As Frankfort's schemers work behind the scenes on some kind of tax reform, they can look at neighboring Tennessee like Missouri and Ohio have and consider eliminating income taxes. Or they can look at Illinois.
Gov. Pat Quinn wants to raise income taxes 50 percent.
Kentucky has to do something right after the disastrous 2009 legislative session of tax hikes and raids and spending sprees. Seriously. Eliminate the income tax now.
The old game of borrow and spend, replaced by the new game of tax, raid, and spend can't be allowed to continue. Tell your legislators to get their heads on straight and do what is best for Kentucky for a change.
Monday, April 27, 2009
Taking the low road to Montana?
Over the weekend Bluegrass Institute education analyst Richard Innes noticed two other education bloggers, Pritchard Blog and Kentucky School News and Commentary, weren't printing critical comments he left on their sites and he sought an explanation. Richard Day of KSN&C quickly explained he was having technical difficulties.
Susan Weston of the Prichard Committee for Academic Excellence, however, just seems tired of getting difficult questions leading to conclusions other than that education bureaucrats need more money and fewer questions.
Seems like this dodging of tough questions and comments was the option blogger Mark Nickolas of Bluegrass Report took right before he escaped to Montana.
Susan Weston of the Prichard Committee for Academic Excellence, however, just seems tired of getting difficult questions leading to conclusions other than that education bureaucrats need more money and fewer questions.
Seems like this dodging of tough questions and comments was the option blogger Mark Nickolas of Bluegrass Report took right before he escaped to Montana.
Sunday, April 26, 2009
Winchester project cost inflated by politics
The Winchester Sun wants to know if readers support building a new $50 million high school in Clark County. Kentucky's Davis Bacon requirements complicate such a decision by requiring the payment of union wages for education-related projects.
Taxpayers needing better school facilities for their children shouldn't be handcuffed to political payoffs some elected officials arranged for their labor union friends. Sen. Damon Thayer's SB 145 would have saved taxpayer money by allowing parents to make the decision without the unions getting their cut.
Taxpayers needing better school facilities for their children shouldn't be handcuffed to political payoffs some elected officials arranged for their labor union friends. Sen. Damon Thayer's SB 145 would have saved taxpayer money by allowing parents to make the decision without the unions getting their cut.
Saturday, April 25, 2009
Not what they call it, but what it does to us
Activists on both sides of the socialized medicine debate understand that when they talk about universal health care, what they mean is universal health insurance.
Columnist Thomas Sowell weighs in:
Read the rest here.
Getting government out of the health insurance business is the way to manage costs, just as Pres. Barack Obama and Gov. Steve Beshear are pushing hard in the other direction.
Columnist Thomas Sowell weighs in:
"That is where the difference between health care and medical care comes in. Medical care is what doctors can do for you. Health care includes what you do for yourself -- such as diet, exercise and lifestyle."
"If a doctor arrives on the scene to find you wiped out by a drug overdose or shot through the heart by some of your rougher companions, there may not be much that he can do except sign the death certificate."
"Even for things that take longer to do you in -- obesity, alcohol, cholesterol, tobacco -- doctors can tell you what to do or not do, but whether you follow their advice or not is what determines the outcome."
"Americans tend to be more obese, consume more drugs and have more homicides. None of that is going to change with "universal health care" because it isn't health care. It is medical care."
"When it comes to things where medical care itself makes the biggest difference -- cancer survival rates, for example -- Americans do much better than people in most other countries."
"No one who compares medical care in this country with medical care in other countries is likely to want to switch. But those who cannot be bothered with the facts may help destroy the best medical care in the world by falling for political rhetoric."
Read the rest here.
Getting government out of the health insurance business is the way to manage costs, just as Pres. Barack Obama and Gov. Steve Beshear are pushing hard in the other direction.
Potential Senate candidate coming to UK
University of Kentucky's Students for Liberty will host Dr. Rand Paul of Bowling Green Thursday April 30, 7:00 pm to 8:30 pm at Memorial Hall to discuss "Liberty and the True Meaning of being a Republican."
Onward...
There will be several meetings in central Kentucky next week to discuss where we go next with the Tea Party movement.
Call me for details.
Call me for details.
Friday, April 24, 2009
Making it easy for Jim Gray
Lexington Mayor Jim Newberry seems almost to be purposely hastening the end of his political career with silly public statements like this:
Contracting out services in one clinic MIGHT make it run less slow, less inefficiently, and less over budget, but it is hardly "proof" of anything yet and certainly isn't any more so because the mayor ends his sentence with an exclamation point.
Contracting out services in one clinic MIGHT make it run less slow, less inefficiently, and less over budget, but it is hardly "proof" of anything yet and certainly isn't any more so because the mayor ends his sentence with an exclamation point.
A Mitch slap coming from the other direction
Sen. Mitch McConnell's favored candidate in the 2010 Pennsylvania Senate race, Sen. Arlen Specter, is getting creamed in the polls amid calls for him to step down in favor of a new candidate.
Stop taxing income in Kentucky
Kentucky legislators will probably be back in Frankfort in late May to discuss tax reform. Meanwhile, Tennessee, a state with no income tax, continues to eat our lunch economically. And Missouri advanced a bill this week to get rid of their income tax.
Ohio is looking at exempting college graduates from state income taxation for five years. This is the kind of game-playing and manipulation Kentucky has traditionally used to pick winners and losers rather than incentivize income generation across the board.
As more of our neighbors figure out that taxing incomes hurts productivity, Kentucky is going to have to come around. Sooner would be better than later.
Ohio is looking at exempting college graduates from state income taxation for five years. This is the kind of game-playing and manipulation Kentucky has traditionally used to pick winners and losers rather than incentivize income generation across the board.
As more of our neighbors figure out that taxing incomes hurts productivity, Kentucky is going to have to come around. Sooner would be better than later.
Thursday, April 23, 2009
Pres. Obama, don't ignore these kids
President Barack Obama seems determined to cancel the D.C. Opportunity Scholarship Program.
Disgraceful.
Disgraceful.
Wednesday, April 22, 2009
Party labels and bad politicians
Congressman Geoff Davis, in an interview with WLAP's Leland Conway, expressed frustration with citizen groups who don't support bad Republicans. He is going to have to get used to it.
Davis said:
"A lot of conservative groups like Club for Growth and others unfortunately spend all their time going after Republicans. As I've shared, it would be nice if they tried to defeat a liberal now and then."
The Club for Growth shouldn't have to spend any of their resources going after bad Republicans. Rep. Davis isn't one of those bad Republicans, but blind support for the party label won't advance conservatism.
Here's a little help from the archives:
Davis said:
"A lot of conservative groups like Club for Growth and others unfortunately spend all their time going after Republicans. As I've shared, it would be nice if they tried to defeat a liberal now and then."
The Club for Growth shouldn't have to spend any of their resources going after bad Republicans. Rep. Davis isn't one of those bad Republicans, but blind support for the party label won't advance conservatism.
Here's a little help from the archives:
This goofy rhetoric sounds familiar
Newspaper columnist Dana Milbank sounds like the auto industry executives bemoaning the end of the world as we know it without bailouts to return them to the lifestyles to which they had grown accustomed.
The idea that scrutiny of government would die without newspapers is a figment of some newspaper guy's imagination.
And besides, Kentucky already has a long (and silly) history of bailing out newspapers.
The idea that scrutiny of government would die without newspapers is a figment of some newspaper guy's imagination.
And besides, Kentucky already has a long (and silly) history of bailing out newspapers.
Think before you kiss your sister
Saving money by consolidating Kentucky's 120 counties into some smaller -- and less accountable -- number of governmental units is the public policy equivalent of kissing your sister.
Martin Cothran weighs in:
Here's more.
Rooting out ways to save money on local government is a very worthwhile pursuit, but not at the expense of creating bigger government.
Martin Cothran weighs in:
"The only thing that the consolidation of counties will do is to take the government of localities out of the localities themselves and place it in the hands of bureaucrats outside of the community being governed."
"Cothran's Rule of Government Efficiency plainly states, "There is No Such Thing." And one of corollaries of this Rule is: "The Bigger the Government Body, the More Inefficient It Is.""
Here's more.
Rooting out ways to save money on local government is a very worthwhile pursuit, but not at the expense of creating bigger government.
Tuesday, April 21, 2009
Choosing sides in 2010 Senate races
The Kentucky Club for Growth has made a name for itself calling out Republicans who go squishy on keeping government from growing out of control.
More here.
"According to CQ Moneyline, the following Senators have donated money to Arlen Specter's campaign:
Mitch McConnell
John Cornyn
Lamar Alexander
Orrin Hatch
It may be expected that the GOP Senate Leader would donate to incumbent GOP colleagues up for reelection. But McConnell was not listed as a donor in Jim Bunning's recent report, suggesting a different explanation may be needed."
More here.
Bunning says Dem primary helps him
Senator Jim Bunning just said the intense primary battle between Lt. Gov. Dan Mongiardo and Attorney General Jack Conway will make the 2010 race easier for him.
He said he has dropped his fundraising goal from $10 million to $7 million because he believes his opponents will spend much of their money going against each other.
He said he has dropped his fundraising goal from $10 million to $7 million because he believes his opponents will spend much of their money going against each other.
Very interesting email
Just got the following message on Facebook:
I'm not going to the protest, but I appreciate the approach. What do you think?
Subject: Upcoming McConnell Protest - Read Disclosure though!
This group is made up of a diverse members that agree that Senator Bunning "was right" when he opposed the financial industry bailout. He really was and history will prove it!
It follows logically that Senator McConnell "was wrong" when he bowed to the financial industry and strong-armed the bailout.
