The radical left now suggests going to socialized medicine will "fix" health care, "fix" the economy, and create 3.5 million jobs.
This would be a bad Saturday Night Live skit if it weren't true.
These utopian schemes always cost way more than they are supposed to and create more problems than they solve. "Conservative" and "Moderate" Democrats are the ones who will be blamed the most for this nonsense going through.
In related news, Social Security trustees reported today their estimate that the program will go into the tank in 2016. That's when we start to realize that the Social Security Trust Fund really doesn't have any money in it.
Media reports that Medicare Hospital Insurance costs will exceed program revenues until 2017 ignore the fact that Medicare Supplementary Medical Insurance is already pulling general revenue dollars and is only getting worse. Very convenient to leave out the more expensive part.
Remember how much fun we had with the "There is no crisis" gang just four short years ago, when Rep. Ben Chandler was claiming Socials Security could go for "generations" without reform?
And these are the people who are going to create our new health care system.
Tuesday, May 12, 2009
For stabilizing the art market?
It's a whole lot less taxpayer money than we are pouring into, say, bad real estate investments, but it seems that if we are going to ever prioritize government spending that now would be a good time to start. And this would be a good thing to cut.
Bunning in Lexington in June
Sen. Jim Bunning said on his weekly media conference call that he has a Lexington fundraiser scheduled for the first week of June. He declined to say who will host the event.
Monday, May 11, 2009
Going around again on "home" economics
Gov. Steve Beshear has a big cardboard $2 million novelty check for Bowling Green today for your children to redeem later.
A quick check of my state and federal constitutions shows nothing about a government role in anything like his claim to "stem the decline in surrounding property values..." and, while my economics texts mention propping up aggregate demand, they contain nothing to suggest borrowing public money to give to low income people to make them homeowners will work any better than reducing credit standards did.
A quick check of my state and federal constitutions shows nothing about a government role in anything like his claim to "stem the decline in surrounding property values..." and, while my economics texts mention propping up aggregate demand, they contain nothing to suggest borrowing public money to give to low income people to make them homeowners will work any better than reducing credit standards did.
Leland Conway is NOT a jerk
I am a Conservative, Not a Jerk
By Leland Conway
I recently gave a speech in which I stuck around to answer questions from the crowd. One question that was posed was “How do we change the public perception that conservatives are jerks?”
As a conservative, I’ve never thought of myself as a jerk, but the question was perhaps the best question that could be asked of one who would see conservatism re-establish itself on the stage of American thought – because the more you think about it, the more you realize that this is exactly the way the conservative ideology is painted in the mainstream.
The mainstream accuses us of being jerks because we apparently don’t want to help the poor, we don’t want every child to have free health insurance, we want to tighten border security and we believe in things like sovereignty and actually defeating the enemies who attack us. We must be jerks because we want to keep what belongs to us so we must by extension also be very selfish people. We are cold hearted because we push policy that increases personal responsibility and does not necessarily mitigate individual risk.
This false perception of conservatism is exactly the reason I’ve always hated the term “compassionate conservatism,” which George W. Bush made popular during his 2000 campaign.
I never liked that term because words mean something to me. By putting the term compassionate in front of conservative, you are implying that there is no compassion in conservatism. You mean to say that compassion is an additional ingredient which, like kitchen spice, must be added to our ideology in order to make it more palatable.
By making this term popular, the Republicans may have unwittingly set their party back a generation. They were admitting to the American electorate that to live by the ideology of conservatism was indeed selfish and uncompassionate and that we somehow needed a strong dose of leftism in order to make us whole.
Where we, as conservatives went wrong, was in not rejecting this notion outright the moment it was introduced into the mainstream. Instead we embraced it. In so doing we became fearful of practicing our own principles and while we had theoretical control of government we didn’t actually implement very much conservative policy.
As a consequence, the American electorate was left confused about what a conservative actually is. Therefore it was easier for them to be confused and misled by a false messiah – Barack Obama.
Conservatism does not need the word compassion attached to it, because it is by its very nature the most compassionate form of political ideology.
Before you reject my premise, answer honestly the following questions.
What is more compassionate than the conservative notion of preserving the vision of our founding fathers in the protection of individual liberty? What is more compassionate that the protection of individual property rights? What is more compassionate than believing in and attempting to inspire individuals to reach their fullest potential and limiting the amount of government involvement in their lives? What is more compassionate than lowering American’s tax burden so that they can keep more of what they have earned with their own hands? In short, what is more compassionate than an ideology that when practiced with principle simply promotes individual liberty?
What you are seeing in the main stream of late has been a systematic intolerance of conservatism, ironically under the banner of tolerance for other ideologies. The widespread perception of conservatism as a selfish ideology simply will not change until we begin to effectively articulate the truth about what we believe. In doing so, rather than attaching platitudinous words like “compassion” to the beginning of our thought process, we should actually demonstrate how what we believe is actually more compassionate by its nature.
The Republican Party is at a crossroads. They can no longer afford to co-opt conservatism with other words while not actually practicing the principles of conservatism. These principles can be easily boiled down to one word, liberty. By practicing this word in action, for all people, conservatism will rise again as the primary thought process of the average American.
By Leland Conway
I recently gave a speech in which I stuck around to answer questions from the crowd. One question that was posed was “How do we change the public perception that conservatives are jerks?”
As a conservative, I’ve never thought of myself as a jerk, but the question was perhaps the best question that could be asked of one who would see conservatism re-establish itself on the stage of American thought – because the more you think about it, the more you realize that this is exactly the way the conservative ideology is painted in the mainstream.
The mainstream accuses us of being jerks because we apparently don’t want to help the poor, we don’t want every child to have free health insurance, we want to tighten border security and we believe in things like sovereignty and actually defeating the enemies who attack us. We must be jerks because we want to keep what belongs to us so we must by extension also be very selfish people. We are cold hearted because we push policy that increases personal responsibility and does not necessarily mitigate individual risk.
This false perception of conservatism is exactly the reason I’ve always hated the term “compassionate conservatism,” which George W. Bush made popular during his 2000 campaign.
I never liked that term because words mean something to me. By putting the term compassionate in front of conservative, you are implying that there is no compassion in conservatism. You mean to say that compassion is an additional ingredient which, like kitchen spice, must be added to our ideology in order to make it more palatable.
By making this term popular, the Republicans may have unwittingly set their party back a generation. They were admitting to the American electorate that to live by the ideology of conservatism was indeed selfish and uncompassionate and that we somehow needed a strong dose of leftism in order to make us whole.
Where we, as conservatives went wrong, was in not rejecting this notion outright the moment it was introduced into the mainstream. Instead we embraced it. In so doing we became fearful of practicing our own principles and while we had theoretical control of government we didn’t actually implement very much conservative policy.
As a consequence, the American electorate was left confused about what a conservative actually is. Therefore it was easier for them to be confused and misled by a false messiah – Barack Obama.
Conservatism does not need the word compassion attached to it, because it is by its very nature the most compassionate form of political ideology.
Before you reject my premise, answer honestly the following questions.
What is more compassionate than the conservative notion of preserving the vision of our founding fathers in the protection of individual liberty? What is more compassionate that the protection of individual property rights? What is more compassionate than believing in and attempting to inspire individuals to reach their fullest potential and limiting the amount of government involvement in their lives? What is more compassionate than lowering American’s tax burden so that they can keep more of what they have earned with their own hands? In short, what is more compassionate than an ideology that when practiced with principle simply promotes individual liberty?
What you are seeing in the main stream of late has been a systematic intolerance of conservatism, ironically under the banner of tolerance for other ideologies. The widespread perception of conservatism as a selfish ideology simply will not change until we begin to effectively articulate the truth about what we believe. In doing so, rather than attaching platitudinous words like “compassion” to the beginning of our thought process, we should actually demonstrate how what we believe is actually more compassionate by its nature.
The Republican Party is at a crossroads. They can no longer afford to co-opt conservatism with other words while not actually practicing the principles of conservatism. These principles can be easily boiled down to one word, liberty. By practicing this word in action, for all people, conservatism will rise again as the primary thought process of the average American.
Supersized socialism for lunch
I'll be on a White House conference call this afternoon with Secretary of Health and Human Services Kathleen Sebelius talking about Pres. Barack Obama's healthcare reform plans.
Check back for details.
Check back for details.
Sunday, May 10, 2009
Is a new message breaking through?
Sen. Damon Thayer spoke this past weekend at the Scott County GOP Lincoln Day dinner. He addressed Pres. Barack Obama's wild spending and nationalization moves and Gov. Beshear's tax and spend policies. Thayer's alternatives should strike a chord with Kentuckians who are ready for a little common sense.
Thayer also spoke about the need for real spending transparency in state government and said he is working on a bill to mandate setting up a web site listing each public expenditure for everyone to see.
Thayer also spoke about the need for real spending transparency in state government and said he is working on a bill to mandate setting up a web site listing each public expenditure for everyone to see.
Saturday, May 09, 2009
David Williams speaks
Senate President David Williams started his speech by thanking Jim Bunning for his service and said that if there was any question about Bunning's electability, it is because of Bunning's "scar tissue."
This is the old David Williams speaking, before the talk of him running for U.S. Senate. He's calling the state's two Democratic congressmen "Johnny Yar-mouth" and "Unhappy Chandler" and chastising them for taking orders from Nancy Pelosi.
Williams spoke proudly (and deservedly so) about the state Senate's efforts to improve education in Kentucky and promised "Armageddon" on taxes and spending when the state legislature reconvenes.
