Kicking Off the New Year With a Little Run!

I told you an announcement was coming and here it is. I am throwing my hat in the ring and running for Floyd County Council in District 2. This is a big step outside my comfort zone and something I never thought would happen. I will need the support of all my friends to make this happen. I welcome all suggestions and advice and will take them to heart. Please join my Facebook page by clicking here.





I will also have a candidates web site that will be up soon. I have already heard from many of you and appreciate the encouragement. Please keep it up because this will be a long campaign. I want this process to be positive and energized. That means I need you to get involved. So, come on, let's get this thing started.

I wish you all a blessed and safe 2010. Thanks again, Danny

Limited Posting for the Near Future

Postings will be slim for a bit. An announcement to come sometime around the first of the year. Thanks for your loyal support.

Words of Wisdom: Wretchedness and Opression

As we sit on the edge of the greatest power grab in our nation's history, I feel that is important to look to our Founding Fathers for their wisdom. Never before have these words rang more true than in the day and time we live in now.

"We must not let our rulers load us with perpetual debt.
We must make our election between economy and liberty
or profusion and servitude.
If we run into such debt, as that we must be taxed in our meat and
in our drink, in our necessaries and our comforts, in our labors and
our amusements, for our calling and our creeds...
[we will] have no time to think,
no means of calling our miss-managers to account
but be glad to obtain subsistence by hiring ourselves
to rivet their chains on the necks of our fellow-sufferers...
And this is the tendency of all human governments.
A departure from principle in one instance
becomes a precedent for [another ]...
till the bulk of society is reduced to be mere automatons of misery...
And the fore-horse of this frightful team is public debt.
Taxation follows that, and in its train wretchedness and oppression."


Thomas Jefferson in a letter to Samuel Kercheval, Monticello, July 12, 1816

Creative Accounting...Pay for 10, Get 6

How can the Senate Health Care Bill come in at the magical number just under $850 billion? Check the fine print. With this bill, you also get the Enron accounting team. You see, the taxes and penalties start now and continue on the projected ten year model, but the benefits do not start till 2014. That's right, pay for 10 and get 6. But wait, there's more. The doctor's benefit for Medicaid has been taken out of this bill and moved to the general budget. The cost for this trick? $225 billion. Ahh the smoke and mirrors...and creative accounting.

America on Trial

No surprises as the announcement came today. The justice department plans to bring the September 11th terrorists to New York to stand trial in a civilian court. This would be no big deal if these were ordinary thugs accused of purse snatching or DUI. These are not ordinary thugs. These are hardened terrorists that have all admitted that they planned and executed the events on that dark day. They have asked to be martyred so they can meet their virgins. They have no defense.

Now they will be given rights and privileges, the same as American citizens. They will plead the 5th amendment. They will push for a speedy trial. They will make a mockery of our systems and will tear open wounds of the survivors and families that desperately need to heal.

Their fate is sealed. This trial will not be so much about them as it will be about the previous administration's ideals and practices to receive intelligence from the terrorists. The attorneys will mull the so called "torture" techniques. They will accuse American officials of over reaching and will put on the black board all of our ways of gaining information. All terrorists will learn valuable information on how to beat the interrogations. This will end badly. This will give America a black eye. This will become a three ring media circus.

All this for a terror leader that has pleaded guilty and expressed his wishes to die. All this for a trial that can and should be tried in a military court. All this from an administration that still blames America for the world's troubles.

This Just In...Baron Votes in Favor of Tyranny

The results are in on the late night vote for the so called "health care" bill and it is no surprise. Baron Hill rode the fence as long as he could, but in the end bowed to pressure from Madame Pelosi and voted yes. After some goodies were added to sweeten the deal for those wavering on the vote, the total for the bill reached $1.4 trillion over ten years. John Yarmuth also voted yes. The final tally was 220 for and 215 against. Five votes, just five votes for a bill that Baron could have killed in committee. It is a sad day for this country and our descendants. If this blatant power grab passes the Senate, our government will control about 15% of our nation's economy. Please contact your senators without delay. Remind them of last Tuesday's elections and what the future holds for them if they continue this madness. One final comment... Run Mike, Run.

Today is the Day

A big health care vote maybe? The release of the "G.I. Joe" movie on Blue Ray? Try this on for size...the CBO announced that the nation's debt will zoom past $11.9 trillion today. Oh yeah, trillion with a "T". It will hit $12 trillion by year's end. How much longer can the dollar stand against this full on assault? How much longer will the people sleep before they rise up? Well, today is also the off year election day. Today is the first judgement day of Obama's policies. Look for the message to be loud and clear.

Hoosier Hysteria

This post won't matter much to the "Progressives" that sometimes read here, but I believe there is still something to be said for New Albany beating Jeff on the hardwood. I love this time of year and all the history and tradition that goes with basketball in Indiana. I hope you enjoy...



The echoes from the hardwood
and the cheers from the rafters

The championship banners that hang
for generations after

The dreams of the future
in a little boy's stare

The thoughts of a March run
in the cold November air

The practice and pride
and screaming are for a reason...

Once again in Indiana
it is basketball season.


Good luck and I hope your team does well.

More On Executive Orders

Next on the list of JFK signed executive orders is number 11002. This one is not so covert. It plainly states that the U.S. Post office will have the power to register people for "readiness" under the newly developed FEMA. There is even a few lines about cooperation between the post office and the Department of Defense. This particular order can be used and misused in so many ways. Do you think the national I.D. is far fetched? Why do we get our passports at the post office? Here is the text:

Executive Order 11002
ASSIGNING EMERGENCY PREPAREDNESS FUNCTIONS TO THE POSTMASTER GENERAL
By virtue of the authority vested in me as President of the United States, including authority vested in me by Reorganization Plan No. 1 of 1958 (72 Stat. 1799), it is hereby ordered as follows:

SECTION 1. Scope. The Postmaster General shall assist in the development of a national emergency registration system. These plans and programs shall be designed to develop a state of readiness in this area with respect to all conditions of national emergency including attack upon the United States.

SEC. 2. Cooperation with Department of Defense. In consonance with national civil defense plans, programs, and operations of the Department of Defense under Executive Order No. 10952, the Postmaster General shall:

(a) Registration system. Assist in planning a national program and developing technical guidance for States, and directing Post Office activities concerned with registering persons and families for the purpose of receiving and answering welfare inquiries, and reuniting families in civil defense emergencies. The program shall include:
1. Forms. Procurement, transportation, storage, and distribution of safety notification and emergency change of address cards in quantities and localities jointly determined by the Department of Defense and the Post Office Department.
2. Training. Conduct of training programs for postal employees which will enable them to operate emergency central postal directories and to assist in the operation of a national emergency registration system including support of local welfare activities in reuniting families.

(b) Damage assessment. Maintain a capability to assess the effects of attack on its postal service and resources, both at national and field levels, and provide data to the Department of Defense.
SEC. 3. Functional Guidance.The Postmaster General, in carrying out the functions assigned in this order, shall be guided by the following:
(a) Interagency cooperation. The Postmaster General shall work with the heads of other agencies concerned in the development of systems outlined above. He shall utilize to the maximum those capabilities of other agencies qualified to perform or assist in the performance of assigned functions by contractual or other agreements.
(b) Presidential coordination. The Director of the Office of Emergency Planning shall advise and assist the President in determining policy for, and assist him in coordinating the performance of functions under this order with the total national preparedness program.

(c) Emergency planning. Emergency plans and programs, and emergency organization structures required thereby, shall be developed as an integral part of the continuing activities of the Post Office Department on the basis that it will have the responsibility for carrying out such programs during an emergency. The Postmaster General shall be prepared to implement all appropriate plans developed under this order. Modifications and temporary organizational changes, based on emergency conditions, shall be in accordance with policy determination by the President.

SEC. 4. Emergency Actions. Nothing in this order shall be construed as conferring authority under Title III of the Federal Civil Defense Act of 1950, as amended, or otherwise, to put into effect any emergency plan, procedure, policy, program, or course of action prepared or developed pursuant to this order. Such authority is reserved to the President.
SEC. 5. Redelegation. The Postmaster General is hereby authorized to redelegate within the Post Office Department the functions hereinabove assigned to him.

SEC. 6. Prior Actions. To the extent of any inconsistency between the provisions of any prior order and the provisions of this order, the latter shall control. Emergency Preparedness Order No. 9 (heretofore issued by the Director, Office of Civil and Defense Mobilization) (26 F.R. 661-662), is hereby revoked.

JOHN F. KENNEDY
THE WHITE HOUSE, February 16, 1962.

Obama Should Cancel Columbus Day

Why are we still celebrating this ridiculous holiday? I say Obama should abolish it and fine or imprison anyone that dares to continue with this madness. No more furniture sales. No more discounts on appliances. I will give you three good reasons why I feel this way.

1. Columbus left Europe...(why would anyone do that?)

2. He was looking for a better trade route...(obviously a free market capitalist.)

3. He found America...(the country that is solely responsible for all the wars that ever happened, global warming, guns and Glenn Beck.)

This guy is everything a liberal is not. He was creative. He was driven. Heck, he even had courage. So, let's stop this insane holiday already. We can throw this one out the window and create one for, umm, I don't know? Bastille Day?