I'm writing to let the Anti-McConnell crowd know about an upcoming protest of the Senator outside his speaking engagement at the upcoming U of L Brandeis School of Law Graduation on May 9th in Louisville.
However, I don't want to trick anyone...This protest is specifically targeted at Sen. McConnell's stance on the Defense of Marriage Act (DoMA) which I'm pretty sure Sen. Bunning shares as he voted YES on constitutional ban of same-sex marriage. and voted NO on adding sexual orientation to definition of hate crimes. So if you are responsible and progressive like me, despite Sen. Bunning's act of courage, I hope you'll be joining me in supporting Jack Conway for that Senate seat, as well as helping us protest McConnell at the event linked below.
If you are conservative when it comes to social justice, please forgive this heads up, and keep up the fight against stupid government bailouts! And if you're a Republican, please don't make it a partisan issue, you have many allies across the aisle that oppose corporate bailouts.
I'm not going to the protest, but I appreciate the approach. What do you think?
Monday, April 20, 2009
Movement marches on
Working on details for Freedom Rallies in Frankfort on May 23 and Lexington on July 4. The naysayers will only be right if we quit. So, guess what?
Keeping our kids safe on campus
A Missouri legislative bill that would allow college students with concealed carry permits to possess firearms on campus passed that state's House of Representatives last week.
Keeping a college campus gun-free just means the law-abiding citizens can't defend themselves and that armed predators can be emboldened. If the bad guys don't know who is armed, they will be much more likely to just stay away.
Kentucky law makes no such provisions for innocent citizens to protect themselves.
Keeping a college campus gun-free just means the law-abiding citizens can't defend themselves and that armed predators can be emboldened. If the bad guys don't know who is armed, they will be much more likely to just stay away.
Kentucky law makes no such provisions for innocent citizens to protect themselves.
Jack in the (mail) box
Lt. Gov. Dan Mongiardo has sent out a steady stream of press releases reading like Twitter entries recently, publicizing his his every move since he declared himself a candidate for U.S. Senate.
Now his primary opponent seems to be doing the same thing. The latest: Attorney General Jack Conway went to the mail box.
It's going be a long spring watching these two use taxpayer resources to campaign against each other.
Now his primary opponent seems to be doing the same thing. The latest: Attorney General Jack Conway went to the mail box.
It's going be a long spring watching these two use taxpayer resources to campaign against each other.
Sunday, April 19, 2009
Bailing out Big College next
The Obama Administration is threatening to turn 529 college savings plans into a federal version of the disastrous Kentucky's Affordable Prepaid Tuition program.
From a White House press release:
And these same people want to make healthcare affordable for everyone, too.
From a White House press release:
And these same people want to make healthcare affordable for everyone, too.
Leland Conway uncovers fear on "Big Left"
The Leftist Myth about the Tea Party Movement
By Leland Conway
First they accused us of racism. When that didn’t work, they said we were organized and funded by the Republican Party. When this was also found to be wrong, they pointed to a recent Homeland Security report and branded us “radical rightwing extremists” capable of any number of terrorist acts. The real story is that the left is terrified of a resurgence of the American spirit of individualism, patriotism and a renewed push for smaller government.
The tea party movement is not the brainchild of some well funded political organization. On the contrary, it is the natural reaction to one. For those who still cling to this argument, consider the following questions.
Where were you when George Soros and Moveon.org was funding much of the so-called “grass-roots” movement to elect Barack Obama as president? Where were you when ACORN was physically breaking into a foreclosed home that a bank had taken back from a perennial deadbeat member of their own group? Where were you when ACORN was paying people in cash and cigarettes to illegally register to vote multiple times?
If the tea party movement is funded by the wealthy Republican elite, then I’m still waiting for my check. So is the Reverend Dan Barnes of Lighthouse Baptist Church in Nicholasville who organized a protest on the courthouse lawn that drew more than 300 angry taxpayers. So is Mica Sims, a stay at home mom who’s fed up with over reaching government and spent her own money to organize an event that drew more than 500 in Lexington. So is Kelly Wallingford, a fed up business man and broadcaster in Richmond Kentucky who opened up his office parking lot for an event that drew more than 100 in Madison County as a prelude to Barry and Janie Spurlock's courthouse rally with 300 supporters.
Not a single one of these events was an "official" event of either major political party.
Sure, lots of Republicans showed up. But whether the media and the left want to acknowledge it, the Republican Party just happens to be full of, well, conservatives. Of course they came out in strong numbers to these events. That’s because Republicans also feel let down by their own party leadership who voted for this terrible spending rampage.
But there were a lot of angry Democrats, Libertarians and Independents at these events as well. I think that is what scares the Left so much. The reality is Obama won the election because Independents swung his way. He lured them with a lot of talk about fiscal responsibility, government transparency and cutting government waste. All promises which he has quickly broken.
Many on the left are trying to point to the "failed policies of the last eight years." This talking point is wearing thin, since those same Independents, and many Republicans have long ago acknowledged that Bush was too big a spender.
That’s why they have a very real reason to be worried about this movement. The only people who care about the "last eight years" argument are the liberal wing of the Democratic party – and there aren’t enough of them to keep congress or re-elect Barack Obama. The independent minded Republicans, Democrats and non-party affiliates see that, not only did President Bush make very poor moves on the economy over the last few months, but Obama made the same moves while stepping on the accelerator.
No, we’re not a Republican-funded bunch of "right wing extremists bent on terrorist acts" gathering at these tea parties. But we are a group of very legitimately angry Americans who see our personal wealth and freedoms disintegrating right before our eyes. That should strike terror into the hearts of the political Left.
By Leland Conway
First they accused us of racism. When that didn’t work, they said we were organized and funded by the Republican Party. When this was also found to be wrong, they pointed to a recent Homeland Security report and branded us “radical rightwing extremists” capable of any number of terrorist acts. The real story is that the left is terrified of a resurgence of the American spirit of individualism, patriotism and a renewed push for smaller government.
The tea party movement is not the brainchild of some well funded political organization. On the contrary, it is the natural reaction to one. For those who still cling to this argument, consider the following questions.
Where were you when George Soros and Moveon.org was funding much of the so-called “grass-roots” movement to elect Barack Obama as president? Where were you when ACORN was physically breaking into a foreclosed home that a bank had taken back from a perennial deadbeat member of their own group? Where were you when ACORN was paying people in cash and cigarettes to illegally register to vote multiple times?
If the tea party movement is funded by the wealthy Republican elite, then I’m still waiting for my check. So is the Reverend Dan Barnes of Lighthouse Baptist Church in Nicholasville who organized a protest on the courthouse lawn that drew more than 300 angry taxpayers. So is Mica Sims, a stay at home mom who’s fed up with over reaching government and spent her own money to organize an event that drew more than 500 in Lexington. So is Kelly Wallingford, a fed up business man and broadcaster in Richmond Kentucky who opened up his office parking lot for an event that drew more than 100 in Madison County as a prelude to Barry and Janie Spurlock's courthouse rally with 300 supporters.
Not a single one of these events was an "official" event of either major political party.
Sure, lots of Republicans showed up. But whether the media and the left want to acknowledge it, the Republican Party just happens to be full of, well, conservatives. Of course they came out in strong numbers to these events. That’s because Republicans also feel let down by their own party leadership who voted for this terrible spending rampage.
But there were a lot of angry Democrats, Libertarians and Independents at these events as well. I think that is what scares the Left so much. The reality is Obama won the election because Independents swung his way. He lured them with a lot of talk about fiscal responsibility, government transparency and cutting government waste. All promises which he has quickly broken.
Many on the left are trying to point to the "failed policies of the last eight years." This talking point is wearing thin, since those same Independents, and many Republicans have long ago acknowledged that Bush was too big a spender.
That’s why they have a very real reason to be worried about this movement. The only people who care about the "last eight years" argument are the liberal wing of the Democratic party – and there aren’t enough of them to keep congress or re-elect Barack Obama. The independent minded Republicans, Democrats and non-party affiliates see that, not only did President Bush make very poor moves on the economy over the last few months, but Obama made the same moves while stepping on the accelerator.
No, we’re not a Republican-funded bunch of "right wing extremists bent on terrorist acts" gathering at these tea parties. But we are a group of very legitimately angry Americans who see our personal wealth and freedoms disintegrating right before our eyes. That should strike terror into the hearts of the political Left.
Narrowing the focus in Lexington
Please join a discussion Thursday, April 23, at 6:30 pm about the need for school choice in Kentucky. We will be meeting at The Inn on Broadway in Lexington.
Bring a friend!
Bring a friend!
Friday, April 17, 2009
Can't stop this
Lexington's July 4 Freedom Rally has been scheduled for the Fayette County Courthouse Plaza. It will start at 3:30 pm.
Spread the word.
We will be promoting this event at Saturday's Bluegrass Tax Liberation Day.
Spread the word.
We will be promoting this event at Saturday's Bluegrass Tax Liberation Day.
A merit hiring mess of their own?
You may have missed a little "isolated accident" merit hiring story in the Louisville Courier Journal Thursday.
Sources report the underwater portion of this iceberg could play an interesting role in the Democratic primary race for the U.S. Senate as more merit hiring same-old in the Transportation Cabinet comes to light.
What say you, Attorney General Jack Conway?
Sources report the underwater portion of this iceberg could play an interesting role in the Democratic primary race for the U.S. Senate as more merit hiring same-old in the Transportation Cabinet comes to light.
What say you, Attorney General Jack Conway?
Missing some Big Ed propaganda
Back in 2007, Kentucky's big newspapers picked up their pom poms and cheered on a state report using very questionable data to promote KERA reforms in our public schools.
