Tuesday, May 22, 2007
Senator McConnell, Call Joe Lieberman
The Senator from Connecticut is talking again about switching to the Republican party because of the Dems' insistence on surrender in Iraq.
What GOP Needs From Its Gubernatorial Nominee Is What Kentucky Needs From Next Governor
Republicans and Democrats may have their nominees for governor today or maybe we will have to wait until next month for a run-off.
Either way, the GOP needs a nominee who can and will actively pull people together. The GOP needs a nominee who can and will promote conservative values and issues credibly.
The presence of a weak Democratic opponent might make these vital party-building and state-salvaging duties seem superfluous. But shirking now could hurt Kentucky for a long time. The Republican party works best when it is a party of ideas and principles. Pining for larger-than-life personalities like Lincoln or Reagan is satisfying on some level, but the strength of solid values -- and not the power of individual characters -- generates cohesion and enduring success.
Billy Harper is the party's best chance to govern Kentucky the next four years because more than the fresh start most of us agree we need, he offers the best commitment to fiscal responsibility and realistic improvement in education in the whole field.
Either way, the GOP needs a nominee who can and will actively pull people together. The GOP needs a nominee who can and will promote conservative values and issues credibly.
The presence of a weak Democratic opponent might make these vital party-building and state-salvaging duties seem superfluous. But shirking now could hurt Kentucky for a long time. The Republican party works best when it is a party of ideas and principles. Pining for larger-than-life personalities like Lincoln or Reagan is satisfying on some level, but the strength of solid values -- and not the power of individual characters -- generates cohesion and enduring success.
Billy Harper is the party's best chance to govern Kentucky the next four years because more than the fresh start most of us agree we need, he offers the best commitment to fiscal responsibility and realistic improvement in education in the whole field.
Monday, May 21, 2007
MSM Turns Blind Eye To Fayette County Fraud
U.S. District Court Judge Jennifer Coffman thrashed Fayette County Detention Center officials Friday in open court and the mainstream media in Lexington still can't manage to cover the official misconduct at all.
After sleeping through the Ron Berry years, you would think journalist watchdogs would be all over this.
After sleeping through the Ron Berry years, you would think journalist watchdogs would be all over this.
Cell Phone, Internet Users For Billy Harper!
A Washington D.C. pollster called my home via robo-dial Friday night. But guess what? I wasn't there so I missed the call. Like more and more people, the best way to reach me is on my cell phone.
Meanwhile, fewer people are tuning in to broadcast television every day. Doesn't take a rocket scientist to see the internet playing a greater role in this gubernatorial election. And between Ernie Fletcher, Anne Northup, and Billy Harper, only Harper has really used new technology to his advantage.
In a 10-15% turnout election, the opportunity for this to create a surprising result can't be ignored.
Meanwhile, fewer people are tuning in to broadcast television every day. Doesn't take a rocket scientist to see the internet playing a greater role in this gubernatorial election. And between Ernie Fletcher, Anne Northup, and Billy Harper, only Harper has really used new technology to his advantage.
In a 10-15% turnout election, the opportunity for this to create a surprising result can't be ignored.
Sunday, May 20, 2007
Bipartisan Scam To Advance Casinos
Bruce Lunsford has jumped all over Steve Beshear for claiming casinos will benefit Kentucky. But Lunsford's running mate Greg Stumbo cooked up a scheme in 2005 with the ethically-challenged Sen. Ed Worley to try to make casinos easier to legalize.
Lunsford has given us solid reasons not to trust him already. Don't take your eye off the ball here.
The subtle scheming to turn our state government over to out-of-state casino operators crosses party lines and will usher in an era of corruption far beyond what Kentucky has experienced before if we don't stomp it out now.
Billy Harper is the only viable candidate in either party to stand consistently against allowing this plague to advance. The numbers don't add up and Harper seems to be the only one who wants to really do the math.
Lunsford has given us solid reasons not to trust him already. Don't take your eye off the ball here.
The subtle scheming to turn our state government over to out-of-state casino operators crosses party lines and will usher in an era of corruption far beyond what Kentucky has experienced before if we don't stomp it out now.
Billy Harper is the only viable candidate in either party to stand consistently against allowing this plague to advance. The numbers don't add up and Harper seems to be the only one who wants to really do the math.
Dangerous Liaisons On The Campaign Trail
Senate Democrat Leader Ed Worley of Richmond says he is against casino gambling when he is in his conservative central Kentucky district. But when he is talking to gambling groups or trolling for $1000 checks from very shady characters like R.D. Hubbard of Palm Desert, California, he tells a much different story.
Is this really who Governor Fletcher wants standing up with him just days before an election?
A Primary Opponent For Mitch McConnell In 2008?
I'm not sure who will lose more votes over this, Anne Northup or Ernie Fletcher, but I don't think it helps either one.
Voters are angry enough about politicians playing power games rather than staying focused on improving government. Again, the surest way to move the party away from this kind of nonsense this year is to nominate Billy Harper for governor.
Voters are angry enough about politicians playing power games rather than staying focused on improving government. Again, the surest way to move the party away from this kind of nonsense this year is to nominate Billy Harper for governor.
Saturday, May 19, 2007
Northup Whiffs On Right To Work
The Kentucky Right to Work Committee candidate survey hit mailboxes today.
It was no surprise that none of the Democrats answered their questions about supporting employee rights versus unions. Republican Anne Northup, though, joined them:
Only Billy Harper and Ernie Fletcher answered "yes" to all six questions.
It was no surprise that none of the Democrats answered their questions about supporting employee rights versus unions. Republican Anne Northup, though, joined them:
1. Will you support efforts by the Kentucky legislature to enact a statutory right to work law in Kentucky (including procedural and amendment votes)?
2. Will you support legislation that would ban monopoly bargaining over Kentucky's employee's by union officials?
3. Will you support legislation terminating "agency shop" privileges for public section union officials?
4. If elected, will you oppose so-called "neutrality agreements" and allow workers to hear all available information?
5. If elected, will you oppose all attempts to pass so-called "project labor agreements" and allow contractors to bid on state construction projects regardless of whether or not their employees pay dues to a union boss?
6. If elected, will you support legislation eliminating the automatic payroll deduction of public employees' union dues by government entities?
Only Billy Harper and Ernie Fletcher answered "yes" to all six questions.
Billy Harper Is The Only Candidate Who Can Unite The Republican Party In May, State In November
The most interesting place to be in Kentucky next Saturday will be in Frankfort at the GOP Unity Rally, if it happens.
The RPK website doesn't list the event. May not happen anyway, as the bad blood between the Fletcher camp and the Northup camp is boiling.
If Ernie Fletcher wins out on Tuesday, I can't imagine many Northup supporters will be ready to go cheer on the governor by Saturday after Fletcher called her anti-Christian. And how many Fletcher supporters will be able to muster support for a freshly nominated Anne Northup after she called Governor Fletcher a crook?
And if the two of them are locked in a run-off Tuesday, there will obviously be no Unity Rally on May 26.
So what Republicans really need to think about is how we are going to pull off any kind of unity, especially if it is delayed by a really nasty extra campaign that eats up half the summer.
After you have thought about that, think about how that is another good reason to vote for Billy Harper on Tuesday. Even if he comes in second on Tuesday, he should easily win a run-off. After not making enemies in the primary, Billy Harper will be very well positioned to unite the state in November.
The RPK website doesn't list the event. May not happen anyway, as the bad blood between the Fletcher camp and the Northup camp is boiling.
If Ernie Fletcher wins out on Tuesday, I can't imagine many Northup supporters will be ready to go cheer on the governor by Saturday after Fletcher called her anti-Christian. And how many Fletcher supporters will be able to muster support for a freshly nominated Anne Northup after she called Governor Fletcher a crook?
And if the two of them are locked in a run-off Tuesday, there will obviously be no Unity Rally on May 26.
So what Republicans really need to think about is how we are going to pull off any kind of unity, especially if it is delayed by a really nasty extra campaign that eats up half the summer.
After you have thought about that, think about how that is another good reason to vote for Billy Harper on Tuesday. Even if he comes in second on Tuesday, he should easily win a run-off. After not making enemies in the primary, Billy Harper will be very well positioned to unite the state in November.
Georgia Governor Signs School Choice Bill
Kentuckians should watch closely to see how much the state of Georgia saves by offering special needs scholarships to families with handicapped children, which the legislature passed last month and the governor signed yesterday.
Rep. Stan Lee tried to give us the same thing here, but House Democrats would have none of it.
Rep. Stan Lee tried to give us the same thing here, but House Democrats would have none of it.
Friday, May 18, 2007
"You Misunderstood Me When I Misquoted Myself"
See if you can make any sense out of this from Bruce Lunsford and his trashy running mate Greg Stumbo.
Thursday, May 17, 2007
Ben Chandler's Moderate-ectomy Is Complete
Dick Gephardt arrived in Washington D.C. in 1977 as a moderate midwestern Democrat and by the time he was losing the 1988 Democratic Presidential nomination because of his somewhat normal past, he had transformed into a raving, foaming at the mouth zealot for abortion, trade protectionism, socialized medicine, and massive tax increases.
Ben Chandler turned into Dick Gephardt today when he voted for the second largest tax increase in the history of the United States.
Ben Chandler turned into Dick Gephardt today when he voted for the second largest tax increase in the history of the United States.
Mix In A Little Fiscal Conservatism, Please
The Kentucky Club For Growth will hold a press conference in the Capitol Rotunda tomorrow at 11 am.
Wednesday, May 16, 2007
Grab Your Ankles: LFUCG Class Action Lawsuit
Mismanagement of the Fayette County Detention Center will cost taxpayers dearly. Despite official statements from the Detention Center that there is no lawsuit, next Tuesday is the deadline for joining the class action suit, which is already pretty big. Anyone who has worked there in the last five years just needs to fill out a little form.
There is a hearing Friday morning at ten about the official misstatements. I'll keep you posted.