Executive Orders and the Freedoms They Trample

Today I begin a series of posts about Executive Orders, those sneaky little mandates put forward by our presidents, that trample and trod all over our freedoms and liberty. The orders come from presidents of all political stripe and no punches will be pulled. I do not wish to add any conspiracy theory to these posts. However, I will give my own commentary as well as the actual wording of the order from a qualified source. Here we go:

February 16, 1962 was a busy time for John F. Kennedy. He signed eleven executive orders on that day and one on the 14th. These deal with FEMA and the powers conveyed to that agency. Today we look at order number 11000.

ASSIGNING EMERGENCY PREPAREDNESS FUNCTIONS TO THE SECRETARY OF LABOR
SECTION 1. Scope. The Secretary of Labor (hereinafter referred to as the Secretary) shall prepare national emergency plans and develop preparedness programs covering civilian manpower mobilization, more effective utilization of limited manpower resources including specialized personnel, wage and salary stabilization, worker incentives and protection, manpower resources and requirements, skill development and training, research, labor-management relations, and critical occupations. These plans and programs shall be designed to develop a state of readiness in these areas with respect to all conditions of national emergency, including attack upon the United States.

SEC. 2. Functions. The Secretary shall:

(a) Civilian manpower mobilization. Develop plans and issue guidance designed to utilize to the maximum extent civilian manpower resources, such plans and guidance to be developed with the active participation and assistance of the States and local political subdivisions thereof, and of other organizations and agencies concerned with the mobilization of the people of the United States. Such plans shall include, but not necessarily be limited to:

(1) Manpower management. Recruitment, selection and referral, training, employment stabilization (including appeals procedures), proper utilization, and determination of the skill categories critical to meeting the labor requirements of defense and essential civilian activities.

(2) Priorities. Procedures for translating survival and production urgencies into manpower priorities to be used as guides for allocating available workers.

(3) National guidance. Technical guidance to States for the utilization of the nationwide system of public employment offices and other appropriate agencies for screening, recruiting, and referring workers, and for other appropriate activities to meet mobilization and civil defense needs in each community.

(4) Improving mobilization base. Programs for more effective utilization of limited manpower resources, and in cooperation with other appropriate agencies, programs for recruitment, training, allocation, and utilization of persons possessing specialized competence or aptitude in acquiring such competence.

(b) Wage and salary stabilization. Develop plans and procedures for wage and salary stabilization and for the national and field organization necessary for the administration of such a program in an emergency, including investigation, compliance and appeals procedures; statistical studies of wages, salaries and prices for policy decisions and to assist operating stabilization agencies to carry out their functions.

(c) Worker incentives and protection. Develop plans and procedures for wage and salary compensation and death and disability compensation for authorized civil defense workers and, as appropriate, measures for unemployment payments, re-employment rights, and occupational safety, and other protection and incentives for the civilian labor force during an emergency.

(d) Resources. Periodically assess manpower resources in total, by specific skills categories and occupations, and by geographical locations, in order to estimate availability under an emergency situation, analyze resource estimates in relation to estimated requirements in order to identify problem areas, and develop appropriate recommendations and programs. Provide data and assistance before and after attack for national resource evaluation purposes of the Office of Emergency Planning.

(e) Requirements. Develop, in coordination with manpower-usage agencies, plans, procedures and standards for presenting claims for civilian manpower, periodically obtain and analyze or make estimates of requirements for manpower, in total and by specific skill categories and occupations currently and for any emergency, taking into account the estimates of needs for military and civilian purposes; and advise other agencies on the manpower implications of alternative program decisions. Such evaluation shall take into consideration the geographical distribution of requirements under emergency conditions.

(f) Claimancy. Prepare plans to claim materials, equipment, supplies and services needed in support of assigned responsibilities and other essential functions of the Department from appropriate agencies and work with such agencies in developing programs to insure the availability of such resources in an emergency.

(g) Skill development and training. Initiate current action programs to overcome or offset present or anticipated manpower deficiencies including those identified as a result of resources and requirements studies.

(h) Labor-management relations. Develop, after consultation with the Department of Commerce, the Department of Defense, the National Labor Relations Board, the Federal Mediation and Conciliation Service, the National Mediation Board, and other appropriate agencies and groups including representatives of labor and management, plans and procedures including organization plans for the maintenance of effective labor-management relations during a national emergency.

(i) Damage assessment. Maintain a capability to assess the effects of attack upon manpower resources, departmental installations, and State Employment Security agencies, both at national and field levels, and provide data to the Department of Defense.

(j) Critical occupations. Develop and maintain a list of critical occupations for use, when appropriate, with lists of essential activities as developed by the Department of Commerce. With the Secretary of Defense, the Director of Selective Service System, and such other persons as the President may designate, the Secretary shall develop policies applicable to the deferment of registrants whose employment in occupations or activities is necessary to the maintenance of the national health, safety, or interest.

SEC. 3. Research. Within the framework of Federal research objectives, supervise or conduct research directly concerned with carrying out emergency preparedness responsibilities, designate representatives for necessary ad hoc or task force groups, and provide advice and assistance to other agencies in planning for research in areas involving the Departments interest.

SEC. 4. Functional Guidance. The Secretary, in carrying out the functions assigned in this order, shall be guided by the following:

(a) Interagency cooperation. The Secretary shall assume the initiative in developing over-all civilian manpower mobilization programs and in coordinating the programs of other departments and agencies which have responsibility for any segment of such activities. I shall utilize to the maximum those capabilities of other agencies qualified to perform or assist in the performance of assigned functions by contractual or other agreements. Such programs shall be in consonance with national civil defense plans, programs and operations of the Department of Defense under Executive Order No. 10952.

(b) Presidential coordination. The Director of the Office of Emergency Planning shall advise and assist the President in determining policy for, and assist him in coordinating the performance of functions under this order with the total national preparedness program.

(c) Emergency planning. Emergency plans and programs, and emergency organization structure required thereby, shall be developed as an integral part of the continuing activities of the Department of Labor on the basis that it will have the responsibility for carrying out such programs during an emergency. The Secretary shall be prepared to implement all appropriate plans developed under this order. Modifications and temporary organizational changes, based on emergency conditions, will be in accordance with policy determination by the President.

SEC. 5. Emergency Actions. Nothing in this order shall be construed as conferring authority under Title III of the Federal Civil Defense Act of 1950, as amended, or otherwise, to put into effect any emergency plan, procedure, policy, program or course of action prepared or developed pursuant to this order. Such authority is reserved to the President.

SEC. 6. Redelegation. The Secretary is hereby authorized to redelegate within the Department of Labor the functions hereinabove assigned to him.

SEC. 7. Prior Actions. To the extent of any inconsistency between the provisions of any prior order and the provisions of this order, the latter shall control. Emergency Preparedness Order No. 8 (heretofore issued by the Director, Office of Civil and Defense Mobilization) (26 F.R. 660-661), is hereby revoked.

JOHN F. KENNEDY
THE WHITE HOUSE,
February 16


As you can see, this order is fairly well involved and full of legal jargon. This was the Vietnam era and I am sure this will be the argument of the naysayers. However, this order is still in effect. This order allows the Secretary of Labor to seize, move and utilize labor (people) as they see fit for the "defense" of the country. Wage and price controls are brought up as well as necessary skills and jobs. What are those skill and jobs? Will computer programmers be whisked away to an undisclosed location in a time of national emergency? Will wages be frozen in a time of disaster? If this seems far fetched, ask the upper management of some companies that are now under the wage control of the federal government.

As stated earlier, I am not trying to stir conspiracies. I am simply trying to show how the government can snatch our freedom bit by bit until there is little left. More to come on these orders soon.

Ramblings About Priorities and Hypocrisy

In a whirlwind week, the president shows the world where his priorities lie. In a trip to Copenhagen, darkened by the $1.2 million in fuel for two planes, Obama will try to woo the Olympic Committee into giving Chicago the 2016 games. Yes, I said two planes, one for him and one for his wife. Carbon footprint be damned. Did you know the White House has an Olympic office? Oh yeah, let's not call the chairperson a Czar, but they have an unspecified budget...of taxpayer money.

Meanwhile, General McChrystal waits for an answer from his boss. No hurry mind you. The General has only talked to Obama once in 70 days. All the while, 43 soldiers have died in Afghanistan since he asked for more boots on the ground. Remember a year ago while Obama was campaigning? I thought he said something about a policy of reinforcing the war in Afghanistan?

Back in D.C., the lawmakers continue to push for a budget busting health care bill that is more about insurance than actual health care. I am actually glad the president is out of the country right now. If I had to listen to the 89th speech on this issue, I would poke a knitting needle through my eardrums.

Now for a bit of good news: The Supreme Court has agreed to hear another gun case that argues the issue of cities and states restricting gun ownership. NO, they can't (see D.C. case). This stems from Chicago's ban on gun ownership. I think I recall an amendment to the Constitution, oh yeah the 14th one, that states if there is a law or right contained in the Constitution, states and cities cannot make a law that undermines that right. Slam dunk on this one. The only real question is if the new Justice will remove herself?

Indoctrination At Its Worst

mmm, mmm, mmm...Barack Hussein Obama.

This filth is from a school district in New Jersey. Hat tip to Dave.

