Who is Shaw Friedman and why should you care? (No, not Kinky Friedman, he's from Texas)

Greetings again fellow flacks, hacks, and dumpster Divers! This is commentary and I am chagrined to be back in the realm of serious stuff and beg that you don't throw old, rotten vegetables at me for taking up so much space. Sometimes you just gotta speak out.

Trust me. I'd rather be writing about Obama-blather (his or hers) and the Democrat Party's slow spiral into insanity. But, I digress...

Most frequent readers of this page know that I am not a huge supporter of the current Governor. No one will ever accuse your humble Dumpster Diver as being a lap dog for the Administration. We disagree about plenty, but he's the elected leader and he has done much that is good for our state. What you can't say about Mitch Daniels is that he hasn't tried - hard - and sometimes his ideas haven't worked out.

I recently had to go through the quadrennial "Happy Birthday" pilgrimage to the BMV to get a new drivers license. Let me just say it was no where near the experience I "enjoyed" a scant four years ago. (Friendly, courteous, and fast ... In and out ... 17 minutes. Certified. I timed it with my citizens Eco-drive Chronograph wristwatch) With all the problems I had had with some of the things in this administration, just the fact that the BMV works is enough to earn my eternal gratitude.

So the administration is trying something new and innovative and all of a sudden the local cage-liner reports that LaPorte County lawsuit seeks to halt welfare privatization. The lawsuit, filed by Messr. Friedman, Esq., is interesting because of this little tidbit from the Tim Evans story which is both instructive and enlightening:

LaPorte attorney Shaw R. Friedman, who is representing the eight Hoosiers who filed the lawsuit, said in a statement.

"The only thing that Mitch Daniels and Mitch Roob will respect is a court order, and we aim to get that for them."

Roob called the suit "transparently political," noting Friedman is a former Democratic Party leader in LaPorte County. FSSA also rents office space from Friedman and his father, Roob said, and they stand to lose money if the agency moves its county office to a new location.

Look, dissent is a healthy thing. Debate is an integral part of our Civil discourse. But using the Courts to get your way when you lose at the ballot box, to stifle innovation, or to derail a part of the administration priorities, is just wrong.

So I am wondering: "Who is Shaw Friedman?"

Well, he has a long history as a "Democrat Operative. Recent examples include:

• 2008 Edwards for President Supporter
• 2004 Dean for America Indiana coordinator
• General Chairman of the Donnelly for Congress (IN-02)
• former LaPorte County Democratic Chair
• former Legal Counsel, Indiana Democratic Party

Shaw Friedman has a history of bashing Mitch Daniels.

In an article in the Howey Political Report entitled Shaw Friedman: Daniels’ Iraq
Negligence Disqualifies 2nd Term he writes:

There should be a reckoning for these kinds of mistakes. Many Americans have
paid the ultimate sacrifice for this conflict and the horrendous costs continue to
mount. Hoosiers will have an opportunity to tell Mitch Daniels in November they
won’t abide that kind of grossly negligent conduct and they aren’t willing to trust
that kind of judgment at the helm of our state government for the next four years.

In May, he chided former Democrat Governor Joe Kernan simply for cooperating with
Governor Daniels as part of the Kernan-Shepard Commission. The “open letter” was
entitled “Say it ain’t so Joe”

Say it ain't so, Joe. Not only are many of your criticisms of local government off
base, but it appears this governor is cynically using your help on his Blue Ribbon
Commission to aid his own re-election effort. Don't let him get away with it.

And there's more. . .

Joe, you don't understand Mitch is one of those ideogical [sic]Republicans. He's not a
mainstream Republican like Doc Bowen or Bob Orr who believed that there was
a role for government and who you could reach across the aisle and work with.
Instead, Mitch is like his buddy Grover Norquist, who believes government ought
to serve only the rich and powerful and the rest of it - public services - should be
sold off, privatized or shrunk down so it can be "drowned in a bathtub."

Not to mention that "Big Time Financial Contributor" connection:

Friedman has supported Jill Long-Thompson financially since 2002, with $1,700 in contributions
for her challenge to Rep. Chris Chocola.

In addition, Mr. Friedman was a frequent contributor to Jim Schellinger, who sought the
Democratic Nomination in opposition to Jill Long-Thompson, contributing $3,500 to his
campaign. So, at least we know that he wasn't really supporting Jill-Longshot.

On the federal level, Shaw Friedman has contributed over $32,000 to Democrat
candidates since 2001. That's about $4600/year - not over the top, but way above average. Of course, that figure doesn't count the $24,550 he gave to state pols and orgs during the similar time frame.

Well, it's really more of the same, isn't it?

When I first got involved in politics, I had a great mentor who taught me the first two rules of the game: First, learn how to count. Second, follow the money. There is more to this lawsuit than you're liable to read about in the Drive-by-ME-dia. (Albeit, in fairness and full disclose, I generally like the reporting that Tim Evans does. At least he is honest about it. Too bad the cage-liner can't get out of its own way. But, I digress again. Back on topic.

No one believes that we should have people starving to death, dying in the streets and generally causing a nuisance at every major street corner in the city. By the same token, there are some things that can be better done by the private sector - need I point out that it took years for the State to upgrade their technology and by the time they finally got it done, it was obsolete and the various agencies still can't communicate with one another. The technology that drives the websites in the US government uses technology from the early 1990s with code that was written in the 1980s. Um, need I say more.

UPDATE: YET ANOTHER EXAMPLE. Yes, I need to say more! Anyone notice that the Air Traffic Control System crashed in Atlanta on 8/26 and fouled up flights at 31 airports around the country? And we wonder why innovation and cool things like, um, ATMs and iPhones aren't a product of the government. Clearly, the private sector can deliver goods and services better than the government and government should get out of the way and let them do it.

Give these innovative solutions a chance. If it fails, fine. Sue 'em then.

Barstool Economics: Tax Policy for the Blue Collar Crowd

Just got this email and I loved it. This is really great! How taxes work in a simple way to understand. Brilliant!

Our Tax System Explained: Bar Stool Economics

Suppose that every day, ten men go out for beer and the bill for all ten

comes to $100. If they paid their bill the way we pay our taxes, it would

go something like this:

The first four men (the poorest) would pay nothing.

The fifth would pay $1.

The sixth would pay $3.

