The six month long project to produce a Lexington Herald-Leader hit piece on Mitch McConnell looks pretty weak so far.
But hey, we got a meaningless email and a memo!
Sunday, October 15, 2006
Saturday, October 14, 2006
A Cause Worthy Of Your Support
My oldest son spent much of this past summer at Centre College for the Governor's Scholars program. If you went -- or know someone who did -- you probably agree it is a crown jewel in Kentucky's educational system.
The only thing that would make it better is participation in greater numbers. As it is, admittance into the program is highly competitive and can usually serve little more than 1000 students statewide. My son's school sent only five students. Lack of resources is the only reason they couldn't send more.
Private donations could help greatly expand the program. More info about GSP is available on their website. Check it out. And then go here and send them a few bucks if you can.
The only thing that would make it better is participation in greater numbers. As it is, admittance into the program is highly competitive and can usually serve little more than 1000 students statewide. My son's school sent only five students. Lack of resources is the only reason they couldn't send more.
Private donations could help greatly expand the program. More info about GSP is available on their website. Check it out. And then go here and send them a few bucks if you can.
Barbra Streisand In A Bikini
Looking for a movie to take my boys to this morning and I came across a review written by Eleanor Ringel about the Robin Williams for President film, Man of the Year.
Best line of the review:
Further, Levinson's ideas are the expected liberal entreaties for fair play, tolerance, no-more-politics-as-usual. I imagine that, in Hollywood, these sentiments sound populist, evenhanded. But in a good chunk of the country, Levinson's pronouncements come off as if he spends every weekend swimming in Barbra Streisand's pool.
I think we will skip this one.
Best line of the review:
Further, Levinson's ideas are the expected liberal entreaties for fair play, tolerance, no-more-politics-as-usual. I imagine that, in Hollywood, these sentiments sound populist, evenhanded. But in a good chunk of the country, Levinson's pronouncements come off as if he spends every weekend swimming in Barbra Streisand's pool.
I think we will skip this one.
Friday, October 13, 2006
Pasley Goes Deep To Keep Liberal Base
Another day, another liberal politician in Kentucky pushing for socialized medicine...
Today at a lunchtime candidate forum at EKU, State Rep. Don Pasley (D-Winchester) flatly stated that America has to go to a single-payer health system.
His opponent is Ralph Alvarado, a Winchester physician.
It is highly unlikely Pasley came up with this left-wing idea on his own. I think Pasley is just trying to play some kind of weird class-envy card. That might work better for him if he talked to his neighbors and certain local groups of people more regularly than just at election time.
Democrats in Clark county are split on Pasley. Better keep an eye on this race.
Today at a lunchtime candidate forum at EKU, State Rep. Don Pasley (D-Winchester) flatly stated that America has to go to a single-payer health system.
His opponent is Ralph Alvarado, a Winchester physician.
It is highly unlikely Pasley came up with this left-wing idea on his own. I think Pasley is just trying to play some kind of weird class-envy card. That might work better for him if he talked to his neighbors and certain local groups of people more regularly than just at election time.
Democrats in Clark county are split on Pasley. Better keep an eye on this race.
Truth Found In Herald Leader Op-Ed
The Lexington Herald Leader's favorite story this decade has been about how great it would be if the Lexington city government owned the water company. So it was no surprise to see another one today.
Today's catastrophic abuse of reason and common sense contains one single shred of truth that cuts to the chase about the whole government takeover thing.
A yes vote on Nov. 7 would encourage whoever is in control of Kentucky American to negotiate with the city rather than risk having a Fayette County jury set a price as part of an eminent domain proceeding.
That's true. It's true in the sense that a bank robber "encourages" a teller to give him money rather than risk having a bullet placed gently inside her brain, but it is a true statement.
Today's catastrophic abuse of reason and common sense contains one single shred of truth that cuts to the chase about the whole government takeover thing.
A yes vote on Nov. 7 would encourage whoever is in control of Kentucky American to negotiate with the city rather than risk having a Fayette County jury set a price as part of an eminent domain proceeding.
That's true. It's true in the sense that a bank robber "encourages" a teller to give him money rather than risk having a bullet placed gently inside her brain, but it is a true statement.
It's a good thing that more and more people are coming to realize that eminent domain abuse is a terrible way to get people to return phone calls to bureaucrats or whatever they are trying to "encourage" local businesses to do now.
Thursday, October 12, 2006
Did You Bring Your Gun To School?
High school seniors across Kentucky already have enough to distract them about now. So the Kentucky Division of Mental Health And Substance Abuse wants to pull them out of class and give them a survey on their drug use.
Sample questions include "How often (if ever) have you smoked marijuana?" and "How many times in the past year (12 months) have you taken a handgun to school?"
Good grief. Fortunately, parents can opt their children out of this silly thing.
Sample questions include "How often (if ever) have you smoked marijuana?" and "How many times in the past year (12 months) have you taken a handgun to school?"
Good grief. Fortunately, parents can opt their children out of this silly thing.
Worley Continues Name-Calling
At an embarrassing Tuesday night candidates forum, Senator Ed Worley continued his efforts to distract from his sordid performance of late by imitating Mel Gibson.
I don't know how Worley feels about "the jews," but his ire sure does get raised easily by his opponent Barry Metcalf. Tuesday, he called Metcalf "pompous and arrogant" for pointing out that Worley tells constituents he is against gambling and campaign donors elsewhere he is for it. In a Herald Leader article coming out Friday, Worley refers to Metcalf as a "yapping dog."
If Worley concentrated more on keeping his story straight about who he is ripping off in shady land deals, his avid support for casino gambling, or voting for state budgets without bonding $4 Billion for future generations to worry about, he wouldn't have to squeal so loud because his feet are being held to the fire.
I don't know how Worley feels about "the jews," but his ire sure does get raised easily by his opponent Barry Metcalf. Tuesday, he called Metcalf "pompous and arrogant" for pointing out that Worley tells constituents he is against gambling and campaign donors elsewhere he is for it. In a Herald Leader article coming out Friday, Worley refers to Metcalf as a "yapping dog."
If Worley concentrated more on keeping his story straight about who he is ripping off in shady land deals, his avid support for casino gambling, or voting for state budgets without bonding $4 Billion for future generations to worry about, he wouldn't have to squeal so loud because his feet are being held to the fire.
Weaver Flubs Foley, Again
Polwatchers has the story of the "dumbest Democrat running for Congress" inviting more people to his own butt-kicking.
A Tale Of Two Senators
The similarities are startling.
U.S. Senate Minority Leader Harry Reid(D-NV) finds himself embroiled in a real estate scandal involving false statements on his financial disclosure forms, use of a limited liability company to hide his actions, and hundreds of thousands of dollars in questionable profits.
Just like Kentucky state Senate Minority Leader Ed Worley(D-Richmond).
When an Associated Press reporter asked Reid for comment, he abruptly hung up the phone. Worley has blamed his troubles on his Republican opponent, even though a damning taped phone call of Worley and his victim has already been made public.
The similarities don't end there. So far, the mainstream media coverage of both cases has been spotty at best. That is a shame.
I've read the accounts of how difficult it was to uncover Enron. That was tough. Uncovering these two guys might take a little elbow grease, but not much. The evidence is right there. Probably more fun to keep asking if one gay Congressman is going to take down every Republican running for anything in America, but these stories of two men who got caught using their positions of power to enrich themselves under suspicious circumstances are more relevant in the real world.
U.S. Senate Minority Leader Harry Reid(D-NV) finds himself embroiled in a real estate scandal involving false statements on his financial disclosure forms, use of a limited liability company to hide his actions, and hundreds of thousands of dollars in questionable profits.
Just like Kentucky state Senate Minority Leader Ed Worley(D-Richmond).
When an Associated Press reporter asked Reid for comment, he abruptly hung up the phone. Worley has blamed his troubles on his Republican opponent, even though a damning taped phone call of Worley and his victim has already been made public.
The similarities don't end there. So far, the mainstream media coverage of both cases has been spotty at best. That is a shame.
I've read the accounts of how difficult it was to uncover Enron. That was tough. Uncovering these two guys might take a little elbow grease, but not much. The evidence is right there. Probably more fun to keep asking if one gay Congressman is going to take down every Republican running for anything in America, but these stories of two men who got caught using their positions of power to enrich themselves under suspicious circumstances are more relevant in the real world.
Wednesday, October 11, 2006
Keller Swings For Wrong Fence
Senate candidate James Keller, a Lexington Democrat, has seen the polls and knows it is time for losing candidates to get goofy.
Speaking this morning at a National Federation of Independent Business forum, Keller started talking about how much he wants more Brereton Jones-style socialized medicine in Kentucky.
Someone please tell Mr. Keller that this kind of stuff flies at ACLU rallies and limousine liberal cocktail parties, but not with business groups or in Lexington's 12th Senate district.
Speaking this morning at a National Federation of Independent Business forum, Keller started talking about how much he wants more Brereton Jones-style socialized medicine in Kentucky.
Someone please tell Mr. Keller that this kind of stuff flies at ACLU rallies and limousine liberal cocktail parties, but not with business groups or in Lexington's 12th Senate district.
FairTax Blogburst
Interesting article on an idea whose time has come.
by TD of The Right Track
As I see it, the main problem with the Income Tax is that it is virtually impossible to enforce completely and fairly. Compliance with the Income Tax depends on taxpayer truthfulness, which generally is motivated either by a) good character, or b) fear of an IRS audit. With the FairTax, the tax is collected when the money is spent, from everyone, with greatly reduced opportunities for non-compliance by the public.
For instance, what about the criminal element in our country? Have you ever heard of the Mafia? Or the drug dealer? Do you think that these people report 100% of their income? Of course not! They get out of paying a huge percentage of their actual tax bill by the simple expedient of not reporting all of their income. But these same individuals still have to pay utility bills, purchase prescription drugs, visit doctors, and buy food. And if they believe in the "high life" of new cars, fancy clothes and jewelry, and new homes, they're going to pay more than "Joe Six-pack" who chooses to drive a used car, or purchase a home that's not brand new.