This is the old David Williams speaking, before the talk of him running for U.S. Senate. He's calling the state's two Democratic congressmen "Johnny Yar-mouth" and "Unhappy Chandler" and chastising them for taking orders from Nancy Pelosi.
Williams spoke proudly (and deservedly so) about the state Senate's efforts to improve education in Kentucky and promised "Armageddon" on taxes and spending when the state legislature reconvenes.
Mitch McConnell speaks to state GOP dinner
Sen. Mitch McConnell said he thought the decade-long Republican majority in the Kentucky state Senate was probably the most important achievement for the GOP ever in Kentucky.
Mentioned Joe Biden's swine flu gaffe and informed the audience that the day after telling everyone to stay off planes and trains, Biden got on the train and went home to Delaware.
"Proving that not even Joe Biden listens to Joe Biden," McConnell said.
"The President campaigned as a centrist and it was my hope that he would govern as a centrist, but so far it hasn't worked out that way."
"We're spending $100 million a day in interest on the stimulus package."
Sen. McConnell spoke against the idea of closing Guantanamo Bay. He then spoke about the Supreme Court vacancy, saying that the upcoming process will be "fascinating."
McConnell only mentioned Bunning to agree with him about the stimulus package.
Mentioned Joe Biden's swine flu gaffe and informed the audience that the day after telling everyone to stay off planes and trains, Biden got on the train and went home to Delaware.
"Proving that not even Joe Biden listens to Joe Biden," McConnell said.
"The President campaigned as a centrist and it was my hope that he would govern as a centrist, but so far it hasn't worked out that way."
"We're spending $100 million a day in interest on the stimulus package."
Sen. McConnell spoke against the idea of closing Guantanamo Bay. He then spoke about the Supreme Court vacancy, saying that the upcoming process will be "fascinating."
McConnell only mentioned Bunning to agree with him about the stimulus package.
Jim Bunning speaks to state Lincoln dinner
Sen. Jim Bunning echoed many of the same economic points he made at earlier GOP Lincoln dinners.
He repeated his line about not being "anyone's puppet" and repeated his pro-life and pro-Second Amendment stances. He said he is running for a third term to fight for his values.
He repeated his line about not being "anyone's puppet" and repeated his pro-life and pro-Second Amendment stances. He said he is running for a third term to fight for his values.
Friday, May 08, 2009
Preparing for the tax battle ahead
Please join a public discussion of Kentucky tax reform in Lexington on Thursday, May 14, 6:30 pm, at The Inn on Broadway.
Where's your press release, Dr. Dan?
Lt. Gov. Dan Mongiardo is keeping some strange company -- for a Dem in a U.S. Senate primary -- this weekend in Danville. And he doesn't appear to want you to know about it.
Mongiardo and WLAP radio's Leland Conway will speak to a Friends of the NRA fundraiser in Danville on Saturday (5:30 pm at the American Legion Hall.)
Just found it odd that I haven't gotten a press release from the LG's office (at taxpayer expense). Mongiardo has been sending one out every time he sneezes since he filed to run for federal office.
Nothing on his web site either.
Of course, you wouldn't catch his primary opponent, Attorney General Jack Conway, at an NRA event. Maybe that has something to do with it.
Mongiardo and WLAP radio's Leland Conway will speak to a Friends of the NRA fundraiser in Danville on Saturday (5:30 pm at the American Legion Hall.)
Just found it odd that I haven't gotten a press release from the LG's office (at taxpayer expense). Mongiardo has been sending one out every time he sneezes since he filed to run for federal office.
Nothing on his web site either.
Of course, you wouldn't catch his primary opponent, Attorney General Jack Conway, at an NRA event. Maybe that has something to do with it.
Should we believe David Williams now?
In February, Senate President David Williams said that if Republicans voted against tax increases, Democrats would cut spending in politically sensitive areas and blame Republicans for it.
Last week, he spoke to the Louisville Courier Journal:
So, what has changed? Anything? Williams made similar comments the month before his big flip-flop in the 2009 General Assembly.
Williams has encouraged speculation that he could be a candidate for U.S. Senate in 2010 and/or Governor in 2011. Williams is scheduled to speak Saturday at the state GOP Lincoln dinner.
Last week, he spoke to the Louisville Courier Journal:
"Williams told reporters after the briefing that he didn't think higher taxes would be part of the solution."
""I don't see any movement out in the public or in their elected officials that would indicate that there would be any call for any additional tax increases," he said."
So, what has changed? Anything? Williams made similar comments the month before his big flip-flop in the 2009 General Assembly.
Williams has encouraged speculation that he could be a candidate for U.S. Senate in 2010 and/or Governor in 2011. Williams is scheduled to speak Saturday at the state GOP Lincoln dinner.
Thursday, May 07, 2009
Run, Ronnie, Run!
Sources at the Fayette County Detention Center report Director Ron Bishop was deposed recently related to some of his activities at the Lexington jail.
Will have full details as soon as his sworn testimony is made publicly available. That should be about as fun as the depositions of Lexington Mayor Jim Newberry and former Mayor Teresa Isaac.
Will have full details as soon as his sworn testimony is made publicly available. That should be about as fun as the depositions of Lexington Mayor Jim Newberry and former Mayor Teresa Isaac.
Conway seizes an opportunity
About the last thing we need right now is Attorney General Jack Conway lecturing us via press release about "swine flu" scammers.
Reminds me of last fall when Conway, Gov. Beshear, and friends were busy accusing gasoline retailers of sex crimes.
Conway is clearly still struggling to keep up with Lt. Gov. Dan Mongiardo's ridiculous attention-seeking spree.
Reminds me of last fall when Conway, Gov. Beshear, and friends were busy accusing gasoline retailers of sex crimes.
Conway is clearly still struggling to keep up with Lt. Gov. Dan Mongiardo's ridiculous attention-seeking spree.
National Day of Prayer in Louisville
I'm headed to Louisville for a National Day of Prayer event. Check back for updates later today.
UPDATE: Here is my speech.
"The key function of human wisdom is the ability to see things as they really are. Though we live in times of difficulty and trials and disagreements, my Bible tells me this this is the very purpose of our mortal sojourn, not a temporary circumstance for us to wait out before we act."
"All our pains are growing pains and so we must embrace them and learn from them. We live in a nation conceived in liberty and raised up in freedom. Though we may as Americans and as Kentuckians dispute among ourselves the shapes that liberty and freedom shall take we must persist in inviting the proper spirit to dwell within us as we sharpen the fine points of our public policy and the status of our shared destiny."
"We may among ourselves see differently the nature of prayer and prayers but let us not confuse their purpose -- which is personal growth. We may among ourselves see differently some of the doctrines and details pertaining to the hearer of our prayers, but let us not mistake the attitude we must embrace for our prayers to have and give to us true, unconquerable, and divine power."
"That attitude, of course, is an attitude of gratitude. We can hardly expect to be blessed with greater blessings if we are not sufficiently grateful for the blessings we already have. Indeed, we will lose the freedoms we possess if we take them for granted."
"Expecting a great battle in our time and wearing an armor of gratitude and optimism will prepare us well for the victory that lies ahead."
UPDATE: Here is my speech.
"The key function of human wisdom is the ability to see things as they really are. Though we live in times of difficulty and trials and disagreements, my Bible tells me this this is the very purpose of our mortal sojourn, not a temporary circumstance for us to wait out before we act."
"All our pains are growing pains and so we must embrace them and learn from them. We live in a nation conceived in liberty and raised up in freedom. Though we may as Americans and as Kentuckians dispute among ourselves the shapes that liberty and freedom shall take we must persist in inviting the proper spirit to dwell within us as we sharpen the fine points of our public policy and the status of our shared destiny."
"We may among ourselves see differently the nature of prayer and prayers but let us not confuse their purpose -- which is personal growth. We may among ourselves see differently some of the doctrines and details pertaining to the hearer of our prayers, but let us not mistake the attitude we must embrace for our prayers to have and give to us true, unconquerable, and divine power."
"That attitude, of course, is an attitude of gratitude. We can hardly expect to be blessed with greater blessings if we are not sufficiently grateful for the blessings we already have. Indeed, we will lose the freedoms we possess if we take them for granted."
"Expecting a great battle in our time and wearing an armor of gratitude and optimism will prepare us well for the victory that lies ahead."
Wednesday, May 06, 2009
U.S. Senate primary opponents in Lexington
Possible U.S. Senate candidate Rand Paul will be in Lexington Saturday morning for a Republican party breakfast at the Hilton Suites. Cost is $10 at the door.
Secretary of State Trey Grayson will speak to the Women Republicans of Central Kentucky lunch meeting on Wednesday, May 13. Reservations can be made here.
Secretary of State Trey Grayson will speak to the Women Republicans of Central Kentucky lunch meeting on Wednesday, May 13. Reservations can be made here.
Kentucky Post falls into Steve Beshear vortex
This afternoon when Gov. Steve Beshear put out a bogus press release stating falsely that Kentucky has the 5th most competitive economy in the nation, it was just a matter of time before a hapless media outlet got sucked in. (Debunking here.)
Enter the nearly-dead Kentucky Post:
No word on why it took a whole hour and a half to copy the Kentucky Cabinet for Economic Development press release word-for-word and post it to their web site. It will be interesting to see how others handle this.
Enter the nearly-dead Kentucky Post:
No word on why it took a whole hour and a half to copy the Kentucky Cabinet for Economic Development press release word-for-word and post it to their web site. It will be interesting to see how others handle this.
Change a policy, fix a school building
The Kentucky Opportunity Coalition pointed out Wednesday that repealing the state's expensive Davis Bacon requirements would save enough money repairing two schools in Adair County to completely repair another school in Kenton County.