There is a hearing Friday morning at ten about the official misstatements. I'll keep you posted.
More Political Squabbling On My Telephone
Got this message on my phone last night:
Seriously, isn't it time we got to the issues and beyond the nonsense? It seems to me the best way for us to have a fall campaign about differences on policy that really affect our state is to nominate Billy Harper.
Hello, I'm calling on behalf Anne Northup's campaign for governor. Ernie Fletcher's campaign is desperate and desperate candidates do desperate things. He has attacked Anne Northup's faith and now he is attacking Anne Northup's record on guns...
Seriously, isn't it time we got to the issues and beyond the nonsense? It seems to me the best way for us to have a fall campaign about differences on policy that really affect our state is to nominate Billy Harper.
Planes Versus Trains: Newberry Botches The Odds
Lexington Mayor Jim Newberry told the Lexington Herald Leader he is sending Vice Mayor Jim Gray on a government trip to Colorado on a different airplane as a protection for Lexington taxpayers in case Newberry's plane goes down.
It is amazing Newberry would show such attention to detail to protect against something that won't happen, yet can't even work up a comment about a the sure-thing taxpayer nightmare of paying for the lawsuits springing up as a result of horrible mismanagement of the Fayette County Detention Center.
Wishing this train weren't coming down the track won't make it go away, Mayor Newberry.
After looking at the preliminary list of trip attendees, Newberry noticed that 13 of the 15 Urban County Council members were going, Newberry said. “It struck me as though we needed to make some kind of arrangements for local government to continue in the unlikely event that something happened to the airplane.”
It is amazing Newberry would show such attention to detail to protect against something that won't happen, yet can't even work up a comment about a the sure-thing taxpayer nightmare of paying for the lawsuits springing up as a result of horrible mismanagement of the Fayette County Detention Center.
Wishing this train weren't coming down the track won't make it go away, Mayor Newberry.
School Choice Isn't About Shutting Down Schools
If we expanded school choice options in Kentucky -- an idea that makes liberal activists sputter and foam at the mouth any time it is mentioned -- we would make public schools better.
Kentucky schools are run by administrators who can choose to focus on educating students or on promoting a social agenda. Currently, that choice is mostly a matter of conscience for county superintendents. Some make the right choice and some don't, but their paychecks clear the bank either way.
If parents had the option to remove their money from the school district they live in, more school districts would be motivated to hire superintendents who are serious about educating kids. School choice is the surest way to accomplish this and the time is right for a statewide debate on the issue.
Kentucky schools are run by administrators who can choose to focus on educating students or on promoting a social agenda. Currently, that choice is mostly a matter of conscience for county superintendents. Some make the right choice and some don't, but their paychecks clear the bank either way.
If parents had the option to remove their money from the school district they live in, more school districts would be motivated to hire superintendents who are serious about educating kids. School choice is the surest way to accomplish this and the time is right for a statewide debate on the issue.
Tuesday, May 15, 2007
Campaigns Cut Off Noses, Spite Faces
Governor Fletcher's campaign has scored a lot of points going after Anne Northup on school prayer.
Today, though, they may have gone too far.
A mailer that hit mailboxes this afternoon has a picture of Northup gleefully shovelling dirt next to a bold sentence stating "Anne Northup said an amendment to give our children the right to pray in school was 'Extreme.'"
The ad is effective. At first, I thought it was pretty funny. But while it probably helps wipe out Northup in the primary, it kills Fletcher in the general. Louisville Republicans especially will take this personally and sit on their hands in the fall.
The only candidate who can take advantage of the current environment and win in the fall against a certain-to-be weak Democratic nominee is Billy Harper.
Watch Harper's ads over the next week. It will be some of the best stuff you have ever seen.
Today, though, they may have gone too far.
A mailer that hit mailboxes this afternoon has a picture of Northup gleefully shovelling dirt next to a bold sentence stating "Anne Northup said an amendment to give our children the right to pray in school was 'Extreme.'"
The ad is effective. At first, I thought it was pretty funny. But while it probably helps wipe out Northup in the primary, it kills Fletcher in the general. Louisville Republicans especially will take this personally and sit on their hands in the fall.
The only candidate who can take advantage of the current environment and win in the fall against a certain-to-be weak Democratic nominee is Billy Harper.
Watch Harper's ads over the next week. It will be some of the best stuff you have ever seen.
I Like Billy Harper's Idea Of Road Privatization
Four years ago, I had hopes Ernie Fletcher would become the best fiscally conservative governor in America. Today, though, it's South Carolina's Mark Sanford who is best.
Recorded Phone Message I Got Last Night
More cutting edge campaigning to improve the lives of real Kentuckians:
Hello this is Anne Northup and I am running for governor as a Republican. In recent days, you may have received another phone message saying that I am against school prayer. That is simply not true. I have voted fourteen times to allow school prayer. As a mother of six children, I know the importance of faith in our society including prayer in our schools. I was frankly disturbed that Ernie Fletcher asked Congressman Bob Barr to attack me on this issue. I think you should know a little bit more about Bob Barr. He has left the Republican party. He has announced that he voted against George Bush in 2004. He has appeared at events with Al Gore and now he supports such extreme positions as legalizing drugs. Believe me, I would never ask anyone so radical to support my campaign or speak for me. Election day is just a week away.
Hello this is Anne Northup and I am running for governor as a Republican. In recent days, you may have received another phone message saying that I am against school prayer. That is simply not true. I have voted fourteen times to allow school prayer. As a mother of six children, I know the importance of faith in our society including prayer in our schools. I was frankly disturbed that Ernie Fletcher asked Congressman Bob Barr to attack me on this issue. I think you should know a little bit more about Bob Barr. He has left the Republican party. He has announced that he voted against George Bush in 2004. He has appeared at events with Al Gore and now he supports such extreme positions as legalizing drugs. Believe me, I would never ask anyone so radical to support my campaign or speak for me. Election day is just a week away.
Monday, May 14, 2007
Mayor Newberry Has No Comment; Actions Speak
Lexington Mayor Jim Newberry still won't talk about the abuse of power, official misconduct lawsuit filed against him Friday by federal whistleblower John Vest.
But today his administration delayed the illegal termination hearing for Vest it had originally scheduled for later this month.
But today his administration delayed the illegal termination hearing for Vest it had originally scheduled for later this month.
Calling All Bruce Lunsford Opponents!
Opponents of Bruce Lunsford's gubernatorial campaign may have missed the story over the weekend about Lunsford staffer Teresa Isaac getting sued for slander, abuse of power, violation of Kentucky's Whistleblower Act and official misconduct relating to her demonstrably false statements to the media and her subsequent actions relating to last year's FBI raid of the Lexington jail.
Illinois Dems Reject Kentucky-like Tax Increase
A gross receipts tax on businesses, like Kentucky's Alternative Minimum Calculation, was unanimously rejected by Illinois' House of Representatives last week.
The idea behind their increase was to finance socialized medicine.
The Wall Street Journal has the story. This should be a big blow to the Hillarycare folks. Too bad Kentucky couldn't have pulled together to fight against the idea that taxing businesses more doesn't really hurt anyone.
The idea behind their increase was to finance socialized medicine.
The Wall Street Journal has the story. This should be a big blow to the Hillarycare folks. Too bad Kentucky couldn't have pulled together to fight against the idea that taxing businesses more doesn't really hurt anyone.
I'm Voting For Billy Harper For Governor
Call it a protest vote if you want. I'm voting for Billy Harper.
In an embarrassing primary food fight between Anne Northup and Ernie Fletcher, "supporting the winner" just doesn't cut it this time.
Harper offers a consistent conservatism and no-nonsense style Kentucky could use if we are to escape backwater status. And with Democrats likely to nominate a baggage-laden politician, Republicans would do well to represent themselves with someone not encumbered with evidence of questionable judgement.
Harper's support of KERA is a little tough to forgive, but that is overwhelmed by his continuing involvement in education and his current solutions, which involve more than just spending more money and would likely reverse a lot of KERA's damage while placing us on a course for substantial gains.
Economic development is something everyone talks about, but really belongs in the hands of someone who can move it along with more than just subsidies.
Pulling the state out of debt will require someone with a solid mandate. Listen closely to Harper. It isn't immediately apparent, but he is the type of leader who can inspire people to look beyond partisanship and toward the vision of the little guy from Paducah who said and meant "and I mean NO!"
In an embarrassing primary food fight between Anne Northup and Ernie Fletcher, "supporting the winner" just doesn't cut it this time.
Harper offers a consistent conservatism and no-nonsense style Kentucky could use if we are to escape backwater status. And with Democrats likely to nominate a baggage-laden politician, Republicans would do well to represent themselves with someone not encumbered with evidence of questionable judgement.
Harper's support of KERA is a little tough to forgive, but that is overwhelmed by his continuing involvement in education and his current solutions, which involve more than just spending more money and would likely reverse a lot of KERA's damage while placing us on a course for substantial gains.
Economic development is something everyone talks about, but really belongs in the hands of someone who can move it along with more than just subsidies.
Pulling the state out of debt will require someone with a solid mandate. Listen closely to Harper. It isn't immediately apparent, but he is the type of leader who can inspire people to look beyond partisanship and toward the vision of the little guy from Paducah who said and meant "and I mean NO!"
One Question For Kentucky Treasurer Candidates
As unhelpful as the MSM discussion of the gubernatorial race has been, it has been worse. Instead of arguing about who would set up which new program and how or who is tired of campaigning and just wants to shut down the office, we should ask the candidates to take a look at one thing the office really controls: unclaimed property.
The question: How much is the unclaimed property fund worth?
The first candidate with the correct answer (zero) and a good explanation for why this is so (we already spent it all) might deserve a vote.
This is the "fund" that is supposed to back up the money-losing KAPT program Jonathan Miller keeps yammering about. Retiring Miller won't be a complete victory until we retire some of his lies about this silly thing.
