Kicking Off the New Year With a Little Run!

I told you an announcement was coming and here it is. I am throwing my hat in the ring and running for Floyd County Council in District 2. This is a big step outside my comfort zone and something I never thought would happen. I will need the support of all my friends to make this happen. I welcome all suggestions and advice and will take them to heart. Please join my Facebook page by clicking here.





I will also have a candidates web site that will be up soon. I have already heard from many of you and appreciate the encouragement. Please keep it up because this will be a long campaign. I want this process to be positive and energized. That means I need you to get involved. So, come on, let's get this thing started.

I wish you all a blessed and safe 2010. Thanks again, Danny

Save the SEAL Three!

Today, on December 7th, 2009 we are remembering the attack by the Japanese military 68 years ago on Pearl Harbor, an attack that got the United States involved in World War II. But today three of our Navy SEALs are in a court room fighting a court martial and for their very military lives.

Jed Babbin at Human Events tells us why (H/T to Erick Erickson of Red State):

two weeks ago, the three SEALs — Julio Huertas, Jonathan Keefe and Matthew McCabe — were part of a platoon from SEAL Team 10 that captured one of the most-wanted terrorists in Iraq, Ahmed Hashim Abed, in a nighttime raid on or about September 1. Abed is believed to be the man behind the barbaric March 2004 ambush of Blackwater security guards in which four were murdered, their bodies mutilated and then hung from a bridge in Fallujah.

The facts of the case are a bit muddy. According to a source close to the case who requested anonymity the SEALs captured Abed and transported him to a place where they surrendered him to Iraqi custody. He made no complaint of abuse before being turned over to the Iraqis. At some point after that, the SEALs reclaimed Abed who — though still technically in Iraqi custody — was taken back for further questioning, complaining of mistreatment. There was some blood on his clothing but it’s not clear when it appeared.

There is every reason to believe the SEALs are innocent. Chapter 18 of the Al Qaeda training manual released by the US Justice Department says that members must complain of torture and mistreatment inflicted on them.

American investigators became involved and, from that point, it’s apparent that lawyers were making decisions, and the commander at the top of the local food chain — MGen. Charles T. Cleveland — at first misunderstood his options and then pushed the matter far beyond the point at which it should have ended.

Last week, Congressman Dan Burton was on Fox News defending and fighting for the SEALs while explaining why this trial, this court martial, is a sham.

Help save the the SEALs. Sign this petition to send a message that you stand with the three Navy SEALs for defending America. Petition to Adm. Gary Roughead, Chief of Naval Operations to not court martial the SEAL three!

There is also a Facebook group you can join to the protest the prosecution of the SEAL three.

Limited Posting for the Near Future

Postings will be slim for a bit. An announcement to come sometime around the first of the year. Thanks for your loyal support.

Navy SEALs get busted for punching a terrorist?

OK, I admit I can't figure this one out. Our guys get busted for giving
a terrorist, who killed 4 of our guys, dragged their bodies through the
streets and then hung them from a bridge, a fat lip? And we believe him
because? Abusing a detainee? Oh please.
Here's the story from FOX,
http://www.foxnews.com/story/0,2933,576646,00.html
This is just another example of the difference in the way this
administration looks at the "War" on terror. First they wanted to
prosecute our CIA guys for "water-boarding" KSM and his ilk. Now they
want to frag our boys for thumpin' on the guy that led the raid that
killed four agents "transporting supplies for a catering company when
they were ambushed ... by gunfire and grenades. Insurgents burned the
bodies and dragged them through the city. They hanged two of the bodies
on a bridge over the Euphrates River for the world press to photograph."
Rather than punish these SEALs, they ought to give two weeks R&R in the
Med somewhere and then let them go back out and hunt terrorists - only
this time, don't bring them in alive.

Words of Wisdom: Wretchedness and Opression

As we sit on the edge of the greatest power grab in our nation's history, I feel that is important to look to our Founding Fathers for their wisdom. Never before have these words rang more true than in the day and time we live in now.

"We must not let our rulers load us with perpetual debt.
We must make our election between economy and liberty
or profusion and servitude.
If we run into such debt, as that we must be taxed in our meat and
in our drink, in our necessaries and our comforts, in our labors and
our amusements, for our calling and our creeds...
[we will] have no time to think,
no means of calling our miss-managers to account
but be glad to obtain subsistence by hiring ourselves
to rivet their chains on the necks of our fellow-sufferers...
And this is the tendency of all human governments.
A departure from principle in one instance
becomes a precedent for [another ]...
till the bulk of society is reduced to be mere automatons of misery...
And the fore-horse of this frightful team is public debt.
Taxation follows that, and in its train wretchedness and oppression."


Thomas Jefferson in a letter to Samuel Kercheval, Monticello, July 12, 1816

Creative Accounting...Pay for 10, Get 6

How can the Senate Health Care Bill come in at the magical number just under $850 billion? Check the fine print. With this bill, you also get the Enron accounting team. You see, the taxes and penalties start now and continue on the projected ten year model, but the benefits do not start till 2014. That's right, pay for 10 and get 6. But wait, there's more. The doctor's benefit for Medicaid has been taken out of this bill and moved to the general budget. The cost for this trick? $225 billion. Ahh the smoke and mirrors...and creative accounting.

HERE IT COMES: Regulating Free Speech on the Internet.

RePost from the POLITICO: "'TWITTER TO OVERHAUL USER LIST SEEN AS
PARTISAN,' by AP's Don Thompson: 'Social-networking site Twitter plans
to end a service that links prominent message posters with new users, a
service that was criticized in California because of perceived
unfairness toward GOP gubernatorial candidates. ... Names on the
suggested user list are selected by company officials. In California,
Democratic gubernatorial hopefuls were placed on the list, a move that
greatly boosted their number of followers. Republican candidates were
left off until recently. The difference in treatment drew outcries from
good government groups and contributed to a decision by the California
Fair Political Practices Commission to hold hearings next year. The
commission plans to examine whether it needs to regulate how campaigns
intersect with social media.'"

You had to see this coming. And, isn't it fitting that it's coming from
California-Home of Silicon Valley.

*hit, man! How do we get one of these jobs?

Here's a breakout of White house staff salaries for 2009 http://bit.ly/4118X4

Note Axe and Rahm are knockin' down some serious scratch. Not to mention a free trip to Asia.

Sent from my Verizon Wireless BlackBerry

Well, Now We've Gone and Done It!

Yes, we sold out to the cresting wave of Web 2.0.

It must have been that alcohol-induced haze that spread across the office last week. But we digress ...

ANNOUNCING A NEW FEATURE (Like using all CAPS really makes for any fanfare.)

Fellow Pols and Wannabe Crime-fighters, you can be added to the list of Hacks, Flacks, and Dumpster Divers who get email notification every time we post something. We're even starting to consistently alert all our social network accounts - Twitter, FB, LinkedIn, FriendFeed, Plurk, Plaxo and Live - when we post so you can stay up-to-date with all the news that's weird to print. And trust us, there's enough out there we can post at least once a week.

We'll also be blatantly re-Posting and re-Tweeting some of our co-conspirators stuff with shameless disregard for the copyright and intellectual property laws of the good ol' USA. (Got a problem with that? Call 1-555-883-7448)

DISCLAIMER: In our typical elitist manner, we will reserve the right to not add you to the list if we think you're a crank, or we just don't like you.

So give us a call at the HQ, or shoot us a tweet and we'll get your subscription started. You're already a few drinks behind.

Yours for a weirder world,
Gonz O. Defenestrater

This just in ...

@ByronYork of the Washington Examiner reports on Dems' slick fix for Doctor's who supported Healthcare Reform and cover for Members of Dem caucus in trouble back home for their vote. $210 billion of fiscal restraint, and another example of Pelosi et al playing fast and loose with the rules: http://bit.ly/14lVgf

And here you thought this was the crowd that offered "Change We Can Believe In"...

PS: Remember LA Dem Congressman Jefferson, the guy with a hundred grand in his freezer? I note with some humor the knucklehead just got 13 years in the "cooler" - what, with time off for good behavior, he could run for something in 2016! ...

PSS: and finally, a reminder. There are only 27 days until the valiant Golden Knights of the United States Military Academy at West Point take the field of honor to defeat the godless drunken sailors of the Naval Academy.

GO ARMY - Beat Navy!
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@mkhammer has the deets on doctored Palin pix

Fellow Flacks!
Ran across this twitbit on our fav moose-hunting-turned-globe-trotting-hottie-babe-pol-turned-best-selling-author (Courtesy of Mary Katherine Hamm):

"When will MSNBC (noted "real" news org) apologize for use of Palin photos well-known to be Photoshopped? http://bit.ly/1QxMGK"

Just can't get enough of that gal, eh! Oh, did we mention, the woman hunts moose.

