Next week U.S. House leaders will see a major move Capitol Hill for the FairTax.
Democrats are invited to this bipartisan affair, but those who are trapped by Nancy Pelosi and Harry Reid can't come out and play.
Thursday, July 20, 2006
Hal Rogers Site Not Dead
Yes, it looks like the media reports that the draft Hal Rogers site had been pulled down were not correct.
Just got an email from the person who put the site up:
"Who am I? Let's just say that I'm a Republican betrayed by Fletcher and have seen all the double-dealing going on with Patton Democrats. But, more importantly, I am a firm believer in Hal Rogers' ability to be Governor and to do the right thing."
Just got an email from the person who put the site up:
"Who am I? Let's just say that I'm a Republican betrayed by Fletcher and have seen all the double-dealing going on with Patton Democrats. But, more importantly, I am a firm believer in Hal Rogers' ability to be Governor and to do the right thing."
Unbridled Casino Subsidy
How far do we really want to go to prop up Kentucky's horse industry? KEEP says if we don't open up casinos at the horse tracks, West Virginia might take the industry from us.
I don't get it. What am I missing? Experience indicates that for every dollar casinos bring into state coffers, three must be spent on expanded social services. That seems like a very high price to pay. Do we really have to go down this road to save the horse industry in Kentucky?
I say we call their bluff.
I don't get it. What am I missing? Experience indicates that for every dollar casinos bring into state coffers, three must be spent on expanded social services. That seems like a very high price to pay. Do we really have to go down this road to save the horse industry in Kentucky?
I say we call their bluff.
Rebecca Jackson For Governor Site Up
Okay, I just made up that headline. Mrs. Jackson, who came in second in the 2003 GOP primary has said repeatedly in recent months she is not running for Governor. The former Jefferson County Judge Executive will tell anyone who asks she is happy running the WHAS Crusade For Children.
I thought about Rebecca, though, after reading GOP activist Ted Jackson's CJ column/therapy session for Republicans looking for another 2007 standard-bearer. Ted invokes Ronald Reagan as the patron saint of those who would dump Fletcher now because of The Gipper's 1976 primary opposition to President Gerald Ford. The analogy doesn't fit, though, because Reagan was a candidate, not an activist. Until a better candidate with a better plan for the future comes along, declares a candidacy, and starts running for real, Kentucky has no 1976 Reagan.
UPDATE: The Lexington Herald Leader's Commentary Editor, Rita Gatton, confirmed that she mistakenly replaced Gerald Ford's name with Richard Nixon's in Ted Jackson's essay. She said a correction will run tomorrow.
I thought about Rebecca, though, after reading GOP activist Ted Jackson's CJ column/therapy session for Republicans looking for another 2007 standard-bearer. Ted invokes Ronald Reagan as the patron saint of those who would dump Fletcher now because of The Gipper's 1976 primary opposition to President Gerald Ford. The analogy doesn't fit, though, because Reagan was a candidate, not an activist. Until a better candidate with a better plan for the future comes along, declares a candidacy, and starts running for real, Kentucky has no 1976 Reagan.
UPDATE: The Lexington Herald Leader's Commentary Editor, Rita Gatton, confirmed that she mistakenly replaced Gerald Ford's name with Richard Nixon's in Ted Jackson's essay. She said a correction will run tomorrow.
Wednesday, July 19, 2006
A Democrat Fair Taxer In Georgia
Rep. Cynthia McKinney (D-Georgia) brought Cindy Sheehan in for her victory party in yesterday's Congressional primary. A surprising anti-crazy woman vote turned out and messed up the party, though. McKinney must now face Hank Johnson in an August 8 runoff. The district is very heavily Democrat, so the winner of the runoff is very likely going to be in Congress in January.
The increasing possibility of the runoff winner being Democrat Hank Johnson is interesting in that he supports the FairTax. Nancy Pelosi is refusing to let her Democrats in the House sign on to the FairTax bill, but I'm guessing too many Georgians understand the bill for him to be bullied.
The increasing possibility of the runoff winner being Democrat Hank Johnson is interesting in that he supports the FairTax. Nancy Pelosi is refusing to let her Democrats in the House sign on to the FairTax bill, but I'm guessing too many Georgians understand the bill for him to be bullied.
Bush Veto On "Science" Pork
I haven't heard one good explanation for why we should spend taxpayer money on fetal stem cell research. Dropping billions of government dollars on the the possibility that someday, some evidence may materialize that justifies the hype surrounding destroying embryos for science just doesn't add up.
