Stimulus, We Don't Need Your Stinkin' Stimulus

And then there were three ... Two Senators from Maine, and some knucklehead from Pennsylvania (who's probably an Eagles fan). Doesn't the GOP has a litmus test or something? Where do they find these people? I hereby renounce my affiliation with the Republican Party (or, what's left of the thing that used to be called the Republican Party.) I am now a Depublicradendent.

Just a parting thought as I leave the GOP. Does anyone else wonder what's going to happen when the Chinese and Japanese, Saudi and EU guys quit buying our debt - or jack the interest rates to 12%?

So I am on to my new career as a Depublicradendent. First things first.

Great Stimulus Idea number 26: (You see, I have been thinking about this for a while) Send every balding, middle-aged, white guy in America three free drink tickets and admission to the Girls, Girls, Girls Show Club on 38th Street or, better yet, Amateur Oil Wrestling Night at the Snafu Lounge ... Now That's Stimulus, my friends. (@mjezierski would probably give up Saturday night at the laund-ri-matic for that one, Mr. Obama.)

81% of the American people are just 81% of the American people. Piss on 'em.

Great Stimulus idea number 27: See Great Stimulus Idea number 26, only for next week too.

See, it's true. I know as much as any Senator about stimulus. So, I am hereby announcing my candidacy for the Senate. A free pass to PT's for all! (Hey, it's better than a Chicken potpie or a good 5-cent cigar - and those guys were Presidents!)

You see my peeps, I am just looking out for your stimulation. Nothing else matters to me.

I'm for manual stimulation, simulated stimulation, and stimulation of the nation. I want to palpitate to stimulate, urinate to stimulate, and populate the show clubs of America with stimulating undulating. I want to be the Senator who's doing the administration of stimulation across the nation! So vote for me - it'll be stimulating! Liberating! and, you will not be fornicating! (Well, you might be, but I'm for "don't ask-don't tell stimulation") There is no down side, for cryin' out loud. I'll solve the whole gasoline problem by giving everybody a three day work week so you can get all the stimulus you need from other non-fossil fuel energy consuming activities. We'll have more time to grow things in our backyard gardens.

Since people will have less money, they will buy fewer things - less stuff = lower demand, but with fewer folks actually working, it wont make any difference. Yet, we'll all be so stimulated!

I am a friggin' genius.

Thank you Mr. and Mrs. America and ... thank you, Mr. Knucklehead guy from Pennsylvania.

PS: Any chance we can get your two gal-pals from Maine to Amateur Night this weekend? Doesn't look like you'll be doing anything constructive over the weekend.

Wrong. Just Friggin' Wrong.

Congress set to bail out Wall Street on the backs of Main Street.

Fellow Flacks, Hacks, and Dumpster Diving Professionals ...

UPDATE! Well, friends, a few intrepid souls who actually Love America, Democracy, and the Free Enterprise System sent this cocktail of turkey entrails down the flusher. Congratulations to those brave Members of the House that voted against this terrible legislation - now let's get a solution that actually preserves the best principles of our Constitutionally Federated Representative Republic and the Free Markets that are the envy of the world! (G.O.D.)

Good Piece from Capitol Brief: Read it here.


You have got to be friggin' kidding me. One Trillion Dollars? How effin' much money is that? I can't even get my arms around that. Why not just give every adult citizen of the United States like $4 million bucks - problem solved. The government can even tax it and get half of it back. The stupid, brainless and genetically challenged among us will blow it all in a couple of years, the rest of us will pay all our bills and invest some of it, then blow some of it. The really smart will figure out a way to fleece the rest of us. Within a couple of years, everything will be back to normal.

I'm also not buying this idea that somehow the taxpayers are actually going to make money on this thing. When has government ever made money on anything? Oh sure, they'll tell you about Chrysler, and la-de-da ... remember the Airlines, anyone?

This bill, in the words of Minority Leader John Boehner, is a "crap sandwich" which it appears the rest of us are going to have to eat. All I can say is: "You want fries with that?"

You Thought the Lipstick Comment was Good ... Try This One!

Dudes and Dudettes,

We so completely ripped this one off from Hoosier Access, but we can't help ourselves.