And it's not just individuals who are managing to avoid paying taxes these days. Everyone in America has heard of the rush to move American companies "offshore", whether in whole or in part. Think about it -- have you ever seen an American-flagged commercial vessel? Oh sure, we've got our warships, but what about commercial boats that carry cargo or cruise passengers? Most of these are flying the flag of Liberia or Panama -- low-tax nations.
In the mid-1950s, about 33% of all income taxes collected were paid by American corporations. Today that number is down to approximately 10%. From "The FairTax Book" by Boortz and Linder:
"That plunge is a major factor in our recent soaring deficits. Indeed, international corporations are essentially "voluntary" taxpayers today, paying only that amount in taxes that they believe will avoid attracting embarrassing news coverage. These corporations believe that our draconian tax structures make their actions necessary. The OFCs [offshore financial centers, or banks - TD] make their plans feasible" [Emphasis added - TD]
Boortz and Linder make the point that if we eliminated all taxes on capital and labor, (which the FairTax does), the United States would become the world's tax haven.
We have the most stable economy, the most liquid and trusted markets, and the highest rates of labor productivity in the world -- and the trillions of dollars in those OFCs would flow back home to the United States for the very reason they found themselves offshore to start with.
And we're not just talking about American businesses coming home, we're talking about wooing corporations based in other countries into America. Think of the economic benefits! More productivity, lower unemployment, higher wages, and all occurring within a tax system that allows you at least partly to choose whether to pay taxes! Buy it new, pay a tax, buy it used and don't!
The FairTax Blogburst is jointly produced by Terry of The Right Track Blog and Jonathan of Publius Rendezvous. If you would like to host the weekly postings on your blog, please e-mail Terry. You will be added to our mailing list and blogroll.
TD
by TD of The Right Track
As I see it, the main problem with the Income Tax is that it is virtually impossible to enforce completely and fairly. Compliance with the Income Tax depends on taxpayer truthfulness, which generally is motivated either by a) good character, or b) fear of an IRS audit. With the FairTax, the tax is collected when the money is spent, from everyone, with greatly reduced opportunities for non-compliance by the public.
For instance, what about the criminal element in our country? Have you ever heard of the Mafia? Or the drug dealer? Do you think that these people report 100% of their income? Of course not! They get out of paying a huge percentage of their actual tax bill by the simple expedient of not reporting all of their income. But these same individuals still have to pay utility bills, purchase prescription drugs, visit doctors, and buy food. And if they believe in the "high life" of new cars, fancy clothes and jewelry, and new homes, they're going to pay more than "Joe Six-pack" who chooses to drive a used car, or purchase a home that's not brand new.
And it's not just individuals who are managing to avoid paying taxes these days. Everyone in America has heard of the rush to move American companies "offshore", whether in whole or in part. Think about it -- have you ever seen an American-flagged commercial vessel? Oh sure, we've got our warships, but what about commercial boats that carry cargo or cruise passengers? Most of these are flying the flag of Liberia or Panama -- low-tax nations.
In the mid-1950s, about 33% of all income taxes collected were paid by American corporations. Today that number is down to approximately 10%. From "The FairTax Book" by Boortz and Linder:
"That plunge is a major factor in our recent soaring deficits. Indeed, international corporations are essentially "voluntary" taxpayers today, paying only that amount in taxes that they believe will avoid attracting embarrassing news coverage. These corporations believe that our draconian tax structures make their actions necessary. The OFCs [offshore financial centers, or banks - TD] make their plans feasible" [Emphasis added - TD]
Boortz and Linder make the point that if we eliminated all taxes on capital and labor, (which the FairTax does), the United States would become the world's tax haven.
We have the most stable economy, the most liquid and trusted markets, and the highest rates of labor productivity in the world -- and the trillions of dollars in those OFCs would flow back home to the United States for the very reason they found themselves offshore to start with.
And we're not just talking about American businesses coming home, we're talking about wooing corporations based in other countries into America. Think of the economic benefits! More productivity, lower unemployment, higher wages, and all occurring within a tax system that allows you at least partly to choose whether to pay taxes! Buy it new, pay a tax, buy it used and don't!
The FairTax Blogburst is jointly produced by Terry of The Right Track Blog and Jonathan of Publius Rendezvous. If you would like to host the weekly postings on your blog, please e-mail Terry. You will be added to our mailing list and blogroll.
TD
WTVQ Web Survey Shows Ignorance
Local TV newsies at WTVQ in Lexington have put up a survey on their website that displays either their own ignorance about the eminent domain case on the Fayette county ballot next month, or it purposely seeks to mislead.
Rather than what is on their survey, a more applicable question might be --
"How do you plan to vote on the Lexington/Fayette Co. water issue?
Yes, they should start the legal process all over to get a price for Ky-American Water Company after a few years. The lawyers will win. KAWC and taxpayers will lose.
No, they should not waste the time and money. The lawyers will find other projects."
Instead, we get this. (At the bottom of the page.)
Rather than what is on their survey, a more applicable question might be --
"How do you plan to vote on the Lexington/Fayette Co. water issue?
Yes, they should start the legal process all over to get a price for Ky-American Water Company after a few years. The lawyers will win. KAWC and taxpayers will lose.
No, they should not waste the time and money. The lawyers will find other projects."
Instead, we get this. (At the bottom of the page.)
Election Update: Dems Paint Selves Into Corner With Own Broad Brush
The gay bashing is back-firing, Bubba is like a Seinfeld character, and all the drama about nothing during a real something has been a real turn-off.
While the Republicans in this Congress have been a disappointment, the lack of a credible opposition party has posed a real danger to America. Fortunately, the snarky moveon.org revolution is showing signs of running its course. When it does, maybe we can do more governing by a system whose players keep each other honest with real issues like tax reform and entitlement reform.
While the Republicans in this Congress have been a disappointment, the lack of a credible opposition party has posed a real danger to America. Fortunately, the snarky moveon.org revolution is showing signs of running its course. When it does, maybe we can do more governing by a system whose players keep each other honest with real issues like tax reform and entitlement reform.
Tuesday, October 10, 2006
Mike Weaver Gets A Little Crazy
First, he lies. Then he says something stupid. Then he falls all over himself trying to take back his stupid comment.
Mike Weaver should definitely have sat this one out. Trying to score political points for himself on the Mark Foley mess, Weaver said "This has to do with 16-year-old boys," which it doesn't. Then he said "that showed a very liberal tendency from some of the leadership in the U.S. House of Representatives," which it didn't.
Then his campaign manager interrupted the interview with a Lexington Herald Leader reporter to add that Weaver was "not saying liberals are pedophiles."
Whew! Nice catch by Ryan Alessi and John Stamper and a funny story about a soon-to-be unemployed politician.
Democrats really think inferior candidates are going to be swept into office on this idiotic thing. Lots of luck.
Mike Weaver should definitely have sat this one out. Trying to score political points for himself on the Mark Foley mess, Weaver said "This has to do with 16-year-old boys," which it doesn't. Then he said "that showed a very liberal tendency from some of the leadership in the U.S. House of Representatives," which it didn't.
Then his campaign manager interrupted the interview with a Lexington Herald Leader reporter to add that Weaver was "not saying liberals are pedophiles."
Whew! Nice catch by Ryan Alessi and John Stamper and a funny story about a soon-to-be unemployed politician.
Democrats really think inferior candidates are going to be swept into office on this idiotic thing. Lots of luck.
Lexington Jail Scandal Update
Beatings of prisoners in the Lexington jail continued after the FBI raid on the facility, inside sources report. They continued after Mayor Isaac claimed publicly that no civil rights violations were happening there.
Since Corporal John Vest announced that he had been working with the FBI in their investigation though, the same sources report the illegal beatings had stopped.
Also, the City of Lexington has granted Corporal Vest's request for Whistleblower status.
Since Corporal John Vest announced that he had been working with the FBI in their investigation though, the same sources report the illegal beatings had stopped.
Also, the City of Lexington has granted Corporal Vest's request for Whistleblower status.
Busted: Candidate OK's Abuse
Senate candidate Jim Keller, a Lexington Democrat, sent out a letter supporting Teresa Isaac's effort to start the eminent domain process all over again and waste millions of local tax dollars in a court fight against Kentucky-American Water Company.
Monday, October 09, 2006
Worley Fraud Case Lands In Madison
The fraud case against Senator Ed Worley (D-Richmond) has been re-filed in Madison Circuit Court.
This was the federal case dismissed last month on a jurisdictional issue in which Worley's sworn testimony contradicted a secretly recorded phone call which Worley tried frantically to have thrown out as evidence. The transcript is available on the Federal Court "Pacer" system. The newspapers have this. It will be interesting to see if they print it like they did all the Merit investigation e-mails.
If the merit thing was worth hundreds and hundreds of articles, this is certainly worth a few. Don't you think so?
This was the federal case dismissed last month on a jurisdictional issue in which Worley's sworn testimony contradicted a secretly recorded phone call which Worley tried frantically to have thrown out as evidence. The transcript is available on the Federal Court "Pacer" system. The newspapers have this. It will be interesting to see if they print it like they did all the Merit investigation e-mails.
If the merit thing was worth hundreds and hundreds of articles, this is certainly worth a few. Don't you think so?
Sans Ideas, Abusing Facebook
Only the Daily Kos generation would think they are actually accomplishing something by sending personal information on their more conservative classmates to military recruiters.
House Dem: Spend Casino $$$ On Horses
State Rep. Don Pasley isn't the sharpest tool in the shed.
In a Winchester Sun article, Pasley strays from the talking points that casino gambling -- his party's second best plan for economic expansion, the first is raising the minimum wage -- will cure all that ails Kentucky. Gambling promoters in the General Assembly are supposed to say that education and roads will benefit from casinos and that there will be little or no social costs.
Pasley has somewhat more modest plans for his casino cash, he wants it all to go to horse breeders:
If casino-style gambling is allowed, he explained, it should be connected to horse racing and the revenue should go to breeder incentive programs.