If legitimate private sector research bears fruit, maybe we have a different discussion. (Yes, private sector research continues apace while liberals scream that people are dying because Bush hates science.) So far, the most successful fetal stem cell research has been proven fraudulent.
The only successes in stem cell research so far have not involved killing anyone. Adult stem cell research is much more promising and worthy of support.
I know Democrats and socially liberal Republicans view fetal stem cells as the answer to their abortion problems. Presidential hopefuls Bill Frist and John McCain has been sucked into this tempting vortex.
Conservatives would do well to talk about this issue in terms of pork spending for questionable research. That is what it is. In fact, I'm a little surprised no one has mentioned the similarities between this and the humans-cause-global- warming craze seeking to extract billions of dollars from Americans in the Kyoto Accord.
If legitimate private sector research bears fruit, maybe we have a different discussion. (Yes, private sector research continues apace while liberals scream that people are dying because Bush hates science.) So far, the most successful fetal stem cell research has been proven fraudulent.
The only successes in stem cell research so far have not involved killing anyone. Adult stem cell research is much more promising and worthy of support.
I know Democrats and socially liberal Republicans view fetal stem cells as the answer to their abortion problems. Presidential hopefuls Bill Frist and John McCain has been sucked into this tempting vortex.
Conservatives would do well to talk about this issue in terms of pork spending for questionable research. That is what it is. In fact, I'm a little surprised no one has mentioned the similarities between this and the humans-cause-global- warming craze seeking to extract billions of dollars from Americans in the Kyoto Accord.
School Choice, Now
Republicans propose $100 million to help low income kids escape failing schools; liberal big education establishment types say this:
“The buzzword in education today is accountability, yet school vouchers divert scarce public school dollars to unaccountable private schools,” Weaver said. “Private school students are not required to take federally mandated tests, private school teachers do not have to meet ‘highly qualified’ standards and private schools do not have to show Adequate Yearly Progress. Public schools can, and should, be held accountable, but lawmakers need to provide the resources to get the job done.”
That's National Education Association President Reg Weaver who now thinks that what private schools need is accountability. And, of course, he still thinks the only thing public schools need to improve is more taxpayer money.
“The buzzword in education today is accountability, yet school vouchers divert scarce public school dollars to unaccountable private schools,” Weaver said. “Private school students are not required to take federally mandated tests, private school teachers do not have to meet ‘highly qualified’ standards and private schools do not have to show Adequate Yearly Progress. Public schools can, and should, be held accountable, but lawmakers need to provide the resources to get the job done.”
That's National Education Association President Reg Weaver who now thinks that what private schools need is accountability. And, of course, he still thinks the only thing public schools need to improve is more taxpayer money.
Tuesday, July 18, 2006
Pimping Al Gore's Hazardous CO2
I can't imagine anything more dreadful than sitting down and watching Al Gore talk about how hot it is outside.
Does it ever occur to these people that even with the hottest ten years ever recorded coming in the last fourteen years, you are still only talking about a blink of an eye in historical terms. Recorded history on temperatures barely goes back a century. Not much sense in getting suicidal over a blip on the radar screen.
Favorite lefty blogger Mark Nickolas loves this Al Gore stuff. I see some folks have already gone on Bluegrass Report to straighten out some of the sillyness, but go on over and chime in if you get a chance. I would but Mark has violated my First Amendment rights and blocked me from his site.
Does it ever occur to these people that even with the hottest ten years ever recorded coming in the last fourteen years, you are still only talking about a blink of an eye in historical terms. Recorded history on temperatures barely goes back a century. Not much sense in getting suicidal over a blip on the radar screen.
Favorite lefty blogger Mark Nickolas loves this Al Gore stuff. I see some folks have already gone on Bluegrass Report to straighten out some of the sillyness, but go on over and chime in if you get a chance. I would but Mark has violated my First Amendment rights and blocked me from his site.
Louisville Mayor Sides With Fletcher
I know, it was just on the Louisville Arena deal, but this is the type of thing that, I think, makes the smart money hesitant to get too far away from the Governor.
Just last week, Rep. Ben Chandler said the highest priority for him in considering a run is his ability to spend time with his family. That is over for a year if he runs. That is over for five years if he wins.
I understand all the facts that line up against Ernie's re-election now. I buy several of them. The internal battle within RPK will come to a head soon. I'm just suggesting that it is too early to write off the possibility of a political comeback by Ernie Fletcher.