The latter half of Team BOJoe caught on tape once again. Thank the "Man" for getting us the camera/video on a cell phone!

Check out the Hoosier Access post and see the video clip HERE.

Biden, in typical Biden-style, inserts foot (A) into mouth (B) then, in a lame-ass-rally-the-troops attempt, seems to try to make the gaffe into a "tribute moment".

The story line goes like this:

Biden is doing some intros at an event in Missouri. He gets to State Senator Chuck Graham.

"Stand up, Chuck!", he says. One problem. Senator Graham is wheelchair bound. (Some staffer screwed the pooch! Usually, the candidate gets briefed about "special circumstances" - ask any of the hacks hangin' around here) ...

So now. Joe, realizing that the good Senator can't stand up, turns back to the crowd and exhorts them to, "Stand up for Chuck!" It's just classic.

Sometimes a picture really is worth a thousand words.

H/T Hoosier Access for letting us rip them off.

Hockey Moms to BOJoe: "Take off eh, ya hosers!"

Fellow Flacks, Hacks, Dumpster Divers, Dudes and Dudettes, we have the scoop on the latest power players in American Politics!

Is anybody else as giddy as we are about the whole "hockey mom" thing, besides Contrarian, of course, who actually played hockey(and Lacrosse)?

Really, this is a whole new demographic that has been thrust into the spotlight of national politics and could be a deciding factor in determining the outcome of the November election. So, in the spirit of informing the public and exploring the impact of this new political force, we here at the WPBCHQ have been sitting around this morning trying to decipher what a hockey mom is. Since everybody knows about "soccer moms", we think a little comparison might illuminate our discoveries. Here's a few things we found:

Soccer moms load up the minivan after an afternoon by the pool for the quick trip over to the sports complex for practice. According to the Contrarian, "back in the day we had to get up at like 5 in the morning to get over to the rink for practice". Nothing like getting outta the warm bed to drive over to a friggin' frozen man-made pond at 5 am. Early on in the discussion we've decided that this is not an activity for sissies.

The soccer mom spends three hours, usually at Dick's Sporting Goods in the mall, shopping for "just the right shoes" to match the kid's uniform. Soccer moms insist that the Parks Department provide practice fields. Contrarian tells us that, "Every winter, Dads would smooth out the snow in backyards around the neighborhood and flood the things so we could take shots after school." Hockey mom's don't worry about silly little things like color coordinated skates, or dental bills.

While the ever omnipresent soccer mom gets to kibitz around the football pitch in Ferragamo, the intrepid hockey mom is filling the thermos with hot cocoa (or peppermint schnapps, one suspects) and donning that fashion staple known as "the snowsuit", she makes sure she puts fresh batteries in the hand warmers. Leg warmers are optional.

When a soccer mom is getting that "Coppertone" tan, the hockey mom is checking for frostbite. No make-up breaks at halftime like those prissy soccer moms either. No, the hockey moms don't even take a potty break.

Hockey moms aren't concerned about that "extra twenty pounds" the soccer mom's are always whining about. Hockey mom's value a little extra insulation.

Soccer moms are into Tofu and bottled water. Hockey moms are more meat, pizza, and beer. Soccer moms do Chardonnay. Hockey moms do shots.

While the soccer moms go ballistic when little "Logan" gets bumped on his heiner in the soft green grass, the hockey mom urges little "Bronco" to hip-check the other kid into the next zip code. (Actually heard once at the rink: "Get up and skate it off, it's only a little ice bruise, you'll live!")

Soccer moms worry about braces for the kids. Hockey moms are more concerned with a good deal on dentures.

Politically, soccer moms think Bill Clinton is misunderstood. Hockey moms just think he's a dickhead.

Socially, soccer moms prefer wine-tastings and lawn parties. Hockey moms prefer Packers games - just for a little variety.

The soccer mom wants her kids to "get into a good school" but the hockey mom hopes her kid gets drafted to the ECHL. A Division I "Frozen Four" school is just the fall-back position.

There it is. We've decided these are some tough ol' broads. We'll keep digging, but based on what we've learned through exhaustive research and a couple rounds of frozen blender cocktails, the editorial board here at the WPBCHQ feels fairly convinced that the hockey moms are are going to be a formidable force in the November election, assuming it's not game night.