Khadafi Has Best Idea of the Week

In his rambling and incoherent speech to the United Nations, Libyan leader Momar Khadafi (does anyone really know how to spell his name?) managed one little gem in a sea of blabbering. He suggested to the world that the United Nations should move its headquarters from New York City to Libya to save on the cost of travel and to reduce pollution from the posh jets that the world's elite fly in. Hmm...move the U.N. to Libya? Brilliant. Of course, I would have said the same thing if Chavez had wanted to move the corrupt, ineffective and incompetent association to his back yard. Move it anywhere, anywhere but here. While we are at it, let's also stop contributing millions of dollars of tax payer money to the U.N. Do these two things and see just how long this organization exists or turns into a playground for despot regimes. Well, maybe that is a bad example.

I Suppose It Has Come To This

The past two week's covers may be the final nail in the coffin of print media.

Is This What the Media Has Become?

Newsweek Cover for September 14, 2009.

Not to fear everyone...if your baby really is racist, Obamacare will pay for years of therapy and psych drugs to turn the little one into a mush for brains "normal" American that does not question his big brother government.

Indiana's Voter ID Law Struck Down

Follow this link to Hoosier Access for the story. ACORN strikes again.

"Racist" Charge Replaces "Global Warming" in Left's Blame Game

Oh, the good ole days. Remember those? Remember when Al Gore would spit venom towards SUV drivers and hog farmers while on his forty foot houseboat? Global warming was his cry! It became comical almost instantly because of the over use of the phrase. It all went something like this: Hurricane Katrina was caused by global warming. The tsunami in the far east...global warming. Drought? Flood? High winds? It has to be global warming. But, the lunatic left did not stop there. Even as the summer of 2009 was recorded as the coolest in decades, that too was blamed on global warming.

Now, with a new president, the old rant of global warming causes male pattern baldness seems to be out like Adam Lambert, errr I mean like those darn gas guzzlers. The new moniker is "racist." That's right, you are a racist! You might as well accept it, deal with it and get over it because you are a true blue, down to the bone, bred for generations, former slave owning, keep the black man down RACIST. Unless, of course, you are a liberal and agree with everything that comes from the mouth of Obama. Then you are a great American. Jimmy Carter says the debate is not really about health care. The problem is that conservatives cannot bring themselves to accept a black man if the office. How dare you call Obama on his budget busting plan to insure every living thing, to use your tax money to pay for abortion on demand and to give the elderly the chance to argue why they should live before a bureaucratic panel. You are a racist! You questioned Obama's choice for the Supreme Court because she said the appeals court is where law is made? You, my friend, are a racist. Never mind that Hillary Clinton championed dissent during W's terms. Never mind that Senator Byrd was in the KKK. Forget all about it folks...you are racist.

Male pattern baldness in conservatives? That's because they are racist.

Grant Line Elementary Will NOT Broadcast Obama

I had the chance this evening to talk with Mr. Lang, the principal at Grant Line Elementary where I have three students attending. He assured me that the school will not be showing the attempted indoctrination of our youth (my words, not his) next Tuesday. This came as a great relief to me as I was prepared to take a day off of work and keep my children home so they would not be exposed to this thinly veiled attempt at brainwashing.

Have you contacted your children's elementary school? You can opt out of this ridiculous show. You can and should stand up for your sovereign rights as the ultimate educator of your children.

Baron to Hold Town Hall...Sort of

Baron Hill will hold a town hall style meeting before returning to his hometown of Washington D.C. The meeting will be held at I.U.S. on August 31 from 6:30 to 7:30. The email announcing the news was circulated among the democrat faithful and big donors. You see, there is limited space available and one must reserve a seat. Sounds more like a political rally than a town hall meeting. I wonder if they will pass the plate for donations? The email never mentions what will be discussed, but one has to figure health care will be the main focus. I have never heard of a town hall lasting only an hour either. I expect the hall to be filled with libs encouraging our fence riding congressman to heap more taxes on our children and grandchildren and for the conservatives to be out on the sidewalk carrying signs and protesting. Ah, life in the 9th district.

If You Can't Win the Game, Change the Rules

Senator Kennedy has passed. He was a powerful man. He came from an era and from a family of politicians that made things happen. So it is no surprise that back in 2004 when his partner in crime, er I mean in the senate, John Kerry was a contender for the presidency, he pushed for a change in Massachusetts' law. The previous law stated that the governor was the one that appointed a replacement if a senator, such as Kerry becoming president, could not serve out their term. Problem was that the governor of that liberal cess pool was a Republican, Mitt Romney. The liberals, led by Teddy, knew that ole Mitt would put an evil conservative in Kerry's old seat should he take up residence at 1600 Pennsylvania Ave. So, the law was changed by the state legislature. Now a replacement would be decided by a special election that would take five months to complete. Kerry lost and the point was moot...until last week. Ted Kennedy, apparently knowing his end was near, lobbied to have the law changed back. You see, the governor now is a Democrat. Now, with liberals poll numbers falling like the Red Sox playing the Yankees, they don't like the rules. Now they want to change it back. The present governor has even said he would sign the bill as soon as it gets to his desk. Heaven forbid the citizens of that state have a voice in their next senator. But hey, if you can't win with your own rules...just change them till you can.

CFW Walk For Life

The annual Walk For Life that benefits Choices For Women will be held Saturday, September 19 at 10:00 am . The event will start from the organization's offices at 2019 E. Spring St. in New Albany. Please go to their website for more details. www. choicesforwomen.org/partners.

In this day and time, with all the talk of socialized medicine, with mandated abortions and end of life counseling, let's all do our part to protect life.

Courier Journal Leaves Schansberg Out

The Sunday edition arrived at the end of my driveway the same as it always does. The news was bad, the opinions liberal and the weather cool. Right on the front page was a picture of our congressman, Baron Hill, with the headline "GOP eyes run against Rep. Hill." There is plenty of talk about Mike Sodrel and the two newcomers that are running. Scott Fluhr of the Hoosier Pundit even chimes in with various reasons why the two newbies cannot win. The main one? Name recognition. Todd Young and Travis Hankins don't have it. They are both bright young men and qualified candidates, but lack of money and name recognition are holding them back.

Now, I do know of a man that is very well qualified and has name recognition due to his previous campaigns. His name is Eric Scahnsberg. See, you have heard the name. Well, he belongs to a political party that the CJ does not recognize... the Libertarian Party. Maybe you have not heard of them? Trust me, in the next few election cycles you will hear plenty about the party and from the candidates. Mr. Schansberg is an economics professor which is far better than a lawyer in my books. This may be the time when Eric propels himself and his cause into the spotlight. Will he win? The pundits say no way. Will he get his message out? You betcha.

Careful What You Wish For

Things are looking good in liberal la-la land. Life is good for the big government types and socialist sympathizers. Ah, but be careful what you wish for. Mid term elections are about sixteen months away.

The democrats have secured their coveted 60 seats in the Senate. Norm Coleman gave up the fight and sent funny man Al Franken to the Hill. Be careful what you wish for. All policies clearly now belong to the democrats and the President. There is no one else to blame for the expenses, off the rails spending and bureaucrat busting behemoths like socialized medicine.

Sotomayor looks like a lock for the high court. But, be careful what you wish for. This is a woman that repeated several times that a Latino woman with her experiences could come to better decisions than an experienced white man. Most of the high profile decisions that she has been a part of have been sent back to her court. Wait a minute....aren't most of the members of the Senate and the House older, experienced white men? Careful!

Hold on to your band aids, America. Here comes government run health care. Is anyone really wishing for this one? Scan the globe for other places far and wide that have given the ole socialized medicine a go. You will find no innovation, no profit and no cutting edge care. What you will find is long waiting periods for procedures, more paperwork than the closing of a home mortgage and a shortage of qualified workers in the medical field. But, if you reside in the Senate or House you can just keep the coverage you currently have.

Seems like the ultimate wish list is being checked off one by one. Sometimes things are not always as they seem. I have always heard to be careful what you wish for, and for the ones that voted for this man... you are about to get it.

Odds and Ends and Back Bends

OK people, little league is finished for the summer. A lot has happened in the world and even in our little corner since my last post. I will touch on the high lites as I see them and then you can commence to your disagreements.



Iran in turmoil: In a way, I can see how the president would like to stay out of this mess. He argues that Iran will turn our meddling into a call for regime change and bolster hard liners. I get that. But, for me, the stakes are much higher. Let's face it, none of the three candidates are saints. One may not be much better than the other. However, peaceful demonstrations cannot be thwarted. All people have the right to disagree with their government. This is even more true in a country where the government is totalitarian and ran by a religious figure, not the president. The U.S. should call for a new election that has oversight from a neutral entity. It would be more than a gesture. We would gain much respect from the young, freedom loving generation that is speaking out over there.



FDA takes on cigarettes: I saw this one coming like a change up at the ballpark. This power grab will pave the road to government oversight of everything we do. Couple this with socialized medicine and you have the recipe for big brother telling you what you can eat, what you can do and what you can drive. They know what is best, right?