Just last week, Rep. Ben Chandler said the highest priority for him in considering a run is his ability to spend time with his family. That is over for a year if he runs. That is over for five years if he wins.
I understand all the facts that line up against Ernie's re-election now. I buy several of them. The internal battle within RPK will come to a head soon. I'm just suggesting that it is too early to write off the possibility of a political comeback by Ernie Fletcher.
State Partner Benefits Too Expensive
The Burgoo item on today's Lexington Herald-Leader editorial page tries to turn the U of L domestic partner controversy away from the main point.
The main point is that this stunt is going to cost taxpayers money all in the name of helping people, gay or straight, pretend to be married. Dick Roeding didn't help keep the focus on the money -- where it belongs -- with his "wrong kind of people" comment.
Kentucky Republicans who are made uncomfortable by being asked to weigh in on Roeding's words should help people realize what this mess is really all about.
The main point is that this stunt is going to cost taxpayers money all in the name of helping people, gay or straight, pretend to be married. Dick Roeding didn't help keep the focus on the money -- where it belongs -- with his "wrong kind of people" comment.
Kentucky Republicans who are made uncomfortable by being asked to weigh in on Roeding's words should help people realize what this mess is really all about.
Monday, July 17, 2006
Another GOP Candidate On The Way?
A developing rumor has Billy Harper of Paducah mulling a run for Governor. I haven't spoken to him, but comments from others fit into three categories:
1- "No comment."
2- "I'm concentrating on the 2006 races."
3- "I haven't thought about it."
1- "No comment."
2- "I'm concentrating on the 2006 races."
3- "I haven't thought about it."
CJ Gives Stupid Dem Stunt A Pass
Question: If a Republican former state senator -- working in an official capacity -- told a stupid lie that presented a danger to public health in Kentucky's largest city, don't you think the state's largest newspaper would throw a fit?
Of course they would.
But when Democrat David Karem, executive director of Waterfront Development Corp. and a former senator from Louisville, prints up signs that some fountain water containing dangerous quantities of fecal matter and bacteria contained "high levels of hydrogen" it's all just a well-intended joke.
I can see how this would be funny to ten-year-olds. What are these people thinking?
Of course they would.
But when Democrat David Karem, executive director of Waterfront Development Corp. and a former senator from Louisville, prints up signs that some fountain water containing dangerous quantities of fecal matter and bacteria contained "high levels of hydrogen" it's all just a well-intended joke.
I can see how this would be funny to ten-year-olds. What are these people thinking?
Hal Rogers Draft Site Goes Up
Another day brings another website urging a Republican to run for Governor of Kentucky against Ernie Fletcher.
The site's authorship is a secret, but its target couldn't be much more high profile. U.S. Rep. Hal Rogers (R-Somerset) is easily the most popular Republican in the state. Here is a link to the site.
Last week, two websites urging state Rep. Lonnie Napier (R-Lancaster) to run made a big splash. This one will as well. The likelihood that Rogers will want to stay in Congress probably means we aren't finished watching Republican draft sites go up.
The site's authorship is a secret, but its target couldn't be much more high profile. U.S. Rep. Hal Rogers (R-Somerset) is easily the most popular Republican in the state. Here is a link to the site.
Last week, two websites urging state Rep. Lonnie Napier (R-Lancaster) to run made a big splash. This one will as well. The likelihood that Rogers will want to stay in Congress probably means we aren't finished watching Republican draft sites go up.
Sunday, July 16, 2006
U of L Changes Story On Cost Of Benefits
The University of Louisville's official release on their decision to offer domestic partner benefits contradicts the financial impact estimate from their own Faculty and Staff for Human Rights' November 16, 2005 recommendation for the policy.
The only possible conclusion to draw from the discrepancy is the University of Louisville wants to sneak domestic partner benefits past the unsuspecting taxpayer by denying the obvious existence of substantial costs to be borne by its implementation.
U of L Provost Shirley Willihnganz repeats the canard that only by covering healthcare for unmarried significant others will the university "compete more effectively." This is so ridiculous it shouldn't even have to be addressed.
But one thing does. Here is what Willihnganz said Thursday:
Initial research on the financial impact of offering health insurance to domestic partners has shown that the university’s costs are not likely to go up.
“We may actually end up saving money, since employees will pay a premium to cover their dependent partner,” Willihnganz said.