Frankly, I'm disgusted with modern politics...

I guess I shouldn't be surprised that the left started out the weekend by spreading the rumor that Sarah Palin was "covering up" for her daughter, launching the speculation that Mrs. Palin was actually pretending to be the mother of her daughter's child. In fact, it turns out, that the 17 year old daughter is pregnant and unwed.

I cannot count the number of people that I know that have faced similar family problems. Fortunately, they didn't have their private family matters splashed all over TV, newspapers, and the Internet. Since when does this particular private family matter have any bearing on the public debate? I might be able to buy it if there was some discrepancy between the Palin's words and deeds. But to me, actions speak louder than words and the young woman is "doing the right thing" and taking responsibility for the child. Apparently, the father, is doing the same. Case closed.

But this heinousness of this diatribe from the left, the hatefulness, and the disregard for even the minimal civility due another human being leads me to wonder if there isn't a bigger systemic problem with the way our political and public figures are treated.

I know, somebody is saying "Hey, these folks signed up for this." It's the same argument that the "Hollywood" types make regarding the paparazzi. But since when did being someone who is "in the public eye" mean that you no longer get to have any privacy at all? Does offering to do public service come with the requirement that you can't have personal problems, family crisis, or errors in judgment? If so, then we really are in a bunch of trouble. All of us falls short, some more than others, and none of us are perfect.

I am aching to have a real debate on the important issues that are facing the country. To me, matters of war and the global threat from nuclear proliferation; poverty, energy, and the economy; trump whether or not the children of our political figures are having personal problems. Moreover, unless there is some suggestion that the Palin's are mis-using their official resources, I cannot find a circumstance that requires the media to make this information public, and certainly not in the spiteful, hateful, and unnecessary ways that the leftist blogosphere and some media outlets (New York Times, in particular) have in an effort to discredit Sarah Palin.

In my view, we need to get to a place where we can actually make judgements about competency based on experience and stated positions on issues of import and not on some nebulous politics of personal destruction that have infected our public discourse. When did it become necessary to not just defeat your opponent, but to personally and professionally destroy them? How long can we sustain self-government in an environment where every foible, every decision, and every personal problem, becomes fodder for the blogosphere?

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.

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."

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

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?

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 ...

"We must destroy this village in order to save it."

APPARENTLY, WE'RE NOT THE ONLY ONE'S FRAGGING OURSELVES.

I was going to write this piece about the fratricide taking place within the GOP here in the Hoosier state. While I was googling around doing some research I ran across this article from Brian Griffiths in Maryland.

If you read the first couple paragraphs and replace the references to Maryland, you could easily mistake it for Indianapolis. It's unfortunate that our once great GOP is pitting friends against friends, strong-arming colleagues, and shooting veiled threats at folks who we will ultimately need again for another battle.

Some wounds take a long time to heal.

I'm old enough to have vivid memories of Viet Nam. A place where the warrioirs won all the battles only to have the leadership lose the war. The parallels are not obscure to even the most casual observer.

If we're not careful we will lose the war in November. We will have certainly destroyed the village. Who will step up to end the folly?

REVISED & UPDATED ... Another One Bites the Dust: NY Guv Busted in DC Prostitute Ring

I was commenting just the other day about the liberals and recreational drugs ... pondering whether or not they didn't think reality was weird enough. Well now, fellow dumpster divers, it appears that New York Guv Spitzer got his dingy in the wringy and is somehow involved in a high-end hooker club in DC. Of course, the source is the New York Times, so let's wait for somebody credible to confirm it. [Well, the Times got one right ... but the NY Sun actually broke the story ...]Still, it is gonna be fun to watch this one play out.

Let's review. A President getting "hummers" in the White House, complete with a little spoogie on the silkies ... We got us a gay Congressman apparently running boys out of a DC townhouse and another one hitting on young pages ... I don't know how many diddling their interns ... a Senator trolling in toilets, another doing the DC Madame's exclusive list of 'ho's ... Guv's in a whore house at $5 grand a pop ... and people got all bent out of shape when Jimmy Carter disclosed he'd "lusted in his heart?" What's going on with the world, man! Next thing you know, dogs and cats will be living together in sin!