This is a heck of a time for our politicians to be clinging to taxpayer-funded political payoffs to labor unions.
This is a heck of a time for our politicians to be clinging to taxpayer-funded political payoffs to labor unions.
Tuesday, May 05, 2009
Everyone likes a food fight...
Fox News Channel will be in Louisville on Saturday night for the state GOP Lincoln dinner featuring Sen. Mitch McConnell, Sen. Jim Bunning, and Secretary of State Trey Grayson.
"Practically giving 'em away!"
This is what happens when your federal government gets in the car business: flimflam money deals that sound great but benefit only the scam artist.
All we need now is President Obama on tv commercials telling us he must be going crazy and slapping the hoods of the cars before he takes us in the back room, takes our money, and gives some of it back with a flourish.
And while he is doing this, Kentuckians have to hope Japan doesn't go after its own companies with business interests in other countries and put the Toyota plant in Georgetown at risk. But then Japan surely wouldn't be that stupid.
All we need now is President Obama on tv commercials telling us he must be going crazy and slapping the hoods of the cars before he takes us in the back room, takes our money, and gives some of it back with a flourish.
And while he is doing this, Kentuckians have to hope Japan doesn't go after its own companies with business interests in other countries and put the Toyota plant in Georgetown at risk. But then Japan surely wouldn't be that stupid.
Monday, May 04, 2009
What is Kristine Lafoe saying?
With the Fayette jail inmate abuse trial one month away, attorneys for defendant Kristine Lafoe have been working overtime hunting down potential witnesses to interview. Multiple sources report she has agreed to a deal with federal authorities limiting her prison time in exchange for testimony against others.
Meanwhile her husband, Officer Darren Lafoe, still employed by the jail, is feeling the wrath of those who don't want anyone talking.
Meanwhile her husband, Officer Darren Lafoe, still employed by the jail, is feeling the wrath of those who don't want anyone talking.
Sunday, May 03, 2009
Cutting through the crap in Kentucky
Did the Courier Journal on Sunday really whine and complain because some of us have had enough of their touchy-feely nonsense in our public schools?
From the Sunday CJ editorial page:
Yes, I believe they did. Fortunately, more of us are catching on to their game.
Resolution of Kentucky's CATS testing mess should serve as encouragement to those of us who still believe we can turn things around in America.
From the Sunday CJ editorial page:
"What's likely to result is a narrower, lazier effort at accountability, with weak but expedient "program review" substituted for effective testing in some important parts of the curriculum. Certainly the emphasis that has been placed on writing portfolios will be diminished, if not lost, unless eventually salvaged by those who create a replacement for the Commonwealth Accountability Testing System (CATS). And, worst of all, the Kentucky Education Reform Act's original and longtime opponents now will be free to impose on the state the kind of inexpensive, off-the-shelf nationally normed testing they prefer — testing that gets at low-level knowledge and skills, in limited disciplines."
"It's the long-awaited opening for those who prefer the kind of accountability attached to the federal No Child Left Behind law, which, as Jefferson County teacher spokesman Brent McKim complained last year, "fails to address the needs of the whole child, and reduces the guiding purpose of education from the development of effective and contributing citizens to an unending quest for higher scores on tests that cannot assess what we value most in a democratic society — things like critical and creative thinking, problem solving, effective and persuasive communication, cooperation, perseverance, caring, respect and appreciation for diversity.""
Yes, I believe they did. Fortunately, more of us are catching on to their game.
Resolution of Kentucky's CATS testing mess should serve as encouragement to those of us who still believe we can turn things around in America.
Rand Paul weighs in again
Potential U.S. Senate candidate Rand Paul just said the following:
"Some politicians travel to Washington, DC to ask permission to run for office or recieve some regal blessing. I will travel to Teresa's Restaurant at 509 Gordon Ave Bowling Green this Thursday at 7am to ask Kentuckians what they're concerned about."
On Friday, Paul will speak in Paducah at the Downtown Gazebo at 4pm about preserving liberty in the era of big government.
Paul will also be in Lexington next Saturday for a discussion about Republicans and taxes.
"Some politicians travel to Washington, DC to ask permission to run for office or recieve some regal blessing. I will travel to Teresa's Restaurant at 509 Gordon Ave Bowling Green this Thursday at 7am to ask Kentuckians what they're concerned about."
On Friday, Paul will speak in Paducah at the Downtown Gazebo at 4pm about preserving liberty in the era of big government.
Paul will also be in Lexington next Saturday for a discussion about Republicans and taxes.
Saturday, May 02, 2009
Friday, May 01, 2009
Wanna bet on sin taxes again?
Can we all agree that saving the state with sin taxes hikes is a horrible idea? Perhaps not. But that is mainly because those who still think they are a great idea just won't pay attention to the facts.
The experience of some other states might help.
And when Kentucky's state revenue numbers come out on Monday, May 11, the first month of the new, higher, cigarette tax rate should convince us all how dumb it is to gamble on bad tax policy. Unfortunately for us, we've already lost the bet.
The experience of some other states might help.
And when Kentucky's state revenue numbers come out on Monday, May 11, the first month of the new, higher, cigarette tax rate should convince us all how dumb it is to gamble on bad tax policy. Unfortunately for us, we've already lost the bet.
"Can I run my Ipod on switchgrass?"
One competitive advantage Kentucky has had for decades has been low energy prices. At the rate we are going, soon all we will have left will be Mint Juleps and fast horses.
And we'll be riding the horses to school and work.
A job-killing, consumer suffocating energy tax hike Dems slipped into the recent Obama budget, in addition to efforts to destroy coal mining, and plans to tax exhaling should leave no doubt as to where we are headed.
Rep. John Yarmuth and Rep. Ben Chandler have supported every bit of this. Remember that.
And we'll be riding the horses to school and work.
A job-killing, consumer suffocating energy tax hike Dems slipped into the recent Obama budget, in addition to efforts to destroy coal mining, and plans to tax exhaling should leave no doubt as to where we are headed.
Rep. John Yarmuth and Rep. Ben Chandler have supported every bit of this. Remember that.
Road trip
I'll be in Elizabethtown this morning speaking to the Rotary Club. Meanwhile, please check out a new blog -- Kentucky 912.
Thursday, April 30, 2009
Grab your wallet alert
Gov. Steve Beshear on Thursday urged Kentuckians to "put aside the labels of Democrat and Republican and the historical rivalry between the executive branch and the legislative branch."
You know what that means.
Beshear suggested possible overspending in fiscal 2010 of up to $1 billion.
He continued:
Wouldn't it have been easier to just say "it's time to soak taxpayers again since we know Senate Republicans will go along with the plan?"
You know what that means.
Beshear suggested possible overspending in fiscal 2010 of up to $1 billion.
He continued:
"To solve this projected shortfall, we will have to do so again. I'm confident that we will. Working together, we must - and we will - search for creative solutions, make tough decisions and demonstrate firm resolve. Now is the time, once again, for Kentucky's leaders to come together for the good of this state."
Wouldn't it have been easier to just say "it's time to soak taxpayers again since we know Senate Republicans will go along with the plan?"
Biden gaffes, lies about planes and subways
Vice President Joe Biden started off his day on The Today Show telling America he would stay off airplanes and out of the subways because of the swine flu. His press secretary then quickly lied about what he said, hoping you wouldn't notice.
Biden said:
Minutes later, an email labeled "Statement from Vice President Biden's Spokesperson Elizabeth Alexander" arrived:
These people know we have the internet, right?
Of course, that is not at all what he said. It's probably always a good idea to keep Biden off television and away from microphones, especially now. There is no perfect way for the government to handle something like this current swine flu scare, but Biden just makes it worse. Scientists are working on treatments and the rest of us should be stocking up on food and firearms in case everyone is forced inside for an extended period.
Biden said:
"I wouldn't go anywhere in confined places now. It's not that it's going to Mexico, it's that you're in a confined aircraft. When one person sneezes, it goes all the way through the aircraft. That's me. I would not be at this point if I, if they, had another way of transportation, suggesting they ride the subway."
Minutes later, an email labeled "Statement from Vice President Biden's Spokesperson Elizabeth Alexander" arrived:
"The advice he is giving family members is the same advice the Administration is giving to all Americans: that they should avoid unnecessary air travel to and from Mexico. If they are sick, they should avoid airplanes and other confined public spaces, such as subways."
These people know we have the internet, right?
Of course, that is not at all what he said. It's probably always a good idea to keep Biden off television and away from microphones, especially now. There is no perfect way for the government to handle something like this current swine flu scare, but Biden just makes it worse. Scientists are working on treatments and the rest of us should be stocking up on food and firearms in case everyone is forced inside for an extended period.
Wednesday, April 29, 2009
KY Senate losing one tax increase fighter
One of only six Kentucky state Senators to keep his promise earlier this year to oppose tax increases announced today he will not seek re-election in 2010.
Sen. Gary Tapp endorsed Shelby County's Paul Hornback to take his place in the Senate. Tapp ranked #5 in the Kentucky Club for Growth's fiscal responsibility ranking of state Senators.
Given the Senate's dismal record in the 2009 General Assembly, we can't afford to lose anyone else who can keep his word.
Sen. Gary Tapp endorsed Shelby County's Paul Hornback to take his place in the Senate. Tapp ranked #5 in the Kentucky Club for Growth's fiscal responsibility ranking of state Senators.
Given the Senate's dismal record in the 2009 General Assembly, we can't afford to lose anyone else who can keep his word.
Educrats spin, Herald Leader bites
The Prichard Committee for Academic Excellence put out a press release Tuesday as part of their continued effort to divert attention from their years-long effort to promote the discredited CATS testing program despite the facts.
