventh District.”

“I am running because I believe this district cannot stand for status quo. I will fight for policies that keep money in your hands, create jobs for your families and improve education for your children. I offer you a new type of leadership; one driven with passion to empower individuals, families, and communities.” Campo said.

Campo has dedicated her career to servant leadership and direct service. As a social worker, Campo has coordinated youth programs helping children in Low-income families, managing post-adoption cases, working on publications dealing with issues facing Hoosier families, and serving on many local committees, including the Indiana Disproportionality Committee, the Indiana Coalition to Improve Adolescent Health, and the Marion County Underage Binge Drinking Task Force. Campo is a member of the National Association of Social Workers and the International Society of Child Indicators.

Go get'em Gabrielle!!

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Is this thing on?

That's the way we'd say it in the radio biz, not sure if that translates or not into the blogosphere . . . oh well, guess it's time that I entered the 90s . . .Greg Rakestraw of XL950 fame (or lack thereof if you are not a listener). My buddy Brian Jessen has recruited me to add my wit, wisdom, and wild-ass guesses to the website. With my help, I think I can take this from the 14th most-read blog in Indiana straight to . . .#12 or #11 (I have a big family). I'll be writing as much as I can, but the thing that I enjoy doing most is answering questions, feedback, complaints, etc. You can post them here, or e-mail me directly @ greg@xl950.com. Listen to the show weekdays 3p-6p, and let me know what you think.

Preview--first topic that I'll write about this week, the Indianapolis Tennis Championships. I'll be there tonight, 2 matches that interest me, but might not interest anybody else, and that' s not good. More about that tomorrow, have a great day !

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Thoughts and reflections

I have to be honest... a few months back, this blogging thing wasn't for me.

I guess I just never understood it.

Then, my good friend, Jacob Perry approached me about joining his blog:
Circle City Pundit.

Great blog and with many different writers to give many different perspectives on Indy and the surrounding world.

And after some time writing there, I decided to go a different direction. I wanted to write about politics, Indiana, sports and above else: baseball. And because of my background in campaigns and politics, I have never been one afraid to ask tough questions (even if they go against the Party).

Thus: Indy's Conservative Hardball was born.

I didn't know how long it would last; maybe a few months. But now, I have a group of friends (some I have met, others just over email) that have joined this little project. And it keeps growing.

Some of the rants on Hardball make it all over the blogsphere and Net. Just check out the section to the right about the international visits this site has received recently.

But there were a few that flat out surprised me:

• Last week, Hardball had quite a few visits from Capitol Hill in DC.
• A few from the Indianapolis Star.

But the one that surprised me the most: I started to receive jumps from Jim Shella's blog.

And I went to check out how, only to find that Jim lists Hardball on his Hoosier Political Blog links.

As well respected as Jim Shella is in this state, I wanted to formally write a "thank you" to Jim for listing Hardball. So thank you Jim; we do appreciate it.

Hardball is continuing to grow. Later Monday or latest of Tuesday, I will announce another contributor to Hardball; one that will help our site grow into the realm of sports commentary as well.

Stay tuned...

And if you are a regular reader, thank you.

Drop me an email; let me know what you think or would like to see added or deleted.

- Brian

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Obama Baby Booties?

Blue Indiana reported this over the weekend:

Barack Obama's campaign in Indiana officially kicked off their field operations this weekend, opening six offices around the state in what promises to be the first of a multi-wave attack. The campaign won't tip their hand at this point, but between 25-30 offices are expected to open over the next month or so, joining those in Evansville, Fishers, Fort Wayne, Muncie, Bloomington and South Bend.

And this... which turns my stomach...

I understand the Obamaniacs will be doing a full court press during Black Expo July 17-20. Massive voters registration everywhere. All good Democrats reading this blog in Central Indiana should be a part of this effort!

Black Expo will be full of Obama merchandise: Obama baby-booties, Obama skateboards, Obama cellphones, Obama posters, etc. Stock up!!!

Betcha no one at the Expo can list any of his accomplishments...

But hey, I am voting for him because my kid has Obama baby booties and I have this slick Obama cell phone...

I love marketing... but this is disgusting...

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Officer Fishburn Update

Abdul posted an update eariler today from IMPD on the condition of Officer Jason Fishburn:

Officer Jason Fishburn is showing definite signs of improvement. We are coming close to the end of those initial critical 72 hours and Jason has not shown any signs of getting worse. On the contrary, he has shown signs of reaction to stimuli and his physical condition is improving. Doctors are still cautiously optimistic and will be proceeding with tests to determine the extent of damage caused by the injury. The family is so grateful for the prayers of fellow officers and the community, and have said on numerous occasions that they have felt the support of those prayers and of family, friends, and people they have never met, as they continue through this challenging and difficult time. They know it is through those prayers and blessings from the Lord that Jason is being cared for and looked after. They ask for continued prayers and will try to keep everybody informed of his progress as they are able.

Please continue to keep Office Fishburn in your prayers.

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Obama's Accomplishments in the Senate

A while back, I read somewhere that Obama has only had really about 137 days worth of experience in the United States Senate before he decided to run for the Presidency.

At first, I thought "no way... come on. He's been around a while."

So let's take a look at what Obama has done in the Senate. Who better than to talk about his accomplishments that a fellow legislator: Texas state senator: Kirk Watson



Gotta love who my hero and original Hardballer Chris Matthews goes after him.

Or try this group:



"He was here to list some of Obama's accomplishments and he had nothing to say. That's a problem." - Chris Matthews

H/T: Moonbat and AWB

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Tony Snow passes away

Former White House press secretary Tony Snow died early Saturday moring at the age of 53 after a second battle with cancer.

Snow, a conservative commentator, had been undergoing chemotherapy treatments for a recurrence of the disease. He left his White House post September 14, 2007.

President Bush said Saturday that he and first lady Laura Bush were "deeply saddened" by Snow's death.

"The Snow family has lost a beloved husband and father. And America has lost a devoted public servant and a man of character," the president said in a statement.

"It was a joy to watch Tony at the podium each day."


Snow's successor, White House press secretary Dana Perino, said, "The White House is so deeply saddened by this loss. He was a great friend and colleague and a fantastic press secretary. And his dear family is in our thoughts and prayers."

Snow was first diagnosed with colon cancer in February 2005. His colon was removed, and after six months of treatment, doctors said the cancer was in remission.

A recurrence of the illness was diagnosed 11 months after he began the White House media job, and he underwent five weeks of treatment before resuming his daily briefings to the press corps. He was greeted with applause upon his return.

"Not everybody will survive cancer," Snow told the reporters, "but on the other hand, you have got to realize you've got the gift of life, so make the most of it. That is my view, and I'm going to make the most of my time with you."

Snow had been an anchor for "Fox News Sunday" and a political analyst for Fox News Channel, which he joined in 1996. He also hosted "The Tony Snow Show" on Fox News Radio.