Gotta love those gun-toting right-wingers

Sent from my Verizon Wireless BlackBerry

America on Trial

No surprises as the announcement came today. The justice department plans to bring the September 11th terrorists to New York to stand trial in a civilian court. This would be no big deal if these were ordinary thugs accused of purse snatching or DUI. These are not ordinary thugs. These are hardened terrorists that have all admitted that they planned and executed the events on that dark day. They have asked to be martyred so they can meet their virgins. They have no defense.

Now they will be given rights and privileges, the same as American citizens. They will plead the 5th amendment. They will push for a speedy trial. They will make a mockery of our systems and will tear open wounds of the survivors and families that desperately need to heal.

Their fate is sealed. This trial will not be so much about them as it will be about the previous administration's ideals and practices to receive intelligence from the terrorists. The attorneys will mull the so called "torture" techniques. They will accuse American officials of over reaching and will put on the black board all of our ways of gaining information. All terrorists will learn valuable information on how to beat the interrogations. This will end badly. This will give America a black eye. This will become a three ring media circus.

All this for a terror leader that has pleaded guilty and expressed his wishes to die. All this for a trial that can and should be tried in a military court. All this from an administration that still blames America for the world's troubles.

This Just In...Baron Votes in Favor of Tyranny

The results are in on the late night vote for the so called "health care" bill and it is no surprise. Baron Hill rode the fence as long as he could, but in the end bowed to pressure from Madame Pelosi and voted yes. After some goodies were added to sweeten the deal for those wavering on the vote, the total for the bill reached $1.4 trillion over ten years. John Yarmuth also voted yes. The final tally was 220 for and 215 against. Five votes, just five votes for a bill that Baron could have killed in committee. It is a sad day for this country and our descendants. If this blatant power grab passes the Senate, our government will control about 15% of our nation's economy. Please contact your senators without delay. Remind them of last Tuesday's elections and what the future holds for them if they continue this madness. One final comment... Run Mike, Run.

Today is the Day

A big health care vote maybe? The release of the "G.I. Joe" movie on Blue Ray? Try this on for size...the CBO announced that the nation's debt will zoom past $11.9 trillion today. Oh yeah, trillion with a "T". It will hit $12 trillion by year's end. How much longer can the dollar stand against this full on assault? How much longer will the people sleep before they rise up? Well, today is also the off year election day. Today is the first judgement day of Obama's policies. Look for the message to be loud and clear.

Ocular Penetration Act of 2007

Seriously, this is funny. I wonder if this is actually a part of Health Care

Reform. If not, it should be! Nah, just a joke.

Check it out on YouTube here

PeloBamaCare: And the magic number is ...

111. That's the number of new government agencies that get created. Get the whole list here:

http://bit.ly/1PNikB

Million new jobs created, huh? Guess where they all get created? Yep, you got it, Mr & Mrs America. Federal Government.
Sent from my Verizon Wireless BlackBerry

Hoosier Hysteria

This post won't matter much to the "Progressives" that sometimes read here, but I believe there is still something to be said for New Albany beating Jeff on the hardwood. I love this time of year and all the history and tradition that goes with basketball in Indiana. I hope you enjoy...



The echoes from the hardwood
and the cheers from the rafters

The championship banners that hang
for generations after

The dreams of the future
in a little boy's stare

The thoughts of a March run
in the cold November air

The practice and pride
and screaming are for a reason...

Once again in Indiana
it is basketball season.


Good luck and I hope your team does well.

Hoosier Access on Grayson

Alan Grayson is Nuts!

 

And we thought that there was nothing entertaining in politics anymore!

More On Executive Orders

Next on the list of JFK signed executive orders is number 11002. This one is not so covert. It plainly states that the U.S. Post office will have the power to register people for "readiness" under the newly developed FEMA. There is even a few lines about cooperation between the post office and the Department of Defense. This particular order can be used and misused in so many ways. Do you think the national I.D. is far fetched? Why do we get our passports at the post office? Here is the text:

Executive Order 11002
ASSIGNING EMERGENCY PREPAREDNESS FUNCTIONS TO THE POSTMASTER GENERAL
By virtue of the authority vested in me as President of the United States, including authority vested in me by Reorganization Plan No. 1 of 1958 (72 Stat. 1799), it is hereby ordered as follows:

SECTION 1. Scope. The Postmaster General shall assist in the development of a national emergency registration system. These plans and programs shall be designed to develop a state of readiness in this area with respect to all conditions of national emergency including attack upon the United States.

SEC. 2. Cooperation with Department of Defense. In consonance with national civil defense plans, programs, and operations of the Department of Defense under Executive Order No. 10952, the Postmaster General shall:

(a) Registration system. Assist in planning a national program and developing technical guidance for States, and directing Post Office activities concerned with registering persons and families for the purpose of receiving and answering welfare inquiries, and reuniting families in civil defense emergencies. The program shall include:
1. Forms. Procurement, transportation, storage, and distribution of safety notification and emergency change of address cards in quantities and localities jointly determined by the Department of Defense and the Post Office Department.
2. Training. Conduct of training programs for postal employees which will enable them to operate emergency central postal directories and to assist in the operation of a national emergency registration system including support of local welfare activities in reuniting families.

(b) Damage assessment. Maintain a capability to assess the effects of attack on its postal service and resources, both at national and field levels, and provide data to the Department of Defense.
SEC. 3. Functional Guidance.The Postmaster General, in carrying out the functions assigned in this order, shall be guided by the following:
(a) Interagency cooperation. The Postmaster General shall work with the heads of other agencies concerned in the development of systems outlined above. He shall utilize to the maximum those capabilities of other agencies qualified to perform or assist in the performance of assigned functions by contractual or other agreements.
(b) Presidential coordination. The Director of the Office of Emergency Planning shall advise and assist the President in determining policy for, and assist him in coordinating the performance of functions under this order with the total national preparedness program.

(c) Emergency planning. Emergency plans and programs, and emergency organization structures required thereby, shall be developed as an integral part of the continuing activities of the Post Office Department on the basis that it will have the responsibility for carrying out such programs during an emergency. The Postmaster General shall be prepared to implement all appropriate plans developed under this order. Modifications and temporary organizational changes, based on emergency conditions, shall be in accordance with policy determination by the President.

SEC. 4. Emergency Actions. Nothing in this order shall be construed as conferring authority under Title III of the Federal Civil Defense Act of 1950, as amended, or otherwise, to put into effect any emergency plan, procedure, policy, program, or course of action prepared or developed pursuant to this order. Such authority is reserved to the President.
SEC. 5. Redelegation. The Postmaster General is hereby authorized to redelegate within the Post Office Department the functions hereinabove assigned to him.

SEC. 6. Prior Actions. To the extent of any inconsistency between the provisions of any prior order and the provisions of this order, the latter shall control. Emergency Preparedness Order No. 9 (heretofore issued by the Director, Office of Civil and Defense Mobilization) (26 F.R. 661-662), is hereby revoked.

JOHN F. KENNEDY
THE WHITE HOUSE, February 16, 1962.

Public Option? What's that?

Phillip Klein piece on what the public knows about the "Public Option"... This ain't your parents health care, or is it energy policy? Restroom reform? Buehler? Buehler?

Read it here: http://spectator.org/blog/2009/10/15/the-public-option-thats-a-heav

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Real Clear Politics: Stu Rothenberg piece on why Dems are really in trouble for 2010.

Excellent piece on the battlespace for 2010 mid-term Congressional Elections.

This is going to be fun to watch! We'll need to get the Blender tuned-up and renew our ice contract w/Mr. Ice... Yeah, Baby.

Read it here: http://www.realclearpolitics.com/articles/2009/10/20/_landscape_shift_means_more_trouble_for_house_democrats_98790.html

Sent from my Verizon Wireless BlackBerry

Joe Trippi piece on Twitter - worth the read.

Get it here: http://bit.ly/22hYzm

Ever wonder why the no good deed goes unpunished? Joe tells us about the dust up @Twitter. Interesting read.
Sent from my Verizon Wireless BlackBerry

What's Next? Life after Facebook? The next Big Thing-WaPo reports...

What's next? Is Facebook dead? Can there be life on this planet without Twitter?

Read more: http://tinyurl.com/yg82boq

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States Grapple with campaigning in the Brave New Web 2.0 World - AP report.

Fellow Dumpster Divers,

It was bound to happen sooner or later.
Follow the link:
http://apnews.myway.com/article/20091018/D9BDO4O80.html
Sent from my Verizon Wireless BlackBerry

Obama Should Cancel Columbus Day

Why are we still celebrating this ridiculous holiday? I say Obama should abolish it and fine or imprison anyone that dares to continue with this madness. No more furniture sales. No more discounts on appliances. I will give you three good reasons why I feel this way.

1. Columbus left Europe...(why would anyone do that?)

2. He was looking for a better trade route...(obviously a free market capitalist.)

3. He found America...(the country that is solely responsible for all the wars that ever happened, global warming, guns and Glenn Beck.)

This guy is everything a liberal is not. He was creative. He was driven. Heck, he even had courage. So, let's stop this insane holiday already. We can throw this one out the window and create one for, umm, I don't know? Bastille Day?