"It will be similar to scoring the state department has used for years,” said Bob Sexton, the Prichard Committee’s executive director.
We know, Bob. That's precisely why the legislature voted unanimously just last month to stop wasting valuable time and money on CATS. Why are you wasting our time and your donors' money on the same silliness now?
Incidentally, the Lexington Herald Leader appears to have taken this stunt seriously. Funny.
The Bluegrass Institute's education analyst Richard Innes offered some much-needed perspective:
"It will be similar to scoring the state department has used for years,” said Bob Sexton, the Prichard Committee’s executive director.
We know, Bob. That's precisely why the legislature voted unanimously just last month to stop wasting valuable time and money on CATS. Why are you wasting our time and your donors' money on the same silliness now?
Incidentally, the Lexington Herald Leader appears to have taken this stunt seriously. Funny.
The Bluegrass Institute's education analyst Richard Innes offered some much-needed perspective:
"Because the CATS’ aim was clearly faulty, legislators decided to relieve our teachers from its burden as much as possible while we develop a better set of education standards and a new test. That way, teachers can start to benefit right away from the latest developments in instructional research."
"But, facts never stopped die-hard CATS fans before. Now, those CATS fans would continue the myth and continue aiming our teachers in the wrong direction."
Some "Tea Party" perspective
For all the reckless borrowing and spending, broken campaign promises, tax increases, and promises of more to come, President Barack Obama still has a 52% approval rating in Kentucky, according to SurveyUSA. Despite providing an extra year of the same and more, Gov. Steve Beshear is still at 47%.
The effort to foment appropriate disgust for the policies and tactics of these two politicians and then turn it into action clearly has a long way to go.
The effort to foment appropriate disgust for the policies and tactics of these two politicians and then turn it into action clearly has a long way to go.
Beshear following Mongiardo/Conway
Senate candidates Dan Mongiardo and Jack Conway have been sending out silly attention-seeking press releases for a while.
With today's announcement of $5 million to bail out Covington's housing market, Gov. Steve Beshear is pulling the same stunt. Again.
It would be great if they could take a timeout from all the crass politicking to reverse course on some of Beshear's broken campaign promises, or seriously address the pension problem, or to stop expanding ridiculous entitlement programs.
With today's announcement of $5 million to bail out Covington's housing market, Gov. Steve Beshear is pulling the same stunt. Again.
It would be great if they could take a timeout from all the crass politicking to reverse course on some of Beshear's broken campaign promises, or seriously address the pension problem, or to stop expanding ridiculous entitlement programs.
Tuesday, April 28, 2009
Which Senator will you support now?
Sen. Arlen Specter (D-PA) said Tuesday he is going to officially leave the GOP. Now Sen. Mitch McConnell can stop giving him money and start helping, uh, members of his own caucus.
By the way, Sen. Jim Bunning weighed in:
By the way, Sen. Jim Bunning weighed in:
"I am disappointed, but not surprised, by Senator Specter’s self-serving decision to switch parties at a time when his vote is so important to maintaining some balance of power here in Washington. The Senate Republican leadership’s coddling of Senator Specter shows just how far the Republican party has lost its way. Now is the time to stand for the core conservative values of less government and more freedom. Senator Specter has never been a reliable voice for the conservative values that Republicans like myself have spent our lives fighting for and I look forward to seeing him defeated in 2010 ."
Jack, be more nimble!
Just spotted: Attorney General Jack Conway sneaking around with indicted former Gov. Paul Patton chief of staff Andrew "Skipper" Martin at Heine Brothers Coffee on Chenoweth Lane in Louisville.
Martin escaped prosecution for helping Patton break campaign finance laws when Patton pardoned him in June of 2003.
Can't imagine what he was helping U.S. Senate candidate Conway cook up, can you?
Martin escaped prosecution for helping Patton break campaign finance laws when Patton pardoned him in June of 2003.
Can't imagine what he was helping U.S. Senate candidate Conway cook up, can you?
Hopey changey update for Kentucky
President Barack Obama just sent out an email with a map showing the number of jobs "created or saved" by federal overspending on his watch.
Congrats Kentucky! Dear Leader says you have 48,000 extra jobs because of him.
Government "job creation" has been dubious for a long time, but we are really taking it to a whole new level.
Congrats Kentucky! Dear Leader says you have 48,000 extra jobs because of him.
Government "job creation" has been dubious for a long time, but we are really taking it to a whole new level.
Bunning: you'll be surprised
Sen. Jim Bunning said Tuesday morning his fundraising is going much better now than it did earlier in the year, but he didn't give specifics.
"I’ll quantify that on July 15 and you’ll be pleasantly surprised," Bunning said.
He also said he doesn't expect a primary challenge from Kentucky Senate President David Williams. Secretary of State Trey Grayson and Bowling Green physician Rand Paul have both expressed an interest in the race but have said they will not run against Bunning.
"I’ll quantify that on July 15 and you’ll be pleasantly surprised," Bunning said.
He also said he doesn't expect a primary challenge from Kentucky Senate President David Williams. Secretary of State Trey Grayson and Bowling Green physician Rand Paul have both expressed an interest in the race but have said they will not run against Bunning.
Monday, April 27, 2009
Round and round and round she goes...
As Frankfort's schemers work behind the scenes on some kind of tax reform, they can look at neighboring Tennessee like Missouri and Ohio have and consider eliminating income taxes. Or they can look at Illinois.
Gov. Pat Quinn wants to raise income taxes 50 percent.
Kentucky has to do something right after the disastrous 2009 legislative session of tax hikes and raids and spending sprees. Seriously. Eliminate the income tax now.
The old game of borrow and spend, replaced by the new game of tax, raid, and spend can't be allowed to continue. Tell your legislators to get their heads on straight and do what is best for Kentucky for a change.
Gov. Pat Quinn wants to raise income taxes 50 percent.
Kentucky has to do something right after the disastrous 2009 legislative session of tax hikes and raids and spending sprees. Seriously. Eliminate the income tax now.
The old game of borrow and spend, replaced by the new game of tax, raid, and spend can't be allowed to continue. Tell your legislators to get their heads on straight and do what is best for Kentucky for a change.
Taking the low road to Montana?
Over the weekend Bluegrass Institute education analyst Richard Innes noticed two other education bloggers, Pritchard Blog and Kentucky School News and Commentary, weren't printing critical comments he left on their sites and he sought an explanation. Richard Day of KSN&C quickly explained he was having technical difficulties.
Susan Weston of the Prichard Committee for Academic Excellence, however, just seems tired of getting difficult questions leading to conclusions other than that education bureaucrats need more money and fewer questions.
Seems like this dodging of tough questions and comments was the option blogger Mark Nickolas of Bluegrass Report took right before he escaped to Montana.
Susan Weston of the Prichard Committee for Academic Excellence, however, just seems tired of getting difficult questions leading to conclusions other than that education bureaucrats need more money and fewer questions.
Seems like this dodging of tough questions and comments was the option blogger Mark Nickolas of Bluegrass Report took right before he escaped to Montana.
Sunday, April 26, 2009
Winchester project cost inflated by politics
The Winchester Sun wants to know if readers support building a new $50 million high school in Clark County. Kentucky's Davis Bacon requirements complicate such a decision by requiring the payment of union wages for education-related projects.
Taxpayers needing better school facilities for their children shouldn't be handcuffed to political payoffs some elected officials arranged for their labor union friends. Sen. Damon Thayer's SB 145 would have saved taxpayer money by allowing parents to make the decision without the unions getting their cut.
Taxpayers needing better school facilities for their children shouldn't be handcuffed to political payoffs some elected officials arranged for their labor union friends. Sen. Damon Thayer's SB 145 would have saved taxpayer money by allowing parents to make the decision without the unions getting their cut.
Saturday, April 25, 2009
Not what they call it, but what it does to us
Activists on both sides of the socialized medicine debate understand that when they talk about universal health care, what they mean is universal health insurance.
Columnist Thomas Sowell weighs in:
Read the rest here.
Getting government out of the health insurance business is the way to manage costs, just as Pres. Barack Obama and Gov. Steve Beshear are pushing hard in the other direction.
Columnist Thomas Sowell weighs in:
"That is where the difference between health care and medical care comes in. Medical care is what doctors can do for you. Health care includes what you do for yourself -- such as diet, exercise and lifestyle."
"If a doctor arrives on the scene to find you wiped out by a drug overdose or shot through the heart by some of your rougher companions, there may not be much that he can do except sign the death certificate."
"Even for things that take longer to do you in -- obesity, alcohol, cholesterol, tobacco -- doctors can tell you what to do or not do, but whether you follow their advice or not is what determines the outcome."
"Americans tend to be more obese, consume more drugs and have more homicides. None of that is going to change with "universal health care" because it isn't health care. It is medical care."
"When it comes to things where medical care itself makes the biggest difference -- cancer survival rates, for example -- Americans do much better than people in most other countries."
"No one who compares medical care in this country with medical care in other countries is likely to want to switch. But those who cannot be bothered with the facts may help destroy the best medical care in the world by falling for political rhetoric."
Read the rest here.
Getting government out of the health insurance business is the way to manage costs, just as Pres. Barack Obama and Gov. Steve Beshear are pushing hard in the other direction.
Potential Senate candidate coming to UK
University of Kentucky's Students for Liberty will host Dr. Rand Paul of Bowling Green Thursday April 30, 7:00 pm to 8:30 pm at Memorial Hall to discuss "Liberty and the True Meaning of being a Republican."
Onward...
There will be several meetings in central Kentucky next week to discuss where we go next with the Tea Party movement.
