Steve Beshear's comprehensive plan for public pension reform:
Monday, July 16, 2007
Fight Government's Milkflation Now
Federal policies on milk are absurd.
The Congress should get out of the way of competition and lower prices. They are working on a new farm bill right now.
The Congress should get out of the way of competition and lower prices. They are working on a new farm bill right now.
Sunday, July 15, 2007
Are House Dems Ready To End Their Strike?
When the monthly meeting of legislative leaders scheduled for July 11 was cancelled during the special session fight, it wasn't supposed to be rescheduled.
In fact, Senate President David Williams and House Speaker Jody Richards have exchanged little publicly but harsh words.
So it was a bit of a surprise when the announcement was made this afternoon that their July meeting of the Legislative Research Commission is back on and is set for this Friday at 1:30.
In fact, Senate President David Williams and House Speaker Jody Richards have exchanged little publicly but harsh words.
So it was a bit of a surprise when the announcement was made this afternoon that their July meeting of the Legislative Research Commission is back on and is set for this Friday at 1:30.
Jessamine County Sanctuary For Illegals
Jessamine county politicians changed a policy earlier this year to essentially grant amnesty to illegal aliens apprehended by law enforcement authorities.
If you are here illegally and get arrested in Jessamine county, you are probably headed home without so much as a slap on the wrist.
If you are a Jessamine county politician, you have some work to do.
(Clarification: local judges apparently requested limiting involvement by federal immigration officials in local cases.)
If you are here illegally and get arrested in Jessamine county, you are probably headed home without so much as a slap on the wrist.
If you are a Jessamine county politician, you have some work to do.
(Clarification: local judges apparently requested limiting involvement by federal immigration officials in local cases.)
Saturday, July 14, 2007
Next Target: Ron Bishop, FCDC
Can't help but wonder how many hundreds of news stories the MSM would have dropped on the Fayette County Detention Center since the FBI raid last October if the jail or the city of Lexington were run by Republicans.
Nevertheless, several officials at the jail have lawyered up under questioning and, rather than a slow bleed it appears we are in for an explosion perhaps as soon as a few weeks.
Nevertheless, several officials at the jail have lawyered up under questioning and, rather than a slow bleed it appears we are in for an explosion perhaps as soon as a few weeks.
Interesting...
Here is a plan to wipe out several welfare bureaucracies and, in exchange, expand Earned Income Tax Credits.
The idea is to spend less running programs and just give the money to the people. If we could ensure that there were consequences for recipients wasting the money on drugs -- which we probably can't -- it would be a no-brainer.
On the other other hand, wiping out the individual programs and making the aid easier to see and track could be a good way to wean able-bodied people off the dole.
The idea is to spend less running programs and just give the money to the people. If we could ensure that there were consequences for recipients wasting the money on drugs -- which we probably can't -- it would be a no-brainer.
On the other other hand, wiping out the individual programs and making the aid easier to see and track could be a good way to wean able-bodied people off the dole.
Friday, July 13, 2007
Yale Young Dems, Call Your Webmaster
Washington D.C. Democrats have been scrambling for a Kentucky candidate to take on Sen. Mitch McConnell.
They have settled on Richmond Senator Ed Worley.
Worley doesn't really expect to win, but wants to get his name ID up for a 2011 run for governor. This means, of course, that he needs Steve Beshear to lose in November.
Good Riddance
Barbara Erwin is not going to be Kentucky's education commissioner.
Only because it is Friday will I point out she quit one day after I said she should be fired.
A statement from the state Department of Education said that Erwin cited "overwhelming and acute scrutiny" as her reason for declining the job. She told the school board of her decision Friday.
Only because it is Friday will I point out she quit one day after I said she should be fired.
Destroying Government Property Is A Crime
England is starting to get serious about instituting a "fat tax" to lower healthcare costs.
One thought about this is that since the government "pays for" healthcare, that people who sit around gorging themselves on ice cream and potato chips are really destroying government property.
Fighting against Michael Moore health reform is pretty important to the future of our nation. Pointing out that the government rightly owns what it pays for may cause a few more people to think about turning their bodies over to Hillary Clinton or Steve Beshear.
One thought about this is that since the government "pays for" healthcare, that people who sit around gorging themselves on ice cream and potato chips are really destroying government property.
Fighting against Michael Moore health reform is pretty important to the future of our nation. Pointing out that the government rightly owns what it pays for may cause a few more people to think about turning their bodies over to Hillary Clinton or Steve Beshear.
Thursday, July 12, 2007
Beshear Takes The Bait On Casinos
As long as the gubernatorial race is about Steve Beshear's shilling for casinos, Governor Fletcher's poll numbers are just going to get better.
Today, Beshear played it Ernie's way.
And here's the thing: Beshear is not only adamant about casinos being the best and only way to go, he just doesn't have anything else.
Today, Beshear played it Ernie's way.
And here's the thing: Beshear is not only adamant about casinos being the best and only way to go, he just doesn't have anything else.
Congressional Dems To Terrorists: We Quit In '08
A lot of us aren't happy with the war, but this isn't the answer.
David Williams To Jody Richards: Pound Sand
Senate President David Williams sent a letter to House Speaker Jody Richards refusing Richards' offer of a junket to St. Louis to talk to Peabody Energy:
These guys will put on their bipartisan hats again in January when it is time to spend your money and re-elect their members. But until November, this is what you get. Can't wait to see Richards' response.
I do not understand why you need to fly to St. Louis, unless you are trying to create cover for the House failing to act on this important measure when it unconstitutionally attempted to adjourn Sine Die and left town while the Senate remained and worked on this important incentive package.
Only your use of leadership to summon your members back to Frankfort to act on this bill, which has passed the Senate, will make you and the House relevant in accomplishing the important goal of developing Kentucky's coal assets and creating thousands of jobs.
These guys will put on their bipartisan hats again in January when it is time to spend your money and re-elect their members. But until November, this is what you get. Can't wait to see Richards' response.
Yalies For Steve Beshear
A post on this site yesterday which didn't even directly mention Steve Beshear's really bad ideas like collective bargaining for all state employees or more government-run health insurance for all Kentuckians has gotten some folks worked up in, of all places, New Haven, Connecticut.
Visitors to the site from New Haven this morning include several from Yale University web addresses, including some that came through an admin page for a website dedicated to getting someone like Greg Stumbo to run against Sen. Mitch McConnell.
Visitors to the site from New Haven this morning include several from Yale University web addresses, including some that came through an admin page for a website dedicated to getting someone like Greg Stumbo to run against Sen. Mitch McConnell.
A Walking, Talking Education Scandal
We've all seen politicians who seem to think they are above the law.
They could take lessons from Barbara Erwin, whose prior fraudulent acts could all be forgiven if she hadn't said this:
She probably says that to all the states she screws out of hundreds of thousands of dollars.
Erwin is best remembered as the Education Commissioner candidate who, after being offered the job as Kentucky's top school official dismissed several factual misstatements on her resume as mere typographical errors.
What kind of person has the balls to say such a thing and do we really want her setting policy for our children? This is the kind of thing for which the blogosphere claims to have been created.
Conservative political bloggers should speak up against this on principle. Liberals should too. Bipartisan grassroots agreement can be a very powerful thing.
Kentucky should get rid of Barbara Erwin.
They could take lessons from Barbara Erwin, whose prior fraudulent acts could all be forgiven if she hadn't said this:
"I believe the Commonwealth truly will be the first state that reaches proficiency for all of its children," Erwin said.
She probably says that to all the states she screws out of hundreds of thousands of dollars.
Erwin is best remembered as the Education Commissioner candidate who, after being offered the job as Kentucky's top school official dismissed several factual misstatements on her resume as mere typographical errors.