The question: How much is the unclaimed property fund worth?
The first candidate with the correct answer (zero) and a good explanation for why this is so (we already spent it all) might deserve a vote.
This is the "fund" that is supposed to back up the money-losing KAPT program Jonathan Miller keeps yammering about. Retiring Miller won't be a complete victory until we retire some of his lies about this silly thing.
Sunday, May 13, 2007
The Cover-Up Will Be The Story On This One, Too
If you blinked, you missed the Herald-Leader's coverage of the FBI investigation of the Fayette county jail and the successful cover-up (so far) by two Lexington mayors.
Two things to think about: Mayor Teresa Isaac almost immediately dismissed the entire FBI investigation as nothing to worry about. It is now mid-May and I haven't heard anything about the FBI concluding their investigation yet. Have you? If she knew something eight months ago that the FBI still hasn't figured out, wouldn't that be news now? And Mayor Jim Newberry has had ample opportunity to clear up this mess one way or another -- or at least address it publicly -- and all he can do is a "no comment" through his spokeswoman?
There is a lot more to this story. I wonder why the Herald-Leader seems so incurious about it.
Two things to think about: Mayor Teresa Isaac almost immediately dismissed the entire FBI investigation as nothing to worry about. It is now mid-May and I haven't heard anything about the FBI concluding their investigation yet. Have you? If she knew something eight months ago that the FBI still hasn't figured out, wouldn't that be news now? And Mayor Jim Newberry has had ample opportunity to clear up this mess one way or another -- or at least address it publicly -- and all he can do is a "no comment" through his spokeswoman?
There is a lot more to this story. I wonder why the Herald-Leader seems so incurious about it.
Saturday, May 12, 2007
Lexington's Own Abu Ghraib Scandal
The Lexington Herald Leader is picking up on the Jim Newberry/Teresa Isaac cover-up at the Fayette County jail story tomorrow.
The really amazing thing about this story is that Jim Newberry knew about Isaac's cover-up before his election. Seems like it would have been pretty easy for him to separate himself from the mess before he took office, but instead he jumped right into the middle of it. Now he is being sued for abusing his position as mayor and will probably be prosecuted as well.
I thought this guy was supposed to be smart.
The really amazing thing about this story is that Jim Newberry knew about Isaac's cover-up before his election. Seems like it would have been pretty easy for him to separate himself from the mess before he took office, but instead he jumped right into the middle of it. Now he is being sued for abusing his position as mayor and will probably be prosecuted as well.
I thought this guy was supposed to be smart.
Good News! Fletcher, Stumbo Agree You Are A Hurricane Katrina Victim
I'm getting pretty tired of the role reversals in politics giving us "conservative" politicians who eagerly embrace a liberal mind-set. Yesterday, Ernie Fletcher joined hands with Greg Stumbo and proclaimed that all Kentuckians are hurricane victims under a state of emergency from a 2005 Gulf Coast storm and we are going to stay victims for the forseeable future.
When Greg Stumbo's Deputy Attorney General Pierce Whites attacked Marathon Oil under Kentucky's poorly conceived price gouging law saying "there is no constitutional right to price gouge," he was taking a position that might help Stumbo in the upcoming Democratic primary.
Populism traditionally seeks to deny the laws of economics and promote vagueness in favor government power in the name of "doing something."
What's disappointing is how Ernie Fletcher played along in response to Marathon Oil's lawsuit seeking to improve or remove Kentucky's price gouging law. Kentucky has been in a state of emergency since Fletcher declared one on August 30, 2005.
What's even more disappointing is that neither of Fletcher's primary opponents are going to call him on this. The electorate has moved so far left that the smart political money rests firmly on the side of calling ourselves victims and suing our largest service providers for providing services.
When Greg Stumbo's Deputy Attorney General Pierce Whites attacked Marathon Oil under Kentucky's poorly conceived price gouging law saying "there is no constitutional right to price gouge," he was taking a position that might help Stumbo in the upcoming Democratic primary.
Populism traditionally seeks to deny the laws of economics and promote vagueness in favor government power in the name of "doing something."
What's disappointing is how Ernie Fletcher played along in response to Marathon Oil's lawsuit seeking to improve or remove Kentucky's price gouging law. Kentucky has been in a state of emergency since Fletcher declared one on August 30, 2005.
The lawsuit asks the court to void Fletcher's emergency declaration or set a time limit on it.
Fletcher interpreted that as an attack on the powers of his office.
"The fact of the matter is the executive order stands and it has the full force of law, and we'll be defending that aspect of the suit," Fletcher said.
What's even more disappointing is that neither of Fletcher's primary opponents are going to call him on this. The electorate has moved so far left that the smart political money rests firmly on the side of calling ourselves victims and suing our largest service providers for providing services.
Friday, May 11, 2007
Jim Newberry And Teresa Isaac Were Sued Today; Violated State Whistleblower Act
Lexington Mayor Jim Newberry and his predecessor Teresa Isaac were sued today for violating Kentucky's Whistleblower Act. The suit was filed by John Vest, the FBI informant in the Fayette County Detention Center prisoner abuse scandal.
The filing describes how Vest approached the Federal Bureau of Investigation early in 2006 to report abuse of prisoners by FCDC employees. The filing states the FBI instructed Vest to covertly collect information for a federal criminal investigation and that he documented "numerous instances of the unauthorized use of force against Detention Center inmates by other Government employees in violation of Kentucky and Federal criminal laws."
The evidence provided by Vest brought dozens of FBI agents to Lexington in October 2006 to raid the Detention Center and seize evidence. After then-Mayor Isaac stated she had personally viewed the hundreds of hours of video and other kinds of evidence in a one-night cram session, she stated no evidence of wrongdoing existed. She and FCDC Director Ronald Bishop stated to the media that Vest was lying to the FBI.
The suit alleges Vest's efforts to seek Whistleblower protection were, at various times, ignored or met with hostility. Jail officials refused Vest's transfer requests to a safe work environment and, in February of this year, sought to terminate Vest's employment. Mayor Newberry, despite his knowledge of Vest's whistleblower status, signed off on it.
The suit alleges Isaac and Newberry are both guilty of official misconduct in the first and second degree, abuse of power, civil rights violations and that Isaac is guilty of slander. Vest requested a jury trial and awarding of compensatory and punitive damages.
Newberry is the current mayor of Lexington and Isaac works for Bruce Lunsford's campaign for governor.
The filing describes how Vest approached the Federal Bureau of Investigation early in 2006 to report abuse of prisoners by FCDC employees. The filing states the FBI instructed Vest to covertly collect information for a federal criminal investigation and that he documented "numerous instances of the unauthorized use of force against Detention Center inmates by other Government employees in violation of Kentucky and Federal criminal laws."
The evidence provided by Vest brought dozens of FBI agents to Lexington in October 2006 to raid the Detention Center and seize evidence. After then-Mayor Isaac stated she had personally viewed the hundreds of hours of video and other kinds of evidence in a one-night cram session, she stated no evidence of wrongdoing existed. She and FCDC Director Ronald Bishop stated to the media that Vest was lying to the FBI.
The suit alleges Vest's efforts to seek Whistleblower protection were, at various times, ignored or met with hostility. Jail officials refused Vest's transfer requests to a safe work environment and, in February of this year, sought to terminate Vest's employment. Mayor Newberry, despite his knowledge of Vest's whistleblower status, signed off on it.
The suit alleges Isaac and Newberry are both guilty of official misconduct in the first and second degree, abuse of power, civil rights violations and that Isaac is guilty of slander. Vest requested a jury trial and awarding of compensatory and punitive damages.
Newberry is the current mayor of Lexington and Isaac works for Bruce Lunsford's campaign for governor.
Marathon Oil Sues Fletcher And Stumbo
Ernie Fletcher and Greg Stumbo find themselves on the same side of a legal struggle today. Both have been named as defendants by Marathon Oil in a federal lawsuit.
The suit attacks Kentucky's price gouging law on three fronts. First, it says the law unconstitutionally affords the Attorney General power to attack businesses and write his own standards on the fly. Second, Marathon claims Governor Fletcher's August 31, 2005 Executive Order 2005-943 putting the gouging law into effect failed to specify the length of time the price-fixing regulation would be in effect in violation of Section 2 of the Kentucky Constitution. Third, the suit states that the price gouging law violates the U.S. Constitution's Commmerce Clause and unfairly inhibits competition.
The suit claims the Governor's issuance of Executive Order 2005-943 declaring a state of emergency was illegally applied in 2005 and has never been terminated. The suit also claims Stumbo lied when he said Speedway violated the Kentucky Consumer Protection Act and includes a transcript of Stumbo's August 8, 2006 press conference as evidence.
The suit asks for the law to be declared unconstitutional and for the defendants to be ordered to pay costs, attorney fees, and "all other relief to which the plaintiffs may be entitled."
The suit attacks Kentucky's price gouging law on three fronts. First, it says the law unconstitutionally affords the Attorney General power to attack businesses and write his own standards on the fly. Second, Marathon claims Governor Fletcher's August 31, 2005 Executive Order 2005-943 putting the gouging law into effect failed to specify the length of time the price-fixing regulation would be in effect in violation of Section 2 of the Kentucky Constitution. Third, the suit states that the price gouging law violates the U.S. Constitution's Commmerce Clause and unfairly inhibits competition.
The suit claims the Governor's issuance of Executive Order 2005-943 declaring a state of emergency was illegally applied in 2005 and has never been terminated. The suit also claims Stumbo lied when he said Speedway violated the Kentucky Consumer Protection Act and includes a transcript of Stumbo's August 8, 2006 press conference as evidence.
The suit asks for the law to be declared unconstitutional and for the defendants to be ordered to pay costs, attorney fees, and "all other relief to which the plaintiffs may be entitled."