Kentucky Senate says no to slots: You can't legislate morality, but you can save an industry that is in desperate need of a level playing field. This news is great for Southern Indiana and terrible for Louisville and the state of Kentucky. Why do most folks go to the track anyway? For the fresh air of course. Kentucky Republicans get another one wrong and Indiana comes out smelling like the roses on the first Saturday in May.

A Czar is Born...

The administration of Barack Obama has announced the hiring of a "Pay Czar" to oversee the salaries of companies that took bailout money. I had not heard of this position before now and I decided to take a look at the "Czars of Obama." The term czar is an antiquated word that has been bestowed on various contributors through the years, but never like what is happening now. Washington has seen its share of Drug Czars and even the occasional Compliance Czar. Well hang on tight beltway, this list is long and growing. Where shall we start?

Pay Czar: Kenneth Feinberg

Urban Affairs Czar: Adolfo Carrion, Jr.

Drug Czar: Gil Kerlikowske

Stimulus Accountability Czar: Earl Devaney

New TARP Czar: Herb Allison

Infotech Czar: Vivek Kundra

Terrorism Czar: John Brennan

Health Reform Czar: Nancy-Ann DeParle

Nuclear Non-proliferation Czar: Gary Samore

Faith-based Czar: Joshua DuBois

Stimulus Accountability Czar: Earl Devaney

And the funniest one of all...

Guantanamo Closure Czar: Daniel Fried.

Did I leave anyone out? Anyone else want a well paid, cushy job? This scenario reminds me of a nursery rhyme that told a story about all the king's horses and and the kings men...but this time, America is the egg.

Is GM the New Amtrak?

In the world of bailouts and high priced subsidies, the government takeover of America's largest automaker is really no surprise. Most economists put the taxpayer's stake somewhere in the 60 to 70% range. GM announced today the sale of Saturn to Penske Automotive for less than $200 million and the sale of Hummer to a Chinese company for an undisclosed amount. The initial amount of GM's bailout was $25 billion. It has grown since then and the company may need as much as another $50 billion to make a go of it. That Saturn deal looks like chump change now.

This week, GM's vice president blamed a lot of their misery on "Legacy" costs. That is the term used for retiree pensions and health care. I am not a big union man, but the UAW is not the major factor in this scenario. You see, all three of the American based car companies have these costs. Some just prepared for them better than others. If you hire a person, agree to pay them a certain amount, agree to pay them a pension and health care, then you can't claim that a cost of doing business that you knew about from day one is your downfall. GM was way too fat and lazy.

Now we shall all see what will become of this rusty ole giant. I see years and years of subsidizing a company that can't turn a profit, like Amtrak, and the government forcing it to make products that won't sell. Add to that the crazy fuel mileage standards and ethanol quotas that play in the market and you have a recipe for disaster. I read today in the June issue of National Geographic that "The corn used to make a 25 gallon tank of ethanol would feed one person for a year." Really? GM's answer is the Volt. The Volt is a plug in electric car that will have an MSRP of $40,000, a range of 40 miles and a replacement cost of batteries at a reported $6000 each. You think that car is going to save this company? No chance. I will be putting my money on Ford because of their foresight and management style. I am sure General Motors will be around for a long time, but it will likely be propped up with your money and the CEO will in Washington D.C.

It's a Big Tent, But It's Not That Big

The term "Big Tent" has been used for some time now, but recently the meaning has taken on new life. In the good ole days of the conservative movement, the big tent idea meant that the hawks found room for the isolationist and the free market gurus scooted over for the hands on fed types. These days it seems that some want the tent so big that there would be no need for the dang thing because we include everyone.

Case in point, Colin Powell. General Powell is an intelligent man with a distinguished background, but he is not a Republican. Sure, he calls himself one, but true conservatives know that he simply is not. We have known it for a while with no skin off the knee, but now Mr. Powell wants control of this party. He wants to move it to the warmed over middle and beyond. He wants a huge tent. A look at the history of General Powell will show you that he voted for JFK, Carter and Obama. Conservatives raise your hand if you did the same. Anyone? Aren't you supposed to support the candidate of the party that you belong to? Apparently not. I believe his idea of moving the party to the left is a ploy to cripple it beyond repair.

Second case, Tom Ridge. The pro-choice former governor of Pennsylvania has ruled out a run against another lifetime politician Arlen Specter. But, what he has done is to publicly disagree with the voice of the Republican party, Dick Cheney. Ridge said two weeks ago that waterboarding is no longer an issue and that release of memos on interrogation techniques by Obama have not made the country less safe. One other Republican agrees with that (see above). Reports have Ridge positioning himself for a possible White House run in 2012. The only problem with that is he is mirroring Obama on many issues. So in a battle between Obama and Obama Lite, who do you choose?



I of course have strong feelings when it comes to the conservative movement, mainly because I am a strong conservative. This tent we are under is pretty darn big and when it comes to what we stand for, can only get bigger with like minded folks. We cannot allow it to be stretched and distorted into something that we don't recognize or believe in for the sake of winning elections. For goodness sake, we nominated the most left of all Republicans for president and it didn't work. Now let's get back to what we know best. I am talking a real shift to the roots of conservatism. The roots that William F. Buckley wrote and spoke so eloquently about. The roots that set our modern movement on its path. We don't need more moderates or more liberals in the Republican party to make it successful again. We need more conservatives.



"Radical conservatives in this country have an interesting time of it, for when they are not being suppressed or mutilated by Liberals, they are being ignored or humiliated by a great many of those of the well-fed Right, whose ignorance and amorality have never been exaggerated for the same reason that one cannot exaggerate infinity.There are, thank Heaven, the exceptions. There are those of generous impulse and a sincere desire to encourage a responsible dissent from the Liberal orthodoxy. And there are those who recognize that when all is said and done, the market place depends for a license to operate freely on the men who issue licenses — on the politicians. They recognize, therefore, that efficient getting and spending is itself impossible except in an atmosphere that encourages efficient getting and spending. And back of all political institutions there are moral and philosophical concepts, implicit or defined. Our political economy and our high-energy industry run on large, general principles, on ideas — not by day-to-day guess work, expedients and improvisations. Ideas have to go into exchange to become or remain operative; and the medium of such exchange is the printed word."


William F. Buckley in the first issue of National Review (19 November 1955)

Sotomayor says Ethnicity Shapes Her Decisions

President Obama's choice for the Supreme Court, Sonia Sotomayor, has already made some waves despite being introduced only hours ago. Sotomayor is Hispanic and female, a double whammy that Obama is throwing at Republicans and daring them to vote against. Since the story broke this morning, many have been busy looking at her record and her previous words. Among those words are these: "I would hope that a wise Latina woman with the richness of her experiences would more often than not reach a better conclusion than a white male who hasn’t lived that life,”. She has also explained that her ethnicity and gender would make a difference in her judging versus others on the bench. Perhaps the most upsetting to me is her insistence in 2005 that the “court of appeals is where policy is made.”

One would think that policy is made by the legislative branch. Only the most liberal of Obama's final four would think otherwise. The republicans are prepared to dig in their heels on this one.

Ron Paul's Son Forms Committee for Bunning's Job

Well, what do you know? Congressman Ron Paul has a son and he lives in Kentucky. His name is Dr. Rand Paul and he is an eye surgeon from Bowling Green. He announced on Friday the formation of an exploratory committee for the senate seat from Kentucky that is now held by Jim Bunning. Tre Grayson has likewise filed for his committee. This is good news for the bluegrass conservatives in their fight to revitalize the party. Now we will have to wait for the veteran to make a decision on running, or for it to be made for him.





Rand Paul is a career doctor, but he is no stranger to politics. Besides working on his father's campaign last year, Dr. Paul has been the chairman of Kentucky Taxpayers United. This group keeps tabs on Kentucky lawmakers and rates them on tax issues. I am just now getting familiar with Rand Paul, but there are a few things that I know for certain. He is strong on national defense, a real Second Amendment advocate and a no bail out and low taxes man. I like that a lot. This is no way an endorsement of his campaign, but it sure does bring some national attention to the badlands across the river. Here is the link to his web page if you would like to learn more....or donate.

Standards, Caps, Restrictions and Taxes

Sorry for my long delay in posting. Little League and the honey-do list have gotten the best of me the past couple weeks.





I have been thinking a lot lately of what it means to be an American and just how much liberty and freedom we are losing in this era. Now, the way I see it, I am a free man. I live in the greatest nation on earth, pay more than my share of taxes and generally am a good citizen. So, why isn't that enough for politicians? Let's look at a few ways our freedoms are being pushed aside for a nanny state where the decisions are being made for us. I am sure some of these are ways in which you have not thought of before.

"To force a man to pay for the violation of his own liberty is indeed an addition of insult to injury." - Benjamin Tucker

CAFE Standards: The Corporate Average Fuel Economy Standard is nothing new. It was first dropped in our lap in the 1970's during the "oil shortage" crisis. You may have heard that this process is a good thing because it mandates that fuel mileage increases are forced on the auto manufacturers. I totally disagree. Some of you may not be able to decide for yourself if between a car that gets 50 mpg or one that gets 5. Well, I can and I actually want that choice. The truth is that CAFE Standards have not reduced our dependence on oil, have not lowered smog or pollution levels and have not achieved one item set out in the charter. The only the standards have done is to give an advantage to foreign auto makers and to create less safe automobiles by forcing manufacturers to build them lighter and smaller to achieve the mpg standard. I want the freedom to make that choice.