What kind of person has the balls to say such a thing and do we really want her setting policy for our children? This is the kind of thing for which the blogosphere claims to have been created.
Conservative political bloggers should speak up against this on principle. Liberals should too. Bipartisan grassroots agreement can be a very powerful thing.
Kentucky should get rid of Barbara Erwin.
Wednesday, July 11, 2007
Beshear's First Big Mistake
Now we're talking.
And talking is something that won't be good for Steve Beshear.
Take your pick -- here, or here.
The Fletcher campaign has already jumped on some of the energy stuff, but this is a target rich environment.
And talking is something that won't be good for Steve Beshear.
Take your pick -- here, or here.
The Fletcher campaign has already jumped on some of the energy stuff, but this is a target rich environment.
Primping For Poverty, Coifing For Quitters
Just noticed John Edwards' campaign slogan is "Road to One America" and can't help wondering if the one he wants involves men requiring men to get dolled up like this.
Universal hair care, perhaps?
Where Are Conservatives On Healthcare?
The left is having all the fun arguing among themselves the finer points of how to make our healthcare system better.
RomneyCare doesn't count. It just doesn't.
We are going to have to do more than just borrow ideas from Hillary Clinton.
Free-market reforms are compelling. In fact, for us to have a chance we are going to have to dramatically reduce government's role in health care.
That is the story we need to tell.
RomneyCare doesn't count. It just doesn't.
We are going to have to do more than just borrow ideas from Hillary Clinton.
Free-market reforms are compelling. In fact, for us to have a chance we are going to have to dramatically reduce government's role in health care.
That is the story we need to tell.
Tuesday, July 10, 2007
The Other Crappy News: Kentucky Education
Now that the special session has been flushed down the toilet, it's time to flush Barbara Erwin.
And the latest news on Erwin is just plain awful. I wonder how hard we would find it to dig up someone worse than her to be in charge of our state's public schools.
And the latest news on Erwin is just plain awful. I wonder how hard we would find it to dig up someone worse than her to be in charge of our state's public schools.
Nice Going, Nattering Nabobs!
There is again plenty of blame to go around, but it is ironic that after the effort to save taxpayer money by aborting the special session we now get to sit around for three weeks with no session, but the same amount of money going out every day.
That's right, the legislators are getting paid for doing nothing. And you are paying them!
That's right, the legislators are getting paid for doing nothing. And you are paying them!
Are We Talking Green As In Environmental, Or Is It Green As In Government Money?
Amid rising suspicion the global warming and eco-fatalism movements are mere politically motivated tripe comes a report from California (free subscription required) that having a state fleet of alternative fuel vehicles actually raises greenhouse gas emissions.
So it should come as no surprise that still-born SB 1 here in Kentucky had a similar plan tucked into page 48 of the bill.
So it should come as no surprise that still-born SB 1 here in Kentucky had a similar plan tucked into page 48 of the bill.
Monday, July 09, 2007
House Dems Support Boyfriend Benefits
House members who voted to adjourn without doing anything must be content to let our major universities sell out to the taxpayer-supported domestic partner benefit crowd.
Can we really assume anything else?
Can we really assume anything else?
"I'll Gladly Build Your Road Next Year In Exchange For Your Vote This November"
Sources around the state report Steve Beshear is promising state money for roads in exchange for campaign contributions.
Just a small reminder, along with the casino/spending scam and socialized medicine, that electing Steve Beshear is hardly the solution to Kentucky's problems.
Just a small reminder, along with the casino/spending scam and socialized medicine, that electing Steve Beshear is hardly the solution to Kentucky's problems.
Mr. Edwards, Tear Down This Wall!
While Kentuckians are talking about corporate give-aways to attract companies, presidential aspirant John Edwards wants to build a Berlin Wall to keep employers from leaving the country.
"No American corporation should be able to lift up, go overseas, and hire children or slave labor to do their work," Edwards said.
Somehow, I don't think President Edwards would open his barbed-wire fence to corporations who pledge to only hire consenting adults. Again, we just need better policies to attract companies to our state and make staying in the country more efficacious to them.
That most likely means switching away from income taxation and toward just taxing consumption.
"No American corporation should be able to lift up, go overseas, and hire children or slave labor to do their work," Edwards said.
Somehow, I don't think President Edwards would open his barbed-wire fence to corporations who pledge to only hire consenting adults. Again, we just need better policies to attract companies to our state and make staying in the country more efficacious to them.
That most likely means switching away from income taxation and toward just taxing consumption.
Sunday, July 08, 2007
Where's Jody And What's He Doing For Fun?
The talk of House Democrats possibly coming back in for the special session took a big hit earlier today when the announcement went out that this Wednesday's monthly meeting of the Legislative Research Commission -- which includes leaders from both the House and Senate -- has been cancelled and won't be rescheduled.
Is It News Or Just Bad Grammar?
WKYT.com (the CBS television affiliate in Lexington) reports the following:
Here is the whole story, but I don't think Scorsone is crossing the picket line or encouraging his comrades in the House to do so either.
For the record, in the sentence above "Governor Fletcher" is not the one urging House Democrats, Scorsone is. If the author meant to say Fletcher was the one doing the urging he might have done it like this:
Scorsone says pressure by airport officials may be an election year favor to Governor Fletcher, who is urging House Democrats to return so legislators can decide on the airport matter and some 66 other items on the agenda.
Scorsone says pressure by airport officials may be a favor to Governor Fletcher - who is seeking reelection- and is urging House democrats to return so the session can decide on the airport matter and some 66 others items on the agenda.
Here is the whole story, but I don't think Scorsone is crossing the picket line or encouraging his comrades in the House to do so either.
For the record, in the sentence above "Governor Fletcher" is not the one urging House Democrats, Scorsone is. If the author meant to say Fletcher was the one doing the urging he might have done it like this:
Scorsone says pressure by airport officials may be an election year favor to Governor Fletcher, who is urging House Democrats to return so legislators can decide on the airport matter and some 66 other items on the agenda.
Saturday, July 07, 2007
Raising Your Taxes While "Soaking The Rich"
You will soon be hearing about federal tax bills to put a damper on private equity investors as if it is no big deal, just getting after the evil rich people.
Well, think again.
From Americans for Tax Reform:
Here is the whole article.
While the MSM makes such a big deal about President Bush's low approval numbers, they don't mention so much that Congress is even less respected. This is one reason why.
Always remember that income taxes have a nasty way of rolling downhill.
Well, think again.
From Americans for Tax Reform:
• There are three main arguments against these related measures:
1. Assault on Pensions and Charities. This is a direct assault on every firefighter’s, cop’s, nurse’s, and teacher’s pension in America. It’s an assault on the nest egg of every local college. It’s an attack on the resources charities have to do work in their communities.
2. Assault on Savings and Growth. Since the 2003 tax cut that lowered the capital gains and dividends rate to 15%, the S&P 500 Index has increased by over 13% a year. Household net worth has grown by over $12 trillion, or 27%. The Democrat plan to raise the tax rate on savings from 15% to 40% will wreck the economy. This is just the first assault on the lower rates that have given us such undeniable prosperity.
3. “Liberal Tax Hike of the Week.”. This is just the latest money-grab from Congressional Democrats this year. They want to raise taxes on energy, raise taxes on businesses that sell U.S. goods overseas, raise taxes on Americans abroad, raise taxes on smokers, and now they want to raise taxes on every pension, college and charity in America.
Here is the whole article.
While the MSM makes such a big deal about President Bush's low approval numbers, they don't mention so much that Congress is even less respected. This is one reason why.
Always remember that income taxes have a nasty way of rolling downhill.