Snow was known for his candor.

In a November 11, 2005, column, Snow wrote that Bush's "wavering conservatism has become an active concern among Republicans, who wish he would stop cowering under the bed and start fighting back against the likes of Harry Reid, Nancy Pelosi and Joe Wilson."

"The newly passive George Bush has become something of an embarrassment," Snow's column said.

"I asked him about those comments," joked the president at the time of Snow's appointment. "And he said, 'You should have heard what I said about the other guy.'"

Snow is survived by his wife, Jill Walker, and three children.

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Changing Indiana's feticide law

(I wanted to blog about this earlier, and just forgot with my vacation last week.)

My good friend, State Senator Jim Merritt has taken on a good fight.

Merritt said that he and State Rep Mike Murphy plan to introduce a bill that would amend the murder statute to include a fetus at any state of development.

"The expectation of a child is a remarkable feeling... to have that stolen from you is just tragic," Merritt said.

Marion County Prosecutor Carl Brizzi has been calling for longer prison sentences for people convicted of harming a fetus during crimes against pregnant women since the arrest of a man who allegedly robbed a bank in Indianapolis and shot a bank teller. The man, Brian Kendrick, allegedly shot bank teller Katherin Shuffield, who was five months pregnant.

Kendrick has been charged with the shooting and faces four to 16 years if he is convicted.

Merritt and other supporters hope to change the feticide law during next year's legislative session.

Lawmakers may be able to avoid the controversy by simply expanding penalties for existing offenses. If feticide was a more serious class of felony, it could carry a prison sentence of 20 to 50 years.

"This is not a reproductive rights issue," said Brizzi, the Marion County prosecutor. "This is protecting unborn children at conception."

Murphy, Merritt and Brizzi said this change will have bipartisan support. But, so far no Democrats have signed on.

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10-33: Officer Down

Indianapolis Police Officer, Jason A. Fishburn.

This young man we all need to keep in our prayers throughout the day today.

The 29-year-old Indianapolis police officer was shot in the head and clinging to life this morning after a gun battle on the Eastside that also wounded the suspect. The suspect is believed to have killed a 69-year-old retiree earlier this week.

According to the Indpls Star:

Indianapolis Police Chief Michael Spears called Fishburn a hero and asked the community to pray for him.

He said Fishburn suffered a "devastating'' gunshot wound to the head and was in surgery for several hours after the shooting, which occurred at about 7:20 p.m. Spears said doctors tried to relieve swelling on Fishburn's brain. He said the officer also was shot in the torso but that his bullet-proof vest took the brunt of that shot.

Fishburn, a five-year veteran of the department, is married and comes from a law enforcement family, the chief said. His father is an Indianapolis police officer, and his uncle is a retired U.S. marshal, Spears said.

I cannot begin to imagine what the Fishburn family is going through at this hour.

All I can say is that the prayers of Indianapolis, and much of Central Indiana are with them.


What is going on in this city?

When I moved here a few years back, Indianapolis wasn't like this. The first night I settled in back in the 1990's, I remember watching the evening news.

The first three stories were all "fluff"; not officer shooting, officer being dragged (in Beech Grove) and an 11 year old recalling her Aunt being shot to death.

It's time to do more. If we want Indianapolis to change, then we must help get it started.


Prayers to the Fishburn Family. I know my Lord and Savior is holding Jason in His arms.

Stay up with developments on this story here or at Digital Farmers Blog, the Indianapolis New Government 2008 Blog or the Indianapolis Star.

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"Men At Work" endangered group

What has this world come to?

'Men At Work' signs to disappear in Atlanta
Decision follows complaints by magazine editor
By ERIC STIRGUS
The Atlanta Journal-Constitution
Published on: 07/09/08

In the battle of the sexes, women's magazine editor Cynthia Good said this was a skirmish she had to fight.

Across Atlanta they stood, orange signs with black letters that read "Men At Work" or "Men Working Ahead."

Sometimes, the signs stood next to women working alongside the men.

Good demanded Atlanta officials remove the signs and last week, Atlanta Public Works Commissioner Joe Basista agreed.

Score one for gender equality, Good said Wednesday.

"They get it," Good said about the city in a telephone interview.

Public Works officials are replacing 50 "Men Working" with signs that say "Workers Ahead." It will cost $22 to cover over some of the old signs and $144 to buy new signs, said Public Works spokeswoman Valerie Bell-Smith said.

Good, founding editor of Atlanta-based PINK Magazine, a publication that focuses on professional women, said she's not stopping with Atlanta.
(I added the emphasis...)

"We're calling on the rest of the nation to follow suit and make a statement that we will not accept these subtle forms of discrimination," said Good, 48.

Good pressed the issue after Atlanta police came to her office last month on a complaint that she spray painted "wo" onto a "Men At Work" sign.

Did she do it? Good replied by complaining about the signs.

Good fired off letters complaining about the signs to Atlanta Mayor Shirley Franklin and Gov. Sonny Perdue.

State transportation officials said they will ask contractors to remove signs
specifying just men are working at a construction site.

Atlanta union leader Gina Pagnotta said some women employees of Atlanta Public Works complained about these signs years ago.

"It is a little bit bias to say 'Men Working,' " said Pagnotta, president of the Professional Association of City Employees. "Women are working, too."

So, this lady got in trouble for vandalizing construction signs... and in the end, it's going to cost the city of Atlanta some big bucks to replace all this.

Next thing you know, these guys will be in trouble...

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Obama: kids serve 50 hours

Once again, Barack Obama is telling me how I should raise my kids...


From his own website:

Obama will set a goal that all middle and high school students do 50 hours of community service a year. He will develop national guidelines for service-learning and will give schools better tools both to develop programs and to document student experience. Green Job Corps: Obama will create an energy-focused youth jobs program to provide disadvantaged youth with service opportunities weatherizing buildings and getting practical experience in fast-growing career fields.

Don't you love the way they call it "service learning"?


In our family, it's called a civil responsibility to give back to your community.

• My son is a Boy Scout. Community Service Hours are a regular thing for him.


• A few years back, my kids attended a catholic elementary school. They were required to do community service each year in accordance with school policy.


• My son and daughter's church youth group regularly do community service.

But now Obama wants the Federal Government to dictate to my kids what they have to do.

Isn't this coming from the same political party who speak out regularly against "No Child Left Behind"?

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Dick Durbin: open minded?

US Senator Dick Durbin (D-Illinois) has never been considered "open minded", in my opinion.

However, Reuters reported yesterday that might not be the case.

"I'm open to drilling and responsible production," Senate Majority Whip Richard Durbin told The Wall Street Journal, adding that Senate Majority Leader Harry Reid could also support the move.

However, Durbin said his support for opening new areas to drilling was contingent on setting requirements that oil and gas companies begin production within a specified time frame on acreage they have leased from the government.