Call me for details.
Call me for details.
Friday, April 24, 2009
Making it easy for Jim Gray
Lexington Mayor Jim Newberry seems almost to be purposely hastening the end of his political career with silly public statements like this:
Contracting out services in one clinic MIGHT make it run less slow, less inefficiently, and less over budget, but it is hardly "proof" of anything yet and certainly isn't any more so because the mayor ends his sentence with an exclamation point.
Contracting out services in one clinic MIGHT make it run less slow, less inefficiently, and less over budget, but it is hardly "proof" of anything yet and certainly isn't any more so because the mayor ends his sentence with an exclamation point.
A Mitch slap coming from the other direction
Sen. Mitch McConnell's favored candidate in the 2010 Pennsylvania Senate race, Sen. Arlen Specter, is getting creamed in the polls amid calls for him to step down in favor of a new candidate.
Stop taxing income in Kentucky
Kentucky legislators will probably be back in Frankfort in late May to discuss tax reform. Meanwhile, Tennessee, a state with no income tax, continues to eat our lunch economically. And Missouri advanced a bill this week to get rid of their income tax.
Ohio is looking at exempting college graduates from state income taxation for five years. This is the kind of game-playing and manipulation Kentucky has traditionally used to pick winners and losers rather than incentivize income generation across the board.
As more of our neighbors figure out that taxing incomes hurts productivity, Kentucky is going to have to come around. Sooner would be better than later.
Ohio is looking at exempting college graduates from state income taxation for five years. This is the kind of game-playing and manipulation Kentucky has traditionally used to pick winners and losers rather than incentivize income generation across the board.
As more of our neighbors figure out that taxing incomes hurts productivity, Kentucky is going to have to come around. Sooner would be better than later.
Thursday, April 23, 2009
Pres. Obama, don't ignore these kids
President Barack Obama seems determined to cancel the D.C. Opportunity Scholarship Program.
Disgraceful.
Disgraceful.
Wednesday, April 22, 2009
Party labels and bad politicians
Congressman Geoff Davis, in an interview with WLAP's Leland Conway, expressed frustration with citizen groups who don't support bad Republicans. He is going to have to get used to it.
Davis said:
"A lot of conservative groups like Club for Growth and others unfortunately spend all their time going after Republicans. As I've shared, it would be nice if they tried to defeat a liberal now and then."
The Club for Growth shouldn't have to spend any of their resources going after bad Republicans. Rep. Davis isn't one of those bad Republicans, but blind support for the party label won't advance conservatism.
Here's a little help from the archives:
Davis said:
"A lot of conservative groups like Club for Growth and others unfortunately spend all their time going after Republicans. As I've shared, it would be nice if they tried to defeat a liberal now and then."
The Club for Growth shouldn't have to spend any of their resources going after bad Republicans. Rep. Davis isn't one of those bad Republicans, but blind support for the party label won't advance conservatism.
Here's a little help from the archives:
This goofy rhetoric sounds familiar
Newspaper columnist Dana Milbank sounds like the auto industry executives bemoaning the end of the world as we know it without bailouts to return them to the lifestyles to which they had grown accustomed.
The idea that scrutiny of government would die without newspapers is a figment of some newspaper guy's imagination.
And besides, Kentucky already has a long (and silly) history of bailing out newspapers.
The idea that scrutiny of government would die without newspapers is a figment of some newspaper guy's imagination.
And besides, Kentucky already has a long (and silly) history of bailing out newspapers.
Think before you kiss your sister
Saving money by consolidating Kentucky's 120 counties into some smaller -- and less accountable -- number of governmental units is the public policy equivalent of kissing your sister.
Martin Cothran weighs in:
Here's more.
Rooting out ways to save money on local government is a very worthwhile pursuit, but not at the expense of creating bigger government.
Martin Cothran weighs in:
"The only thing that the consolidation of counties will do is to take the government of localities out of the localities themselves and place it in the hands of bureaucrats outside of the community being governed."
"Cothran's Rule of Government Efficiency plainly states, "There is No Such Thing." And one of corollaries of this Rule is: "The Bigger the Government Body, the More Inefficient It Is.""
Here's more.
Rooting out ways to save money on local government is a very worthwhile pursuit, but not at the expense of creating bigger government.
Tuesday, April 21, 2009
Choosing sides in 2010 Senate races
The Kentucky Club for Growth has made a name for itself calling out Republicans who go squishy on keeping government from growing out of control.
More here.
"According to CQ Moneyline, the following Senators have donated money to Arlen Specter's campaign:
Mitch McConnell
John Cornyn
Lamar Alexander
Orrin Hatch
It may be expected that the GOP Senate Leader would donate to incumbent GOP colleagues up for reelection. But McConnell was not listed as a donor in Jim Bunning's recent report, suggesting a different explanation may be needed."
More here.
Bunning says Dem primary helps him
Senator Jim Bunning just said the intense primary battle between Lt. Gov. Dan Mongiardo and Attorney General Jack Conway will make the 2010 race easier for him.
He said he has dropped his fundraising goal from $10 million to $7 million because he believes his opponents will spend much of their money going against each other.
He said he has dropped his fundraising goal from $10 million to $7 million because he believes his opponents will spend much of their money going against each other.
Very interesting email
Just got the following message on Facebook:
I'm not going to the protest, but I appreciate the approach. What do you think?
Subject: Upcoming McConnell Protest - Read Disclosure though!
This group is made up of a diverse members that agree that Senator Bunning "was right" when he opposed the financial industry bailout. He really was and history will prove it!
It follows logically that Senator McConnell "was wrong" when he bowed to the financial industry and strong-armed the bailout.
I'm writing to let the Anti-McConnell crowd know about an upcoming protest of the Senator outside his speaking engagement at the upcoming U of L Brandeis School of Law Graduation on May 9th in Louisville.
However, I don't want to trick anyone...This protest is specifically targeted at Sen. McConnell's stance on the Defense of Marriage Act (DoMA) which I'm pretty sure Sen. Bunning shares as he voted YES on constitutional ban of same-sex marriage. and voted NO on adding sexual orientation to definition of hate crimes. So if you are responsible and progressive like me, despite Sen. Bunning's act of courage, I hope you'll be joining me in supporting Jack Conway for that Senate seat, as well as helping us protest McConnell at the event linked below.
If you are conservative when it comes to social justice, please forgive this heads up, and keep up the fight against stupid government bailouts! And if you're a Republican, please don't make it a partisan issue, you have many allies across the aisle that oppose corporate bailouts.
I'm not going to the protest, but I appreciate the approach. What do you think?
Monday, April 20, 2009
Movement marches on
Working on details for Freedom Rallies in Frankfort on May 23 and Lexington on July 4. The naysayers will only be right if we quit. So, guess what?
Keeping our kids safe on campus
A Missouri legislative bill that would allow college students with concealed carry permits to possess firearms on campus passed that state's House of Representatives last week.
Keeping a college campus gun-free just means the law-abiding citizens can't defend themselves and that armed predators can be emboldened. If the bad guys don't know who is armed, they will be much more likely to just stay away.
Kentucky law makes no such provisions for innocent citizens to protect themselves.
Keeping a college campus gun-free just means the law-abiding citizens can't defend themselves and that armed predators can be emboldened. If the bad guys don't know who is armed, they will be much more likely to just stay away.
Kentucky law makes no such provisions for innocent citizens to protect themselves.
Jack in the (mail) box
Lt. Gov. Dan Mongiardo has sent out a steady stream of press releases reading like Twitter entries recently, publicizing his his every move since he declared himself a candidate for U.S. Senate.
Now his primary opponent seems to be doing the same thing. The latest: Attorney General Jack Conway went to the mail box.
It's going be a long spring watching these two use taxpayer resources to campaign against each other.
Now his primary opponent seems to be doing the same thing. The latest: Attorney General Jack Conway went to the mail box.
It's going be a long spring watching these two use taxpayer resources to campaign against each other.
Sunday, April 19, 2009
Bailing out Big College next
The Obama Administration is threatening to turn 529 college savings plans into a federal version of the disastrous Kentucky's Affordable Prepaid Tuition program.
From a White House press release:
And these same people want to make healthcare affordable for everyone, too.
From a White House press release:
And these same people want to make healthcare affordable for everyone, too.
Leland Conway uncovers fear on "Big Left"
The Leftist Myth about the Tea Party Movement
By Leland Conway
First they accused us of racism. When that didn’t work, they said we were organized and funded by the Republican Party. When this was also found to be wrong, they pointed to a recent Homeland Security report and branded us “radical rightwing extremists” capable of any number of terrorist acts. The real story is that the left is terrified of a resurgence of the American spirit of individualism, patriotism and a renewed push for smaller government.
The tea party movement is not the brainchild of some well funded political organization. On the contrary, it is the natural reaction to one. For those who still cling to this argument, consider the following questions.
Where were you when George Soros and Moveon.org was funding much of the so-called “grass-roots” movement to elect Barack Obama as president? Where were you when ACORN was physically breaking into a foreclosed home that a bank had taken back from a perennial deadbeat member of their own group? Where were you when ACORN was paying people in cash and cigarettes to illegally register to vote multiple times?
If the tea party movement is funded by the wealthy Republican elite, then I’m still waiting for my check. So is the Reverend Dan Barnes of Lighthouse Baptist Church in Nicholasville who organized a protest on the courthouse lawn that drew more than 300 angry taxpayers. So is Mica Sims, a stay at home mom who’s fed up with over reaching government and spent her own money to organize an event that drew more than 500 in Lexington. So is Kelly Wallingford, a fed up business man and broadcaster in Richmond Kentucky who opened up his office parking lot for an event that drew more than 100 in Madison County as a prelude to Barry and Janie Spurlock's courthouse rally with 300 supporters.