Caps: More commonly known as Carbon Caps or Cap and Trade, the measure to reduce carbon emissions by evil American companies that is causing "Global Warming." Where to even start on this one? So, the government wants to save the planet by capping how much carbon can be released. They will set a baseline amount and when the company reaches its limit, it can "buy" or "trade" carbon credits from another company or from the government. This is purely a shakedown. This is nothing other than a tax on corporations and the cost will be passed on to you. The funny thing is that "developing countries" will not be held to the same caps as the U.S. will. In the liberal point of view, America is always the bad guy. Now for the truth. Carbon Caps will drastically increase the cost of energy and will send American jobs overseas to countries that have no standards for emissions. Any ozone saved? No. Any jobs lost? Yes. More money out of your pocket? Big time.





Restrictions: This one runs the gamut. We have restrictions on information, restrictions on business and even restrictions on how many times you can transfer your own money between accounts each month. What I want to focus on is the federal government's restrictions on private businesses. I am talking bail outs here folks. The fed gave AIG a big bail out. AIG is a company that made a lot of dumb moves and deserved to get knocked down a few pegs, but the employees are the ones that took the beating. The fed knew when it issued the bail out that some employees were due bonuses. The bail out went forward. These employees were working under a contract with the company and abided by that contract. The lawmakers caved to public pressure and knowing that they couldn't just steal the money back, decided to tax it at a rate of 90%. That is theft by law. When the government gets into the restricting mode on free enterprise, ugly things will happen. They have forced out CEO's and closed dealerships. They have not only restricted how business is done, they have restricted the entire market from doing its job.





Taxes. This may be my favorite subject to complain about. It was Will Rogers that said "It is a good thing that we do not get as much government as we pay for." How true those words are. We are taxed on just about everything we do or buy and the list gets longer everyday. The newest victim is sugar. Our benevolent government believes you don't know how to handle your sweets and plans to slow you down some. A planned tax on everything sugar is hitting the halls of congress and affects everything from soft drinks to cereal. Oh yeah, you are going to pay more for them. The government claims that this is to reduce the numbers for diabetes and related illnesses. But, at just 16 calories a teaspoon, are they really looking out for you or preparing you for socialized medicine. Then they will be able to regulate, read tax, everything you consume. They wanted more fuel efficient cars (see CAFE above ) and now the income from gas taxes has gone down. Now they want to tax you by how many miles you drive. The tax on cigarettes keeps rising and the poor disproportionally pick up the tab. Another industry taxed into extinction. Indiana's property taxes may eventually be capped, but the sales tax just went up. If you see the words license, fee, surcharge, or other such synonyms, just insert the word TAX. The American people are fed up with it and it shows. The tax day TEA Parties were a huge success. We are now saying enough is enough. The land of opportunity has turned into the land of broken promises were our children are burdened with the government's debt load. Robert A. Heinlein said "There is no worse tyranny than to force a man to pay for what he does not want merely because you think it would be good for him." Most of the time the government does not know what is good for the average American. We know what is best for us and our families, and its not standards, caps, restrictions and taxes.

I Believe...

I believe America is the greatest nation on earth.

I believe Keith Olbermann has no upper teeth.

I believe Eric Schansberg would make a terrific congressman.

I believe in free markets.

I believe a person should not make a career out of political office.

I believe in keeping more of what I make.

I believe Baron Hill will run for governor.

I believe Jesus Christ died for my sins.

I believe in peace through strength.

I believe chocolate is proof that God exists.

I believe in maximum liberty and minimum government.

I believe President Obama is creating a socialist society.

I believe in charity because I want to, not because I am forced to.

I believe it is morning in America.

Arlen Specter was never a Conservative Anyway.

Arlen Specter will announce today that he is switching party affiliation from a RINO (Republican in name only ) to Democrat. The truth is, he was never a conservative anyway. Why would he do this? He will have you believe that he can no longer caucus with the Republicans and that the party left him. He will go on about a change in values and his maverick past. Well, here is the TRUTH. Specter is facing a formidable primary challenge back in Pennsylvania. After 30 years, he fears losing the primary to a younger "real" Republican. So, he will switch parties, try to make it to the general election and squeak out a victory next November. Some people will do very desperate things to hang on to power. Now, if we could only get him to take John McCain with him. We will trade you Specter and McCain for Joe Lieberman straight up.

Same Folks, Same Results

Over at the friendly NABC blog...I mean NA Confidential, Bluegill raps on and on about the aggressive administration that residents have longed for for years. He laments the future retirement of those in positions that have the "institutional knowledge and experience in successfully navigating bureaucracy, particularly the type of state and federal funding and compliance rules that circumscribe what we're able to accomplish with what's too often the only money we have (or are allowed to use due to uncooperative councils)." I have several question to insert here. First, wasn't this administration in power not so long ago? Do we not know what was and was not accomplished the first go around? The people in positions may have knowledge and experience, but what has really been accomplished? What connection to Mayor England do you have and/or why do you defend him so vigorously?

Now we all know that I don't actually "live in the city" of New Albany. With that said, I love this place. It really pains me to see the non-action and the insignificant grandstanding by all in this government. I haven't heard a new idea from any of them...ever. Maybe I am not listening. Maybe I am right. Somebody from the "city" tell me why you put up with cronyism and incompetence?

The Do Nothing Legislature

Indiana is not known for expediency in the state house, so why should this session be any different. Many major pieces of legislation won't even see the floor. Among these are the state wide smoking ban in public places, the restructuring of local governments and my personal favorite...the caps on property taxes. For Pat Bauer, the answer to the question seems to be "no." Let's test it. Can we get a vote on spending freezes? NO. How about defense of marriage? NO. Silly me, let me move on to the important issues, eh. The citizens have said that they would like an end to the yo yo of property tax payments. Will you move forward on caps for Hoosier's property taxes? NO. Ok, how about reforming local governments? NO. I see. Mr. Speaker, can you say anything other than no? NO. Sure, one last question...are you opposed to anything that is backed by the governor no matter what the constituents say? YES. Gotcha.

Anderson Cooper Knows Teabagging

Last night Anderson Cooper made several jokes about those attending the Tax Day Tea Parties and a sexual act usually associated with homosexuals. He stated, "It is hard to talk when you are teabagging." David Gergen laughed like a middle school boy and thus the actions of hundreds of thousands of Americans were discounted. Who cares? They are all a bunch of right wing extremist, gun toting, anti-government, ignorant, back woods conservatives anyway. At least that is what the DHS Secretary warns.

I guess the powers that be at CNN will try anything for ratings. They are wallowing in last place in cable news. I did see a sign on display at one of the parties that summed it up for me: "CNN, You Suck." Not very intellectual, but concise.

I Once Knew a Man...

I once knew a man that wore his heart on his sleeve. He had strong convictions and did not mind sharing them with you. He loved his family and made new friends daily. He believed in participating in the lives of his grandchildren. His work ethic was one to be admired. He was hard but caring. He was opinionated but fair. He would listen and offer advice. His legacy is what he instilled in his friends and especially his grandchildren. To them, he was "Big Pa." To me he was a friend. I miss you J.J. May you rest in peace.

Gone to soon... John Evans. Only 48. Your memory will live on in these kids.

Indiana Lawmakers Strengthen Feticide Sentence

The Indiana House has approved a measure to strengthen the penalty for killing an unborn "child." The penalty now will be six to twenty years for murdering a child while in utero. The new language sadly stops short of calling the fetus a human being that deserves the right to life. Instead, the bill refers to the "termination of a human pregnancy" which of course means by someone other than a doctor that is authorized to kill babies. The bill moves back over to the Senate where it should pass easily and the language of this bill will match what is already on the books for feticide laws. The bill also makes it unlawful no matter what stage of life the baby is in. The previous measure only kicked in for a murder charge if the fetus was past seven months. Congratulations members on passing this, even though it does not go far enough in declaring fetuses as humans. They are now obviously not "part" of the mother. If the fetus dies and the mother lives, a perp is still charged with murder. Add to that the fact the baby has its own DNA and blood type and you have yourself a human baby.

The "Rat" Pack

Make your own title for this gang of four...

PM Brown Again Calls for NWO

Talk about your one track minds, this Gordon Brown fellow has Global Government on the brain. He repeated his call today by stating "a New World is emerging." Yesterday he said the G20 needs to use this financial crisis "to create a New Financial World Order." Now for the cherry on top: "This is collective action...we have resolved that from today we will together manage the process of globalization." Ok, we get it. You want a one world government and one currency for all. You are preaching to the choir at the gathering of world elites. The G20 is nothing more than a push for globalization by the figure heads of the world. It is in the works and well on the way. Gordon Brown is only the puffer. His job is to get you used to hearing it so you won't be shocked when it happens...and it will happen.

Odds and Ends

The Constitution of the United States is much more than just a document about your rights. It is also about restricting the reach of government into your life.

The Constitution is a simple, to the point collection of ideas. I have a pocket Constitution that also contains the Declaration of Independence. It fits nicely in my desk and can be read and understood in a matter of an hour. On the other hand, the tax code of the United States is over 12,000 pages and cannot be understood by anyone. Ask three IRS staffers the same question and you will get three very different answers. It is so complicated that most of President Obama's appointees have had trouble getting it right.