Why Have Good State Tax Policy When Targeted Tax Incentives Are So Much Fun For Politicians?
There is little doubt that most of the legislative opponents to energy company tax incentives in July will have a miraculous change of heart in January.
In fact, the letter Jody Richards' handlers intended for him to wave around dramatically during his floor speech Thursday promises Peabody's Rick Bowen they will:
The letter was signed by the Democratic Party leaders in the House of Representatives. I typed it exactly as the letter was written.
What is lost in all this mess is that if we just set corporate tax policy that would work for everyone, we wouldn't have to engage in these counterproductive incentive programs.
The Tax Foundation sums it up pretty well in one sentence:
It is clear that what House Dems are waiting for is a new governor, but we should embrace the opportunity to reform our tax code for everyone and not just for individual out-of-state companies on a case-by-case basis.
In fact, the letter Jody Richards' handlers intended for him to wave around dramatically during his floor speech Thursday promises Peabody's Rick Bowen they will:
As you know from the ongoing representations, both individually and collectively, of the undersigned there is a demonstrated record in the Kentucky House of Representatives of our desire to foster a favorable atmosphere for projects that will reduce our nation's dependence on foreign oil while taking advantage of Kentucky's unique abundance of the requisite natural resources. In the spirit of that desire and given the uncertainty of the specifics or feasibility of your project as referenced in your July 3, '07 letter, each of us wish to assure you of our willingness to enact appropriate financial incentives during the January 08' regular session of the Kentucky General Assembly that will facilitate your project; make KY a leader in this promising new industry; and be in the best interest of the people of the Commonwealth.
The letter was signed by the Democratic Party leaders in the House of Representatives. I typed it exactly as the letter was written.
What is lost in all this mess is that if we just set corporate tax policy that would work for everyone, we wouldn't have to engage in these counterproductive incentive programs.
The Tax Foundation sums it up pretty well in one sentence:
Tax preferences designed to boost corporate investment may provide short-term advantages to some companies—and allow lawmakers to take credit for new jobs in campaign speeches—but in the long run they add enormous complexity to the code, and ultimately transform the tax system into an economic minefield of narrow bases and punitively high rates.
It is clear that what House Dems are waiting for is a new governor, but we should embrace the opportunity to reform our tax code for everyone and not just for individual out-of-state companies on a case-by-case basis.
Friday, July 06, 2007
Coalflation The Hidden Tax In SB 1
We've already seen corn prices skyrocket because the government wants to promote ethanol as an alternative fuel.
So how will we feel about our home electric bills after we subsidize rapid growth in coal usage only to have a negligible effect on oil importation and gas prices?
So how will we feel about our home electric bills after we subsidize rapid growth in coal usage only to have a negligible effect on oil importation and gas prices?
Special Session Chess Match Might Get Interesting
Who is winning? Who is losing?
Got an opinion of what will/should happen next?
Let's hear it...
Got an opinion of what will/should happen next?
Let's hear it...
Thursday, July 05, 2007
It's All Over But The Chest Thumping
Today was ugly and tomorrow will be uglier still.
Speaker Jody Richards couldn't have looked much more amateurish directing the House today. What a mess. The constitutional issues might keep the Adjournment 2008 fight going for a while, but the big losers in this are easy to see; it's the taxpayers.
Might be fun to see the House Dems get arrested for skipping out on their duty, but it would really be great to see some real issues get more prominent play.
The domestic partner mess needs to be addressed, but I think we need to put the coal to liquid deal to bed first. Otherwise, some real healthcare reform would be inspiring.
Speaker Jody Richards couldn't have looked much more amateurish directing the House today. What a mess. The constitutional issues might keep the Adjournment 2008 fight going for a while, but the big losers in this are easy to see; it's the taxpayers.
Might be fun to see the House Dems get arrested for skipping out on their duty, but it would really be great to see some real issues get more prominent play.
The domestic partner mess needs to be addressed, but I think we need to put the coal to liquid deal to bed first. Otherwise, some real healthcare reform would be inspiring.
Financial Literacy By Liberals
A bleeding heart group in Berea is going to combat payday loan operators by competing with them.
Their ironic plan is to help poor people get out of debt by getting their employers to give them low-interest loans.
They are a little light on details so far, but a video of the financial counseling would surely be a sight to behold.
I'm thinking it will go something like this:
Their ironic plan is to help poor people get out of debt by getting their employers to give them low-interest loans.
They are a little light on details so far, but a video of the financial counseling would surely be a sight to behold.
I'm thinking it will go something like this:
Dude, we're gonna get your boss to give you the extra bread you need for the stuff you deserve and then sue the fascist when he tries to get it back from you because you deserve it, man. Serves him right for not paying you a fair wage to begin with, man.
...Jobs Americans Just Won't Do
A medical blog called "InsureBlog" points out the most recent terrorists in England were people who took advantage of England's need to import immigrant doctors into their national health service, even from hostile nations.
This provides us with yet another reason to ask ourselves if we really want all our health care professionals working for the government at civil servant wages.
And there can be no doubt this is a Kentucky issue when one major candidate for governor makes no bones about moving us in that direction.
This provides us with yet another reason to ask ourselves if we really want all our health care professionals working for the government at civil servant wages.
And there can be no doubt this is a Kentucky issue when one major candidate for governor makes no bones about moving us in that direction.
Wednesday, July 04, 2007
Will House Fold On First Day Of Session?
WHAS reporter Mark Hebert says this morning Speaker Jody Richards will immediately adjourn tomorrow, ending Governor Fletcher's special session.
If they do this, I think it will be a serious political loss for the Governor. He won't want to hammer the Democrats for saving us from a large give-away on an iffy project and $60,000 a day to spend millions more on projects that can wait until January. The silver lining in that cloud may be that he could then focus his campaign on more meaningful issues like school choice, health care (for people who aren't on Medicaid), and repeal of the Alternative Minimum Calculation.
If they do this, I think it will be a serious political loss for the Governor. He won't want to hammer the Democrats for saving us from a large give-away on an iffy project and $60,000 a day to spend millions more on projects that can wait until January. The silver lining in that cloud may be that he could then focus his campaign on more meaningful issues like school choice, health care (for people who aren't on Medicaid), and repeal of the Alternative Minimum Calculation.
Tuesday, July 03, 2007
More News Cover-Up On Socialized Medicine
Whether you are concerned or not about Governor Beshear and LG Mongiardo hitting us with their utopian fix for healthcare, you might want to look at what you aren't being told about the government-run program in England they want us to have.
Monday, July 02, 2007
Public Pension Mess: Forgotten But Not Gone
If we are really going to have a special session starting at the end of this week, the least we can do is repeal the bad law from 2005 that allows lawmakers a huge pension bonus for going to work elsewhere in state government.
It's The Health Care Costs, Stupid
Neither gubernatorial candidate is addressing a real pocketbook issue that could be fixed with a few simple changes in the law.
Health care.
Of course, Beshear thinks casinos will fix the problem, so Fletcher has a slight edge. But neither sees what repealing Certificate of Need would do. We need more competition among providers and insurers, yet our laws serve mainly to inhibit market forces from working.
It is a shame we have accomplished nothing on this front after four years with a Republican governor. The Democratic answers, meanwhile, will only make matters worse.
Free market supporters would do well to embrace this issue before it is too late.
Health care.
Of course, Beshear thinks casinos will fix the problem, so Fletcher has a slight edge. But neither sees what repealing Certificate of Need would do. We need more competition among providers and insurers, yet our laws serve mainly to inhibit market forces from working.
It is a shame we have accomplished nothing on this front after four years with a Republican governor. The Democratic answers, meanwhile, will only make matters worse.