Oh come on... I'd give you Dick Durbin MAYBE being open to the idea. But Harry Reid too? Next thing you'll tell me is that Nancy Pelosi actually cares about America...

Apparently, Durbin is feeling some heat from his opponent in the November election, Dr. Steve Sauerberg.

Sauerberg has been getting attention criticizing Durbin for lack of action on energy policy and lack of attention to Illinois citizens.

Check out Sauerberg's website.
Our neighbors to the west could use some great leadership like Sauerberg.

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Zoeller, Costas united

Jon Costas showed again today why he is a classy indivdual.

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Zoeller for Attorney General
July 10, 2008

GOP AG Candidate Greg Zoeller Announces
Valpo Mayor Jon Costas as Campaign Chair

(Valparaiso) Republican Attorney General Candidate Greg Zoeller announced today that Valparaiso Mayor Jon Costas will serve as Chairman of the Zoeller for Attorney General Campaign.

Zoeller and Costas made the announcement today at the City Hall in Valparaiso.

“I am honored to have Mayor Costas on the team,” said Zoeller. “ Jon will provide a wealth of campaign support and experience, and I look forward to working with him in my bid to be the state’s next chief legal officer.”

“Having campaigned with Greg down at the State GOP Convention, I have come to know him and believe he will make an outstanding attorney general,” said Mayor Costas. His experience as our State’s Chief Deputy Attorney General and his vision of how he plans to serve if elected, makes him the best qualified candidate in the race. I am ready to go a step further than the usual endorsement and actively join his team’s effort to make his campaign a success.”

Let me quote Hoosier Access Director Josh Gillespie here:

"The State Democrats only wish they understood this kind of unity."

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Jesse Jackson: "Nuts" about Obama

Folks, honestly... I don't have to make this stuff up.

Once again, the "Reverend" Jesse Jackson opened his mouth, forgetting a camera was running.

In a spot caught on tape by Fox News, Jackson said he wanted to "cut his [Barack Obama's] nuts out" and he accused the fellow Chicagoan of "talking down to black folks" by giving moral lectures to African-Americans.

Yep, that is what he said. Check it out:



A source said Jackson's quotes were picked up by a hot mic before an interview about health care in Fox's Chicago studio last Sunday.

Jackson, of course, spoke with reporters about his comments:

"Well, they were hurtful and wrong, that's the whole point," Jackson said of his words. "And when you make mistakes you should not equivocate. You should be quick to go into offensive and not try to be evasive. And if it was said to him personally or in some public forum it would be even more hurtful. In this case, my error was responding to a question before a live mic. And so when he does hear them they will not be helpful; they will be hurtful. We have a relationship that can survive this."

Rev. Jackson Wednesday afternoon issued a formal apology for his remarks.

"For any harm or hurt that this hot mic private conversation may have caused, I apologize," Jackson said in a statement. "My support for Senator Obama's campaign is wide, deep and unequivocal. I cherish this redemptive and historical moment.

"My appeal was for the moral content of his message to not only deal with the personal and moral responsibility of black males, but to deal with the collective moral responsibility of government and the public policy which would be a corrective action for the lack of good choices that often led to their irresponsibility.''

It gets better...

Jackson's own son, U.S. Rep. Jesse Jackson Jr., released a written statement in which he described his father's recent comments as "ugly rhetoric."

"I'm deeply outraged and disappointed in Reverend Jackson's reckless statements about Senator Barack Obama. His divisive and demeaning comments about the presumptive Democratic nominee -- and I believe the next president of the United States -- contradict his inspiring and courageous career," the younger Jackson said.

The statement goes on to say: "Revered Jackson is my dad and I'll always love him. He should know how hard that I've worked for the last year and a half as a national co-chair of Barack Obama's presidential campaign. So, I thoroughly reject and repudiate his ugly rhetoric. He should keep hope alive and any personal attacks and insults to himself."

Oh yeah... Obama's National Campaign Co-Chairman... Jesse Jackson, Jr.

Gotta love the "keep hope alive" drop Junior put in there...

Jesse Jackson: once again, making this blogger's job a bit more easy tonight...

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Burton Criticizes Pelosi Policy on Censorship

(This post originally appeared on Hoosier Access)

Congressman Dan Burton (R-5th CD) issued the following press release in regards to Nancy Pelosi’s desire to see fellow lawmakers censored on the internet:

Congressman Dan Burton [R-IN-05] issued the following statement today opposing a new rule proposed by the Democratic leadership of the House Administration Committee that would require outside websites such as YouTube and other blogs to comply with House regulations before Members of Congress could post videos or statements on them. Under the proposal, the House Administration Committee would develop a list of “approved” websites, and Members of Congress would be restricted to only publishing content using these sites. Burton said:

“This proposed rule change is ridiculous. The First Amendment is one of the cornerstones of our democracy and now the Democratic leadership on the House Administration Committee wants to censor how Members of Congress use the internet to express their opinions and interact with their constituents. That is borderline criminal. It seems that certain people in Washington only want to use the First Amendment when it benefits them or their political positions. I hope all my colleagues on both sides of the aisle will stand up against this blatant disregard for not only transparency in government, but also for our freedom of speech”

This follows Republican Minority Leader John Boehnor’s statement which was released yesterday.

The following is Mr. Boehner’s statement:

I’m writing to alert you to an attack on free speech that is making its way through Congress. This attack, which should concern activists of all political affiliations across the ideological spectrum, comes in the form of a new congressional rule that would prohibit Americans from viewing content published by Members of Congress on websites that are not “approved” by the Committee on House Administration, the panel that creates rules governing the internal operations of the U.S. House.

Millions of Americans today utilize free, unregulated and uncensored websites like YouTube on a daily basis to not only obtain information from their elected leaders about what’s going on in their government, but to also give feedback and easily share that information with others. The advent of new media technology has empowered American citizens with real-time information about the policy debates and actions being undertaken by Congress. This has increasingly forced Congress to become more transparent and made it easier for American citizens to hold their elected leaders accountable.

The Committee on House Administration is considering a new rule that could bring this trend to a screeching halt. The Committee is considering the adoption of new rules that would require outside websites such as YouTube to comply with House regulations before Members of Congress could post videos on them. Under the proposal, the House Administration Committee would develop a list of “approved” websites, and Members of Congress could post content only such websites.

If the proposed rule is adopted, the free flow of information over the Internet between Americans and their representatives will be significantly curtailed. Americans who currently use free websites like YouTube to obtain uncensored daily information about congressional policy debates will instead be forced to go to websites “approved” by the House Administration Committee in order to continue getting such information. This would amount to new government censorship of the Internet, by a panel of federal officials that is neither neutral nor independent.

House Republicans, led by Reps. Vern Ehlers (R-MI), Kevin McCarthy (R-CA), and Tom Price (R-GA), have expressed their opposition to this attack on Internet freedom and proposed an alternative solution that would allow Members of Congress to continue posting content at sites of their choosing. I will continue to keep you updated as this situation unfolds.