Executive Orders and the Freedoms They Trample

Today I begin a series of posts about Executive Orders, those sneaky little mandates put forward by our presidents, that trample and trod all over our freedoms and liberty. The orders come from presidents of all political stripe and no punches will be pulled. I do not wish to add any conspiracy theory to these posts. However, I will give my own commentary as well as the actual wording of the order from a qualified source. Here we go:

February 16, 1962 was a busy time for John F. Kennedy. He signed eleven executive orders on that day and one on the 14th. These deal with FEMA and the powers conveyed to that agency. Today we look at order number 11000.

ASSIGNING EMERGENCY PREPAREDNESS FUNCTIONS TO THE SECRETARY OF LABOR
SECTION 1. Scope. The Secretary of Labor (hereinafter referred to as the Secretary) shall prepare national emergency plans and develop preparedness programs covering civilian manpower mobilization, more effective utilization of limited manpower resources including specialized personnel, wage and salary stabilization, worker incentives and protection, manpower resources and requirements, skill development and training, research, labor-management relations, and critical occupations. These plans and programs shall be designed to develop a state of readiness in these areas with respect to all conditions of national emergency, including attack upon the United States.

SEC. 2. Functions. The Secretary shall:

(a) Civilian manpower mobilization. Develop plans and issue guidance designed to utilize to the maximum extent civilian manpower resources, such plans and guidance to be developed with the active participation and assistance of the States and local political subdivisions thereof, and of other organizations and agencies concerned with the mobilization of the people of the United States. Such plans shall include, but not necessarily be limited to:

(1) Manpower management. Recruitment, selection and referral, training, employment stabilization (including appeals procedures), proper utilization, and determination of the skill categories critical to meeting the labor requirements of defense and essential civilian activities.

(2) Priorities. Procedures for translating survival and production urgencies into manpower priorities to be used as guides for allocating available workers.

(3) National guidance. Technical guidance to States for the utilization of the nationwide system of public employment offices and other appropriate agencies for screening, recruiting, and referring workers, and for other appropriate activities to meet mobilization and civil defense needs in each community.

(4) Improving mobilization base. Programs for more effective utilization of limited manpower resources, and in cooperation with other appropriate agencies, programs for recruitment, training, allocation, and utilization of persons possessing specialized competence or aptitude in acquiring such competence.

(b) Wage and salary stabilization. Develop plans and procedures for wage and salary stabilization and for the national and field organization necessary for the administration of such a program in an emergency, including investigation, compliance and appeals procedures; statistical studies of wages, salaries and prices for policy decisions and to assist operating stabilization agencies to carry out their functions.

(c) Worker incentives and protection. Develop plans and procedures for wage and salary compensation and death and disability compensation for authorized civil defense workers and, as appropriate, measures for unemployment payments, re-employment rights, and occupational safety, and other protection and incentives for the civilian labor force during an emergency.

(d) Resources. Periodically assess manpower resources in total, by specific skills categories and occupations, and by geographical locations, in order to estimate availability under an emergency situation, analyze resource estimates in relation to estimated requirements in order to identify problem areas, and develop appropriate recommendations and programs. Provide data and assistance before and after attack for national resource evaluation purposes of the Office of Emergency Planning.

(e) Requirements. Develop, in coordination with manpower-usage agencies, plans, procedures and standards for presenting claims for civilian manpower, periodically obtain and analyze or make estimates of requirements for manpower, in total and by specific skill categories and occupations currently and for any emergency, taking into account the estimates of needs for military and civilian purposes; and advise other agencies on the manpower implications of alternative program decisions. Such evaluation shall take into consideration the geographical distribution of requirements under emergency conditions.

(f) Claimancy. Prepare plans to claim materials, equipment, supplies and services needed in support of assigned responsibilities and other essential functions of the Department from appropriate agencies and work with such agencies in developing programs to insure the availability of such resources in an emergency.

(g) Skill development and training. Initiate current action programs to overcome or offset present or anticipated manpower deficiencies including those identified as a result of resources and requirements studies.

(h) Labor-management relations. Develop, after consultation with the Department of Commerce, the Department of Defense, the National Labor Relations Board, the Federal Mediation and Conciliation Service, the National Mediation Board, and other appropriate agencies and groups including representatives of labor and management, plans and procedures including organization plans for the maintenance of effective labor-management relations during a national emergency.

(i) Damage assessment. Maintain a capability to assess the effects of attack upon manpower resources, departmental installations, and State Employment Security agencies, both at national and field levels, and provide data to the Department of Defense.

(j) Critical occupations. Develop and maintain a list of critical occupations for use, when appropriate, with lists of essential activities as developed by the Department of Commerce. With the Secretary of Defense, the Director of Selective Service System, and such other persons as the President may designate, the Secretary shall develop policies applicable to the deferment of registrants whose employment in occupations or activities is necessary to the maintenance of the national health, safety, or interest.

SEC. 3. Research. Within the framework of Federal research objectives, supervise or conduct research directly concerned with carrying out emergency preparedness responsibilities, designate representatives for necessary ad hoc or task force groups, and provide advice and assistance to other agencies in planning for research in areas involving the Departments interest.

SEC. 4. Functional Guidance. The Secretary, in carrying out the functions assigned in this order, shall be guided by the following:

(a) Interagency cooperation. The Secretary shall assume the initiative in developing over-all civilian manpower mobilization programs and in coordinating the programs of other departments and agencies which have responsibility for any segment of such activities. I shall utilize to the maximum those capabilities of other agencies qualified to perform or assist in the performance of assigned functions by contractual or other agreements. Such programs shall be in consonance with national civil defense plans, programs and operations of the Department of Defense under Executive Order No. 10952.

(b) Presidential coordination. The Director of the Office of Emergency Planning shall advise and assist the President in determining policy for, and assist him in coordinating the performance of functions under this order with the total national preparedness program.

(c) Emergency planning. Emergency plans and programs, and emergency organization structure required thereby, shall be developed as an integral part of the continuing activities of the Department of Labor on the basis that it will have the responsibility for carrying out such programs during an emergency. The Secretary shall be prepared to implement all appropriate plans developed under this order. Modifications and temporary organizational changes, based on emergency conditions, will be in accordance with policy determination by the President.

SEC. 5. Emergency Actions. Nothing in this order shall be construed as conferring authority under Title III of the Federal Civil Defense Act of 1950, as amended, or otherwise, to put into effect any emergency plan, procedure, policy, program or course of action prepared or developed pursuant to this order. Such authority is reserved to the President.

SEC. 6. Redelegation. The Secretary is hereby authorized to redelegate within the Department of Labor the functions hereinabove assigned to him.

SEC. 7. Prior Actions. To the extent of any inconsistency between the provisions of any prior order and the provisions of this order, the latter shall control. Emergency Preparedness Order No. 8 (heretofore issued by the Director, Office of Civil and Defense Mobilization) (26 F.R. 660-661), is hereby revoked.

JOHN F. KENNEDY
THE WHITE HOUSE,
February 16


As you can see, this order is fairly well involved and full of legal jargon. This was the Vietnam era and I am sure this will be the argument of the naysayers. However, this order is still in effect. This order allows the Secretary of Labor to seize, move and utilize labor (people) as they see fit for the "defense" of the country. Wage and price controls are brought up as well as necessary skills and jobs. What are those skill and jobs? Will computer programmers be whisked away to an undisclosed location in a time of national emergency? Will wages be frozen in a time of disaster? If this seems far fetched, ask the upper management of some companies that are now under the wage control of the federal government.

As stated earlier, I am not trying to stir conspiracies. I am simply trying to show how the government can snatch our freedom bit by bit until there is little left. More to come on these orders soon.

Ramblings About Priorities and Hypocrisy

In a whirlwind week, the president shows the world where his priorities lie. In a trip to Copenhagen, darkened by the $1.2 million in fuel for two planes, Obama will try to woo the Olympic Committee into giving Chicago the 2016 games. Yes, I said two planes, one for him and one for his wife. Carbon footprint be damned. Did you know the White House has an Olympic office? Oh yeah, let's not call the chairperson a Czar, but they have an unspecified budget...of taxpayer money.

Meanwhile, General McChrystal waits for an answer from his boss. No hurry mind you. The General has only talked to Obama once in 70 days. All the while, 43 soldiers have died in Afghanistan since he asked for more boots on the ground. Remember a year ago while Obama was campaigning? I thought he said something about a policy of reinforcing the war in Afghanistan?

Back in D.C., the lawmakers continue to push for a budget busting health care bill that is more about insurance than actual health care. I am actually glad the president is out of the country right now. If I had to listen to the 89th speech on this issue, I would poke a knitting needle through my eardrums.

