(This article is written for the weekly Carnival of Ohio Politics now approaching it's 8th week thanks to Paul Miller at Northwest Ohio Net...don't forget to stop by and visit his site tomorrow to read what some of the best of Ohio bloggers are writing about.)
Though it's said that who has the most money doesn't always equal a win, it can help. Especially when it comes to money for air time for advertising.
Yet let's take a look at the amount of money being raised on the Governor and the Senate Race.
According to the Akron Beacon Journal
Strickland raised almost $2 million since the last filing deadline in July, giving the eastern Ohio congressman a fundraising total of $3 million. The campaign has more than $2.1 million on hand after expenses.
Blackwell, Ohio's secretary of state, said Tuesday he raised $1.5 million since July, for a fundraising total of $2.5 million with $1.5 million on hand.
Petro has raised only $872,458 since July but said he still has $2 million on hand. Petro, elected attorney general in 2002, spent $1.9 million on early TV advertising to close a gap with Blackwell.
The three have already spent $3.7 million and raised $9.6 million.
The Cleveland Plain Dealer shares these numbers:
Senator Mike DeWine, raised nearly $1 million for his re-election campaign in the last quarter of 2005, new campaign finance records show, giving him a treasury of $4.3 million.
Preliminary figures from the Hackett campaign, to be filed by today's Federal Election Commission deadline, show that Hackett raised $465,779. After paying expenses, his campaign had $229,783 in the bank on Dec. 31.
Brown had $2.37 million after expenses, although $496,882 of it came from the last quarter, barely beating Hackett's take. But Brown, a seven-term congressman, already had $2 million on hand.
That means between these candidates they have close to 13 million dollars on hand right now.
This is of course before the primary race and before the election that is what they had on hand as of December 31st. Thirteen million may not seem like alot anymore, especially when compared to presidential races that cost hundreds of millions. Yet with two children in college I couldn't help doing a small comparison. Using the dollar figure of $50,000 which is a little higher than some colleges would cost for a four year degree here in Ohio and not enough for some of the Ohio Colleges; 260 High School Seniors could get a pretty good education for 13 million.
With the quality of the political ads and the way some of this gets to the point towards the end where you feel as if you hear one more radio ad or see one more television ad you will lose it? I wonder how much better of a deal it would be to have some of those same people who donate to political campaigns decide that money could be better spent and really make a difference.
Okay, I'm dreaming....but it's a nice one....shhhh...don't wake me up yet....
Tuesday, January 31, 2006
Gee Condi..You think so?
or why I talk to my computer sometimes....
As I'm reading the above linked Washington Post article on Palestine and the US decision to try to have all funding to Palestine stopped because of Hamas, I get to this statement.
On Sunday, Rice acknowledged that U.S. officials were surprised by the extent of the Hamas victory.
"I've asked why nobody saw it coming, and I hope that we will take a hard look," she told reporters, "because it does say something about perhaps not having had a good enough pulse on the Palestinian population."
She added, "I think what was probably underestimated was the depth of resentment of the last . . . decade of the corruption and the old guard and the like."
That's what irritates me most about this situation, the people of Palestine were left with realistically two choices. The corrupt Fatah Government that had allowed them to live in increasing poverty with the average income of a little over $600.00 a year with 65% of Palestine living under the poverty level. Or Hamas, who despite it's terrorist actions provides real help to the people of Palestine.
Gee, Corrupt Government that has given no appearance it will ever change or New Government that has spoken out about the Corruption for years....
They are tired of living under those conditions, and rather than place all the blame on them for selecting Hamas, how about taking some responsibility for allowing the Fatah to run unchecked with huge amounts of the 1.6 billion dollars received in foreign aid going into the pockets of Fatah rather than to really help the people of Palestine. We seem to have no problem getting funds cut off now, why wasn't that done years before when it became obvious these funds were being misued? It sure has hell isn't because we "care" about the people of Palestine, if funding is cut now things there will get even worse.
Where was the quartet then? Where was the middle east then? Obviously the majority of Palestinians got sick of waiting and the only option they felt they had? Was Hamas, that to me is not a sad reflection on just Palestine, it's a sad reflection on the rest of these "powers" that it came to that.
As I'm reading the above linked Washington Post article on Palestine and the US decision to try to have all funding to Palestine stopped because of Hamas, I get to this statement.
On Sunday, Rice acknowledged that U.S. officials were surprised by the extent of the Hamas victory.
"I've asked why nobody saw it coming, and I hope that we will take a hard look," she told reporters, "because it does say something about perhaps not having had a good enough pulse on the Palestinian population."
She added, "I think what was probably underestimated was the depth of resentment of the last . . . decade of the corruption and the old guard and the like."
That's what irritates me most about this situation, the people of Palestine were left with realistically two choices. The corrupt Fatah Government that had allowed them to live in increasing poverty with the average income of a little over $600.00 a year with 65% of Palestine living under the poverty level. Or Hamas, who despite it's terrorist actions provides real help to the people of Palestine.
Gee, Corrupt Government that has given no appearance it will ever change or New Government that has spoken out about the Corruption for years....
They are tired of living under those conditions, and rather than place all the blame on them for selecting Hamas, how about taking some responsibility for allowing the Fatah to run unchecked with huge amounts of the 1.6 billion dollars received in foreign aid going into the pockets of Fatah rather than to really help the people of Palestine. We seem to have no problem getting funds cut off now, why wasn't that done years before when it became obvious these funds were being misued? It sure has hell isn't because we "care" about the people of Palestine, if funding is cut now things there will get even worse.
Where was the quartet then? Where was the middle east then? Obviously the majority of Palestinians got sick of waiting and the only option they felt they had? Was Hamas, that to me is not a sad reflection on just Palestine, it's a sad reflection on the rest of these "powers" that it came to that.
Monday, January 30, 2006
Today was a big day...
First the news that the Toledo Free Press is giving me an opportunity to write a weekly web column to highlight Toledo area bloggers, which will start February 8th, that I wrote about this morning on Glass City Jungle. Then, we just got home from doing an interview for Fox news by my favorite Fox anchor, Karl Rundgren. The interview was about Toledo blogging and featured myself and another popular Toledo blogger. Since I didn't ask him, and he may want to announce this in his own way/timeframe, I'm not writing who he is cept to say it was awesome to get to meet him and I hope my husband didn't talk his ear off. Update: I can "reveal" the popular Toledo blogger that was also interviewed tonight, none other than (cue music) Michael Brooks of History Mike's Musings. I was very well behaved and did not as I originally threatened make funny faces at him while he was being interviewed. :-)
So today was a very exciting day. The interview will be shown in about week or so, I'll give more info when I find out the exact air date for those of you who want to throw popcorn or other objects at the tv screen - lol
I've been working on some of these new ideas and it is really amazing to see some of this start to happen. Blogging has given me so many new opportunities and adventures that never would have happened had I not done the next step which was start going outside of the keyboard sometimes. I can't wait to see what happens next!
:-)
So today was a very exciting day. The interview will be shown in about week or so, I'll give more info when I find out the exact air date for those of you who want to throw popcorn or other objects at the tv screen - lol
I've been working on some of these new ideas and it is really amazing to see some of this start to happen. Blogging has given me so many new opportunities and adventures that never would have happened had I not done the next step which was start going outside of the keyboard sometimes. I can't wait to see what happens next!
:-)
Court TV and Saddam
Not satisified reading the blurbs from the daily newspapers? Confused as to did Ibrahim Barzan, Saddam's half brother say: "I said this court is a bastard," as reported by the Washington Post or "the daughter of a whore" as reported by Yahoo News? Did Saddam yell "Long live Iraq!" or did he yell "Down with America!" or did all of these things happen as well as the latest judge in this case calling Saddam an "old man"?
Court TV has found a way to profit from this, by making "exclusive" video from Saddam's trial a mini pay per view web event. For $5.95 a month you get access to this and other trial moments.
The more I read about this trial it's obvious that the legal system in Iraq still has a long way to go, and I seriously doubt Saddam or any of those on trial are going to have a fair trial. Even under the best circumstances it would be very hard for a fair trial to happen given the amount of information most of us have heard happened in Iraq.
It also reminds me that while at times our legal system may not be perfect? We are so much better off than so many other countries where true justice is hard to find.
Court TV has found a way to profit from this, by making "exclusive" video from Saddam's trial a mini pay per view web event. For $5.95 a month you get access to this and other trial moments.
The more I read about this trial it's obvious that the legal system in Iraq still has a long way to go, and I seriously doubt Saddam or any of those on trial are going to have a fair trial. Even under the best circumstances it would be very hard for a fair trial to happen given the amount of information most of us have heard happened in Iraq.
It also reminds me that while at times our legal system may not be perfect? We are so much better off than so many other countries where true justice is hard to find.
Sunday, January 29, 2006
Best so far Blog Awards
Lyn over at Bloggin' Outloud wrote me to tell me about this, and I thought some of you might be interested. So, in helping him to get the word out? Here's the main info from Lyn:
Super Short Timetable
1. Nominations via email being accepted through Wed, February 1st.
2. Voting via email will take place February 1st through February 5th.
3. Winners announced (and all links posted) Sunday, February 5th.
Only 5 Categories
1. January's Best Pet Blogs
2. January's Best Political Blogs
3. January's Best LinkFest Blogs
4. January's Best Religious Blogs
5. January's Best Humor Blogs
3 Simple Rules
1. Send an email to BestSoFar@RightThinking.net with up to 5 nominations in each category (you may nominate yourself or others in more than one applicable category).
2. Post this announcement and/or link to this entry ( url ) on your blog and spread the word quickly (remember, nominations close Wed, Feb 1st).
3. Finalists will be notified on Wed, Feb 1st and listed here You can then solicit votes at your own blog and have fans vote for their favorite blog in each category via email at BestSoFar@RightThinking.net by Sun, Feb 5th.
Additional Thoughts
1. All nominations will receive link recognition.
2. Winners will get special recognition (I just haven't thought of it yet).
3. Probably mid-stream adjustments. Comments and suggestions welcome.
Super Short Timetable
1. Nominations via email being accepted through Wed, February 1st.
2. Voting via email will take place February 1st through February 5th.
3. Winners announced (and all links posted) Sunday, February 5th.
Only 5 Categories
1. January's Best Pet Blogs
2. January's Best Political Blogs
3. January's Best LinkFest Blogs
4. January's Best Religious Blogs
5. January's Best Humor Blogs
3 Simple Rules
1. Send an email to BestSoFar@RightThinking.net with up to 5 nominations in each category (you may nominate yourself or others in more than one applicable category).
2. Post this announcement and/or link to this entry ( url ) on your blog and spread the word quickly (remember, nominations close Wed, Feb 1st).
3. Finalists will be notified on Wed, Feb 1st and listed here You can then solicit votes at your own blog and have fans vote for their favorite blog in each category via email at BestSoFar@RightThinking.net by Sun, Feb 5th.
Additional Thoughts
1. All nominations will receive link recognition.
2. Winners will get special recognition (I just haven't thought of it yet).
3. Probably mid-stream adjustments. Comments and suggestions welcome.
Half Research....Half catch up on West Wing Day...
Today was a productive day as far as research on a few projects I'm working on but more importantly some much needed downtime. I am a West Wing fan and I had some past episodes to catch up on. It struck me as I watched how much I'm going to miss this show once it's gone. I don't have many shows I watch regularly that are "my" personal favorites, most of the ones I do watch weekly like Survivor or Amazing Race I enjoy, but I watch them with my youngest daughter. Discovery Channel has also had some really good shows on today about China that caught my attention today.
As well as my weekly trip to the laundromat where I get a chance to get the whole family laundry done in under two hours rather than a whole day and talk to some regulars/new people every week. It's a great place to see what's on the mind of other area residents. As well as have a few laughs while waiting for the clothes to dry....
As well as my weekly trip to the laundromat where I get a chance to get the whole family laundry done in under two hours rather than a whole day and talk to some regulars/new people every week. It's a great place to see what's on the mind of other area residents. As well as have a few laughs while waiting for the clothes to dry....
Saturday, January 28, 2006
Getting Buggy....
The Food and Drug Administration proposed Friday requiring food and cosmetic labels to list cochineal extract or carmine if a product's ingredients include either of the two red colorings that have been extracted from the ground bodies of an insect known since the time of the Aztecs.
Release of the proposed rule came after the FDA received 35 reports of hypersensitivity to the colorings, the agency said. A 1998 petition by the Center for Science in the Public Interest asked that the FDA take action.
After my initial, EWWWW and wondering if I should bother to tell my one daughter who is vegetarian that chances are the make-up that she loves to wear has crushed buggies in it...I reflected on this; if a product is claimed to be "all natural" bugs are natural. Which is more harmful, bugs or artificial coloring from chemicals?
One could also wonder why it took the FDA 8 years to decide to do something about this. One also wonders how they will label this, "Warning this product may contain ground up bugs", might not exactly sell alot of fake crab.
(No bugs were used in the creation of the red coloring for this text)
:-)
Release of the proposed rule came after the FDA received 35 reports of hypersensitivity to the colorings, the agency said. A 1998 petition by the Center for Science in the Public Interest asked that the FDA take action.
After my initial, EWWWW and wondering if I should bother to tell my one daughter who is vegetarian that chances are the make-up that she loves to wear has crushed buggies in it...I reflected on this; if a product is claimed to be "all natural" bugs are natural. Which is more harmful, bugs or artificial coloring from chemicals?
One could also wonder why it took the FDA 8 years to decide to do something about this. One also wonders how they will label this, "Warning this product may contain ground up bugs", might not exactly sell alot of fake crab.
(No bugs were used in the creation of the red coloring for this text)
:-)
Friday, January 27, 2006
If I were a one issue voter?
If I had only one issue to focus on that would determine who I would vote for? Pork and it's fatty affects such as lobbying would be it. Look at the below graph. Right now our deficit is at an all time high..Is this what you call fiscal responsibility?