How many families, I wonder, does Pasley want to destroy in shiny casinos to prop up the moribund horse industry in Kentucky? That is somewhat better than the usual approach of promising casinos will fix all Kentucky's money problems, but that will be small comfort to the victims of this terrible idea.
By the way, with the super-sized social spending increases caused by casinos the victims will include everyone in the commonwealth. Taxes will have to go up. Just ask New Jersey.
In a Winchester Sun article, Pasley strays from the talking points that casino gambling -- his party's second best plan for economic expansion, the first is raising the minimum wage -- will cure all that ails Kentucky. Gambling promoters in the General Assembly are supposed to say that education and roads will benefit from casinos and that there will be little or no social costs.
Pasley has somewhat more modest plans for his casino cash, he wants it all to go to horse breeders:
If casino-style gambling is allowed, he explained, it should be connected to horse racing and the revenue should go to breeder incentive programs.
How many families, I wonder, does Pasley want to destroy in shiny casinos to prop up the moribund horse industry in Kentucky? That is somewhat better than the usual approach of promising casinos will fix all Kentucky's money problems, but that will be small comfort to the victims of this terrible idea.
By the way, with the super-sized social spending increases caused by casinos the victims will include everyone in the commonwealth. Taxes will have to go up. Just ask New Jersey.
Sunday, October 08, 2006
A Little Perspective On Mark Foley
In case you still think Americans are really going to accept tax increases and surrender in the war on terror as some kind of bizarre penance for homosexual emails, Mark Steyn has some help.
The pendulum will swing back hard the other way on this, as cooler heads prevail.
The pendulum will swing back hard the other way on this, as cooler heads prevail.
Saturday, October 07, 2006
Why Stop Dumbing Down Now? It's Working So Well In Kentucky
If liberal education bureaucrats were merely stupid, the law of averages dictates some of their policies would actually help kids who need help.
What, you may wonder, has me so worked up as to be paraphrasing Joe McCarthy? It was a morning jolt of irony from the pages of the Lexington Herald-Leader. On the editorial page, a retired liberal professor from the University of Kentucky bemoans higher standards for schoolchildren and actually says "Kentucky must redefine "proficient" to a more reasonable level."
The ironic part is the news story in the same paper pointing out that over half of Kentucky high school graduates who go to college aren't ready for college work.
They include a map that tells the story.
What, you may wonder, has me so worked up as to be paraphrasing Joe McCarthy? It was a morning jolt of irony from the pages of the Lexington Herald-Leader. On the editorial page, a retired liberal professor from the University of Kentucky bemoans higher standards for schoolchildren and actually says "Kentucky must redefine "proficient" to a more reasonable level."
The ironic part is the news story in the same paper pointing out that over half of Kentucky high school graduates who go to college aren't ready for college work.
They include a map that tells the story.
Friday, October 06, 2006
Good News For KY Political Bloggers
The Lexington Herald-Leader has been, over the last few months, turning into a blog. You can comment on news stories, right?
Well, today the transformation is complete. They have started their own political blog.
Here.
I say the more, the merrier.
Well, today the transformation is complete. They have started their own political blog.
Here.
I say the more, the merrier.
Fayette Sheriff's Race Turns On Mailer
You know when you see Fayette County Sheriff Kathy Witt saying:
"I would never, ever exploit taxpayer dollars for my own benefit. That just won't happen for my administration,"
it means she just got caught doing that very thing. Funny story.
"I would never, ever exploit taxpayer dollars for my own benefit. That just won't happen for my administration,"
it means she just got caught doing that very thing. Funny story.
Thursday, October 05, 2006
KY GOP Senate Update: Looks Good
Simply put, Ed Worley's Senate Democrats have completely failed to get anything going in the fall campaigns.
Left-winger Jim Keller and Carroll "Elmer Fudd" Hubbard have completely run out of gas in the stretch run. No other Senate Republican faced a serious challenge.
Left-winger Jim Keller and Carroll "Elmer Fudd" Hubbard have completely run out of gas in the stretch run. No other Senate Republican faced a serious challenge.
Liberals' Only Issue Gone
Looks like Rep. Mark Foley (R-FL) was creepy, gay, and not a pedophile.
Those crazy comparisons to Rep. Barney Frank (D-MA) weren't so far off base after all.
Hastert is okay and the unstoppable Democrat landslide takes a huge hit.
This will break Nancy Pelosi's heart. But I still think Ben Chandler will stay put in his minority seat in Congress and continue to refuse to eat lunch with the rest of the Kentucky delegation.
Those crazy comparisons to Rep. Barney Frank (D-MA) weren't so far off base after all.
Hastert is okay and the unstoppable Democrat landslide takes a huge hit.
This will break Nancy Pelosi's heart. But I still think Ben Chandler will stay put in his minority seat in Congress and continue to refuse to eat lunch with the rest of the Kentucky delegation.
Democrat 2007 Ticket Shaping Up
Democrat insiders report it looks like Brereton Jones is going to pick Crit Luallen as his running mate and run for Governor.
The interesting thing is just as Hillary Clinton is running for President, the man who actually tried HillaryCare will be hoping Kentuckians forgot what damage he and his party did to the health insurance market in 1994.
The interesting thing is just as Hillary Clinton is running for President, the man who actually tried HillaryCare will be hoping Kentuckians forgot what damage he and his party did to the health insurance market in 1994.
Wednesday, October 04, 2006
Ken Lucas In Deep Macaca
Ken Lucas really stepped in it.
The Fairness Alliance folks are hopping mad after the Congressional candidate Ken Lucas said Republicans should have known former Rep. Mark Foley was a pedophile because he is gay.
For the record, most pedophiles are heterosexual and most homosexuals are not pedophiles.
The Fairness Alliance folks are hopping mad after the Congressional candidate Ken Lucas said Republicans should have known former Rep. Mark Foley was a pedophile because he is gay.
For the record, most pedophiles are heterosexual and most homosexuals are not pedophiles.
Sen. Ed Worley Caught In Fed Bust
Several news outlets are working on a story about Sen. Ed Worley's involvement in an illegal Ponzi scheme.
Worley may claim the U.S. District Court of Western Kentucky's judgement that he must return $102,800 in fraudulently obtained funds came about as a result of him being duped by his stockbroker, who is now in federal prison for his role in the scheme.
How is it that every time Ed Worley gets caught up in another mess someone is putting money IN his account?
This could only be funnier if they actually found the money in his freezer.
Worley may claim the U.S. District Court of Western Kentucky's judgement that he must return $102,800 in fraudulently obtained funds came about as a result of him being duped by his stockbroker, who is now in federal prison for his role in the scheme.
How is it that every time Ed Worley gets caught up in another mess someone is putting money IN his account?
This could only be funnier if they actually found the money in his freezer.
Indiana GOP'ers Support FairTax
Indiana's Congressional delegation includes three co-sponsors of the FairTax -- Mike Pence, Mike Sodrel, and Dan Burton. Kentucky would do well to have such strong leadership on the most important domestic policy issue facing our nation.
Uncovering Lexington Jail Cover-Up
A large group of abuse lawsuits are about to be filed against the Fayette County Detention Center.
It's time for Ronald Bishop to get his resume together.
It's time for Ronald Bishop to get his resume together.
Tuesday, October 03, 2006
Really Helping The Middle Class
The Dow Jones Industrial Average hit an all-time high today and your Social Security is going broke. Democrats have fought to maintain Social Security's status quo for the last two years.
Fayette Jail Admin: Deny And Lie
Ronald Bishop, Director of Lexington's Detention Center should have stuck on "No comment."
This morning on WVLK AM 590's news, he was heard saying about federal whistleblower Corporal John Vest:
"The same thing he is reporting to the FBI, he is guilty of here."
One of the problems Bishop has is that this statement is not true. He should be challenged to back up his inflammatory statements and efforts to deflect attention from the real issue, which is the federal investigation of his jail. The key word is "guilty," which is demonstrably false.
Today looks like a great day to get rid of Ronald Bishop.
This morning on WVLK AM 590's news, he was heard saying about federal whistleblower Corporal John Vest:
"The same thing he is reporting to the FBI, he is guilty of here."
One of the problems Bishop has is that this statement is not true. He should be challenged to back up his inflammatory statements and efforts to deflect attention from the real issue, which is the federal investigation of his jail. The key word is "guilty," which is demonstrably false.
Today looks like a great day to get rid of Ronald Bishop.
Please Tell Me This Is A Sting
The Lexington Herald Leader has a Part-Time job listing in their classified section in which The University of Kentucky is seeking recreational users of cocaine and methamphetamine to study the "physiological and behavioral effects" of these and other drugs.
Your tax dollars at work.
Your tax dollars at work.
What Say You, Speaker Hastert?
The Washington Times this morning calls on Speaker Denny Hastert to resign and for Republicans to replace him with Rep. Henry Hyde (R-IL), who retires at the end of the year, for the investigation into former Rep. Mark Foley (R-Disgraced Pedophile).
I wouldn't be surprised at all if he does resign quickly. That's the best way to take the focus off the individuals and put it back on doing the right thing.
I wouldn't be surprised at all if he does resign quickly. That's the best way to take the focus off the individuals and put it back on doing the right thing.
Monday, October 02, 2006
Mark Foley Looks Like Lone Gunman
Re: Congressman Mark Foley (R-FL), who I never heard of until ABC News printed his sexual instant messages to boys who worked as Congressional pages
The Hastert "lie" was based on the belief that his story contradicted Boehner's story. Now they are saying that what they were aware of -- as were several media outlets and others -- was the "overly-friendly" email and not the sexual instant messages. You can't reasonably be expected to hang someone out to dry for being a little creepy -- that would wipe out most of Congress -- but when the instant messages came out, Foley was on the next bus home. Nothing will mollify the Republican-haters out there, but the facts of this case -- as troubling as they are -- don't seem worthy of condemning the entire party, its leaders, or anyone other than Foley himself. At least not while Rep. William Jefferson, Sen. Ted Kennedy, Rep. Barney Frank and friends cling to their offices despite their hijinks, which have been at least tacitly endorsed by their party.