I'll Take "Four-Letter Acronyms For Bad Education Policy" For $100, Alex
Can't help but think that if Billy Harper had steered clear of promoting his role in forming the Kentucky Education Reform Act at the beginning of his campaign's advertising last year, the GOP race might look different that it does right now.
Kentucky Sued, Lunsford/Stumbo Should Pay
The MSM isn't reporting that Marathon Oil yesterday filed a federal lawsuit against the Commonwealth of Kentucky because of Attorney General Greg Stumbo's political stunt.
There are serious constitutional issues with Kentucky's price gouging law and Stumbo knows it. The Lumbo campaign should be made to pay the state's legal expenses.
There are serious constitutional issues with Kentucky's price gouging law and Stumbo knows it. The Lumbo campaign should be made to pay the state's legal expenses.
KERA And The Governor's Race
It's Day Two of the "KERA is Good" tour at the Courier Journal.
They are trying to bash Governor Fletcher for saying he wouldn't have voted for KERA and that Anne Northup was wrong when she did vote for it.
The Fletcher campaign may have some trouble capitalizing on this if word gets out about the multiple resume "typos" of his new Education Commissioner appointee.
They are trying to bash Governor Fletcher for saying he wouldn't have voted for KERA and that Anne Northup was wrong when she did vote for it.
The Fletcher campaign may have some trouble capitalizing on this if word gets out about the multiple resume "typos" of his new Education Commissioner appointee.
Greg Stumbo's Political Witch Hunt Against Big Oil
Attorney General Greg Stumbo has started suing oil companies for rising gas prices. This will satisfy a large part of the electorate, but Kentucky's stupid price-gouging law will eventually get a serious test in court.
With any luck, it will fail in the court of law. Price fixing laws are bad enough. Price gouging laws tie the concept of government control to emotional natural disasters and public emergencies to create an artificial price level that "feels right" to the politician who happens to be in charge at the time.
Unfortunately, good economics is usually bad politics. We desperately need to realize that when politicians "just do something" to fix a problem, they too often make is worse. Gas prices are a perfect example of this.
With any luck, it will fail in the court of law. Price fixing laws are bad enough. Price gouging laws tie the concept of government control to emotional natural disasters and public emergencies to create an artificial price level that "feels right" to the politician who happens to be in charge at the time.
Unfortunately, good economics is usually bad politics. We desperately need to realize that when politicians "just do something" to fix a problem, they too often make is worse. Gas prices are a perfect example of this.
Thursday, May 10, 2007
What This Race Should Really Be About
The GOP gubernatorial primary has gotten personal. What issues do you wish the candidates would address?
Ed Whitfield Is a Fair Taxer
While former U.S. House members Ernie Fletcher and Anne Northup are clashing about who has raised taxes higher, Rep. Ed Whitfield of Kentucky's First District wants to shut down the Internal Revenue Service.
Whitfield has signed on to the Fair Tax Act. Good move, Rep. Whitfield.
Whitfield has signed on to the Fair Tax Act. Good move, Rep. Whitfield.
Which Dem Campaign Will Have Most Impact On Policy In Kentucky?
Bruce Lunsford would give us Canadian-style healthcare. Steve Beshear would invite in casinos.
We would contend with the possibility of these policies if one of these candidates actually won election. Neither initiative, though, is very likely to gain passage through the legislature. But Jody Richards may have more of an impact by losing than most other candidates would have by winning.
Richards' poor showing in the race should result in his removal from the Speaker post in the House. Who the House Dems will serve up in his place to lead in the General Assembly will determine which bills get a hearing in that chamber. A governor might alter state policy substantially, but Richards' ouster on May 22 and again in January will create very interesting opportunities for change in state government.
We would contend with the possibility of these policies if one of these candidates actually won election. Neither initiative, though, is very likely to gain passage through the legislature. But Jody Richards may have more of an impact by losing than most other candidates would have by winning.
Richards' poor showing in the race should result in his removal from the Speaker post in the House. Who the House Dems will serve up in his place to lead in the General Assembly will determine which bills get a hearing in that chamber. A governor might alter state policy substantially, but Richards' ouster on May 22 and again in January will create very interesting opportunities for change in state government.
Courier Journal Loves Anne Northup?
The Courier Journal asks GOP primary voters to consider the difference between the largest tax increase in Kentucky history and a smaller "modernization" tax increase and to favor the bigger one.
While I don't have much energy for defending Fletcher's "revenue-neutral" tax increase, the CJ support for KERA is pretty far over the top.
Let's start with the first sentence:
This old talking point is contradicted by ACT scores that the state educrats can only manage to show improvement in when they falsify results by including scores from private school students.
Then there is this:
Flowery adjectives shouldn't distract from condemnation of a particularly bad investment Republicans knew was likely to perform poorly.
Then, for a newspaper that so enjoys calling conservative people liars, this string of whoppers can only be described as remarkable:
It is telling that the same people who insisted KERA would make education so much better in Kentucky are now demanding billions more to make education better.
It would be nice if we could move education policy discussions beyond the sound-bite level. Some improvements do require money, but others that would save it -- such as school choice and higher standards -- get sold short. Now that both R's and D's are stuck on selling ever-increasing funding levels as their primary function in education reform, I'm not hopeful we will progress here any time soon.
While I don't have much energy for defending Fletcher's "revenue-neutral" tax increase, the CJ support for KERA is pretty far over the top.
Let's start with the first sentence:
... the Kentucky Education Reform Act, which has done so much to lift achievement and aspirations in this state ...
This old talking point is contradicted by ACT scores that the state educrats can only manage to show improvement in when they falsify results by including scores from private school students.
Then there is this:
Actually she voted, like every other public-spirited and thoughtful member of the General Assembly, to fund KERA.
Flowery adjectives shouldn't distract from condemnation of a particularly bad investment Republicans knew was likely to perform poorly.
Then, for a newspaper that so enjoys calling conservative people liars, this string of whoppers can only be described as remarkable:
She voted to help poor districts overcome an illegal, unjust and destructive system of funding; to create family resource centers; to modernize the school curriculum; to give parents a real role in the administration of schools; to buy the technology needed for a modern, competitive K-through-12 education; to test our kids and hold schools accountable for any lack of progress.
It is telling that the same people who insisted KERA would make education so much better in Kentucky are now demanding billions more to make education better.
It would be nice if we could move education policy discussions beyond the sound-bite level. Some improvements do require money, but others that would save it -- such as school choice and higher standards -- get sold short. Now that both R's and D's are stuck on selling ever-increasing funding levels as their primary function in education reform, I'm not hopeful we will progress here any time soon.
Wednesday, May 09, 2007
I Spy With My Little Eye, A Shift In The Race
Very reliable inside sources report each of the Republican gubernatorial campaigns have polling data showing Anne Northup with a small lead and headed for a run-off with Governor Ernie Fletcher.
WROCK Blogster
Former Rep. Anne Northup turned the tables on a fairly tough crowd at the Women Republicans of Central Kentucky meeting today in Lexington, claiming she hasn't been nearly as negative as Ernie Fletcher -- who she compared to Bill Clinton -- in this campaign.
Interestingly, she also mentioned "relentless attacks on blogs" directed at her.
Robbie Rudolph and Dick Wilson spoke on behalf of their campaigns as well.
Interestingly, she also mentioned "relentless attacks on blogs" directed at her.
Robbie Rudolph and Dick Wilson spoke on behalf of their campaigns as well.
What's Next: "Drive Off In A New Otis Mobile, Those Other Clunkers Will Leave You Stranded!"
Marketing to political observers is something political bloggers struggle with every day. So this email from Rick's City Cafe in Frankfort got my attention:
I haven't had the Gatewood Burger, but I might have to sneak by and grab one. Rick's Cafe is not far from the Capitol and the food is fantastic.
Next time, Rick, buy an ad!
Good morning---today, let's get the special out of the way first----OYSTER PO-BOY AND SIDE FOR $1.00 OFF REGULAR PRICE OF $7.99!!!! Of course you can get the "GATEWOOD BURGER" right up to him becoming governor for $4.99 with a side dish!!!
NOW, about those republican and democrat fat filled, preservative laced (I mean look at Mr. Lunsford and Ann Northrop), artificial color (take a look at some of those fake tans---what are they trying to hide---hello Steve Henry aka George Hamilton), BS filled hot dog candidates for governor!!!! Not a dimes worth of difference and like a real hot dog---they may end of killing you---- with their policies!!! AND THEN---- we have the lean, mean, healthy, low fat, no filler, organic, HAMBURGER!!!!This product is very pure and healthy for you and all Kentuckians---I now present to you GATEWOOD GALBRAITH---not a greasy fat filled hot dog, but a picture of health---He is simply the diet we need for all of Kentucky!!!
I hear customers say---if Gatewood had a chance, I would vote for him!!? The only way he has a chance is if you do vote for him!! From Republicans to Democrats to Independents to reporters to fireman to policemen to the average every day citizen on the street, there is one word I hear more than any other and that word is GATEWOOD!! So, vote your conscious mind and let's make a difference our children will be glad you made!!
I haven't had the Gatewood Burger, but I might have to sneak by and grab one. Rick's Cafe is not far from the Capitol and the food is fantastic.
Next time, Rick, buy an ad!
Is Billy Harper Worth Another Look?
The Harper campaign has been saying for months that Northup and Fletcher would eventually tear each other apart giving Billy Harper an opportunity to slip through the middle.
Now that the slugfest has started -- and given Harper's ability to write his own check to take advantage -- some people might be willing to give Billy Harper a chance.
His leadership against the Alternative Minimum Calculation and his well-known position against new taxes combined with his strong stances for school choice and Right to Work and against Certificate of Need laws could make things interesting.
Now that the slugfest has started -- and given Harper's ability to write his own check to take advantage -- some people might be willing to give Billy Harper a chance.
His leadership against the Alternative Minimum Calculation and his well-known position against new taxes combined with his strong stances for school choice and Right to Work and against Certificate of Need laws could make things interesting.