Free market supporters would do well to embrace this issue before it is too late.
Sunday, July 01, 2007
Fear Not, Liberal Kentucky Blog Readers
Bluegrass Report is on the trash heap Monday morning, but we still have BluegrassRoots.org for the crazy left-wing stuff.
Making The Right Call
There has still been no call of the special session that is supposed to start on Thursday.
Governor Fletcher should forget about the coal processing subsidy business and call a special session to address healthcare costs.
While everyone else is increasing government control in hopes that the next brilliant idea will finally work, Kentucky should eliminate all mandates on health insurance companies and focus regulatory efforts on enforcing contracts only.
Governor Fletcher should forget about the coal processing subsidy business and call a special session to address healthcare costs.
While everyone else is increasing government control in hopes that the next brilliant idea will finally work, Kentucky should eliminate all mandates on health insurance companies and focus regulatory efforts on enforcing contracts only.
Saturday, June 30, 2007
Courier-Journal Insults Normal People Again
The CJ weighs in on illegal immigration again by suggesting anyone who is opposed is racist and uninformed.
Typical.
And then they got in the talking point du jour, bringing back the Fairness Doctrine:
If the liberal papers are so desperate in their rapid decline that they are really going to hang their hopes on shutting down talk radio legislatively, they sure don't need subscriptions or advertising dollars from people who disagree with them.
The free market is doing its thing again.
Typical.
And then they got in the talking point du jour, bringing back the Fairness Doctrine:
But if right-wing radio could produce such venomous (and effective) resistance to a reform supported by George W. Bush, imagine how it would react to a similar measure offered by Hillary Clinton or Barack Obama.
If the liberal papers are so desperate in their rapid decline that they are really going to hang their hopes on shutting down talk radio legislatively, they sure don't need subscriptions or advertising dollars from people who disagree with them.
The free market is doing its thing again.
Friday, June 29, 2007
Milkflation
Cows make milk. Corn feeds cows. Federal government screws up corn market with ethanol nonsense, raising the price for the milk corn-fed cows make.
Got water, anyone?
Got water, anyone?
Cracking Down On Illegals In Kentucky
Rep. Rick Nelson (D-Middlesboro) told me yesterday he is going to file a bill to penalize employers who hire illegal immigrants.
Pre-filed Bill Would Cut Pay For Special Sessions
Rep. John Will Stacy (D-West Liberty) pre-filed a bill yesterday afternoon that would cut off legislator pay for either legislative body that adjourns during a regular or special session without the consent of other chamber.
Thursday, June 28, 2007
Democrats Play Catch-Up On Energy Pork Bill
Speaker Jody Richards just started off today's House A&R meeting by stating his position that we don't need a special session.
I agree with him.
Update: Dr. Jim Bartis of the Rand Institute said if we do this we should also build a carbon sequestration facility because that will be necessary to attract potential federal subsidies in the future.
This is a reason not to do it.
Bill Caylor of the Kentucky Coal Association said he was in favor of anything that involved mining more coal but that the energy pork would have no impact on gasoline prices.
I agree with him.
Update: Dr. Jim Bartis of the Rand Institute said if we do this we should also build a carbon sequestration facility because that will be necessary to attract potential federal subsidies in the future.
This is a reason not to do it.
Bill Caylor of the Kentucky Coal Association said he was in favor of anything that involved mining more coal but that the energy pork would have no impact on gasoline prices.
Unfinished Business
Am I the only one who sees a momentum shift as the effort to give away the farm to illegal immigrants wanes? By the way, if you are still stuck on the Senate cloture vote, you may find solace among the House Republicans.
After Amnesty dies again, we need to push back by cutting off entitlements for illegals. I don't have a problem with them competing for our jobs, but there should be no incentive whatsoever for them to come here and draw welfare.
Meanwhile, as a column in today's Herald-Leader correctly notes, Kentucky is held back by the Alternative Minimum Calculation.
Governor Fletcher has shifted on casinos. Now is the time for him to shift on this bad tax. The primary vote in his race split down the middle with his two opponents promoting repeal. The conservative base has only two choices on election day: vote Fletcher or stay home. Giving us this one should make sense to Team Fletcher.
After Amnesty dies again, we need to push back by cutting off entitlements for illegals. I don't have a problem with them competing for our jobs, but there should be no incentive whatsoever for them to come here and draw welfare.
Meanwhile, as a column in today's Herald-Leader correctly notes, Kentucky is held back by the Alternative Minimum Calculation.
Governor Fletcher has shifted on casinos. Now is the time for him to shift on this bad tax. The primary vote in his race split down the middle with his two opponents promoting repeal. The conservative base has only two choices on election day: vote Fletcher or stay home. Giving us this one should make sense to Team Fletcher.
Wednesday, June 27, 2007
Governor Fletcher Steps Up Against Casinos
Finally.
Governor Fletcher announced today through his campaign manager that he doesn't support putting casinos on the ballot in Kentucky.
Good move. A little late in the day, but a good move nonetheless.
Casinos cost states more than they benefit them and putting the issue on the ballot only allows the casinos -- and their pathetic mouthpiece surrogates like KEEP -- to pour millions of dollars in slick advertising onto the airwaves.
While it would have been satisfying to see Team Fletcher jump on this earlier, they were right to hold onto it for a while. Beshear has no place to go on casinos, except maybe to bid higher.
Can we get $600 million a year, Steve?
Governor Fletcher announced today through his campaign manager that he doesn't support putting casinos on the ballot in Kentucky.
Good move. A little late in the day, but a good move nonetheless.
Casinos cost states more than they benefit them and putting the issue on the ballot only allows the casinos -- and their pathetic mouthpiece surrogates like KEEP -- to pour millions of dollars in slick advertising onto the airwaves.
While it would have been satisfying to see Team Fletcher jump on this earlier, they were right to hold onto it for a while. Beshear has no place to go on casinos, except maybe to bid higher.
Can we get $600 million a year, Steve?
... And West Virginia Surely Wants Us To Elect Steve Beshear As Our Governor, Too
I'm delighted to see Canadians want to see Hillary Clinton elected President of the United States.
RPK Launches Salvos, But No Explosions Yet
It has been mildly funny to watch Democrats go apoplectic because RPK Chairman Steve Robertson questioned the judgement of their Attorney General and the effete character they picked to replace him.
It has been more enjoyable to watch the Lexington Herald-Leader scramble to come up with a coherent answer to campaign contributions to liberal extremist candidates from their own staffers. You can almost see the wheels spinning in their heads as it occurs to them that money really is speech.
But if they really want to see the opposition squirm in their own little painted corner, the Republican party should go after the teachers unions. Kentucky desperately needs school choice and Democrats aren't going to give it to us. Republicans should.
In these dog days with relatively few people paying attention, now is the time to start explaining how everyone wins with school choice. Well, everyone except those addicted to the status quo.
It has been more enjoyable to watch the Lexington Herald-Leader scramble to come up with a coherent answer to campaign contributions to liberal extremist candidates from their own staffers. You can almost see the wheels spinning in their heads as it occurs to them that money really is speech.
But if they really want to see the opposition squirm in their own little painted corner, the Republican party should go after the teachers unions. Kentucky desperately needs school choice and Democrats aren't going to give it to us. Republicans should.
In these dog days with relatively few people paying attention, now is the time to start explaining how everyone wins with school choice. Well, everyone except those addicted to the status quo.