Who needs recreational drugs? This is beyond any mind-bending halucinations I can think of having this week. If this wasn't so f%*!ing tragic it would be almost funny. I usually, in fact never, beat up on people for their personal lives. What folks do on their own time is none of my business. But, for the love of pizza, dude, what makes these guys think that they can get away with this stuff and not end up all over the tube?

I am all for flaming somebody who lies, cheats, and steals from unsuspecting little old ladies, or people who kick dogs, cats, and other furry little farm animals. I support the death penalty, or at least selective culling of the gene pool, from time to time. But this is insanity. These guys keep doing the same stupid s#!t over and over again and expect a different outcome.

I guess we get what we deserve. [Kinda makes you want to take a shower doesn't it.]

Now, do you really think today's special election in CD 07 doesn't matter? GET OUT AND VOTE.

UPDATE: 11:30 A.M. 3/11: Interestingly, STILL "No Comment" on the Spitz Quitz Call from HRC ... "We should wait to see what comes out over ... comes out in the next days..." OH, give me a break!

UPDATE: 10:15 A.M. 3/11: Man, this thing is going up in flames, fellow flacks! NY Assembly Minority Leader Tedesco says he'll move for Articles of Impeachment in "24 to 48 hours" if the Spitz don't call it quits! Dudes and dudettes, Impeachment! Where have we heard that before? Hmmm ...?

To paraphrase fellow flack and dumpster diver extrondinaire, James "The Ragin' Cajun" Carville: Republicans try to protect their Generals. Democrats are trying to protect their "Privates" ... apparently, in more ways than one.

UPDATE: 3:06 p.m. 3/10: For the "What Goes Around, Comes Around" file ... Multiple sources now report NY Guv Spitzer has been indicted by the Feds and will resign his office later this evening. How tragic on so many levels. Let the games begin!

See the whole thing on TheSmokingGun.com:
SPITZER LINKED TO HOOKER PROBE
http://www.thesmokinggun.com/archive/years/2008/0310082spitzer1.html

The "Truth-O-Meter Vol. I, No. 3: The "NC" Apparently Discovers Cloning!

The "Truth-O-Meter" Vol. I, No.3

"And the Truth shall set you free"

Well hello again, fellow Truth-seekers, and welcome to yet another myth-busting adventure into the distortions, half truths, and outright fabrications foisted upon the unsuspecting masses by that nameless campaign seeking to soil themselves at every opportunity they can find.

Today's installment: Cloning! Yes, they must have found a way for someone to be in at least three places at the same time! And we have so much stuff on this topic that we have decided to address a few of them in one edition of the Truth-O-Meter for a couple of reasons. One, there are so many of these things that we aren't going to have enough time between now and Election Day to print them all, and two, it's just so darn much fun to point out the hypocrisy of this crowd that we can't resist the temptation.

So strap on your fellow Truth-seeker two-way digital communicator/wristwatch and don't forget your de-coder ring! It's time to debunk another in the long line of idiotic assertions of the campaign that wasn't!

The Lie (#1):

Wednesday, September 28 (2005)

"Missed the International Relations Committee's hearing on the agreement reached two weeks before that was supposed to provide a roadmap for reforming the United Nations ..."

Source: Their website.

(Now that's a real barn-burner of a topic. We've only been trying to reform the UN since I was in High School. But let's assume for the sake of this discussion it was important.)

The Truth:

Our Congressman was on the floor of the House of Representative during this time acting as "floor manager" for H.Res. 388, a bill, "expressing the sense of the House of Representatives regarding the July, 2005, measures of extreme repression on the part of the Cuban Government against members of Cuba's pro-democracy movement, calling for the immediate release of all political prisoners, the legalization of political parties and free elections in Cuba, urging the European Union to reexamine its policy toward Cuba, and calling on the representative of the United States to the 62d session of the United Nations Commission on Human Rights to ensure a resolution calling upon the Cuban regime to end its human rights violations, and for other purposes." (Keep in mind, the man's Chairman of the WHEM subcommittee, and last time I checked ... Cuba was in the Western Hemisphere.)