Now for a bit of good news: The Supreme Court has agreed to hear another gun case that argues the issue of cities and states restricting gun ownership. NO, they can't (see D.C. case). This stems from Chicago's ban on gun ownership. I think I recall an amendment to the Constitution, oh yeah the 14th one, that states if there is a law or right contained in the Constitution, states and cities cannot make a law that undermines that right. Slam dunk on this one. The only real question is if the new Justice will remove herself?

Indoctrination At Its Worst

mmm, mmm, mmm...Barack Hussein Obama.

This filth is from a school district in New Jersey. Hat tip to Dave.

Khadafi Has Best Idea of the Week

In his rambling and incoherent speech to the United Nations, Libyan leader Momar Khadafi (does anyone really know how to spell his name?) managed one little gem in a sea of blabbering. He suggested to the world that the United Nations should move its headquarters from New York City to Libya to save on the cost of travel and to reduce pollution from the posh jets that the world's elite fly in. Hmm...move the U.N. to Libya? Brilliant. Of course, I would have said the same thing if Chavez had wanted to move the corrupt, ineffective and incompetent association to his back yard. Move it anywhere, anywhere but here. While we are at it, let's also stop contributing millions of dollars of tax payer money to the U.N. Do these two things and see just how long this organization exists or turns into a playground for despot regimes. Well, maybe that is a bad example.

I Suppose It Has Come To This

The past two week's covers may be the final nail in the coffin of print media.

Is This What the Media Has Become?

Newsweek Cover for September 14, 2009.

Not to fear everyone...if your baby really is racist, Obamacare will pay for years of therapy and psych drugs to turn the little one into a mush for brains "normal" American that does not question his big brother government.

Indiana's Voter ID Law Struck Down

Follow this link to Hoosier Access for the story. ACORN strikes again.

"Racist" Charge Replaces "Global Warming" in Left's Blame Game

Oh, the good ole days. Remember those? Remember when Al Gore would spit venom towards SUV drivers and hog farmers while on his forty foot houseboat? Global warming was his cry! It became comical almost instantly because of the over use of the phrase. It all went something like this: Hurricane Katrina was caused by global warming. The tsunami in the far east...global warming. Drought? Flood? High winds? It has to be global warming. But, the lunatic left did not stop there. Even as the summer of 2009 was recorded as the coolest in decades, that too was blamed on global warming.

Now, with a new president, the old rant of global warming causes male pattern baldness seems to be out like Adam Lambert, errr I mean like those darn gas guzzlers. The new moniker is "racist." That's right, you are a racist! You might as well accept it, deal with it and get over it because you are a true blue, down to the bone, bred for generations, former slave owning, keep the black man down RACIST. Unless, of course, you are a liberal and agree with everything that comes from the mouth of Obama. Then you are a great American. Jimmy Carter says the debate is not really about health care. The problem is that conservatives cannot bring themselves to accept a black man if the office. How dare you call Obama on his budget busting plan to insure every living thing, to use your tax money to pay for abortion on demand and to give the elderly the chance to argue why they should live before a bureaucratic panel. You are a racist! You questioned Obama's choice for the Supreme Court because she said the appeals court is where law is made? You, my friend, are a racist. Never mind that Hillary Clinton championed dissent during W's terms. Never mind that Senator Byrd was in the KKK. Forget all about it folks...you are racist.

Male pattern baldness in conservatives? That's because they are racist.

I don't care what you think of Obama...

But whoever wrote that speech deserves a huge raise and POTUSBO deserves credit fir delivering it almost flawlessly. In response, GOP offers up Boustany? And we wonder why we're not getting "tone on target"?
Sent from my Verizon Wireless BlackBerry

Boehner lip locks Pelosi

My Gawd, there is hope for humanity. John Boehner just gave Pelosi a friendly lip smack. Your humble Dumpster Diver believes that these knuckleheads need to make more love, not war.

Ah, blender awaits. Celebratory cocktails are in order.
Sent from my Verizon Wireless BlackBerry

joshgillespie: RT @smoothupJoe: "Don't expect

joshgillespie: RT @smoothupJoe: "Don't expect to build up the weak by pulling down the strong." Calvin Coolidge

RT @rickwilson. @joshgillespie yep, and

RT @rickwilson. @joshgillespie yep, and what's good for GM is good for America. Just ask the Congress #bailout

Grant Line Elementary Will NOT Broadcast Obama

I had the chance this evening to talk with Mr. Lang, the principal at Grant Line Elementary where I have three students attending. He assured me that the school will not be showing the attempted indoctrination of our youth (my words, not his) next Tuesday. This came as a great relief to me as I was prepared to take a day off of work and keep my children home so they would not be exposed to this thinly veiled attempt at brainwashing.

Have you contacted your children's elementary school? You can opt out of this ridiculous show. You can and should stand up for your sovereign rights as the ultimate educator of your children.

Baron to Hold Town Hall...Sort of

Baron Hill will hold a town hall style meeting before returning to his hometown of Washington D.C. The meeting will be held at I.U.S. on August 31 from 6:30 to 7:30. The email announcing the news was circulated among the democrat faithful and big donors. You see, there is limited space available and one must reserve a seat. Sounds more like a political rally than a town hall meeting. I wonder if they will pass the plate for donations? The email never mentions what will be discussed, but one has to figure health care will be the main focus. I have never heard of a town hall lasting only an hour either. I expect the hall to be filled with libs encouraging our fence riding congressman to heap more taxes on our children and grandchildren and for the conservatives to be out on the sidewalk carrying signs and protesting. Ah, life in the 9th district.

If You Can't Win the Game, Change the Rules

Senator Kennedy has passed. He was a powerful man. He came from an era and from a family of politicians that made things happen. So it is no surprise that back in 2004 when his partner in crime, er I mean in the senate, John Kerry was a contender for the presidency, he pushed for a change in Massachusetts' law. The previous law stated that the governor was the one that appointed a replacement if a senator, such as Kerry becoming president, could not serve out their term. Problem was that the governor of that liberal cess pool was a Republican, Mitt Romney. The liberals, led by Teddy, knew that ole Mitt would put an evil conservative in Kerry's old seat should he take up residence at 1600 Pennsylvania Ave. So, the law was changed by the state legislature. Now a replacement would be decided by a special election that would take five months to complete. Kerry lost and the point was moot...until last week. Ted Kennedy, apparently knowing his end was near, lobbied to have the law changed back. You see, the governor now is a Democrat. Now, with liberals poll numbers falling like the Red Sox playing the Yankees, they don't like the rules. Now they want to change it back. The present governor has even said he would sign the bill as soon as it gets to his desk. Heaven forbid the citizens of that state have a voice in their next senator. But hey, if you can't win with your own rules...just change them till you can.

CFW Walk For Life

The annual Walk For Life that benefits Choices For Women will be held Saturday, September 19 at 10:00 am . The event will start from the organization's offices at 2019 E. Spring St. in New Albany. Please go to their website for more details. www. choicesforwomen.org/partners.

In this day and time, with all the talk of socialized medicine, with mandated abortions and end of life counseling, let's all do our part to protect life.

Defining Problem in American Politics:

James Carville, speaking on CNN's 'State of the Union,' about Dem strategy against Republicans: 'Put a bill out there, make them filibuster it, make them be what they are, the party of no. ... Let them kill it. Let them kill it with the interest group money, then run against them. That's what we ought to do.'

It is precisely because of this kind of advice from full-time professional political hacks that pols aren't thinking about the next generation. Hell, they're not even thinking about the next decade. All they can think about is the next election.

Just remember that when we're all wondering what happened to this once great country. Where have all the Statesmen gone?

Now, I have seen it all... In 140 characters or less.

On road + just rec'd email entitled ''Is Obama the Antichrist?''

I didn't vote for the guy, but for the love of Ohio, the antichrist?

+++++++++++++++++++++++++++

I am old enough to remember a time when you could agree to disagree on policy without personalities.

+++++++++++++++++++++++++++

B/t polar opposite Left/Right lays vast ''silent majority'' of hard working America. U know, ones who don't get bail out, or tax breaks, or call POTUS the antichrist.

Courier Journal Leaves Schansberg Out

The Sunday edition arrived at the end of my driveway the same as it always does. The news was bad, the opinions liberal and the weather cool. Right on the front page was a picture of our congressman, Baron Hill, with the headline "GOP eyes run against Rep. Hill." There is plenty of talk about Mike Sodrel and the two newcomers that are running. Scott Fluhr of the Hoosier Pundit even chimes in with various reasons why the two newbies cannot win. The main one? Name recognition. Todd Young and Travis Hankins don't have it. They are both bright young men and qualified candidates, but lack of money and name recognition are holding them back.

Now, I do know of a man that is very well qualified and has name recognition due to his previous campaigns. His name is Eric Scahnsberg. See, you have heard the name. Well, he belongs to a political party that the CJ does not recognize... the Libertarian Party. Maybe you have not heard of them? Trust me, in the next few election cycles you will hear plenty about the party and from the candidates. Mr. Schansberg is an economics professor which is far better than a lawyer in my books. This may be the time when Eric propels himself and his cause into the spotlight. Will he win? The pundits say no way. Will he get his message out? You betcha.