The Hastert "lie" was based on the belief that his story contradicted Boehner's story. Now they are saying that what they were aware of -- as were several media outlets and others -- was the "overly-friendly" email and not the sexual instant messages. You can't reasonably be expected to hang someone out to dry for being a little creepy -- that would wipe out most of Congress -- but when the instant messages came out, Foley was on the next bus home. Nothing will mollify the Republican-haters out there, but the facts of this case -- as troubling as they are -- don't seem worthy of condemning the entire party, its leaders, or anyone other than Foley himself. At least not while Rep. William Jefferson, Sen. Ted Kennedy, Rep. Barney Frank and friends cling to their offices despite their hijinks, which have been at least tacitly endorsed by their party.
Fayette Jail Whistleblower Under Attack
Fayette County jail authorities are working up a press conference to attempt to discredit whistleblower Corporal John Vest.
It is pathetic when an individual tries to clean up a horrific situation of physical abuse and all the muckety-mucks can think of is CYA.
It is pathetic when an individual tries to clean up a horrific situation of physical abuse and all the muckety-mucks can think of is CYA.
Sunday, October 01, 2006
Bringing Kentucky -- Kicking And Screaming -- Into Information Age
With most legislative bills in Frankfort passing on nearly unanimous floor votes, it is obvious the real action goes on in committees.
That is why the bipartisan effort to put committee votes online is a no-brainer.
The Bluegrass Institute has the latest...
That is why the bipartisan effort to put committee votes online is a no-brainer.
The Bluegrass Institute has the latest...
Lexington's Own Little Abu Ghraib
Very important announcement coming Monday morning regarding the FBI investigation into the Lexington-Fayette County Jail.
I would tell you but -- well, no, I just can't tell you. Stay tuned...
I would tell you but -- well, no, I just can't tell you. Stay tuned...
Friday, September 29, 2006
KY Dems October Surprise Unmasked
Saturday update: I mentioned today's actual big story, that Bill Clinton is coming to Kentucky, three weeks ago. As I reported in the comments of that post, Jerry Lundergan denied to me that Clinton was coming. Typical. I wonder how long it will take him to come clean on the Bill Clinton money. I see today's AP story repeats the lie that Hillary's visit last year brought in $600,000. Anyway, the racist thing is coming soon enough, I would imagine.
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Those crafty Kentucky Democrats have called a 10 AM press conference for Saturday morning to announce that Republicans are racists.
Sounds familiar, doesn't it?
The current spin is that Secretary of State Trey Grayson's multi-state initiative to cut down on voter fraud in the last election is under attack by Attorney General Greg Stumbo. For the sake of accuracy, we can really leave Stumbo out of the story for now, though, because his lawsuit has nothing to do with these shenanigans.
Democrats are going to allege that 8000 African-American Kentucky voters were purged from the rolls last year out of sheer Republican meanness. The tiny little problem with this is it is not true.
Not that this will stop them from trying to make hay.
This could be another great opportunity for the blogosphere to shine light on just the latest garbage from the Left. We'll see.
Public records show slightly less than 300 people statewide were questioned erroneously about their voter registration in the last election, but every single one of them voted. Further, the purge was aimed at people who were registered in two different states simultaneously and only affected the older registration.
And the really sad part is there was no racial aspect to the entire project. The computers involved had no knowledge of the race of any voter involved. The African-American community is being abused by Democrats here.
We're ready for you guys.
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Those crafty Kentucky Democrats have called a 10 AM press conference for Saturday morning to announce that Republicans are racists.
Sounds familiar, doesn't it?
The current spin is that Secretary of State Trey Grayson's multi-state initiative to cut down on voter fraud in the last election is under attack by Attorney General Greg Stumbo. For the sake of accuracy, we can really leave Stumbo out of the story for now, though, because his lawsuit has nothing to do with these shenanigans.
Democrats are going to allege that 8000 African-American Kentucky voters were purged from the rolls last year out of sheer Republican meanness. The tiny little problem with this is it is not true.
Not that this will stop them from trying to make hay.
This could be another great opportunity for the blogosphere to shine light on just the latest garbage from the Left. We'll see.
Public records show slightly less than 300 people statewide were questioned erroneously about their voter registration in the last election, but every single one of them voted. Further, the purge was aimed at people who were registered in two different states simultaneously and only affected the older registration.
And the really sad part is there was no racial aspect to the entire project. The computers involved had no knowledge of the race of any voter involved. The African-American community is being abused by Democrats here.
We're ready for you guys.
No Cable TV For Terrorists
The U.S. Senate voted yesterday to go ahead and treat enemy combatants like enemies and not white collar criminals.
Good move. And as you will see, President Hillary Clinton, President Ted Kennedy, President John Kerry, and President Evan Bayh voted for cable tv, three hot meals a day, and free healthcare for terrorists.
Good move. And as you will see, President Hillary Clinton, President Ted Kennedy, President John Kerry, and President Evan Bayh voted for cable tv, three hot meals a day, and free healthcare for terrorists.
Thursday, September 28, 2006
Price Fixing Of Wages Hurts Workers
The same folks who are pushing minimum wage tax increases as economic development are now trying to make hay out of a bill that would push more women out of competitive jobs.
Lexington Mayor's Race Is Now Over
Remember when Lexington's eminent domain abuse supporters used to scoff at water company takeover opponents who said "What's next, are you going to takeover Lexmark or Paul Miller Ford?"
Well, Mayor Teresa Isaac just said she wants to take Lexington Mall by eminent domain and turn it into a softball complex.
I am not making this up.
Well, Mayor Teresa Isaac just said she wants to take Lexington Mall by eminent domain and turn it into a softball complex.
I am not making this up.
Maybe It Was The Free Health Care: Boy Flees Miami, Goes To Cuba
Pretty funny story about a 14 year-old boy who slipped out of his Miami home and ran away to Cuba.
Liberals can relax; this was no political statement. Sounds like a he is a little troubled, a little smitten with a girl in Cuba, and had access to his mother's credit card.
The money quote comes from Dad: ''I'm hoping he will spend a couple of months there without his computer, plasma TV, iPod, and he'll want to come back,'' the father said. ``My son likes the good things in life. He won't find that in Cuba.''
Liberals can relax; this was no political statement. Sounds like a he is a little troubled, a little smitten with a girl in Cuba, and had access to his mother's credit card.
The money quote comes from Dad: ''I'm hoping he will spend a couple of months there without his computer, plasma TV, iPod, and he'll want to come back,'' the father said. ``My son likes the good things in life. He won't find that in Cuba.''
Wednesday, September 27, 2006
Score Another One For The ACLU
Congrats to the bed-wetters at the ACLU for making sure freaks like Bart McQueary of Harrodsburg can yell and scream nonsense at military funerals.
If we can limit freedom of speech in the case of someone yelling "fire!" in a movie theater to cause a panic, surely we can do it without harm to the Republic to give a little peace to innocent family members of dead soldier.
Now we need to go back and make a law limiting the penalty for beating the crap out of a military funeral protestor to a $50 fine.
If we can limit freedom of speech in the case of someone yelling "fire!" in a movie theater to cause a panic, surely we can do it without harm to the Republic to give a little peace to innocent family members of dead soldier.
Now we need to go back and make a law limiting the penalty for beating the crap out of a military funeral protestor to a $50 fine.
Racial Epithets And Lies In Virginia
Journalists' favorite gotcha question for candidates used to be "Have you ever smoked pot?" This year it is quickly becoming "Have you ever used the n-word?"
After Sen. George Allen's (R-Virginia) macaca moment, a former teammate came forward after decades and several gubernatorial and Senate campaigns to suddenly recall Allen using the racial slur as a young man.
Now Allen's Democrat opponent Jim Webb has had his own "I didn't inhale" experience.
When asked if he had ever used the n-word, he said "I don't think that there's anyone who grew up around the South that hasn't had the word pass through their lips at one time or another in their life."
He apparently realized his inadvertent clarity and said "I have never used that word in my general vocabulary or in any derogatory way."
Interesting to note, at the end of this AP story about the ordeal, talking head Larry Sabato injected himself into the controversy by saying one day he knew Sen. Allen had used the epithet, before admitting the next day that he didn't know any such thing.
No word on if Sabato has any lies to tell about the Democrat Webb.
What a silly mess.
After Sen. George Allen's (R-Virginia) macaca moment, a former teammate came forward after decades and several gubernatorial and Senate campaigns to suddenly recall Allen using the racial slur as a young man.
Now Allen's Democrat opponent Jim Webb has had his own "I didn't inhale" experience.
When asked if he had ever used the n-word, he said "I don't think that there's anyone who grew up around the South that hasn't had the word pass through their lips at one time or another in their life."
He apparently realized his inadvertent clarity and said "I have never used that word in my general vocabulary or in any derogatory way."
Interesting to note, at the end of this AP story about the ordeal, talking head Larry Sabato injected himself into the controversy by saying one day he knew Sen. Allen had used the epithet, before admitting the next day that he didn't know any such thing.
No word on if Sabato has any lies to tell about the Democrat Webb.
What a silly mess.
Tuesday, September 26, 2006
Trouble For Jessamine's Cecil Moss?
Rumors of abuse have swirled around Jessamine county's jail for years.
Jailer Frank Hubbard is retiring and his long-time chief deputy -- Cecil Moss -- is running to replace him. His opponent has put up a website that is attracting a lot of attention for its inflammatory charges.
John Vest, the Republican nominee for Jailer, says he has a lot more information about trouble at the jail in Nicholasville.
This one might be interesting to watch.
Jailer Frank Hubbard is retiring and his long-time chief deputy -- Cecil Moss -- is running to replace him. His opponent has put up a website that is attracting a lot of attention for its inflammatory charges.
John Vest, the Republican nominee for Jailer, says he has a lot more information about trouble at the jail in Nicholasville.
This one might be interesting to watch.
Fleming County Bipartisanship On Education. Great Story!
The Flemingsburg Gazette is a weekly paper in a small town, owned by a wild-eyed liberal.
Fortunately, Guy Townsend has shifted gears from endless rants against George Bush to a cogent dismantling of the local school system and a clear depiction of rampant waste.