Not a single one of these events was an "official" event of either major political party.
Sure, lots of Republicans showed up. But whether the media and the left want to acknowledge it, the Republican Party just happens to be full of, well, conservatives. Of course they came out in strong numbers to these events. That’s because Republicans also feel let down by their own party leadership who voted for this terrible spending rampage.
But there were a lot of angry Democrats, Libertarians and Independents at these events as well. I think that is what scares the Left so much. The reality is Obama won the election because Independents swung his way. He lured them with a lot of talk about fiscal responsibility, government transparency and cutting government waste. All promises which he has quickly broken.
Many on the left are trying to point to the "failed policies of the last eight years." This talking point is wearing thin, since those same Independents, and many Republicans have long ago acknowledged that Bush was too big a spender.
That’s why they have a very real reason to be worried about this movement. The only people who care about the "last eight years" argument are the liberal wing of the Democratic party – and there aren’t enough of them to keep congress or re-elect Barack Obama. The independent minded Republicans, Democrats and non-party affiliates see that, not only did President Bush make very poor moves on the economy over the last few months, but Obama made the same moves while stepping on the accelerator.
No, we’re not a Republican-funded bunch of "right wing extremists bent on terrorist acts" gathering at these tea parties. But we are a group of very legitimately angry Americans who see our personal wealth and freedoms disintegrating right before our eyes. That should strike terror into the hearts of the political Left.
By Leland Conway
First they accused us of racism. When that didn’t work, they said we were organized and funded by the Republican Party. When this was also found to be wrong, they pointed to a recent Homeland Security report and branded us “radical rightwing extremists” capable of any number of terrorist acts. The real story is that the left is terrified of a resurgence of the American spirit of individualism, patriotism and a renewed push for smaller government.
The tea party movement is not the brainchild of some well funded political organization. On the contrary, it is the natural reaction to one. For those who still cling to this argument, consider the following questions.
Where were you when George Soros and Moveon.org was funding much of the so-called “grass-roots” movement to elect Barack Obama as president? Where were you when ACORN was physically breaking into a foreclosed home that a bank had taken back from a perennial deadbeat member of their own group? Where were you when ACORN was paying people in cash and cigarettes to illegally register to vote multiple times?
If the tea party movement is funded by the wealthy Republican elite, then I’m still waiting for my check. So is the Reverend Dan Barnes of Lighthouse Baptist Church in Nicholasville who organized a protest on the courthouse lawn that drew more than 300 angry taxpayers. So is Mica Sims, a stay at home mom who’s fed up with over reaching government and spent her own money to organize an event that drew more than 500 in Lexington. So is Kelly Wallingford, a fed up business man and broadcaster in Richmond Kentucky who opened up his office parking lot for an event that drew more than 100 in Madison County as a prelude to Barry and Janie Spurlock's courthouse rally with 300 supporters.
Not a single one of these events was an "official" event of either major political party.
Sure, lots of Republicans showed up. But whether the media and the left want to acknowledge it, the Republican Party just happens to be full of, well, conservatives. Of course they came out in strong numbers to these events. That’s because Republicans also feel let down by their own party leadership who voted for this terrible spending rampage.
But there were a lot of angry Democrats, Libertarians and Independents at these events as well. I think that is what scares the Left so much. The reality is Obama won the election because Independents swung his way. He lured them with a lot of talk about fiscal responsibility, government transparency and cutting government waste. All promises which he has quickly broken.
Many on the left are trying to point to the "failed policies of the last eight years." This talking point is wearing thin, since those same Independents, and many Republicans have long ago acknowledged that Bush was too big a spender.
That’s why they have a very real reason to be worried about this movement. The only people who care about the "last eight years" argument are the liberal wing of the Democratic party – and there aren’t enough of them to keep congress or re-elect Barack Obama. The independent minded Republicans, Democrats and non-party affiliates see that, not only did President Bush make very poor moves on the economy over the last few months, but Obama made the same moves while stepping on the accelerator.
No, we’re not a Republican-funded bunch of "right wing extremists bent on terrorist acts" gathering at these tea parties. But we are a group of very legitimately angry Americans who see our personal wealth and freedoms disintegrating right before our eyes. That should strike terror into the hearts of the political Left.
Narrowing the focus in Lexington
Please join a discussion Thursday, April 23, at 6:30 pm about the need for school choice in Kentucky. We will be meeting at The Inn on Broadway in Lexington.
Bring a friend!
Bring a friend!
Friday, April 17, 2009
Can't stop this
Lexington's July 4 Freedom Rally has been scheduled for the Fayette County Courthouse Plaza. It will start at 3:30 pm.
Spread the word.
We will be promoting this event at Saturday's Bluegrass Tax Liberation Day.
Spread the word.
We will be promoting this event at Saturday's Bluegrass Tax Liberation Day.
A merit hiring mess of their own?
You may have missed a little "isolated accident" merit hiring story in the Louisville Courier Journal Thursday.
Sources report the underwater portion of this iceberg could play an interesting role in the Democratic primary race for the U.S. Senate as more merit hiring same-old in the Transportation Cabinet comes to light.
What say you, Attorney General Jack Conway?
Sources report the underwater portion of this iceberg could play an interesting role in the Democratic primary race for the U.S. Senate as more merit hiring same-old in the Transportation Cabinet comes to light.
What say you, Attorney General Jack Conway?
Missing some Big Ed propaganda
Back in 2007, Kentucky's big newspapers picked up their pom poms and cheered on a state report using very questionable data to promote KERA reforms in our public schools.
The Bluegrass Institute's education analyst Richard Innes debunked that effort. The Kentucky Long Term Policy Research Center is back in 2009 with a very similar "report," but so far the Big Media effort appears to be missing.
Innes already did his part but, strangely, the Courier Journal and Herald Leader don't appear to be coming to the rescue with their traditional unquestioning support.
Come on, guys! Your bureaucrats need you.
With the death of the discredited CATS testing program last month, Big Education has had a rough spring in Kentucky.
The Bluegrass Institute's education analyst Richard Innes debunked that effort. The Kentucky Long Term Policy Research Center is back in 2009 with a very similar "report," but so far the Big Media effort appears to be missing.
Innes already did his part but, strangely, the Courier Journal and Herald Leader don't appear to be coming to the rescue with their traditional unquestioning support.
Come on, guys! Your bureaucrats need you.
With the death of the discredited CATS testing program last month, Big Education has had a rough spring in Kentucky.
Thursday, April 16, 2009
Time to reopen the Worley file
Kentucky's Senate Minority Leader Ed Worley is about to get a primary opponent. A "conservative Democrat," Mike Cope of Madison County said his decision to run had a lot to do with Worley's considerable personal baggage.
Cope also expressed dismay with wild government spending and said he has opposed the bailouts.
Cope also expressed dismay with wild government spending and said he has opposed the bailouts.
Decide to do more
The splash made by yesterday's Tea Parties will mean nothing if we don't soon start planning more such events.
An easy next step, of course, is Saturday's Bluegrass Tax Liberation Day in Lexington.
But to continue to build support for smaller, more efficient, and less intrusive government, we need a game plan for May. And it doesn't have to bear any resemblance to the strategies employed in March or April.
Changing the name of the events may even be a good idea, if only to frustrate a weird point of attack by opponents. The most important points are that a grassroots movement won't build itself and if we don't build bigger and better events, we prove them right.
One idea: holding discussions based on educating friends and formulating strategy on a single issue. My first effort along these lines is an April 23 discussion on school choice at Lexington's Inn on Broadway.
If you'd like to attend, please see my contact information at the top of this page.
An easy next step, of course, is Saturday's Bluegrass Tax Liberation Day in Lexington.
But to continue to build support for smaller, more efficient, and less intrusive government, we need a game plan for May. And it doesn't have to bear any resemblance to the strategies employed in March or April.
Changing the name of the events may even be a good idea, if only to frustrate a weird point of attack by opponents. The most important points are that a grassroots movement won't build itself and if we don't build bigger and better events, we prove them right.
One idea: holding discussions based on educating friends and formulating strategy on a single issue. My first effort along these lines is an April 23 discussion on school choice at Lexington's Inn on Broadway.
If you'd like to attend, please see my contact information at the top of this page.
Wednesday, April 15, 2009
Thanks, but no thanks, Congressman
National Republican Congressional Committee Chairman Pete Sessions, a Congressman from Texas, weighed in on the Tax Day Tea Parties with the following statement:
I'm not buying it.
Since Rep. Sessions voted for the original bank bailout, he should know that we don't need his help.
"Today, millions of Americans are gathering at Tea Parties to stand up to higher taxes and out-of-control government spending. There is no better day than Tax Day to exercise our fundamental beliefs, particularly when it comes to the issue of government-forced payment. Liberty and freedom are values that our country was founded on, and Republicans in Congress will stand alongside those who demand a government that is accountable to its people. Those who dismiss this phenomenon as anything other than a grassroots revolt are the same people who have no problem taxing and spending other people’s hard-earned money under the guise of 'fairness.' The anger and frustration toward Washington politicians are a result of arrogance and disinterest in listening to the voters who elected them. While individuals like Tim Geithner, Charlie Rangel and a whole host of Democrat 'leaders' have been promoted despite egregious attempts to dodge the IRS, it should come as no surprise that honest taxpaying citizens feel the need to speak out."
I'm not buying it.
Since Rep. Sessions voted for the original bank bailout, he should know that we don't need his help.