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GOP following money trail too

So, I got beat up the other day for a posting that turned out to be a hoax.
Granted, I should have worked harder to check my sources.

It was about Obama's fundraising practices. The supposed columnist called to question some of the techniques that Obama had been using, via the web. And the author called him out, also saying that we the people should do the same.

And I agree with that premise.
But not just me... now, the GOP is raising the question.

Check out this article from the Journal Gazette:
(And yes, I confirmed this one...)

Source of funds criticized by GOP
Says Democratic nominee's money mostly out-of-state

Niki Kelly
The Journal Gazette

INDIANAPOLIS – Republicans are urging Hoosier voters to “follow the money” as they leveled criticism this week at Democratic gubernatorial nominee Jill Long Thompson for raising most of her campaign cash outside Indiana’s borders.

The Indiana Republican Party broke down contributions from the first quarter of 2008 and found that more than 70 percent of Jill Long Thompson’s fundraising came from Washington, D.C. – her old stomping grounds as a U.S. congresswoman.

Donations from within Indiana make up nearly 25 percent of her contributions, with the remaining 5 percent coming from other states.

“Jill Long Thompson’s reliance on her friends in Washington, D.C., to fund her campaign raises serious questions about her plan for Indiana,” said Indiana Republican Party Chairman Murray Clark. “Why are these special interests playing such a big role in her campaign?”

By comparison, in the first quarter of 2008, 71 percent of Republican Gov. Mitch Daniels’ contributions came from Indiana; 10 percent came from D.C. and 19 percent came from other states.

The next set of campaign finance reports aren’t due until July 15, but the GOP noted that according to Long Thompson’s supplemental filings – which are required for large donations –she has received $805,000 from out-of-state sources in the second quarter of 2008.

Washington-based EMILY’S List has given $100,000 since the May 6 primary, and the Service Employees International Union gave $500,000.

EMILY’S List supports “pro-choice” women running for Congress or governor, and the SEIU represents 2 million workers in four key sectors: hospital systems, long-term care, property services and public services.

“Jill Long Thompson should change her campaign name from ‘Hoosiers for Jill’ to ‘D.C. Special Interests for Jill,’ because Hoosiers don’t appear to be supporting her campaign,” Clark quipped in a statement.

When asked about Clark’s criticism of her fundraising, Long Thompson at first deflected the question with complaints about Daniels’ recent commercials.

But she also said attacks on her campaign verify the governor is concerned about his reelection, and she said she wouldn’t classify the SEIU as a special-interest group because it represents numerous Hoosiers.

“I’m very pleased with my fundraising,” she said.

Larry Sabato, a political scientist at the University of Virginia, said he usually sees this kind of criticism in congressional races but isn’t surprised it came up in the governor’s race given Long Thompson’s prior service in Washington.

“It’s a good rhetorical argument for a candidate to use,” he said, noting that it is expected for an incumbent governor to have more in-state support. “I don’t think it has any affect on swing voters. People don’t care all that much about where the contributions come from.”

That’s definitely how Harriet Miller, 71, of Fort Wayne, feels about the charge.

“Big deal. It just means that she is recognized nationally as an asset. More power to her that she has support around the nation,” she said. “I don’t care about where her money comes from. I remember her record as a congresswoman. She is approachable, available and energetically supports issues that help women and children.”

We, as citizens, should be watchful of our elected officials.

A candidate for elected office is no different.

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Obama: Your Children Should Learn To Speak Spanish

As if you didn't need a reason to vote against Obama, check this out:



Love how Obama of all people is trying to tell me how I should raise my kids...

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Cubs counter, acquire Harden & Gaudin

Just when you thought it was safe...

It appears that the Chicago Cubs are going to make a concentrated effort to stay ahead of Milwaukee and St. Louis.

The Milwaukee Brewers got CC Sabathia, and the Cubs now have Rich Harden.

The Cubs and Oakland Athletics completed a six-player deal Tuesday, with Harden and reliever Chad Gaudin going to Chicago in exchange for pitcher Sean Gallagher and outfielder Matt Murton, and Minor Leaguers Eric Patterson and Josh Donaldson.

Now why the Cubs would go for pitching here is beyond me. All I hear from Cub fans is how great their pitching is and how strong their bullpen has become with the addition of Kerry Wood.

MLB.com reports that:

Cubs general manager Jim Hendry said he had been talking to Oakland general manager Billy Beane for three or four weeks about the deal, well before the Brewers completed their deal for Sabathia with the Indians on Monday.

Harden, 26, who has an option for 2009, will most likely make his Cubs debut Saturday against the San Francisco Giants. The right-hander was 5-1 with a 2.34 ERA in 13 starts this season, striking out 92 in 77 innings. His ERA would rank second in the Majors behind teammate Justin Duchscherer, but Harden is shy innings-wise to qualify.

Gaudin, 25, was 5-3 with a 3.59 ERA in 26 appearances with Oakland, and has a 3.38 ERA in his 20 relief appearances. He will be used in the bullpen, but also could sub in the rotation if needed. Gaudin pitched for Piniella in Tampa Bay, and has a hard sinker and good slider.

Cubs Skipper, Lou Pinella:

"Yesterday, Milwaukee made a nice deal for a left-handed starter, and today Jim went out and made a nice deal for a right-handed pitcher," Piniella said. "It's good to see [Hendry] is so competitive and doing everything in his power to ensure we win."

"If you talk to our players and talk to our coaching staff, everybody is really happy about this," Piniella said. "But, we still have to go out and play. We have a long, tough road ahead of us. The three best records in the National League are in the National League Central. This makes us better, and we're very pleased."

The Tribune Co., which is trying to sell the Cubs, gave Hendry the go-ahead to make the trade. Chicago has a 3 1/2-game lead in the Central Division, but Hendry said they don't feel as if they've locked up a postseason spot.

"There's a lot of baseball left," Hendry said. "We don't look at it today that we're in it for sure. Our mode all year has been that we will try to get better. Whether we get in or not, our mindset is get in, and do a heck of a lot better when we do get in."

He's right, there's a lot of baseball left. Last year around this time, Milwaukee was in the same shoes as the Cubs, holding a few games lead. Chicago and St. Louis made their runs and eventually Milwaukee lost it's lead and trip to the post season.

As a fan of Chicago baseball (notably the Chicago White Sox), I have to say that it is good to see that both teams are not only doing well, but everything they can to continue and grow stronger. Many Cubs players felt they didn't need more pitching; management thought differently.

Cub Fans: you know how long it's been since "management thought"? Let alone made an effort to bring in more talent throughout the season?

Bring it on. The National League Central will be a great race to watch!
(Now, just what the heck is going on with the Tampa Bay Rays?)

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More to come...

With more rain coming in today, I thought this was appropiate.