Tuesday, May 08, 2007
Mark Nickolas' Kiss Of Death
His first gubernatorial candidate out of the race, lefty blogger Mark Nickolas sees a momentum shift from Skippy Miller to Anne Northup.
Burning Question Two Weeks From Election Day
Will Anne Northup update her attack ad by removing the picture of Jonathan "Skippy" Miller as one of the happy Democrats expecting Ernie Fletcher to get the GOP nomination?
Monday, May 07, 2007
Indiana Democrats Kill School Choice Option; Teachers Union Wins, Students Lose
Indiana's House Democrats have shut down virtual charter schools in their state.
Survey Says School Choice Needs To Be Explained, But When It Is It Wins
Click here to see for yourself.
Will Billy Harper Be Like Fleet Street?
He started first out of the gate as a snow-white outsider with enough money to run a campaign for governor out of his own check book, but Billy Harper has since dropped way back in the field. After spending gobs of money to run commercials during the 2006 campaigns, his own bid has not seemed to catch fire.
In fact, Harper created his own political baggage by claiming credit for the Kentucky Education Reform Act. Otherwise, his positions on school choice, taxes, spending, and economic development have been the stuff of dreams for conservative Republican primary voters.
He has run a "positive" campaign, waiting for his two better-known opponents to rip each other apart. It hasn't seemed to be an effective strategy, but in a low-turnout three-way race, very strange things could happen. Could Billy Harper shock everyone as the next Jesse Ventura?
If he could re-introduce himself effectively to voters and take ownership of a fresh issue like market solutions to rising health insurance premiums, maybe, just maybe, he could slip into contention in the final stretch.
In fact, Harper created his own political baggage by claiming credit for the Kentucky Education Reform Act. Otherwise, his positions on school choice, taxes, spending, and economic development have been the stuff of dreams for conservative Republican primary voters.
He has run a "positive" campaign, waiting for his two better-known opponents to rip each other apart. It hasn't seemed to be an effective strategy, but in a low-turnout three-way race, very strange things could happen. Could Billy Harper shock everyone as the next Jesse Ventura?
If he could re-introduce himself effectively to voters and take ownership of a fresh issue like market solutions to rising health insurance premiums, maybe, just maybe, he could slip into contention in the final stretch.
Sunday, May 06, 2007
Repeal The 16th Amendment Now
In 1913, the 16th amendment to the U.S. Constitution tossed aside the Founding Fathers' respect for the privacy of an individual to earn an income without government interference. As a direct result of this mistake, we have afflicted ourselves with an incomprehensible and ludicrously inefficient federal tax code.
Sixty years later, the U.S. Supreme Court decided the Constitution that didn't recognize privacy in personal economic activity somehow turned a blind eye in the name of privacy toward anyone who desired to kill another human as long as part of his or her body has not yet emerged from the womb.
Isn't it about time we started to clear up inconsistencies like this?
Sixty years later, the U.S. Supreme Court decided the Constitution that didn't recognize privacy in personal economic activity somehow turned a blind eye in the name of privacy toward anyone who desired to kill another human as long as part of his or her body has not yet emerged from the womb.
Isn't it about time we started to clear up inconsistencies like this?
Give Me A Libertarian Who Hunts Down Terrorists
Congressman Ron Paul would be a great candidate for President on the strength of his economic policies, but his weakness on the throw-out-the-rulebook War on Terror is a deal-killer. Too bad his opponents for the nomination are, for the most part, stronger on defense but far weaker on the economy.
Courier Journal Says Jonathan Miller Should Quit
In the weakest gubernatorial endorsement editorial I have ever seen from a "major" newspaper, the Louisville Courier Journal encouraged Kentucky's Democrats to nominate Steve Beshear for Governor.
Treasurer Jonathan Miller is expected to pull a Bruce Lunsford and quit the race on Monday. The CJ gives him a nice, swift kick toward the door:
Also, it is interesting to note that the CJ fails to mention that Beshear's house of cards is built on getting casino gambling past the legislature. Despite Beshear's impotent bluster about forcing the General Assembly to act (which the CJ also fails to mention), it will never happen.
The 200 word non-endorsement responses from the other candidates will be fun to read.
As attorney general and lieutenant governor, and in his work as a successful private attorney, Mr. Beshear has demonstrated the kind of toughness needed to break the partisan logjam in Frankfort and to move the state energetically in new directions.
Treasurer Jonathan Miller is expected to pull a Bruce Lunsford and quit the race on Monday. The CJ gives him a nice, swift kick toward the door:
State Treasurer Jonathan Miller offers a progressive voice, but his experience seems too thin for a jump to state government's top job. He is, unfortunately, more likely to harm Mr. Beshear's chances than to elevate his own.
Also, it is interesting to note that the CJ fails to mention that Beshear's house of cards is built on getting casino gambling past the legislature. Despite Beshear's impotent bluster about forcing the General Assembly to act (which the CJ also fails to mention), it will never happen.
The 200 word non-endorsement responses from the other candidates will be fun to read.
Saturday, May 05, 2007
Jody Richards Misses Mark On Education Policy
The most basic economic theory states that lowering the price of a good increases demand for it. Education is a good and all consumers of education want to lower the price of it.
Right?
So why in the world do we continue to fall for foolish schemes like Jody Richards' College Opportunity Grants?
Why don't we just call this "Soak The Middle Class" and quit pretending that putting our focus on expanding access to higher education by throwing more money at people based solely on their low incomes helps "education"?
I know. I am being insensitive and politically incorrect and Republican. But will someone explain to me how increasing demand -- and therefore the price -- of higher education by further subsidizing students who happen to have low incomes really benefits the state? It would be much more honest and correct to say that our goal is to create higher education opportunities for low income students by limiting them for those of mid-range means.
I fail to see how such class warfare benefits education. Seriously, Richards' "Grants" might legitimately claim to give at least a freshman year to some students of very limited means, but those same students have access to ample federal funds already.
If what we want is to improve schools, we should shift our focus to aiding more students who demonstrate a willingness to do the work necessary to complete a college degree. Let's incentivize achievement and not low incomes. It would be far better to tell kids in middle school that the only way they can live better than their parents is to work hard and we will help them get a college education. Instead, we tell them that mediocre effort and broke parents are all they need to get into college. Then we wring our hands because our students aren't prepared to do college work. Their failure succeeds only in raising prices for those who are more prepared, but less indigent. The biggest winner in this system is the politicians writing press releases about how much they care for the poor.
Right?
So why in the world do we continue to fall for foolish schemes like Jody Richards' College Opportunity Grants?
Establishing “College Opportunity Grants,” which would double the amount of need-based assistance given to students in the neediest 25th percentile of applicants.
Why don't we just call this "Soak The Middle Class" and quit pretending that putting our focus on expanding access to higher education by throwing more money at people based solely on their low incomes helps "education"?
I know. I am being insensitive and politically incorrect and Republican. But will someone explain to me how increasing demand -- and therefore the price -- of higher education by further subsidizing students who happen to have low incomes really benefits the state? It would be much more honest and correct to say that our goal is to create higher education opportunities for low income students by limiting them for those of mid-range means.
I fail to see how such class warfare benefits education. Seriously, Richards' "Grants" might legitimately claim to give at least a freshman year to some students of very limited means, but those same students have access to ample federal funds already.
If what we want is to improve schools, we should shift our focus to aiding more students who demonstrate a willingness to do the work necessary to complete a college degree. Let's incentivize achievement and not low incomes. It would be far better to tell kids in middle school that the only way they can live better than their parents is to work hard and we will help them get a college education. Instead, we tell them that mediocre effort and broke parents are all they need to get into college. Then we wring our hands because our students aren't prepared to do college work. Their failure succeeds only in raising prices for those who are more prepared, but less indigent. The biggest winner in this system is the politicians writing press releases about how much they care for the poor.
Friday, May 04, 2007
Pelosi Take Note: Mayor Of Mogadishu Bans Guns
War-torn Somalia is now going to try a little gun control. Meanwhile, Nancy Pelosi has painted herself into a corner by cutting off funding to American troops in Iraq.
How long will it be before Speaker Pelosi suggests insurgents in Iraq turn in their guns to mosques in Baghdad? And what would Ben Chandler say if she did?
How long will it be before Speaker Pelosi suggests insurgents in Iraq turn in their guns to mosques in Baghdad? And what would Ben Chandler say if she did?
GOP Candidates Missing Most Important Issue
While the Democratic candidates for governor are all over the subject of who has the best plan for socialized medicine in Kentucky, the Republican candidates have been silent about how to use market principles to really improve how we pay for health care.
I understand the fear that Kentuckians are ready to go for more government involvement in health insurance, but the stakes are so high that it is a shame to see no one trying to lead in the right direction on this.
Anyone who might be inclined to take on this most important issue might start by reading this.
I understand the fear that Kentuckians are ready to go for more government involvement in health insurance, but the stakes are so high that it is a shame to see no one trying to lead in the right direction on this.
Anyone who might be inclined to take on this most important issue might start by reading this.
Chandler, Yarmuth Join Liberal "Hate Crime" Stunt
House Democrats yesterday rammed through a bill to throw federal tax dollars at prosecution of hate crimes.
Hate crime legislation is Nancy Pelosi's idea of getting tough on crime by penalizing violent offenders for having politically incorrect thoughts. She has her boys locked up tight, doesn't she?
Hate crime legislation is Nancy Pelosi's idea of getting tough on crime by penalizing violent offenders for having politically incorrect thoughts. She has her boys locked up tight, doesn't she?
Thursday, May 03, 2007
Trading Merit Misdemeanors For Big-Time Criminals
Democratic party insiders in Frankfort and in Madison county confirm that a Bruce Lunsford administration would likely include Richmond's Ed Worley as Transportation Cabinet Secretary.
Now there is a fine, upstanding individual we can trust with our tax dollars.