The seventh would pay $7.

The eighth would pay $12.

The ninth would pay $18.

The tenth man (the richest) would pay $59.

So, that's what they decided to do.

The ten men drank in the bar every day and seemed quite happy with the

arrangement, until one day, the owner threw them a curve. 'Since you are

all such good customers,' he said, 'I'm going to reduce the cost of your

daily beer by $20.' Drinks for the ten now cost just $80.

The group still wanted to pay their bill the way we pay our taxes so the

first four men were unaffected. They would still drink for free.

But what about the other six men - the paying customers? How could they

divide the $20 windfall so that everyone would get his 'fair share?'

They realized that $20 divided by six is $3.33. But if they subtracted that

from everybody's share, then the fifth man and the sixth man would each end up being paid to drink his beer. So, the bar owner suggested that it would

be fair to reduce each man's bill by roughly the same amount, and he

proceeded to work out the amounts each should pay.

And so:

The fifth man, like the first four, now paid nothing (100% savings).

The sixth now paid $2 instead of $3 (33%savings).

The seventh now pay $5 instead of $7 (28%savings).

The eighth now paid $9 instead of $12 (25% savings).

The nint h now paid $14 instead of $18 (22% savings).

The tenth now paid $49 instead of $59 (16% savings).

Each of the six was better off than before. And the first four continued to

drink for free. But once outside the restaurant, the men began to compare

their savings.

'I only got a dollar out of the $20,'declared the sixth man. He pointed to

the tenth man,' but he got $10!'

'Yeah, that's right,' exclaimed the fifth man. 'I only saved a dollar, too.

It's unfair that he got ten times more than I got.’

'That's true!!' shouted the seventh man. 'Why should he get $10 back when

got only two? The wealthy get all the breaks!'

'Wait a minute,' yelled the first four men in unison. 'We didn't get

anything at all. The system exploits the poor!'

The nine men surrounded the tenth and beat him up.

The next night the tenth man didn't show up for drinks so the nine sat down and had beers without him. But when it came time to pay the bill, they discovered something important. They didn't have enough money between all of them for even half of the bill!

And that, ladies and gentlemen, journalists and college professors, is how

our tax system works. The people who pay the highest taxes get the most

benefit from a tax reduction. Tax them too much, attack them for being

wealthy, and they just may not show up anymore. In fact, they might start

drinking overseas where the atmosphere is somewhat friendlier.

H/T: David R. Kamerschen, Ph.D. , Professor of Economics, University of Georgia

For those who understand, no explanation is needed. For those who do not understand, no explanation is possible.

Dinner and Drinks in Wrigleyville ... Life is good.

Another Beautiful Day @Wrigley ... Wish you were here!

View from the Rooftop. We are here hanging out with a bunch of lobbyists and pols doing what we do best. Drink beer and eat bratwursts.

"VeepStakes" Speculation intensifies around Bayh. Obama-Bayh ticket looks set.

Indiana Senator is either a really clever head-fake, or an announcement is set for Indianapolis on Saturday.

Hot Air reports that Obama-mama-mia has dispatched his minions to Indianapolis to prepare for an event on Saturday with his Veep choice. Source in Georgetown says that Mrs. Bayh has told their neighbors to prepare for an onslaught of media descending on their home.

FINAL UPDATE: Is She or Isn't She? Yes. She is.

UPDATE: It's Official this time. CPD and all the networks/cable outlets are reporting that Rep Tubbs-Jones has passed away. RIP & God Bless.
----------------------------------------------------------------
UPDATE: 3:21 pm EST. More from Michael Turk (www.twitter.com/michaelturk)

"Cleveland Plain Dealer reports Tubbs-Jones is now somewhere north of perfectly healthy, but somewhere south of dead."
----------------------------------------------------------------
UPDATE: 3:10 pm EST. Tweet from Michael Turk (www.twitter.com/michaelturk)

"Stephanie Tubbs-Jones is
a) dead,
b) critical on life support,
c) stable but critical,
d) stable, or
e) actually an android from Planet X?"

We report. You choose.
Personally, I'm cool with "all of the above."
----------------------------------------------------------------
UPDATE: 2:45 pm EST. Politico.com reports that, "Countering media reports of her death, a doctor for Rep. Stephanie Tubbs Jones says she is alive and on life support."
----------------------------------------------------------------
Politico.com reports that "sources have told the Cleveland Plain Dealer" that US Representative Stephanie Tubbs Jones (D-OH) has just died from an Aneurysm. CNN and Fox Business Network are also reporting same. Tubbs Jones was found unconscious behind the wheel of her automobile last night and rushed to an East Cleveland Hospital. She was 58.

Dear John: Here's the Platform to Guarantee Victory in November

Where can John McCain learn what really will make America work and guarantee a Republican victory in November? Right here.

New Institute for Energy Research Ad: We have enough Energy for a Century! (Dems won't Drill, Pelosi Pickens' Shill, Americans Pay the Bill!)

B. Hussein Obama's Distress Call

It seems B. Hussein Obama feel the United States is in a dire state of distress. His tickets for his rally at Invesco Field during the Democrat National Convention depict Old Glory flying upside down!

Maybe during their rally to the aid of America's distress they can all recite The Obamassiah's Prayer.

[H/T Allen West's Twitter feed ... GO WEST!]

The Obamassiah's Prayer

For the true Obamaniacs, it seems B. Hussein Obama has become almost a deity - since many moonbats are agnostic or atheist why not worship a Presidential candidate. So with that in mind I thought I would help out with their own ... The Obamassiah's Prayer....

Our Obama, who art in Chicago,
Hollow be thy Words.
Thy Presidency come,
Thy nation will be done for,
In the White House as it is in Congress.
Give us this day our daily bread line.
And forgive us our mortgage debts,
As we forgive the credit card companies.
And lead us not into energy independence,
But deliver us from the Republicans.
For thine is the Presidency Kingdom,
and the power,
and the glory,
for two terms.
Amen.

(I am so going to a very warm place for writing this.... Crossposted to DFB)

Faulkner Goes Legit - No Rumors of Pay-offs or Lapse in Judgement Evident.

Hair Fan Club obviously plays important role in selection

Dateline: Granger, Ind.