The Bluegrass Institute's education analyst Richard Innes debunked that effort. The Kentucky Long Term Policy Research Center is back in 2009 with a very similar "report," but so far the Big Media effort appears to be missing.
Innes already did his part but, strangely, the Courier Journal and Herald Leader don't appear to be coming to the rescue with their traditional unquestioning support.
Come on, guys! Your bureaucrats need you.
With the death of the discredited CATS testing program last month, Big Education has had a rough spring in Kentucky.
The Bluegrass Institute's education analyst Richard Innes debunked that effort. The Kentucky Long Term Policy Research Center is back in 2009 with a very similar "report," but so far the Big Media effort appears to be missing.
Innes already did his part but, strangely, the Courier Journal and Herald Leader don't appear to be coming to the rescue with their traditional unquestioning support.
Come on, guys! Your bureaucrats need you.
With the death of the discredited CATS testing program last month, Big Education has had a rough spring in Kentucky.
Thursday, April 16, 2009
Time to reopen the Worley file
Kentucky's Senate Minority Leader Ed Worley is about to get a primary opponent. A "conservative Democrat," Mike Cope of Madison County said his decision to run had a lot to do with Worley's considerable personal baggage.
Cope also expressed dismay with wild government spending and said he has opposed the bailouts.
Cope also expressed dismay with wild government spending and said he has opposed the bailouts.
Decide to do more
The splash made by yesterday's Tea Parties will mean nothing if we don't soon start planning more such events.
An easy next step, of course, is Saturday's Bluegrass Tax Liberation Day in Lexington.
But to continue to build support for smaller, more efficient, and less intrusive government, we need a game plan for May. And it doesn't have to bear any resemblance to the strategies employed in March or April.
Changing the name of the events may even be a good idea, if only to frustrate a weird point of attack by opponents. The most important points are that a grassroots movement won't build itself and if we don't build bigger and better events, we prove them right.
One idea: holding discussions based on educating friends and formulating strategy on a single issue. My first effort along these lines is an April 23 discussion on school choice at Lexington's Inn on Broadway.
If you'd like to attend, please see my contact information at the top of this page.
An easy next step, of course, is Saturday's Bluegrass Tax Liberation Day in Lexington.
But to continue to build support for smaller, more efficient, and less intrusive government, we need a game plan for May. And it doesn't have to bear any resemblance to the strategies employed in March or April.
Changing the name of the events may even be a good idea, if only to frustrate a weird point of attack by opponents. The most important points are that a grassroots movement won't build itself and if we don't build bigger and better events, we prove them right.
One idea: holding discussions based on educating friends and formulating strategy on a single issue. My first effort along these lines is an April 23 discussion on school choice at Lexington's Inn on Broadway.
If you'd like to attend, please see my contact information at the top of this page.
Wednesday, April 15, 2009
Thanks, but no thanks, Congressman
National Republican Congressional Committee Chairman Pete Sessions, a Congressman from Texas, weighed in on the Tax Day Tea Parties with the following statement:
I'm not buying it.
Since Rep. Sessions voted for the original bank bailout, he should know that we don't need his help.
"Today, millions of Americans are gathering at Tea Parties to stand up to higher taxes and out-of-control government spending. There is no better day than Tax Day to exercise our fundamental beliefs, particularly when it comes to the issue of government-forced payment. Liberty and freedom are values that our country was founded on, and Republicans in Congress will stand alongside those who demand a government that is accountable to its people. Those who dismiss this phenomenon as anything other than a grassroots revolt are the same people who have no problem taxing and spending other people’s hard-earned money under the guise of 'fairness.' The anger and frustration toward Washington politicians are a result of arrogance and disinterest in listening to the voters who elected them. While individuals like Tim Geithner, Charlie Rangel and a whole host of Democrat 'leaders' have been promoted despite egregious attempts to dodge the IRS, it should come as no surprise that honest taxpaying citizens feel the need to speak out."
I'm not buying it.
Since Rep. Sessions voted for the original bank bailout, he should know that we don't need his help.
CJ tactics take a turn for the worse
The last few weeks I have seen left-wing writers go from dismissive to beyond vulgar in their description of those of us who don't like our politicians' power growing by taking more of our money and giving it to their big donor groups with failed business models.
I'm talking, of course, about the Tea Party movement. Until a friend filled me in yesterday, I never thought of a tea bag as anything other than something with which to make tea. Turns out another use for the term "teabag" is as a verb; a rather homoerotic verb. Check out Urban Dictionary if you have to, but you will probably be sorry you did.
Anyway, the Louisville Courier Journal got in on the fun today, referring to "the anti-tax set's tea party and teabag talk."
My question: did a 250 word editorial really need to add "and teabag" to make clear the disdain they feel for people who disagree with them? Is the Courier Journal editorial board calling people who participate in Tea Parties homosexuals or are they trying to make some other kind of statement about what they think we do in the privacy of our bedrooms?
If the Louisville Courier Journal wanted to have a serious discussion about governmental functions, I would welcome it. If, at the very least, they intend to portray more than a flair for odious bathroom references, the editors should apologize for this latest offense.
I'm talking, of course, about the Tea Party movement. Until a friend filled me in yesterday, I never thought of a tea bag as anything other than something with which to make tea. Turns out another use for the term "teabag" is as a verb; a rather homoerotic verb. Check out Urban Dictionary if you have to, but you will probably be sorry you did.
Anyway, the Louisville Courier Journal got in on the fun today, referring to "the anti-tax set's tea party and teabag talk."
My question: did a 250 word editorial really need to add "and teabag" to make clear the disdain they feel for people who disagree with them? Is the Courier Journal editorial board calling people who participate in Tea Parties homosexuals or are they trying to make some other kind of statement about what they think we do in the privacy of our bedrooms?
If the Louisville Courier Journal wanted to have a serious discussion about governmental functions, I would welcome it. If, at the very least, they intend to portray more than a flair for odious bathroom references, the editors should apologize for this latest offense.
Tuesday, April 14, 2009
Still not minding the store in Lexington
Disgraced former Lexington jail administrator Don Leach has been given permission by Director Ron Bishop to take three FCDC passenger vans on a five-day road trip to Louisville later this month.
How did you fit that into the budget, Mayor Newberry?
How did you fit that into the budget, Mayor Newberry?
Pres. Barack Obama doesn't hear you yet
Here's the latest from the Teleprompter-in-Chief:
This rationale for expanding government spending would only make sense if bureaucrats knew where economic equilibrium belonged all the time and knew how to get it there. Since they don't and can't, Obama's logic doesn't hold up.
Further, since Obama doesn't know where equilibrium is or how to get it any place in particular while he continues to insist on wasting our money trying to figure it out, we should probably all get together and talk about what we are going to do next.
How about Saturday in Lexington?
"To begin with, economists on both the left and right agree that the last thing a government should do in the middle of a recession is to cut back on spending. You see, when this recession began, many families sat around their kitchen table and tried to figure out where they could cut back. So do many businesses. That is a completely responsible and understandable reaction. But if every family in America cuts back, then no one is spending any money, which means there are more layoffs, and the economy gets even worse. That’s why the government has to step in and temporarily boost spending in order to stimulate demand. And that’s exactly what we’re doing right now."
This rationale for expanding government spending would only make sense if bureaucrats knew where economic equilibrium belonged all the time and knew how to get it there. Since they don't and can't, Obama's logic doesn't hold up.
Further, since Obama doesn't know where equilibrium is or how to get it any place in particular while he continues to insist on wasting our money trying to figure it out, we should probably all get together and talk about what we are going to do next.
How about Saturday in Lexington?
Monday, April 13, 2009
Save money by axing Kentucky Treasurer
One funny part of Pat Crowley's recent profile of state Sen. Damon Thayer suggests Thayer may run for Treasurer in 2011.
Sen. Thayer is not going to run for the do-nothing Treasurer's office. He filed the bill in 2008 to shut down the office to save money.
Thayer's no-nonsense style might be an interesting fit for an Auditor's office traditionally misused as a political weapon, though.
Sen. Thayer is not going to run for the do-nothing Treasurer's office. He filed the bill in 2008 to shut down the office to save money.
Thayer's no-nonsense style might be an interesting fit for an Auditor's office traditionally misused as a political weapon, though.
Is honest transparency a political winner?
It's too early to tell what Gov. Steve Beshear's cynical approach to government spending transparency will cost him politically. Conventional wisdom certainly would suggest that simple lack of awareness will continue to allow him to get away with yet another broken campaign promise.
But if really Louisville rolls out a taxpayer's checkbook web site this summer that shows where the money is going and Beshear continues the shucking and jiving, the stark contrast might attract attention.
If Councilman Ken Fleming's obvious pride in leading Louisville toward openness and better taxpayer service is any indication, this issue isn't going away.
But if really Louisville rolls out a taxpayer's checkbook web site this summer that shows where the money is going and Beshear continues the shucking and jiving, the stark contrast might attract attention.
If Councilman Ken Fleming's obvious pride in leading Louisville toward openness and better taxpayer service is any indication, this issue isn't going away.
Sunday, April 12, 2009
What happens when everything is a casino?
West Virginia's legislature on Friday sent a bill to their governor that would expand casino dependency past race tracks and on to a bankrupt resort in order to "save" it.
How long till they set up casinos at all the libraries and DMV offices to fund them? Is this getting a little ridiculous for anyone yet?
How long till they set up casinos at all the libraries and DMV offices to fund them? Is this getting a little ridiculous for anyone yet?
Saturday, April 11, 2009
Rolling through Richmond
Thanks to everyone who participated in a great Tea Party event in Richmond on Saturday!
I'll be back in Madison County on Wednesday, April 15 and in Fayette County the same day to speak to mid-day courthouse crowds. Hope to see you there.