Who is Lunsford going to put in charge of the budget, Jerry Lundergan? Maybe Johnny Ray Turner can help with procurement and Steve Henry can head up Medicaid oversight.
Now there is a fine, upstanding individual we can trust with our tax dollars.
Who is Lunsford going to put in charge of the budget, Jerry Lundergan? Maybe Johnny Ray Turner can help with procurement and Steve Henry can head up Medicaid oversight.
"I'll See Your Bad Policy And Raise You One More"
Wow. Spending hoped-for casino revenues on government subsidies to businesses for health insurance. How about a trifecta? You bet! We can subsidize prescription drug purchases too!
Courtesy of the Steve Beshear/Casino Gambling campaign:
Courtesy of the Steve Beshear/Casino Gambling campaign:
A Horse Is A Horse, Of Course, Of Course...
While some gubernatorial candidates are sitting on their hands waiting for the Kentucky Derby to pass -- except Jonathan Miller, who announced breathlessly that Kathy Stein wants him to win (and we assume by that she means he will not just hold off Gatewood on May 22) -- they may be helping the environment. Less talking means less earth-baking carbon dioxide, right?
Silence and inaction is not such a blessing in January of legislative election years, though. When our lawmakers sit on their hands waiting for the filing deadline to pass before they do any substantial work in Frankfort, they cheat taxpayers. The next time our gubernatorial candidates grab an open microphone, they should propose that we push forward the election filing deadline until after the end of General Assembly sessions.
Too many of our legislative leaders aren't interested in open government or in being accountable to the public, but we need gubernatorial candidates with the courage to stand up for commonsense action like this.
Silence and inaction is not such a blessing in January of legislative election years, though. When our lawmakers sit on their hands waiting for the filing deadline to pass before they do any substantial work in Frankfort, they cheat taxpayers. The next time our gubernatorial candidates grab an open microphone, they should propose that we push forward the election filing deadline until after the end of General Assembly sessions.
Too many of our legislative leaders aren't interested in open government or in being accountable to the public, but we need gubernatorial candidates with the courage to stand up for commonsense action like this.
Wednesday, May 02, 2007
Why Is This Man Still Employed By Lexington Jail?
The FBI investigation into the cover-up of prisoner abuse in the Fayette County Detention Center is still open. After the former mayor so quickly dismissed the evidence removed from the jail last summer as no big deal, current Mayor Jim Newberry has been strangely silent.
What say you, Mayor Jim Newberry?
Maybe They Should Outlaw Unhappiness First
Strange story from Switzerland has gun control activists prying guns out of the hands of people who want to commit suicide.
Looks like some kind of stupid law is on the way. Apparently 77% of poll respondents said there is no need to store both guns and ammunition in the same Swiss home.
Looks like some kind of stupid law is on the way. Apparently 77% of poll respondents said there is no need to store both guns and ammunition in the same Swiss home.
Jody Richards Lurches Leftward On Healthcare
Jody Richards has a plan: expand government programs and everything will be just fine.
Oh, and Richards has gone up with a television ad that looks like it was filmed in a graveyard.
Good place for it.
Oh, and Richards has gone up with a television ad that looks like it was filmed in a graveyard.
Good place for it.
Tuesday, May 01, 2007
The Gig Is Up On Northup Campaign
When the Democratic gubernatorial candidates file their next campaign finance reports, some of them may need to report in-kind contributions from Anne Northup after she featured pictures of them in her latest attack ad.
Thanks Anne.
Northup has claimed, implausibly, that she would be a fiscal conservative in Frankfort. After years as a big spender in Washington, she might have difficulty making this one stick.
In fact, her statements have drawn a strong rebuke from the Kentucky Club for Growth:
Governor Fletcher might do better on fiscal issues in his second term, and he should. But none of his opponents can claim with a straight face to possess better conservative credentials -- which is to say a record of protection of taxpayer interests.
Thanks Anne.
Northup has claimed, implausibly, that she would be a fiscal conservative in Frankfort. After years as a big spender in Washington, she might have difficulty making this one stick.
In fact, her statements have drawn a strong rebuke from the Kentucky Club for Growth:
Like Nancy Pelosi, Northup voted "no" on all the Flake amendments that would have seriously reduced wasteful "earmarks."
Governor Fletcher might do better on fiscal issues in his second term, and he should. But none of his opponents can claim with a straight face to possess better conservative credentials -- which is to say a record of protection of taxpayer interests.
Putting Medicaid And Welfare In Perspective
While everyone is talking about healthcare reform: in the name of promoting freedom and self-sufficiency, can we get a candidate for governor to talk about getting people off Medicaid for a change?
Probably not.
Probably not.
Monday, April 30, 2007
Top General Assembly Target for '08: Perry Clark
Sen. Perry Clark is a marked man for 2008. Virginia Woodward is likely to come after him in a primary and Doug Hawkins is looking like the early favorite for the GOP nod.
This will be a war, because the GOP needs one more vote to pass medical malpractice reform.
Is Jody Richards Going To Bite Lawyers' Hands?
Gubernatorial candidate Jody Richards will discuss his health care plan tomorrow in Henderson with Dr. David Watkins by his side.
Dr. Watkins is a state representative and a Democrat who won election last year on the strength of his support for medical liability reform.
Liberal trial attorneys will go crazy when they see this. Richards is already in trouble with the left for his statement to the Kentucky Right to Life Association that he would not support a candidate for office who supports legalized abortions (question #9).
Dr. Watkins is a state representative and a Democrat who won election last year on the strength of his support for medical liability reform.
Liberal trial attorneys will go crazy when they see this. Richards is already in trouble with the left for his statement to the Kentucky Right to Life Association that he would not support a candidate for office who supports legalized abortions (question #9).
KAPT For Everyone: 2008 Wrecking Education Act
Rep. Rick Nelson(D-Middlesboro) has pre-filed a bill for the 2008 General Assembly in an effort to combat rising higher education costs in Kentucky. There is no way his proposal will have the intended result unless Rep. Nelson really wants to make college unaffordable for more Kentuckians.
Rep. Nelson's bill would freeze college tuition rates for two years and then mandate that future increases not exceed the general inflation rate. The bill says nothing about fee increases, which would be the quickest way for state schools to respond to this nonsense. Cost increases have to be paid by someone. After hundreds of failed attempts at price-fixing, you would think we could all agree that this is a poorly conceived attempt to address escalating costs.
Colleges might also respond to this proposal, if enacted, by cutting services. Is that what we want?
By setting their sights directly on lowering college costs in order to increase access to higher education, legislators have increased costs faster than if they had just left them alone. This focus on expanding colleges to receive too many unprepared students has driven up costs without a corresponding benefit.
A recent study showed some benefits of expanding merit-based scholarships and using that as a focus for improving higher education. Kentucky's KEES program is nothing more than HOPE-lite. When we recognize this, we will do better.
Rep. Nelson's bill would freeze college tuition rates for two years and then mandate that future increases not exceed the general inflation rate. The bill says nothing about fee increases, which would be the quickest way for state schools to respond to this nonsense. Cost increases have to be paid by someone. After hundreds of failed attempts at price-fixing, you would think we could all agree that this is a poorly conceived attempt to address escalating costs.
Colleges might also respond to this proposal, if enacted, by cutting services. Is that what we want?
By setting their sights directly on lowering college costs in order to increase access to higher education, legislators have increased costs faster than if they had just left them alone. This focus on expanding colleges to receive too many unprepared students has driven up costs without a corresponding benefit.
A recent study showed some benefits of expanding merit-based scholarships and using that as a focus for improving higher education. Kentucky's KEES program is nothing more than HOPE-lite. When we recognize this, we will do better.
Somehow, All Is Not Well In Casino-Land
"There's going to be a lot of depression, a lot of anger. A lot drinking, gambling, and desperate stuff going on."
... and some gubernatorial wannabes still hope to make Kentucky more like Las Vegas.
Sunday, April 29, 2007
A Little Financial Literacy Goes A Long Way
A report on consumer spending Monday could cause stock market prices to take a quick hit. If it does, the media will quickly predict economic catastrophe.
Don't fall for it.
Yes, the slump in the housing market is having an impact on the economy. And yes, a recession may be in our future. But the answer is to get out of debt by any means necessary and work to improve your earning power.
The last thing we want to do now is initiate the move to socialized medicine or start another round of "soak the rich" tax increases. Economic slowdowns come and go, but socialism is forever.
Don't fall for it.
Yes, the slump in the housing market is having an impact on the economy. And yes, a recession may be in our future. But the answer is to get out of debt by any means necessary and work to improve your earning power.
The last thing we want to do now is initiate the move to socialized medicine or start another round of "soak the rich" tax increases. Economic slowdowns come and go, but socialism is forever.
Pervertphobia: Good For Kentucky
The Lexington Herald Leader argues against Kentucky's law regulating where sex offenders can live:
The point of the law limiting where sex offenders live was to respond to other states doing the same thing. If we waited while all our neighboring states made efforts to run off their sex offenders, we risked becoming a magnet for perverts.
I still say we should just make it legal to harass them.
Thanks to Kenton District Judge Martin J. Sheehan for putting in writing what other public officials admit privately but are afraid to say: The ban that Kentucky enacted last year on sex offenders living near schools, day cares and playgrounds is bad law and poor policy.
The point of the law limiting where sex offenders live was to respond to other states doing the same thing. If we waited while all our neighboring states made efforts to run off their sex offenders, we risked becoming a magnet for perverts.
I still say we should just make it legal to harass them.
Saturday, April 28, 2007
Time To Get Serious About Healthcare Reform
Everyone talks about making healthcare less expensive, but nothing ever seems to happen from there. Kentucky only needs courage to lead on this.
The Left wants to chuck the whole thing and let the government run it all. The idea that the government paragons of efficiency would administer services and lower costs merely be eliminating profit margins should be so implausible as to be unnecessary to address. That it must be addressed is a testament to the dire need for improved financial literacy among the electorate.