Tuesday, June 26, 2007
Where Immigration Reform Should Start
President Lyndon Johnson's words about transforming America into a Great Society can be instructive to our current immigration debate, but not in any way he would have anticipated or that his ideological progeny now appreciate. When he said "it is a place where men are more concerned with the quality of their goals than with the quantity of their goods," he invoked the socialist bugaboo "materialism" to justify entitlement spending. Today, we hear pejoratives such as "racism" and "nationalism" tossed about to justify an invasion on American soil attacking the soft underbelly of our society: our entitlement system. The quality of our goal to enhance life, liberty, and the pursuit of happiness most widely will be tested as we wrestle with illegal immigration, but this healthy discussion will present great opportunity for advancement.
America is turning the corner on immigration and entitlements with the current unrest over the proposed granting of wholesale amnesty to illegal immigrants. Politicians who fail to see the coming events in time will pay a heavy price. I believe what we are experiencing is a return to the path that made America great and the one that will make our nation greater still. That path involves more freedom in our free enterprise and less entitling in our entitlement system. We will accomplish this by expelling illegals from our communities without using massive police action or by building miles and miles of walls along our southern border. We will accomplish a renaissance in America by dismantling our welfare system and it will rightly begin by cutting off those in this country illegally.
As the least productive among them either choose to become more productive or choose to leave, the lights will start to come on across America. We don't need a guest worker program, we need Americans to see foreigners come here and truly risk everything to gain what we take for granted. That doesn't happen when the newcomers live far better here on welfare than they do at home.
The cold fact is that we can easily afford illegal immigration. Any new person who is even minimally productive is a net positive to our economy, even on all kinds of welfare. This is why we have survived so well despite granting socialist advances beyond Karl Marx's dreams. But the more important fact is that we can do even better for everyone without the Great Society bluster and largesse. It is time we gave this a shot. And the first blow will be struck when we clamp down on government benefits given to those who are here illegally.
America is turning the corner on immigration and entitlements with the current unrest over the proposed granting of wholesale amnesty to illegal immigrants. Politicians who fail to see the coming events in time will pay a heavy price. I believe what we are experiencing is a return to the path that made America great and the one that will make our nation greater still. That path involves more freedom in our free enterprise and less entitling in our entitlement system. We will accomplish this by expelling illegals from our communities without using massive police action or by building miles and miles of walls along our southern border. We will accomplish a renaissance in America by dismantling our welfare system and it will rightly begin by cutting off those in this country illegally.
As the least productive among them either choose to become more productive or choose to leave, the lights will start to come on across America. We don't need a guest worker program, we need Americans to see foreigners come here and truly risk everything to gain what we take for granted. That doesn't happen when the newcomers live far better here on welfare than they do at home.
The cold fact is that we can easily afford illegal immigration. Any new person who is even minimally productive is a net positive to our economy, even on all kinds of welfare. This is why we have survived so well despite granting socialist advances beyond Karl Marx's dreams. But the more important fact is that we can do even better for everyone without the Great Society bluster and largesse. It is time we gave this a shot. And the first blow will be struck when we clamp down on government benefits given to those who are here illegally.
Monday, June 25, 2007
Why Didn't Kentucky Lawyers Think Of This?
Lawyers in Dallas are really getting ramped up to handle global warming lawsuits.
Given our subsidy-for-coal plans, when this stuff hits Kentucky it will get messy fast and doubly expensive for consumers.
Given our subsidy-for-coal plans, when this stuff hits Kentucky it will get messy fast and doubly expensive for consumers.
Sunday, June 24, 2007
Expensive Bipartisan Inaction On KY Pensions
It would be difficult to overstate the risk to Kentucky taxpayers of doing nothing about public pensions.
Here is a good editorial.
We have waited too long to trim the pension benefits of politically-connected Kentuckians paid for by the rest of us.
The blue ribbon meetings on this aren't going to accomplish anything. So far, Kentucky's Senate majority is the only group who has done anything productive on this. We need leadership on this issue now.
Here is a good editorial.
We have waited too long to trim the pension benefits of politically-connected Kentuckians paid for by the rest of us.
The blue ribbon meetings on this aren't going to accomplish anything. So far, Kentucky's Senate majority is the only group who has done anything productive on this. We need leadership on this issue now.
Saturday, June 23, 2007
McConnell Steps Up Against Gouging Bill
Thanks to both Kentucky Senators for voting against a bad bill to tighten "price gouging" restrictions.
Newberry Jail Scandal Indictments Coming Soon
Multiple inside sources are reporting the first federal indictments in the Fayette County Detention Center mess will be coming down in early July and that there will be one to three dozen of them initially.
Mayor Jim Newberry won't be able to keep this quiet much longer.
Mayor Jim Newberry won't be able to keep this quiet much longer.
Friday, June 22, 2007
Kentucky Needs Nuclear Power
If you look at the economic development statistics, it becomes clear that a nuclear power plant or two would work wonders in Kentucky.
And yes, I think Jessamine county would be a great place to build one. All we need is community support throughout the state and the private utilities will do the work with their own money.
Then we can quit screwing around with all this subsidy garbage.
And yes, I think Jessamine county would be a great place to build one. All we need is community support throughout the state and the private utilities will do the work with their own money.
Then we can quit screwing around with all this subsidy garbage.
Jack Conway Has A Cow, Again
I couldn't care less if Jack Conway is gay or not, but it is pretty funny watching him protest:
If Jack gets so bitchy because a Republican official refers to him as part of a centuries-old fairy tale that has nothing to do with homosexuality or anything of the sort, what's he going to do when he doesn't like the poll results coming out right before the election?
Personally, I'm more concerned about his anti-family, anti-small business, anti-taxpayer opinions than I am about who Jack Conway wants to have sex with. What is offensive to me is to see him posing as the moderate candidate in the race for Attorney General.
"They are hate-mongers and fear-mongers that owe my wife an apology."
If Jack gets so bitchy because a Republican official refers to him as part of a centuries-old fairy tale that has nothing to do with homosexuality or anything of the sort, what's he going to do when he doesn't like the poll results coming out right before the election?
Personally, I'm more concerned about his anti-family, anti-small business, anti-taxpayer opinions than I am about who Jack Conway wants to have sex with. What is offensive to me is to see him posing as the moderate candidate in the race for Attorney General.
Thursday, June 21, 2007
A Much Better Answer On Immigration
Yeah, I'm glad to see Sen. McConnell drop back from full support for the unfinished immigration bill.
Unions Have Destroyed Themselves With Their Wacky Political Activity; Now They Blame Us
Bill Londrigan is making up dumb stuff to try to keep unions alive:
If spending your hard-earned money to elect people who want the government to take more from you because it knows better what you need floats your boat, go ahead. But don't force me to do the same thing because, again, you think it is good for me.
America's working people are struggling to make ends meet, and our middle class is shrinking. So it's important to remember that the best opportunity for working men and women to get ahead economically is by uniting with co-workers to bargain with their employers for better wages and benefits.
If spending your hard-earned money to elect people who want the government to take more from you because it knows better what you need floats your boat, go ahead. But don't force me to do the same thing because, again, you think it is good for me.
Wednesday, June 20, 2007
Lee To Get A Big Boost
The Kentucky Club For Growth is going to put a significant portion of its resources toward helping Rep. Stan Lee get elected Attorney General. Help from the national Club For Growth organization could make it very interesting.
Extreme liberal Jack Conway already has the labor unions and far-left interest groups sewn up tightly. This should help even the playing field significantly in what will be possibly the most important race in the nation this year.
Extreme liberal Jack Conway already has the labor unions and far-left interest groups sewn up tightly. This should help even the playing field significantly in what will be possibly the most important race in the nation this year.
From Coal Country To Oil Country, And I Didn't Even Get A Subsidy To Pave My Way
I drove to Dallas, Texas today and now I find out we are going to have a special session to cobble together a half-baked corporate welfare program.
The Senate has the votes to pass whatever they are going to cook up. The battle is in the House, of course.