I'll be back in Madison County on Wednesday, April 15 and in Fayette County the same day to speak to mid-day courthouse crowds. Hope to see you there.
Leland Conway speaks to GOP breakfast
Since LBJ declared war on poverty in the 1960's we have spent more than $12 trillion on that effort and have seen the number of people in poverty increase."
"Ignorance is not the same thing as stupidity. Most people think like we do, they just don't know it."
"I think Americans by and large still believe in a culture of life and liberty."
"On Wednesday we will have another Tea Party downtown in Lexington and next Saturday we will have another one at Applebee's Ball Park. Some people are saying 'I thought they already had one in Lexington.' We did. And we will have another and another and and another and another until the politicians in Frankfort and Washington D.C. get the message."
"I believe in the depths of my soul this nation has a special purpose and that purpose is Liberty."
"Our nation was not meant to go down in socialism."
"Ignorance is not the same thing as stupidity. Most people think like we do, they just don't know it."
"I think Americans by and large still believe in a culture of life and liberty."
"On Wednesday we will have another Tea Party downtown in Lexington and next Saturday we will have another one at Applebee's Ball Park. Some people are saying 'I thought they already had one in Lexington.' We did. And we will have another and another and and another and another until the politicians in Frankfort and Washington D.C. get the message."
"I believe in the depths of my soul this nation has a special purpose and that purpose is Liberty."
"Our nation was not meant to go down in socialism."
Stan Lee speaks about 2009 General Assembly
"In the midst of a recession, we voted to raise taxes on Kentuckians nearly $300 million."
"We passed a $1.2 billion road plan with over $600 million in new debt."
Rep. Lee mentioned that repealing prevailing wage would have saved the state "more than $120 million a year."
Said SB 1 was the most important bill passed in the General Assembly.
"We came back to Frankfort in June of 2008 to fix the problem of pensions. Then just a few months later we backed off of the little bit of good that we did in that Special Session."
"All the businesses who said 'stick it to alcohol and tobacco,' your business is next because we're coming back in June."
"We passed a $1.2 billion road plan with over $600 million in new debt."
Rep. Lee mentioned that repealing prevailing wage would have saved the state "more than $120 million a year."
Said SB 1 was the most important bill passed in the General Assembly.
"We came back to Frankfort in June of 2008 to fix the problem of pensions. Then just a few months later we backed off of the little bit of good that we did in that Special Session."
"All the businesses who said 'stick it to alcohol and tobacco,' your business is next because we're coming back in June."
Friday, April 10, 2009
How media misreports government overspending
The state reported Friday morning that General Fund revenues are higher for March and for the first nine months of the current fiscal year.
That would seem to contradict the politicians' claims of revenue shortfall, wouldn't it? Well, you'd never get the idea that spending to much (rather than taxing us too little) is the problem if you depend on the Lexington Herald Leader and Louisville Courier Journal for your news.
Seeing words like "no growth" and "flat," one might get the mistaken impression that revenues have not continued to climb.
Try instead the Bluegrass Policy Blog, which got it right and even did the math for you. Click here to read the story on the Bluegrass Policy Blog.
That would seem to contradict the politicians' claims of revenue shortfall, wouldn't it? Well, you'd never get the idea that spending to much (rather than taxing us too little) is the problem if you depend on the Lexington Herald Leader and Louisville Courier Journal for your news.
Seeing words like "no growth" and "flat," one might get the mistaken impression that revenues have not continued to climb.
Try instead the Bluegrass Policy Blog, which got it right and even did the math for you. Click here to read the story on the Bluegrass Policy Blog.
Taking Richmond by storm
The Richmond Tea Party for Saturday, April 11, is all set. Should be a great time. Details are here. Check back for video coverage.
I am convinced that the key to these events is setting them up two at a time and to always be promoting the next event. A follow-up to Saturday's Richmond Tea Party will come next Wednesday, April 15 at noon at the Madison County courthouse.
Local political figures Kent Clark, Ed Worley, and Harry Moberly are NOT expected to attend.
I am convinced that the key to these events is setting them up two at a time and to always be promoting the next event. A follow-up to Saturday's Richmond Tea Party will come next Wednesday, April 15 at noon at the Madison County courthouse.
Local political figures Kent Clark, Ed Worley, and Harry Moberly are NOT expected to attend.
Irony escapes another industry in transition
The Radio-Television News Directors Association gave WHAS11 in Louisville its prestigious Edward R. Murrow Investigative Reporting Award for covering a story we all read about first and best on PageOneKentucky blog.
Thursday, April 09, 2009
Hoping for better from Karem
After failing to place a top teachers union official on the state school board last month, Gov. Steve Beshear appointed Thursday one of the authors of the Kentucky Education Reform Act, former Sen. David Karem.
With the end of CATS testing, Kentucky is headed in a new direction toward greater accountability in our schools. Hope Karem works with us and not against us.
With the end of CATS testing, Kentucky is headed in a new direction toward greater accountability in our schools. Hope Karem works with us and not against us.
While Kentucky sinks deeper into debt
Kentucky's debt problem is Frankfort's big secret. Meanwhile, South Carolina Gov. Mark Sanford keeps fighting back.
Doesn't stand for "fantastic"
The National Taxpayers Union released Thursday it's latest Congressional report card for tax and spending votes. Rep. Ben Chandler earned his fifth straight "F" grade.
Sen. Jim Bunning earned one of only nine "A" grades in the Senate. Read the whole report here.
Sen. Jim Bunning earned one of only nine "A" grades in the Senate. Read the whole report here.
Obama the Restructurer
The White House announced Thursday a plan to buy up thousands of cars for the federal government's fleet.
"I will continue to ensure that we are working to support the American auto industry during this difficult period of restructuring," President Barack Obama said.
While Obama continues "ensuring" with our money, of course, necessary restructuring is unnecessarily -- and expensively -- delayed.
"I will continue to ensure that we are working to support the American auto industry during this difficult period of restructuring," President Barack Obama said.
While Obama continues "ensuring" with our money, of course, necessary restructuring is unnecessarily -- and expensively -- delayed.
Kentucky Tea Party List
I think this is all of them up to the April 15 events. Then comes the one at Applebee's Park in Lexington on April 18.
APRIL 11TH:
City: Richmond, KY
When: April 11, 4:00 pm - 6:00 pm
Where: 128 Big Hill Ave
Notes: Event at Wallingford Broadcasting, parking across the street
=================
APRIL 15TH:
City: Bowling Green, KY
When: April 15, 5:00 pm - 7:00 pm
Where: 455 E. Main St.
Notes: Rally at Fountain Square Park and then proceed to the Warren County Justice Center.
————-
City: Elizabethtown, KY
When: April 15, 4:00PM - 6:30PM
Where: Downtown Public Square
Website: http://www.hardincoteaparty.com/home
————-
City: Frankfort, KY
When: April 15, 12:00 pm - 2:00 pm
Where: Capitol Building, Front Steps
————-
City: Lexington, KY
When: April 15, 12:00 pm - 3:00 pm
Where: Fayette County Courthouse
————-
City: Louisville, KY
When: April 15, 11:00am - 1:00pm
Where: Jefferson Square, 6th and Jefferson St.
————-
City: Nicholasville, KY
When: April 15th, 12:00 pm - 2:00 pm
Where: Jessamine County Courthouse
————-
City: Owensboro, KY
When: April 15, 12:00 Noon
Where: City Hall
————-
City: Paducah, KY
When: April 15, 5:30 pm
Where: Dolly McNutt Plaza, between Paducah’s City Hall and the McCracken County Court House
————-
City: Richmond, KY
When: April 15th, 12:00 pm - 2:00 pm
Where: Madison County Courthouse
APRIL 11TH:
City: Richmond, KY
When: April 11, 4:00 pm - 6:00 pm
Where: 128 Big Hill Ave
Notes: Event at Wallingford Broadcasting, parking across the street
=================
APRIL 15TH:
City: Bowling Green, KY
When: April 15, 5:00 pm - 7:00 pm
Where: 455 E. Main St.
Notes: Rally at Fountain Square Park and then proceed to the Warren County Justice Center.
————-
City: Elizabethtown, KY
When: April 15, 4:00PM - 6:30PM
Where: Downtown Public Square
Website: http://www.hardincoteaparty.com/home
————-
City: Frankfort, KY
When: April 15, 12:00 pm - 2:00 pm
Where: Capitol Building, Front Steps
————-
City: Lexington, KY
When: April 15, 12:00 pm - 3:00 pm
Where: Fayette County Courthouse
————-
City: Louisville, KY
When: April 15, 11:00am - 1:00pm
Where: Jefferson Square, 6th and Jefferson St.
————-
City: Nicholasville, KY
When: April 15th, 12:00 pm - 2:00 pm
Where: Jessamine County Courthouse
————-
City: Owensboro, KY
When: April 15, 12:00 Noon
Where: City Hall
————-
City: Paducah, KY
When: April 15, 5:30 pm
Where: Dolly McNutt Plaza, between Paducah’s City Hall and the McCracken County Court House
————-
City: Richmond, KY
When: April 15th, 12:00 pm - 2:00 pm
Where: Madison County Courthouse
Wednesday, April 08, 2009
Replacing Hebert with everyone
Louisville's WHAS investigative reporter Mark Hebert, widely regarded as one of the best at digging up official secrets, is leaving his reporting job next month to go to work for University of Louisville.
In a comment on the PageOneKentucky blog, Lexington Herald Leader reporter John Cheves praised Hebert:
Of course, it doesn't have to be that way. If the media folks who are left got together and forced state government to put spending and contracts on the internet for everyone to see, citizens would be safer from the crooks.