The following press release found it's way into the WPBCHQ Inbox this morning:

CHRIS FAULKNER ELECTED TO SERVE ON MID-WEST BOARD FOR THE AMERICAN ASSOCIATION OF POLITICAL CONSULTANTS

During the July meeting of the American Association of Political Consultants (AAPC), Chris Faulkner was nominated and confirmed to serve as a board member for the Mid-West Chapter. Faulkner will be serving as one of four Republican representatives on the board, along with four Democrats and four Independents.

Chris Faulkner is Vice President of Faulkner Strategies, located in Granger, Indiana. Faulkner Strategies is a marketing and political consulting firm, a nationally renowned direct mail vendor, and a contributor in issue-advocacy campaigns.

Beyond his current role at Faulkner Strategies, Chris has led many campaign training schools both in the U.S. and abroad. In 2004, Chris served as Executive Director of the Republican National Committee’s effort in Minnesota to re-elect President Bush. He also worked as a District Director for former Congressman Chris Chocola in Indiana.

The AAPC was formed to represent political consultants, media consultants, pollsters, campaign managers, corporate public affairs officers, professors, fund-raisers, lobbyists, congressional staffers and vendors. The organization’s members vary in ideology, forming a coalition of Republicans, Democrats and Independents. As campaigns become more extensive, the role of political consultants has greatly increased. The AAPC serves as an organization to encourage the best in their fields to grow and strengthen the American electoral system.

Chris Faulkner’s insight and experience will be a valuable addition to the Mid-West Board of the American Association of Political Consultants.

You can connect with Chris online with Facebook, LinkedIn or Twitter. You can also catch his commentary on his blog www.gopgrunt.com.

CONGRATULATIONS, Chris Faulkner! You can catch some of the Faulkner insight on these pages as Chris is also conspirator here... which proves: "The Tough Really Do Turn Pro."

Pelosi to America: "We Will Drill" (Well, we'll at least consider it.)

Speaker Pelosi Caves to Public Pressure (almost.)

More likely, she's getting an earful from her Caucus and, while she's not going to lose her re-election, that Democratic Caucus will vote for Speaker in the next session of Congress.

Dateline: Somewhere on the Save the Planet World Tour in between book signings.

THE Christian Science Monitor reports that Speaker Pelosi has reversed herself and will allow a vote on limited off-shore drilling. (8/17 edition)

In a shift on Saturday, Speaker Nancy Pelosi said that the House will take up comprehensive energy legislation next month that includes partially lifting the 1981 ban on offshore drilling.

“It will consider opening portions of the Outer Continental Shelf for drilling, with appropriate safeguards, and without taxpayer subsidies to Big Oil,” she said in the weekly Democratic radio address on Saturday.

You can read the whole article here.

UPDATE: "Tell your Peeps to follow our Tweets"

www.Santo4Cooperstown.org "days away from launch". @SantoFans up on Twitter.

We've heard that development of the Santo4Cooperstown website we reported on last week has made significant progress and should be ready to "go live" in a matter of days.

Over the weekend it seems an agreement was reached to host the site and a beta version is, or will be, in testing this week. "Once all the glitches and hitches have been worked out the site will go live" a source told WPBC.

A source "very close" to the development told the WPBC staff that, "I think we will be up by September 1. Hopefully sooner if things go well. There is a lot to test."

WPBC notes that @SantoFans went live on Twitter Saturday to "provide updates and information" related to the Santo4Cooperstown movement. Cubs fans who use Twitter can "follow SantoFans" for updated info on the launch as well as links and alerts.

More Bad News on Pennsylvania Street

Like you needed any more proof the Cage-Liner's not worth the paper it's printed on, this just in ... delivering the bad news today on their website, local rag is kicking 23 more to the curb.

The lay-offs are a part of 600 pink slips that Gannett is sending out. New publisher, Michael Kane, made the announcement in an email.

First question that came to our minds here at the HQ: "Will Dennis be getting a pink slip anytime soon?"

You have to feel bad for the folks who are getting the axe. Hopefully, there is a bright future in new media for these people. It's always the hard-working grunts that pay for the failures of leadership that have turned a once proud newspaper of record into a collection of AP releases and public notices. The Pros are still willing to give the new guy the benefit of the doubt, but this isn't the start we had hoped for. We actually hope Mr. Kane can turn things around and give the community a real newspaper again.

When Schools are Outlawed, Only Teachers Will Have Guns

Dateline: Harrold, TX.

We're wondering about the whole 1,000 feet rule. Nonetheless, those gutsy school administrators in Texas are going to let the teachers pack heat. As life-long supporters of the NRA, we couldn't be happier - viva Winchester!

Read the whole article here.

Dungeons & Dragons and Pop-up Campers

I am not “normal” for a lot of reasons. One of my many quirks is people watching. I just can’t help it. When I see people I wonder about their voting and consumer habits. This is going to be a long post so bear with me.

A couple of weekends ago my family went camping in one of the many great state parks scattered across Indiana and Michigan. I could not help but noticing a couple of things…

• 
  Where are the tents? Everyone (but us of course) seems to have pop-up campers, pull behinds and 5th wheels. Does anyone even worry when it rains anymore?
• 
  Smoking. Holy cow, I know it is illegal in so many places that smokers feel like freedom fighters in the jungle. I would estimate at least half or more of the adults I observed were smokers.
• 
  NASCAR fans. I would say you were more likely to see a flag with a race car number on it than the stars and stripes attached to most of the campers.
• 
  Tattoos everywhere. Don’t want to make any stereo-types but I am just calling it as I see it.
• 
  Family activity abounds. There has been many a column, op-ed and whiny diatribe about the lack of real talking and family interaction seen in the press. Not at the campsite, fireside talks, throwing the football, fishing were all very common.

Yesterday I was in Indianapolis and was fascinated to see all the attendees to the GenCon event going on this week. What is GenCon you ask? Well, obviously, you don’t play Dungeons & Dragons, World of Warcraft, Magic the Gathering or any of the many other popular fantasy games. So what did I see? Basically, as I said earlier, stereo-types exist for a reason.