In addition to this item, other responsibilities of note on that day included the following:

A meeting with the Prime Minister of the Netherlands

Chairing a WHEM subcommittee hearing on "Democracy in Latin America"

Members Only Briefing on "The Global War on Terror"

(Source: Congressional Office Official Calendar. Amazingly, all you have to do is call the nice lady at the Congressman's office and ask her what was on the schedule for any given day in the past you want to ask about. Can you say, "Easy button?")

The Lie (#2):

Thursday, September 15 (2005)

"Missed the Government Reform Committee hearing on lessons learned from Hurricane Katrina ..."

The Truth:

At the same time the Government Reform Committee was meeting, so was the International Relations Committee. The HIRC was "marking up" three pieces of legislation. (... which we will see later in our journey seems to be an important thing to the NC crowd. the whole missing votes thing ...)

Oh, and there was that whole TECRO Agricultural Trade letter signing ceremony with Secretary Rice ... But hey, the nameless campaign wouldn't know about the importance of agricultural or trade opportunities in the 5th district.

The Lie (#3):

Wednesday, July 27 (2005)

"Missed the Government Reform Committee Hearing on the inconsistent standards for security at leased facilities between the Department of Defense and the rest of the federal government."

The Truth:

The Congressman was at the White House ... Meeting with the President.

Now, I am no expert, but I am pretty sure that when the POTUS wants to schedule a meeting, one would do it on his timeline.

Other notable items on schedule that day include:

Chairing a WHEM subcommittee on the "Latin American Diplomacy"

Meeting with the Honduran Special Envoy

The Lie (#4):

Wednesday, April 6 (2005)

"Missed the hearing of the Asia & the Pacific subcommittee of International Relations concerning the People's Republic of China's intentions with respect to Taiwan ..."

The Truth:

Chairing a WHEM Subcommittee hearing on the "Influence of China in the Western Hemisphere."

(Ooops, that one has got to have left a mark.)

In the interest of fairness, let me point out one thing that they did get right on their website. Shockingly, we did catch them accurately stating something:

"Friday, July 1 through Sunday, July 10 ... Congress on recess."
(I am no Parliamentarian but, shouldn't it be Congress in recess.)

Brilliant!

So, we can infer (hey, they did!) the nameless campaign has in fact deciphered the genetic code on such a level that they can reproduce an exact duplicate human being ... astonishing, where's the National Enquirer when you need them? ... thereby allowing someone to be in more that one place at the exact same time! Shocking development, fellow Truth-seekers ... and you heard it here first!

More likely, this is just another example of their crass negative attacks. When all else has failed, you see, this is what they are reduced to. The problem with this type of "stunt politics" is that it soon eliminates any respect and credibility you might have had ... want proof? Can you say, "Bob Hildago Kern?"

Stay tuned, hip-sters, it gets better and better ... and we've enlisted some help in trying to get it all put together. Look for other tempting tidbits of tawdry truculence coming soon ...

See other installments of the "Truth-O-Meter" here:
http://www.gonzostruthometer.blogspot.com/

O.K., It's Time to Put the Kids to Bed

Cross Posted: CircleCityPundit.com

Remember what it was like when you were a kid, where perhaps there was an evening that things seemed a little tense around the house? Soon enough, mom and dad announce that it's time to go to bed, but you are smart enough to realize that it's at least an hour before bedtime, as you are told mom and dad have something to discuss, something not intended for you to hear. In other words, you had your playtime that day, but now the adults have some serious issues to discuss or serious work to do, things too mature for your young ears.

To relate this to the upcoming Special Election next Tuesday, it's time that mature adults tell the Libertarian Party to go to bed, the adults have some mature issues to handle. Despite a 37 year history, the LP is way too immature to handle this serious business and it's time that we stop humoring them and tell them to go to bed.

Folks, let me clarify something. I am all for people creating whatever "political parties" (or in the case of the LP, "debating societies") that they so desire, and certainly folks should have the right to vote in whatever manner they see fit (assuming they are still alive, otherwise they are expected to vote Democrat). I am, in no way shape or form, advocating that anyone should be dictated to regarding their personal vote.

But don't you think that after a certain point, a party should have to actually earn your vote? And not through hollow and empty rhetoric (not that said empty rhetoric hasn't done Barry Obama a world of good) but through some sort of empirical evidence that they can actually do what they claim?