The Right simply fails to go far enough in allowing the free market to lower consumer costs.
Kentucky should dismantle its system of mandated benefits and byzantine regulations and allow any kind of company to offer any kind of financial arrangement for any kind of health services that they can sell a policy for.
The regulatory structure currently in place could keep itself busy chasing down companies that didn't live up to the obligations spelled out in their contracts. Lawmakers could work up stiff penalties for fraudulent acts.
The proliferation of competition brought on by this plan would improve service, increase customer satisfaction, and lower prices. Increased competition always does this. Stifling competition -- as our current approach does -- always allows the opposite.
The Left wants to chuck the whole thing and let the government run it all. The idea that the government paragons of efficiency would administer services and lower costs merely be eliminating profit margins should be so implausible as to be unnecessary to address. That it must be addressed is a testament to the dire need for improved financial literacy among the electorate.
The Right simply fails to go far enough in allowing the free market to lower consumer costs.
Kentucky should dismantle its system of mandated benefits and byzantine regulations and allow any kind of company to offer any kind of financial arrangement for any kind of health services that they can sell a policy for.
The regulatory structure currently in place could keep itself busy chasing down companies that didn't live up to the obligations spelled out in their contracts. Lawmakers could work up stiff penalties for fraudulent acts.
The proliferation of competition brought on by this plan would improve service, increase customer satisfaction, and lower prices. Increased competition always does this. Stifling competition -- as our current approach does -- always allows the opposite.
Overheard At The Louisville Right To Life Dinner...
Gubernatorial candidate Anne Northup is making plans to go scorched-earth against "all the people" who set her up to run and then stood by to watch her fall in the Republican primary this year.
Someone needs to get her on the record stating whether she intends to go to the Unity Rally after the primary. She should pick an issue, encourage Governor Fletcher to move forward on it, and help his campaign work on that issue. Leasing the lottery might be a good one. We have a lot of debt to pay off and that could get it done.
Billy Harper is showing signs he will stay involved in pushing his conservative agenda after the curtain falls on his campaign. Anne has campaigned on helping the Republican party advance its issues by winning this fall. If she really wants to do that, she is in a position to do so. But if Anne Northup plans to take her ball and go home, she should go now.
Someone needs to get her on the record stating whether she intends to go to the Unity Rally after the primary. She should pick an issue, encourage Governor Fletcher to move forward on it, and help his campaign work on that issue. Leasing the lottery might be a good one. We have a lot of debt to pay off and that could get it done.
Billy Harper is showing signs he will stay involved in pushing his conservative agenda after the curtain falls on his campaign. Anne has campaigned on helping the Republican party advance its issues by winning this fall. If she really wants to do that, she is in a position to do so. But if Anne Northup plans to take her ball and go home, she should go now.
Friday, April 27, 2007
Stumbo Favors Taxpayer Subsidy Of Universities' Unconstitutional Health Benefits
The downside of hitching a ride on a gubernatorial campaign is you wind up sticking your neck out on issues. Now that Bruce Lunsford has come out of the closet with a position on taxpayer dollars funding political activism on college campuses, Attorney General Greg Stumbo is going to have to come clean with whether he agrees -- which appears to be the case -- or not.
Lunsford told Polwatchers:
Does Stumbo agree with his running mate that the Kentucky constitution doesn't apply to state universities when they are promoting their liberal political agendas?
Lunsford told Polwatchers:
Public universities should be allowed to make their own decisions to hire the best and most talented professors, researchers and other staff.
Does Stumbo agree with his running mate that the Kentucky constitution doesn't apply to state universities when they are promoting their liberal political agendas?
Studying Blogging's Impact On Campaigns
What will this from Anne Northup's campaign do to the GOP gubernatorial primary? What about the general election?
How Do You Define Government Waste?
Everyone likes to talk about cutting government waste, but when it comes down to actually doing it too many supporters of the spending seem to come forward.
Citizens Against Government Waste, nonetheless, has 750 recommendations that would cut $280 billion in federal spending in the next year and $2 trillion over the next five years.
After the president vetoes the surrender budget, Congress will have another opportunity to ignore recommendations like this. But as our population ages, we are going to have to change the way we think about entitlement spending. As public retiree health spending bankrupts Kentucky, Medicare's red ink looms large on the federal front.
A fundamental shift in the function of government is necessary. It is one thing to rail against subsidies for studying methane production by cattle or bridges to nowhere, but until we get government out of places where it doesn't belong, such efforts will amount to nothing.
We must begin to cut back on the kind of businesses governments can get involved in. If we can manage that, we will eliminate a whole segment of government spending that generates much of the waste and corruption we see now. Only then can we get serious about cutting government spending.
Citizens Against Government Waste, nonetheless, has 750 recommendations that would cut $280 billion in federal spending in the next year and $2 trillion over the next five years.
After the president vetoes the surrender budget, Congress will have another opportunity to ignore recommendations like this. But as our population ages, we are going to have to change the way we think about entitlement spending. As public retiree health spending bankrupts Kentucky, Medicare's red ink looms large on the federal front.
A fundamental shift in the function of government is necessary. It is one thing to rail against subsidies for studying methane production by cattle or bridges to nowhere, but until we get government out of places where it doesn't belong, such efforts will amount to nothing.
We must begin to cut back on the kind of businesses governments can get involved in. If we can manage that, we will eliminate a whole segment of government spending that generates much of the waste and corruption we see now. Only then can we get serious about cutting government spending.
Thursday, April 26, 2007
The Libertarian View Of 2007 Race
Take Back Kentucky blasted Anne Northup and endorsed Gatewood Galbraith.
Kentucky Dem Treasurer Idol
I'm watching the Democratic candidates for Treasurer on KET, something I won't be doing for long. It occurs to me that what this debate needs is a Simon Cowell character.
"I've never heard such a dreadful answer. Why are you even here? Simply awful."
"I've never heard such a dreadful answer. Why are you even here? Simply awful."
Replacing Skippy; Are You Surprised?
Contributions For Treasurer Candidates:
Lonnie Napier $81,505
Ken Upchurch $36,700
Melinda Wheeler $28,410
Brandon Smith $8,300
Todd Hollenbach $23,374
Mike Weaver $7,841
Patrick Dunmire $2426
Jack Wood $200
Stan Lee Destroys Primary Opponents; Race Over
The really interesting race this fall will be for Attorney General between consistent Lexington conservative Stan Lee and far-flung Louisville left-winger Jack Conway.
Lee has raised $106,476, which is more than his three primary opponents combined. Interestingly, Lee's closest competitor on the stump, Tim Coleman, shows $94,185, but $59,500 came from people with the last name Coleman. This includes $51,000 from the candidate himself.
Lee's broad base of support gained over a courageous tenure as State Representative -- not any shortcomings of the able Mr. Coleman -- has turned this race into a rout.
Jack Conway now faces the unenviable task of convincing Kentuckians outside of Louisville that he is not too liberal to serve as Attorney General. His campaign chairman Ben Chandler just voted to surrender to the terrorists in Iraq and his party's incumbent AG Greg Stumbo is standing by limply watching his bosses in the homosexual agenda lobby ram domestic partner benefits through the commonwealth's two largest universities. No comment yet from Conway on his feelings about these unconstitutional actions.
Good luck, Mr. Conway. You will surely need it with those millstones hanging around your neck.
Lee has raised $106,476, which is more than his three primary opponents combined. Interestingly, Lee's closest competitor on the stump, Tim Coleman, shows $94,185, but $59,500 came from people with the last name Coleman. This includes $51,000 from the candidate himself.
Lee's broad base of support gained over a courageous tenure as State Representative -- not any shortcomings of the able Mr. Coleman -- has turned this race into a rout.
Jack Conway now faces the unenviable task of convincing Kentuckians outside of Louisville that he is not too liberal to serve as Attorney General. His campaign chairman Ben Chandler just voted to surrender to the terrorists in Iraq and his party's incumbent AG Greg Stumbo is standing by limply watching his bosses in the homosexual agenda lobby ram domestic partner benefits through the commonwealth's two largest universities. No comment yet from Conway on his feelings about these unconstitutional actions.
Good luck, Mr. Conway. You will surely need it with those millstones hanging around your neck.
Wednesday, April 25, 2007
Self-Funders Of The World, Unite!
A statement from the Harper for Governor campaign attempts to pre-emptively address criticism of his fundraising numbers:
Billy Harper didn’t enter this race with his hand out. He entered the race because he’s a passionate advocate for Kentucky and believes the people of the Commonwealth share his passion.
Billy has focused most of his time and energy on traveling the state, meeting Kentuckians and listening to their point of view rather than asking people for money. The friends Billy has made in business, through his work in education reform and on the campaign trail over the past several months have begun to come to him with offers to hold fundraisers. This emerging grassroots support will put Billy over the top in this election.
The bottom line is Billy Harper won’t be beholden to any interests other than those of the Kentucky people.
Steve Beshear All In For Casino Scheme
How about a little skepticism for the idea that opening up casinos and giving the state a bunch of money will somehow just work out peachy?
Political Ramifications Of Newfound Planet
No doubt Karl Rove cooked this up.
Astronomers think they may have found another habitable planet. Now famous liberals like Alec Baldwin, Madonna, Rosie, and Al Gore won't have to threaten to move to France if their candidate loses the next election. They can actually leave the solar system.
Astronomers think they may have found another habitable planet. Now famous liberals like Alec Baldwin, Madonna, Rosie, and Al Gore won't have to threaten to move to France if their candidate loses the next election. They can actually leave the solar system.
Newspapers Hate Stan Lee's Fiscal Responsibility, Especially When It Bites Their Bacon
Certain government announcements in Kentucky are required by law to be printed up in local newspapers. Kentucky law actually mandates buying of newspaper advertising for this purpose.
Rep. Stan Lee has tried for years to allow those announcements to be published online. Putting public announcements on the internet would save taxpayer dollars, but the effort to do so has made the Kentucky Press Association mad.