• 
  18-30 obese males. Not everyone was overweight but most of these guys have slain many dragons but not seen a gym.
• 
  Disposable income. If you are going to spend that much money on computer gaming equipment, miniature Orcs and comic books you are doing more than working part time at Best Buy.
• 
  Body odor. Ok, I know this may seem mean but if you walk around those tables you can not help but notice more than few guys who could use some of that Axe body spray (hint, hint, great target audience for the folks selling that stuff). Let’s face it, if you are spending 36 hours in front of your X Box 360 you are not going to have time to shower.
• 
  Swords, leather armor, chain mail, fart joke t-shirts, kilts. This is a group of folks who are clearly not afraid to express themselves in what they wear.
• 
  What the heck is ESPN? I seriously doubt anyone in there has any idea the Olympics is on or that football season is around the corner.
• 
  Highly intelligent. Eavesdropping on some conversations and watching some of the games you can not help but realize that these guys are smart. Encyclopedic knowledge of Chaos Space Marines and World War II German armored vehicles may not look good on a resume but stupid people could not master that much info.

So why would a political campaign care about these groups? Because voter participation and partisan ID is very low amongst both groups. We spend thousands of dollars trying to corner folks at home or get them to admit their party preference on the phone with mediocre results.

Maybe we should stop trying to find them and just go meet them where they gather? Maybe we should spend less time in door-to-door canvass and more time working the booth at the arts and crafts festival or home improvement show? Maybe we should stop treating events more like real campaign opportunities and less like troublesome interruptions to “real” campaign work.

I am just sayin’…you should think about it.

And Now For Something Really Important

Dateline: Chicago

BREAKING NEWS: Cubs fans and fellow flacks Mike Jezierski, Trevor Foughty, and Rick Wilson are currently in development of a new website and blog - Santo4Cooperstown.org - and we here in the WPBCHQ got a sneak-peak at the website design and layout. Needless to say, pretty friggin' cool. We were sworn to secrecy but we had our fingers crossed when promised so it doesn't count.

The website is a collaborative effort and the contents span everything from the All-Star Third Baseman's career from June 26, 1960 to his last major league appearance on September 29, 1974, to his recent work as WGN broadcaster and work with the Juvenile Diabetes Research Foundation (JDRF).

The website has information on Ron's bio, stats, links, a page about how the HOF voting works and who votes, everything you'll need to know.

Despite our proclivity to frozen blender concoctions of questionable recipe, in our opinion: Ron Santo deserves to be in the Hall of Fame and these flacks are just the kind of knuckleheads that can't take no for an answer.

You can help do it. Cubs fans can join in, pitch in, volunteer, or just send notes of encouragement by dropping an email to rickwilson@cubsmvp.com.


More information as the story develops. Stay tuned ...

Obamamya$$! Are you kidding me? You call this a vacation?

Dateline:Hawaii

The Wall Street Journal reports that Obama-mama-mia is doing more than just soaking up the sun and swingin' the nine-iron while reliving his youth out on the big island.

The Obamassaiah took in a cool $1.3 million from a fundraiser at the swank Kahala Resort and Hotel.

Wish I could do that on my vacation. But then again, I never take a vacation.

Good Afternoon, Mr & Mrs America, and all the Ships at Sea ...

Dateline: Washington. This just in.

House GOP Leader Boehner points out that Dem leaders in the House are beginning to feel the heat from American Registered Likely Voters on the whole energy vote thing and are scrambling to come up with something that will allow them to "look like their voting for something."

Boehner points out in a blog post the likely Dem strategy to get a meaningless vote and then walk off the field:

The Hill confirms that Speaker Pelosi’s latest rhetoric on oil and gas drilling “indicated that she’s made a tactical move, not an unconditional surrender.” In reality, she has no intention of providing Members on both sides of the aisle the opportunity to vote on meaningful legislation to increase production of American energy to help reduce gas prices. Rather, she and her Democratic colleagues are preparing to load up a potential bill with poison pills that will continue to deny the American people of the increased energy production they expect and deserve.

While the GOPers in the House continue their Guerrilla Congress this week in Washington, the Dems are "strategerizing" how to fleece the American people (and the big, evil oil companies) Boehner points out:

As House Democrats determine their next move against a real vote on lower fuel costs, Americans are right to be skeptical. After all, the Speaker has derailed the FY 2009 appropriations process in order to avoid a vote on the GOP’s “all of the above” energy plan, used parliamentary trickery to avoid Republican amendments to bolster American energy production, and blocked consideration of the American Energy Act (H.R. 6566), the House Republicans’ comprehensive bill to increase production of American energy, promote more conservation and efficiency, and encourage the use of more alternative and renewable fuels.

Families and small businesses feeling the pain at the pump can be sure that the Speaker has more tricks up her sleeve to stop the production of more American energy.

How much longer, Madame Speaker? Americans will not wait until next year, not even next month. Do the right thing: Call Congress back for a single up or down vote on a freely debated, open rule, comprehensive energy bill.

GOP's Guerrilla Congress to Pelosi: "Hey, We're Still Here!"

The Battle of Ideas Continues! Meanwhile, Pelosi continues hawking "really bad" book.

Dateline: Washington. While Speaker Pelosi continues her "Save the Planet" world tour, hawking her critically panned new book and Michael Phelps continues his charge for 8 Olympic Golds - House GOPers continue on their relentless fight to move America toward Energy Independence.

House Republicans are once again gathering on the House floor to continue their fight for a vote on the American Energy Act. House Republicans and the overwhelming majority of the American People believe that Speaker Pelosi should cancel her book tour and immediately reconvene the House so that we can pass a bill to lower the cost of gasoline and energy.

This morning, at 11:00 a.m., House Republicans will continue to deliver their message directly to the American people on the House floor. So, if you happen to be in Washington today, drop by and be a part of the historic National discussion that the GOPers are engaging in.

H/T GOP Whip's floor assistant (What a hard-working guy ...)

Those Pesky Republicans

Dateline: Washington. This just in from the GOP Whip's floor assistant.

Republicans remain on the Floor, committed to fighting for lower energy costs.

As Democrats adjourned for a five-week vacation, 105 Republican Members, over half of our conference, have taken to the House floor to speak directly to the Americans visiting our nation’s Capitol. Thousands continue to cheer as House Republicans continue fighting for a vote to produce more American-made energy and reduce our dangerous dependence on foreign oil.

What will it take for the Speaker to realize that she needs to allow a vote on increased American Production and help America’s families?