Witness the Libertarian Party, self-described as our nation's "largest third-party", which is a lot like saying I am the best looking 6'5" white male currently residing at my residence. In fact, they claim 200,000 members nationwide, which is less than the number of registered voters in the 7th District alone.

This "party of three percent" as I like to refer to them, has been in existence since 1971. Quick: name one elected Libertarian...

Still wating...

Let me know when you think of one, as, unlike noted political parties like The Constitution Party, The Progressive Party, and The Republican Moderate Party (no, I didn't make that last one up), the nation's "largest third party" can't even claim an elected official at the State Representative level. In fact, according to the blog of former State Chairman Mark Rutherford (who, I might add has more class than nearly anyone I've ever known. I'm proud to have had the opportunity to call Mark a friend at one time), here is a list of current officeholders in the state of Indiana:

* 1. Susan Bell, Town Judge, Hagerstown, Term Ends 12/31/11

* 2. Conley Tillson, Clay Township Advisory Board, Wayne County, Term Ends 12/31/10

* 3. Steve Coffman, Liberty Township Advisory Board, Henry County, Term Ends 12/31/10

* 4. Michael Sloan, Town Council, Pottawattamie Park, Term Ends 12/31/11

Folks, our founding fathers only needed 12 years to create a nation from scratch and write a new Constitution. The LP after 37 years has achieved one judge (in a town I've never heard of), two township advisory board seats and a member of the town council for the town in "Groundhog Day".

As far as maturity level goes, this is a party that actively roots against their own nation in order to achieve political power. Don't believe me? Check out:

"Perhaps the upheaval of a bankrupt America would do the trick to bring a 3rd party into power? See David Walker's resignation and the FDIC announcement this week."

That was written by noted local activist Melyssa Donaghy, and appears to welcome such a global calamity in order to generate votes for her crowd.

Or perhaps the words of party activist Sam Goldstein, a member of the LPIN State Steering Committee and the Campaign Manager for Sean Shepard (though in fairness, comparing Goldstein's efforts to that of Elrod's CM Kyle Kasting is a lot like comparing William Hung and Carrie Underwood as far as talent level and ability.) when he told me last week:

"The best thing that could happen would be that Socialist Andre Carson getting elected and he helps destroy this country, then perhaps people would vote the right way"

Of course, considering the fact that Goldstein himself led the back room cabal that ensured Melyssa Donaghy would not be the LP candidate in the upcoming Special Election, perhaps the self-styled "Party of Principle" lacks a bit of that as well.

Folks, listen; the LP has a number of good people who are actively involved that are smart, capable and certainly well-intentioned. You may recall that we on this humble little blog were quite impressed with the recent efforts of Tim Maguire in his race for the City-County Council last year.

But to think that one might actually consider wasting a vote on these people this Tuesday in an election of such importance actually boggles my mind. That anyone would even consider, for just a moment, electing Andre Carson to this seat (likely for life, I might add) by throwing your vote away for an LP candidate is a scary thought, and likely not one that many rational beings are having.

It's time for adults to handle their serious business without the children around. It's time for the LP to go to bed.

In Dennis They Trust

After extensive electronic browbeating from Rick Wilson, I am now surfacing to draft my first post to this august blog. And I will begin with a subject that, for better or for worse, is intimately familiar to me: Dennis Kucinich.

As I have been going around telling people since returning to Cleveland in January from my yearlong vacation (fully paid by the federal government) in Southwest Asia during 2007, Dennis will win - with a majority of the vote - his five-way primary for the Democratic nomination on March 4. And history (or at least the voters of the district I know so well) has again proven what an astute observer of Northeast Ohio politics your dear author is...and humble, too.

The only difference this time was the fundraising. Despite truckloads of dollars being thrown at Cleveland City Councilman Joe Cimperman, the annointed candidate of "official Cleveland" (who doesn't even live in the 10th District), Dennis emerged victorious. Something almost made me want to cheer for him as the election approached, if for no other reason than to verify that my own failure to defeat him in the 2006 general election had nothing to do with the (very) modest size of our warchest and everything to do with the hold he has on the electorate in this district (and to give our 2008 nominee, former State Representative Jim Trakas, the best chance of winning in November). Even as scores of Republican friends of mine pulled Dem ballots last Tuesday so they could "vote against Dennis" (not to mention to vote for Hillary to keep that delicious nomination fight going), Dennis demonstrated anew the affection West Siders have for him. Indeed, that unbridled adoration for Cleveland's former "Boy Mayor" baffles those of us who have fought to defend this country, understand the benefits of limited government and lower taxes, and know in our bones that any further expansions of the welfare state (whether socialized medicine, manditory pre-school, or the other socialist proposals Dennis promotes) will break our nation.