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9% love Congress

In the big news surprise of the day...

According to a Rasmussen Report, the percentage of voters who give Congress good or excellent ratings has fallen to single digits for the first time in tracking history.

This month, just 9% say Congress is doing a "good" or "excellent" job. Most voters (52%) say Congress is doing a poor job, which ties the record high in that category.

9%. The Libertarians didn't even pull 9% in the last election in Indiana.

Last month was better... I mean, my teenagers always say that the last test/report card was better, right? Well...

In June of 2008, 11% of voters gave Congress a"good" or "excellent" ratings. Congress has not received higher than a 15% approval rating since the beginning of 2008.

This is the change that Speaker Nancy Pelosi talked about?

But here's what doesn't make any sense to me at all...

Despite these negative attitudes towards Congress, Democrats continue to enjoy a double digit lead on the Generic Congressional Ballot.

Huh? 9% approval, yet people still believe that the Democrat Party is the Party that should lead them into the future? Someone help me make sense of this.

Most voters (72%) think most members of Congress are more interested in furthering their own political careers. Just 14% believe members are genuinely interested in helping people.

True... let's look at Baron Hill and Pete Visclosky... better yet, Andre Carson.

9%?

Pelosi did promise change. And they are doing things different.
Making history too.

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Demmie Site Moves Indiana Gov Race to "Lean GOP"

From My Direct Democracy:

The Democratic primary between Jill Long Thompson and architect Schellinger (favored by the state's establishment) was even tighter than the state's crucial Clinton-Obama contest, with results delayed by Lake County and Long Thompson triumphing by 0.6%. Now in a quest to become the state's first female governor, Long Thompson first has to ensure financial viability. While polls showed no electability difference between the two Democrats, Schellinger was more successful at fundraising. Seeking to attract some attention in a dull campaign period, Long Thompson announced her running-mate and she benefited from glowing headlines after her speech at the state convention for "making history' as the first female candidate.

Yet, three polls taken in the past two months find Daniels settling in a narrow but consistent lead -- leading me to downgrade the race to lean retention for the first time. But the race remains competitive: however much Daniels has improved his popularity over the past two years, he remains very vulnerable and Obama's decision to invest resources in Indiana will help Long Thompson get out the vote.

Score one for Mitch!

H/T: Hoosier Pundit

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Strauss jumping ship

Jenn Wagner, over at the Hoosier Political Report detailed this last night:

John Strauss, an editor on The Star's Online desk, is leaving the newspaper to join the journalism faculty at Ball State University.

John has worked at The Star for 10 years, including stints as City Hall reporter, metro columnist, nonprofits reporter and as an enterprise reporter and "super GA," traveling to Texas and Florida for the narrative story of a young Hoosier soldier's recovery from wounds suffered in the Iraq War.

He was part of the team formed three years ago to enhance The Star's online coverage, serving as the group's multimedia editor and now as a content editor and as Sunday day city editor on the print side.

John was previously a supervising editor and correspondent for The Associated Press in Indiana, Kentucky, Tennessee and New York City, and before that worked in local television as a reporter and weekend anchor.

At Ball State he will teach writing and reporting, and serve as faculty advisor to The Ball State Daily News, the school's independent, student-run newspaper.

John starts in Muncie on Aug. 25. We're still working out the timing of his departure from The Star, as well as the specifications for his sheet cake.

Sunday mornings on WIBC without John Strauss?

Change is coming in buckets lately around here.

Best of luck John!

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Dowd's Fake Column

With thanks to a few bloggers who obviously are watching the net for any mention of the name Maureen Dowd...

It was cleared up that an early posting about her NY Times column was a hoax.

http://dowdreport.blogspot.com/2008/07/blogwatch-hoax-dowd-column-making.html

It's great to see that a liberal columnist like Dowd has her groupies... or desk jockey's that have nothing better to do with their time but as to scan the Net for any mention of their "patron saint".

To my readers, I apologize for the posting...

To the guys at the Dowd report who had a post up defending Dowd within 27 MINUTES of my posting, thanks for the link. And thanks for the somewhat increased traffic.

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Brewers land Sabathia

Look out Cub Fans... here comes Milwaukee!

The Milwaukee Brewers traded away a big piece of tomorrow for a chance to win today.

They dealt top prospect Matt LaPorta and three other young players to the Indians for reigning American League Cy Young Award winner CC Sabathia, a left-hander who will slide into the Brewers' starting rotation on Tuesday night for a run at the franchise's first postseason berth in 26 years.

This represents a huge swing in power in the National League Central. It shows the Brewers not olny have the money, but are willing to take chances to win.

Sabathia's stay in Milwaukee will probably be a short one. Like Ben Sheets, Sabathia's new co-ace, he is a free agent after the season who almost certainly will out-price the Brewers in the offseason.

Sabathia joins Sheets atop Milwaukee's rotation as the team bids to overtake the Cubs and Cardinals in the competitive National League Central, which currently boasts the NL's three best records. That the Brewers have not played a postseason game since 1982 figured into Melvin's decision to part with LaPorta, who has 20 home runs and 66 RBIs in 84 games for Double-A Huntsville and was the Brewers' first-round Draft pick last year.

Sabathia's record this season is undistinguished at 6-8, but his secondary numbers are once again strong. He has a 3.83 ERA, has struck out 123 batters versus 52 walks and already has worked 122 1/3 innings.

It helps that he's also a fabulous hitter. Since Interleague Play began in 1997, Sabathia leads all American League pitchers in RBIs (seven), hits (12), batting average (.300, minimum 25 plate appearances), and slugging percentage (.475). He has hit safely in 10 of his last 11 games with an at-bat.

Last year, Sabathia went 19-7 with a 3.21 ERA to win AL Cy Young honors. He turns 28 on July 21 and was apparently due for a change. Sabathia asked the Brewers to leave out the periods in "CC."

This happens just as Milwaukee released:
Starting Pitcher Jeff Suppan was placed on the 15-Day disabled list this afternoon in effect opening a spot in the starting rotation and on the 25-man active roster for recently-acquired pitcher C.C. Sabathia.

The injury he was sent to the DL with was "joint irritaion of the right elbow" which is, of course, Suppan's pitching arm.

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Who (Not What) is in Jillary’s Wallet?

(Originally posted at Hoosier Access)

When challengers run against incumbents, one of the things they scrutinize is where they are getting their money. They know that constituents can always get upset if they are accepting foreign (read: out of district or out of state) money.

What tickles me, is that in the case of Jill Long Thompson, she who wishes to actually challenge Governor Daniels in November, the majority of her second quarter numbers, 55.4% of her war chest isn’t coming from Indiana. In fact, it’s coming from Washington, D.C. of all places. While over 75% of Governor Daniels’ second quarter numbers come from right here in the Hoosier state. And what of the first quarter? The State GOP put out this press release:

Unable to attract support from the people she hopes to represent, Democratic candidate for governor Jill Long Thompson is relying almost entirely on out of state special interest groups to fund her campaign. In the first quarter of 2008, more than 75 percent of her funding came from donors outside of Indiana.