Do away with earmarks, no more free trips for Congress, no more free lunches, dinners, golf outings, no more skybox tickets for games, end it all. You want perks? Go work for big business, those doing the people's business should know better. Stop hiring these lobbyists or allowing former congressional employees to become lobbyists.
Give us some Congresspersons who will make such a pledge, I might become a one issue voter if you do....
Do away with earmarks, no more free trips for Congress, no more free lunches, dinners, golf outings, no more skybox tickets for games, end it all. You want perks? Go work for big business, those doing the people's business should know better. Stop hiring these lobbyists or allowing former congressional employees to become lobbyists.
Give us some Congresspersons who will make such a pledge, I might become a one issue voter if you do....
Thursday, January 26, 2006
Bank makes a huge statement....
Miguel sent me the link to this article and I thought it was very interesting. From the above title linked USA Today:
Regional bank BB&T will make no loans to developers who plan to build commercial projects on land taken from private citizens by the government through the power of eminent domain.
"The idea that a citizen's property can be taken by the government solely for private use is extremely misguided; in fact it's just plain wrong," John Allison, chairman and chief executive of the Winston-Salem-based bank, said Wednesday.
BB&T said 38 states have recently passed or are considering laws to ban the use of eminent domain for private development. Similar legislation is pending before Congress.
"While we're certainly optimistic about the pending legislation, this is something we could not wait any longer to address," said BB&T chief credit officer Ken Chalk. "We're a company where our values dictate our decision-making and operating standards. From that standpoint, this was a straightforward decision; it's simply the right thing to do."
BB&T is the nation's ninth-largest bank, with $109 billion in assets and more than 1,400 branches in 11 states and Washington, D.C.
In checking their corporate website, Branch Banking and Trust have an interesting history
While as it states in the USA Today article that they are not sure how much money making this type of a decision will cost them, I have to say first I think it's an awesome thing that they are doing. Second, I wonder how long before someone tries to sue them claiming it is discriminatory lending practice against those who want to use eminent domain for private development.
When most people only focus on the bottom line, it's nice to see a Bank as a policy stand up for property owners.
Regional bank BB&T will make no loans to developers who plan to build commercial projects on land taken from private citizens by the government through the power of eminent domain.
"The idea that a citizen's property can be taken by the government solely for private use is extremely misguided; in fact it's just plain wrong," John Allison, chairman and chief executive of the Winston-Salem-based bank, said Wednesday.
BB&T said 38 states have recently passed or are considering laws to ban the use of eminent domain for private development. Similar legislation is pending before Congress.
"While we're certainly optimistic about the pending legislation, this is something we could not wait any longer to address," said BB&T chief credit officer Ken Chalk. "We're a company where our values dictate our decision-making and operating standards. From that standpoint, this was a straightforward decision; it's simply the right thing to do."
BB&T is the nation's ninth-largest bank, with $109 billion in assets and more than 1,400 branches in 11 states and Washington, D.C.
In checking their corporate website, Branch Banking and Trust have an interesting history
While as it states in the USA Today article that they are not sure how much money making this type of a decision will cost them, I have to say first I think it's an awesome thing that they are doing. Second, I wonder how long before someone tries to sue them claiming it is discriminatory lending practice against those who want to use eminent domain for private development.
When most people only focus on the bottom line, it's nice to see a Bank as a policy stand up for property owners.
Share the love Thursday and fish blogging!
Yes, it is Thursday again, and at least I can say I have blogged about my goldfish, twice. Another funny cartoon from Ipso Facto Comic Blog
Andddd do what it is that you all do best and I'll take it from there.
For those of you who are sitting there wondering what in the world I am writing about? Visit The Crazy Rants of Samantha Burns and all will be revealed.....
We start out today with Quietly Making Noise with "Love is Free"
Excerpt: I have issues with both the Catholic Church and the evangelical religious right. I do not subscribe to orthodoxy and the need for intercession any more than the zealous arrogance embodied by the so called believers...
Bloggin' Outloud then joins in to share "The Daily Brew (06.0126)"
Excerpt: Thursday's Brew - Flavor du Jour: The State of Marriage, "Gay Marriage, A Contradiction of Terms" by Lyn Perry. Virginia is advancing toward a "gay marriage" referendum. According to the Washington Post...
This next one isn't technically a trackback but is one that some of you might find of interest The Real Ugly American has a post called "Commie Radio comes Crashing Down" , where he shares a post written by Mark Cooper but also some of his frustration with being a Democrat and seeing the party go more left than he'd like to see and what kind of a response he's gotten from some on the left. While I think the extreme right exhibits some of the same behaviors, I've had people not happy with me when I didn't agree with what I consider to be extreme from the left as well.
Freedom Folks has a post Tanker Bros. Shed A Little Light
Excerpt: My homie Dragon Master Gunner dismantles one of the lefts favorite lies with extreme prejudice.
Conservative Cat shares an interesting theory "Is Ted Kennedy an Illegal Biological Weapons Lab?"
Excerpt: Bruce's job involves using computers to decode DNA sequences, and this afternoon he was invited to listen to a presentation on environmental DNA samples. These are slices of biological material which are processed into DNA sequences without being separated into individual species.
Andddd do what it is that you all do best and I'll take it from there.
For those of you who are sitting there wondering what in the world I am writing about? Visit The Crazy Rants of Samantha Burns and all will be revealed.....
We start out today with Quietly Making Noise with "Love is Free"
Excerpt: I have issues with both the Catholic Church and the evangelical religious right. I do not subscribe to orthodoxy and the need for intercession any more than the zealous arrogance embodied by the so called believers...
Bloggin' Outloud then joins in to share "The Daily Brew (06.0126)"
Excerpt: Thursday's Brew - Flavor du Jour: The State of Marriage, "Gay Marriage, A Contradiction of Terms" by Lyn Perry. Virginia is advancing toward a "gay marriage" referendum. According to the Washington Post...
This next one isn't technically a trackback but is one that some of you might find of interest The Real Ugly American has a post called "Commie Radio comes Crashing Down" , where he shares a post written by Mark Cooper but also some of his frustration with being a Democrat and seeing the party go more left than he'd like to see and what kind of a response he's gotten from some on the left. While I think the extreme right exhibits some of the same behaviors, I've had people not happy with me when I didn't agree with what I consider to be extreme from the left as well.
Freedom Folks has a post Tanker Bros. Shed A Little Light
Excerpt: My homie Dragon Master Gunner dismantles one of the lefts favorite lies with extreme prejudice.
Conservative Cat shares an interesting theory "Is Ted Kennedy an Illegal Biological Weapons Lab?"
Excerpt: Bruce's job involves using computers to decode DNA sequences, and this afternoon he was invited to listen to a presentation on environmental DNA samples. These are slices of biological material which are processed into DNA sequences without being separated into individual species.
Wednesday, January 25, 2006
Skirting the issue?
Okay so that's a bad pun, but 17 year old Michael Coviello, felt that the Hasbrouck Heights school dress code that limited when shorts could be worn yet allowed skirts to be worn year round was discriminatory.
To make his point he started wearing a skirt to school.
Coviello first wore a costume-style dress but high school officials told him to go home and change. The district's superintendent then advised the Coviello to purchase everyday dresses and skirts at a retail store, which Coviello did, the ACLU said.
But after a few days, he was sent home with a note from his principal saying if he wore a dress, kilt or skirt, he could no longer attend school.
Thanks to the ACLU, a settlement was reached, not that everyone could wear shorts, but that he could wear a skirt. Will he prevail? Or will he be left spending the remaining time until April 15th when shorts are again allowed wearing a skirt?
:-)
To make his point he started wearing a skirt to school.
Coviello first wore a costume-style dress but high school officials told him to go home and change. The district's superintendent then advised the Coviello to purchase everyday dresses and skirts at a retail store, which Coviello did, the ACLU said.
But after a few days, he was sent home with a note from his principal saying if he wore a dress, kilt or skirt, he could no longer attend school.
Thanks to the ACLU, a settlement was reached, not that everyone could wear shorts, but that he could wear a skirt. Will he prevail? Or will he be left spending the remaining time until April 15th when shorts are again allowed wearing a skirt?
:-)
Montgomery changes direction....
(My weekly contribution to the Carnival of Ohio Politics, this will be the seventh one thanks to Paul Miller of Northwestohio Net, so don't forget to visit today to see what some of Ohio's best bloggers are writing)
Several days ago rumors flew that Betty Montgomery was going to pull out of the race for Governor, those rumors were denied. However, the Beacon Journal this morning reported there will be an announcement today. By later today we will have confirmation, but the speculation as to which office Betty Montgomery is going to seek after she announces she is not going to run for governor was obvious to anyone who visited her website, this morning this was the image:
Several days ago rumors flew that Betty Montgomery was going to pull out of the race for Governor, those rumors were denied. However, the Beacon Journal this morning reported there will be an announcement today. By later today we will have confirmation, but the speculation as to which office Betty Montgomery is going to seek after she announces she is not going to run for governor was obvious to anyone who visited her website, this morning this was the image:
Unless this is some sort of an evil trick, it seems she has decided to enter the Attorney General Race. State Senator Tim Grendell of Chesterland and Franklin County Prosecutor Tim O'Brien have declared their intent to run for Ohio AG and on the Democratic side Subodh Chandra and State Senator Marc Dann are vying to be the next Ohio Attorney General.
Who this will help more as far as the Republican candidates for Governor. to me appears to be Petro. Tim Grendell said Monday that he tried to contact Montgomery after hearing the rumors that she was pull out of the race for Governor, but he never heard back from her. Grendell said the attorney general's office should not "be the consolation prize for someone who can't get enough votes to run for governor." He has been campaigning since May and is stating he feels he will win even with Montgomery in the race. I'm not sure about that, from a name recognition standpoint Montgomery appears at this point to have the edge. At least up here in our part of Ohio.
Questions that remain, who will Betty endorse if she decides to endorse, or will she not comment until the primary is over? Will I be right and will this help Petro more than Blackwell? Who else will join in the AG race?
Well as the day progresses, some of my questions have been answered, The Toledo Blade in covering this story adds:
Mr. Petro today plans to endorse Ms. Montgomery for attorney general, but she does not plan to make an endorsement in the governor’s race before the May 2 primary, Mr. Weaver said.
“She will let the race play out and let voters decide,’’ he said.
The Blade reports she left the race because:
Mark Weaver, Ms. Montgomery’s campaign spokesman, said polling done by the Montgomery campaign showed her trailing and indicated that she could only make up ground by repeatedly criticizing Mr. Blackwell and Mr. Petro.
“She does not want to do that. She is a loyal Republican and does not want to damage the party that way,’’ he said.
The Cleveland Plain Dealer has a different idea of why:
Columbus - A shortage of money and moderate voters persuaded Auditor Betty Montgomery to drop out of the Republican primary for governor and try to regain her old job as Ohio attorney general, sources said.
Blackwell's camp took the opportunity to suggest that Petro should drop out of the primary race:
Blackwell adviser Gene Pierce welcomed the news and used it to point out that Petro's running mate, Hamilton County Commissioner Phil Heimlich, dropped off the Petro ticket just last week.
"Phil Heimlich made a decision for the good of the party," Pierce said. "This week, Betty Montgomery is making a decision for the good of the party. Mr. Petro should follow suit and also help the party."
The Beacon Journal in an updated article states both money and not wanting to hurt the party as the reasons:
The three GOP candidates already had been critical one another, and Montgomery said the party infighting likely will get worse in the coming months before the May primary.
"I don't want to win that way," said Montgomery, who had tried to position herself as a moderate Republican who would lead responsibly.
But she trailed in fundraising and said the money raised by Blackwell and Petro allowed them to get their messages out and raise their profiles.
I'm not sure how I feel about these "for the good of the party" arguments. I can see a reason to avoid a primary race if there appears to be a major concensus that one candidate is preferred over the other. Yet who makes the determination of who "should" be the candidate is another factor of this. Leaving it up to the voters is the whole reason for a primary. If every race only had one person who wanted to run then why even have a primary system. We could just move right on to the "main event". I still feel those that state they are not going to run shouldn't but I think not many of us seem to focus on a person's ability to keep their word anymore.
It remains to be seen which Ohio primary race will take the prize in the "how low can we go" category. I have a feeling it will end up being either Blackwell V Petro or Brown V Hackett but it's early yet, so I reserve the right to change my mind, after all? That's the thing to do in Ohio!
:-)
Tuesday, January 24, 2006
The Alito Vote...
No big surprise given the current political climate - all of the Republicans in the Judiciary Committee have voted yes, not all of the Democrats have voted yet but those that have? Voted no.
I'd like to hear one name stated of the dozens and dozens that Leahy states could have been nominated by the President that would have gotten a unanimous vote of support from Congress.
Just one...
I'd like to hear one name stated of the dozens and dozens that Leahy states could have been nominated by the President that would have gotten a unanimous vote of support from Congress.
Just one...
Monday, January 23, 2006
I'm sorry John Kerry but I can't stand with you on this one
I just received an email from John Kerry in which he states he is not going to vote for Judge Alito to be confirmed, in it he asks:
To join this fight, please sign our letter. When I go down to the Senate floor to speak out against Judge Alito, I'll enter your name in opposition to Alito into the Congressional Record as well. And I'll show my Senate colleagues that as far as the American people are concerned, this is not some inside the beltway conversation; this is a landmark struggle for the future of our nation.
I'm sorry Senator Kerry, but when America decided to make you the candidate to run against George Bush, you lost. The president has the right to nominate qualified candidates and the Senate's role is advise and consent. Alito is conservative, he is pretty much what was expected given President Bush's statements on who he would nominate. However, Alito is a well qualified judge and despite memo's written back in 1985 and before, I watched the hearings in full. Almost every single moment that was televised. I watched almost all of the John Roberts hearings as well, while Roberts is more charsimatic than Alito, Alito answered more questions and was more direct than Roberts. There was nothing that was discovered that implies that Alito would be a bad jugdge, it confirmed what most of us already knew. He's a conservative.....