Just wish we were fighting over something worth fighting for.
The Senate has the votes to pass whatever they are going to cook up. The battle is in the House, of course.
Just wish we were fighting over something worth fighting for.
Tuesday, June 19, 2007
Fred Thompson 2008 Update
Insiders report Fred Thompson will announce his candidacy for President on July 2. Speculation will then quickly turn to Thompson's selection of a running mate.
How about J.C. Watts?
How about J.C. Watts?
Lack Of Income Doesn't Cause Poverty
The liberal Brookings Institution has decided that Kentucky needs new laws to keep poor people from being charged more for goods and services.
This fabulous idea, if enacted, would work just like HB 250 in 1994 that ran off dozens of health insurance companies with the ridiculous mandate that the companies stop charging market rates. That too, was a left-wing scheme to improve on market forces.
The Brookings study was good to the extent that it recognized poverty isn't just about income. What it missed is that any able-bodied person with average intelligence and an absence of mental illness can improve his circumstances by working more and spending less.
If public policy were focused more on helping those who fall through more narrowly defined cracks, more people would figure out how to thrive.
Then we wouldn't have to depend on left-wing think tanks to tell us to change zoning laws to "weed out" high-cost businesses. Ugh...
This fabulous idea, if enacted, would work just like HB 250 in 1994 that ran off dozens of health insurance companies with the ridiculous mandate that the companies stop charging market rates. That too, was a left-wing scheme to improve on market forces.
The Brookings study was good to the extent that it recognized poverty isn't just about income. What it missed is that any able-bodied person with average intelligence and an absence of mental illness can improve his circumstances by working more and spending less.
If public policy were focused more on helping those who fall through more narrowly defined cracks, more people would figure out how to thrive.
Then we wouldn't have to depend on left-wing think tanks to tell us to change zoning laws to "weed out" high-cost businesses. Ugh...
Monday, June 18, 2007
Stumbo's Mark On Frankfort: Money And Sex
Attorney General Greg Stumbo is finishing up his embarrassing term in office by "fixing" the taxpayer-supported domestic partner benefits fiasco as only he could. At Stumbo's urging, the University of Kentucky dropped the requirement that domestic partners swear under oath that they have been having sex for six months.
They still get your money. Stumbo's friend Jack Conway has already said he is with Greg on this one.
Just one more reason to support Stan Lee for Attorney General.
They still get your money. Stumbo's friend Jack Conway has already said he is with Greg on this one.
Just one more reason to support Stan Lee for Attorney General.
Just Another Drunk Madison County Politician
Madison County Judge Executive Kent Clark got arrested for public intoxication again this weekend. But don't expect him to resign or even lose his next election in 2010.
His buddy Senator Ed Worley of Richmond got caught on tape last year conning one of his constituents out of hundreds of thousands of dollars in real estate and he isn't going anywhere either.
His buddy Senator Ed Worley of Richmond got caught on tape last year conning one of his constituents out of hundreds of thousands of dollars in real estate and he isn't going anywhere either.
Whip Cornflation In 2008 With Smart ForTwo
The Smart ForTwo is going to have a huge impact next year on the domestic car market and might even slow down some of the ridiculous government subsidies for corn.
For more info on this gasoline-powered car, go here.
For more info on this gasoline-powered car, go here.
In A Perfect World...
In a perfect world, this morning's story in the Herald Leader wouldn't be the first time the state MSM has considered whether AG Greg Stumbo was just grandstanding when he filed the price-gouging lawsuit against Marathon Oil.
In a perfect world, no one would have to be told this is what's going on.
Then again, in a perfect world Governor Fletcher would have already called off the three year old state of emergency that allowed Stumbo to file the lawsuit.
In a perfect world, no one would have to be told this is what's going on.
Then again, in a perfect world Governor Fletcher would have already called off the three year old state of emergency that allowed Stumbo to file the lawsuit.
Saturday, June 16, 2007
Dropping Out On The Installment Plan
Madison county is going to start a "secondary GED option" that requires high school students who are two years behind to stay in school fifteen hours a week and complete job training before dropping out.
This should be their first clue this isn't going to work out for anyone but the school system, which will get to show better "graduation" rates:
This should be their first clue this isn't going to work out for anyone but the school system, which will get to show better "graduation" rates:
Board member Doug Whitlock described it as a great program, but he wanted to make sure it is monitored.
“I would hate to see this turn into something that other students would see as an easier way out,” he said.
Friday, June 15, 2007
Lefty Comes Unglued Over Boyfriend Bennies
Rep. Tom Burch has bought into the story that Kentucky taxpayers should foot the bill for "domestic partners" at state universities, even if they blow the lid off the costs like Attorney General Greg Stumbo wants them to:
Thanks to Erik Carlson at Business Lexington for getting what has to be the goofy quote of the day. And thanks to Rep. Tom "Caesar" Burch for depicting so precisely what is wrong with Frankfort.
Louisville Democrat Rep. Tom Burch, the other opinion seeker, said he is all for UK’s effort to extend health benefits. However, as chairman of the House Health and Welfare Committee, he sought Stumbo’s opinion because he wanted more legal standing before allowing his committee to pass the measure that would have explicitly blocked Kentucky’s public universities from providing domestic partner benefits.
“I figured if we had a clear decision on it, one way or the other, then it would be a more opportune time to deal with that issue. It was strictly to clear the air on that, (because it) might be wrong just to cave into a minority group out there that was raising Cain about it,” Burch told Business Lexington.
While the bill was in front of his committee, Burch said, he got more calls from people urging its passage than anything else he could remember, but said when he returned constituent calls, their information on the bill was lacking.
“I called these people back and talked to them about it,” Burch said. ‘They said, ‘What are you talking about? I don’t know anything about that bill; my preacher asked me to call.’” “Talk about an uninformed public,” Burch continued, “and believe me, the preachers don’t know anything either ... Let them stick to what Jesus said: ‘Give to Caesar those things that are Caesar’s and to God those things that are God’s.’”
“Everybody should have health insurance, and we should be encouraging people to get health insurance,” he added.
Thanks to Erik Carlson at Business Lexington for getting what has to be the goofy quote of the day. And thanks to Rep. Tom "Caesar" Burch for depicting so precisely what is wrong with Frankfort.
WalMart Shoppers Should Demand Health Reform
There is a big change coming to health care and Kentucky would be very wise to get on board. (Here's a hint: Hillary Clinton had nothing to do with it.) Health clinics in WalMart stores will heat up competition and Kentucky would do well to drop all barriers to health insurance companies returning to the state and to repeal Certificate of Need laws so we can have more competition across a broad range of health services.
WalMart really is amazing. What are they going to next, in-store private schools?
WalMart really is amazing. What are they going to next, in-store private schools?
Thursday, June 14, 2007
Late Night Lexington Jail Cover-Up Open Thread
What's your favorite part of the Mayor Jim Newberry scandal?
New Liberal Plan To Get Money Out Of Politics
Taxpayer-funded Democratic Party Chairman Jonathan Miller got Common Cause chairman Richard Beliles to file an ethics complaint against Senate President David Williams for raising money for Republicans.
Wednesday, June 13, 2007
KY 3CD Action Ramps Up
Erwin Roberts is running for Congress.
Meanwhile, Sen. Dan Seum, who is looking at the same race, just got back from a testing-the-water trip to Washington D.C.
Meanwhile, Sen. Dan Seum, who is looking at the same race, just got back from a testing-the-water trip to Washington D.C.