Not a single House Democrat has returned from vacation and Speaker Pelosi continues her book tour. (BTW, for those of you keeping track: Of 124 reviews on Amazon.com, 106 rate the book at 1 star of possible 5 - at this rate she'll have to pull a Jim Wright to sell enough to break even.)

Lemme freshen that drink, pal!

Just in case you needed a refresher:

Promise: “This leadership team will create the most honest, most open, and most ethical Congress in history” – Speaker-Elect Nancy Pelosi (D-CA), November 2006.

See Post below.

Another "Say" one thing, "Do" another moment

Yet another example of the most ethical Congress in history...

GOP Leader John Boehner exposes yet another example of the hypocrisy of the Pelosi led Congress in his blog. Read the whole post here.

NACNY PELOSI is in bed with Boone Pickens!!!

Speaker is investor in CLNE ... no wonder she does not want drilling in America.

Here's one you will not see on the Evening News on ABC, CBS, NBC or CNN et al. Read the whole story here.

Trust me, fellow flacks, hacks and others of questionable repute, I am not against people being rich. I love investors and investments. I want to be financially secure in my dotage. But, what really honks me off is people like Pelosi who say one thing, but do another, and get personal financial gain in the process. Don't get me wrong, Nancy is completely free to invest in Pickens' company. But to say that we need to increase the use of alternative (wind/solar/geo-thermal, etc.) energy and not allow a vote on drilling is just shameless - especially as millions of Americans continue to struggle with high gas and oil prices, and the prospect of the winter heating season looming just around the seasonal corner. It's one thing to cut back on driving, it's completely another to freeze all winter.

Another example of the "most ethical" Congress in history?

Drive-by ME-dia is irrelevant. Pence: We don't need the Main Stream Media.

New video from Business & Media Institute on the GOPer's take: MSM is irrelevant (where have you heard that before?)

Indiana GOPer Mike Pence says: "New media is taking this message to the country."

Another Indiana GOPer, Rep Dan Burton, suggests McCain should engage in the debate and call on Comrade Pelosi to bring everyone back for a vote.

New Video from GOP Guerrilla Congress

This just in from the redstate.com video vault. Members describe lack of participation from the "other side of the aisle" and they're naming names! Plus, "What you can do" to carry the message beyond the darkened Halls of Congress.

View Indiana GOPers Burton and Pence, among others, on the Guerrilla Congress energy debate here!

Only in Urban America: "dem stiletto wearin' 'ho's beat my babies"

This just in from the Smoking Gun, Dateline: Florida

AUGUST 8--Florida cops are searching for members of a girl gang that attacked two teenagers with high-heeled shoes, including an eight-inch brown stiletto. The assault occurred early this morning outside Club Crunk, a Fort Pierce nightspot that had refused admission to the victims, sisters aged 18 and 17 (the pair was out celebrating the older sibling's birthday). According to a Fort Pierce Police Department report, the sisters told cops that the girl gang "approached them...and began punching and kicking." The sisters, who identified their assailants as members of a group known as "The Rock Star Girls" and "The Cheerleaders," reported that three of the assailants removed their shoes and began beating them with the oversized heels. One attacker, swinging a silver shoe with a six-inch heel, remarked, "B, I am gonna kill you." The report adds, "'B' is street language for the English noun 'Bitch.'" The document, a copy of which you'll find below, notes that the mother of the victims had called 911 after her daughters were battered and told responding officers, "Look at my babies, they were beaten at the club by like 30 hoes."

Krauthammer: No Will to Drill

KRAUTHAMMER IS A FRIGGIN' GENIUS ...

(You gotta love this guy)

In Case You Missed It:

“The problem for the Democrats is that the argument for ‘do everything’ is not rocket science. It is common sense. Which is why House Speaker Nancy Pelosi, surveying the political rubble resulting from her insistence on not even permitting drilling to come to a floor vote, has quietly told her members that they can save their skins and vote for drilling when the pre-election Congress convenes next month. Pelosi says she wants to save the planet. Apparently saving her speakership comes first.”

H/T: WaPo editorial page (www.washingtonpost.com)

Read the whole article here

DATELINE: Washington ... GOP says " We're here, and we're waiting."

This just in from the GOP Whip's Floor Assistant:

"As the high cost of gasoline continues to cripple the American family, Speaker Pelosi goes forth with her vital book tour (Amazon.com rank #1,431).

Meanwhile, House Republicans will take to the Floor at 10 am to call on the Speaker to convene the House for an up-or-down vote on the American Energy Act, which will increase the supply of American-made energy, improve conservation and efficiency, and promote new and expanding energy technologies to help lower the price at the pump and reduce America’s increasingly costly and dangerous dependence on foreign sources of energy. "

Republicans to America: We're here, we're waiting, we're ready to vote on real energy reform. Where are the Dems?

UPDATED 10:42AM from Whip's Floor Asst: "As Speaker Pelosi autographs copies of her book, our Republican Leader, Rep. Boehner, will take to the floor in 10 minutes to demand an up-or-down vote to increase American energy production."

This gives new meaning to "Getting Hammered"

Well fellow Flacks, hacks, and Dumpster Divers, this is one for the Hall of Fame, and since it Thursday, the Official Start of the Weekend Party here at WPBC HQ, we thought we'd give you something to chat about over a cocktail tonight.

You really have to read this. I can't believe that the arresting officer in this matter could "Miranda" this guy with a straight face.

I completely lost it about the "motor oil" (you'll see what I mean). Times like this make you wish you had a camera! This is one sick dude, but you just can't pass up the opportunity to have a laugh at this space-waster's expense. The Police Report is absolutely the most hysterical thing I have ever read. You really have to appreciate these Police Officers ability to describe the scene so "deftly" - if it were you humble Dumpster Diver, it would have been much less circumspectly described - Hats off to the Fort Wayne PD.

The only thing better would have been to call in for an assist from the HazMat guys at DNR or something ... need to clean up that oil spill, right? Hell, I woulda called in the Fire Department and the Carpenter's Union too.

Seriously fellow party-goers . . . Enjoy!

She's a Celeb, and she's HOT! Um, yeah?

Paris Hilton for President, well duh.

It's official. We have finally got the none-of-the-above candidate.
Where do we sign the petition?