Let's say you had won the presidency. Would you want the Republicans doing to your nominees what your party is doing? I think not, there was a huge outcry over the way a Republican held Senate did not give nominees even a chance to get out of committee. That should be noted, however, did President Clinton nominate candidates that the Republicans "loved"? Of course not. You do have the right to vote as you choose, you are not my State Senator so I have very little impact on your decision. However I will tell you that by changing the process and making it even more political it will affect your party when a Democrat is president. Making this about memo's written over 20 years ago, misconstruing court decisions and implying that Alito will somehow make abortion illegal; changing what used to be about qualifications and is realistically more about creating sound bites and playing politics is not a positive direction. Unless there is a major change in attitude in Washington, this will "return to haunt" Democrats. I hope when that day comes, I don't receive an email from you decrying how unfair the Republicans are being to "your" President's nominees....
I hope you take responsiblity for your part in helping to change the process.
To join this fight, please sign our letter. When I go down to the Senate floor to speak out against Judge Alito, I'll enter your name in opposition to Alito into the Congressional Record as well. And I'll show my Senate colleagues that as far as the American people are concerned, this is not some inside the beltway conversation; this is a landmark struggle for the future of our nation.
I'm sorry Senator Kerry, but when America decided to make you the candidate to run against George Bush, you lost. The president has the right to nominate qualified candidates and the Senate's role is advise and consent. Alito is conservative, he is pretty much what was expected given President Bush's statements on who he would nominate. However, Alito is a well qualified judge and despite memo's written back in 1985 and before, I watched the hearings in full. Almost every single moment that was televised. I watched almost all of the John Roberts hearings as well, while Roberts is more charsimatic than Alito, Alito answered more questions and was more direct than Roberts. There was nothing that was discovered that implies that Alito would be a bad jugdge, it confirmed what most of us already knew. He's a conservative.....
Let's say you had won the presidency. Would you want the Republicans doing to your nominees what your party is doing? I think not, there was a huge outcry over the way a Republican held Senate did not give nominees even a chance to get out of committee. That should be noted, however, did President Clinton nominate candidates that the Republicans "loved"? Of course not. You do have the right to vote as you choose, you are not my State Senator so I have very little impact on your decision. However I will tell you that by changing the process and making it even more political it will affect your party when a Democrat is president. Making this about memo's written over 20 years ago, misconstruing court decisions and implying that Alito will somehow make abortion illegal; changing what used to be about qualifications and is realistically more about creating sound bites and playing politics is not a positive direction. Unless there is a major change in attitude in Washington, this will "return to haunt" Democrats. I hope when that day comes, I don't receive an email from you decrying how unfair the Republicans are being to "your" President's nominees....
I hope you take responsiblity for your part in helping to change the process.
Was Pakistan aware US was going to bomb?
That's been a question that has been on my mind since the bombing in Pakistan happened. Last week I wrote an article on WatchBlog which had to do with a different aspect of this type of action by the US. However even then, that answer was not clear. Was the government of Pakistan refusing to acknowledge they knew about the bombing or did they really not know.
The title linked article further gives the impresison that Pakistan was not aware of the US intention:
Aziz said Pakistani officials were given no notice before the Jan. 13 attack that killed at least 13. The attack was apparently aimed at al Qaeda's No. 2 leader, Ayman Zawahiri, who was not there.
Pakistan, Aziz said, "has regretted and condemned the incident and said that such incidents should not reoccur. We need to work together. There is no difference in the objectives of the two countries, so there is no reason why we shouldn't communicate."
If the situation were different and another country were to bomb an area in the United States I doubt we would be quite so "understanding". No matter who the supposed target was.
The title linked article further gives the impresison that Pakistan was not aware of the US intention:
Aziz said Pakistani officials were given no notice before the Jan. 13 attack that killed at least 13. The attack was apparently aimed at al Qaeda's No. 2 leader, Ayman Zawahiri, who was not there.
Pakistan, Aziz said, "has regretted and condemned the incident and said that such incidents should not reoccur. We need to work together. There is no difference in the objectives of the two countries, so there is no reason why we shouldn't communicate."
If the situation were different and another country were to bomb an area in the United States I doubt we would be quite so "understanding". No matter who the supposed target was.
Sunday, January 22, 2006
Emily's car found, now she's a victim of Toledo too
The good news is Emily's car was found, and it wasn't totally destroyed. A broken side window, her stereo was stolen and a camera tripod that belonged to her boyfriend was taken. They left her textbooks in the car thankfully. Yet, she got the call at noon that they found the car, she left work to arrange to get the car. It was towed to the impound lot with no chance given for her to get it. For having her car that was stolen from her returned to her from the impound lot where they held it for under three hours, the City of Toledo charged her $97.00 cash, they won't take checks. They will take credit cards but her's were stolen when the house was broken in to.
I can understand charging that high of a fee if a person has their car impounded for breaking the law, but she was the victim here. The woman at the impound lot told her that her insurance company would reimburse her, ummm not really because she like almost all of us has a deductible. Nor does that justify that high of a fee anyway given that type of an attitude seems to forget the fact that increased insurance rates come from increased claims.
She's understandably angry, angry at the person who broke into their home and took her car, angry at whoever added insult to injury and broke the car window, there was no reason to break a window. I seriously doubt the thief locked the car when he abandoned it on Collingwood. Then she's angry at the system that charges victims. The locksmith told her they typically give a person a certain amount of time to get their car, they didn't do that for her. Nor does the Toledo Police website give any information as to impound fees. Nor do they state they don't accept checks. Nor do they state that their lot is in such disrepair that they parked her car in over a foot of mud and standing water so that they had to climb over other cars to even get to hers. Had she not taken care of it before they closed today it would have been an additional $12.00 a day....
So while she's happy to have her car back and her textbooks.....she's been robbed twice.....
I can understand charging that high of a fee if a person has their car impounded for breaking the law, but she was the victim here. The woman at the impound lot told her that her insurance company would reimburse her, ummm not really because she like almost all of us has a deductible. Nor does that justify that high of a fee anyway given that type of an attitude seems to forget the fact that increased insurance rates come from increased claims.
She's understandably angry, angry at the person who broke into their home and took her car, angry at whoever added insult to injury and broke the car window, there was no reason to break a window. I seriously doubt the thief locked the car when he abandoned it on Collingwood. Then she's angry at the system that charges victims. The locksmith told her they typically give a person a certain amount of time to get their car, they didn't do that for her. Nor does the Toledo Police website give any information as to impound fees. Nor do they state they don't accept checks. Nor do they state that their lot is in such disrepair that they parked her car in over a foot of mud and standing water so that they had to climb over other cars to even get to hers. Had she not taken care of it before they closed today it would have been an additional $12.00 a day....
So while she's happy to have her car back and her textbooks.....she's been robbed twice.....
I've been tagged four by four even
Lyn at Bloggin' Outloud was tagged and so went about looking for likely victims to tag. I guess I didn't duck fast enough - hehehe...
While this seems like five...not four...maybe this is new math :-)
Four Jobs You’ve Had
Waitress, my first job at age 14 at the Maumee Don's Drive In
Gas Station Attendent, twice but the first time was back in the before self-serve days
Sales Executive for Toledo Metropolitan Magazine
Tech Support for ATT@home thru Convergys
Four Places You’ve Lived
This one will be revealing - lol
Toledo
Maumee
Swanton
Springfield
Four Vacations You've Taken
New London, CT
New York City, NY
New Orleans, LA
Paradise Island, Bahamas
Four Vehicles You’ve Owned
1989 Olds Custom Cruiser Classic Wagon or as we called it the "Momobile"
1979 Renualt Le Car (I loved that little bright yellow baby)
1978 Jeep Cherokee
1969 Plymouth Road Runner (still my most favorite car)
Four Blogs You Visit & Want to Tag
On this one I'll wuss out and say the first four that want to do it? You were tagged, I just forgot to tell you..
ONE: Mike at History Mike's Musings volunteered to be tagged, hence? He has been tagged. :-)
TWO: Ohio Guy joins in the tagging fun. :-)
:-)
While this seems like five...not four...maybe this is new math :-)
Four Jobs You’ve Had
Waitress, my first job at age 14 at the Maumee Don's Drive In
Gas Station Attendent, twice but the first time was back in the before self-serve days
Sales Executive for Toledo Metropolitan Magazine
Tech Support for ATT@home thru Convergys
Four Places You’ve Lived
This one will be revealing - lol
Toledo
Maumee
Swanton
Springfield
Four Vacations You've Taken
New London, CT
New York City, NY
New Orleans, LA
Paradise Island, Bahamas
Four Vehicles You’ve Owned
1989 Olds Custom Cruiser Classic Wagon or as we called it the "Momobile"
1979 Renualt Le Car (I loved that little bright yellow baby)
1978 Jeep Cherokee
1969 Plymouth Road Runner (still my most favorite car)
Four Blogs You Visit & Want to Tag
On this one I'll wuss out and say the first four that want to do it? You were tagged, I just forgot to tell you..
ONE: Mike at History Mike's Musings volunteered to be tagged, hence? He has been tagged. :-)
TWO: Ohio Guy joins in the tagging fun. :-)
:-)
A day without a Mexican
I watched the movie last night, expecting it to be about illegal immigration and with all of the discussion as of late on this topic was curious as to what the movie was about. Really the title is misleading, sure all of the "Mexicans" disappear but they are gone for more than a day, and the actual result of what ending illegal immigration would be like is not shown since all Mexican's disappear, including those who came here legally.
If the producers really wanted to make their point as the stats they threw in during the movie that support illegal immigration then only illegals should have "disappeared" then it might have had more of an impact as far as creating discussion.
The message that not all Latino's are Mexican is promoted thru out the movie, and I'd suggest the creators of this film forgot something just as important...All Mexicans are not illegals, lumping those who worked hard to come here legally or those who have been here for as long as some of the Southwest has been part of the union is really a slam on their contributions.
If the producers really wanted to make their point as the stats they threw in during the movie that support illegal immigration then only illegals should have "disappeared" then it might have had more of an impact as far as creating discussion.
The message that not all Latino's are Mexican is promoted thru out the movie, and I'd suggest the creators of this film forgot something just as important...All Mexicans are not illegals, lumping those who worked hard to come here legally or those who have been here for as long as some of the Southwest has been part of the union is really a slam on their contributions.
Saturday, January 21, 2006
Brrrrrrr....Now that is cold......
So far here in the Toledo area we've had a really mild winter. Parts of Russia have not been so lucky, as some selected parts of the above linked article from The Independent states:
Russians take pride in the fact that their harsh winters defeated both Napoleon and Hitler and believe they are better equipped physically to survive extreme cold than foreigners. They even have a dark, joky saying about it: "What is good for a Russian spells death for a German."
Cash machines along Tverskaya, Moscow's main thoroughfare, were frozen solid, the city's small army of cranes was motionless, and lifts were shut down in many apartment blocks. The overhead cables for the Soviet-era trolleybuses snapped in the brittle cold, and people listening to personal stereos looked on bemused as their earphone wires transmogrified into stiff television aerials on contact with the outside air.
Some forecasters predict that, in the weeks to come, the temperature could begin to approach that of the Russian capital's coldest winter, in 1940. On that occasion the thermometer went just beyond -42C. Temperatures yesterday were the lowest recorded for 19 January since 1927, meteorologists said. So far, this year is the coldest since the winter of 1978-79, when temperatures dropped to -38C. Today is forecast to be its coldest yet, possibly going beyond the -33C threshold.
That it is -50C and even -58C in far-flung parts of eastern Siberia in the Asian segment of the country is nothing new. What is unusual is that Moscow, St Petersburg and huge swaths of European Russia have come, in the past few days, to resemble the Arctic. Despite its enormous reserves of oil and gas, the country is now stretched to capacity merely keeping itself warm and illuminated
A total of 116 people are reported to have died of exposure since October in Moscow alone. If this is what a cold snap can do to Russia, a country inured to harsh winters, one can only wonder what it would do to Western Europe or the United Kingdom.
Russians take pride in the fact that their harsh winters defeated both Napoleon and Hitler and believe they are better equipped physically to survive extreme cold than foreigners. They even have a dark, joky saying about it: "What is good for a Russian spells death for a German."
Cash machines along Tverskaya, Moscow's main thoroughfare, were frozen solid, the city's small army of cranes was motionless, and lifts were shut down in many apartment blocks. The overhead cables for the Soviet-era trolleybuses snapped in the brittle cold, and people listening to personal stereos looked on bemused as their earphone wires transmogrified into stiff television aerials on contact with the outside air.
Some forecasters predict that, in the weeks to come, the temperature could begin to approach that of the Russian capital's coldest winter, in 1940. On that occasion the thermometer went just beyond -42C. Temperatures yesterday were the lowest recorded for 19 January since 1927, meteorologists said. So far, this year is the coldest since the winter of 1978-79, when temperatures dropped to -38C. Today is forecast to be its coldest yet, possibly going beyond the -33C threshold.
That it is -50C and even -58C in far-flung parts of eastern Siberia in the Asian segment of the country is nothing new. What is unusual is that Moscow, St Petersburg and huge swaths of European Russia have come, in the past few days, to resemble the Arctic. Despite its enormous reserves of oil and gas, the country is now stretched to capacity merely keeping itself warm and illuminated
A total of 116 people are reported to have died of exposure since October in Moscow alone. If this is what a cold snap can do to Russia, a country inured to harsh winters, one can only wonder what it would do to Western Europe or the United Kingdom.
Being curious as to what our local weather history has been in comparison. I went to the National Weather Service's Cleveland Ohio website. The normal temperature for today is 31 degrees, the highest temp record for this date is 70 degrees in 1906, the coldest was -20 degrees in 1984. Our weather of course is (F) Russia is (C).