I appreciate someone willing to pick fights with people who buy ink by the barrel when the issue involved is saving tax dollars. If there is something in these public notices worth knowing about, online disclosure is sufficient. The opposition to Representative Lee on this is just about newspapers not wanting to lose a government contract.
As a conservative, I'm sure Rep. Lee is not bothered about giving newpapers another reason to nip at his heels. It's just funny to see one of his primary opponents trying to make hay over this and almost completely explains why newspapers are coming out of the woodwork to endorse Tim Coleman.
Rep. Stan Lee has tried for years to allow those announcements to be published online. Putting public announcements on the internet would save taxpayer dollars, but the effort to do so has made the Kentucky Press Association mad.
I appreciate someone willing to pick fights with people who buy ink by the barrel when the issue involved is saving tax dollars. If there is something in these public notices worth knowing about, online disclosure is sufficient. The opposition to Representative Lee on this is just about newspapers not wanting to lose a government contract.
As a conservative, I'm sure Rep. Lee is not bothered about giving newpapers another reason to nip at his heels. It's just funny to see one of his primary opponents trying to make hay over this and almost completely explains why newspapers are coming out of the woodwork to endorse Tim Coleman.
Tuesday, April 24, 2007
Skippy Speaks
Change for Kentucky has released The Jonathan Miller Tapes. Hot stuff!
I'm gonna be a leader. We've seen in two recent years a governor who has allowed other political forces -- the legislature and special interests, most dominantly -- to take charge of political policy. I'm gonna lead. I'm going to come up with very detailed plans. Now of course there will need to be compromises and of course I want to lend an open ear to ideas from across the state. But when when we come up with a plan...
Another Really Bad Hillary Clinton Idea
Hillary Clinton is running hard on the idea of equal pay for women. Anyone interested in seeing women get a fair shake in the business world really needs to take a second look at this.
Let me begin by saying that my wife and my daughter are very important to me. Years ago when my mother was raising two boys on her salary alone, I was particularly glad she had professional job opportunities available to her. I want very much for my daughter to have at least the same opportunities if not much more.
Hillary's equal pay campaign, if successful, would destroy opportunities for women faster than the Taliban. Women who have struggled for so long to be taken seriously, treated respectfully, and paid well will be crushed in the marketplace if businesses are forced into a no-way-to-win gender-equity pay program.
Think of it like this: you are a manager and you have two applicants for a position. Both are well-qualified and have similar attributes except one is male is one is female. The largest risk under mandated gender-equity pay is that the female -- once employed -- might sue for rather than negotiate pay increases. It would just be too easy to hire the man and avoid the whole mess.
For the benefit of all American women, we need to fight Hillary on this one.
Let me begin by saying that my wife and my daughter are very important to me. Years ago when my mother was raising two boys on her salary alone, I was particularly glad she had professional job opportunities available to her. I want very much for my daughter to have at least the same opportunities if not much more.
Hillary's equal pay campaign, if successful, would destroy opportunities for women faster than the Taliban. Women who have struggled for so long to be taken seriously, treated respectfully, and paid well will be crushed in the marketplace if businesses are forced into a no-way-to-win gender-equity pay program.
Think of it like this: you are a manager and you have two applicants for a position. Both are well-qualified and have similar attributes except one is male is one is female. The largest risk under mandated gender-equity pay is that the female -- once employed -- might sue for rather than negotiate pay increases. It would just be too easy to hire the man and avoid the whole mess.
For the benefit of all American women, we need to fight Hillary on this one.
Good Politics And Good Public Policy
Robbie Rudolph was smart to mention domestic partner benefits as an issue for the inevitable special session last night on KET. Smart politically because of how it got everyone's attention and smart as a pre-emptive policy measure that will benefit the state.
Tax dollars for public school domestic partners would be a minor cut with little bloodflow, though it would surely open up more such wounds if allowed to go untreated. And the unkindest cut to the body politic is the Democratic candidates who insist straight-faced that no tax dollars would pay the benefits. Even the universities' reports that advocate for the extension of benefits admit this is not true.
It is convenient politically that domestic partner benefits through state entities violates the Constitution. This is really about moving forward on government control of healthcare, which is neither cheaper nor more efficient as its advocates -- still with straight faces -- claim. But talking people out of voting themselves largesse from the public treasury is getting harder to do. We don't really want to have the full battle on this now, but this skirmish remains very winnable.
I'm going to the UK Board of Trustees meeting today, where they are set to vote on proceeding with this battle. It's good politics for fiscal and social conservatives to rally together on if they vote for the benefits and good public policy if they vote against.
They will, of course, vote for the benefits.
Tax dollars for public school domestic partners would be a minor cut with little bloodflow, though it would surely open up more such wounds if allowed to go untreated. And the unkindest cut to the body politic is the Democratic candidates who insist straight-faced that no tax dollars would pay the benefits. Even the universities' reports that advocate for the extension of benefits admit this is not true.
It is convenient politically that domestic partner benefits through state entities violates the Constitution. This is really about moving forward on government control of healthcare, which is neither cheaper nor more efficient as its advocates -- still with straight faces -- claim. But talking people out of voting themselves largesse from the public treasury is getting harder to do. We don't really want to have the full battle on this now, but this skirmish remains very winnable.
I'm going to the UK Board of Trustees meeting today, where they are set to vote on proceeding with this battle. It's good politics for fiscal and social conservatives to rally together on if they vote for the benefits and good public policy if they vote against.
They will, of course, vote for the benefits.
Monday, April 23, 2007
Greg Stumbo AWOL On Boyfriend Benefits
LG candidate Greg Stumbo must be on strike from his day job as Kentucky's Attorney General.
It has been almost three weeks since Attorney General candidate Stan Lee formally asked Stumbo for an AG's opinion on the constitutionality of state universities providing domestic partner benefits.
What is Stumbo waiting for? Dem AG candidate Jack Conway doesn't want to answer that question either. Don't these guys have any courage in their convictions at all?
It has been almost three weeks since Attorney General candidate Stan Lee formally asked Stumbo for an AG's opinion on the constitutionality of state universities providing domestic partner benefits.
What is Stumbo waiting for? Dem AG candidate Jack Conway doesn't want to answer that question either. Don't these guys have any courage in their convictions at all?
Do UK Greeks Want Your Tax Dollars To Pay For Advancing Their Political Activism?
The graduate advisor at the University of Kentucky chapter of Phi Gamma Delta fraternity wants nearly one million state tax dollars a year to pay for health benefits for university employees' domestic partners.
Here is part of an email Russ Williams sent to someone urging him to use his vote as a member of UK's Board of Trustees to stop the unconstitutional push for boyfriend bennies in tomorrow's meeting:
Thanks for your note but it is in the best interest of the University of Kentucky to provide benefits to all its employees. This is an issue of fundamental fairness and competition as a business.
Russ Williams, MSW
Senior Training Specialist
HR Training and Development
123 Scovell Hall
Lexington, KY 40506-0064
Office: (859) 257-9432
Cell: (859) 351-1366
Social Security Report Due Out Today
Another year has passed and we are only getting closer to bankrupting ourselves through inaction on Social Security and other entitlements. Meanwhile, our state problem with public health benefits is worse because we can't inflate our way out of the mess, even if we wanted to.
How the heck do we get the masses worked up enough to demand action on this stuff?
Well, we really can't. At least not yet. As long as most people believe they don't pay income taxes, they will have no fear of raising them. That's why socialized medicine polls so well. If you don't think you will be paying for something, why would you fight it?
And that is why I don't think financial literacy programs in the schools will work. Too many interest groups have too much riding on keeping the people poor and stupid.
How the heck do we get the masses worked up enough to demand action on this stuff?
Well, we really can't. At least not yet. As long as most people believe they don't pay income taxes, they will have no fear of raising them. That's why socialized medicine polls so well. If you don't think you will be paying for something, why would you fight it?
And that is why I don't think financial literacy programs in the schools will work. Too many interest groups have too much riding on keeping the people poor and stupid.
Sunday, April 22, 2007
The New National Divide: Education Freedom
The state of Georgia passed special needs scholarships on Friday, something Kentucky failed to do earlier this year when House Dems killed this good bill.
This is an important first step toward school choice and the discussion will be back in this state. Education bureaucrats hold on their power (at the expense of students and parents) can't continue in the face of declining results.
I would prefer this not be another partisan fight. Positive results would be better. But education reform opponents depend heavily on teachers union support in their elections.
This is an important first step toward school choice and the discussion will be back in this state. Education bureaucrats hold on their power (at the expense of students and parents) can't continue in the face of declining results.
I would prefer this not be another partisan fight. Positive results would be better. But education reform opponents depend heavily on teachers union support in their elections.
Fletcher Versus Patton: At Least These Good Old Boy Checks Are Clearing The Bank
It's funny to hear from some of the people ripping Governor Fletcher for passing around big checks for projects around the state. While I wish we were cutting back on the spending while we have increased our bonded indebtedness and are facing billions in pension shortfall, there is one detail conveniently forgotten.
The first "scandal" of the Fletcher administration came after Paul Patton passed out the same oversized checks at the end of his second term. The new administration had to cancel the projects Patton promised because there was no money for them and, predictably, caught hell for doing so.
The first "scandal" of the Fletcher administration came after Paul Patton passed out the same oversized checks at the end of his second term. The new administration had to cancel the projects Patton promised because there was no money for them and, predictably, caught hell for doing so.
Saturday, April 21, 2007
Time For Lee Todd To Go
The University of Kentucky should fire Lee Todd.
University of Kentucky President Lee T. Todd Jr. will recommend that UK's Board of Trustees approve an employee benefits package that includes domestic partner benefits for unmarried same-sex and opposite-sex couples.
Todd will give his endorsement when the full board meets Tuesday.
The committee on domestic-partner benefits projected the additional health coverage to cost $633,000 annually.
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