That is a little different than the estimate from last November's official recommendation:
At U of L, the possible fiscal impact on insurance costs based on current costs is about $200,000 for same sex domestic partners, and $600,000 for both same-sex and opposite sex domestic partners.
These amounts probably assume no fraud, so the total cost is likely much higher. Signing on as domestic partners means just stating they have been "in their relationship" for six months.
Is it any surprise that the cheering going on right now (here, here, here, here, here, and here) failed to mention this little nugget?
The only possible conclusion to draw from the discrepancy is the University of Louisville wants to sneak domestic partner benefits past the unsuspecting taxpayer by denying the obvious existence of substantial costs to be borne by its implementation.
U of L Provost Shirley Willihnganz repeats the canard that only by covering healthcare for unmarried significant others will the university "compete more effectively." This is so ridiculous it shouldn't even have to be addressed.
But one thing does. Here is what Willihnganz said Thursday:
Initial research on the financial impact of offering health insurance to domestic partners has shown that the university’s costs are not likely to go up.
“We may actually end up saving money, since employees will pay a premium to cover their dependent partner,” Willihnganz said.
That is a little different than the estimate from last November's official recommendation:
At U of L, the possible fiscal impact on insurance costs based on current costs is about $200,000 for same sex domestic partners, and $600,000 for both same-sex and opposite sex domestic partners.
These amounts probably assume no fraud, so the total cost is likely much higher. Signing on as domestic partners means just stating they have been "in their relationship" for six months.
Is it any surprise that the cheering going on right now (here, here, here, here, here, and here) failed to mention this little nugget?
Who's Afraid Of School Choice?
Public school officials like those at the National Education Association (NEA) go crazy when parents start talking about helping poor students escape failing public schools. What's funny is they get even crazier when they are called on the carpet for their misuse of taxpayer funds to promote left-wing causes.
Just a week ago, the NEA held their national convention. The American Family Association learned of proposed resolutions by the teachers union in support of gay marriage.
Setting aside that particular issue for a minute, why is a teacher group discussing things like this when they are supposed to be working for students? These are the people who don't want you asking questions about spending your tax dollars more efficiently in the education of your children.
The fact is the NEA has gotten so comfortable and intellectually lazy they even bragged on their website about passing resolutions to "address diversity, discrimination and civil unions." And NEA President Reg Weaver complained about an attack on "marriage rights."
In the same breath, he accused the AFA liars of making the whole thing up.
You don't have to be a "religious conservative" to see the duplicity in this.
Your tax dollars support the NEA in this. And even if you agree with them on their political agenda, can you admit that spending time and money debating resolutions on diversity and civil unions does nothing to improve public education?
The folks at the NEA also spend an inordinate amount of time scaring people about how horrible it would be if we stopped supporting them in the pursuit of their political agenda. If we did that, we might take a look at how to improve the management of our monopoly government schools.
It might help if you read a little article from the Kentucky Alliance For School Choice.
What the thieves at the NEA don't want you to know is that school choice is proven to make public schools better, not destroy them. The only losers under school choice are the education bureaucrats who like to sit around at summer conferences promoting agenda items totally unrelated to the education of our children.
The KASC has a petition to help focus legislators on improving our public schools, not just the social lives of our education officials. Please sign it.
Just a week ago, the NEA held their national convention. The American Family Association learned of proposed resolutions by the teachers union in support of gay marriage.
Setting aside that particular issue for a minute, why is a teacher group discussing things like this when they are supposed to be working for students? These are the people who don't want you asking questions about spending your tax dollars more efficiently in the education of your children.
The fact is the NEA has gotten so comfortable and intellectually lazy they even bragged on their website about passing resolutions to "address diversity, discrimination and civil unions." And NEA President Reg Weaver complained about an attack on "marriage rights."
In the same breath, he accused the AFA liars of making the whole thing up.
You don't have to be a "religious conservative" to see the duplicity in this.
Your tax dollars support the NEA in this. And even if you agree with them on their political agenda, can you admit that spending time and money debating resolutions on diversity and civil unions does nothing to improve public education?
The folks at the NEA also spend an inordinate amount of time scaring people about how horrible it would be if we stopped supporting them in the pursuit of their political agenda. If we did that, we might take a look at how to improve the management of our monopoly government schools.
It might help if you read a little article from the Kentucky Alliance For School Choice.
What the thieves at the NEA don't want you to know is that school choice is proven to make public schools better, not destroy them. The only losers under school choice are the education bureaucrats who like to sit around at summer conferences promoting agenda items totally unrelated to the education of our children.