With 70 percent coming from Washington D.C., alone, Indiana Republican Party Chairman Murray Clark said it is obvious who Jill Long Thompson would represent as governor.

“Jill Long Thompson should change her campaign name from ‘Hoosiers for Jill’ to ‘D.C. Special Interests for Jill,’ because Hoosier’s don’t appear to be supporting her campaign,” Clark said.

So who’s in Jillary’s wallet? Second quarter finance numbers won’t be available until July 15th, “…but according to her supplemental filings, she has received $805,000 from out-of-state sources in the second quarter of 2008. Washington D.C. based groups EMILY’S List and the Service Employees International Union (SEIU) have contributed $700,000 of that sum.”

So as a voter, you have to ask yourself, if ultra-liberal Washington, D.C. groups are backing JLT, as governor (excuse me, State Fire Baton Twirler), whose values and ideals would she be looking after? According to the numbers, it’s certainly not ours. So far special interests have the upper hand.

And for good measure.

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Oil in `da Region?

Check this out...

High prices mean more oil exploration in Indiana

Associated Press
12:01 AM CDT, July 7, 2008

FORT WAYNE, Ind. - Record oil prices are spurring some companies to look for oil in Indiana.

Deka Exploration -- an Oklahoma-based company that drilled for oil in Steuben County a decade ago before deciding to go elsewhere -- is giving northwest Indiana another look. Others are also exploring for oil.

Indiana permit applications for oil and natural gas wells have increased to levels not seen in at least 20 years, according to the Indiana Department of Natural Resources' oil and gas division.

Improved technology has led to more accuracy in drilling. But the main motivation for the increased exploration is rising oil prices, said Herschel McDivitt, director of
the Indiana Department of Natural Resources Division of Oil and Gas.

"They tend to make operators a little more willing to take some risks," he said.

Indiana production of crude oil has averaged about 1.73 million barrels annually in recent years. That's a small portion of consumption -- the U.S. uses more than 20.6 million barrels of petroleum every day.

Oil in `da Region? Could be possible...

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Remembering 56 Men

We've all read them time and time again.
But none of us know what is true about what happened to the 56 men who signed the Declaration of Independence.

So, instead of dealing with rumors and hearsay, Indy's Hardball has decided to remind everyone of who the 56 men were.

Regardless of the accusations, speculation, and controversy of what actually happened to them, we should all keep in mind that at the moment they committed their name to the document, they knew it could mean their lives were forfeit.

They were basically declaring war on what some would easily argue was at the time the greatest nation on the face of the planet throughout history. The sun did not set on the United Kingdom in the 1700s. At its peak, the UK was greater than the Roman Empire ever was.

These fifty-six men were taking a slingshot like the shepherd David aiming at the giant warrior Goliath, when they signed this petition. At the time they had only their own accumulated resolve, and faith in their God, that what they did that day would mean something. Their names should be remembered.

The 56 signatures on the Declaration appear in the positions indicated:

Georgia:
Button Gwinnett
Lyman Hall
George Walton

North Carolina:
William Hooper
Joseph Hewes
John Penn

South Carolina:
Edward Rutledge
Thomas Heyward, Jr.
Thomas Lynch, Jr.
Arthur Middleton

Massachusetts:
John Hancock

Maryland:
Samuel Chase
William Paca
Thomas Stone
Charles Carroll of Carrollton

Virginia:
George Wythe
Richard Henry Lee
Thomas Jefferson
Benjamin Harrison
Thomas Nelson, Jr.
Francis Lightfoot Lee
Carter Braxton

Pennsylvania:
Robert Morris
Benjamin Rush
Benjamin Franklin
John Morton
George Clymer
James Smith
George Taylor
James Wilson
George Ross

Delaware:
Caesar Rodney
George Read
Thomas McKean

New York:
William Floyd
Philip Livingston
Francis Lewis
Lewis Morris

New Jersey:
Richard Stockton
John Witherspoon
Francis Hopkinson
John Hart
Abraham Clark

New Hampshire:
Josiah Bartlett
William Whipple

Massachusetts:
Samuel Adams
John Adams
Robert Treat Paine
Elbridge Gerry

Rhode Island:
Stephen Hopkins
William Ellery

Connecticut:
Roger Sherman
Samuel Huntington
William Williams
Oliver Wolcott

New Hampshire:
Matthew Thornton

We should never forget what these 56 men did for us... especially today.

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More about the early "Presidents"

Continental Congress Presidents
During the course of its existence, the Continental Congress had seven men serve as its presiding officer; sometimes this earned them the title of President of the United States.

Really, the job of President of the Continental Congress was more of a premiership than a presidency. They had no special executive powers and this led to a big grey area. The question must be asked —Are they Presidents because they had the title or do they need to have the executive powers too?— to which an answer must inevitably be given: How should I know?. You decide.

Here is a list of the Presidents of the Continental Congress:

• Peyton Randolph was a Virginian revolutionary, elected as President of the Congress on 5 September, 1774. He resigned the next month to go back to Virginia for political purposes. He came back to Congress and on 10 May and was re-elected President. He left on 24 May again, and didn't return as President.
  
  
• Henry Middleton was a conservative South Carolinian who served as President for four days in-between the terms of Peyton Randolph. During his short tenure, however, Middleton managed to have an obsequious letter sent to King George on 22 October, 1774, before Congress dissolved itself. If you consider him to be a President of the US, he would hold the record for the shortest presidency (thus shoving Indiana's first President, William Henry Harrison, who died of a case of pneumonia he contracted at his inauguration, into second place).
  
  
• John Hancock was a Massachusetts man, and assumed the Presidency after Peyton Randolph left the office. Hancock served in the office from May 1775 to October 1777. During his time as President, he oversaw the adoption of the Declaration of Independence and its signing. His famous signature on the Declaration is what he is best known for. He also commissioned George Washington be Commander-in-Chief of the colonial forces. He would later serve as President of the United States in Congress Assembled from 1785 to 1786.
  
  
• Henry Laurens was a moderate South Carolina man, who owned one of the largest slave plantations in the state. He was a revolutionary leader in the Carolinas, though his state was among the most loyal to the King. He was elected to the Continental Congress, and after Hancock resigned, Laurens became its president in November 1777. During this time, he recognized Thanksgiving as a holiday and tried to help the Continental Army through its war as all good leaders should.
  
  
• John Jay was a prominent Federalist, later going on to contribute to the Federalist Papers with Alexander Hamilton and James Madison. He was elected as a delegate to the Continental Congress from New York in late 1778, and was made president of the body shortly after he arrived. He would go on to become the first Chief Justice of the Supreme Court of the United States of America.
  
