Middle of the Road is for Roadkill.

It seems that the silly season of presidential politics has arrived right on time. Just like Spring bringing on the green grass and banishing the gloomy grey from the sky, the race to Pennsylvania Avenue has brightened my world like a shot of vitamin D. I must admit, I love this stuff. Straw polls and exploratory committees are my fix. This election cycle and season are no different....right? Let's run the numbers. The current president has done little to correct a down economy, spending is out of control, and the GOP spanked the donkeys last November in a major way. So why am I still feeling the winter doldrums? Why is the current field of hopefuls less than stellar? Am I the only one that sees Obama as vulnerable? Am I asking too many questions?

As a leader in the conservative movement once said, "Get right or get left. The middle of the road is for roadkill." Conventional wisdom will tell us that a candidate will have to move to the middle to get elected. In the past this may have been true. But I don't believe this holds true in America today. I see this as a liability to potential candidates. America is a center-right nation. Now more than ever, voters want someone to follow through on what they promise. They want someone that will preserve the greatness of America, that will return our dollar to a strong currency, and that will preserve the freedoms and liberty given to us by our Maker and Constitution. All candidates on the right have issues. Not one will be everything to all voters. With that said, let's take a look.

The front runner for now seems to be Mitt Romney. Mitt is currently walking back his health care reform in Massachusetts which served as a precursor to Obamacare. Health care costs in that state have risen 5% more than the national average since Romneycare was implemented. This is his major obstacle and one that I believe he cannot overcome. He has the look, the charisma, the fund raising, and the speaking ability to be elected. What he does not have is a conservative history.

Ron Paul is the darling of the Libertarian party. Now I will admit to having a small streak of Libertarianism, I cannot and will not endorse the legalization of heroin or the closing of military bases in strategic countries. Paul may be able to raise money, but he cannot raise his poll numbers over 12%. He is great for ideas and to further the debate, but not for the oval office.

Newt Gingrich is another ideas man. His "Contract with America" was pivotal in returning a majority of republicans to the house. However, Newt has issues, many issues. Let's start with his personal life. He was overseeing the impeachment of a president for an affair while having his own. He is on his third marriage. He has temperament issues and a history of joining progressives on environment issues.

Now to those who may be in, haven't decided yet, and those that some wish would get in. Michelle Bachmann has been contemplating a run for some time. With Trump and Huckabee out, her fate seems all but certain. She is the founder of the Tea Party Caucus in the house and a true conservative. Her record proves it. Her main problem is the press. They portray her as a know nothing light weight and are usually more concerned about her wardrobe or camera angle than her ideas or voting record. Mitch Daniels is seen by many as the saviour of the party and would likely become the instant front runner if he chooses to get in. The main concerns are on social issues, which he took a stand on during this legislative session, and the fire and fund raising ability to get the job done. Some even say he is dull. I have heard Rick Perry's name thrown out this past week as well. His aspirations are no secret. He is slick, well spoken, and looks the part. But conservatives aren't interested in outward appearances.

For the sake of brevity, I will wrap up my thoughts. The bad news is that not one conservative has stepped up to the plate to take a strong stand and move this process forward. The good news is that there is still plenty of time. Please don't take my words as slamming fellow republicans. I am simply stating what my fellow conservatives are thinking. We took a major step in the mid-term elections to install some true conservatives. These statesmen know that if they go back on their word, they will be fired. Politics as usual is a thing of the past. I am not willing to endorse anyone at this time, only offer words of wisdom.... Do not try to run from the middle. You will be called out. You will be exposed. RINOs are not welcome in this tent. We want a true constitutional conservative with the backbone to stand up for us. The other features are icing on the cake. Be careful, we don't want to see someone hit on the road.

A Tax is a Tax!

Until now, I have not expressed my views openly about the Bridges Project and the tolling associated with it. I am pro-business and low tax kind of guy. That is why I am solidly against tolling existing bridges in our community.

If we build an east end bridge and put a toll on that bridge alone, that is a user fee. While this situation is not ideal, it is tolerable. However, if we toll bridges that already exist and are paid for, that is a TAX. As a conservative, I cannot support that. If this is truly the only way to build a bridge or bridges, then I say don't build them at all.

Feds to Track Gold Purchases

As more and more details come out on the health care bill, we find a little tid-bit about how the government will pay for some of it. Tucked away in the dark pages is a call for the IRS to start tracking purchases of gold over $600 beginning January 1, 2012. The current price of one ounce of gold is about $1200. When I first heard about this I asked myself if this was just about the taxes or is it also about tracking who has the gold. Remember our government has a history of taking your gold. Check out the full story here.

What's In A Name?