Now Mr. Obama has broken a campaign promise. It took just about two and a half months for the first new tax, an increase on cigarettes, to take effect. He stated no less than a dozen times while campaigning that he would not raise taxes on the poor and middle class. Yet, the demographics on smokers shows a majority are middle class or working poor. Buckle up boys and girls, it is going to be a bumpy ride.

What's Good for the AIG is Good for the Frank.

Barney Frank has pulled the ultimate in hypocritical moves this week. It would be most hilarious if it wasn't true. Barney stated his desire to regulate the salaries of ALL employees at companies that receive bail out funds from the government. The steaming pile is called the "Pay for Performance Act of 2009." Oh, the delicious irony. You see, Mr. Frank makes about $200,000 per year for his job as a U.S. Congressman. Just like bail out funds, his salary is tax payer funded. And just like a lot of the companies that received money, he has failed us. So, I think he should be judged by his performance and we should regulate his salary by sending him home in the next election. Sad thing is that he would continue to collect his salary and benefits, all voted on by himself and other members without consulting tax payers, for the rest of his days. What a hypocrite?

R.I.P. Free Markets

We were saddened today to learn of the passing of Free Markets. Free Markets had been with us for several hundred years and lived a most remarkable life till late when it became ill from greed and the politically correct syndrome of being "too big to fail." The final blow was a lethal dose of socialism, delivered today by Dr. Obama. ( http://news.yahoo.com/s/ap/gm_wagoner;_ylt=Ao8Uo61aiUWgANC.UvhD1cwDW7oF) Free Markets will be sadly missed by all hard working Americans that strive to make a better life for themselves and their families. Free Markets was preceded in death by "Life" (http://www.tourolaw.edu/patch/Roe/) in 1973, "Liberty" (http://epic.org/privacy/terrorism/hr3162.html plus countless executive orders) and the "Pursuit of Happiness" (each American baby that actually makes it to term is born owing about $24,000 in taxes already. http://www.vdare.com/roberts/debt.htm)

Expressions of sympathy can be sent to 1600 Pennsylvania Ave. or the U.S. Capitol in the form of higher taxes. More intrusion into your life, more restrictions on your business and more fees and taxes for you and your future generations can be expected. There will be no burial, as no one in America actually seems to care.

Geithner open to Global Currency Idea

Speaking at the infamous Council on Foreign Relations, Treasury Secretary Timothy Geithner said he was open to the idea of a new global currency replacing the dollar. The most recent stab at the new currency was put forth by the governor of China's Central Bank. Geithner calls the governor "a very thoughtful, very careful distinguished central banker. I generally find him sensible on every issue." Really? Please continue Mr. Secretary. "We’re actually quite open to that suggestion – you should see it as rather evolutionary rather building on the current architecture rather than moving us to global monetary union," he said.
"The only thing concrete I saw was expanding the use of the [special drawing rights]," Geithner said. "Anything he’s thinking about deserves some consideration."

So, if the Chinese Central Bank suggests it, Mr. Geithner is all for it. That is not what POTUS said last night at his press conference. The big TV told him to say that he rejects a call for a new global currency. I think they are just throwing it against the wall, you know, to see if it will stick. Good cop, bad cop routine, maybe. It won't be long till the old media is calling for a new currency as well. Stay tuned.

John, Paul, George and Barack...

Oh those shaggy haired boys from across the pond were soothsayers. Way back in 1966 they recorded this little gem called "Taxman." Those haunting lyrics still hold true today...and those AIG big wigs can attest to it. Especially the bit about one for you and 19 for me. Check it out:

Let me tell you how it will be,
There's one for you, nineteen for me,
'Cos I'm the Taxman,
Yeah, I'm the Taxman.

Should five per cent appear too small,
Be thankful I don't take it all,
'Cos I'm the Taxman,
Yeah, I'm the Taxman.

If you drive a car,
I'll tax the street,
If you try to sit,
I'll tax your seat,
If you get too cold,
I'll tax the heat,
If you take a walk,
I'll tax your feet.
Taxman. 'Cos I'm the Taxman,
Yeah, I'm the Taxman.

Don't ask me what I want it for (Taxman Mr. Wilson, or Mr. Obama)
If you don't want to pay some more (Taxman Mr. Heath, or Mr. Geithner),
'Cos I'm the Taxman,
Yeah, I'm the Taxman.

Now my advice for those who die,
Declare the pennies on your eyes,
'Cos I'm the Taxman,
Yeah, I'm the Taxman.
And you're working for no-one but me, Taxman.

Coming to a Bumper Near You

www.conservative-stuff.com

Give it Back!

They are paid way too much for failing at their jobs. They feel that they are above the law and have no consideration for the tough financial situation we are experiencing in this country. They are engulfed in a narcissistic culture that is set up to protect them. Heck yeah, they should give it all back. Let's put their names out there for everyone to see. Let's get the pitch forks and round them up.

You think I am talking about the AIG execs? Nah, I am talking about CONGRESS !!!!

Reagan Quote of the Day

'Government is like a baby: An alimentary canal with a big appetite at one end and no sense of responsibility at the other.'

Ronald Reagan (1965)

INCOMPETENT

Tea Time in Southern Indiana?

Attention all like minded citizens. Are you getting tired of the wasteful spending, the unaccountability in Washington, the attitude of those representing us? Do you feel that politicians shouldn't make a career for themselves in government? Like me, you don't mind paying your share of taxes, but want to scream when it is used to prop up failing companies that don't play by the rules. Are you longing to get back to the principles that this Republic was founded on: Honesty, integrity, hard work, self reliance, responsibility and liberty? Me too. That is why I am contemplating organizing a Tea Party for New Albany and Southern Indiana. It will be a grass roots based rally with no politicians allowed. I want to hear from you. If you can help or just want to attend, leave a comment. This is in the very early planning stages and any help is appreciated.

The War on Terror is Over

You heard me right. In the politically correct world of the new Homeland Security chief Janet Napolitano there is no terrorism. There are no terrorist attacks, no suicide bombers, no whacko Islamo fascist terrorists. Nope, according to her, there are only "man caused disasters." Really, that is what she said. You can't make this stuff up. She gave an interview to a German news agency in which she was asked why she didn't use the term "terrorism." She tried to explain that the "T" word is still a problem for America, but we don't want to scare our citizens, do we? Her words: "but it demonstrates that we want to move away from the politics of fear toward a policy of being prepared for all risks that can occur." Hmm, like being prepared for say, umm, terrorism? If the head of America's Homeland Security can't utter the true label of the barbaric acts, who can? Let me just add that we need to remain vigilant out there. If you see someone acting suspiciously or a bag left unattended at the airport, you need to report it. We don't want any man caused disasters happening.

Who Hopes the President Will Fail?

Are you thinking Rush? How about the man making a fuss about him, James Carville? That's right. On the morning of September 11, 2001, moments before the first plane hit in New York, that sentiment was uttered by Mr. Carville. Carville and Democrat insider Stanley Greenburg were having breakfast with reporters when Carville stated "I certainly hope he doesn't succeed." He was speaking of President Bush. How is this different from what Rush Limbaugh has stated? Rush went further to explain the reason he wants Obama to fail: If he succeeds, that means the U.S. will turn more towards socialism.

James Carville's tuned changed in an instant when news of the terrorist attacks reached them. "Disregard everything we just said! This changes everything!" But, it only changed things temporarily. The liberals went after Bush on every move, every piece of information regarding the war. According to a 2006 Fox News/Opinion Dynamics poll, 51 percent of Democrats wanted Bush to fail. For the record, I want Obama's policies to fail. They should, for they have never succeeded in the past. As for Carville, he is the typical lefty attack dog...and a hypocrite.

http://www.foxnews.com/politics/2009/03/11/carville-wanted-bush-fail/

Obama Reverses Stem Cell Policy

President Obama today reversed the standing embryonic stem cell research policy by signing an executive order. The order will allow federal money to go directly to the research. Private research has been conducted for years with no real break-throughs reported. All promising research and findings have been in the adult stem cell research field. If embryonic stem cells were so critical to expanding treatments, private money from corporate drug companies would have flooded in to fund the work. However, they know that there is no future there and have invested in the adult and umbilical chord blood research instead.

Obama tried to throw a bone to conservatives by saying that cloning was bad and dangerous. I guess killing embryos for so called medical research is not bad or dangerous. Obama has quite the full plate and in my opinion needs to focus on the economy. Instead, he is trying to accomplish all of his objectives in the first 100 days. I really expected nothing less from a man that would not want his daughters punished with a baby. He has already reinstated using your tax dollars to fund over seas abortions. Look out gun owners, you could be next.

A Chip Off the Big Brother Block

Homeland Security calls it the "enhanced driver's license." That is a fairly bland name for a device that can tell Big Brother all about you even if the license stays in your wallet. Janet Napolitano, the new chief at Homeland Security, is all for this intrusive, Draconian (I borrowed that big word from Roger ), and invasive new form of national identification. It works a little like this... Your new license will be fitted with a radio frequency module that is thin and discreet. It will be uniform across the nation and the potential is endless. All of your vital information is on this chip. Height, weight, blood type, insurance policy number, criminal record and so on.