"Nothing"

Careful What You Wish For

Things are looking good in liberal la-la land. Life is good for the big government types and socialist sympathizers. Ah, but be careful what you wish for. Mid term elections are about sixteen months away.

The democrats have secured their coveted 60 seats in the Senate. Norm Coleman gave up the fight and sent funny man Al Franken to the Hill. Be careful what you wish for. All policies clearly now belong to the democrats and the President. There is no one else to blame for the expenses, off the rails spending and bureaucrat busting behemoths like socialized medicine.

Sotomayor looks like a lock for the high court. But, be careful what you wish for. This is a woman that repeated several times that a Latino woman with her experiences could come to better decisions than an experienced white man. Most of the high profile decisions that she has been a part of have been sent back to her court. Wait a minute....aren't most of the members of the Senate and the House older, experienced white men? Careful!

Hold on to your band aids, America. Here comes government run health care. Is anyone really wishing for this one? Scan the globe for other places far and wide that have given the ole socialized medicine a go. You will find no innovation, no profit and no cutting edge care. What you will find is long waiting periods for procedures, more paperwork than the closing of a home mortgage and a shortage of qualified workers in the medical field. But, if you reside in the Senate or House you can just keep the coverage you currently have.

Seems like the ultimate wish list is being checked off one by one. Sometimes things are not always as they seem. I have always heard to be careful what you wish for, and for the ones that voted for this man... you are about to get it.

Odds and Ends and Back Bends

OK people, little league is finished for the summer. A lot has happened in the world and even in our little corner since my last post. I will touch on the high lites as I see them and then you can commence to your disagreements.



Iran in turmoil: In a way, I can see how the president would like to stay out of this mess. He argues that Iran will turn our meddling into a call for regime change and bolster hard liners. I get that. But, for me, the stakes are much higher. Let's face it, none of the three candidates are saints. One may not be much better than the other. However, peaceful demonstrations cannot be thwarted. All people have the right to disagree with their government. This is even more true in a country where the government is totalitarian and ran by a religious figure, not the president. The U.S. should call for a new election that has oversight from a neutral entity. It would be more than a gesture. We would gain much respect from the young, freedom loving generation that is speaking out over there.



FDA takes on cigarettes: I saw this one coming like a change up at the ballpark. This power grab will pave the road to government oversight of everything we do. Couple this with socialized medicine and you have the recipe for big brother telling you what you can eat, what you can do and what you can drive. They know what is best, right?

Kentucky Senate says no to slots: You can't legislate morality, but you can save an industry that is in desperate need of a level playing field. This news is great for Southern Indiana and terrible for Louisville and the state of Kentucky. Why do most folks go to the track anyway? For the fresh air of course. Kentucky Republicans get another one wrong and Indiana comes out smelling like the roses on the first Saturday in May.

A Czar is Born...

The administration of Barack Obama has announced the hiring of a "Pay Czar" to oversee the salaries of companies that took bailout money. I had not heard of this position before now and I decided to take a look at the "Czars of Obama." The term czar is an antiquated word that has been bestowed on various contributors through the years, but never like what is happening now. Washington has seen its share of Drug Czars and even the occasional Compliance Czar. Well hang on tight beltway, this list is long and growing. Where shall we start?

Pay Czar: Kenneth Feinberg

Urban Affairs Czar: Adolfo Carrion, Jr.

Drug Czar: Gil Kerlikowske

Stimulus Accountability Czar: Earl Devaney

New TARP Czar: Herb Allison

Infotech Czar: Vivek Kundra

Terrorism Czar: John Brennan

Health Reform Czar: Nancy-Ann DeParle

Nuclear Non-proliferation Czar: Gary Samore

Faith-based Czar: Joshua DuBois

Stimulus Accountability Czar: Earl Devaney

And the funniest one of all...

Guantanamo Closure Czar: Daniel Fried.

Did I leave anyone out? Anyone else want a well paid, cushy job? This scenario reminds me of a nursery rhyme that told a story about all the king's horses and and the kings men...but this time, America is the egg.

Is GM the New Amtrak?

In the world of bailouts and high priced subsidies, the government takeover of America's largest automaker is really no surprise. Most economists put the taxpayer's stake somewhere in the 60 to 70% range. GM announced today the sale of Saturn to Penske Automotive for less than $200 million and the sale of Hummer to a Chinese company for an undisclosed amount. The initial amount of GM's bailout was $25 billion. It has grown since then and the company may need as much as another $50 billion to make a go of it. That Saturn deal looks like chump change now.

This week, GM's vice president blamed a lot of their misery on "Legacy" costs. That is the term used for retiree pensions and health care. I am not a big union man, but the UAW is not the major factor in this scenario. You see, all three of the American based car companies have these costs. Some just prepared for them better than others. If you hire a person, agree to pay them a certain amount, agree to pay them a pension and health care, then you can't claim that a cost of doing business that you knew about from day one is your downfall. GM was way too fat and lazy.

Now we shall all see what will become of this rusty ole giant. I see years and years of subsidizing a company that can't turn a profit, like Amtrak, and the government forcing it to make products that won't sell. Add to that the crazy fuel mileage standards and ethanol quotas that play in the market and you have a recipe for disaster. I read today in the June issue of National Geographic that "The corn used to make a 25 gallon tank of ethanol would feed one person for a year." Really? GM's answer is the Volt. The Volt is a plug in electric car that will have an MSRP of $40,000, a range of 40 miles and a replacement cost of batteries at a reported $6000 each. You think that car is going to save this company? No chance. I will be putting my money on Ford because of their foresight and management style. I am sure General Motors will be around for a long time, but it will likely be propped up with your money and the CEO will in Washington D.C.

It's a Big Tent, But It's Not That Big

The term "Big Tent" has been used for some time now, but recently the meaning has taken on new life. In the good ole days of the conservative movement, the big tent idea meant that the hawks found room for the isolationist and the free market gurus scooted over for the hands on fed types. These days it seems that some want the tent so big that there would be no need for the dang thing because we include everyone.

Case in point, Colin Powell. General Powell is an intelligent man with a distinguished background, but he is not a Republican. Sure, he calls himself one, but true conservatives know that he simply is not. We have known it for a while with no skin off the knee, but now Mr. Powell wants control of this party. He wants to move it to the warmed over middle and beyond. He wants a huge tent. A look at the history of General Powell will show you that he voted for JFK, Carter and Obama. Conservatives raise your hand if you did the same. Anyone? Aren't you supposed to support the candidate of the party that you belong to? Apparently not. I believe his idea of moving the party to the left is a ploy to cripple it beyond repair.

Second case, Tom Ridge. The pro-choice former governor of Pennsylvania has ruled out a run against another lifetime politician Arlen Specter. But, what he has done is to publicly disagree with the voice of the Republican party, Dick Cheney. Ridge said two weeks ago that waterboarding is no longer an issue and that release of memos on interrogation techniques by Obama have not made the country less safe. One other Republican agrees with that (see above). Reports have Ridge positioning himself for a possible White House run in 2012. The only problem with that is he is mirroring Obama on many issues. So in a battle between Obama and Obama Lite, who do you choose?



I of course have strong feelings when it comes to the conservative movement, mainly because I am a strong conservative. This tent we are under is pretty darn big and when it comes to what we stand for, can only get bigger with like minded folks. We cannot allow it to be stretched and distorted into something that we don't recognize or believe in for the sake of winning elections. For goodness sake, we nominated the most left of all Republicans for president and it didn't work. Now let's get back to what we know best. I am talking a real shift to the roots of conservatism. The roots that William F. Buckley wrote and spoke so eloquently about. The roots that set our modern movement on its path. We don't need more moderates or more liberals in the Republican party to make it successful again. We need more conservatives.



"Radical conservatives in this country have an interesting time of it, for when they are not being suppressed or mutilated by Liberals, they are being ignored or humiliated by a great many of those of the well-fed Right, whose ignorance and amorality have never been exaggerated for the same reason that one cannot exaggerate infinity.There are, thank Heaven, the exceptions. There are those of generous impulse and a sincere desire to encourage a responsible dissent from the Liberal orthodoxy. And there are those who recognize that when all is said and done, the market place depends for a license to operate freely on the men who issue licenses — on the politicians. They recognize, therefore, that efficient getting and spending is itself impossible except in an atmosphere that encourages efficient getting and spending. And back of all political institutions there are moral and philosophical concepts, implicit or defined. Our political economy and our high-energy industry run on large, general principles, on ideas — not by day-to-day guess work, expedients and improvisations. Ideas have to go into exchange to become or remain operative; and the medium of such exchange is the printed word."