In a comment on the PageOneKentucky blog, Lexington Herald Leader reporter John Cheves praised Hebert:
"So now we have one less watchdog keeping an eye on the Kentucky statehouse. Bad news for the citizens, good news for the crooks."
Of course, it doesn't have to be that way. If the media folks who are left got together and forced state government to put spending and contracts on the internet for everyone to see, citizens would be safer from the crooks.
You're kidding, right, Gov. Beshear?
Gov. Steve Beshear was out Wednesday afternoon pimping a DVD about avoiding fraud. From the press release:
We don't know (though I was sorely tempted to call and ask) if the DVD includes any information about protecting ourselves from politicians who lie about tax increases, efficiency studies, pension reform, spending transparency or who engage in counterproductive, excessive regulation and pander to labor unions at taxpayer expense. I doubt it, don't you?
We don't know (though I was sorely tempted to call and ask) if the DVD includes any information about protecting ourselves from politicians who lie about tax increases, efficiency studies, pension reform, spending transparency or who engage in counterproductive, excessive regulation and pander to labor unions at taxpayer expense. I doubt it, don't you?
Kentucky Tea Party just getting started
Last month's tea party in Lexington helped generate a lot of interest across the state in citizen activism.
It's just going to get bigger.
It will be interesting to see what happens with the Tax Day Tea Parties at lunchtime in towns across the state and nation on April 15. The big crowds so far have been weekend crowds. How many people will take time on a Wednesday to go to these rallies? I don't know. It might be a little discouraging for people who haven't done much -- or any -- such events.
I've organized and promoted several political events. Some have gone well and some have been complete flops. Some of the April 15 events may not be very big, but organizers will do well to focus instead on the people who do take the time to show up and get to work immediately on the next event.
In fact, it would probably be a good idea to plan another event immediately and promote it at the April 15 event.
By the way, I will emcee the Richmond Tea Party this Saturday, April 11 at 4:00 at Wallingford Broadcasting and will be back in Richmond on April 15 to speak at their Tax Day Tea Party.
At both, we will be promoting the April 18 Bluegrass Tax Liberation Day at Applebee's Park in Lexington.
See how that works?
It's just going to get bigger.
It will be interesting to see what happens with the Tax Day Tea Parties at lunchtime in towns across the state and nation on April 15. The big crowds so far have been weekend crowds. How many people will take time on a Wednesday to go to these rallies? I don't know. It might be a little discouraging for people who haven't done much -- or any -- such events.
I've organized and promoted several political events. Some have gone well and some have been complete flops. Some of the April 15 events may not be very big, but organizers will do well to focus instead on the people who do take the time to show up and get to work immediately on the next event.
In fact, it would probably be a good idea to plan another event immediately and promote it at the April 15 event.
By the way, I will emcee the Richmond Tea Party this Saturday, April 11 at 4:00 at Wallingford Broadcasting and will be back in Richmond on April 15 to speak at their Tax Day Tea Party.
At both, we will be promoting the April 18 Bluegrass Tax Liberation Day at Applebee's Park in Lexington.
See how that works?
Tuesday, April 07, 2009
Shut up and eat your stimulus, part two
The Democratic Congressional Campaign Committee is targeting Republicans who voted against the Spendulus bill by saying they oppose tax cuts.
Interestingly, these same people understood that borrowing money from the future to spread it around today is a bad idea as recently as two years ago.
Interestingly, these same people understood that borrowing money from the future to spread it around today is a bad idea as recently as two years ago.
Speak up, Mayor Newberry
With less than two months before the start of a three-week federal trial against five former Fayette County jail officers accused of abusing inmates and conspiring to keep their activities quiet, it's worth mentioning again that Mayor Jim Newberry claimed last June to know who the other FBI targets are.
Maybe his 2010 election opponent could tell us something. Hello?
Maybe his 2010 election opponent could tell us something. Hello?
Monday, April 06, 2009
More Tea with Leland
Plan on making the trip to Richmond this Saturday, April 11, for a Tea Party featuring WLAP's Leland Conway. Starts at 4pm.
Details here.
Details here.
Wonder if Gov. Rell would take pork IOU?
Ahead of Tuesday night's NCAA women's basketball championship game between University of Louisville and University of Connecticut, Kentucky Gov. Steve Beshear bet Connecticut Gov. Jodi Rell a ham that U of L will win.
Given Gov. Beshear's broken promises about not raising taxes, cutting government waste, and making state spending more transparent, we have another, unexpected reason to hope the Cardinals win.
Given Gov. Beshear's broken promises about not raising taxes, cutting government waste, and making state spending more transparent, we have another, unexpected reason to hope the Cardinals win.
Mongiardo retires part of 2004 campaign debt
The breathless media coverage Monday about Lt. Gov. Daniel Mongiardo raising $420,000 in the first quarter of this year to run for U.S. Senate misses one minor detail (click image to expand):
Politicians who don't understand why burying taxpayers in debt is bad may begin to get the picture when they have to hit up donors to finance a six year old campaign bill.
Politicians who don't understand why burying taxpayers in debt is bad may begin to get the picture when they have to hit up donors to finance a six year old campaign bill.
Sunday, April 05, 2009
Leland does the math
Obamanomics 101
By Leland Conway
Uh-oh, the ideological left is bragging about President Obama’s big “middle class” tax cut that has just taken effect. Specifically, they are touting what they think it will do for Kentucky. One left leaning website made the optimistic claim that the thirteen additional dollars per week we’ll start seeing in our paychecks will put $800 million dollars back into Kentucky’s economy this year.
On its surface, the potential for an $800 million dollar economic boon sounds like a big deal, until you actually do the math.
First, the legislature in Frankfort just raised cigarette and alcohol taxes. The talking heads parroted the numbers given to them by politicians bragging that it will raise an additional $180 million in tax revenue. So we can cut that optimistic cash infusion from $800 million down to $620 million.
Then, the legislature in Frankfort raised the gas tax. They will tell you that this was not a tax increase, that they merely “froze” the rate at its current level. Don’t buy it. According to Kentucky law, the gas tax was supposed to be a percentage fixed to the wholesale price. Now that gas prices have dropped, they changed the law to their advantage. When prices go back up, and President Obama promises that they will, they’ll just “unfreeze” it again and continue to reap the benefits. Legislators boasted that this shenanigan would bring in an additional $120 million dollars in revenue. Now we can lower our tax cut projection to $500 million.
Next, the federal government is seriously considering cap and trade legislation to wage war against mythical global warming. The U.S. Department of Energy’s own estimates put the lower end cost of this dangerous legislation to each family at $700 additional dollars per year. (In reality, the higher energy costs and other charges will actually cost the average American family upwards of $3100 additional dollars per year.) Using the same whacked out math formula that the aforementioned liberal website used to arrive at the $800 million dollar cash infusion, we can now assume a cost to the commonwealth of an additional $840 million if cap and trade legislation passes. That makes the “middle class” tax cut now worth negative $340 million to Kentuckians.
Ouch.
Don’t blame me; I’m simply using their own math formula and government estimates – which are both overly optimistic. But I’m not done yet. As TV Salesman Billy Mays would say “But wait, there’s more!”
What they are claiming is a tax cut, is actually not a tax cut at all. It’s a tax credit. There is a big difference. A tax cut gives us some of our money back – end of story. This tax credit is actually considered by the government to be taxable income next year for some people. So after they’ve drained our pockets and given us a measly $13 per week, they’ll tax it back. Wow…a tax on a tax cut. Can this get any better?
Using their math formula again, that’s another $80 million dollar hit. Suddenly, Obama’s economic policies which some are claiming will give Kentuckians back $800 million dollars of their own hard earned money, has become a net $420 million dollar loss. Wow.
What started out as bragging about a tax cut becomes a complete charade when you take into account the real effect of Obamanomics, especially here in Kentucky, where we stand to be hit hardest by Obama’s anti-coal rhetoric and coinciding soaring energy costs. Bottom line folks, hold onto your wallets. President Obama, Congress and the Kentucky Legislature are going to cut our taxes until we can’t afford to live.
By Leland Conway
Uh-oh, the ideological left is bragging about President Obama’s big “middle class” tax cut that has just taken effect. Specifically, they are touting what they think it will do for Kentucky. One left leaning website made the optimistic claim that the thirteen additional dollars per week we’ll start seeing in our paychecks will put $800 million dollars back into Kentucky’s economy this year.
On its surface, the potential for an $800 million dollar economic boon sounds like a big deal, until you actually do the math.
First, the legislature in Frankfort just raised cigarette and alcohol taxes. The talking heads parroted the numbers given to them by politicians bragging that it will raise an additional $180 million in tax revenue. So we can cut that optimistic cash infusion from $800 million down to $620 million.
Then, the legislature in Frankfort raised the gas tax. They will tell you that this was not a tax increase, that they merely “froze” the rate at its current level. Don’t buy it. According to Kentucky law, the gas tax was supposed to be a percentage fixed to the wholesale price. Now that gas prices have dropped, they changed the law to their advantage. When prices go back up, and President Obama promises that they will, they’ll just “unfreeze” it again and continue to reap the benefits. Legislators boasted that this shenanigan would bring in an additional $120 million dollars in revenue. Now we can lower our tax cut projection to $500 million.
Next, the federal government is seriously considering cap and trade legislation to wage war against mythical global warming. The U.S. Department of Energy’s own estimates put the lower end cost of this dangerous legislation to each family at $700 additional dollars per year. (In reality, the higher energy costs and other charges will actually cost the average American family upwards of $3100 additional dollars per year.) Using the same whacked out math formula that the aforementioned liberal website used to arrive at the $800 million dollar cash infusion, we can now assume a cost to the commonwealth of an additional $840 million if cap and trade legislation passes. That makes the “middle class” tax cut now worth negative $340 million to Kentuckians.