"Privacy advocates are issuing warnings about a new radio
chip plan that ultimately could provide electronic identification for every adult in the U.S. and allow agents to compile attendance lists at anti-government rallies simply by walking through the assembly." WND

Did you catch it? That's right. You could be at a legal function protesting rental housing code enforcement in little ole New Albany and a couple of NA's finest could mosey through the crowd and download every one's license with a hand held device. Quick, simple and dangerous. Your name and profile go into a database watch list as a person of interest. It is then linked to a state wide and national database so the authorities can make sure you do not cause problems. Do you think this sounds far fetched? It is already happening in Washington state. Wake up Sheeple.

Here is the link to the article: http://www.worldnetdaily.com/index.php?fa=PAGE.view&pageId=90008

Talk About Your Earmark, Bailing Out the Palestinians

Hillary announced today that the U.S. is pledging $900 million for the Palestinians. Folks, that is dang near a billion. I guess you could say our tax money will stimulate another jihad...

Promises, Promises

No pork, no special interests, change the way we do business in Washington...all lies that have escaped the mouth of the President. He has stated that his election meant the American people were "demanding that we restore a sense of responsibility." Is that right? This next quote is straight from his web site, http://www.barackobama.com/issues/fiscal/ ,"Cut Pork Barrel Spending: Obama introduced and passed bipartisan legislation that would require more disclosure and transparency for special-interest earmarks. Obama and Biden believe that spending that cannot withstand public scrutiny cannot be justified. Obama and Biden will slash earmarks to no greater than year 1994 levels and ensure all spending decisions are open to the public." Well now, Obama says he will sign the spending bill that keeps government working through September. Problem is that the bill contains over 8,600 special pork projects totalling over $7.7 billion.

What happened to his promise to reject the tailored budget lines specifically for pet projects? What happened to his pledges to expose the wasteful spending? What happened to changing Washington? What happened to change?

The Bubba Effect

Oh my, that Glenn Beck can sure stir the pot. Last Friday he devoted his hour long show to some worst case scenarios for America. I believe just about every word he spoke and those of his expert guests. My favorite subject had to be the "Bubba Effect." Loosely translated, this means that when the government becomes too restrictive and starts cracking down on individual freedoms, like minded people will naturally congregate together. Along the way they will stockpile food and ammunition and make provisions for the safety of their families and the group. History shows this to be true. I have heard of the ammo shortages and the coming taxation of it, so I set out today to check for myself. Yep, all true. There is not much out there in the way of lead. 111 Gun Shop had some, but not much of the most popular calibers. Walmart? Forget about it. Their selection looked like it had been picked over by Knob Creek gang. Where to turn? You should probably get with some friends and split a brick from an online resource, and do it like yesterday.

Now intellectuals don't like talking about such things, heck they don't even like saying "Bubba." But, the reality of the situation is not good. As the unemployment rate climbs, so goes the crime rate. It is not the scare tactic hysteria that the left would have you believe. It is happening. I bet those libs will be pounding on Bubba's door when the SHTF. Stay tuned.

Today's Porkulus Fact

The total of the recently signed Porkulus package, conservatively estimated at $800 billion, is more than the entire federal budget of the U.S. for 1982.

Yowzers!

Almost There

I read today that in 2010, the federal government aided by the mother of all bailouts, will spend 40% of the nation's GDP. I predict that by the end of President Obama's first term, we will reach the Europeans 47% and socialism will be the new American Dream. Yes, Timmy, you to can grow up and give half your earnings to the black hole of government. I hear another 20,000 moved out of California last month. Gotta love it.

How They Voted...

It passed, now check out how our Reps voted on the Porkapalooza Bill.

Baron Hill....Yes

John Yarmuth...Yes

Dick Lugar...No

Evan Bayh...Yes

Mitch McConnell...No

Jim Bunning...No

No surprises. Let the stimulating begin.

What Are They Hiding?

The libs promised 48 hours of read time on the spendulus bill before a vote was to take place. That in itself is not enough time as the final package grew like the fat sow it is to over 1,000 pages. The package was finally put online last night at 11 pm and a vote is to take place this morning. My math is not the best, but that does not seem like 2 days to me. On top of that, the porkapalooza bill was not published in keyword text, instead it was converted to pdf files so that the average Joe could not search for it. Now Obama was quoted as saying this bill contained no pork and no projects aimed at special interests. He has claimed that his administration would be transparent. It all begs the question, what are they trying to hide? What is about to be rammed down out throats? Transparency, openness? When pigs fly...and the only pork in D.C. is in the back pages of socialists spending bill.

And the Band Played On

We have all heard the stories of the unsinkable Titanic and how the band continued to play as the vessel capsized. James Quinn has an interesting take on the current financial state of our nation and actually backs it up with facts and numbers...hmmm. My favorite quote follows:

The U.S. National Debt was $930 billion in 1980, or 33 percent of GDP. Today it is $10.7 trillion, or 76 percent of GDP. The National Debt has grown by 1,150 percent in 28 years. With the planned fiscal stimulus (taxing future generations), the National Debt will reach 100 percent of GDP during the Obama administration. When Argentina’s economy collapsed in 1998, their National Debt as a percentage of GDP was 65 percent. The Great Deniers say we are not Argentina. They say we are safe because the U.S. dollar is the reserve currency of the world. This is like jumping off a 20 story building and as you pass the 10th floor someone yells out the window asking how you are doing. You answer, "Good, so far".

Yep, good so far. Just keep playing my tune fellas. Here is the link to the entire article. http://www.speroforum.com/a/17985/Economic-Collapse-the-Japanese-solution

David Buskill Out as Clark Chairman

Just emailed: David Buskill will not seek re-election as chairman of the Clark County Republicans at the upcoming March 7th meeting. Mr. Buskill has accepted a job with new State Superintendent Tony Bennett in Indy.

Anyone want to throw some names out there for chairman?

For Israel, It Must be Netanyahu

The election is over in Israel, but no candidate can begin to govern. The results are not final and even when they are a leader will have a tough time ascending to power. The returns show Foreign Minister Tzipi Livni with a narrow lead over former leader and hard liner Benjamin Netanyahu. Both are hawks and believe in the right of their country to exist without giving land or other incentives to the thugs of the region. Livni's Kadima party pulled in 28 seats in the parliament side of the election and Netanyahu's Likud party tallied 27. Neither haul is sufficient to form a clear government. The difference in their influence can be found by looking closely at the demographics of the election. Livni took the more metropolitan region of Tel Aviv while Netanyahu won in Jerusalem. This tells me that the citizens know which candidate will protect the most important component to them, the City of Peace. Netanyahu has vowed to put an end to Hamas as we know it and I believe he would give it his best shot. He does have experience in this area. The main point and the one that will tell the story for generations to come is Iran and its nuclear capabilities. All candidates stated in the campaign that a nuclear Iran is not an option for Israel and all vowed to not let it come about. To me, that is a given. What I look for is a dirty bomb or suitcase nuke that Iran hands over to the militant groups like Hamas. That can be done in virtual secret and cause major damage to Israel. Netanyahu will chase these terrorists away from the border. He will pull out every move to keep his country safe. He will not wait for permission from Obama and I am sure Obama would not give it.

Netanyahu has the edge in piecing together a government that can get things done. He will likely pull in the third largest party and form a hard line, hard right government leaving Livni in the opposition. Another option is to form a more centrist government along with Livni. I pray for the first option.

The next few days will set the stage for the next few decades in the Middle East. Israel remains the lone strong democracy and I feel that Benjamin Netanyahu is the man to protect it.

I Think This Just About Says It All

Newsweek's cover for this week... Ouch.

You Can Run, but You Can't Hide

Ok, I know I have been on a sort of doomsday, big brother kick lately, but this stuff is getting scary. CBS News is reporting that our favorite search engine and map company Google has developed yet another way to invade the privacy of unsuspecting Americans. The program is called "Latitude" and will be available starting today. The premise is a mobile phone based GPS tracking system that allows you to see where your friends are at any given moment, or for the government to track your every move. Google insists that this is for users that give each other permission and is not intended for nefarious deeds. You should know that if Google is rolling this out, the government already has the capability. So, now not only can they see where you are all the time, they can use it for such things as letting prisoners out of of jail early with the explanation that they can track them; they can find missing persons more easily; they can use it in the fight against terrorism. This is very real folks. It uses cell tower triangulation to pin point your whereabouts. The next step will be to equip every vehicle and every person with this technology. Stop a bank robber's car on the spot, yes sir. Send you a speeding ticket in the mail, no doubt. Be afraid, be very afraid.

Question of the Day...

Why does the U.S. always use the term "provocative" when the bad guys around the world flex a little? Today's headline was something like - North Korea to test rocket. Our response? "That would be provocative." The Bush administration did this weekly and now the Obama White House has picked up on it. Iran completes nuke...provocative. Hamas smuggles weapons in tunnels...provocative. Muslims deny holocaust...provocative. Why don't we just talk right down to earth in a language that everyone can easily understand. Iran, we will not allow you to develop your warhead. North Korea, we will not allow you to pick on your neighbors. Muslims, the vast majority of terrorism in the world today sprouts from your teachings and ideology. You know why we don't say it? It would be too provocative.