Mitch McConnell Jumps The Shark On Gas Prices
Sen. Mitch McConnell today messes up his own call for expanding domestic petroleum production by playing a partisan political game that out-lived its usefulness the first time it was used:
Good grief. Republicans aren't going to win on gas prices any time soon because too many people think the government can lower prices by making up more price gouging laws. Blaming gas price fluctuation on Harry Reid isn't going to advance exploration efforts or anything else.
The average price of gas has gone from $2.20 to $3.15 a gallon since the Democrats took over the Senate.
Good grief. Republicans aren't going to win on gas prices any time soon because too many people think the government can lower prices by making up more price gouging laws. Blaming gas price fluctuation on Harry Reid isn't going to advance exploration efforts or anything else.
Putting The Cart Way Before The Horse
Senator John McCain is interrupting his faltering campaign for the GOP presidential nomination to hold a press conference today in Los Angeles. He will be discussing Hillary Clinton's hidden earmarks inside the Defense spending bill.
Tuesday, June 12, 2007
Rude Awakening On Tap For Fayette Jail Union
The CWA union thugs representing corrections officers at the Lexington jail have joined hands with Mayor Jim Newberry in his cover-up of the wild array of misconduct surrounding the facility.
If the union thugs expect Newberry and his crowd will protect the union when the poop hits the fan at the jail, they just aren't thinking it through.
If the union thugs expect Newberry and his crowd will protect the union when the poop hits the fan at the jail, they just aren't thinking it through.
Bunning Joins Eight Senators In Calling For Enforcement Of Current Immigration Laws
So my question is how can there be just nine U.S. Senators who want to enforce current laws before passing more?
Just nine?
Yes, just nine.
Just nine?
Yes, just nine.
Bipartisan Agreement On Barbara "Typo" Erwin
What in the world are we doing messing around with an education commissioner who can't get her story straight on her own resume?
Surely there is someone out there who can do this $220,000 a year job without causing more embarrassment to public education in Kentucky.
Would we have a problem like this if the education commissioner were an elected office?
Surely there is someone out there who can do this $220,000 a year job without causing more embarrassment to public education in Kentucky.
Would we have a problem like this if the education commissioner were an elected office?
Monday, June 11, 2007
Michael Moore Endorses Al Gore
Get your tin foil hats ready, folks. The interview goes a little long -- okay, nine minutes of Michael Moore is a lot long -- but he waxes goofy about what a great thing "free universal health care" will be. This should help Gore in the primary. At least until Streisand, Rosie, and the Baldwin brothers weigh in.
Maybe We Should Check Her Socks
Madeleine Albright, Bill Clinton's former Secretary of State, has formed a group in support of "strong liberal values, and the need for strong national security."
The site is remarkably free of any kind of specifics. These folks really are going to keep their mouths shut until Hillary's move-in day, aren't they?
The site is remarkably free of any kind of specifics. These folks really are going to keep their mouths shut until Hillary's move-in day, aren't they?
Rudy, Mitt, McCain Are Falling For It, Will You?
GOP presidential contenders are lending their names to a global redistribution effort (USA pays, everyone else receives) that won't earn any of them one single vote. I'll give you a hint, the ONE campaign's Kentucky director just moved to Montana.
Sunday, June 10, 2007
Lowell Reese Says Fletcher May Lose And Take Trey Grayson Down With Him
He says it on this podcast.
"I don't think anybody else (other than Richie Farmer) on the Republican down ticket will be elected unless Fletcher is elected. And furthermore, Fletcher will have to get over 53% maybe somewhere around 54% of the vote in order to pull anybody in with him on down ticket. So you've got Trey Grayson, Melinda Wheeler, Linda Greenwell and the others. They're not going to make it. They don't have really a chance of making it unless Fletcher gets 53% or 54% of the vote which he is not expected to do. It's beyond precarious. It's dismal at this moment, because I think it is very uphill for Fletcher given the mood of voters in Kentucky."
Interesting. What do you think?
"I don't think anybody else (other than Richie Farmer) on the Republican down ticket will be elected unless Fletcher is elected. And furthermore, Fletcher will have to get over 53% maybe somewhere around 54% of the vote in order to pull anybody in with him on down ticket. So you've got Trey Grayson, Melinda Wheeler, Linda Greenwell and the others. They're not going to make it. They don't have really a chance of making it unless Fletcher gets 53% or 54% of the vote which he is not expected to do. It's beyond precarious. It's dismal at this moment, because I think it is very uphill for Fletcher given the mood of voters in Kentucky."
Interesting. What do you think?
Saturday, June 09, 2007
Volunteer State Candidates About To Step Up?
Funny to see Dem and GOP front-runners for the White House in 2008 trailed closely in third place by former Senators from Tennessee, neither of which is officially in the race.
Fred Thompson trails Giuliani and McCain, while Al Gore trails Clinton and Obama. It would be fun to see Al Gore run twice and lose his home state both times.
Fred Thompson trails Giuliani and McCain, while Al Gore trails Clinton and Obama. It would be fun to see Al Gore run twice and lose his home state both times.
Scrap The Tax Code Now
If you don't know the history of the the 16th amendment to the U.S. Constitution, now would be a good time to read a little history about how we started on the path to what is now a ridiculous monster of a federal tax code.
I think the debate should be between whether we start with repeal of the 16th amendment or with instituting a new method for funding the government and then clean out the anachronisms later. The only option that doesn't hold any water is sticking with the status quo.
For the record, I think repealling the 16th amendment now and forcing Washington to come up with an alternative is the only way to go because it is the best way to get started on change.
Even the very blue states are going to have a tough time resisting a loud and persistent call to move away from the mess of a tax code we have now. Alternatively, they can shut down a specific reform proposal in a variety of ways, in which case we wind up with nothing.
I think the debate should be between whether we start with repeal of the 16th amendment or with instituting a new method for funding the government and then clean out the anachronisms later. The only option that doesn't hold any water is sticking with the status quo.
For the record, I think repealling the 16th amendment now and forcing Washington to come up with an alternative is the only way to go because it is the best way to get started on change.
Even the very blue states are going to have a tough time resisting a loud and persistent call to move away from the mess of a tax code we have now. Alternatively, they can shut down a specific reform proposal in a variety of ways, in which case we wind up with nothing.
Jack Conway, Call Your Webmaster
The Conway for Attorney General team still has on the front page of its website an article that chides his opponent Rep. Stan Lee for advocating a ban on taxpayer-supported boyfriend health benefits at state universities.
Conway used the "domestic partner" benefits issue as part of his liberal campaign agenda until he was forced to admit its unconstitutionality eight days ago.
Better work up a new one, boys. What's next Jack, diapers for politicians?
Conway used the "domestic partner" benefits issue as part of his liberal campaign agenda until he was forced to admit its unconstitutionality eight days ago.
Better work up a new one, boys. What's next Jack, diapers for politicians?
Friday, June 08, 2007
Son Of KERA Put To Rest
The lawsuit to force another massive KERA-style tax increase is now dead.
If we could only get some of these people past their money grubbing and on to raising standards, we would see more progress in education in Kentucky.
If we could only get some of these people past their money grubbing and on to raising standards, we would see more progress in education in Kentucky.
Paris Hilton Transferred To Lexington, KY Jail
Well, no, she wasn't really but this story is getting closer to blowing up. That will be fun to watch.
Immigration Debate Is Really Just Beginning
I've stayed away from the immigration debate because progress toward agreement was going so slowly.
Interesting story in the Courier Journal should put to rest the notion that this thing is over.
I think comprehensive reform just isn't going to happen until we take a few basic steps like fortifying the borders and reforming entitlements.
Interesting story in the Courier Journal should put to rest the notion that this thing is over.
I think comprehensive reform just isn't going to happen until we take a few basic steps like fortifying the borders and reforming entitlements.
Republicans For Beshear?