Townsend's September 21 article is fabulous:
Speaking of your tax dollars, word has reached us that in one of the county’s elementary schools something like 97 fifth-graders are having to get by with only 53 reading books because there isn’t any money in the budget to buy books. (The situation appears to be even worse in the high school.) We’re working on this now and hope to be able to provide more detailed information soon in a news story. If those figures are accurate, the Fleming County school administration has failed to provide enough funding to one of our elementary schools to enable it to buy books for 44 students. This is the same Fleming County school administration which has been able to find funding to pay a retired administrator (who is already receiving a sizeable pension) $42,000 to do a job that the system would only have to pay a new hire $19,000 to do. That’s a difference of $23,000. I’ll bet you could buy 44 reading books for $23,000.
Also found a special treat in the September 14 edition (all opinion columns are on the same page, just scroll down). A guest column by Kentucky College Republican Chairman Derek Hall:
I NEVER agree with Guy Townsend, and I want to make that clear, but of recent, he has been singing my song on education. His numbers don’t lie; Fleming County is failing educationally and it will cost us more in the future than you may ever imagine. Fleming County is full of unrealized potential, and we need leaders that can help us achieve new levels of success. That’s why I am officially asking Kelly Crain to resign as our Superintendent of Fleming County Schools and give us the opportunity to bring in an individual concerned with positive progress. I understand that my solution may offend some folks, but understand that I am not attacking Kelly Crain personally, only professionally.
Keep fighting the fight guys. We're counting on you.
Fortunately, Guy Townsend has shifted gears from endless rants against George Bush to a cogent dismantling of the local school system and a clear depiction of rampant waste.
Townsend's September 21 article is fabulous:
Speaking of your tax dollars, word has reached us that in one of the county’s elementary schools something like 97 fifth-graders are having to get by with only 53 reading books because there isn’t any money in the budget to buy books. (The situation appears to be even worse in the high school.) We’re working on this now and hope to be able to provide more detailed information soon in a news story. If those figures are accurate, the Fleming County school administration has failed to provide enough funding to one of our elementary schools to enable it to buy books for 44 students. This is the same Fleming County school administration which has been able to find funding to pay a retired administrator (who is already receiving a sizeable pension) $42,000 to do a job that the system would only have to pay a new hire $19,000 to do. That’s a difference of $23,000. I’ll bet you could buy 44 reading books for $23,000.
Also found a special treat in the September 14 edition (all opinion columns are on the same page, just scroll down). A guest column by Kentucky College Republican Chairman Derek Hall:
I NEVER agree with Guy Townsend, and I want to make that clear, but of recent, he has been singing my song on education. His numbers don’t lie; Fleming County is failing educationally and it will cost us more in the future than you may ever imagine. Fleming County is full of unrealized potential, and we need leaders that can help us achieve new levels of success. That’s why I am officially asking Kelly Crain to resign as our Superintendent of Fleming County Schools and give us the opportunity to bring in an individual concerned with positive progress. I understand that my solution may offend some folks, but understand that I am not attacking Kelly Crain personally, only professionally.
Keep fighting the fight guys. We're counting on you.
Man Of The Year
What are we doing picking on poor old Bill Clinton when the Democrats are running Robin Williams for President?
Monday, September 25, 2006
McCainiac For A Day
John McCain's visit to Kentucky tonight was very profitable for Kentucky's Republican Party.
And the good news is he left all the money that he raised here. Jerry Lundergan -- take note.
Good show. Happy folks. Good time for the tide to turn.
On the election, that is. I'm still not crazy about McCain.
And the good news is he left all the money that he raised here. Jerry Lundergan -- take note.
Good show. Happy folks. Good time for the tide to turn.
On the election, that is. I'm still not crazy about McCain.
Vote No On Eminent Domain Abuse
The Lexington Herald Leader printed the ballot referendum question for re-starting the water company takeover.
At 170 words, the question will require us to bring a lawyer to the polling place on election day to explain the darn thing.
Condemnation opponents might do well to frame the issue as an opportunity to vote against Teresa Isaac twice.
At 170 words, the question will require us to bring a lawyer to the polling place on election day to explain the darn thing.
Condemnation opponents might do well to frame the issue as an opportunity to vote against Teresa Isaac twice.
"I Couldn't Find That Man, Mr. Bin Laden"
Bill Clinton's finger-wagging, journalist-poking, ranting, raving screechfest yesterday got a lot of attention and has generated a lot of conversation.
It is just getting started. While going batty might help his wife get the Dem nomination for President next year, it won't do any good for Democrat candidates this year. The Clintons have always belonged to the Party of Clinton first and foremost, so conspiracy theorists will have lots to chew on for a while.
It is just getting started. While going batty might help his wife get the Dem nomination for President next year, it won't do any good for Democrat candidates this year. The Clintons have always belonged to the Party of Clinton first and foremost, so conspiracy theorists will have lots to chew on for a while.
Sunday, September 24, 2006
Democrat Family Day In Frankfort!
Some highlights from today's big event:
Speaker of the House Jody Richards: "Ernie raised taxes on our small businesses with the AMC. We stopped that. That's not good policy."
So how did Kentucky Democrats stop that bad policy? By voting overwhelming for it, of course. Notice that Jody voted for it as well.
Senate Candidate Jim Keller, former state Supreme Court Justice, speaking about Supreme Court candidate Mary Noble: "She is a yellow dog Democrat. Don't forget that when you go to the polls!"
And then Wesley Clark flew in from Mars: "Much of what has happened since 9/11 has been a cover-up." And then "President Clinton was a very fine Commander-In-Chief. He kept this country out of war."
But the funniest harangue came from congressional candidate Tom Barlow, who said: "We are delivering lower gasoline prices and when we take office in January we are going to bring peace to the Middle East peacefully, we are going to have affordable medical care and high paying jobs!"
Speaker of the House Jody Richards: "Ernie raised taxes on our small businesses with the AMC. We stopped that. That's not good policy."
So how did Kentucky Democrats stop that bad policy? By voting overwhelming for it, of course. Notice that Jody voted for it as well.
Senate Candidate Jim Keller, former state Supreme Court Justice, speaking about Supreme Court candidate Mary Noble: "She is a yellow dog Democrat. Don't forget that when you go to the polls!"
And then Wesley Clark flew in from Mars: "Much of what has happened since 9/11 has been a cover-up." And then "President Clinton was a very fine Commander-In-Chief. He kept this country out of war."
But the funniest harangue came from congressional candidate Tom Barlow, who said: "We are delivering lower gasoline prices and when we take office in January we are going to bring peace to the Middle East peacefully, we are going to have affordable medical care and high paying jobs!"
Merlene Davis Does A Lieberman
Remember when Sen. Joe Lieberman gave a speech on the Senate floor about Bill Clinton and how terrible the things he had done were but that, ultimately, we shouldn't do anything about it?
Merlene Davis' column in the Lexington Herald Leader did the same thing with Kentucky's public education system. She manages to complain about some CATS scores, but is happy enough with the status quo to avoid suggesting any changes.
Another missed opportunity by the Left.
Merlene Davis' column in the Lexington Herald Leader did the same thing with Kentucky's public education system. She manages to complain about some CATS scores, but is happy enough with the status quo to avoid suggesting any changes.
Another missed opportunity by the Left.
Getting Ahead Of Ourselves Again
Sen. John McCain is on Meet The Press right now. As I head off to church I'm wondering: is he the best we can come up with in 2008?
Saturday, September 23, 2006
Liberals Gone Mild: Late Summer Edition
At long last, this is all they have left. Jerry Lundergan is ready to set his own barn on fire because some lobbyists got their names printed on a Republican party fundraiser invitation.
Do they really think they caught two dozen sophisticated legislative agents risking their entire businesses in order to shake John McCain's hand?
No, they really don't. They just don't have any issues. They had to do something and couldn't think of anything else.
All this minimum wage tax increase as fiscal policy nonsense and month after month of vague complaining about gas prices -- grown only louder as prices fluctuated downward -- should have been a dead giveaway they had nothing left in the hopper.
Do they really think they caught two dozen sophisticated legislative agents risking their entire businesses in order to shake John McCain's hand?
No, they really don't. They just don't have any issues. They had to do something and couldn't think of anything else.
All this minimum wage tax increase as fiscal policy nonsense and month after month of vague complaining about gas prices -- grown only louder as prices fluctuated downward -- should have been a dead giveaway they had nothing left in the hopper.
Friday, September 22, 2006
Fiscal Sissies Need Not Apply
Kentuckians who have had enough of wild government spending will soon have reason to hope for real change. The Club for Growth of Kentucky will blast onto the scene very, very soon.
The Club for Growth is an organization of individuals who support fiscally responsible government policies and candidates with the courage to agree. The Kentucky Club will support their aims here in the Bluegrass State.
Interested? Think you can handle it?
Go here now.
The Club for Growth is an organization of individuals who support fiscally responsible government policies and candidates with the courage to agree. The Kentucky Club will support their aims here in the Bluegrass State.
Interested? Think you can handle it?
Go here now.
Addressing The Healthcare Crisis
Kudos to Kentucky's doctors for joining the effort to repeal Certificate of Need laws that limit the number of healthcare providers and the services they can provide. The status quo gives us prices that are too high.
Combining this issue with medical malpractice reform will turn up the heat on both, but could help get action on both as well.
Combining this issue with medical malpractice reform will turn up the heat on both, but could help get action on both as well.
Rumor On A Stick
Idle speculation has Steve Pence picking Bruce Lunsford as a running mate.
Lunsford spent eight million dollars of his own money to run for governor in 2003. He finished third in the three-way Democratic primary.
Lunsford spent eight million dollars of his own money to run for governor in 2003. He finished third in the three-way Democratic primary.
Thursday, September 21, 2006
Can't Please Everyone
George Bush's approval rating continues to climb in Kentucky. It is up to 44%.
That's high enough for now. As frustrating as it is that "the Dems are worse" is about the best the national GOP can do for a campaign slogan this year, it is working.
That's high enough for now. As frustrating as it is that "the Dems are worse" is about the best the national GOP can do for a campaign slogan this year, it is working.