  
• Samuel Huntington, a Connecticut man, was one of the first prominent revolutionaries to speak out against Britain. He was elected to the Continental Congress in 1775. He remained a delegate for a while, and was elected to its presidency in 1779. He was very popular in his state, and was actually elected to the Congress after his retirement in 1781, against his will. Some very pedantic people call him the First President of the United States, because he presided over Congress while the Articles of Confederation were ratified. After this, he was given the title of President of the United States in Congress Assembled. However, he never really took on any powers exceeding those of his predecessors.
  
  
• Thomas McKean was a Delaware man who must have liked titles. He held numerous posts throughout his life, and the title of President of the United States in Congress Assembled must have been one of his favourites. He was elected to the Congress in 1774 and became its President in 1781. He was one of those who helped draw up the Articles of Confederation.

Presidents Under the Articles
Eventually, a government was constructed, which gave the most power to the individual states instead of to the federal government. This government was outlined with the Articles of Confederation. It stood as the national authority in America from 1 March, 1781, when it was ratified by the states, until 1789, when the Federalists got the Constitution adopted officially. The Articles of Confederation weren't what the country needed. They didn't work well. This is one of the reasons that the Articles were replaced, and one reason why its presidents are largely forgotten.

Though most of the power was handed to the state governments under the Articles of Confederation, there was a national government which had an office of 'President'. Basically, the job of this man was not to do too much while also not letting the country fall apart. Officially, the man was 'President of a Committee of the States' or 'President of Congress of the United States, Assembled' (this depended on whether or not Congress was in session. The Committee of States, which allowed each state a delegate, was the government when Congress was out of session), and was only allowed a one-year term every three years.

He was given some executive powers, similar to those of the Constitutional Presidency, but on a much smaller scale. Presidents under the Articles of Confederation can therefore be considered presidents of the United States, only less powerful than the presidents we are familiar with.

• John Hanson (see yesterday's posting as well)
  To those who do not consider Presidents of the Continental Congress to be Presidents of the United States and Presidents of the Articles of Confederation to be the holders of that office, John Hanson was the first President of the United States. Some have devoted their lives to recognising the man as the first President. For instance there is a Presidential Museum in a small town in Ohio devoted to the man they consider to be the first President.
  
  Hanson was from Maryland. His state was extremely key to the adoption of the Articles of Confederation. It had refused to agree to them until New York and Virginia gave up claims to their western lands, as it felt that they would become too powerful with them. This was agreed to, and Maryland signed the Articles of Confederation. Shortly afterwards, the Congress unanimously elected John Hanson, who was one of their number and highly respected, as President. He took the office on 5 November, 1781.
  
  Hanson had to deal with an unruly group of soldiers who demanded payment and threatened to install George Washington as a monarch. The President dealt with this, and managed to avert rebellion. It was quite something to be proud of, really. He also ordered European nations out of America and established a system of government, complete with a Treasury Department, a Secretary of War and a State Department. Perhaps the greatest evidence that Hanson was the first president is that he established the Great Seal of the United States, which all following presidents have used on their documents.
  
  After one year, Hanson resigned the office, and assumed a relatively quiet life. He disliked the idea of a Constitution, and remained opposed to the Federalist ideals until his death in 1783.
  
  
• Elias Boudinot
  One of the most powerful revolutionaries in New Jersey, Elias Boudinot was born in 1740 in Philadelphia. He was one of the benefactors of Alexander Hamilton when Hamilton was a young immigrant. A lawyer and a highly religious man, Boudinot quickly established himself as one of the most powerful men in the colonies.
  
  He was elected to the New Jersey assembly in 1775, and helped promote enlistment into the army to fight Britain. In 1777, he was made Commissary General of Prisoners, and accordingly, he was made a Colonel. Later that year, he was made a Delegate to the Continental Congress, as well as being in charge of prisoners. In 1778, he resigned his prisoner post because its responsibilities barred him from attending Congress. He was re-elected to Congress in 1781, and was made President of Congress in 1782. During his term, the Treaty of Paris was signed, in which Britain recognised American independence. Some people put Boudinot down as the first President, arguing the US wasn't a true nation until Britain recognised its independence. His term as President ran out shortly after this was signed.
  
  After the Constitution was ratified, Boudinot was a Representative for the state of New Jersey in 1789. He served two more terms, and was appointed by George Washington as Director of the US Mint from 1795 - 1805. He was an excellent director, and produced the first coins in the history of the nation. He died in 1821.
  
  
• Thomas Mifflin
  Thomas Mifflin, born in 1744 in Philadelphia, was one of Pennsylvania's founding fathers. He went to the University of Pennsylvania, and then joined the legislature of his colony, before being elected to the Continental Congress in 1774. He worked for George Washington as an aide and then for the army in general. He was made a Major-General in 1777 and then a member of the Board of War. He rejoined the Congress in 1782, and was made its President in 1783. He also was the Speaker of the Pennsylvania House of Representatives and then a delegate to the Constitutional Convention.
  
  In 1788, Mifflin took an important state-wide post as President of the Supreme Executive Council of Pennsylvania. He also took a leading role in the State Constitutional Convention, making a Pennsylvania government based on the national government. Benefiting from the design he helped create, Mifflin was elected Governor of Pennsylvania and to the House of Representatives, until his death in 1800.
  
  
• Richard Henry Lee
  Richard Henry Lee was in fact the first Virginian President of the United States. His family was a noble one, and he fought in the French and Indian War on the British side. He returned home, and became a member of the Virginia House of Burgesses, becoming familiar with many of the great men who would become leaders in the Patriot cause during the American Revolution.
  
  In 1774, Lee was appointed to the First Continental Congress, and was one of its best speakers. He helped lead the Congress into declaring independence. He served in Congress throughout the war, while retaining his post in the House of Burgesses. In 1783, as one of the most senior members, he was made President of the Congress. Though he was opposed to the Federalist system of government, Lee took a post as a Senator in the new post-Constitution government. Interestingly, his descendant Robert E. Lee would become the leader of the Confederate forces during the Civil War.
  
  
• John Hancock
  For biographical information on John Hancock, see the above section on Presidents of Continental Congress.
  
  Hancock served as President under the Articles from 1785 - 1786. If you consider his earlier 'presidency' of the Continental Congress to be a true presidency, then the oft-repeated fact that Grover Cleveland was the only man to serve two non-consecutive terms is false.
  
  
• Nathaniel Gorham
  Nathaniel Gorham was a Massachusetts man from a normal family. In 1771, he was elected to the State Legislature and served in many, many state-wide offices during the Revolution. He was a delegate to the Constitutional Convention. In 1782, he was elected to Congress, and then again in 1785. In 1786, he earned the office of President of the Congress. He also helped Massachusetts ratify the US Constitution.
  
  Gorham fell from the heights of Massachusetts society after a financial mistake from buying land that led to his losing his fortune. He died in 1796.
  