But then the story took an even more bizarre turn. I was in Washington this past week for my first drill weekend back with the Navy Reserve unit I serve with and to connect with some old colleauges. I also attended the annual State of Ohio Birthday Celebration at the Library of Congress. As I was making a circuit of the room, who do I see but the good Congressman from Ohio 10? So, I walked up to him and experienced pol that he is, it took only a moment for him to realize who I was (although we happened into one another exactly twice on the campaign trail in 2006, since he refused to debate me at the City Club of Cleveland or elsewhere). He was quite charming, asking, "what are you doing now," etc. When I reminded him that I had recently returned from a 12-month tour in Iraq, the man who has railed against the Bush Adminstration and its so-called "illegal" war, refused to support a 9/11 commemorative resolution, and appeared on Syrian state television to denounce the country in whose national legislative body he holds a seat, he thanked me no fewer than three times in about a 90 second conversation for my service. Apparently, the small role I played in the war wasn't illegal, but was something for which gratitude should be shown by a Member of Congress. Interesting, that.

So, it's good to be back in the land of Dennis, surreal as it usually is. Perhaps one day the people of Greater Cleveland will realize what they continue to do to our region by sending this man to represent our interests in Washington. When they figure that out, I'll be here to step "once more into the breach, dear friends."

But for now, I must sign off. One of the other great joys of the North Coast visited our fair region this weekend - a late winter snowstorm. And there is about 15 inches of the white stuff to move from one location to another outside my house. So, get out your shovels, kids, and stay tuned for my next post!

Jon Elrod's First Campaign Ad

(Cross Posted at Hoosier Access)

Change. Be Careful What You Ask For.

Coked-up as a youth. (He changes to what, Scotch ... G&Ts?).
Doing backroom deals on NAFTA. (He was for it, sort of, before he was against it, kind of ... oh who cares ... next?)
The whole Tony Rezko thing in Chicago. (Hey, I grew up in Chicago and actually remeber how the Dem Ward Machine works. Can you say "yo', Tony, can we make a deal, 'ere?" Barak may well need a good lawyer ... )

Yes sir, now there's some real change for you.

(BTW, What is it about liberals and recreational drugs anyway? Reality isn't weird enough for them?)

I am wondering out loud what's next on the Obamamamamania hit parade, and whether it comes out in/on the MSM before the polls close today? Our friends in neighboring Ohio, down in Texas, and, lest we forget,our east coast bretheren in Vermont and Rhode Island, all get their "15 minutes" today.

I sense a little upset coming ...

What's a nice Republican girl to do?

It's no secret, I love Ron Paul. He is extremely intelligent, aware of the issues, and has strait forward solutions to some of our nations biggest problems. I also feel that he truly embodies the most basic Republican principles, those of low taxes and small government.

That being said, he hasn't a chance of being our next president. His delegate counts are in the double digits while all the other candidates are in triple digits, the national news stations don't give him any air time, let alone invite him to debates, and many think he's crazy. He's way too extreme to be elected, but I contend he has the best message.

So after the primary what am I supposed to do? I'm really not that fond of McCain and it looks like he's going to be our nominee. I sorta like Huckabee, but he's so far behind I don't really think he's going to come through. There's no way in hell I'm voting for Hilary. That leaves Obama on the Democrat side, who really doesn't have any experience but seems like able enough.

I'm presented with quite the predicament. The whole reason I have interest, and started to get involved in politics is because I am a firm believer in the Constitution and that our elected officials are in Washington to represent our best interests, yet I'm considering not voting. I'm really at a loss when it comes to the general election. I want to send someone to Washington that will lead our great nation in the right direction, but I'm not seeing anyone in this race whom I trust with that responsibility. I think I'm turning into one of those politically apathetic Americans. Quite a shame since I'm barely old enough to vote. All the more reason to become an anarchist I guess.