Ouch.
Don’t blame me; I’m simply using their own math formula and government estimates – which are both overly optimistic. But I’m not done yet. As TV Salesman Billy Mays would say “But wait, there’s more!”
What they are claiming is a tax cut, is actually not a tax cut at all. It’s a tax credit. There is a big difference. A tax cut gives us some of our money back – end of story. This tax credit is actually considered by the government to be taxable income next year for some people. So after they’ve drained our pockets and given us a measly $13 per week, they’ll tax it back. Wow…a tax on a tax cut. Can this get any better?
Using their math formula again, that’s another $80 million dollar hit. Suddenly, Obama’s economic policies which some are claiming will give Kentuckians back $800 million dollars of their own hard earned money, has become a net $420 million dollar loss. Wow.
What started out as bragging about a tax cut becomes a complete charade when you take into account the real effect of Obamanomics, especially here in Kentucky, where we stand to be hit hardest by Obama’s anti-coal rhetoric and coinciding soaring energy costs. Bottom line folks, hold onto your wallets. President Obama, Congress and the Kentucky Legislature are going to cut our taxes until we can’t afford to live.
Tea Party revolution won't be televised
If you can't get the mainstream media to cover your political movement, you just might have to do the job yourself.
Click here to see one outstanding example.
There are more Tea Parties coming. See here and here. Please help spread the word!
Click here to see one outstanding example.
There are more Tea Parties coming. See here and here. Please help spread the word!
Saturday, April 04, 2009
Gotta be kidding alert
As hard as it is to believe, some people think President Barack Obama isn't far enough to the left.
Friday, April 03, 2009
Congressman Mike Pence
U.S. Rep. Mike Pence (R-Indiana) said Rep. Brett Guthrie -- who introduced him -- is the first freshman congressman to chair a subcommittee in the House since Richard Nixon.
Pence thanked Bunning for standing up to the bailouts.
"I'm encouraged. I believe we are on the verge of a great American awakening."
"We walked away from our principles and the American people walked away from us."
"We need to be willing to fight for freedom and free markets."
He got a big applause when he said not one Republican voted for Obama's budget.
"We lost the vote, but I think we won the argument."
"We can't ask hard working families who played by the rules and paid their mortgages to bailout the irresponsible ones."
"The American people don't want to know 'what's in it for me,' they want to know what's in it for America."
Pence talked about a man who had lost his job but came to thank Pence the next day for voting against the banking bailout. He quoted the man as saying "I can get another job, but I can't get another country."
"This administration is poised to take away the rights of health care workers who oppose abortions."
"We've got to recognize that our current crisis is more than economic and financial. It's a moral crisis."
"If the foundations of personal responsibility fail, how can our nation stand?"
"The good and great people of this nation will rally to our cause."
Rousing speech. Very well recieved.
Pence thanked Bunning for standing up to the bailouts.
"I'm encouraged. I believe we are on the verge of a great American awakening."
"We walked away from our principles and the American people walked away from us."
"We need to be willing to fight for freedom and free markets."
He got a big applause when he said not one Republican voted for Obama's budget.
"We lost the vote, but I think we won the argument."
"We can't ask hard working families who played by the rules and paid their mortgages to bailout the irresponsible ones."
"The American people don't want to know 'what's in it for me,' they want to know what's in it for America."
Pence talked about a man who had lost his job but came to thank Pence the next day for voting against the banking bailout. He quoted the man as saying "I can get another job, but I can't get another country."
"This administration is poised to take away the rights of health care workers who oppose abortions."
"We've got to recognize that our current crisis is more than economic and financial. It's a moral crisis."
"If the foundations of personal responsibility fail, how can our nation stand?"
"The good and great people of this nation will rally to our cause."
Rousing speech. Very well recieved.
Trey Grayson speaks
Secretary of State Trey Grayson began his speech by thanking Senator Jim Bunning, calling him a mentor and friend, and wishing him well in his 2010 race.
Jim Bunning speaks
Sen. Jim Bunning said "Believe me, the bailout plans are not helping the economy get back on track. They are not."
"It's a mess and the new Secretary of the Treasury is making it a bigger mess. And the Chairman of the Federal Reserve is out of control."
Bunning is giving an economics lecture like he did in Richmond and the audience is hanging on every word. (I'm really not exaggerating.)
Bunning got applause while explaining that the Obama Spendathon is not going to help.
Bunning explained that the Obama cap and trade tax on energy will increase costs for everyone.
"You all know me pretty well and how I vote in the U.S. Senate. I'm not anyone's puppet. I'm my own man."
(Pretty big applause here.)
"I am running for a third term in the United States Senate. I know it will be a battle but I am ready for the fight of my life. I vow to you I will do my darndest to represent you in the manner you deserve to be represented and I will do my darndest to kick Danny Mongiardo's butt."
Great speech. Wrong butt.
"It's a mess and the new Secretary of the Treasury is making it a bigger mess. And the Chairman of the Federal Reserve is out of control."
Bunning is giving an economics lecture like he did in Richmond and the audience is hanging on every word. (I'm really not exaggerating.)
Bunning got applause while explaining that the Obama Spendathon is not going to help.
Bunning explained that the Obama cap and trade tax on energy will increase costs for everyone.
"You all know me pretty well and how I vote in the U.S. Senate. I'm not anyone's puppet. I'm my own man."
(Pretty big applause here.)
"I am running for a third term in the United States Senate. I know it will be a battle but I am ready for the fight of my life. I vow to you I will do my darndest to represent you in the manner you deserve to be represented and I will do my darndest to kick Danny Mongiardo's butt."
Great speech. Wrong butt.
David Williams speaks
Senate President David Williams started out speaking about the education initiatives that have come out of the Senate the last few years. Got wide applause when he mentioned getting rid of the bogus CATS program.
Williams said he understands that a lot of people are unhappy with the Senate's actions during the last budget. Then he ran off the same list of tax cuts over the last few years that he has talked about in other venues. Nice tactic, but doesn't really help much since we have continued spending well beyond our means.
He's also using the same line about being on the campaign bus next year for the U.S. Senate race but not knowing in what capacity he will be on the bus, an obvious plug for his rumored primary challenge to Sen. Bunning.
Williams got polite applause from the audience when he finished speaking.
Williams said he understands that a lot of people are unhappy with the Senate's actions during the last budget. Then he ran off the same list of tax cuts over the last few years that he has talked about in other venues. Nice tactic, but doesn't really help much since we have continued spending well beyond our means.
He's also using the same line about being on the campaign bus next year for the U.S. Senate race but not knowing in what capacity he will be on the bus, an obvious plug for his rumored primary challenge to Sen. Bunning.
Williams got polite applause from the audience when he finished speaking.
Innes takes on the establishment and wins
The Bluegrass Institute's Richard Innes has been one of the primary drivers behind starting to clear the deadwood out of our education bureaucracy in Kentucky.
His latest posts (here and here) are definitely worth checking out if you care about improving Kentucky's public schools.
His latest posts (here and here) are definitely worth checking out if you care about improving Kentucky's public schools.
Jefferson Co. Lincoln Dinner
I'm in Louisville for the GOP Lincoln Dinner. Should be interesting. Stay tuned for updates.
----
Sen. Mitch McConnell sent the same stupid letter he has sent to every other Lincoln Dinner I've been to this year congratulating Kentucky Republicans for keeping taxes low in Frankfort. It's way past time to update your letter, Senator.
----
Sen. Mitch McConnell sent the same stupid letter he has sent to every other Lincoln Dinner I've been to this year congratulating Kentucky Republicans for keeping taxes low in Frankfort. It's way past time to update your letter, Senator.
Thursday, April 02, 2009
As Obama spends, we brew tea
I will be on the Kruser Radio Show (WVLK 590 AM) Friday at 12:30 talking about the upcoming Bluegrass Tax Liberation Day in Lexington and the April 11 Tea Party in Richmond.
Also trying to get something going in Frankfort, Bowling Green, Elizabethtown, and in Eastern Kentucky.
This is in addition to the various Tax Day Tea Parties on April 15.
Also trying to get something going in Frankfort, Bowling Green, Elizabethtown, and in Eastern Kentucky.
This is in addition to the various Tax Day Tea Parties on April 15.
Another federal investigation for Jim Newberry
Lexington Mayor Jim Newberry gets pretty squeamish when someone tries to ask him about the waste, fraud, and abuse going on at the Fayette County Detention Center.
Looks like he has another one creeping and crawling his way.
Jail officials have been notified of an Internal Revenue Service probe into the facility related to illegal inmate labor practices. Newberry continues to have no comment.
Lexington jail Director Ron Bishop keeps tightening his inner circle for closed door meetings, but he still hasn't found my best source.
Now they care about money
The Lexington Herald Leader sat on their hands while Kentucky governments spent us to the brink (here and here, just for starters), but when the self-sufficient and profitable University of Kentucky Athletic Department spends a few bucks to get the best available coach in the nation, they run an online poll like this:
It bears repeating that John Calipari isn't being paid with taxpayer dollars. Some of our bureaucrats and politicians who are paid far less waste much more.
Incidentally, a Yahoo.com online poll suggests very strongly that a national audience gives the Calipari hire a thumbs up. The Herald Leader's great ideas like making government bigger and diminishing Kentucky's business competitiveness can't begin to compare to this kind of return on investment.
Wednesday, April 01, 2009
Sign the petition
Free trade makes people freer, wealthier, and promotes peace.
Great essay and free trade petition right here. Check it out and sign it!
Great essay and free trade petition right here. Check it out and sign it!
Thanks a lot, Ben and John!