Yarmuth Getting Desperate
Isn't it just about time for John Yarmuth to melt down like Clooney did?
This doesn't look good for him.
This doesn't look good for him.
Wednesday, September 20, 2006
Democrats Versus Cars
California's Attorney General is suing carmakers for causing global warming.
Maybe we could get our left-wingers to push Greg Stumbo to do the same. That would be fun to watch. In fact, you can call the Sierra Club of Kentucky in Lexington at (859) 296-4335 and tell them to get on the stick and call their Democrats before we all burn up in our fossil fuels!
Maybe we could get our left-wingers to push Greg Stumbo to do the same. That would be fun to watch. In fact, you can call the Sierra Club of Kentucky in Lexington at (859) 296-4335 and tell them to get on the stick and call their Democrats before we all burn up in our fossil fuels!
Dem House Candidate Can't Be Fired
Nothing in the Lexington Herald Leader yesterday or today about the East Lake neighborhood forum at the Eagle Creek Public Library Monday night.
The low point was when House candidate Chris Frost, a UK law professor, answered a question about how he would deal with University of Kentucky President Lee Todd if Frost were elected to the legislature.
Frost stunned listeners by saying "I'm a tenured professor. He can't fire me."
That's the kind of attitude we like in our government employees.
The low point was when House candidate Chris Frost, a UK law professor, answered a question about how he would deal with University of Kentucky President Lee Todd if Frost were elected to the legislature.
Frost stunned listeners by saying "I'm a tenured professor. He can't fire me."
That's the kind of attitude we like in our government employees.
Ensuring "Clean" Judicial Elections?
As election day draws closer, judicial races are heating up all over Kentucky.
My approach to such races has been to pick the more conservative candidate -- so far as I could determine -- and hope for the best. Higher court justices often come up through the ranks, so it stands to reason that sober district court judges are necessary if we are to have good appellate justices down the road.
I've seen a few efforts to improve voter knowledge for judicial elections, but generally they range from the mundane to the absurd.
The Kentucky Judicial Campaign Conduct Committee is at least bipartisan. But their website, if you read it, offers precious little other than finger-wagging about avoiding conflicts and ignoring voters.
Voters should choose candidates on the basis of their complete records, and remember that the best judges are those who aren’t afraid to make decisions that might be unpopular. The judges’ code of conduct says “a judge shall not be swayed by partisan interests, public clamor or fear of criticism.” The public doesn’t need, and shouldn’t want, judges who make decisions with the next election in mind.
Seriously, what does any of this mean? Interestingly, I found most of the above passage attributed to Al Cross in a Richmond Register news story. Al is out of pocket today, but I will try to get some comment from him about which unpopular decisions we want our judges to embrace and which partisan interests we want them to reject. If we are supposed to pick judges who make decisions we don't like, why are we bothering to have elections?
My approach to such races has been to pick the more conservative candidate -- so far as I could determine -- and hope for the best. Higher court justices often come up through the ranks, so it stands to reason that sober district court judges are necessary if we are to have good appellate justices down the road.
I've seen a few efforts to improve voter knowledge for judicial elections, but generally they range from the mundane to the absurd.
The Kentucky Judicial Campaign Conduct Committee is at least bipartisan. But their website, if you read it, offers precious little other than finger-wagging about avoiding conflicts and ignoring voters.
Voters should choose candidates on the basis of their complete records, and remember that the best judges are those who aren’t afraid to make decisions that might be unpopular. The judges’ code of conduct says “a judge shall not be swayed by partisan interests, public clamor or fear of criticism.” The public doesn’t need, and shouldn’t want, judges who make decisions with the next election in mind.
Seriously, what does any of this mean? Interestingly, I found most of the above passage attributed to Al Cross in a Richmond Register news story. Al is out of pocket today, but I will try to get some comment from him about which unpopular decisions we want our judges to embrace and which partisan interests we want them to reject. If we are supposed to pick judges who make decisions we don't like, why are we bothering to have elections?
Tuesday, September 19, 2006
Like Garlic To A Vampire: Liberals Hate Special Ed School Choice Bill
It was no surprise to see the Lexington Herald Leader editorial page wax poetic about trapping special education children in schools that won't help them.
Here is a different perspective. And you probably didn't see this either.
Here is a different perspective. And you probably didn't see this either.
Chris Frost: Too Little, Too Late
State House candidate Chris Frost, a Democrat running against 88th district Rep. Bill Farmer (R-Lexington) must be ready to start his campaign. He sent a letter to his opponent dated September 14, in which he challenged the incumbent to three debates.
Go fish, Mr. Frost. The time for scheduling debates would have been in May.
Go fish, Mr. Frost. The time for scheduling debates would have been in May.
Another Candidate For Governor?
General John G. Coburn has a website up for Kentucky Governor in 2007. It doesn't mention his party affiliation, but I found this article from 2001 in which then-Congressman Ernie Fletcher called him a good friend and suggested that if he ran in 2003, he would run as a Republican.
Monday, September 18, 2006
More KY Casino Ugliness
If Attorney General Greg Stumbo is Dr. Frankenstein, trying to breathe life into the ugly mishmash of big government charades we call casino gambling, Senate Democrat Leader Ed Worley (D-Richmond) is his Igor.
The worst kept secret in Frankfort is that Worley is carrying the water for casinos whenever he can. "To maintain state government at the level we're spending, the answer is expanded gaming," Worley told Bloodhorse.com in May. He told gambling supporters at the same meeting to "keep spending your money to educate people and this will all work out in time."
What's funny is that people in Worley's Senate district aren't so hot on casino gambling and he knows it. So while he tells The Kentucky Enquirer "Unquestionably there is $450 million lying on the table. This is an option the people of Kentucky ought to have as opposed to having their taxes raised," he tells ministers in his district -- in a letter dated 9/6/06 -- First, before there can be any expanded form of gambling, whether it is casinos, slot machines, poker or any other gambling not currently legal in the Commonwealth, there must be a constitutional vote by the majority of the voters of Kentucky.
The little problem with this is Worley knows what he has said is not true. Senator Ed Worley requested of AG Stumbo the opinion that stated a constitutional amendment is not necessary to expand gambling in Kentucky.
Sloppy, reckless behavior in recent months has caused Senator Worley to get caught lying in federal court to cover up fraud, and now he is lying about a Kentucky law opinion with his own name on it.
Wow.
Casino Gambling In 2007
The Paducah Sun's Bill Bartleman spoke at the KEMPAC meeting last Thursday in Louisville. He said casino gambling would decide the 2007 gubernatorial election.
Sunday, September 17, 2006
More Education Whining Won't Help
The Lexington Herald Leader this morning wastes valuable ink bellyaching about the high cost of higher education for low-income families. This is the kind of politically motivated fantasy that risks accomplishing the opposite of what it says it wants to.
The truth is poor families in America are pretty well-situated to send their children to college. In fact, an alarming number of low-income families aren't even applying for aid they would qualify for. Editorials claiming all hope is lost, rich get richer/poor get poorer, and poor people are dropping dead for lack of legislative concern benefit only professional complainers and not the constituency they purport to support.
There are problems with our public higher education system, but using it as a hitching post for left-wing talking points about how terrible America is for poor people is a shameful waste.
If you are facing higher education costs you really can not afford, take heart. You can get the help you need. Don't pay any attention the sob sisters at the Herald Leader. Start here. And then to search private scholarships go here.
The truth is poor families in America are pretty well-situated to send their children to college. In fact, an alarming number of low-income families aren't even applying for aid they would qualify for. Editorials claiming all hope is lost, rich get richer/poor get poorer, and poor people are dropping dead for lack of legislative concern benefit only professional complainers and not the constituency they purport to support.
There are problems with our public higher education system, but using it as a hitching post for left-wing talking points about how terrible America is for poor people is a shameful waste.
If you are facing higher education costs you really can not afford, take heart. You can get the help you need. Don't pay any attention the sob sisters at the Herald Leader. Start here. And then to search private scholarships go here.
Saturday, September 16, 2006
On Drug Abuse And Children
Today The Louisville Courier-Journal addressed the heartbreaking issue of the state's role in protecting child welfare in the case of abusive parents.
The problem is predominantly one of drug abusing parents becoming an unacceptable risk to their children. I struggle with competing libertarian laissez faire principles and activist pro-child interventionalist tendencies on this one. But really, I wonder how much good the government actually does intervening in any but the very worst of these cases. Do we really want to encourage the government to to do more judging of child neglect and acting on those judgement calls? My experiences with parents who lost their children to the government for what I believe to be good reason, and those who I know were victims themselves of bureacratic malfeasance lead me to believe we should be much slower to remove children from their parents' custody. However, once removed from the home, I would be much more likely to make those worst cases permanent and to prosecute the parents vigorously.
Too often, I think, we open a file on a situation that involves less than ideal financial circumstances but no real abuse and make bad situations worse while spreading social service resources too thin to really help the desperate cases. This gives us a government crisis that risks lives needlessly.
The problem is predominantly one of drug abusing parents becoming an unacceptable risk to their children. I struggle with competing libertarian laissez faire principles and activist pro-child interventionalist tendencies on this one. But really, I wonder how much good the government actually does intervening in any but the very worst of these cases. Do we really want to encourage the government to to do more judging of child neglect and acting on those judgement calls? My experiences with parents who lost their children to the government for what I believe to be good reason, and those who I know were victims themselves of bureacratic malfeasance lead me to believe we should be much slower to remove children from their parents' custody. However, once removed from the home, I would be much more likely to make those worst cases permanent and to prosecute the parents vigorously.
Too often, I think, we open a file on a situation that involves less than ideal financial circumstances but no real abuse and make bad situations worse while spreading social service resources too thin to really help the desperate cases. This gives us a government crisis that risks lives needlessly.
The Faith Of Evolutionists
Having put four children in the public school system in Kentucky -- including two who are soon to graduate -- I have found several ways to deal with extreme political correctness in the classroom. It hasn't been hard.
