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.