A commenter mentioned an effort to form a "Republicans for Beshear" effort to peel off some of Governor Fletcher's support. Have to guess it is probably true.
How this shakes out will be very interesting to watch...
How this shakes out will be very interesting to watch...
Thursday, June 07, 2007
Beshear: KY Isn't Gouging Enough For Electricity
Gubernatorial candidate Steve Beshear links to a story on his campaign website bemoaning the fact that Kentucky isn't as "energy efficient" as more progressive states like Vermont, Connecticut, and California.
What he fails to mention is that these three paragons of efficiency have electricity prices two to three times higher than we do here in Kentucky.
We can try to mandate energy conservation if we want to, but the only way to make a real impact on usage is to raise prices. How much of an energy tax does Beshear want to impose on us?
Remember, this is the guy who is going to ram casinos down our throats no matter what the General Assembly says.
Please explain yourself, Mr. Beshear.
What he fails to mention is that these three paragons of efficiency have electricity prices two to three times higher than we do here in Kentucky.
We can try to mandate energy conservation if we want to, but the only way to make a real impact on usage is to raise prices. How much of an energy tax does Beshear want to impose on us?
Remember, this is the guy who is going to ram casinos down our throats no matter what the General Assembly says.
Please explain yourself, Mr. Beshear.
I Think It May Have Been One Of Those Stupid Chain E-Mails Telling Me To Boycott Gas Stations
I was almost giddy this morning buying gasoline for a mere $2.87 a gallon.
Which rabble-rousing politician do I thank for my good fortune?
Which rabble-rousing politician do I thank for my good fortune?
Wednesday, June 06, 2007
Fred Thompson 2008
Fred Thompson's campaign is making fundraising calls into Kentucky.
The most exciting thing about him so far may be that he isn't Mitt Romney, Rudy Giuliani, or John McCain. That may be enough.
The most exciting thing about him so far may be that he isn't Mitt Romney, Rudy Giuliani, or John McCain. That may be enough.
Blind Loyalty
Isn't it funny that reporting of every adult stem cell breakthrough seems to obscure the source of those cells and every fetal stem cell breakthrough is a celebration five years in advance that doesn't quite work out?
China Isn't Problem Left Says It Is
If a Democrat wins the White House, you won't see editorials like the one in today's Lexington Herald-Leader full of dark warnings about all the money we "owe" China.
And the writers will be right then, but they aren't now.
A trade deficit is not a debt. Speaking frankly, a trade deficit with China means we have their products and they have our little green pieces of paper. They won't want to destroy us before we make good on all our little green pieces of paper.
On the other hand, China has loaned lots of their little green pieces of paper (or whatever color they are) to our Treasury in exchange for our promise to repay. One, they won't want to destroy us until we make good on that debt and, two, it is preposterous to suggest that there is a risk they will "change their minds" and blow up their own investment to get out of Treasury bonds. Again, fearful liberals only need wait for the next Democratic president for a solid explanation they can trust. By the same token, fearful conservatives only need wait for the next conservative president for an explanation they can trust.
But that is another story.
The idea that China is going to take us over by buying up our assets now is as wrong as the same scenario in the 1980's in which Japan was going to buy up all our real estate and eventually force us all to speak Japanese.
Foreign exchange is one of those great political toys few people understand. It's very easy to say the sky is falling, so vote for our guys and the sky won't fall.
The sky won't fall because of our trading with China, no matter who wins the next election. And, mark my words, when Republicans are jumping all over President Hillary Clinton or whoever for selling us out to China, remember this for what it is: a political toy.
And the writers will be right then, but they aren't now.
A trade deficit is not a debt. Speaking frankly, a trade deficit with China means we have their products and they have our little green pieces of paper. They won't want to destroy us before we make good on all our little green pieces of paper.
On the other hand, China has loaned lots of their little green pieces of paper (or whatever color they are) to our Treasury in exchange for our promise to repay. One, they won't want to destroy us until we make good on that debt and, two, it is preposterous to suggest that there is a risk they will "change their minds" and blow up their own investment to get out of Treasury bonds. Again, fearful liberals only need wait for the next Democratic president for a solid explanation they can trust. By the same token, fearful conservatives only need wait for the next conservative president for an explanation they can trust.
But that is another story.
The idea that China is going to take us over by buying up our assets now is as wrong as the same scenario in the 1980's in which Japan was going to buy up all our real estate and eventually force us all to speak Japanese.
Foreign exchange is one of those great political toys few people understand. It's very easy to say the sky is falling, so vote for our guys and the sky won't fall.
The sky won't fall because of our trading with China, no matter who wins the next election. And, mark my words, when Republicans are jumping all over President Hillary Clinton or whoever for selling us out to China, remember this for what it is: a political toy.
Tuesday, June 05, 2007
Making Our Schools Better Starts Here
Education bureaucrats like to have writing portfolios as part of CATS testing in Kentucky because the scores are easier to manipulate in order to make schools look better than they are.
Each year, someone in the General Assembly files a bill to remove portfolios from the CATS tests of elementary school students. And each year, the KEA thugs get it killed.
This evil process hinders the educational process and makes kids hate writing. The teachers are handcuffed to a bizarre mess of rules and it is past time to let them get back to teaching. Rep. Jim DeCesare (R-Bowling Green) has pre-filed the bill to end this cruel process.
We need parents with the guts to buck the system and call their legislators. Ask them to support this bill.
Each year, someone in the General Assembly files a bill to remove portfolios from the CATS tests of elementary school students. And each year, the KEA thugs get it killed.
This evil process hinders the educational process and makes kids hate writing. The teachers are handcuffed to a bizarre mess of rules and it is past time to let them get back to teaching. Rep. Jim DeCesare (R-Bowling Green) has pre-filed the bill to end this cruel process.
We need parents with the guts to buck the system and call their legislators. Ask them to support this bill.
Special Session Silliness
The much-discussed special session is going to keep getting pushed back. Now they are talking about waiting until July.
House Democrats have no motivation to give Governor Fletcher a victory on spending projects or energy-related subsidies.
Now is the time to urge official Frankfort to get serious about public pension reform. The need for this is greater and if House Dems stiff the governor on the $18 billion tidal wave coming our way, he can better use that against Steve Beshear this fall.
House Democrats have no motivation to give Governor Fletcher a victory on spending projects or energy-related subsidies.
Now is the time to urge official Frankfort to get serious about public pension reform. The need for this is greater and if House Dems stiff the governor on the $18 billion tidal wave coming our way, he can better use that against Steve Beshear this fall.
Monday, June 04, 2007
Left-Wing Tax Dodgers Beware!
Looks like Marian Davis, currently the Commissioner of the Kentucky Department of Revenue, is likely to be named Executive Director of the Republican Party of Kentucky.
And yes, that means she will quit her state job.
And yes, that means she will quit her state job.
Liberal Activists Want To Kill People In Denver
Amid gleeful garbling from Dem party pols about destroying the GOP over the war, some hard-liners are actually striving to re-live the bloodbath that was the protestfest at the Dem Convention in Chicago in 1968.
They are calling it Recreate '68.
Any middle-of-the-road Kentucky Democrats who see this lunacy as the straw breaking your proverbial camel's back need to think about the re-organization of the state GOP taking place next spring among registered Republicans.
Your state needs your sensible fiscal and social ideas that your old, worn out Democratic party is tossing aside with both hands.
They are calling it Recreate '68.
Any middle-of-the-road Kentucky Democrats who see this lunacy as the straw breaking your proverbial camel's back need to think about the re-organization of the state GOP taking place next spring among registered Republicans.
Your state needs your sensible fiscal and social ideas that your old, worn out Democratic party is tossing aside with both hands.
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