The KASC has a petition to help focus legislators on improving our public schools, not just the social lives of our education officials. Please sign it.
Saturday, July 15, 2006
UK's Jay Blanton To Taxpayers: Screw You!
I completely reject the idea that Kentucky's public universities somehow can't compete unless Kentucky taxpayers provide expensive health insurance benefits to the boyfriends and girlfriends of their employees.
UK spokesman Jay Blanton, though, wants the bennies and doesn't care what you think about it.
Blanton told the Lexington Herald-Leader "We certainly respect the opinions of legislators very much, but I don't think there are political considerations with respect to this decision," Blanton said.
In other words, he just wants your money and for you to keep your stupid opinions to yourself.
Last week, the University of Louisville decided to extend domestic partner benefits to all their employees. What's next, universal pet health insurance?
UK spokesman Jay Blanton, though, wants the bennies and doesn't care what you think about it.
Blanton told the Lexington Herald-Leader "We certainly respect the opinions of legislators very much, but I don't think there are political considerations with respect to this decision," Blanton said.
In other words, he just wants your money and for you to keep your stupid opinions to yourself.
Last week, the University of Louisville decided to extend domestic partner benefits to all their employees. What's next, universal pet health insurance?
Friday, July 14, 2006
Napier Versus Fletcher Update
Governor Fletcher addressed about 200 Madison county Republicans tonight, reminding audience members of his administration's achievements. At one point in his discussion of improvements to legislative districts, Fletcher took a good-natured swipe at Rep. Lonnie Napier. He said "Lonnie didn't come home empty handed this time."
When asked if he was going to oppose Fletcher next year, Napier repeated his statement that "People are talking and I am listening."
That was as close as we got to fireworks. Ernie and Lonnie were both definitely in campaign mode, though. There can be little doubt now that we are headed for a GOP primary for Governor Fletcher.
My guess at this point is Lonnie Napier is in the race for governor, something I didn't think was the case before tonight. I think the unintended consequence of his candidacy, though, is that others will be emboldened to jump in as well.
A crowded primary benefits the governor greatly, by giving him a good reason to get out and make his case but diluting the effect of primary opposition on his road to the nomination.
When asked if he was going to oppose Fletcher next year, Napier repeated his statement that "People are talking and I am listening."
That was as close as we got to fireworks. Ernie and Lonnie were both definitely in campaign mode, though. There can be little doubt now that we are headed for a GOP primary for Governor Fletcher.
My guess at this point is Lonnie Napier is in the race for governor, something I didn't think was the case before tonight. I think the unintended consequence of his candidacy, though, is that others will be emboldened to jump in as well.
A crowded primary benefits the governor greatly, by giving him a good reason to get out and make his case but diluting the effect of primary opposition on his road to the nomination.
KY GOP Big Spenders Beware
The Club For Growth Kentucky is on the way. Their mission is to defeat wasteful politicians. While we wait their official start-up, here is a sign of things to come.
Dems Count On Wage Tax Increase
Even if you really believe legislatively raising the minimum wage will ease the plight of millions of struggling American families, you have to admit that it is a targeted tax increase on business owners.
Okay, call it a fee increase. Or maybe a mandated benefit increase. (I guess we could start calling it an unfunded mandate. Where is the money going to come from, right?) The point here is Democrats invoke the old Communist rationale that they are using government coercion to transfer money from those who have to those who need.
Either way you slice it, the fact that it is the last idea Washington Democrats have with four months till the election bodes well for Republicans. The GOP doesn't deserve their good fortune, but a troubled America would clearly fare much worse with more of these Democrats in office.
Sen. Chuck Schumer (D-NY) said of the tax increase "it appeals to certain groups of people who don’t usually turn out to vote.” Who is he talking about, sixteen year old kids and illegal aliens?
Okay, call it a fee increase. Or maybe a mandated benefit increase. (I guess we could start calling it an unfunded mandate. Where is the money going to come from, right?) The point here is Democrats invoke the old Communist rationale that they are using government coercion to transfer money from those who have to those who need.
Either way you slice it, the fact that it is the last idea Washington Democrats have with four months till the election bodes well for Republicans. The GOP doesn't deserve their good fortune, but a troubled America would clearly fare much worse with more of these Democrats in office.
Sen. Chuck Schumer (D-NY) said of the tax increase "it appeals to certain groups of people who don’t usually turn out to vote.” Who is he talking about, sixteen year old kids and illegal aliens?
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