  
• Arthur St Clair
  Arthur St Clair was born in 1736 in Scotland. If he were born today in Scotland, he would be ineligible for the Presidency of the USA under the Constitution. He served in the French and Indian War, retiring as a lieutenant. He gained experience with the frontier lands and worked for the British governor of Pennsylvania with the frontier lands the state controlled.
  
  During the American Revolution, St Clair backed the Patriots and held various administrative posts before being appointed as a colonel for the Continental Army. He was one of those who attacked Canada in 1775 and supported General Washington in the great victories of Trenton and Princeton. He was put in charge of Fort Ticonderoga, an important strategic location for the Americans to hold, but abandoned it. in 1785, Pennsylvania elected St Clair as a delegate to the Continental Congress, and he served as President of the Congress in 1787. After this, he was appointed Governor of the Northwest Territories and he worked on opening it up further to white settlers. St Clair saw quite a bit of Indian resistance because of the way he treated them.
  
  When the territory of Ohio tried to gain admittance to the Union, St Clair notoriously opposed its entrance as one state and hoped to have it split up, because that would help the waning Federalist party (which he backed) to maintain control of the Senate. Eventually, he lost most of his money and died in 1818. Ohio was admitted as one state.
  
  
• Cyrus Griffin
  Cyrus Griffin was the last President before the Constitution allowed George Washington to become America's first President. He was born in 1749 in Virginia and was a noteworthy lawyer of the Patriot cause. He took part in the Virginia state government and, in 1778, was elected as a delegate to the Continental Congress. He was elected as a member of the US Congress in 1787 was elected as its President in 1788 and served until the government was replaced the next year.
  
  

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Hanson: President before Washington

Since it is the week of our Nation's birthday, how's about a morning history lesson with your cup of joe?

John Hanson.

Ever heard of him in your history books?
Doubt you have.

Under the Articles of Confederation, John Hanson was elected President in 1781. Notice I did not say President of the United States of America?

Anyone remember the Articles of Confederation?

Here's some history of one of the forgotten men of US History, John Hanson:

He was the heir of one of the greatest family traditions in the colonies and became the patriarch of a long line of American patriots – his great-grandfather died at Lutzen beside the great King Gustavus Aldophus of Sweden; his grandfather was one of the founders of New Sweden along the Delaware River in Maryland; one of his nephews was the military secretary to George Washington; another was a signer of the Declaration; still another was a signer of the Constitution; yet another was Governor of Maryland during the Revolution; and still another was a member of the first Congress; two sons were killed in action with the Continental Army; a grandson served as a member of Congress under the new Constitution; and another grandson was a Maryland Senator. Thus, even if Hanson had not served as President himself, he would have greatly contributed to the life of the nation through his ancestry and progeny.

As a youngster he began a self-guided reading of classics and rather quickly became an acknowledged expert in the juridicalism of Anselm and the practical philosophy of Seneca – both of which were influential in the development of the political philosophy of the great leaders of the Reformation. It was based upon these legal and theological studies that the young planter – his farm, Mulberry Grove was just across the Potomac from Mount Vernon – began to espouse the cause of the patriots.

In 1775 he was elected to the Provincial Legislature of Maryland. Then in 1777, he became a member of Congress where he distinguished himself as a brilliant administrator. Thus, he was elected President in 1781. Was John Hanson the first President of the United States?

The new country was actually formed on March 1, 1781 with the adoption of The Articles of Confederation. This document was actually proposed on June 11, 1776, but not agreed upon by Congress until November 15, 1777. Maryland refused to sign this document until Virginia and New York ceded their western lands (Maryland was afraid that these states would gain too much power in the new government from such large amounts of land). Once the signing took place in 1781, a President was needed to run the country. John Hanson was chosen unanimously by Congress (which included George Washington). In fact, all the other potential candidates refused to run against him, as he was a major player in the Revolution and an extremely influential member of Congress.

As the first President, Hanson had quite the shoes to fill. No one had ever been President and the role was poorly defined. His actions in office would set precedent for all future Presidents. He took office just as the Revolutionary War ended. Almost immediately, the troops demanded to be paid. As would be expected after any long war, there were no funds to meet the salaries. As a result, the soldiers threatened to overthrow the new government and put Washington on the throne as a monarch. All the members of Congress ran for their lives, leaving Hanson running the government. He somehow managed to calm the troops and hold the country together. If he had failed, the government would have fallen almost immediately and everyone would have been bowing to King Washington.

Hanson, as President, ordered all foreign troops off American soil, as well as the removal of all foreign flags. This was quite a feat, considering the fact that so many European countries had a stake in the United States since the days following Columbus. Hanson established the Great Seal of the United States, which all Presidents have since been required to use on all official documents. President Hanson also established the first Treasury Department, the first Secretary of War, and the first Foreign Affairs Department. Lastly, he declared that the fourth Thursday of every November was to be Thanksgiving Day, which is still true today.

The Articles of Confederation only allowed a President to serve a one-year term during any three-year period, so Hanson actually accomplished quite a bit in such little time. He served in that office from November 5, 1781 until November 3, 1782. He was the first President to serve a full term after the full ratification of the Articles of Confederation – and like so many of the Southern and New England Founders, he was strongly opposed to the Constitution when it was first discussed. He remained a confirmed anti-federalist until his untimely death.

Six other presidents were elected after him:
Elias Boudinot (1783),
Thomas Mifflin (1784)
Richard Henry Lee (1785)
Nathan Gorman (1786)
Arthur St. Clair (1787)
Cyrus Griffin (1788)
All of these men served prior to Washington taking office.

Why don't we ever hear about the first seven Presidents of the United States? It's quite simple - The Articles of Confederation didn't work well. The individual states had too much power and nothing could be agreed upon. A new doctrine needed to be written - something we know as the Constitution.

Reference: "The Forgotten Presidents" by George Grant
(excerpted from "The Patriot's Handbook")

George Washington is recognized as the first President of the United States. And that is true; but he was first under the US Constitution. History has all but forgotten about the Articles of Confederation.

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Mitch's New TV Ads

This just in...

Mitch Daniels has some new ads hitting the airwaves. Thought I would pass them along for your viewing pleasure...

"About the future"


And...
"Better State"

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Varvel on the Obama's Smearing of McCain

From his blog:

When Gen. Wesley Clark speaks, people listen. And then they laugh at him. To say that John McCain was "riding in a fighter plane," makes it sound like he was a mere passenger on a Hillary Clinton flight to Bosnia under sniper fire. For heaven's sakes, there is a reason McCain can't lift his hands above his shoulders. He was tortured and survived five years in the Hanoi Hilton and when given the chance to go home, he refused until his men were also released. That is leadership. That is courage. That is service and sacrifice for the love of his country. If this doesn't qualify him for the leader of the free world, then what in the world has Obama done to trump it? Huh?

Originally posted at Hoosier Pundit

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