The summary of monthly record temps on file for Toledo can be found here.
The numbers for the top ten average month temperature for January are below, so far it doesn't look like as warm as this January has felt that we are going to make the top ten warmest month when it's averaged out, the average so far as been 30.1 for this January.
WARMEST
1. 40.2 1880
2. 37.8 1932
3. 36.1 1890
4. 35.8 1933
5. 35.7 1876
6. 35.2 2002
7. 34.7 1906
8. 34.2 1990
9. 33.9 1950
10. 33.1 1989
COLDEST
1. 9.6 1977
2. 13.7 1918
3. 14.9 1963
4. 15.2 1912
5. 15.8 1982
6. 16.0 1893
7. 16.2 1970
8. 16.6 1984
9. 16.7 1978
10. 16.7 1945
While I don't place alot of belief on the global warming theory being more man than cycles of nature perhaps influenced by man....Mike over at historymike's musings had a post a few days ago that looks at global warming, and The Real Ugly American had a piece on some new research as well as Kyoto last week.
It makes me laugh....
Thanks to The Real Ugly American I found some awesome blog related cartoons.....While they won't replace Catdaddy and Dr. Squeeky in the warm spot of my heart who even had a cartoon that mentioned hamsters....If you haven't visited Ipsofacto you might want to.....
Friday, January 20, 2006
Franklin gets 12 years....
A former Pentagon analyst was sentenced Friday to more than 12 years in prison for giving classified information to an Israeli diplomat and members of a pro-Israel lobbying group.
U.S. District Judge T.S. Ellis III said he gave Lawrence A. Franklin a sentence on the low end of federal guidelines because it appeared Franklin was trying help the United States, not hurt it.
The judge said Friday that Franklin believed the National Security Council was insufficiently concerned with the threat posed by an unspecified Middle Eastern nation. Franklin thought leaking information might eventually persuade the Security Council to take more serious action, he said.
While the Middle Eastern country was not identified in the court record, sources and facts in the case point to Iran.
Then I read the pdf of the indictment
While granted an indictment is not a trial and only presents one side of the information, it appears from this that there were more than just the three charged involved with this and I can't help wondering why no one else has been indicted.
The two former AIPAC members, Steven J. Rosen and Keith Weissman, are scheduled to go on trial in April. Their lawyers have argued the two were engaged in routine lobbying work.
Maybe routine lobbying work for Israel involves dealing with classified documents? Somehow I don't think that is going to work as a defense for them, especially since part of the reason Franklin got less time was because he is going to testify against them. What's surprising to me is how little attention this is getting. There was the whole hullaballoo over "Fitzmas" yet here we have a proven case of sharing classified intelligence and a conviction. Yes, I realize part of the whole "Fitzmas" issue was hoping that President Bush would be involved.
Yet, think about it. If Franklin was right and the NSA was not taking information seriously, which obviously the Judge believed to a slight extent as stated in his explanation for the reduced sentence, then we have bigger problems. Why did 9/11 happen? Because there was sloppy work in our intelligence gathering/sharing information. Why did so many believe Saddam had WMD? Because there was sloppy work in our intelligence gathering/sharing information. Why have we missed getting high level terrorists over and over again? Because there was sloppy work in our intelligence gathering/sharing information. (I could go on but I think you get my point.)
Rather than concentrating on the Patriot Act or making sure anonymous people don't "annoy" anyone thru an internet connection or trying to track down Googles search information shouldn't this be an issue?
U.S. District Judge T.S. Ellis III said he gave Lawrence A. Franklin a sentence on the low end of federal guidelines because it appeared Franklin was trying help the United States, not hurt it.
The judge said Friday that Franklin believed the National Security Council was insufficiently concerned with the threat posed by an unspecified Middle Eastern nation. Franklin thought leaking information might eventually persuade the Security Council to take more serious action, he said.
While the Middle Eastern country was not identified in the court record, sources and facts in the case point to Iran.
Then I read the pdf of the indictment
While granted an indictment is not a trial and only presents one side of the information, it appears from this that there were more than just the three charged involved with this and I can't help wondering why no one else has been indicted.
The two former AIPAC members, Steven J. Rosen and Keith Weissman, are scheduled to go on trial in April. Their lawyers have argued the two were engaged in routine lobbying work.
Maybe routine lobbying work for Israel involves dealing with classified documents? Somehow I don't think that is going to work as a defense for them, especially since part of the reason Franklin got less time was because he is going to testify against them. What's surprising to me is how little attention this is getting. There was the whole hullaballoo over "Fitzmas" yet here we have a proven case of sharing classified intelligence and a conviction. Yes, I realize part of the whole "Fitzmas" issue was hoping that President Bush would be involved.
Yet, think about it. If Franklin was right and the NSA was not taking information seriously, which obviously the Judge believed to a slight extent as stated in his explanation for the reduced sentence, then we have bigger problems. Why did 9/11 happen? Because there was sloppy work in our intelligence gathering/sharing information. Why did so many believe Saddam had WMD? Because there was sloppy work in our intelligence gathering/sharing information. Why have we missed getting high level terrorists over and over again? Because there was sloppy work in our intelligence gathering/sharing information. (I could go on but I think you get my point.)
Rather than concentrating on the Patriot Act or making sure anonymous people don't "annoy" anyone thru an internet connection or trying to track down Googles search information shouldn't this be an issue?
Apathy in the Public yet heat in Washington DC
In a huge moment of irony....The Washington Post first shares this article GOP Contest Prompts Yawns Outside Beltway
As some House Republicans campaign to oust their scandal-blemished GOP leadership team, they are facing an obstacle back home. It seems many voters could not care less.
If this is true, it means the Democrats are going to have to find another message rather than ethics alone. As many of us have stated it has to be more than that, there has to be a clear message of what are you going to do....not "oh look at what those bad Republicans did"...
I think those of us in Ohio know this first hand from not only our local election but on a state level as well.
But? While the Washington Post is reporting apathy outside of DC, inside DC? Reid Apologizes for News Release is the next story. Evidently a staffer was a bit to thorough in digging up the dirt on Republicans who cried "Foul!".
"Republicans cannot be trusted to end the culture of corruption" was the title and it appears Reid did not read the document before it was sent out.
'The idea of Republicans reforming themselves is like asking John Gotti to clean up organized crime.' "
Then a whole laundry list of "bad behavior" such as:
GOP Sen. George Allen's days as Virginia governor (1993) he once "kept a noose and a confederate flag in his office and home"
Before we all say tsk tsk to the Democrats though:
In 2004, House Republicans changed party rules to allow Rep. Tom DeLay (R-Tex.) to remain as majority leader if indicted, but they rescinded the action under heavy public criticism. DeLay relinquished the leadership post last year after a Texas grand jury indicted him on charges of money laundering.
Last April, the legal counsel to Sen. Mel Martinez (R-Fla.) resigned after admitting that he wrote a memo about possible political advantages to Republicans who intervened in the case of Terri Schiavo, a severely brain-damaged woman in Florida.
The never ending cycle of the fine art of tit for tat as displayed by our career politicians....One of the many reasons to check out VOID and to continue to demand real plans, real goals and not just the never ending finger pointing.
As some House Republicans campaign to oust their scandal-blemished GOP leadership team, they are facing an obstacle back home. It seems many voters could not care less.
If this is true, it means the Democrats are going to have to find another message rather than ethics alone. As many of us have stated it has to be more than that, there has to be a clear message of what are you going to do....not "oh look at what those bad Republicans did"...
I think those of us in Ohio know this first hand from not only our local election but on a state level as well.
But? While the Washington Post is reporting apathy outside of DC, inside DC? Reid Apologizes for News Release is the next story. Evidently a staffer was a bit to thorough in digging up the dirt on Republicans who cried "Foul!".
"Republicans cannot be trusted to end the culture of corruption" was the title and it appears Reid did not read the document before it was sent out.
'The idea of Republicans reforming themselves is like asking John Gotti to clean up organized crime.' "
Then a whole laundry list of "bad behavior" such as:
GOP Sen. George Allen's days as Virginia governor (1993) he once "kept a noose and a confederate flag in his office and home"
Before we all say tsk tsk to the Democrats though:
In 2004, House Republicans changed party rules to allow Rep. Tom DeLay (R-Tex.) to remain as majority leader if indicted, but they rescinded the action under heavy public criticism. DeLay relinquished the leadership post last year after a Texas grand jury indicted him on charges of money laundering.
Last April, the legal counsel to Sen. Mel Martinez (R-Fla.) resigned after admitting that he wrote a memo about possible political advantages to Republicans who intervened in the case of Terri Schiavo, a severely brain-damaged woman in Florida.
The never ending cycle of the fine art of tit for tat as displayed by our career politicians....One of the many reasons to check out VOID and to continue to demand real plans, real goals and not just the never ending finger pointing.
Thursday, January 19, 2006
Reclaim Ohio
As Paul Ackerman stated a few days ago over at Glass City Jungle, Linwood Campaign Services was planning on unveiling a new initiative this week.
I just received an email from him that Reclaim Ohio has been launched.
The purpose as stated on the site:
This site was created to allow a full and free discussion of Ohio Democratic politics. Everyone is welcome, including office holders, candidates and their staff.
The site will be added to the Politcal/Action Sites list at Glass City Jungle for future reference as well as the blogroll here at LCS.
It looks like a very promising addition to the internet sources available for Ohio Democrats as well as those of us who share some of the goals of some of the Democratic candidates for office.
:-)
Some additional news via Buckeye Senate Blog, another new blog Watch ODP has entered the blogosphere....
Ohio 2nd has a Hackett encounter as well as alot of other information concerning Dean's visit to Ohio yesterday.
I just received an email from him that Reclaim Ohio has been launched.
The purpose as stated on the site:
This site was created to allow a full and free discussion of Ohio Democratic politics. Everyone is welcome, including office holders, candidates and their staff.
The site will be added to the Politcal/Action Sites list at Glass City Jungle for future reference as well as the blogroll here at LCS.
It looks like a very promising addition to the internet sources available for Ohio Democrats as well as those of us who share some of the goals of some of the Democratic candidates for office.
:-)
Some additional news via Buckeye Senate Blog, another new blog Watch ODP has entered the blogosphere....
Ohio 2nd has a Hackett encounter as well as alot of other information concerning Dean's visit to Ohio yesterday.
Share the link love Thursday time again!
Really I should subtitle this one, Lisa is now done transcribing and writing but before she goes to bed....Leave your trackbacks as usual and I'll do my "magic" to put them in the body of this post.
If you don't know how to do a trackback or want more information as to what I am up to here with my merry band of linkers...visit The Crazy Rants of Samantha Burns for alllll the information you need.
My trackback link policy is simple, I believe in free speech and freedom of expression so all are welcome. The whole point is to share what others are writing about on the blogs.
:-)
Stuck On Stupid starts the linkin with "Fighting Political Bias In America's Universities".
Excerpt: Looney Leftwing Professors are trying to suppress any kind of Conservative ideology from being expressed in many colleges. These professors are leftovers from the 60's John Kerry anti Vietnam generation. Legislatures Fight College Political Bias....
Freedom Folks shares "An Open Letter to President Bush"
Excerpt: If you've been here before, you know where we stand on illegal immigration and the need to secure our borders. These are things I think about often, and it recently dawned on me that it's been almost 4 1/2 years since the nation took in a collective breath as we watched the Twin Towers crash to the ground on 9-11.
Don Surber drops by to share "Deconstructing the Buzzmachine"
Excerpt: Jeff Jarvis, former newspaper executive and columnist, has an interesting post today: Deconstructing the newspaper in which he gives a lot of free advice on how to change daily newspaper. To bloggers, I am sure this looks fresh. To newspaper veterans, been there, done that.
Uncooperative Blogger updates with "Democrat Congressman William Jefferson Linked to Katrina Charity Controversy"
Excerpt: I previously reported:
Two days after his former aide’s guilty plea implicated him in a bribery case, U.S. Rep. William Jefferson said he has done nothing wrong and was perplexed by the plea. The conspiracy took place in 2004 and 2005, years after Pfeffer had left Jefferson’s office, according to authorities.
If you don't know how to do a trackback or want more information as to what I am up to here with my merry band of linkers...visit The Crazy Rants of Samantha Burns for alllll the information you need.
My trackback link policy is simple, I believe in free speech and freedom of expression so all are welcome. The whole point is to share what others are writing about on the blogs.
:-)
Stuck On Stupid starts the linkin with "Fighting Political Bias In America's Universities".
Excerpt: Looney Leftwing Professors are trying to suppress any kind of Conservative ideology from being expressed in many colleges. These professors are leftovers from the 60's John Kerry anti Vietnam generation. Legislatures Fight College Political Bias....
Freedom Folks shares "An Open Letter to President Bush"
Excerpt: If you've been here before, you know where we stand on illegal immigration and the need to secure our borders. These are things I think about often, and it recently dawned on me that it's been almost 4 1/2 years since the nation took in a collective breath as we watched the Twin Towers crash to the ground on 9-11.
Don Surber drops by to share "Deconstructing the Buzzmachine"
Excerpt: Jeff Jarvis, former newspaper executive and columnist, has an interesting post today: Deconstructing the newspaper in which he gives a lot of free advice on how to change daily newspaper. To bloggers, I am sure this looks fresh. To newspaper veterans, been there, done that.
Uncooperative Blogger updates with "Democrat Congressman William Jefferson Linked to Katrina Charity Controversy"
Excerpt: I previously reported:
Two days after his former aide’s guilty plea implicated him in a bribery case, U.S. Rep. William Jefferson said he has done nothing wrong and was perplexed by the plea. The conspiracy took place in 2004 and 2005, years after Pfeffer had left Jefferson’s office, according to authorities.
Wednesday, January 18, 2006
Busy day...