Ralph Nader and the Brighter Side of Politics

I love Ralph Nader. Really, I do. I love America too.

Only in America can Ralph Nader still get a gig with Russert. Uncanny, really.

The guy has not had an original idea since 1963 and yet he manages to get on MTP with Russert Sunday last and announce that he's going to, once again, wait for it ... wait ... "Run for President of the United States! (Ahhhhhhhhhhhhh!) But wait, there's more!

Naderites around the world unite! The old guy actually says he's running on clean water, safe food, and to break the corporate stranglehold on Washington. So, what else is new?

I can't help but quote Ralphie's own website, "It's all about the mood, Dude!" Who the hell is going to vote for that? I mean, does anybody seriously think that the water is not potable? Aside from a couple of anomolies in the food distribution system (that we're recalled at tremendous expense to the companies involved) we have the best, most plentiful, and largest selection of foodstuffs on the planet! Not to mention the whole Free Range and Whole Foods industry ... Granola munchers and Health Food devotees have everything from Trader Joe's to organic garden/farm markets to choose from.

As for the corporate stranglehold on Washington, what do you freakin' want? Code Pinkies running amok on K street? The friggin' "big business" crowd is fighting for self preservation. And let me just ask you, "When was the last time you got a job from a tree-hugging leftie protester, huh? Even Nader makes his scratch from extorting donations from the disillussioned and getting people to buy his books (which is the closest thing to legit entrepreneurism that he's ever done. Except for the early years as a practicing attorney back in Hartford).

But still, you just have to love this guy and admire his willingness to tic-off the Dems and be the butt of every cocktail party joke on the planet. The Dems still blame him for Gore's defeat in 2000 - notwithstanding the absolute loathing of the Left for Bush - even as they complain that Bush "stole the election".

So we are left with one candidate who is "ready to lead on day one" yet, knowing what we know, we are left wondering where; another candidate who is all about "change", which could mean anything from clean underwear to nuclear policy; and Ralph. Things are looking pretty good for McCain, huh?

Why we insist on picking the leader of the free world this way is the stuff of doctoral theses. That and the fact that it keeps a whole bunch of my fellow hacks and flacks employed ... which, come to think of it, isn't really such a bad thing. Back on the bus, y'all. It's Tuesday, must be Ohio.

So, join me in the quadrennial pursuit of sitting back, cranking up the blender, and watching these folks in the ceremonial cannibalism that is the POTUS election cycle. We may only have another week to enjoy it. Things are so dull with the GOPers that I almost forgot "My-Man-Mike" was still in the race. The Huckster has been thrown onto the ash heap of SNL, and a sad fate that was. I'm reminded of HST's lament: "How low do you have to stoop in this country to become president?"
Apparently, you have to stoop low enough to do NBC late night comedy shows and soil yourself in front of that small portion of Amrica that actually tunes in ... and the continuing debasement of the news cycle for the next 36 hours.

The Dems will likely have their contender by early morning hours of March 5. So it's up to you, Ralphie. We don't care about all those quirky little NFPs and all those mindnumbingly boring tomes of potifications. We just want you to get in there and make things interesting so we all have something to write about. You're a freak of nature, Ralphie, but we luv ya! Hang in there, baby.

The new world of journalism

The flood of new journalism has opened the masses to self-expression at the speed of a keystroke. Sites like YouTube, Myspace, Facebook, and Thoughts.com offer a free way for the average person to post blogs, vlogs, pictures and podcasts about topics that are important to them. Not surprisingly, political hopefuls are maintaining accounts with these sites and posting their positions on issues as well as campaign videos for all to see. Politicians have finally figured out that a website is simply not enough.

Along with most politicians, American’s have embraced this new form of expression and over 115 million blogs exist today, the large majority of which are hosted by Joe or Jane citizen without any journalistic background. I would venture to say that any political hopeful that ignores this new technology is digging his or her own grave. If you aren’t aware of what is out there it is time to dive in and go blogging! If you are new to the game, start with the blogosphere at Technorati.com.

If I have used words you have never heard of you should pick up your rotary phone and call your grandkids. They can help get you started!