Remember back in January when Reps. Ben Chandler and John Yarmuth voted to expand SCHIP by raising the federal cigarette tax?
We don't have any idea yet how much the government expansion will cost us, but we have an idea about the damage our two guys will do to Kentucky's state budget.
It is April Fools, but this very unfunny joke is on all the rest of us.
We don't have any idea yet how much the government expansion will cost us, but we have an idea about the damage our two guys will do to Kentucky's state budget.
It is April Fools, but this very unfunny joke is on all the rest of us.
Another wild homeschool story
A family from Germany is seeking political asylum in Tennessee so they can homeschool their children, a practice that's been illegal in their home country since Hitler made it so in 1937.
They might have come to Kentucky for our still-substantial homeschooling freedoms. But our political, tax, and fiscal situations make us less stable than our neighbors to the south.
Thanks to NightWriter for passing this along.
Tuesday, March 31, 2009
Like compromising with a grizzly bear
Former DNC Chairman Howard Dean's political organization is trying to sneak socialized medicine through in America by offering to allow American "the freedom to choose" between their private plan and a government plan like Medicare.
Don't take the bait. This will look great until the expanded Medicare program figures out that covering the only sickest people is too expensive. When the government program gets a politically unstoppable constituency built up, they will come after everyone else.
Don't take the bait. This will look great until the expanded Medicare program figures out that covering the only sickest people is too expensive. When the government program gets a politically unstoppable constituency built up, they will come after everyone else.
Obamanation pays its taxes
The Tax Foundation has out a new report showing that, if you count the projected budget deficit, Americans will spend more time working to pay taxes than ever before.
Tax Freedom Day is May 29.
By the way, Tax Freedom Day without the deficit is April 13. This is earlier than last year because incomes -- and tax receipts -- are down. That does us no good, of course, because spending keeps going up.
Kentucky's Tax Freedom Day is this Friday, April 3. It's also earlier than last year. It also doesn't help anything.
Lowering dependency on government isn't on the agenda, but that would help a lot.
Tax Freedom Day is May 29.
By the way, Tax Freedom Day without the deficit is April 13. This is earlier than last year because incomes -- and tax receipts -- are down. That does us no good, of course, because spending keeps going up.
Kentucky's Tax Freedom Day is this Friday, April 3. It's also earlier than last year. It also doesn't help anything.
Lowering dependency on government isn't on the agenda, but that would help a lot.
Picking two points and hammering them home
The Kentucky Club for Growth's Andy Hightower has a great way of putting things:
Andy jumps all over both of them right here.
"It's the most irresponsible thing our leadership regularly practices, and it's apparently killing people."He's talking about, of course, the $30 billion public employee benefits disaster in Frankfort. There are really two points that matter in this discussion: that benefits are too high for government employees and that even that would be okay if we had properly funded them for the last few decades.
Andy jumps all over both of them right here.
Monday, March 30, 2009
Kentucky American Water still running strong
If former Lexington Mayor Teresa Isaac had her way in taking over Lexington's private water company, the April 7 Public Service Commission rate hearing at Bryan Station High School wouldn't be scheduled.
Instead, the city would ram through any rate increase it wanted in addition to making interest payments it couldn't afford to buy the company.
Kentucky American had requested an $18.5 million annual rate increase. Instead, they are now applying for a $10.3 million increase.
Instead, the city would ram through any rate increase it wanted in addition to making interest payments it couldn't afford to buy the company.
Kentucky American had requested an $18.5 million annual rate increase. Instead, they are now applying for a $10.3 million increase.
McConnell sounding more like Bunning
Sen. Mitch McConnell had this to say today about the continuing bailout mess:
"In spite of tens of billions of taxpayer dollars and many promises to reform the way they do business, it’s clear that management, unions and investors have not yet produced viable plans that would allow the companies to survive without massive infusions of taxpayer dollars. This is a disappointment: How many times do the taxpayers have to provide bailout money on the promise of reform?"
"We are now told these two companies are getting their last check from the taxpayers, and that if they don't finally come up with truly viable plans then they'll be forced into bankruptcy. Unfortunately, we've heard this before, from both this and the previous administrations."
Paper gears up for April Fool's Day Massacre
Two days before Kentucky's cigarette taxes go up, the Lexington Herald Leader just had to send a reporter out to learn the obvious about people changing their buying behaviors ahead of the April 1 increase.
Of course, they didn't manage to find anyone who will be shipping cigarettes in from Missouri. They darn sure didn't talk to any taxpayers who are concerned that these increases won't be enough and that something other than just more tax increases, more reckless borrowing, and more pension raids might help.
Of course, they didn't manage to find anyone who will be shipping cigarettes in from Missouri. They darn sure didn't talk to any taxpayers who are concerned that these increases won't be enough and that something other than just more tax increases, more reckless borrowing, and more pension raids might help.
Sunday, March 29, 2009
Will David Williams betray us again?
Last fall when the Louisville Courier Journal ran a news story about how the Senate was warming to the idea of raising taxes, it was pretty easy to be skeptical. After all, Sen. David Williams and the Republican majority had spoken clearly about their opposition.
We all know how that worked out.
So, when the CJ reported on Sunday -- without quoting anyone -- that legislators are coming around to House Speaker Greg Stumbo's side on expanding government with casino gambling, it was tough not to imagine that Williams is going squishy again.
In fact, I'd almost bet on it.
We all know how that worked out.
So, when the CJ reported on Sunday -- without quoting anyone -- that legislators are coming around to House Speaker Greg Stumbo's side on expanding government with casino gambling, it was tough not to imagine that Williams is going squishy again.
In fact, I'd almost bet on it.
Conway not so hot on Mongiardo
Lieutenant Dan Goes to Washington?
By Leland Conway
So Lieutenant Dan (Lt. Governor, Dr. Daniel Mongiardo) wants to become the Jr. Senator from Kentucky? Let’s examine this proposal for a moment.
Lieutenant Dan was one of the first major Kentucky politicians to endorse President Obama who lost the state of Kentucky by a nearly 20 point margin in the presidential election. Contrary to left wing media fabrications, Obama did not lose Kentucky because we are racist, but because we were smart enough to recognize that the platform upon which Obama ran was dangerous to our economic future and contradictory to our system of values.
When Governor Steve Beshear endorsed Lieutenant Dan for Senate last week, he said that Mongiardo’s priorities "mirror the priorities being articulated by the Obama administration at this defining hour for our country." The implications of this statement are staggering.
First and foremost there is the economy. President Barack Obama’s economic policies, which include cap and trade will do nothing less than obliterate the Kentucky economy. Our state gets over 70% of its energy from coal. We’re not a very business friendly state, which the current governor has done nothing to fix, but one of the few advantages we still have over lower taxing neighbor states is cheap energy. Coal produced energy is also one of our largest exports. Many of the liberals from western states who condemn us for our use of “dirty coal”, actually enjoy the fruits of our labor.
President Obama plans to introduce cap and trade legislation to save the planet from mythical global warming. Actually, this is the largest wealth confiscation in global history. Obama is on the record as saying that “energy prices will skyrocket.” His Vice President Joe Biden has said, “There’s no such thing as clean coal” and “No more coal fired plants in America…build them in China if they want to build them.” What does this say about the Kentucky economy? Prepare to be laid waste to.
Another important issue to Kentuckians is values. Obama not only supported, but fought for legislation in the Illinois State House that would terminate the lives of babies who survived abortion procedures. Maybe that’s ok in Chicago, but In Kentucky we consider life to be pretty important. Religious arguments aside, Life is an American value. That’s why the founding fathers listed it first when they said we all had the right to “life, liberty and the pursuit of happiness.”
Kentuckians are also a member of that now infamous group that President Obama said “clings to our guns and our God…” As a member of this group, I am not ashamed. But Obama has displayed his antagonism toward gun owners clearly. While saying on the campaign trail that he favors the second amendment for “hunting purposes” he has also been a stalwart supporter of anti-gun legislation throughout his entire political career.
People in the main stream media are catching on to Barack Obama now. One Main Stream report pointed out that he has broken no less than fourteen major campaign promises in the two months since taking office.
These reports are wrong. He’s not breaking promises, he’s keeping them. Only the promises he’s keeping are the ones he made to his more radical left wing supporters long before he became known to the rest of America. What we are seeing now is the real character of the left wing extremist who we’ve elected to “change America.”
With that in mind, and given that Lieutenant Dan would “mirror the priorities being articulated by the Obama administration...” we must ask if it is possible then for him to truly mirror the priorities of his constituents?
By Leland Conway
So Lieutenant Dan (Lt. Governor, Dr. Daniel Mongiardo) wants to become the Jr. Senator from Kentucky? Let’s examine this proposal for a moment.
Lieutenant Dan was one of the first major Kentucky politicians to endorse President Obama who lost the state of Kentucky by a nearly 20 point margin in the presidential election. Contrary to left wing media fabrications, Obama did not lose Kentucky because we are racist, but because we were smart enough to recognize that the platform upon which Obama ran was dangerous to our economic future and contradictory to our system of values.
When Governor Steve Beshear endorsed Lieutenant Dan for Senate last week, he said that Mongiardo’s priorities "mirror the priorities being articulated by the Obama administration at this defining hour for our country." The implications of this statement are staggering.
First and foremost there is the economy. President Barack Obama’s economic policies, which include cap and trade will do nothing less than obliterate the Kentucky economy. Our state gets over 70% of its energy from coal. We’re not a very business friendly state, which the current governor has done nothing to fix, but one of the few advantages we still have over lower taxing neighbor states is cheap energy. Coal produced energy is also one of our largest exports. Many of the liberals from western states who condemn us for our use of “dirty coal”, actually enjoy the fruits of our labor.