UPDATE:
Okay, I'm home now and it was quite a meeting, alot of information to process. This didn't end up being as much about Ben as I originally thought, Sherrod Brown's niece was there as well as some of his staffers (not Drew though so I was disappointed about that). Representation from the Young Democrats organization was present, several UT students, Frank Szollosi and Paul Hackett. Initial impressions, it appears there is a genuine effort for the Young Democrats of Lucas County to move forward to not only be more of a force in Lucas County but to encourage students to become more involved. Sherrod's niece and his staffers represented him well, and Paul Hackett is exactly what I expected, charasmatic, honest and refreshingly blunt at times.
I'll transcribe my notes, listen to the selected portions I taped and? Write alot more on this over at Glass City Jungle.
Just got back from an informal meeting, will write more on that later and tonight's event at UT first with Ben Konop and then Paul Hackett.
:-)
Reminder...don't forget to visit the Carnival of Ohio Politics...
Okay, I'm home now and it was quite a meeting, alot of information to process. This didn't end up being as much about Ben as I originally thought, Sherrod Brown's niece was there as well as some of his staffers (not Drew though so I was disappointed about that). Representation from the Young Democrats organization was present, several UT students, Frank Szollosi and Paul Hackett. Initial impressions, it appears there is a genuine effort for the Young Democrats of Lucas County to move forward to not only be more of a force in Lucas County but to encourage students to become more involved. Sherrod's niece and his staffers represented him well, and Paul Hackett is exactly what I expected, charasmatic, honest and refreshingly blunt at times.
I'll transcribe my notes, listen to the selected portions I taped and? Write alot more on this over at Glass City Jungle.
Just got back from an informal meeting, will write more on that later and tonight's event at UT first with Ben Konop and then Paul Hackett.
:-)
Reminder...don't forget to visit the Carnival of Ohio Politics...
Tuesday, January 17, 2006
If it's wrong? Then it's wrong for both sides...
(This article is written for the Carnival of Ohio Politics, brought to you courtesy of Paul Miller of Northwest Ohio Net, be sure to stop by his site tomorrow morning for the 6th edition of what some of Ohio's best bloggers have to share)
There's been some discussion at several Ohio blogs concerning the story of 30 Ohio ministers who have requested the IRS investigate the tax-exempt status of two "mega-churches"; World Harvest Church of Columbus and Fairfield Christian Church of Lancaster. This has been reported in the Columbus Dispatch and the New York Times. It's felt thru the Reformation Ohio and the Center for Moral Clarity as well as thru Pastor Rod Parsley's Breakthru Net that lines are being crossed in support of Ken Blackwell.
Reformation Ohio lists as one of their goals:
Empowering Communities through Voter Registration – Through diverse means, Reformation Ohio will help to increase the state’s voter registration rolls by at least 400,000 persons..
The Center for Moral Clarity has several links to legislative information, as well as ironically containing this in their FAQS:
10. As a Pastor with a church that operates as a 501c3 not-for-profit organization, what are my boundaries as it relates to politics, elections and lobbying?
Click onto the following information which will detail the "dos and don’ts" for pastors and ministries.
Elections, churches, and ministers: playing by the rules
which if you follow that link lists this among the many requirements:
Candidate appearances and speeches. Appearances by individual candidates at churches—apart from a multi-candidate forum or debate—can pose thorny issues for the church. Again, the “neutrality” principle must be used to determine whether the activity is prohibited.
and this:
Candidate endorsements and denouncements. A church may not, as a matter of its official position, endorse or oppose a candidate for public office. Thus, a pastor speaking from the pulpit or otherwise in his capacity as the pastor, may not urge his audience to vote for or against a particular candidate. Likewise, a church may not publish an article in its newsletter, or place an advertisement exhorting readers to vote for or against a particular candidate.
Sounds pretty straighforward doesn't it? It also appears given the access these churches have given to Ken Blackwell that there could be a problem. However, where was this same outcry in the past? Or is it only an issue now?
This goes beyond our local issues of having several Pastors openly support Jack Ford when he was campaigning for election and re-election. While that was obvious even thru the use of one of his campaign ads where Rev. Mansour Bey, associate pastor of First Church of God, participated in a television commercial in support of Jack Ford's re-election, this is not the first or the only time Church Congregations in this area have behaved in a very similar manner to what is being discussed right now.
During the Presidential election, there was a GOP event, "Empowering People of Color" held here in Toledo. African-American clergy members from around the country flew into Toledo to listen to members of Bush-Cheney's national African-American Steering Committee talk about the President's policies to improve the lives of African-Americans and to denounce Sen. John Kerry, the Democratic presidential contender, for playing of what they called "the race card."
Several local ministers who were invited did not attend, instead, they joined Mayor Jack Ford and had their own press conference in support of Mr. Kerry.
The Revs. John Roberts, Gerald Fletcher, Benjamin Green, Cedric Brock, John Walthall, W.L. Perryman, and Lee Williams, all of Toledo, stood beside the mayor as he made his comments in the Stevenson Roberts Hall, adjacent to the Indiana Avenue Missionary Baptist Church.
"I want you all to know that we stand behind Senator Kerry," Mr. Brock said. "I'm sure there will be ups and downs on the journey, but I hope that he is the right choice." Cedric Brock is the minister of Mt. Nebo Missionary Baptist Church.
Granted, the ministers in attendence were quick to state:
The Toledo-area pastors all stressed that they keep their political opinions out of their sermons, and don't plan to endorse any candidates before their congregations.
"We keep it out, don't mix it in with what we preach. Our people are intelligent enough to make their own decisions," Mr. Green said. "One sermon isn't going to change their minds one way or another anyway."
But...."I want you all to know that we stand behind Senator Kerry," certainly sounds like an endorsement....
If the unspoken rule is going to be what Pastor Green stated that "Our people are intelligent enough to make their own decisions" then so be it. If it is going to be let's follow the law (which is the way I would suggest) then let's make sure that this is applied on both sides.
All of these ministers know the law, even Pastor Parsley states on his own website:
16. Does Pastor Parsley endorse candidates for public office?
No, because that would be illegal. CMC is an outreach of World Harvest Church, and as such is bound by IRS regulations that prohibit him from endorsing political candidates. In fact, clergy of all faith expressions have been prohibited from endorsing candidates for the past 50 years.
So to paraphrase from the Bible...Let he who is without the first implied endorsement throw the first stone....
:-)
There's been some discussion at several Ohio blogs concerning the story of 30 Ohio ministers who have requested the IRS investigate the tax-exempt status of two "mega-churches"; World Harvest Church of Columbus and Fairfield Christian Church of Lancaster. This has been reported in the Columbus Dispatch and the New York Times. It's felt thru the Reformation Ohio and the Center for Moral Clarity as well as thru Pastor Rod Parsley's Breakthru Net that lines are being crossed in support of Ken Blackwell.
Reformation Ohio lists as one of their goals:
Empowering Communities through Voter Registration – Through diverse means, Reformation Ohio will help to increase the state’s voter registration rolls by at least 400,000 persons..
The Center for Moral Clarity has several links to legislative information, as well as ironically containing this in their FAQS:
10. As a Pastor with a church that operates as a 501c3 not-for-profit organization, what are my boundaries as it relates to politics, elections and lobbying?
Click onto the following information which will detail the "dos and don’ts" for pastors and ministries.
Elections, churches, and ministers: playing by the rules
which if you follow that link lists this among the many requirements:
Candidate appearances and speeches. Appearances by individual candidates at churches—apart from a multi-candidate forum or debate—can pose thorny issues for the church. Again, the “neutrality” principle must be used to determine whether the activity is prohibited.
and this:
Candidate endorsements and denouncements. A church may not, as a matter of its official position, endorse or oppose a candidate for public office. Thus, a pastor speaking from the pulpit or otherwise in his capacity as the pastor, may not urge his audience to vote for or against a particular candidate. Likewise, a church may not publish an article in its newsletter, or place an advertisement exhorting readers to vote for or against a particular candidate.
Sounds pretty straighforward doesn't it? It also appears given the access these churches have given to Ken Blackwell that there could be a problem. However, where was this same outcry in the past? Or is it only an issue now?
This goes beyond our local issues of having several Pastors openly support Jack Ford when he was campaigning for election and re-election. While that was obvious even thru the use of one of his campaign ads where Rev. Mansour Bey, associate pastor of First Church of God, participated in a television commercial in support of Jack Ford's re-election, this is not the first or the only time Church Congregations in this area have behaved in a very similar manner to what is being discussed right now.
During the Presidential election, there was a GOP event, "Empowering People of Color" held here in Toledo. African-American clergy members from around the country flew into Toledo to listen to members of Bush-Cheney's national African-American Steering Committee talk about the President's policies to improve the lives of African-Americans and to denounce Sen. John Kerry, the Democratic presidential contender, for playing of what they called "the race card."
Several local ministers who were invited did not attend, instead, they joined Mayor Jack Ford and had their own press conference in support of Mr. Kerry.
The Revs. John Roberts, Gerald Fletcher, Benjamin Green, Cedric Brock, John Walthall, W.L. Perryman, and Lee Williams, all of Toledo, stood beside the mayor as he made his comments in the Stevenson Roberts Hall, adjacent to the Indiana Avenue Missionary Baptist Church.
"I want you all to know that we stand behind Senator Kerry," Mr. Brock said. "I'm sure there will be ups and downs on the journey, but I hope that he is the right choice." Cedric Brock is the minister of Mt. Nebo Missionary Baptist Church.
Granted, the ministers in attendence were quick to state:
The Toledo-area pastors all stressed that they keep their political opinions out of their sermons, and don't plan to endorse any candidates before their congregations.
"We keep it out, don't mix it in with what we preach. Our people are intelligent enough to make their own decisions," Mr. Green said. "One sermon isn't going to change their minds one way or another anyway."
But...."I want you all to know that we stand behind Senator Kerry," certainly sounds like an endorsement....
If the unspoken rule is going to be what Pastor Green stated that "Our people are intelligent enough to make their own decisions" then so be it. If it is going to be let's follow the law (which is the way I would suggest) then let's make sure that this is applied on both sides.
All of these ministers know the law, even Pastor Parsley states on his own website:
16. Does Pastor Parsley endorse candidates for public office?
No, because that would be illegal. CMC is an outreach of World Harvest Church, and as such is bound by IRS regulations that prohibit him from endorsing political candidates. In fact, clergy of all faith expressions have been prohibited from endorsing candidates for the past 50 years.
So to paraphrase from the Bible...Let he who is without the first implied endorsement throw the first stone....
:-)
It's hard to have faith in people at times.....
Today is one of those times. The phone rang early this morning, it was my oldest daughter. Someone broke into their home near the College which they had already had all kinds of problems with the Landlord (Westhaven) with. The locks were just changed yesterday, no signs of forced entry at the time of writing this. All of her personal information was stolen, a laptop, Xbox and both her and her boyfriend's wallets. To add insult to injury when the police showed up they asked her if any keys were missing and she discovered her car was also stolen.
Which means not only did she lose personal identification, credit cards, debit cards even her birth certificate but her car and all of her textbooks that were in the car. The car is insured, she's still making payments on it. We've had our rough moments financially as a family, and Emily has done an excellent job at being responsible. She's worked hard for what little she has, maintaining not only good grades in College but working an almost full-time job and a part-time job. Understandably she feels violated, it's not like they can just run out and replace these items. While of course she will over-come this as we have all of the other things we've been thru, and no one deserves to have things stolen from them...This is one of those moments where I shake my fist at the sky and ask...Why?
Then I offer the sincere hope that whatever reason these people felt it necessary to steal from them that karma will visit them, and soon. Very soon.
Which means not only did she lose personal identification, credit cards, debit cards even her birth certificate but her car and all of her textbooks that were in the car. The car is insured, she's still making payments on it. We've had our rough moments financially as a family, and Emily has done an excellent job at being responsible. She's worked hard for what little she has, maintaining not only good grades in College but working an almost full-time job and a part-time job. Understandably she feels violated, it's not like they can just run out and replace these items. While of course she will over-come this as we have all of the other things we've been thru, and no one deserves to have things stolen from them...This is one of those moments where I shake my fist at the sky and ask...Why?
Then I offer the sincere hope that whatever reason these people felt it necessary to steal from them that karma will visit them, and soon. Very soon.
Monday, January 16, 2006
Meooowwww
With a curtsy to Mister Snitch I have discovered it is a good thing my digital camera isn't working....Else? I'd be doing this....
I would try to stop myself, really...yet the urge would be too much to resist. This may replace My Cat Hates You as my number one kitty site.
:-)
AHA! Erin's camera worked...so while not a cat picture, evidence how spoiled one little puppy can become, everyone that comes to see her feels they must bring something in addition to my discovering all of those mismatched socks can be useful....
I would try to stop myself, really...yet the urge would be too much to resist. This may replace My Cat Hates You as my number one kitty site.
:-)
AHA! Erin's camera worked...so while not a cat picture, evidence how spoiled one little puppy can become, everyone that comes to see her feels they must bring something in addition to my discovering all of those mismatched socks can be useful....
Sunday, January 15, 2006
Speaking ill of the dead....
Maybe it's because we build people up to being more than human that there are those who feel it necessary to not only tear them down but to profit from it as well. In reading the above CNN article I wondered, would it really matter at this point if Martin Luther King was unfaithful to his wife? How would that change what he had accomplished....Logic tells you of course it wouldn't. It might have at the time, as far as him facing the possibility of losing some of the respect many held for him but in the end, does it really matter? When I re-read or re-hear his speeches especially his "I have a Dream" speech, it still moves me, no matter what we later discover or what his children decide to do.
U.S. Rep. John Lewis, D-Georgia, a lifelong civil rights activist interviewed by Branch for the book, said King's stature will always make him a target.
"We get in the habit of trying to tear down noble figures from time to time. I think it's just human nature," said Lewis, who met King at age 18 and spoke at the 1963 March on Washington just before King delivered his famous "I Have A Dream" speech.