This past week, Kentucky officials announced the reopening of Otter Creek Park. There are a few changes being made there. The main change is that hunting will be allowed during special in season hunts. But, what really struck me as odd was the change in name. Otter Creek Park will now be known as Otter Creek Outdoor Recreation Area. Correct me if I am wrong, but isn't an outdoor recreation area the exact definition of a park? What is next? Renaming a laundromat an indoor clothes cleaning area? Enough with the lunacy and political correctness.

Congressman Tom McClintock Tells Mexico To Butt Out

Drawing From Our Heritage

The Conscience

The Heart

The Voice

A Win for Indiana Concealed Carriers

The Indiana Court of Appeals ruled earlier this month in favor of a man that was handcuffed during a traffic stop because he was in possession of a firearm. The man was in legal possession with a necessary permit. The man's Fourth Amendment rights were infringed upon, according to the court. Simply having a gun does not necessitate an officer restraining someone for safety.

Also on the good news front: Governor Daniels has signed a bill that will let homeowners put political yard signs out 30 days before an election regardless of Home Owner's Association restrictions. Score one for free speech.

The Battlefield of Ideas

There are those in this community that abhor contested primaries. They claim it takes away necessary resources from the "real" campaign. They dislike conflict in the party ranks. To them I say "compete on the battlefield of ideas." I have worked on several campaigns, but never on my own. I have walked door to door for candidates that I believe in, but never for myself. I have watched from the sidelines as my community sets the course. Well, now I am in the fight. I am jumping in with both feet and not looking back. I have ideas on how to improve this county. I am not frightened by anyone else that wishes to question me or share their own ideas. I welcome it. The benefits of contested primaries far out weigh the draw backs. A contested primary forces candidates to get out there early. It causes one to find ways to get those ideas out in the open. In the end, doesn't that help the entire community? I welcome the competition of a primary battle, a battle of ideas.

The Campaign Web Site Is Up!

The campaign web site has gone live. Check it out at www.danielshort.org or click the link to the right. I will not go negative in this campaign. I am the candidate with fresh ideas and those ideas are what I will stand on. Give me feedback please. Thanks again for all the support.

Sodrel to Announce Today

I received the email just after midnight and it confirmed what Mike had told me in confidence after Sunday service...he is once again running for the 9th district congressional seat. The email text follows:

Media Blast

Mike Sodrel, "One of Us"
Jeffersonville, IN - January 11th, 2010- Sodrel Says YES!

Mike Sodrel announced today that he will seek the Republican nomination for Indiana's 9th Congressional District.



"The Obama administration and Pelosi's Congress are doing all the wrong things. They have spent the last year on health care legislation. We need to get the economy back on track. We need to create real jobs, not another huge government bureaucracy. And you don't pull a country out of an economic slump by hurting the people who do the hiring. Additional taxes, government takeovers and programs like 'cap and trade' would do just that."



"I've been in business for years and we've faced hard times before. The way out of those hard times never came from higher taxes or more regulations or a government takeover."



"We cannot keep spending money in hopes of spending our way out of debt. We are writing checks that our grandchildren are going to have to pay. We are printing money and eroding the value of the savings of hardworking Americans. The debt we are creating with short-term spending today will be a long-term burden for generations yet unborn. For their future and for the future of our county, this cannot continue."



"For many years," Sodrel said, "I've worked hard to make my business a success; the same principle countless other small businessmen and women across America follow. These are the same principles that are needed now, more than ever, to return prosperity to America. This country needs less government, not more. It needs more liberty, not less. It needs less debt and lower taxes. It needs to return to the founding principles that made our country a great nation, and that will preserve that greatness for our children and our grandchildren. That's why I am running for Congress."



Mike Sodrel has been married to Keta Sodrel for 42 years, is the father of two and the grandfather of seven. He is a member of Graceland Baptist Church in New Albany. He served in the National Guard and is a member of the American Legion. He served as Congressman from the 9th Congressional District from 2005 to 2007.



Sodrel is the former CEO of Sodrel Truck Lines and Sodrel Logistics, and founded the Free Enterprise motor coach company in 1976, He logged over a million miles as a commercial truck driver and helped created over 600 good paying jobs.



He has served on the boards of numerous charitable organizations in southern Indiana, including the Providence House for Children in Georgetown, and he has served as a past regional council president of the Boy Scouts of America.



The Clark County Republican Party is hosting kickoff event for the Sodrel campaign at their headquarters, located at 2946 E 10th St, Unit 5 in Jeffersonville (behind the BMV License Branch). You are invited to come over and meet Mike Sodrel from 5pm to 7pm.


Stay tuned. This should be on heckuva ride.

Ray Stevens Tells it Like it is.

Hat tip to Deb.

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.