DATELINE: WASHINGTON ... This just in

At 3:00 p.m. today - Speaker Nancy Pelosi will be doing an online event to promote her new book "Know Your Power." Judging by the amount of enthusiasm from the folks who have been in the Chamber for the last couple of days, it is clear that Americans want the Speaker to use that power, cut short her vacation, cancel her book tour and come back to work. House Republicans are here and waiting - ready to work.

(H/T - Whip Floor Assistant)

Well, we tried to stay out of it, but ...

Well, we were sitting around the WPBC HQ, spinning up some frozen drinks in the ol' Osterizer, when the Twitterfeed went nuts, and the Blogs started going spastic, and generally speaking, our quiet little world started falling apart. There was more pinging and bell-ringing going on than a gay pride parade.

Seems those nutty GOP Congressman weren't so nutty after all. What the "Drive-by ME-dia" reported (rather scarcely) as a "political stunt" has turned into an all-out internet/new media revolution! (Proving yet again: The Main Stream Media is increasingly irrelevant.)

dontgo.us and callbackcongress.com, along with several (as in dozens) of Blogs, "Media Lizzy" Blackney, and thousands of just plain ol' Americans are on the floor of the US House, in the dark, without microphones or C-SPAN, just having a national conversation on energy via the Internet. It is an amazing thing to watch. Folks have been sneaking in camera phones and posting video clips to the 'net. (FYI, our fellow Tweeting flacks @kurtluidhardt and @krisluidhardt are on the floor as we write sending out updates and posting to their blog (BTW, throw us a bone and crosspost a few of those will ya?)

What the Drive-by ME-dia can't (or likely won't) report, these intrepid new media hacks are scooping and driving a grassroots potential uprising over the issue of giving the Members of Congress an up or down vote on comprehensive Energy Reform legislation. Sounds pretty logical to us here at the WPBC - even if we have had a few fruity concoctions of questionable recipe.

So we say, Keep Going! Crank it up! This is great stuff. BTW, We all logged on to sign the petition.

EXCLUSIVE REPORT: Boffo-over-the-top-bash for Young GOPer

Well, fellow dumpster divers, if you didn't get the memo yet:

the invitation only bash for one of the metro areas up-and-comers was the "must do" of the summer. The Hawaiian Luau theme not withstanding ... the Guest of Honor (1 year old Peter Certo, son of the effervescent and always charming Meghan Certo and her poker-playing jurist husband, the Honorable David Certo) was breaking all the fashion barriers sporting a bright red Hawaiian print shirt and broad smile - clearly winning the hearts of several female attendees.

Mom put out the nines for the bash, which your humble correspondents crashed with relative ease, and Dad was hawking his "world famous Pineapples in Rum Sauce" - which we are sure is strained pineapple slices with a bottle of rum poured over the top, then left to soak for three hours - and a bevy of finger food and a glorious selection of more substantial fare which covered the entire dining room table!

Notable Certo party staples include the "iced-keg-o-beer" and a near-world famous selection of booze. All in all: This one rated 5-1/2 out of Six on the Gonzo Blend-o-meter Party Scale.

... And Congratulations to young Mr. Certo. Happy Birthday, Buddy!

Will The Real B. Hussein Obama Please Stand Up?

So which Obamassiah do we have today?

The B. Hussein Obama who said he is "Against the Bush Tax Cuts"

OR

The B. Hussein Obama who said in a TV ad he would "Pass a $1000 tax cut"

WHICH IS IT BARRY???? Are you FOR or AGAINST tax cuts??

Break out the Blender, Baby! Congress drinks the Kool-Aid! (Again.)

Oh, Mother, say it isn't so!

This just in: Dateline - the "Zippy-the-pinhead" looking Luddite pandering for spare change on the corner of any major intersection on the north side: "Um, I need a little something to hold me over until my stimulus check and mortgage assistance makes it. Brother, can ya' spare some spare change?" Which is really annoying, but not the focus of today's rant. If, however, the Pelosi scrum has their way, we may all be hawking for a handout before long.

Why is it that the answer to every friggin' question about how to address the crisis-du-jour is another government handout? Man, I know life ain't fair, but can we at least agree that playing Robin Hood (not the Mel Brooks version) with the taxpayers money isn't ever going to make for equality amongst the classes.

I know, let's pull a page from the Great Society playbook: If we just quit spending money on a needless and criminally unjust war in (Vietnam/Iraq), we could spend that money on social and economic justice for the (under-achievers/disenfranchised/unwashed masses). Oh, wait. They've been doing that.

Newsflash: It didn't work in the 1960's. It will not work now. It won't work if Obama-mama-mia is the next POTUS.

There is not now, nor has there been, nor will there be, a way to prevent even reasonably intelligent people from making bad decisions, getting swindled, taken advantage of, or "ripped-off" ... Educate, don't legislate! Regulate, sensibly, if you must. Just don't punish the taxpayers.

Official: State fits Obama's game plan | IndyStar.com | The Indianapolis Star

Official: State fits Obama's game plan IndyStar.com The Indianapolis Star: "Indiana, Plouffe said, is a 'state people are surprised we are playing so hard in. We believe that Indiana is highly competitive. We think we've got a terrific organization there, and McCain is not on the air and doesn't have any organization to speak of.'
Plouffe said the decision to run TV ads in Indiana and 17 other states is 'not a head fake.'"

What if the "Indiana plan" was part of a fundraising scheme for Obama?

What if Obama and HRC had already raised 1.7 million dollars out of Indiana and wanted to raise another 5-6 million? Why not invest one to two million dollars into a great diversion like Indiana? NOTHING will motivate donors more than a real, or at least perceived to be real, local campaign for President.

I think that if you "invest" a couple million into Indiana, even though you have no shot to win, but still net 3-4 million you can spend in Ohio, Iowa, Virginia or Colorado. Why not do it?