CJ tactics take a turn for the worse
The last few weeks I have seen left-wing writers go from dismissive to beyond vulgar in their description of those of us who don't like our politicians' power growing by taking more of our money and giving it to their big donor groups with failed business models.
I'm talking, of course, about the Tea Party movement. Until a friend filled me in yesterday, I never thought of a tea bag as anything other than something with which to make tea. Turns out another use for the term "teabag" is as a verb; a rather homoerotic verb. Check out Urban Dictionary if you have to, but you will probably be sorry you did.
Anyway, the Louisville Courier Journal got in on the fun today, referring to "the anti-tax set's tea party and teabag talk."
My question: did a 250 word editorial really need to add "and teabag" to make clear the disdain they feel for people who disagree with them? Is the Courier Journal editorial board calling people who participate in Tea Parties homosexuals or are they trying to make some other kind of statement about what they think we do in the privacy of our bedrooms?
If the Louisville Courier Journal wanted to have a serious discussion about governmental functions, I would welcome it. If, at the very least, they intend to portray more than a flair for odious bathroom references, the editors should apologize for this latest offense.
I'm talking, of course, about the Tea Party movement. Until a friend filled me in yesterday, I never thought of a tea bag as anything other than something with which to make tea. Turns out another use for the term "teabag" is as a verb; a rather homoerotic verb. Check out Urban Dictionary if you have to, but you will probably be sorry you did.
Anyway, the Louisville Courier Journal got in on the fun today, referring to "the anti-tax set's tea party and teabag talk."
My question: did a 250 word editorial really need to add "and teabag" to make clear the disdain they feel for people who disagree with them? Is the Courier Journal editorial board calling people who participate in Tea Parties homosexuals or are they trying to make some other kind of statement about what they think we do in the privacy of our bedrooms?
If the Louisville Courier Journal wanted to have a serious discussion about governmental functions, I would welcome it. If, at the very least, they intend to portray more than a flair for odious bathroom references, the editors should apologize for this latest offense.
Tuesday, April 14, 2009
Still not minding the store in Lexington
Disgraced former Lexington jail administrator Don Leach has been given permission by Director Ron Bishop to take three FCDC passenger vans on a five-day road trip to Louisville later this month.
How did you fit that into the budget, Mayor Newberry?
How did you fit that into the budget, Mayor Newberry?
Pres. Barack Obama doesn't hear you yet
Here's the latest from the Teleprompter-in-Chief:
This rationale for expanding government spending would only make sense if bureaucrats knew where economic equilibrium belonged all the time and knew how to get it there. Since they don't and can't, Obama's logic doesn't hold up.
Further, since Obama doesn't know where equilibrium is or how to get it any place in particular while he continues to insist on wasting our money trying to figure it out, we should probably all get together and talk about what we are going to do next.
How about Saturday in Lexington?
"To begin with, economists on both the left and right agree that the last thing a government should do in the middle of a recession is to cut back on spending. You see, when this recession began, many families sat around their kitchen table and tried to figure out where they could cut back. So do many businesses. That is a completely responsible and understandable reaction. But if every family in America cuts back, then no one is spending any money, which means there are more layoffs, and the economy gets even worse. That’s why the government has to step in and temporarily boost spending in order to stimulate demand. And that’s exactly what we’re doing right now."
This rationale for expanding government spending would only make sense if bureaucrats knew where economic equilibrium belonged all the time and knew how to get it there. Since they don't and can't, Obama's logic doesn't hold up.
Further, since Obama doesn't know where equilibrium is or how to get it any place in particular while he continues to insist on wasting our money trying to figure it out, we should probably all get together and talk about what we are going to do next.
How about Saturday in Lexington?
Monday, April 13, 2009
Save money by axing Kentucky Treasurer
One funny part of Pat Crowley's recent profile of state Sen. Damon Thayer suggests Thayer may run for Treasurer in 2011.
Sen. Thayer is not going to run for the do-nothing Treasurer's office. He filed the bill in 2008 to shut down the office to save money.
Thayer's no-nonsense style might be an interesting fit for an Auditor's office traditionally misused as a political weapon, though.
Sen. Thayer is not going to run for the do-nothing Treasurer's office. He filed the bill in 2008 to shut down the office to save money.
Thayer's no-nonsense style might be an interesting fit for an Auditor's office traditionally misused as a political weapon, though.
Is honest transparency a political winner?
It's too early to tell what Gov. Steve Beshear's cynical approach to government spending transparency will cost him politically. Conventional wisdom certainly would suggest that simple lack of awareness will continue to allow him to get away with yet another broken campaign promise.
But if really Louisville rolls out a taxpayer's checkbook web site this summer that shows where the money is going and Beshear continues the shucking and jiving, the stark contrast might attract attention.
If Councilman Ken Fleming's obvious pride in leading Louisville toward openness and better taxpayer service is any indication, this issue isn't going away.
But if really Louisville rolls out a taxpayer's checkbook web site this summer that shows where the money is going and Beshear continues the shucking and jiving, the stark contrast might attract attention.
If Councilman Ken Fleming's obvious pride in leading Louisville toward openness and better taxpayer service is any indication, this issue isn't going away.
Sunday, April 12, 2009
What happens when everything is a casino?
West Virginia's legislature on Friday sent a bill to their governor that would expand casino dependency past race tracks and on to a bankrupt resort in order to "save" it.
How long till they set up casinos at all the libraries and DMV offices to fund them? Is this getting a little ridiculous for anyone yet?
How long till they set up casinos at all the libraries and DMV offices to fund them? Is this getting a little ridiculous for anyone yet?
Saturday, April 11, 2009
Rolling through Richmond
Thanks to everyone who participated in a great Tea Party event in Richmond on Saturday!
I'll be back in Madison County on Wednesday, April 15 and in Fayette County the same day to speak to mid-day courthouse crowds. Hope to see you there.
I'll be back in Madison County on Wednesday, April 15 and in Fayette County the same day to speak to mid-day courthouse crowds. Hope to see you there.
Leland Conway speaks to GOP breakfast
Since LBJ declared war on poverty in the 1960's we have spent more than $12 trillion on that effort and have seen the number of people in poverty increase."
"Ignorance is not the same thing as stupidity. Most people think like we do, they just don't know it."
"I think Americans by and large still believe in a culture of life and liberty."
"On Wednesday we will have another Tea Party downtown in Lexington and next Saturday we will have another one at Applebee's Ball Park. Some people are saying 'I thought they already had one in Lexington.' We did. And we will have another and another and and another and another until the politicians in Frankfort and Washington D.C. get the message."
"I believe in the depths of my soul this nation has a special purpose and that purpose is Liberty."
"Our nation was not meant to go down in socialism."
"Ignorance is not the same thing as stupidity. Most people think like we do, they just don't know it."
"I think Americans by and large still believe in a culture of life and liberty."
"On Wednesday we will have another Tea Party downtown in Lexington and next Saturday we will have another one at Applebee's Ball Park. Some people are saying 'I thought they already had one in Lexington.' We did. And we will have another and another and and another and another until the politicians in Frankfort and Washington D.C. get the message."
"I believe in the depths of my soul this nation has a special purpose and that purpose is Liberty."
"Our nation was not meant to go down in socialism."
Stan Lee speaks about 2009 General Assembly
"In the midst of a recession, we voted to raise taxes on Kentuckians nearly $300 million."
"We passed a $1.2 billion road plan with over $600 million in new debt."
Rep. Lee mentioned that repealing prevailing wage would have saved the state "more than $120 million a year."
Said SB 1 was the most important bill passed in the General Assembly.
"We came back to Frankfort in June of 2008 to fix the problem of pensions. Then just a few months later we backed off of the little bit of good that we did in that Special Session."
"All the businesses who said 'stick it to alcohol and tobacco,' your business is next because we're coming back in June."
"We passed a $1.2 billion road plan with over $600 million in new debt."
Rep. Lee mentioned that repealing prevailing wage would have saved the state "more than $120 million a year."
Said SB 1 was the most important bill passed in the General Assembly.
"We came back to Frankfort in June of 2008 to fix the problem of pensions. Then just a few months later we backed off of the little bit of good that we did in that Special Session."
"All the businesses who said 'stick it to alcohol and tobacco,' your business is next because we're coming back in June."
Friday, April 10, 2009
How media misreports government overspending
The state reported Friday morning that General Fund revenues are higher for March and for the first nine months of the current fiscal year.
That would seem to contradict the politicians' claims of revenue shortfall, wouldn't it? Well, you'd never get the idea that spending to much (rather than taxing us too little) is the problem if you depend on the Lexington Herald Leader and Louisville Courier Journal for your news.
Seeing words like "no growth" and "flat," one might get the mistaken impression that revenues have not continued to climb.
Try instead the Bluegrass Policy Blog, which got it right and even did the math for you. Click here to read the story on the Bluegrass Policy Blog.
That would seem to contradict the politicians' claims of revenue shortfall, wouldn't it? Well, you'd never get the idea that spending to much (rather than taxing us too little) is the problem if you depend on the Lexington Herald Leader and Louisville Courier Journal for your news.
Seeing words like "no growth" and "flat," one might get the mistaken impression that revenues have not continued to climb.
Try instead the Bluegrass Policy Blog, which got it right and even did the math for you. Click here to read the story on the Bluegrass Policy Blog.
Taking Richmond by storm
The Richmond Tea Party for Saturday, April 11, is all set. Should be a great time. Details are here. Check back for video coverage.
I am convinced that the key to these events is setting them up two at a time and to always be promoting the next event. A follow-up to Saturday's Richmond Tea Party will come next Wednesday, April 15 at noon at the Madison County courthouse.