So I have paid little attention to the "debate" over teaching evolution in science class. As a grand theory, there is some real value. The science of genetics emerged from this primordial slime, and we have yet to scratch the surface of the many uses of genetic engineering.
But the People For the American Way have been paying close attention. They are quite secure in their doctrine: Every living species—palm trees, eagles, and even humans—has evolved over billions of years, from single-celled organisms.
If that is what they are so hot on teaching our kids, I am no longer worried about it. Our children aren't so gullible as to believe that. I understand the problems with allowing liberal groups to get too far into their sermons with our kids, but this is ridiculous. It takes much less blind faith to believe in a God as Creator than it does to believe there is no "legitimate scientific evidence" refuting the doctrine of evolution.
Have a nice Saturday my fellow humans -- and palm trees!
So I have paid little attention to the "debate" over teaching evolution in science class. As a grand theory, there is some real value. The science of genetics emerged from this primordial slime, and we have yet to scratch the surface of the many uses of genetic engineering.
But the People For the American Way have been paying close attention. They are quite secure in their doctrine: Every living species—palm trees, eagles, and even humans—has evolved over billions of years, from single-celled organisms.
If that is what they are so hot on teaching our kids, I am no longer worried about it. Our children aren't so gullible as to believe that. I understand the problems with allowing liberal groups to get too far into their sermons with our kids, but this is ridiculous. It takes much less blind faith to believe in a God as Creator than it does to believe there is no "legitimate scientific evidence" refuting the doctrine of evolution.
Have a nice Saturday my fellow humans -- and palm trees!
Spicoli Update
Here's a hint: if you find your world-view matching very closely with actor Sean Penn, you might need a little help.
There are a few gems in his interview with Larry King, such as when he says no Democrat who doesn't promote surrender in Iraq should get any votes, but really the only thing funnier than the White Flag Democrats are those who blamed President Bush for gas prices going up and are now twice as mad when they are going down.
Amazing that such a bumbling President can wield precise control over world commodity markets and get the entire world to move on his electoral strategy.
There are a few gems in his interview with Larry King, such as when he says no Democrat who doesn't promote surrender in Iraq should get any votes, but really the only thing funnier than the White Flag Democrats are those who blamed President Bush for gas prices going up and are now twice as mad when they are going down.
Amazing that such a bumbling President can wield precise control over world commodity markets and get the entire world to move on his electoral strategy.
Friday, September 15, 2006
Worley Fraud Case Changes Courts
U.S. District Judge Joseph Hood says jurisdiction of the Ed Worley fraud case belongs to state courts. The mainstream media finally mentions Sen. Ed Worley's (D-Richmond) perjury caught on tape.
The really funny part is when Worley blames his political opponent, Barry Metcalf (R) who appreciates the free mention in the Herald Leader story:
"My opponent wants to make this a political argument when it's a legal argument," Worley said, referring to Barry Metcalf, a Republican who is running for Worley's seat in November.
Senator Worley has to admit that getting caught in perjury on tape has a bit of a Monica Lewinsky ring to it, though.
The really funny part is when Worley blames his political opponent, Barry Metcalf (R) who appreciates the free mention in the Herald Leader story:
"My opponent wants to make this a political argument when it's a legal argument," Worley said, referring to Barry Metcalf, a Republican who is running for Worley's seat in November.
Senator Worley has to admit that getting caught in perjury on tape has a bit of a Monica Lewinsky ring to it, though.
Rise Of Fiscal Conservatives In KY
Finally, some help is coming for those who have grown tired of government overspending.
As the Republican party has gained prominence in Kentucky, little has frustrated conservatives more than the missed opportunities to exercise fiscal restraint.
Help is on the way as the Club for Growth of Kentucky establishes itself on the political landscape. Interesting that Sen. Jim Bunning would refer to the Kentucky Club as a "very fringe group."
I think he will be surprised.
As the Republican party has gained prominence in Kentucky, little has frustrated conservatives more than the missed opportunities to exercise fiscal restraint.
Help is on the way as the Club for Growth of Kentucky establishes itself on the political landscape. Interesting that Sen. Jim Bunning would refer to the Kentucky Club as a "very fringe group."
I think he will be surprised.
Thursday, September 14, 2006
How Not To Do A Candidate Blog
Lexington City Council candidate Justin Dobbs is promoting his candidacy on infamous child-predator website hangout myspace.com.
I won't let my kids on this site and, from the looks of things, Justin's mom probably shouldn't have either. Just a few tidbits from the site: Justin lies about his fundraising, polling, his opponent's fundraising goal, his opponent's husband's sex life, and lists his occupation as "city council candidate" and has a special message from the college kid who got caught trying to infiltrate Rep. Anne Northup's campaign for her opponent John Yarmuth.
I won't let my kids on this site and, from the looks of things, Justin's mom probably shouldn't have either. Just a few tidbits from the site: Justin lies about his fundraising, polling, his opponent's fundraising goal, his opponent's husband's sex life, and lists his occupation as "city council candidate" and has a special message from the college kid who got caught trying to infiltrate Rep. Anne Northup's campaign for her opponent John Yarmuth.
Wednesday, September 13, 2006
Pence On Gambling
I'll leave it to others to criticize John David Dyche's evisceration of Governor Ernie Fletcher in today's Courier-Journal. His point that Steve Pence supports casino gambling "for the sake of the horse industry and state coffers" got my attention.
After falling for the lottery sales pitch in Kentucky, are we really going to tie our hopes to casinos? Dyche's suggestion that "social conservatives" are Pence's only stumbling block to making gambling his cause celebre ignores the facts. Casinos cause drastically higher government spending to attempt repair of the social damages caused by those same casinos. There are lots of ways to go to hell in Kentucky already, so social conservatives have their hands full; the real resistance to casinos should come from fiscal conservatives who aren't interested in inviting even greater need for entitlement spending into the state.
After falling for the lottery sales pitch in Kentucky, are we really going to tie our hopes to casinos? Dyche's suggestion that "social conservatives" are Pence's only stumbling block to making gambling his cause celebre ignores the facts. Casinos cause drastically higher government spending to attempt repair of the social damages caused by those same casinos. There are lots of ways to go to hell in Kentucky already, so social conservatives have their hands full; the real resistance to casinos should come from fiscal conservatives who aren't interested in inviting even greater need for entitlement spending into the state.
Herald Leader Screws Up Water Story, Again
This morning's story starts out like this:
About 200 people gathered at Oleika Shrine Temple last night to kick off a campaign they hope will lead to the city owning the local water utility.
Only when you get to the last paragraph do you get this:
If the referendum passes, it doesn't mean the city would immediately take control of the water company -- it means the case would start again. It could be years before a jury sets a price on the company that the city can either accept or reject as too high.
Trying to bury the main issue doesn't benefit the people of central Kentucky. The most important thing to know about this November's referendum is it just prolongs the madness of an ill-fated and expensive campaign whose only winners will be the lawyers. If you want to own the water company, get your friends to buy up shares. If you live in Fayette county, vote no to more wasted effort and resources. Vote no to extending the miserable water takeover fight.
About 200 people gathered at Oleika Shrine Temple last night to kick off a campaign they hope will lead to the city owning the local water utility.
Only when you get to the last paragraph do you get this:
If the referendum passes, it doesn't mean the city would immediately take control of the water company -- it means the case would start again. It could be years before a jury sets a price on the company that the city can either accept or reject as too high.
Trying to bury the main issue doesn't benefit the people of central Kentucky. The most important thing to know about this November's referendum is it just prolongs the madness of an ill-fated and expensive campaign whose only winners will be the lawyers. If you want to own the water company, get your friends to buy up shares. If you live in Fayette county, vote no to more wasted effort and resources. Vote no to extending the miserable water takeover fight.
Democrats For Fletcher, Take Two?
Governor Fletcher went to Lincoln county Monday to dedicate a bridge and drop off $2 million more. Response from elected Democrats was more than a little suspicious:
"This is very familiar territory for the governor, as he represented us so well for many years in Washington, D.C.," said Sen. Ed Worley, D-Richmond.
"We are deeply grateful for Gov. Fletcher's consistent commitment over the years to the quality of life and economic well-being of everyone in Lincoln County."
"We are extremely appreciative of everything that Gov. Fletcher did for Lincoln County while he was in Congress, including his work to make this bridge a reality," said Lincoln County Judge-Executive Buckwheat Gilbert.
"Gov. Fletcher has always been very good to Lincoln County, and we are delighted to have him here today."
Does anyone seriously doubt these two will be singing a much different tune after this November's elections?
"This is very familiar territory for the governor, as he represented us so well for many years in Washington, D.C.," said Sen. Ed Worley, D-Richmond.
"We are deeply grateful for Gov. Fletcher's consistent commitment over the years to the quality of life and economic well-being of everyone in Lincoln County."
"We are extremely appreciative of everything that Gov. Fletcher did for Lincoln County while he was in Congress, including his work to make this bridge a reality," said Lincoln County Judge-Executive Buckwheat Gilbert.
"Gov. Fletcher has always been very good to Lincoln County, and we are delighted to have him here today."
Does anyone seriously doubt these two will be singing a much different tune after this November's elections?
Dem Landslide 2006 Takes A Hit
Lincoln Chafee (RINO) won his primary in Rhode Island and so the GOP is more likely to hold its majority in the Senate. Conservatives are also more likely to suffer heartburn as Chafee is one of the majority of liberals in the upper chamber.
Tuesday, September 12, 2006
Another Good Day For Reform
The Dow Jones Industrial Average climbed 101 points today and is now up 7.25% for the year. How is your Social Security doing?
Hillary Enjoys Product Placement
One very effective form of movie and television advertising is called product placement. Almost a quarter of a century ago E.T.'s favorite snack was -- you guessed it -- Reese's Pieces. That's product placement.
Courtesy of ABC News, we have a political type of product placement in a story today about Princess Diana. It seems like every week someone else is writing another book about something she said or did right before she died. And lots of people read anything about Princess Diana and probably will for years. Well, ABC News got worked up when they found out she had said she might want to be first lady of America.