Here's a great piece by Krauthammer sent to us by our pal Ari Kaufman. Enjoy! Bold by ARI. Have a splendid weekend! The Audacity of Vanity By Charles Krauthammer WASHINGTON -- Barack Obama wants to speak at the Brandenburg Gate. He figures it would be a nice backdrop. The supporting cast -- a cheering audience and a few fainting frauleins -- would be a picturesque way to bolster his foreign policy credentials. What Obama does not seem to understand is that the Brandenburg Gate is something you earn. President Reagan earned the right to speak there because his relentless pressure had brought the Soviet empire to its knees and he was demanding its final "tear down this wall" liquidation. When President Kennedy visited the Brandenburg Gate on the day of his "Ich bin ein Berliner" speech, he was representing a country that was prepared to go to the brink of nuclear war to defend West Berlin . Who is Obama representing? And what exactly has he done in his lifetime to merit appropriating the Brandenburg Gate as a campaign prop? What was his role in the fight against communism, the liberation of Eastern Europe, the creation of what George Bush 41 -- who presided over the fall of the Berlin Wall but modestly declined to go there for a victory lap -- called "a Europe whole and free"? Does Obama not see the incongruity? It's as if a German pol took a campaign trip to America and demanded the Statue of Liberty as a venue for a campaign speech. (The Germans have now gently nudged Obama into looking at other venues.) Americans are beginning to notice Obama's elevated opinion of himself. There's nothing new about narcissism in politics. Every senator looks in the mirror and sees a president. Nonetheless, has there ever been a presidential nominee with a wider gap between his estimation of himself and the sum total of his lifetime achievements? Obama is a three-year senator without a single important legislative achievement to his name, a former Illinois state senator who voted "present" nearly 130 times. As president of the Harvard Law Review, as law professor and as legislator, has he ever produced a single notable piece of scholarship? Written a single memorable article? His most memorable work is a biography of his favorite subject: himself. It is a subject upon which he can dilate effortlessly. In his victory speech upon winning the nomination, Obama declared it a great turning point in history -- "generations from now we will be able to look back and tell our children that this was the moment" -- when, among other wonders, "the rise of the oceans began to slow." As economist Irwin Stelzer noted in his London Daily Telegraph column, "Moses made the waters recede, but he had help." Obama apparently works alone. Obama may think he's King Canute, but the good king ordered the tides to halt precisely to refute sycophantic aides who suggested that he had such power. Obama has no such modesty. After all, in the words of his own slogan, "we are the ones we've been waiting for," which, translating the royal "we," means: "I am the one we've been waiting for." Amazingly, he had a quasi-presidential seal with its own Latin inscription affixed to his podium, until general ridicule -- it was pointed out that he was not yet president -- induced him to take it down He lectures us that instead of worrying about immigrants learning English, "you need to make sure your child can speak Spanish" -- a language Obama does not speak. He further admonishes us on how "embarrassing" it is that Europeans are multilingual but "we go over to Europe , and all we can say is, 'merci beaucoup.'" Obama speaks no French. His fluent English does, however, feature many such admonitions, instructions and improvements. His wife assures us that President Obama will be a stern taskmaster: "Barack Obama will require you to work. He is going to demand that you shed your cynicism ... that you come out of your isolation. ... Barack will never allow you to go back to your lives as usual, uninvolved, uninformed." For the first few months of the campaign, the question about Obama was: Who is he? The question now is: Who does he think he is? We are getting to know. Redeemer of our uninvolved, uninformed lives. Lord of the seas. And more. As he said on victory night, his rise marks the moment when "our planet began to heal." As I recall -- I'm no expert on this -- Jesus practiced his healing just on the sick. Obama operates on a larger canvas.

REAL Energy Reform for America

Check out this great Op-Ed from the Washington Times by Rep. Dan Burton

Have you ever noticed ...

(Spl Thnx to Splash News for the Paris Hilton Pic)

... how somebody can be famous for just being, well, famous - and for no particular reason.

Take Paris Hilton for example. Aside from her occasional romps with the fashion police and, um, the Los Angeles Police, her only real claim(s) to fame are a couple of sex videos she let her boyfriend(s) shoot that ended up on the internet. She has done nothing notable other than a short-lived reality show and being photographed with some of the people she hangs around with. (Remember the whole Spears/Lohan freak fest? Bet that was a real proud daddy moment, huh.)

The gal never graduated from high school, yet she's managed to ditz-n-glitz her way into the headlines, write an autobiography, cut an album, and launch her own fragrance ... well, other people have actually written the autobiography, produced the album, and made the perfume ... and paid her to use her name, but that's another story.

I bring this up because Paris Hilton reminds me of Barak Obama, albeit Barak is much better dressed and educated - no fashion faux pas for the big BO. (Well, there was that bike riding thing.) As well, to my knowledge, there have been no run in's with the police either in L.A., Chicago, or D.C.

However, consider:

Here's a guy who has done nothing notable other than a short-lived and unremarkable stint as the junior Senator from Illinois who's managed to sham his way to the Democratic nomination without really ever having to explain the who, what, where, and how -- let alone the why -- of his campaign for "Change" and bringing "Hope" (or was it hype, I get confused) to the unwashed masses.

He hangs out with some real characters (and not just his other Senate colleagues).

Let's review:

There's the infamous Bill Ayres and Bernadette Dohrn. Dohrn is a Communist. She believes that "Marxism-Leninism is the science of revolution" and Ayres, in his youth, was a terrorist who ran around blowing things up - hardly youthful indiscretions.

Then there's our friend the right Reverend Jeremiah Wright. James Cone couldn't be any more radical than Jeremiah is. In fact, Cone says that Wright and his church, Trinity United, are the best example of a church living out black liberation theology. So controversial is this man and his Theology, that our boy, BO, had to undergo an excruciatingly public "throwing-my-Pastor-under-the-bus" moment.

My personal favorite is Tony Rezko. BO's bag-man, Tony raises big-big money for Illinois pols.
Consider the following from the Chicago Sun-Times:

In 2003, Obama announced he was running for the U.S. Senate, and Rezko -- a member of his campaign finance committee -- held a lavish fund-raiser June 27, 2003, at his Wilmette mansion.
A few months after Obama became a U.S. senator, he and Rezko's wife, Rita, bought adjacent pieces of property from a doctor in Chicago's Kenwood neighborhood -- a deal that has dogged Obama the last two years. The doctor sold the mansion to Obama for $1.65 million -- $300,000 below the asking price. Rezko's wife paid full price -- $625,000 -- for the adjacent vacant lot. The deals closed in June 2005. Six months later, Obama paid Rezko's wife $104,500 for a strip of her land, so he could have a bigger yard. At the time, it had been widely reported that Tony Rezko was under federal investigation. Questioned later about the timing of the Rezko deal, Obama called it "boneheaded" because people might think the Rezkos had done him a favor. (You mean the Rezko's didn't do you a huge favor BO? Do the math Baby! -G.O.D)

Eight months later -- in October 2006 -- Rezko was indicted on charges he solicited kickbacks from companies seeking state pension business under his friend Gov. Blagojevich. Federal prosecutors maintain that $10,000 from the alleged kickback scheme was donated to Obama's run for the U.S. Senate. (Update: Rezko was convicted on 16 of 24 charges. BO gave the 10 grand to charity - G.O.D.)