Local political figures Kent Clark, Ed Worley, and Harry Moberly are NOT expected to attend.
I am convinced that the key to these events is setting them up two at a time and to always be promoting the next event. A follow-up to Saturday's Richmond Tea Party will come next Wednesday, April 15 at noon at the Madison County courthouse.
Local political figures Kent Clark, Ed Worley, and Harry Moberly are NOT expected to attend.
Irony escapes another industry in transition
The Radio-Television News Directors Association gave WHAS11 in Louisville its prestigious Edward R. Murrow Investigative Reporting Award for covering a story we all read about first and best on PageOneKentucky blog.
Thursday, April 09, 2009
Hoping for better from Karem
After failing to place a top teachers union official on the state school board last month, Gov. Steve Beshear appointed Thursday one of the authors of the Kentucky Education Reform Act, former Sen. David Karem.
With the end of CATS testing, Kentucky is headed in a new direction toward greater accountability in our schools. Hope Karem works with us and not against us.
With the end of CATS testing, Kentucky is headed in a new direction toward greater accountability in our schools. Hope Karem works with us and not against us.
While Kentucky sinks deeper into debt
Kentucky's debt problem is Frankfort's big secret. Meanwhile, South Carolina Gov. Mark Sanford keeps fighting back.
Doesn't stand for "fantastic"
The National Taxpayers Union released Thursday it's latest Congressional report card for tax and spending votes. Rep. Ben Chandler earned his fifth straight "F" grade.
Sen. Jim Bunning earned one of only nine "A" grades in the Senate. Read the whole report here.
Sen. Jim Bunning earned one of only nine "A" grades in the Senate. Read the whole report here.
Obama the Restructurer
The White House announced Thursday a plan to buy up thousands of cars for the federal government's fleet.
"I will continue to ensure that we are working to support the American auto industry during this difficult period of restructuring," President Barack Obama said.
While Obama continues "ensuring" with our money, of course, necessary restructuring is unnecessarily -- and expensively -- delayed.
"I will continue to ensure that we are working to support the American auto industry during this difficult period of restructuring," President Barack Obama said.
While Obama continues "ensuring" with our money, of course, necessary restructuring is unnecessarily -- and expensively -- delayed.
Kentucky Tea Party List
I think this is all of them up to the April 15 events. Then comes the one at Applebee's Park in Lexington on April 18.
APRIL 11TH:
City: Richmond, KY
When: April 11, 4:00 pm - 6:00 pm
Where: 128 Big Hill Ave
Notes: Event at Wallingford Broadcasting, parking across the street
=================
APRIL 15TH:
City: Bowling Green, KY
When: April 15, 5:00 pm - 7:00 pm
Where: 455 E. Main St.
Notes: Rally at Fountain Square Park and then proceed to the Warren County Justice Center.
————-
City: Elizabethtown, KY
When: April 15, 4:00PM - 6:30PM
Where: Downtown Public Square
Website: http://www.hardincoteaparty.com/home
————-
City: Frankfort, KY
When: April 15, 12:00 pm - 2:00 pm
Where: Capitol Building, Front Steps
————-
City: Lexington, KY
When: April 15, 12:00 pm - 3:00 pm
Where: Fayette County Courthouse
————-
City: Louisville, KY
When: April 15, 11:00am - 1:00pm
Where: Jefferson Square, 6th and Jefferson St.
————-
City: Nicholasville, KY
When: April 15th, 12:00 pm - 2:00 pm
Where: Jessamine County Courthouse
————-
City: Owensboro, KY
When: April 15, 12:00 Noon
Where: City Hall
————-
City: Paducah, KY
When: April 15, 5:30 pm
Where: Dolly McNutt Plaza, between Paducah’s City Hall and the McCracken County Court House
————-
City: Richmond, KY
When: April 15th, 12:00 pm - 2:00 pm
Where: Madison County Courthouse
APRIL 11TH:
City: Richmond, KY
When: April 11, 4:00 pm - 6:00 pm
Where: 128 Big Hill Ave
Notes: Event at Wallingford Broadcasting, parking across the street
=================
APRIL 15TH:
City: Bowling Green, KY
When: April 15, 5:00 pm - 7:00 pm
Where: 455 E. Main St.
Notes: Rally at Fountain Square Park and then proceed to the Warren County Justice Center.
————-
City: Elizabethtown, KY
When: April 15, 4:00PM - 6:30PM
Where: Downtown Public Square
Website: http://www.hardincoteaparty.com/home
————-
City: Frankfort, KY
When: April 15, 12:00 pm - 2:00 pm
Where: Capitol Building, Front Steps
————-
City: Lexington, KY
When: April 15, 12:00 pm - 3:00 pm
Where: Fayette County Courthouse
————-
City: Louisville, KY
When: April 15, 11:00am - 1:00pm
Where: Jefferson Square, 6th and Jefferson St.
————-
City: Nicholasville, KY
When: April 15th, 12:00 pm - 2:00 pm
Where: Jessamine County Courthouse
————-
City: Owensboro, KY
When: April 15, 12:00 Noon
Where: City Hall
————-
City: Paducah, KY
When: April 15, 5:30 pm
Where: Dolly McNutt Plaza, between Paducah’s City Hall and the McCracken County Court House
————-
City: Richmond, KY
When: April 15th, 12:00 pm - 2:00 pm
Where: Madison County Courthouse
Wednesday, April 08, 2009
Replacing Hebert with everyone
Louisville's WHAS investigative reporter Mark Hebert, widely regarded as one of the best at digging up official secrets, is leaving his reporting job next month to go to work for University of Louisville.
In a comment on the PageOneKentucky blog, Lexington Herald Leader reporter John Cheves praised Hebert:
Of course, it doesn't have to be that way. If the media folks who are left got together and forced state government to put spending and contracts on the internet for everyone to see, citizens would be safer from the crooks.
In a comment on the PageOneKentucky blog, Lexington Herald Leader reporter John Cheves praised Hebert:
"So now we have one less watchdog keeping an eye on the Kentucky statehouse. Bad news for the citizens, good news for the crooks."
Of course, it doesn't have to be that way. If the media folks who are left got together and forced state government to put spending and contracts on the internet for everyone to see, citizens would be safer from the crooks.
You're kidding, right, Gov. Beshear?
Gov. Steve Beshear was out Wednesday afternoon pimping a DVD about avoiding fraud. From the press release:
We don't know (though I was sorely tempted to call and ask) if the DVD includes any information about protecting ourselves from politicians who lie about tax increases, efficiency studies, pension reform, spending transparency or who engage in counterproductive, excessive regulation and pander to labor unions at taxpayer expense. I doubt it, don't you?
We don't know (though I was sorely tempted to call and ask) if the DVD includes any information about protecting ourselves from politicians who lie about tax increases, efficiency studies, pension reform, spending transparency or who engage in counterproductive, excessive regulation and pander to labor unions at taxpayer expense. I doubt it, don't you?
Kentucky Tea Party just getting started
Last month's tea party in Lexington helped generate a lot of interest across the state in citizen activism.
It's just going to get bigger.
It will be interesting to see what happens with the Tax Day Tea Parties at lunchtime in towns across the state and nation on April 15. The big crowds so far have been weekend crowds. How many people will take time on a Wednesday to go to these rallies? I don't know. It might be a little discouraging for people who haven't done much -- or any -- such events.
I've organized and promoted several political events. Some have gone well and some have been complete flops. Some of the April 15 events may not be very big, but organizers will do well to focus instead on the people who do take the time to show up and get to work immediately on the next event.
In fact, it would probably be a good idea to plan another event immediately and promote it at the April 15 event.
By the way, I will emcee the Richmond Tea Party this Saturday, April 11 at 4:00 at Wallingford Broadcasting and will be back in Richmond on April 15 to speak at their Tax Day Tea Party.
At both, we will be promoting the April 18 Bluegrass Tax Liberation Day at Applebee's Park in Lexington.
See how that works?
It's just going to get bigger.
It will be interesting to see what happens with the Tax Day Tea Parties at lunchtime in towns across the state and nation on April 15. The big crowds so far have been weekend crowds. How many people will take time on a Wednesday to go to these rallies? I don't know. It might be a little discouraging for people who haven't done much -- or any -- such events.
I've organized and promoted several political events. Some have gone well and some have been complete flops. Some of the April 15 events may not be very big, but organizers will do well to focus instead on the people who do take the time to show up and get to work immediately on the next event.
In fact, it would probably be a good idea to plan another event immediately and promote it at the April 15 event.
By the way, I will emcee the Richmond Tea Party this Saturday, April 11 at 4:00 at Wallingford Broadcasting and will be back in Richmond on April 15 to speak at their Tax Day Tea Party.
At both, we will be promoting the April 18 Bluegrass Tax Liberation Day at Applebee's Park in Lexington.
See how that works?
Tuesday, April 07, 2009
Shut up and eat your stimulus, part two
The Democratic Congressional Campaign Committee is targeting Republicans who voted against the Spendulus bill by saying they oppose tax cuts.
Interestingly, these same people understood that borrowing money from the future to spread it around today is a bad idea as recently as two years ago.
Interestingly, these same people understood that borrowing money from the future to spread it around today is a bad idea as recently as two years ago.
Speak up, Mayor Newberry
With less than two months before the start of a three-week federal trial against five former Fayette County jail officers accused of abusing inmates and conspiring to keep their activities quiet, it's worth mentioning again that Mayor Jim Newberry claimed last June to know who the other FBI targets are.
Maybe his 2010 election opponent could tell us something. Hello?
Maybe his 2010 election opponent could tell us something. Hello?
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