William F. Buckley in the first issue of National Review (19 November 1955)

Sotomayor says Ethnicity Shapes Her Decisions

President Obama's choice for the Supreme Court, Sonia Sotomayor, has already made some waves despite being introduced only hours ago. Sotomayor is Hispanic and female, a double whammy that Obama is throwing at Republicans and daring them to vote against. Since the story broke this morning, many have been busy looking at her record and her previous words. Among those words are these: "I would hope that a wise Latina woman with the richness of her experiences would more often than not reach a better conclusion than a white male who hasn’t lived that life,”. She has also explained that her ethnicity and gender would make a difference in her judging versus others on the bench. Perhaps the most upsetting to me is her insistence in 2005 that the “court of appeals is where policy is made.”

One would think that policy is made by the legislative branch. Only the most liberal of Obama's final four would think otherwise. The republicans are prepared to dig in their heels on this one.

Ron Paul's Son Forms Committee for Bunning's Job

Well, what do you know? Congressman Ron Paul has a son and he lives in Kentucky. His name is Dr. Rand Paul and he is an eye surgeon from Bowling Green. He announced on Friday the formation of an exploratory committee for the senate seat from Kentucky that is now held by Jim Bunning. Tre Grayson has likewise filed for his committee. This is good news for the bluegrass conservatives in their fight to revitalize the party. Now we will have to wait for the veteran to make a decision on running, or for it to be made for him.





Rand Paul is a career doctor, but he is no stranger to politics. Besides working on his father's campaign last year, Dr. Paul has been the chairman of Kentucky Taxpayers United. This group keeps tabs on Kentucky lawmakers and rates them on tax issues. I am just now getting familiar with Rand Paul, but there are a few things that I know for certain. He is strong on national defense, a real Second Amendment advocate and a no bail out and low taxes man. I like that a lot. This is no way an endorsement of his campaign, but it sure does bring some national attention to the badlands across the river. Here is the link to his web page if you would like to learn more....or donate.

Governor Daniels of Indiana Smacks Down Baby Boomers

Governor Daniels of Indiana is not an easy guy to figure out. He confuses members of the press and political people of both parties. Why you ask? Because he is a leader.

In these times of GOP doldrums, when we do see someone who bucks the conventional wisdom and easy path, it is so uncommon that it usually confounds us.

Case in point: The Butler University commencement speech of 2009. A nice, safe, warm and fuzzy send off for the graduating class, right? Wrong. More like a 2x4 to the collective face of baby boomers who, quite frankly, deserve it.

Read some excerpts from this incredible speech below.

“As a 10-year-old, new to Indiana, Butler basketball was about the only entertainment our family was able, or at least willing, to purchase for me. On countless frigid evenings, someone's dad would drop us off in the Fieldhouse parking lot, and someone else's dad would pick us up, after watching the Bulldogs either beat or scare the pants off some big-name larger school. I might stumble over my own college's fight song, but I still know yours by heart.”

Hey, it is Indiana so of course it is going to open with basketball. He went to Princeton so who can blame him for loving Butler athletics.

"Even though the whole notion of a "generation" must be discounted as the loosest of concepts, within limits it is possible to spot the defining characteristics of an age and the human beings who create it. Along with most of your faculty and parents, I belong to the most discussed, debated and analyzed generation of all time, the so-called Baby Boomers. By the accepted definition, the youngest of us is now forty-five, so the record is pretty much on the books, and the time for verdicts can begin. Which leads me to congratulate you in advance. As a generation, you are off to an excellent start. You have taken the first savvy step on the road to distinction, which is to follow a weak act. I wish I could claim otherwise, but we Baby Boomers are likely to be remembered by history for our numbers, and little else, at least little else that is admirable."

Ouch.

"All our lives, it's been all about us. We were the "Me Generation." We wore t-shirts that said "If it feels good, do it." The year of my high school commencement, a hit song featured the immortal lyric "Sha-la-la-la-la-la, live for today." As a group, we have been self-centered, self-absorbed, self-indulgent, and all too often just plain selfish. Our current Baby Boomer President has written two eloquent, erudite books, both about..himself. As a generation, we did tend to live for today. We have spent more and saved less than any previous Americans. Year after year, regardless which party we picked to lead the country, we ran up deficits that have multiplied the debt you and your children will be paying off your entire working lives. Far more burdensome to you mathematically, we voted ourselves increasing levels of Social Security pensions and Medicare health care benefits, but never summoned the political maturity to put those programs on anything resembling a sound actuarial footing."

At this point the squirming in seats of the parents section must have been almost audible.

"Our irresponsibility went well beyond the financial realm. Our parents formed families and kept them intact even through difficulty "for the sake of the kids." To us, parental happiness came first; we often divorced at the first unpleasantness, and increasingly just gave birth to children without the nuisance of marriage. "Commitment" cramps one's style, don't you know. Total bummer."

Let no uncomfortable topic go untouched.

"As time runs out on our leadership years, it's clear there is no chance that anyone will ever refer to us, as histories now do our parents, as "The Greatest Generation." There is no disgrace in this; very few generations are thought of as "great." And history is not linear. Many generations fail miserably at the challenges they confront, and their societies take steps backwards as a consequence. Consider Japan before World War II, or Americans in the decades before the Civil War. And yet in both those instances and many others, the people who followed did great things, not only redeemed all the failings but built better, fairer societies than their nations had seen before. In fact, true greatness can only be revealed by large challenges, by tough circumstances. And your opportunities for greatness will be large."

Your generation can be great…especially compared to your parents.

And please, just to revise another current practice, be judgmental. Whatever they claim, people always are, anyway - consider the healthy stigmatization of racist comments or sexist attitudes or cigarette smoking. It's just a matter of which behaviors enough of us agree to judge as unacceptable. As free people, we agree to tolerate any conduct that does no harm to others, but we should not be coerced into condoning it. Selfishness and irresponsibility in business, personal finances, or in family life, are deserving of your disapproval. Go ahead and stigmatize them. Too much such behavior will hurt our nation and the future for you and the families you will create. Honesty about shortcomings is not handwringing. Again, this is a blessed land, in every way. Amidst the worst recession in a long time, we still are wealthier than any society in history. We are safer, from injury, disease, and each other than any humans that ever lived. Best of all, we are free. The problems you now inherit are not those of 1776, or 1861, or 1929, or 1941. But they are large enough, and left unattended, they will devour the wealth and, ultimately, the freedom and safety we cherish, at least in our thankful moments. So you have a chance to be a great Butler class, part of a great generation."

Take that political correctness.

In a brief, intelligent, yet straightforward head shot, the Governor has done what almost no one in Government, media or certainly academia has had the stones to do…lay guilt where it belongs.

A lot of my friends keep asking me if this guy is going to run for president and I just say, “he is doing too good a job as Governor for us to spare him.” But of course doing your current job really really well is a great way to get promoted.

You can read the entire speech here.

Chris Faulkner

Standards, Caps, Restrictions and Taxes

Sorry for my long delay in posting. Little League and the honey-do list have gotten the best of me the past couple weeks.





I have been thinking a lot lately of what it means to be an American and just how much liberty and freedom we are losing in this era. Now, the way I see it, I am a free man. I live in the greatest nation on earth, pay more than my share of taxes and generally am a good citizen. So, why isn't that enough for politicians? Let's look at a few ways our freedoms are being pushed aside for a nanny state where the decisions are being made for us. I am sure some of these are ways in which you have not thought of before.

"To force a man to pay for the violation of his own liberty is indeed an addition of insult to injury." - Benjamin Tucker

CAFE Standards: The Corporate Average Fuel Economy Standard is nothing new. It was first dropped in our lap in the 1970's during the "oil shortage" crisis. You may have heard that this process is a good thing because it mandates that fuel mileage increases are forced on the auto manufacturers. I totally disagree. Some of you may not be able to decide for yourself if between a car that gets 50 mpg or one that gets 5. Well, I can and I actually want that choice. The truth is that CAFE Standards have not reduced our dependence on oil, have not lowered smog or pollution levels and have not achieved one item set out in the charter. The only the standards have done is to give an advantage to foreign auto makers and to create less safe automobiles by forcing manufacturers to build them lighter and smaller to achieve the mpg standard. I want the freedom to make that choice.





Caps: More commonly known as Carbon Caps or Cap and Trade, the measure to reduce carbon emissions by evil American companies that is causing "Global Warming." Where to even start on this one? So, the government wants to save the planet by capping how much carbon can be released. They will set a baseline amount and when the company reaches its limit, it can "buy" or "trade" carbon credits from another company or from the government. This is purely a shakedown. This is nothing other than a tax on corporations and the cost will be passed on to you. The funny thing is that "developing countries" will not be held to the same caps as the U.S. will. In the liberal point of view, America is always the bad guy. Now for the truth. Carbon Caps will drastically increase the cost of energy and will send American jobs overseas to countries that have no standards for emissions. Any ozone saved? No. Any jobs lost? Yes. More money out of your pocket? Big time.