"He was not a saint, he was just another human being," Lewis said.
Lewis is right, though this extends to more than Martin Luther King, given we are approaching another anniversary it appears it is his time again.....
U.S. Rep. John Lewis, D-Georgia, a lifelong civil rights activist interviewed by Branch for the book, said King's stature will always make him a target.
"We get in the habit of trying to tear down noble figures from time to time. I think it's just human nature," said Lewis, who met King at age 18 and spoke at the 1963 March on Washington just before King delivered his famous "I Have A Dream" speech.
"He was not a saint, he was just another human being," Lewis said.
Lewis is right, though this extends to more than Martin Luther King, given we are approaching another anniversary it appears it is his time again.....
Not the Steelers!!!!
Okay, some of you are Steelers fans, and I will grudgingly admit that the Steeler defense pounded the living daylights out of Indy. Yet I wanted to see Indy make it and with their record this year thought they had a chance.
Today's game was painful enough that it reminded me of watching my favorite team, the Dolphins play...though at the last minute it looked like they again had a chance.
So? Congrats Pittsburg..
:-)
Today's game was painful enough that it reminded me of watching my favorite team, the Dolphins play...though at the last minute it looked like they again had a chance.
So? Congrats Pittsburg..
:-)
The preview of my latest project
I've thought about this alot recently, and initially was going to just keep Liberal Common Sense as it was with a mix of local and national issues. However, after a great deal of thought, decided to return Liberal Common Sense to it's intial creation of National items and my personal rantings and create a companion blog more specific to Northwestern Ohio.
So? Glass City Jungle enters the blogosphere. This will give me a chance to focus more on indepth issues to our area yet still write here. Hopefully this will be the best of both worlds for not only what I'd like to achieve but for my readers as well.
:-)
So? Glass City Jungle enters the blogosphere. This will give me a chance to focus more on indepth issues to our area yet still write here. Hopefully this will be the best of both worlds for not only what I'd like to achieve but for my readers as well.
:-)
Saturday, January 14, 2006
Saul Friedman on Medicare's Drug Plan
While doing my morning reading at Politics-Line.com, I came across this article by Saul Friedman entitled "Here we go, down the hole, chasing a Part D drug plan", it's a recommended read that points out some disturbing information:
Despite the pleas of 43 million Medicare beneficiaries for a prescription drug benefit, the federal Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services says less than
5 percent (1 million) of the 21 million eligible Medicare beneficiaries with little or no drug coverage had enrolled in a Part D prescription drug plan as of Jan. 1.
In a misleading announcement that was close to a lie, CMS said that 21 million Medicare beneficiaries now have drug coverage. But 20 million already had coverage from former employers, the VA, their HMOs and other sources. That means 95 percent of Medicare beneficiaries who need coverage have yet to decide whether and how to enroll. During the first 11 months after passage of original Medicare in 1965,
93 percent of those eligible had enrolled.
Other important points are raised, especially concerning the prices/benefits of some of the drug plans offered.
Despite the pleas of 43 million Medicare beneficiaries for a prescription drug benefit, the federal Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services says less than
5 percent (1 million) of the 21 million eligible Medicare beneficiaries with little or no drug coverage had enrolled in a Part D prescription drug plan as of Jan. 1.
In a misleading announcement that was close to a lie, CMS said that 21 million Medicare beneficiaries now have drug coverage. But 20 million already had coverage from former employers, the VA, their HMOs and other sources. That means 95 percent of Medicare beneficiaries who need coverage have yet to decide whether and how to enroll. During the first 11 months after passage of original Medicare in 1965,
93 percent of those eligible had enrolled.
Other important points are raised, especially concerning the prices/benefits of some of the drug plans offered.
Friday, January 13, 2006
Now the Stop Alito Campaign begins...
I just got done watching CSPAN who had the Stop Alito group on live urging action against Alito.
The television ads are going to start this afternoon. Millions of dollars will be spent by both those for and against Alito's nomination. A stall is being attempted to delay the vote one more week to give these groups more time to create enough support to prevent Alito from being confirmed.
The cries for a fillibuster are getting louder from some of the left parts of the blogosphere. This is all a part of the process and is of course expected given the huge divide in US politics right now and I am not faulting anyone who believes they should be heard.
However, just as I asked when this was being done on a smaller, yet similar scale with John Roberts...What happens if you win? What happens if Alito is not confirmed? You can bet your bottom dollar that right now at this very moment there is another candidate in mind if Alito should not be confirmed. Do you think this one would be any less conservative? I don't.
President Bush made a mistake in nominating Harriet Miers, she didn't have enough of a track record. Yet now he has nominated a candidate with a very long judicial history. He will get someone in that he selects before his term is done. It will be someone who feels the same way John Roberts and Alito do, and probably someone with less of a record who will be highly qualified and realistically more of a threat than Alito. Is this worth creating the nuclear option?
I can't help thinking, sure it might be possible to win the battle, but is it worth the cost of the war? How far can this division go before it is impossible to heal? I realize many democrats are angry that they do not have the presidency and that they do not have the majority in Congress, I understand the frustration in seeing candidates you want not win an election. I read some comments today on Kos such as this one "Just wait till we take back the Congress then it will be yummy". This isn't supposed to be some giant payback time. It's supposed to be about trying to continue to do the business of running this country in a manner that benefits all of us. It is this nasty part of human nature that wants to win at all costs that I have a problem with. One of the very reasons our founding fathers warned us against allowing this type of political party powerhold to even exist.
That scares me more than Alito.....
As an OT, it's not related to the Alito nomination/confirmation, but David Remer at WatchBlog has written a letter that he and several of us have sent to our Congresspersons. I'd appreciate your taking a look at it and supporting this if you agree.
The television ads are going to start this afternoon. Millions of dollars will be spent by both those for and against Alito's nomination. A stall is being attempted to delay the vote one more week to give these groups more time to create enough support to prevent Alito from being confirmed.
The cries for a fillibuster are getting louder from some of the left parts of the blogosphere. This is all a part of the process and is of course expected given the huge divide in US politics right now and I am not faulting anyone who believes they should be heard.
However, just as I asked when this was being done on a smaller, yet similar scale with John Roberts...What happens if you win? What happens if Alito is not confirmed? You can bet your bottom dollar that right now at this very moment there is another candidate in mind if Alito should not be confirmed. Do you think this one would be any less conservative? I don't.
President Bush made a mistake in nominating Harriet Miers, she didn't have enough of a track record. Yet now he has nominated a candidate with a very long judicial history. He will get someone in that he selects before his term is done. It will be someone who feels the same way John Roberts and Alito do, and probably someone with less of a record who will be highly qualified and realistically more of a threat than Alito. Is this worth creating the nuclear option?
I can't help thinking, sure it might be possible to win the battle, but is it worth the cost of the war? How far can this division go before it is impossible to heal? I realize many democrats are angry that they do not have the presidency and that they do not have the majority in Congress, I understand the frustration in seeing candidates you want not win an election. I read some comments today on Kos such as this one "Just wait till we take back the Congress then it will be yummy". This isn't supposed to be some giant payback time. It's supposed to be about trying to continue to do the business of running this country in a manner that benefits all of us. It is this nasty part of human nature that wants to win at all costs that I have a problem with. One of the very reasons our founding fathers warned us against allowing this type of political party powerhold to even exist.
That scares me more than Alito.....
As an OT, it's not related to the Alito nomination/confirmation, but David Remer at WatchBlog has written a letter that he and several of us have sent to our Congresspersons. I'd appreciate your taking a look at it and supporting this if you agree.
Verbosity Index
I thought this was interesting and thanks to the Nihilist? Here are the final numbers for the Senators during the questioning of Samuel Alito:
The percentage is, the percent of the words spoken by the Senator.
Kennedy (D-MA) ..... 8083 ... 66.5%2.
Biden (D-DE) ....... 7535 ... 70.8%3.
Schumer (D-NY) ..... 7231 ... 72.1%4.
Feingold (D-WI) .... 6593 ... 53.6%5.
Leahy (D-VT) ....... 6475 ... 54.6%6.
Hatch (R-UT) ....... 5762 ... 62.6%7.
Sessions (R-AL) .... 5609 ... 65.7%8.
Cornyn (R-TX) ...... 5594 ... 79.8%9.
Grassley (R-IA) .... 5413 ... 63.4%10.
Durbin (D-IL) ..... 5401 ... 49.8%11.
Graham (R-SC) ..... 5019 ... 71.3%12.
DeWine (R-OH) ..... 4901 ... 62.1%13.
Kyl (R-AZ) ........ 4386 ... 61.2%14.
Feinstein (D-CA) .. 4382 ... 44.8%15.
Kohl (D-WI) ....... 4357 ... 40.9%16.
Specter (R-PA) .... 4061 ... 57.4%17.
Coburn (R-OK) ..... 3416 ... 64.0%18.
Brownback (R-KS) .. 3319 ... 68.1%
Kind of puts an interesting statistical aspect as to which Senator actually wanted to hear answers and which ones wanted to pontificate....So the top five Senators that were more interested in what they wanted to say than Alito?
Cornyn (R-TX), Schumer (D-NY), Graham (R-SC), Biden (D-DE), Brownback (R-KS)
Who let Alito talk the most? Kohl (D-WI)
The percentage is, the percent of the words spoken by the Senator.
Kennedy (D-MA) ..... 8083 ... 66.5%2.
Biden (D-DE) ....... 7535 ... 70.8%3.
Schumer (D-NY) ..... 7231 ... 72.1%4.
Feingold (D-WI) .... 6593 ... 53.6%5.
Leahy (D-VT) ....... 6475 ... 54.6%6.
Hatch (R-UT) ....... 5762 ... 62.6%7.
Sessions (R-AL) .... 5609 ... 65.7%8.
Cornyn (R-TX) ...... 5594 ... 79.8%9.
Grassley (R-IA) .... 5413 ... 63.4%10.
Durbin (D-IL) ..... 5401 ... 49.8%11.
Graham (R-SC) ..... 5019 ... 71.3%12.
DeWine (R-OH) ..... 4901 ... 62.1%13.
Kyl (R-AZ) ........ 4386 ... 61.2%14.
Feinstein (D-CA) .. 4382 ... 44.8%15.
Kohl (D-WI) ....... 4357 ... 40.9%16.
Specter (R-PA) .... 4061 ... 57.4%17.
Coburn (R-OK) ..... 3416 ... 64.0%18.
Brownback (R-KS) .. 3319 ... 68.1%
Kind of puts an interesting statistical aspect as to which Senator actually wanted to hear answers and which ones wanted to pontificate....So the top five Senators that were more interested in what they wanted to say than Alito?
Cornyn (R-TX), Schumer (D-NY), Graham (R-SC), Biden (D-DE), Brownback (R-KS)
Who let Alito talk the most? Kohl (D-WI)
San Francisco? Rejoice your Starbucks is safe....
Let's *flash back* to the news on the bomb found in the Starbucks Monday:
Sgt. Neville Gittens is quoted as stating:
Gittens would not describe the bomb or its size other than to say it "would have caused damage if it exploded.''
"If it had detonated, it would have caused damage," Gittens said. "It was what we consider an IED," an improvised explosive device.
You can all rest easy now....It was an old metal flashlight with corroded batteries and the "terrorist", a homeless man who accidently dropped the flashlight that he had found on the floor? Still in jail on an unrelated charge.
Nor does it appear he did this as any kind of a prank or with malice directed at Starbucks:
"I love that Starbucks," Schouten said in an interview with the station. "The people are saints. They know I'm homeless. They let me drink coffee for 50 cents. I love those people."
Sgt. Neville Gittens is quoted as stating:
Gittens would not describe the bomb or its size other than to say it "would have caused damage if it exploded.''
"If it had detonated, it would have caused damage," Gittens said. "It was what we consider an IED," an improvised explosive device.
You can all rest easy now....It was an old metal flashlight with corroded batteries and the "terrorist", a homeless man who accidently dropped the flashlight that he had found on the floor? Still in jail on an unrelated charge.
Nor does it appear he did this as any kind of a prank or with malice directed at Starbucks:
"I love that Starbucks," Schouten said in an interview with the station. "The people are saints. They know I'm homeless. They let me drink coffee for 50 cents. I love those people."
Thursday, January 12, 2006
A good site to check out...
For those of you like me who love to read different opinions? I was just told about a very interesting site Politics-Line.com, there are some of the very best political writers of today presented there in a very easy to use format. Both Right and Left are listed so there is something for just about everyone there.
:-)
:-)
New information concerning plants and methane
Tired of talking about Alito and want to sink your teeth into some scientific discussion? The Real Ugly American has just the post you will want to check out. I know from past discussions some of you are interested in this topic so head on over and chime in.
:-)
:-)
The CAP documents
Those that are actively against Alito are almost salivating over the belief that the archive documents from the Concerned Alumni of Princeton held in the Library of Congress will contain what they need to stop the confirmation.
Speculation is running rampant that Republicans are in a panic over this. Makes for good blog material if you want to create interest but is it true?
Depends on how much value you place in this:
The New York Times previously reviewed the documents, which are in the papers of William A. Rusher, an early leader of the group and a former publisher of National Review. The Times reported in November that the documents and others at Princeton gave no indication that Judge Alito was among the major donors to the group and was not active in it. In an online interview on Wednesday with National Review, Mr. Rusher said he did not remember Judge Alito.
"He certainly was not very heavily involved in CAP, if at all," he said.
Of course it's possible the New York Times is wrong, but before some of you break out the champagne to celebrate? You might want to chill it for a bit longer....
UPDATE:
Just as I finished this, Senator Specter just stated that Kennedy staff went thru the records at the Library of Congress and did not find Alito's name on any documents, or any lists and his name was not listed on any of the minutes of the meetings.