Obama 1 for 3 on Tax Cheats as Daschle Withdraws

Tom Daschle has withdrawn his name from consideration for the Health and Human Services post after facing tough scrutiny over his unpaid taxes. Performance Czar pick, whatever the hell that is, Nancy Killefer has withdrawn for the same reason. So, we have Obama's Treasury pick getting in and these two bozos getting left out. Wasn't it Meatloaf that said One out of Three Aint bad? Never mind. Add to the mix some shady contracts by Governor Bill Richardson and this administration is looking like a whole lot of change. Wink, nod. Maybe the Chosen One will pick Peter Singer for the Health and Human Services post. He may endorse infanticide and beastiality, but he has paid all his taxes.

Do You Know Where To Go During the Next Disaster? The Government Does.

I have heard rumors of this bill from my circle of friends and prayed it wasn't true. I have heard stories from law enforcement officers not so far away about the plans and I didn't want to believe them. Here is the link to the article: http://www.worldnetdaily.com/index.php?fa=PAGE.view&pageId=87757

H.R. 645 is the short name for this absurd, over reaching piece of garbage cleverly disguised as a bill to help the citizens during an emergency. Upon further digging, we find just how broad the reach could be.

From WND "According to the text of the proposed bill, the purpose of the National Emergency Centers is "to provide temporary housing, medical, and humanitarian assistance to individuals and families dislocated due to an emergency or major disaster."
Three additional purposes are specified in the text of the proposed legislation:
*To provide centralized locations for the purposes of training and ensuring the coordination of federal, state and local first responders;
*To provide centralized locations to improve the coordination of preparedness, response and recovery efforts of government, private, not-for-profit entities and faith-based organizations;
*To meet other appropriate needs, as defined by the secretary of homeland security.

The last point is the rub. Other appropriate needs? Defined by the HS secretary, which ultimately leaves it up to President Obama...? Or we going to be forced to go to these places when the snow comes down or the wind blows? What constitutes an emergency? I think big brother is big enough already. I am calling my representatives and asking them not to support the furthering of the Nanny State.

Standing in a Bucket

As I ponder the pork of the "stimulus package," I am pleased with the House Republicans and their strong, unanimous stand against it. There are billions of dollars of nonsense piggy backed on a proposal that won't stimulate anything except local special interests of congressmen. I fear the burden that we are placing on our posterior and am reminded of the ineffectiveness of the first bail out. I see the tax cuts of the Bush administration expiring and new taxes on the way to pay for all this socialism. My mind recaptures a quote from my favorite European, Sir Winston Churchill:

"We contend that for a nation to try to tax itself into prosperity is like a man standing in a bucket and trying to lift himself up by the handle."

I contend that for a government to try to tax and spend itself into a growing economy is like a ponzi scheme that will be exposed to the next generation.

Cheaters Never Win...Tell that to Timothy Geithner

The Magic 8-ball says it seems likely that the 47 year old New York Fed chief will be confirmed as Obama's Treasury Secretary tonight. Cheaters never win and winners never cheat...except in D.C. We all know the story of the bright young man that didn't pay nearly $40k in taxes on money he earned working for the IMF. Might have been an honest mistake, you say, because the IMF is in fact international. How then do you explain his act of trying to deduct his kid's summer camp on itemized expenses? Or that he failed to pay his share of taxes for four straight years after signing off on paperwork from the IMF that clearly showed his obligations? Maybe the most significant question in all of this is, why him? What makes him so good that he is above the law? Are we saying to everyone that this man is the one and only that can turn this economy around? Are there not others out there that can perform the duties of this post?

Maybe he is the best man for the job. He may hold the keys to the economic engine that will get this thing moving forward again. But, he cheated. He lied to the IRS, the same agency that he will be in charge of. He acted in his own self interest at a time when our new President is touting service and working together. In my book, that disqualifies him from this post and President Obama should withdraw him from consideration. If he doesn't, how do we explain this one to our kids?

Lobbyists Can't Approach, Unless it is for a Job.

Barack Obama has stated that no lobbyists will be allowed to approach his staff and other members of his administration. An admiral, yet unconstitutional, stab at keeping up appearances of purity and change. There is a hitch in this giddy-up though. Obama took money from lobbyists like a junkie at a methadone clinic during his campaign. Now he has resorted to hiring them. But don't you dare question him about it. You will get the "Obamastare." That is exactly what happened to a Politico reporter yesterday that tried to question POTUS about a former defense lobbyist that worked for Raytheon named William Lynn. Oh, the love affair may be over. The media has rolled over and taken a peek at what Barry looks like in the morning after a long night of celebrating and some bad choices. It's not a pretty sight. What was reporter Johnathon Martin thinking anyway? Trying to ask the Prez about something so serious as a defense department appointment? Just keep in mind that he is above questioning and everything will be alright. He is the chosen one, so whatever he decides is best for us is what we get...no questions asked.

Help Wanted : Lobbyists Apply Within.

Big Government Versus Big Business

This surprising and sad statistic came my way today. America now has more people employed by the government than by the manufacturing sector.

http://fabiusmaximus.wordpress.com/2009/01/20/milestone/

Change? Responsibility? Anyone?

"A New Era of Responsibility"...Yeah, Right

While the world awakens from its all night Obamasm, I have to ponder the change that is upon us. The President campaigned on it and yesterday talked about a new era of responsibility. Not yet 24 hours into his administration, the change is drastic and the responsibility falls once again on the tax paying citizens of America.

Here are some headlines in the morning papers and on news sites.

"Obama White House Calls for repealing defense of marriage act." www.cnsnews.com

"Obama moves to halt terror trials." www.foxnews.com

From www.whitehouse.gov Plans to repeal the Tiahrt Amendment and make guns "Child Proof."

"U.S. Stocks Slide in Dow Average’s Worst Inauguration Day Drop" www.bloomberg.com

"Stimulus not enough, Soros warns U.S." www.financialpost.com

So, let me get all of this straight. We will be more responsible if we print another trillion dollars and hand it out like Pez to little kids. George Soros has set the stage for even more by lobbing the first "more money missile" from the liberal bunker. We will be more responsible if we close down Gitmo and tell the terrorists they are free to strike us again. We will definitely see change if the Defense of Marriage act is repealed. No doubt we will see change in crime rates. They will climb as law abiding citizens have their constitutional right to own, carry and use a firearm is stripped away by Obama and Holder.

I see change for sure. I see the government becoming responsible for the majority of our lives. I see the writing on the wall and I don't like it. Shouldn't a new era of responsibility include people being more responsible for themselves personally and not just for the tax burden they represent? Obama mania is runnig wild, but the hangover is coming.

Free At Last !

COMMUTATION!

At 1:15 pm today, the White House announced that President Bush would indeed commute the sentences of border patrol agents Ramos and Compean.

This from Mike Gallagher:

What thrilling news: the White House just announced that the President will, indeed, commute the prison sentences of border patrol agents Ramos and Compean. Last week, I shared the fact that during my meeting in the Oval Office with President Bush, a meeting I had the privilege of sharing with a few of my talk radio friends and colleagues, I asked the President to consider commuting their sentences. His answer was off-the-record and I have respected that caveat. I will continue to respect it and not reveal what he told me. However, the ultimate vindication is the wonderful news that he heard me, and millions of Americans like me, who believe that their incarceration is a travesty of justice. Just a few minutes ago, my producer and I called Monica Ramos, Ignacio's wife, to congratulate her. Amazingly, she hadn't yet heard the news. And so I had the honor of being able to be the first to tell her the joyful news that her husband and father of their children would be coming home. As expected, she cried and screamed and laughed and shouted for joy. I have to confess, I did, too. Thank you, President Bush. Thank you, thank you, thank you!

Finally a real life happy ending. I would like to add my thank you to Mr. Bush for doing the right thing.

Is the Constitution Alive?

Good question. Some say it is a living document, inferring of course that it has the ability to change with the wind. Congress is now prepared to lop off a limb of the living document by imposing more Draconian restrictions on the law abiding citizens of this once great country. Representative Bobby Rush (D) of Illinois (where else?) is prepared to push a bill that will drastically change the Second Amendment of the Constitution. The law would require that all handgun owners submit to the federal government a photo, thumb print and mental heath records. The bill would also order the attorney general to establish a database of every handgun sale, transfer and owner's address in America.

Now the bill is called HR 45 on the floor but Mr. Rush refers to it as the "Blair Holt's Firearm Licensing and Record of Sale Act of 2009." Blair was a teenager that was shot in Illinois. Nothing like tugging on the heart strings to grease the transition to a totalitarian state.

If this it is passed, the bill would make it illegal to own or possess a "qualifying firearm." A qualifying firearm is defined as any handgun or any semiautomatic firearm that takes an ammunition clip – without a "Blair Holt" license. To obtain a license, an applicant must submit a photo, address, all previous aliases, thumb print, completion of a written firearm safety test, release of mental health records to the attorney general and a fee not to exceed $25. It will also be illegal to transfer ownership to anyone other than a dealer.

This piece of crap...errr legislation is currently in the House Judiciary Committee where it should die an awful and ugly death. I believe like Charlton Heston did. They can take mine out of my cold dead hand.