Restrictions: This one runs the gamut. We have restrictions on information, restrictions on business and even restrictions on how many times you can transfer your own money between accounts each month. What I want to focus on is the federal government's restrictions on private businesses. I am talking bail outs here folks. The fed gave AIG a big bail out. AIG is a company that made a lot of dumb moves and deserved to get knocked down a few pegs, but the employees are the ones that took the beating. The fed knew when it issued the bail out that some employees were due bonuses. The bail out went forward. These employees were working under a contract with the company and abided by that contract. The lawmakers caved to public pressure and knowing that they couldn't just steal the money back, decided to tax it at a rate of 90%. That is theft by law. When the government gets into the restricting mode on free enterprise, ugly things will happen. They have forced out CEO's and closed dealerships. They have not only restricted how business is done, they have restricted the entire market from doing its job.





Taxes. This may be my favorite subject to complain about. It was Will Rogers that said "It is a good thing that we do not get as much government as we pay for." How true those words are. We are taxed on just about everything we do or buy and the list gets longer everyday. The newest victim is sugar. Our benevolent government believes you don't know how to handle your sweets and plans to slow you down some. A planned tax on everything sugar is hitting the halls of congress and affects everything from soft drinks to cereal. Oh yeah, you are going to pay more for them. The government claims that this is to reduce the numbers for diabetes and related illnesses. But, at just 16 calories a teaspoon, are they really looking out for you or preparing you for socialized medicine. Then they will be able to regulate, read tax, everything you consume. They wanted more fuel efficient cars (see CAFE above ) and now the income from gas taxes has gone down. Now they want to tax you by how many miles you drive. The tax on cigarettes keeps rising and the poor disproportionally pick up the tab. Another industry taxed into extinction. Indiana's property taxes may eventually be capped, but the sales tax just went up. If you see the words license, fee, surcharge, or other such synonyms, just insert the word TAX. The American people are fed up with it and it shows. The tax day TEA Parties were a huge success. We are now saying enough is enough. The land of opportunity has turned into the land of broken promises were our children are burdened with the government's debt load. Robert A. Heinlein said "There is no worse tyranny than to force a man to pay for what he does not want merely because you think it would be good for him." Most of the time the government does not know what is good for the average American. We know what is best for us and our families, and its not standards, caps, restrictions and taxes.

Should you be angry at the “Republican Party” about backing Specter before he bailed on us?

The short answer is no. The “why not” is a little more complex. There will be some who will now be angry at Sen. Cornyn and the National Republican Senatorial Committee for backing him in the first place. Really? Keep in mind the RNC, NRSC and the NRCC are NOT issue driven organizations. They are member driven organizations with only ONE goal…majority status, that’s it, no other reason for being.

Before I get too academic in my defense of these organizations let me say that Linc Chafee is a scumbag and it made me sick to my core that we defended that waste of space in the 2006 GOP Primary. Ok, had to get that off my chest. I mean at least Specter had the decency to get out before the election and give us time to get our own campaign in place.

Now back to the Party. Just a bit of clarification for those not familiar with the committees in DC and how they work. These definitions are my own and in NO way represent any official mission of the committees…this is my “unofficial” take on what they really are all about-

· Republican National Committee – take the White House back and keep it…that is it…end of story.
· National Republican Senatorial Committee – defend current Republican Senators, win open seats and then knock off Democrat incumbents. Those are listed in order of priority.
· National Republican Congressional Committee – defend current Republican Members of Congress, win open seats and knock off Democrat incumbents. Those are listed in order of priority.

So if you want the committee to be ideologically pure you should cool your jets. They are not think tanks, they are membership retention organizations. If you are mad at the NRSC for backing Specter in the first place call your own Senator and yell at him/her.

Is the RNC not conservative enough for you? Then check your state party. State Party too liberal for you? Work your county party.

Tis’ the season of our collective Republican discontent and the party apparatus is a convenient punching bag. Here is the real lurking danger…Years ago Democrats were angry that their National Party was not “Progressive” enough so their unions, lawyers and environmental groups hammered it to splinters. Now they are a collective lurching group of special interests.

Is that what we really want for Republicans?

I Believe...

I believe America is the greatest nation on earth.

I believe Keith Olbermann has no upper teeth.

I believe Eric Schansberg would make a terrific congressman.

I believe in free markets.

I believe a person should not make a career out of political office.

I believe in keeping more of what I make.

I believe Baron Hill will run for governor.

I believe Jesus Christ died for my sins.

I believe in peace through strength.

I believe chocolate is proof that God exists.

I believe in maximum liberty and minimum government.

I believe President Obama is creating a socialist society.

I believe in charity because I want to, not because I am forced to.

I believe it is morning in America.

Arlen Specter was never a Conservative Anyway.

Arlen Specter will announce today that he is switching party affiliation from a RINO (Republican in name only ) to Democrat. The truth is, he was never a conservative anyway. Why would he do this? He will have you believe that he can no longer caucus with the Republicans and that the party left him. He will go on about a change in values and his maverick past. Well, here is the TRUTH. Specter is facing a formidable primary challenge back in Pennsylvania. After 30 years, he fears losing the primary to a younger "real" Republican. So, he will switch parties, try to make it to the general election and squeak out a victory next November. Some people will do very desperate things to hang on to power. Now, if we could only get him to take John McCain with him. We will trade you Specter and McCain for Joe Lieberman straight up.

The Video Barney Frank & Charles Schumer Don't Want You to See

--Jacob Perry

Same Folks, Same Results

Over at the friendly NABC blog...I mean NA Confidential, Bluegill raps on and on about the aggressive administration that residents have longed for for years. He laments the future retirement of those in positions that have the "institutional knowledge and experience in successfully navigating bureaucracy, particularly the type of state and federal funding and compliance rules that circumscribe what we're able to accomplish with what's too often the only money we have (or are allowed to use due to uncooperative councils)." I have several question to insert here. First, wasn't this administration in power not so long ago? Do we not know what was and was not accomplished the first go around? The people in positions may have knowledge and experience, but what has really been accomplished? What connection to Mayor England do you have and/or why do you defend him so vigorously?

Now we all know that I don't actually "live in the city" of New Albany. With that said, I love this place. It really pains me to see the non-action and the insignificant grandstanding by all in this government. I haven't heard a new idea from any of them...ever. Maybe I am not listening. Maybe I am right. Somebody from the "city" tell me why you put up with cronyism and incompetence?

The Do Nothing Legislature

Indiana is not known for expediency in the state house, so why should this session be any different. Many major pieces of legislation won't even see the floor. Among these are the state wide smoking ban in public places, the restructuring of local governments and my personal favorite...the caps on property taxes. For Pat Bauer, the answer to the question seems to be "no." Let's test it. Can we get a vote on spending freezes? NO. How about defense of marriage? NO. Silly me, let me move on to the important issues, eh. The citizens have said that they would like an end to the yo yo of property tax payments. Will you move forward on caps for Hoosier's property taxes? NO. Ok, how about reforming local governments? NO. I see. Mr. Speaker, can you say anything other than no? NO. Sure, one last question...are you opposed to anything that is backed by the governor no matter what the constituents say? YES. Gotcha.

Anderson Cooper Knows Teabagging

Last night Anderson Cooper made several jokes about those attending the Tax Day Tea Parties and a sexual act usually associated with homosexuals. He stated, "It is hard to talk when you are teabagging." David Gergen laughed like a middle school boy and thus the actions of hundreds of thousands of Americans were discounted. Who cares? They are all a bunch of right wing extremist, gun toting, anti-government, ignorant, back woods conservatives anyway. At least that is what the DHS Secretary warns.

I guess the powers that be at CNN will try anything for ratings. They are wallowing in last place in cable news. I did see a sign on display at one of the parties that summed it up for me: "CNN, You Suck." Not very intellectual, but concise.

I Once Knew a Man...

I once knew a man that wore his heart on his sleeve. He had strong convictions and did not mind sharing them with you. He loved his family and made new friends daily. He believed in participating in the lives of his grandchildren. His work ethic was one to be admired. He was hard but caring. He was opinionated but fair. He would listen and offer advice. His legacy is what he instilled in his friends and especially his grandchildren. To them, he was "Big Pa." To me he was a friend. I miss you J.J. May you rest in peace.

Gone to soon... John Evans. Only 48. Your memory will live on in these kids.

Indiana Lawmakers Strengthen Feticide Sentence

The Indiana House has approved a measure to strengthen the penalty for killing an unborn "child." The penalty now will be six to twenty years for murdering a child while in utero. The new language sadly stops short of calling the fetus a human being that deserves the right to life. Instead, the bill refers to the "termination of a human pregnancy" which of course means by someone other than a doctor that is authorized to kill babies. The bill moves back over to the Senate where it should pass easily and the language of this bill will match what is already on the books for feticide laws. The bill also makes it unlawful no matter what stage of life the baby is in. The previous measure only kicked in for a murder charge if the fetus was past seven months. Congratulations members on passing this, even though it does not go far enough in declaring fetuses as humans. They are now obviously not "part" of the mother. If the fetus dies and the mother lives, a perp is still charged with murder. Add to that the fact the baby has its own DNA and blood type and you have yourself a human baby.