Burrell said that in the mid-1990s Diana had dreamed of following in the footsteps of stylish first ladies. "She's been a huge fan of Jackie Onassis for years, and a huge admirer, too, of Nancy Reagan and Hillary Clinton."
Of the above former first ladies, which one doesn't fit your idea of a "stylish first lady?" Hillary "Pantsuit" Clinton, of course. She wasn't part of any list here, she was a recipient of product placement in the news.
Next week we will read about Brad Pitt and Angelina Jolie threatening to move to Africa permanently unless Hillary Clinton is elected President in 2008.
Courtesy of ABC News, we have a political type of product placement in a story today about Princess Diana. It seems like every week someone else is writing another book about something she said or did right before she died. And lots of people read anything about Princess Diana and probably will for years. Well, ABC News got worked up when they found out she had said she might want to be first lady of America.
Burrell said that in the mid-1990s Diana had dreamed of following in the footsteps of stylish first ladies. "She's been a huge fan of Jackie Onassis for years, and a huge admirer, too, of Nancy Reagan and Hillary Clinton."
Of the above former first ladies, which one doesn't fit your idea of a "stylish first lady?" Hillary "Pantsuit" Clinton, of course. She wasn't part of any list here, she was a recipient of product placement in the news.
Next week we will read about Brad Pitt and Angelina Jolie threatening to move to Africa permanently unless Hillary Clinton is elected President in 2008.
UK: Domestic Partners To The Rescue!
The University of Kentucky's quest to become a Top 20 research institution is surely in the bag now. The state's flagship institute of higher learning is making plans to introduce same-sex partner health benefits to their employees and everyone knows this will make all the difference.
Rep. Kathy Stein (D-Lexington) is so excited she wants the state to jump on the bandwagon. Won't that make the merit system fantastic?
Rep. Kathy Stein (D-Lexington) is so excited she wants the state to jump on the bandwagon. Won't that make the merit system fantastic?
Monday, September 11, 2006
KY Liberals, Get Ready To Seethe
Lynne Cheney will visit the University of Louisville on Monday September 18 for a Constitution Day program.
Liberal Bloggers Cracking Up On Schedule
Liberal blogger Josh Marshall is letting the stress of the election season get to him. His latest theory is that President Bush "secretly" wants to dismantle Social Security next year. Marshall is convinced Bush intends to keep his plans quiet by telling them to the Wall Street Journal:
It's also no accident he raises the issue in an interview with conservative columnist Gigot. The White House doesn't want to broadcast his interest in phasing out Social Security.
Keep talking Josh!
It's also no accident he raises the issue in an interview with conservative columnist Gigot. The White House doesn't want to broadcast his interest in phasing out Social Security.
Keep talking Josh!
Herald Leader Hires Michael Moore
That is the best explanation I can come up with for the horrible timing of today's Hate-America-First unsigned editorial in that paper.
Steve Pence Back In The News
Ryan Alessi picks back up on the political fortunes of LG Steve Pence this morning. The Anyone But Ernie club seems to have lost momentum (in central KY anyway) and it may just be that the real action starts after this November's elections.
Nevertheless, now might be a good time for Pence to step in and start laying out an alternative agenda. If nothing else, a Republican versus Republican debate this fall could engage GOP voters in a variety of issues for the General Assembly session.
Nevertheless, now might be a good time for Pence to step in and start laying out an alternative agenda. If nothing else, a Republican versus Republican debate this fall could engage GOP voters in a variety of issues for the General Assembly session.
Sunday, September 10, 2006
Making Do: A Conservative's Perspective
I just read a ridiculous column in The Richmond Register about the horrors of living on minimum wage. You can read it here.
One part that jumps out was this: "It's hard, that's why you get credit cards," said Tiffany Cooper, a junior at EKU.
Hey, that's the mentality that made America great. Here's another: "let’s create a monthly scenario: Your rent is $400, you spend $200 on groceries, car insurance is $120 and your car payment is $100. This amounts to $820, just $4 less than what you’d make a month before taxes!"
While monthly EITC credits, WIC, food stamps, welfare, Medicaid, CHIP, etc. take some of the sting out this example, what jumps out at me as a problem is the car payment. High quality older cars have glutted the market to the point that very functional $500 are readily available. There is no reason for someone struggling to buy food to be carrying a car payment around as well. My wife and I drive two vehicles that are worth less than $3500 combined, despite fitting firmly into the demographic car dealers strive to provide shiny four-wheel self-expression. The point is two-fold: going in to debt to finance a lifestyle beyond your means is foolish and almost always causes misery. Also, living beneath your means can be fun, creates good habits, and is an almost surefire way out of many financial woes.
We all talk about Mexicans sneaking into this country to get on welfare, but not so much about the Vietnamese, Koreans, and Russians who struggle to get here to start a business and pursue the American Dream. Many of them succeed though they start with little or no ability to even speak the language. And we want an act of Congress to subsidize further the lifestyles of native-born Americans who refuse to break their habits of cable television, fast food meals, credit cards, and new cars?
Saving money and making do are two things people do when they are determined to succeed, often against greater odds than you or I have ever faced.
The best time to buy a car is Sunday night or Monday morning, when the car dealers are wrapping up the weekend with an inventory of low priced trade-ins that will be sold off to wholesalers by Tuesday. Low offers for those vehicles are often gratefully accepted. That's one big money-saving idea. Got any you would like to share?
One part that jumps out was this: "It's hard, that's why you get credit cards," said Tiffany Cooper, a junior at EKU.
Hey, that's the mentality that made America great. Here's another: "let’s create a monthly scenario: Your rent is $400, you spend $200 on groceries, car insurance is $120 and your car payment is $100. This amounts to $820, just $4 less than what you’d make a month before taxes!"
While monthly EITC credits, WIC, food stamps, welfare, Medicaid, CHIP, etc. take some of the sting out this example, what jumps out at me as a problem is the car payment. High quality older cars have glutted the market to the point that very functional $500 are readily available. There is no reason for someone struggling to buy food to be carrying a car payment around as well. My wife and I drive two vehicles that are worth less than $3500 combined, despite fitting firmly into the demographic car dealers strive to provide shiny four-wheel self-expression. The point is two-fold: going in to debt to finance a lifestyle beyond your means is foolish and almost always causes misery. Also, living beneath your means can be fun, creates good habits, and is an almost surefire way out of many financial woes.
We all talk about Mexicans sneaking into this country to get on welfare, but not so much about the Vietnamese, Koreans, and Russians who struggle to get here to start a business and pursue the American Dream. Many of them succeed though they start with little or no ability to even speak the language. And we want an act of Congress to subsidize further the lifestyles of native-born Americans who refuse to break their habits of cable television, fast food meals, credit cards, and new cars?
Saving money and making do are two things people do when they are determined to succeed, often against greater odds than you or I have ever faced.
The best time to buy a car is Sunday night or Monday morning, when the car dealers are wrapping up the weekend with an inventory of low priced trade-ins that will be sold off to wholesalers by Tuesday. Low offers for those vehicles are often gratefully accepted. That's one big money-saving idea. Got any you would like to share?
Senator Daily Kos Speaks
Lack of credibility on national defense has dogged permissive Democrats and the sense that their candidates would "cut and run" if elevated to Congressional majorities has buoyed Republican chances in a difficult year.
Senator John Rockefeller (D-WV), also known as Senator Daily Kos, has said what Americans have only feared until now: Democrats want to step up the appeasement in the war on terror.
WCBS-TV in New York reports: "Does Rockefeller stand by his view, even if it means that Saddam Hussein could still be in power if the United States didn't invade? 'Yes. [Saddam] wasn't going to attack us. He would've been isolated there,' Rockefeller said."
And these people want us to trust them with Iran, North Korea, Lebanon, and Syria, not to mention critical domestic issues like entitlement reform, education reform, and government spending where they also fail to see any problems caused by liberal policies.
Senator John Rockefeller (D-WV), also known as Senator Daily Kos, has said what Americans have only feared until now: Democrats want to step up the appeasement in the war on terror.
WCBS-TV in New York reports: "Does Rockefeller stand by his view, even if it means that Saddam Hussein could still be in power if the United States didn't invade? 'Yes. [Saddam] wasn't going to attack us. He would've been isolated there,' Rockefeller said."
And these people want us to trust them with Iran, North Korea, Lebanon, and Syria, not to mention critical domestic issues like entitlement reform, education reform, and government spending where they also fail to see any problems caused by liberal policies.
Saturday, September 09, 2006
Racino Bill Pre-Filed For 2007
Gambling interests are making another move on Kentucky.
The problem with pinning the hopes of the state on gambling is simple. The real dollar costs associated with setting up casinos are significantly higher than promised tax revenue from the gambling. Frankly, it is a bargain to let those who want to drive to Indiana go there.
This racino business is just a back door method for increasing the size of government and raising taxes.
The problem with pinning the hopes of the state on gambling is simple. The real dollar costs associated with setting up casinos are significantly higher than promised tax revenue from the gambling. Frankly, it is a bargain to let those who want to drive to Indiana go there.
This racino business is just a back door method for increasing the size of government and raising taxes.
Billy Harper Running For Governor
The AP is reporting Billy Harper is ready to announce he is on board to run for the GOP nomination for Governor. The real question is, who is his running mate going to be?
Cold Kentucky Cash
Disgraced -- but still in office -- Congressman William Jefferson (D-LA) saw his eventual prosecution take one big Kentucky step closer when Louisville "businessman" Vernon Jackson was sentenced to federal prison for bribing Jefferson. Rep. Jefferson made international news this summer when $90,000 in bribe money was found in his freezer.
Friday, September 08, 2006
Standing For Nothing
Congressional Democrats have succeeded in stopping much of Republicans' progress on important issues. As we enter our last decade of any measure of solvency in Social Security, Nancy Pelosi issued a press release with no new ideas on the subject.
We still need action on immigration, extending tax cuts, entitlement reform, and energy independence, but the problem is the Republican majority is too small.
At least we criminalized Horse Burgers!
We still need action on immigration, extending tax cuts, entitlement reform, and energy independence, but the problem is the Republican majority is too small.
At least we criminalized Horse Burgers!
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