Speculation is running rampant that Republicans are in a panic over this. Makes for good blog material if you want to create interest but is it true?
Depends on how much value you place in this:
The New York Times previously reviewed the documents, which are in the papers of William A. Rusher, an early leader of the group and a former publisher of National Review. The Times reported in November that the documents and others at Princeton gave no indication that Judge Alito was among the major donors to the group and was not active in it. In an online interview on Wednesday with National Review, Mr. Rusher said he did not remember Judge Alito.
"He certainly was not very heavily involved in CAP, if at all," he said.
Of course it's possible the New York Times is wrong, but before some of you break out the champagne to celebrate? You might want to chill it for a bit longer....
UPDATE:
Just as I finished this, Senator Specter just stated that Kennedy staff went thru the records at the Library of Congress and did not find Alito's name on any documents, or any lists and his name was not listed on any of the minutes of the meetings.
It's that time again...
Yes, it's Thursday, the day that LCS gives you the chance to share some of that link love from around the blogosphere...
Share your news and I'll do the the rest...If you want to know more? The Crazy Rants of Samantha Burns will show you the way...
:-)
Quietly Making Noise starts the sharing today with Jesusland! A Morally Bankrupt Christianity
Excerpt: No its for real folks...or I have been living in a cave. Seems Pat Robertson is (now was) planning to put up a biblical theme park in Israel at a cost of $50 million.
Freedom Folks joins in next with What is LULAC?
Excerpt: Looking back (and zooming in) on some of my pictures, I came across this one. I've run across the LULAC acronym before, but didn't really know much about the organization. As they turned out to counter-protest the Minutemen, I thought it was high time to remedy that situation.
Share your news and I'll do the the rest...If you want to know more? The Crazy Rants of Samantha Burns will show you the way...
:-)
Quietly Making Noise starts the sharing today with Jesusland! A Morally Bankrupt Christianity
Excerpt: No its for real folks...or I have been living in a cave. Seems Pat Robertson is (now was) planning to put up a biblical theme park in Israel at a cost of $50 million.
Freedom Folks joins in next with What is LULAC?
Excerpt: Looking back (and zooming in) on some of my pictures, I came across this one. I've run across the LULAC acronym before, but didn't really know much about the organization. As they turned out to counter-protest the Minutemen, I thought it was high time to remedy that situation.
Wednesday, January 11, 2006
What I would have asked Sherrod Brown
While reading Buckeye Senate Blog earlier a comment was written as to what questions the MTB would have had for Sherrod if he had not cancelled his appearance this Saturday.
For me that was an easy one as I had already decided what my two main questions were going to be.
My number first question would have been and realistically still is:
Congressman Brown, recently Marcy Kaptur decided she would not make a run for Governor of Ohio stating "I just think it's too great a risk for too little a reward." Given you too have a great deal of seniority in the House, why do you feel that running for the Senate would be a larger contribution to Ohioans than seeking re-election to your House seat?
My second one would have been to ask him about the Contract with Ohio, had he seen it and what was his position on it. If he stated he agreed with it I would then ask when he was going to sign it.
For me that was an easy one as I had already decided what my two main questions were going to be.
My number first question would have been and realistically still is:
Congressman Brown, recently Marcy Kaptur decided she would not make a run for Governor of Ohio stating "I just think it's too great a risk for too little a reward." Given you too have a great deal of seniority in the House, why do you feel that running for the Senate would be a larger contribution to Ohioans than seeking re-election to your House seat?
My second one would have been to ask him about the Contract with Ohio, had he seen it and what was his position on it. If he stated he agreed with it I would then ask when he was going to sign it.
Some confirmation "moments"
Day Three of the confirmation hearings, as the Washington Post points out alot of the claims made from Democrats has not happened. Nor am I suggesting it should become a free for all, it's basically what I expected despite the earlier hype. There have been some serious moments that other news sources/blogs have discussed and there have been some fun comments, though I wouldn't suggest any of them quit their day jobs for a shot at the comedy club circuit.... Some of my favorite non-serious moments from the past two days:
This is called the potted plant routine, Russ.
I was so anxious for the recess, I jumped the gun a little.
If you asked me who a mainstream liberal is, I would be the worst person to pick, because I do not hang out over there.
They have sat patiently -- impatiently all day.
We may move the swearing in to the beginning of the ceremony in the future so they can all go out and do something productive.
I think that may have constituted cruel and unusual punishment.
Did you say super-duper?
It's a good photo op for Senator Hatch. Senator Leahy's complaining..We can just balance it on Orrin's head.
You know, I felt that that would be your answer. I really did.
Senator, I had never attended a non-coeducational school until I went to Princeton. And after I was there a short time, I realized the benefits of attending a coeducational school.
But again, this is just by way of why some of us are puzzled. Because if I was aware of it, and I didn't even like Princeton...
Can the president cut your pay? ALITO: No, he can't do that. The Constitution says that, fortunately. Well, nobody can. The president certainly can't, and Congress can't either.
I want my two minutes back.
The chairman was disturbed by my snoring over here.
I guess there's no rule against beating a dead horse, or we'd all have quit a long time ago.
Well, if a strict constructionist is a judge who doesn't make things up, than I'm a strict constructionist.
However so far? Senator Kennedy wins with...
Be quiet over there.
Scurrilous dogs.
This is called the potted plant routine, Russ.
I was so anxious for the recess, I jumped the gun a little.
If you asked me who a mainstream liberal is, I would be the worst person to pick, because I do not hang out over there.
They have sat patiently -- impatiently all day.
We may move the swearing in to the beginning of the ceremony in the future so they can all go out and do something productive.
I think that may have constituted cruel and unusual punishment.
Did you say super-duper?
It's a good photo op for Senator Hatch. Senator Leahy's complaining..We can just balance it on Orrin's head.
You know, I felt that that would be your answer. I really did.
Senator, I had never attended a non-coeducational school until I went to Princeton. And after I was there a short time, I realized the benefits of attending a coeducational school.
But again, this is just by way of why some of us are puzzled. Because if I was aware of it, and I didn't even like Princeton...
Can the president cut your pay? ALITO: No, he can't do that. The Constitution says that, fortunately. Well, nobody can. The president certainly can't, and Congress can't either.
I want my two minutes back.
The chairman was disturbed by my snoring over here.
I guess there's no rule against beating a dead horse, or we'd all have quit a long time ago.
Well, if a strict constructionist is a judge who doesn't make things up, than I'm a strict constructionist.
However so far? Senator Kennedy wins with...
Be quiet over there.
Scurrilous dogs.
Tuesday, January 10, 2006
Contract with Ohio
A good idea for Ohio Democrats....
(This article was written for the Carnival of Ohio Politics at Northwest Ohio Net, make sure to visit tomorrow morning to see what some of the best bloggers in Ohio contribute.)
Most of us want accountability from our elected officials. While the mere signing of a document doesn't guarantee this, it at least demonstrates support of a concept. When I visited Marc Dann's site today on an unrelated issue, I noticed the logo for Contract with Ohio. I had not heard about this, so of course my curiousity led me to click on the website link. After visiting the site my original idea was to contact those Democratic candidates for office that had not yet signed and see if they had signed and the site was just not updated yet or why they had not signed.
I first contacted Congresswoman Marcy Kaptur's office here in Toledo. The staffer I spoke with was not aware of the Contract with Ohio but felt it was "probably a state not a federal issue". I explained to her that there were other Ohio federal candidates who had signed, she then stated it was something that should be addressed to the campaign staff and suggested that I contact Marcy's re-election campaign staff. I did contact Marcy's campaign staff but did not hear back from them before the writing of this article. I had also planned to ask Sherrod Brown about this and still plan to even though he is no longer going to participate in the Meet the Blogger event.
Then I became curious as to when the Contract with Ohio was created and how they had informed candidates of it's existance. I felt to be fair I should discover how long this had been out there and how it was being promoted before I continued on my mission. Ryan Fissel and Paul Ackerman are the creative minds behind the concept of Contract with Ohio. Paul was kind enough to talk to me and answer some of my questions, which I greatly appreciate. Paul used to be the owner of the blog Bring Ohio Home, as well as having been active in several campaigns in Ohio and is still very active in Ohio Politics. Currently his wife, Jean Herendeen Ackerman, is running for State Representative in the 21st district.
Contract for Ohio was created around September of 2005, there has been some contact with a few candidates as can be seen by those who have signed so far. Paul stated just recently several more candidates signed up and their website is updated frequently. Ryan Fissel has been updating progress on Daily Kos. Paul stated they plan to promote this more in February after the deadline for announcing candidacy has passed. I told Paul I was planning on writing about the Contract with Ohio for the weekly Carnival of Ohio Politics. I realize this is a bit early in the campaign season to focus on who has and who has not signed, but I think it's important to bring attention to this topic and I plan to update the status of the list in the future. Ethics is an important issue to many of us in Ohio, as clearly stated in the Contract with Ohio. Democrats need to demonstrate they acknowledge these concerns, supporting and signing the Contract with Ohio to me is one way for them to show this is a shared concern.
A most appreciative thank you to Paul and Ryan for coming up with this idea and for putting it into action. Another thank you would go to those candidates who have already signed and demonstrated their willingness to go on record as supporting these five very important ideals. As for those who haven't signed yet? We'll be watching....
(This article was written for the Carnival of Ohio Politics at Northwest Ohio Net, make sure to visit tomorrow morning to see what some of the best bloggers in Ohio contribute.)
Most of us want accountability from our elected officials. While the mere signing of a document doesn't guarantee this, it at least demonstrates support of a concept. When I visited Marc Dann's site today on an unrelated issue, I noticed the logo for Contract with Ohio. I had not heard about this, so of course my curiousity led me to click on the website link. After visiting the site my original idea was to contact those Democratic candidates for office that had not yet signed and see if they had signed and the site was just not updated yet or why they had not signed.
I first contacted Congresswoman Marcy Kaptur's office here in Toledo. The staffer I spoke with was not aware of the Contract with Ohio but felt it was "probably a state not a federal issue". I explained to her that there were other Ohio federal candidates who had signed, she then stated it was something that should be addressed to the campaign staff and suggested that I contact Marcy's re-election campaign staff. I did contact Marcy's campaign staff but did not hear back from them before the writing of this article. I had also planned to ask Sherrod Brown about this and still plan to even though he is no longer going to participate in the Meet the Blogger event.
Then I became curious as to when the Contract with Ohio was created and how they had informed candidates of it's existance. I felt to be fair I should discover how long this had been out there and how it was being promoted before I continued on my mission. Ryan Fissel and Paul Ackerman are the creative minds behind the concept of Contract with Ohio. Paul was kind enough to talk to me and answer some of my questions, which I greatly appreciate. Paul used to be the owner of the blog Bring Ohio Home, as well as having been active in several campaigns in Ohio and is still very active in Ohio Politics. Currently his wife, Jean Herendeen Ackerman, is running for State Representative in the 21st district.
Contract for Ohio was created around September of 2005, there has been some contact with a few candidates as can be seen by those who have signed so far. Paul stated just recently several more candidates signed up and their website is updated frequently. Ryan Fissel has been updating progress on Daily Kos. Paul stated they plan to promote this more in February after the deadline for announcing candidacy has passed. I told Paul I was planning on writing about the Contract with Ohio for the weekly Carnival of Ohio Politics. I realize this is a bit early in the campaign season to focus on who has and who has not signed, but I think it's important to bring attention to this topic and I plan to update the status of the list in the future. Ethics is an important issue to many of us in Ohio, as clearly stated in the Contract with Ohio. Democrats need to demonstrate they acknowledge these concerns, supporting and signing the Contract with Ohio to me is one way for them to show this is a shared concern.
A most appreciative thank you to Paul and Ryan for coming up with this idea and for putting it into action. Another thank you would go to those candidates who have already signed and demonstrated their willingness to go on record as supporting these five very important ideals. As for those who haven't signed yet? We'll be watching....
Ben Konop demonstrating age discrimination....
Yes, it's true. Right on the heels of my disappointment in finding out Sherrod cancels, I get this email from Konop for Lucas County:
The future of our party and this community rests in the hands of a new generation of leaders. In an effort to get young Democrats and progressives of all stripes working together to help Lucas County, I'm helping organize a Democratic Unity Town Hall Meeting for those UNDER AGE 35. Here are the details:
WHO: Any Lucas County Democrat or Progressive Under Age 35
WHAT: Democratic Unity Town Hall Meeting
WHERE:University of Toledo Student Union Room 2561
WHEN: Wednesday, January 18th, 7PM
WHY: Because the future is in our hands
I'm honored to have both the UT College Democrats and the Lucas County Democratic Party Young Democrats Club cosponsoring this event with me. Other young Democratic leaders are getting involved too. If you're under 35, care about the future of our community, and want to work together, please try and join us.
I feel so old now...and I guess the future isn't in my hands anymore...*sniff* but for those of you UNDER AGE 35? You are welcome to attend. Hmmm I don't look 45...I still get carded when I buy ciggs...wonder if they are going to check id's at the door....
:-)
The future of our party and this community rests in the hands of a new generation of leaders. In an effort to get young Democrats and progressives of all stripes working together to help Lucas County, I'm helping organize a Democratic Unity Town Hall Meeting for those UNDER AGE 35. Here are the details:
WHO: Any Lucas County Democrat or Progressive Under Age 35
WHAT: Democratic Unity Town Hall Meeting
WHERE:University of Toledo Student Union Room 2561
WHEN: Wednesday, January 18th, 7PM
WHY: Because the future is in our hands
I'm honored to have both the UT College Democrats and the Lucas County Democratic Party Young Democrats Club cosponsoring this event with me. Other young Democratic leaders are getting involved too. If you're under 35, care about the future of our community, and want to work together, please try and join us.
I feel so old now...and I guess the future isn't in my hands anymore...*sniff* but for those of you UNDER AGE 35? You are welcome to attend. Hmmm I don't look 45...I still get carded when I buy ciggs...wonder if they are going to check id's at the door....