It's a long way around the track to get back to Paris Hilton. Heck, there really isn't any way to tie this back in. I just knew you were not going to read the whole BO thing without something to keep you from dozing off.

" ... and my flights of angels sing thee to thy rest. Yeah, baby!"

But before you nod off, kids, remember: This guy wants to be our President. Shouldn't we want to know more about him before we give him the job?

Post Turtle

Cross Posted at Weird Pro Central and Circle City Pundit.com.

While suturing a cut on the hand of a 75-year-old Texas rancher, whose hand was caught in a gate while working cattle, the doctor struck up a conversation with the old man.

Eventually the topic got around to Obama and his bid to be our President.

The old rancher said, 'Well, ya know, Obama is a post turtle'. Not being familiar with the term, the doctor asked him what a 'post turtle' was.

The old rancher said, 'When you're driving down a country road and you come across a fence post with a turtle balanced on top, that's a 'post turtle'.

The old rancher saw a puzzled look on the doctor's face, so he continued to explain.

'You know he didn't get up there by himself, he doesn't belong up there, he doesn't know what to do while he is up there, and you just wonder what kind of a dumb ass put him up there.'

WTF? The Ryerson Rag Getting Lazier All The Time.

This is the headline for the article announcing the schedule for the Indianapolis Colts pre-season training camp:

"Colts release July training camp sked"

You gotta be kidding me! sked?? I gathered it means "schedule" but for a major metropolitan newspaper to use these types of terms in a headline? Get real.

What is next? Writing articles as if they were written in text message lingo?

Convention Round-up

A sampling and some comments from around the conservative blogosphere on the Indiana GOP Convention in Indianapolis

From our friend, Scott Fluhr at Hoosier Pundit:

Monday, June 2, 2008

Zoeller Wins Convention Floor Fight

Title says it all.Just two quotes...

"And David put his hand in his bag, and took thence a stone, and slang it, and smote the Philistine in his forehead, that the stone sunk into his forehead; and he fell upon his face to the earth."- 1 Samuel 17:49

"A really great man is known by three signs— generosity in the design, humanity in the execution, moderation in success."- Otto von Bismarck

Time to kiss and make up.Or at least make up; I'm not kissing anybody.

Posted by Scott at 6:04 PM Labels: 2008 Election, Indiana Politics

June 2nd, 2008 by Michael Jezierski

Greg Zoeller Wins The Convention Nomination

The hard-fought battle for the nomination for Attorney General comes to an end, and Greg Zoeller has won the nomination.

And the people said ...
(7 Responses to “Greg Zoeller Wins The Convention Nomination”)

john Says: June 2nd, 2008 at 5:55 pm
Great job Jim Banks on the campaign. Greg Zoeller picked the right guy! You and your adopted Indianapolis crew really worked hard, good luck on the general. Paul Mullin, way to step up, you have a great future with the way you battle for great Republicans. Good luck My Man Mitch and the entire ticket, let’s roll. Special kudos to Steve Carter and Carl Brizzi, way to stand strong. Way to go all around folks!

Scott Says: June 2nd, 2008 at 6:06 pm
A good fight was had by all; time to come together.
And I’d say that even if Costas won.

mimi Says: June 2nd, 2008 at 7:50 pm
My faith in the political process has been restored. My congratulations to Greg Zoeller. I look forward to seeing him in the AG’s office as the AG. My best to Jon Costas and his family. I am sure we will see more of him in the future.

howardcountychairman Says: June 2nd, 2008 at 9:18 pm
Congratulations to Greg Zoeller! Impressive campaign. I’m sure you will be a great Attorney General. Congratulations to Jon Costas. You lost, but you lost with class. You are a great Republican and I hope we see you again in the future. Now, let’s all get on the same team and focus on the really important task at hand, defeating Jill Long Thompson. We cannot return to the days of bankrupt finances and bankrupt ideas. We need to back Governor Daniels with 100% of our energy and finances. Let’s start today and have one heckuva victory party in November.

daltonsbriefs Says: June 3rd, 2008 at 8:41 am
Congratulations to Chief Deputy Zoeller and yes Jim Banks’ team for a very well run and fast campaign. There is no doubt that you were better organized for the day yesterday, I noticed that right off the bat.
I heartily agree that we now work together to get this entire slate elected in November. And yes, I’m sure we’ll see Mayor Costas again … somewhere … but for now back to the business of Valparaiso.
Josh, I won’t leave comments on every post, so hope you see this, great coverage.

mark95 Says: June 3rd, 2008 at 9:14 am
Also want to send my congrats to the Southern District Republican Chairmens for their hard work for Dr. Tony Bennett and Greg Zoeller! You guys worked hard and deserve our Thanks!

divi1960 Says: June 3rd, 2008 at 10:29 am
It was obvious when one walked into the convention hall that Zoeller would prevail. Most of my conservative friends, including Eric Miller, John Price, and Micah Clark made a difference in their lobbying efforts. I trust their judgment enough to hope that he was the right choice. I’m willing to give Greg a chance and get behind his candidacy the way I did when Steve Carter ran. I hope I’m not disappointed. Congratulations to Greg.

It occurs to your humble blogster that the conservatives won big with the Zoeller nod and may be ready to reach out and get behind the Daniels re-elect effort. Time will tell, but I suspect that the GOP will need to get everybody pulling the oars in the same direction if they expect to prevail in what appears to be a "generational election year" (in much the same way that Kennedy (1960) and Reagan (1980) were.) I may be wrong. I look at the primary/voter registration numbers and (despite the Obama-mama-mia/Hill-Bill-ary cage match) I get nervous given the trend toward "purple" and the general desire of the message-less GOP to slouch toward mediocrity (at least nationally). With the exception of a few brave souls who actually have an agenda for solving some of our problems, the GOP could be looking at a real thumping come November. Stay tuned ...