The "Rat" Pack

Make your own title for this gang of four...

PM Brown Again Calls for NWO

Talk about your one track minds, this Gordon Brown fellow has Global Government on the brain. He repeated his call today by stating "a New World is emerging." Yesterday he said the G20 needs to use this financial crisis "to create a New Financial World Order." Now for the cherry on top: "This is collective action...we have resolved that from today we will together manage the process of globalization." Ok, we get it. You want a one world government and one currency for all. You are preaching to the choir at the gathering of world elites. The G20 is nothing more than a push for globalization by the figure heads of the world. It is in the works and well on the way. Gordon Brown is only the puffer. His job is to get you used to hearing it so you won't be shocked when it happens...and it will happen.

Odds and Ends

The Constitution of the United States is much more than just a document about your rights. It is also about restricting the reach of government into your life.

The Constitution is a simple, to the point collection of ideas. I have a pocket Constitution that also contains the Declaration of Independence. It fits nicely in my desk and can be read and understood in a matter of an hour. On the other hand, the tax code of the United States is over 12,000 pages and cannot be understood by anyone. Ask three IRS staffers the same question and you will get three very different answers. It is so complicated that most of President Obama's appointees have had trouble getting it right.

Now Mr. Obama has broken a campaign promise. It took just about two and a half months for the first new tax, an increase on cigarettes, to take effect. He stated no less than a dozen times while campaigning that he would not raise taxes on the poor and middle class. Yet, the demographics on smokers shows a majority are middle class or working poor. Buckle up boys and girls, it is going to be a bumpy ride.

What's Good for the AIG is Good for the Frank.

Barney Frank has pulled the ultimate in hypocritical moves this week. It would be most hilarious if it wasn't true. Barney stated his desire to regulate the salaries of ALL employees at companies that receive bail out funds from the government. The steaming pile is called the "Pay for Performance Act of 2009." Oh, the delicious irony. You see, Mr. Frank makes about $200,000 per year for his job as a U.S. Congressman. Just like bail out funds, his salary is tax payer funded. And just like a lot of the companies that received money, he has failed us. So, I think he should be judged by his performance and we should regulate his salary by sending him home in the next election. Sad thing is that he would continue to collect his salary and benefits, all voted on by himself and other members without consulting tax payers, for the rest of his days. What a hypocrite?

R.I.P. Free Markets

We were saddened today to learn of the passing of Free Markets. Free Markets had been with us for several hundred years and lived a most remarkable life till late when it became ill from greed and the politically correct syndrome of being "too big to fail." The final blow was a lethal dose of socialism, delivered today by Dr. Obama. ( http://news.yahoo.com/s/ap/gm_wagoner;_ylt=Ao8Uo61aiUWgANC.UvhD1cwDW7oF) Free Markets will be sadly missed by all hard working Americans that strive to make a better life for themselves and their families. Free Markets was preceded in death by "Life" (http://www.tourolaw.edu/patch/Roe/) in 1973, "Liberty" (http://epic.org/privacy/terrorism/hr3162.html plus countless executive orders) and the "Pursuit of Happiness" (each American baby that actually makes it to term is born owing about $24,000 in taxes already. http://www.vdare.com/roberts/debt.htm)

Expressions of sympathy can be sent to 1600 Pennsylvania Ave. or the U.S. Capitol in the form of higher taxes. More intrusion into your life, more restrictions on your business and more fees and taxes for you and your future generations can be expected. There will be no burial, as no one in America actually seems to care.

Geithner open to Global Currency Idea

Speaking at the infamous Council on Foreign Relations, Treasury Secretary Timothy Geithner said he was open to the idea of a new global currency replacing the dollar. The most recent stab at the new currency was put forth by the governor of China's Central Bank. Geithner calls the governor "a very thoughtful, very careful distinguished central banker. I generally find him sensible on every issue." Really? Please continue Mr. Secretary. "We’re actually quite open to that suggestion – you should see it as rather evolutionary rather building on the current architecture rather than moving us to global monetary union," he said.
"The only thing concrete I saw was expanding the use of the [special drawing rights]," Geithner said. "Anything he’s thinking about deserves some consideration."

So, if the Chinese Central Bank suggests it, Mr. Geithner is all for it. That is not what POTUS said last night at his press conference. The big TV told him to say that he rejects a call for a new global currency. I think they are just throwing it against the wall, you know, to see if it will stick. Good cop, bad cop routine, maybe. It won't be long till the old media is calling for a new currency as well. Stay tuned.

John, Paul, George and Barack...

Oh those shaggy haired boys from across the pond were soothsayers. Way back in 1966 they recorded this little gem called "Taxman." Those haunting lyrics still hold true today...and those AIG big wigs can attest to it. Especially the bit about one for you and 19 for me. Check it out:

Let me tell you how it will be,
There's one for you, nineteen for me,
'Cos I'm the Taxman,
Yeah, I'm the Taxman.

Should five per cent appear too small,
Be thankful I don't take it all,
'Cos I'm the Taxman,
Yeah, I'm the Taxman.

If you drive a car,
I'll tax the street,
If you try to sit,
I'll tax your seat,
If you get too cold,
I'll tax the heat,
If you take a walk,
I'll tax your feet.
Taxman. 'Cos I'm the Taxman,
Yeah, I'm the Taxman.

Don't ask me what I want it for (Taxman Mr. Wilson, or Mr. Obama)
If you don't want to pay some more (Taxman Mr. Heath, or Mr. Geithner),
'Cos I'm the Taxman,
Yeah, I'm the Taxman.

Now my advice for those who die,
Declare the pennies on your eyes,
'Cos I'm the Taxman,
Yeah, I'm the Taxman.
And you're working for no-one but me, Taxman.

Coming to a Bumper Near You

www.conservative-stuff.com

Give it Back!

They are paid way too much for failing at their jobs. They feel that they are above the law and have no consideration for the tough financial situation we are experiencing in this country. They are engulfed in a narcissistic culture that is set up to protect them. Heck yeah, they should give it all back. Let's put their names out there for everyone to see. Let's get the pitch forks and round them up.

You think I am talking about the AIG execs? Nah, I am talking about CONGRESS !!!!

Reagan Quote of the Day

'Government is like a baby: An alimentary canal with a big appetite at one end and no sense of responsibility at the other.'

Ronald Reagan (1965)

INCOMPETENT

Tea Time in Southern Indiana?

Attention all like minded citizens. Are you getting tired of the wasteful spending, the unaccountability in Washington, the attitude of those representing us? Do you feel that politicians shouldn't make a career for themselves in government? Like me, you don't mind paying your share of taxes, but want to scream when it is used to prop up failing companies that don't play by the rules. Are you longing to get back to the principles that this Republic was founded on: Honesty, integrity, hard work, self reliance, responsibility and liberty? Me too. That is why I am contemplating organizing a Tea Party for New Albany and Southern Indiana. It will be a grass roots based rally with no politicians allowed. I want to hear from you. If you can help or just want to attend, leave a comment. This is in the very early planning stages and any help is appreciated.

The War on Terror is Over

You heard me right. In the politically correct world of the new Homeland Security chief Janet Napolitano there is no terrorism. There are no terrorist attacks, no suicide bombers, no whacko Islamo fascist terrorists. Nope, according to her, there are only "man caused disasters." Really, that is what she said. You can't make this stuff up. She gave an interview to a German news agency in which she was asked why she didn't use the term "terrorism." She tried to explain that the "T" word is still a problem for America, but we don't want to scare our citizens, do we? Her words: "but it demonstrates that we want to move away from the politics of fear toward a policy of being prepared for all risks that can occur." Hmm, like being prepared for say, umm, terrorism? If the head of America's Homeland Security can't utter the true label of the barbaric acts, who can? Let me just add that we need to remain vigilant out there. If you see someone acting suspiciously or a bag left unattended at the airport, you need to report it. We don't want any man caused disasters happening.

Who Hopes the President Will Fail?

Are you thinking Rush? How about the man making a fuss about him, James Carville? That's right. On the morning of September 11, 2001, moments before the first plane hit in New York, that sentiment was uttered by Mr. Carville. Carville and Democrat insider Stanley Greenburg were having breakfast with reporters when Carville stated "I certainly hope he doesn't succeed." He was speaking of President Bush. How is this different from what Rush Limbaugh has stated? Rush went further to explain the reason he wants Obama to fail: If he succeeds, that means the U.S. will turn more towards socialism.

James Carville's tuned changed in an instant when news of the terrorist attacks reached them. "Disregard everything we just said! This changes everything!" But, it only changed things temporarily. The liberals went after Bush on every move, every piece of information regarding the war. According to a 2006 Fox News/Opinion Dynamics poll, 51 percent of Democrats wanted Bush to fail. For the record, I want Obama's policies to fail. They should, for they have never succeeded in the past. As for Carville, he is the typical lefty attack dog...and a hypocrite.

http://www.foxnews.com/politics/2009/03/11/carville-wanted-bush-fail/