President Obama plans to introduce cap and trade legislation to save the planet from mythical global warming. Actually, this is the largest wealth confiscation in global history. Obama is on the record as saying that “energy prices will skyrocket.” His Vice President Joe Biden has said, “There’s no such thing as clean coal” and “No more coal fired plants in America…build them in China if they want to build them.” What does this say about the Kentucky economy? Prepare to be laid waste to.
Another important issue to Kentuckians is values. Obama not only supported, but fought for legislation in the Illinois State House that would terminate the lives of babies who survived abortion procedures. Maybe that’s ok in Chicago, but In Kentucky we consider life to be pretty important. Religious arguments aside, Life is an American value. That’s why the founding fathers listed it first when they said we all had the right to “life, liberty and the pursuit of happiness.”
Kentuckians are also a member of that now infamous group that President Obama said “clings to our guns and our God…” As a member of this group, I am not ashamed. But Obama has displayed his antagonism toward gun owners clearly. While saying on the campaign trail that he favors the second amendment for “hunting purposes” he has also been a stalwart supporter of anti-gun legislation throughout his entire political career.
People in the main stream media are catching on to Barack Obama now. One Main Stream report pointed out that he has broken no less than fourteen major campaign promises in the two months since taking office.
These reports are wrong. He’s not breaking promises, he’s keeping them. Only the promises he’s keeping are the ones he made to his more radical left wing supporters long before he became known to the rest of America. What we are seeing now is the real character of the left wing extremist who we’ve elected to “change America.”
With that in mind, and given that Lieutenant Dan would “mirror the priorities being articulated by the Obama administration...” we must ask if it is possible then for him to truly mirror the priorities of his constituents?
Saturday, March 28, 2009
Next up: Madison County Tea Party
The Bluegrass Institute is helping put together a Tea Party in Richmond on Saturday, April 11 from 4 pm to 6 pm in front of Wallingford Broadcasting at 128 Big Hill Avenue.
Friday, March 27, 2009
They don't want you to know about health freedom
A Lexington attorney representing plaintiffs seeking only to opt out of the federal Medicare program is getting more national attention online as his case heats up:
Kent Masterson Brown got a lot of attention locally as a speaker at the Kentucky Tea Party.
You may have read about this case first last fall in the Bluegrass Policy Blog, but the state's two largest newspapers have slept through the story.
"Why, though, would someone choose to forgo health coverage for which one has already paid? Opting out of Medicare may be legal, but is it smart? Mr Brown explained that there are many reasons why someone might choose to decline it, including the desire to make one's own health care decisions without government intervention. Folks see what's happening in England, for example, and want no part of that."
Kent Masterson Brown got a lot of attention locally as a speaker at the Kentucky Tea Party.
You may have read about this case first last fall in the Bluegrass Policy Blog, but the state's two largest newspapers have slept through the story.
Obama kiss of death smooches Mongiardo
Gov. Steve Beshear endorsed Lt. Gov. Dan Mongiardo's candidacy for U.S. Senate Friday afternoon, saying that Mongiardo's priorities "mirror the priorities being articulated by the Obama administration at this defining hour for our country."
That should go over well here, Governor.
That should go over well here, Governor.
Bush killed Nessie!
Some guy on ABC's Good Morning America just suggested that global warming killed the Loch Ness Monster.
Yeah, I thought that would do it.
If only we had passed an economy-killing environmental tax years earlier, Nessie would surely still be alive.
Yeah, I thought that would do it.
If only we had passed an economy-killing environmental tax years earlier, Nessie would surely still be alive.
Thursday, March 26, 2009
Bunning: Audit the Federal Reserve
Sen. Jim Bunning joined Sen. Russ Feingold and Sen. Bernie Sanders in sponsoring a budget amendment to force an audit of the Federal Reserve. The amendment would also require the Fed to say who it lends money to:
"The Federal Reserve has been printing money that the United States government doesn’t have the backing for and handing it out to banks with no accountability to the American taxpayers. I have asked the Fed repeatedly to disclose who is benefitting from all this printed money, but have yet to receive an answer."
Broke, stoned, and moving to Kentucky?
West Virginia is considering drug testing welfare recipients.
Kentucky's previous efforts to do the same have failed in the House of Representatives.
Kentucky's previous efforts to do the same have failed in the House of Representatives.
Republicans and, oh, just all the facts
The Herald Leader and Courier Journal have been wailing for weeks on their news and editorial pages about the successful effort to end CATS testing, so it is no surprise to see them continue that today as Gov. Steve Beshear signed Senate Bill 1 into law.
No doubt that as the Kentucky mainstream media rolls out continued coverage of this story they will quote heavily education bureaucrats and people like the Prichard Committee who have making up excuses (and worse) for CATS non-stop over the years.
But it is disappointing to see the many problems with CATS that have been repeatedly and thoroughly documented by the Bluegrass Institute for several years dismissed by reporter Beth Musgrave like this:
No doubt that as the Kentucky mainstream media rolls out continued coverage of this story they will quote heavily education bureaucrats and people like the Prichard Committee who have making up excuses (and worse) for CATS non-stop over the years.
A newspaperman ponders economics
Alan Mutter, former editor of the Chicago Sun-Times and the San Francisco Chronicle, doesn't see the need to go along with Sen. Benjamin Cardin's (D-MD) plan to convert newspapers to non-profit status:
Okay. Now that we have established that, can we somehow get past this silly idea that newspapers are the very glue holding our free society together?
Maybe then we can have a serious discussion about ending the practice of forcing taxpayers in Kentucky to fund newspapers here.
"While it was a nice gesture for the Democrat from Maryland to suggest a Newspaper Revitalization Act to enable non-profit ownership, he might as well try to repeal the laws of economics or gravity, instead. Regardless of whether a paper is owned by a non-profit organization or an unreconstructed capitalist, it has to take in more money than it spends – or it will perish. The form of ownership doesn’t change this fundamental truth."
Okay. Now that we have established that, can we somehow get past this silly idea that newspapers are the very glue holding our free society together?
Maybe then we can have a serious discussion about ending the practice of forcing taxpayers in Kentucky to fund newspapers here.
Wednesday, March 25, 2009
Good week for blogs, bad one for MSM
A day after bloggers clobbered the Lexington Herald Leader for trying to ignore the Kentucky Tea Party, little known Member of Parliament Daniel Hannan has the most watched video on YouTube.
For the uninitiated, that is a very big deal.
It's worth a few minutes to learn more about this tipping point. Read it here.
For the uninitiated, that is a very big deal.
"How did it happen, in the absence of any media coverage? The answer is that political reporters no longer get to decide what’s news."
It's worth a few minutes to learn more about this tipping point. Read it here.
Is he a Blue Dog or an Obama Puppy?
Congressman Ben Chandler's silence about President Barack Obama's $3.6 trillion budget speaks volumes even though he has not made his position clear.
Put down the Kool-Aid, Congressman. Maybe it's time for someone to send him some tea.
Put down the Kool-Aid, Congressman. Maybe it's time for someone to send him some tea.
Some needed perspective on CATS
The Louisville Courier Journal editorial board has never bothered to address the many problems with Kentucky's CATS school testing, mercifully laid to rest this spring. They were too busy calling teachers "lazy" and dreaming up more ways to slap at the Bluegrass Institute without actually printing the name.
Here's their latest from Wednesday's editorial page:
Their latest approach is to complain about the three year period in which Kentucky transitions from inflated, discredited CATS testing to a something (anything) better.
Fortunately, Bluegrass Institute's education analyst Richard Innes explains why the three years is probably a good idea:
Innes' four page report is available here.
Here's their latest from Wednesday's editorial page:
"That's more than one can say for the odd alliance of (1) Republicans who have opposed the Kentucky Education Reform Act since its passage; (2) reflexive right-wing opponents of public schools, and (3) teacher groups that find KERA too demanding."
Their latest approach is to complain about the three year period in which Kentucky transitions from inflated, discredited CATS testing to a something (anything) better.
Fortunately, Bluegrass Institute's education analyst Richard Innes explains why the three years is probably a good idea:
"Right now, relying on our teachers to carry the ball for a short period of time seems like a much better path to take than following the outdated and misguided CATS path for another three years. Apparently, our legislators agree, because they overwhelmingly passed the bill to revise our assessment program in both houses despite the tantrums a few are throwing in the print media."
Innes' four page report is available here.
Tuesday, March 24, 2009
A case study in common sense
A Kentucky Department of Insurance press release described the circumstances behind a guilty plea for insurance fraud. Seems a 70 year old woman hit another car with her car, left the scene, and then reported in her insurance claim that she hit a concrete post.
In Barack Obama-land, her auto insurer would be forced to keep her and would be prohibited from increasing her premiums.
In Barack Obama-land, her auto insurer would be forced to keep her and would be prohibited from increasing her premiums.
Next time should be different
News consumer backlash against very limited mainstream media coverage of the Kentucky Tea Party may have gotten the attention of some local journalists, if WKYT's report this evening on a "follow-up" event coming April 18 is any indication.
Will anyone really believe this?
In his Tuesday night press conference opening remarks, President Barack Obama will say the following:
What do you think about that?
"At the end of the day, the best way to bring our deficit down in the long run is not with a budget that continues the very same policies that have led to a narrow prosperity and massive debt. It’s with a budget that leads to broad economic growth by moving from an era of borrow and spend to one where we save and invest."
"That’s what clean energy jobs and businesses will do. That’s what a highly-skilled workforce will do. That’s what an efficient health care system that controls costs and entitlements like Medicare and Medicaid will do. That’s why this budget is inseparable from this recovery – because it is what lays the foundation for a secure and lasting prosperity."
What do you think about that?
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