:-)
Well this plain stinks...Sherrod cancels
Brewed Fresh Daily has the news that I learned from Ohio 2nd
The "Lisa" transcript of the voicemail Phil de Vellis left via Brewed Fresh Daily:
Hey George, this is Phil de Vellis listen I'm calling because we've decided to cancel Sherrod's appearance with meet the Bloggers. Sherrod doesn't want to sit down with Tim, who's cursed at his wife and admitted it in public and done some other things as well. I just wanted you to know that this is not a knock against other Meet the bloggers participants or you We just don't want to do this one appearance.
We'd be happy to sit down with you and other bloggers in a different situations but yes so we unfortunately regret that we can't do this but Sherrod's pretty firm about not wanting to sit down there with with Tim. If you have any questions you can give me a call.
To further add to the drama Buckeye Politics where Tim wrote now displays the message:
Buckeye Politics
will be offline until further notice
I'm personally disappointed because I was going and it was going to be my first "Meet the Bloggers" event. I also don't understand why the rest of us should have to have lost an opportunity because of a minor disagreement with just one person. Even if it was all Tim, which it doesn't appear it was, there was a more professional way of handling this. Granted, Meet the Bloggers has found another participant so the actual event will still be held but it's not a candidate that is from my part of Ohio so I'm not sure at this point if it's something I still want to do. Sooo Phil, since Sherrod's free on Saturday now, he is welcome to come visit me in Toledo....
:-)
The "Lisa" transcript of the voicemail Phil de Vellis left via Brewed Fresh Daily:
Hey George, this is Phil de Vellis listen I'm calling because we've decided to cancel Sherrod's appearance with meet the Bloggers. Sherrod doesn't want to sit down with Tim, who's cursed at his wife and admitted it in public and done some other things as well. I just wanted you to know that this is not a knock against other Meet the bloggers participants or you We just don't want to do this one appearance.
We'd be happy to sit down with you and other bloggers in a different situations but yes so we unfortunately regret that we can't do this but Sherrod's pretty firm about not wanting to sit down there with with Tim. If you have any questions you can give me a call.
To further add to the drama Buckeye Politics where Tim wrote now displays the message:
Buckeye Politics
will be offline until further notice
I'm personally disappointed because I was going and it was going to be my first "Meet the Bloggers" event. I also don't understand why the rest of us should have to have lost an opportunity because of a minor disagreement with just one person. Even if it was all Tim, which it doesn't appear it was, there was a more professional way of handling this. Granted, Meet the Bloggers has found another participant so the actual event will still be held but it's not a candidate that is from my part of Ohio so I'm not sure at this point if it's something I still want to do. Sooo Phil, since Sherrod's free on Saturday now, he is welcome to come visit me in Toledo....
:-)
A terrorist invades my household....
Or...how my cats would report this if they could blog....
Having gone several months without Draco my manchester terrier, it was felt by some that the official mourning period had ended. While I'm not too sure I am ready for this, enter Quilla (yes like Tequilla, I didn't name her). Now the cats and Draco had a mutual live and let live philosophy. Quilla appears to have a different plan in mind. WPD...Yes...Weapons of Pup Destruction. She's a very tiny dog, part Shih tzu and some type of terrier, only 6 weeks old, yet even when three cats decided to try to perform an ambush she demonstrated her asian fighting roots and made them run. One cat, who is temporarily staying with us that belongs to my oldest daughter and who the other cats are not fond of has decided he likes the puppy. I believe this is a covert operation in which Tangerine is attempting to win the puppy to his side knowing that this is his chance to get revenge on the others.
Having gone several months without Draco my manchester terrier, it was felt by some that the official mourning period had ended. While I'm not too sure I am ready for this, enter Quilla (yes like Tequilla, I didn't name her). Now the cats and Draco had a mutual live and let live philosophy. Quilla appears to have a different plan in mind. WPD...Yes...Weapons of Pup Destruction. She's a very tiny dog, part Shih tzu and some type of terrier, only 6 weeks old, yet even when three cats decided to try to perform an ambush she demonstrated her asian fighting roots and made them run. One cat, who is temporarily staying with us that belongs to my oldest daughter and who the other cats are not fond of has decided he likes the puppy. I believe this is a covert operation in which Tangerine is attempting to win the puppy to his side knowing that this is his chance to get revenge on the others.
Monday, January 09, 2006
Let the Confirmation Dance begin!
The Washington Post in the above linked editorial makes the following statement:
The stakes are high, as they always are with Supreme Court nominations and because in this particular instance, Judge Alito would be replacing one of the court's swing voters.
At the same time, the hearings are unlikely to provide big surprises. Judge Alito, in any formal sense, is obviously well qualified -- as the American Bar Association recently recognized. Allegations of impropriety on his part seem trivial, and the ideological questions about him are well known: Does he have too limited a view of congressional power and too robust a view of states' rights? Will he respect privacy and abortion rights? Does he consider affirmative action programs presumptively unconstitutional? How broadly does he see presidential powers, particularly in wartime? What does he think now about the "one man, one vote" principle he appeared to question in the 1980s? Has he read civil rights statutes too narrowly? And perhaps most important, what are his views concerning how readily settled precedent should be disturbed?
The pundits are starting to discuss/debate/disagree on how and if the Democrats can stop his nomination. Will the filibuster happen, etc.
Hence my statement on the dance beginning. How much information will Alito offer? How hard will the Democrats push to discover what they want to know and how hard with the Republicans push for the same? I predict he will answer very little, similar to Roberts. That the majority of the responses to questions asked about his work over 20 years ago will be "my personal position will have no relevance on my job as a Supreme Court Justice" or something similar. I have personal reservations on the precedence that is being created as far as the attempts to place so much emphasis on past documents from that long ago. While I understand why they should be looked it, his opinions and rulings from the bench should be the most looked at aspect of the hearings. How he rules as a judge now is a fairly accurate representation of how he would rule as a Supreme Court Justice.
There are questions, legitimate ones that should be asked. I fear however the majority of the rhetoric will not be on that. Let's hope I'm wrong....
The stakes are high, as they always are with Supreme Court nominations and because in this particular instance, Judge Alito would be replacing one of the court's swing voters.
At the same time, the hearings are unlikely to provide big surprises. Judge Alito, in any formal sense, is obviously well qualified -- as the American Bar Association recently recognized. Allegations of impropriety on his part seem trivial, and the ideological questions about him are well known: Does he have too limited a view of congressional power and too robust a view of states' rights? Will he respect privacy and abortion rights? Does he consider affirmative action programs presumptively unconstitutional? How broadly does he see presidential powers, particularly in wartime? What does he think now about the "one man, one vote" principle he appeared to question in the 1980s? Has he read civil rights statutes too narrowly? And perhaps most important, what are his views concerning how readily settled precedent should be disturbed?
The pundits are starting to discuss/debate/disagree on how and if the Democrats can stop his nomination. Will the filibuster happen, etc.
Hence my statement on the dance beginning. How much information will Alito offer? How hard will the Democrats push to discover what they want to know and how hard with the Republicans push for the same? I predict he will answer very little, similar to Roberts. That the majority of the responses to questions asked about his work over 20 years ago will be "my personal position will have no relevance on my job as a Supreme Court Justice" or something similar. I have personal reservations on the precedence that is being created as far as the attempts to place so much emphasis on past documents from that long ago. While I understand why they should be looked it, his opinions and rulings from the bench should be the most looked at aspect of the hearings. How he rules as a judge now is a fairly accurate representation of how he would rule as a Supreme Court Justice.
There are questions, legitimate ones that should be asked. I fear however the majority of the rhetoric will not be on that. Let's hope I'm wrong....
Sunday, January 08, 2006
Ney? or Noe? or Neither...
Today's Toledo Blade as linked above points out Lucas County auditor, Larry Kaczala's connections to U.S. Rep. Bob Ney who has a role in the whole Abramoff scandal. Though we don't know how far Ney's involvement, the Blade feels that Democrats in Ohio will be able to use both Noe and Ney in the upcoming election.
I'm not too sure about that. It's possible, however if the last election shows anything it's that the Noe story did not have a huge impact. Jack Ford tried to tie Carty Finkbeiner to Noe, either that didn't work or it didn't matter. Betty Schultz who was involved somehow in the Noe situation as a possible conduit was re-elected.
It's going to take more than "Oh Look what those bad Republicans did" to win. If the Democrats can manage to pull together and present a solid message beyond Noe and Ney? That's going to win for them. Sadly enough people seem to expect politicians to be corrupt.
I'm not too sure about that. It's possible, however if the last election shows anything it's that the Noe story did not have a huge impact. Jack Ford tried to tie Carty Finkbeiner to Noe, either that didn't work or it didn't matter. Betty Schultz who was involved somehow in the Noe situation as a possible conduit was re-elected.
It's going to take more than "Oh Look what those bad Republicans did" to win. If the Democrats can manage to pull together and present a solid message beyond Noe and Ney? That's going to win for them. Sadly enough people seem to expect politicians to be corrupt.
Saturday, January 07, 2006
The awesome powers of Bisquick....
I like to cook, but I also like to not make the same thing every night. Add to the normal challenge of having a vegetarian in the household. Bisquick however is very versatile. You can do everything from making pancakes to pizza crusts to dumplings to everything in between. Though my cheese/garlic biscuits are demanded often.
Tonight was Italian Flatbread...
I'd also point out for the non-vegetarians? Bisquick makes the best coating for making your own chicken nuggets, especially if you toss in just a bit of buffalo wing sauce.
Thus ends Lisa's "Betty Crocker" moment...
Tonight was Italian Flatbread...
I'd also point out for the non-vegetarians? Bisquick makes the best coating for making your own chicken nuggets, especially if you toss in just a bit of buffalo wing sauce.
Thus ends Lisa's "Betty Crocker" moment...
A tale of two Charities....
In Ohio, KindHearts has been under investigation since 2003 for links to donating money to terrorist organizations. The organization itself while offering immediate and full cooperation has never been asked to testify before either the Senate Finance or Senate Banking Committee while they were investigating. Steven Emerson was invited to testify against these Muslim Charities.
KindHearts as stated in testimony by Steve Emerson was accused of several "connections" to terrorist groups or terrorist supporters. This chart created by the Cleveland Plain Dealer outlines Emerson's claims. Worth noting is the $85,000 donation has created the most controversy. Yet, while all of this was going on? Enter Abramoff...Last year, Newsweek made public the creation of a Charity called the Capital Athletic Foundation, by Abramoff that was supposed to provide sports programs and teach "leadership skills" to city youth.
Perhaps now given Abramoff's current situation more information will come out on this. I think everyone acknowledges funding terrorism is not only illegal but not something that should be tolerated. However, it appears there is a one-sidedness to this. While I don't necessarily agree it is bordering on "McCarthyism", it does appear the concern that this is being unevenly monitored is a realistic one.
KindHearts as stated in testimony by Steve Emerson was accused of several "connections" to terrorist groups or terrorist supporters. This chart created by the Cleveland Plain Dealer outlines Emerson's claims. Worth noting is the $85,000 donation has created the most controversy. Yet, while all of this was going on? Enter Abramoff...Last year, Newsweek made public the creation of a Charity called the Capital Athletic Foundation, by Abramoff that was supposed to provide sports programs and teach "leadership skills" to city youth.
More than $140,000 of foundation funds were actually sent to the Israeli West Bank where they were used by a Jewish settler to mobilize against the Palestinian uprising. Among the expenditures: purchases of camouflage suits, sniper scopes, night-vision binoculars, a thermal imager and other material described in foundation records as "security" equipment.
Perhaps now given Abramoff's current situation more information will come out on this. I think everyone acknowledges funding terrorism is not only illegal but not something that should be tolerated. However, it appears there is a one-sidedness to this. While I don't necessarily agree it is bordering on "McCarthyism", it does appear the concern that this is being unevenly monitored is a realistic one.
Friday, January 06, 2006
Some fantastic news!
Those of you who have read my blog for a while will remember Daniel who was stop lossed in Iraq. He is the author of the blog All The King's Horses. He stopped blogging but the love of his life, Holly kept us all up to date on Daniel's return.
Finally yesterday, after numerous stalls, delays and changes of dates...He came home...
:-)
This calls for some hamsters!
Finally yesterday, after numerous stalls, delays and changes of dates...He came home...
:-)
This calls for some hamsters!
Will this be the "one" case?
(originally posted on WatchBlog)
Today Virginia Gov. Mark R. Warner ordered that DNA testing be done on evidence that has been stored since 1981 in the case of Roger Keith Coleman. Coleman was executed in 1992 for the rape and murder of his sister in law, Wanda McCoy. While it is obvious those who have fought for years for this testing to happen are attempting to establish proof to demonstrate an innocent man was executed as a way to stop the use of the death penalty, there are other issues this brings to the surface no matter the outcome.
Back in November I wrote an article about Ruben Cantu that focused on that case and some information on inmates in Texas who had proclaimed their innocence right up to the very moment of their execution. Roger Coleman also proclaimed his innocence until the very end, though he ironically failed a polygraph test earlier on the day of his execution.
The State of Virginia has not only fought to keep the DNA testing from happening, but has tried to have this evidence destroyed. They have also attempted to have the law changed so that any remaining DNA evidence from a death penalty case is destroyed once the inmate is executed. Virginia is not alone in this, many states fight this type of situation after a death sentence has been completed. One wonders why this is, you would think if the case was truly that strong that a State would welcome the testing and quickly so that any speculation would end. It is the fear of the unknown, that the State may have very well allowed the excecution of an innocent to happen that helps create this type of response.
Today's Washington Post article points out what a huge impact this one case could have:
Robbins could be correct but as it presently stands the Court precedence seems to not support the idea of testing after an execution is done. This earlier Washington Post piece concerning the Court refusual to demand the retesting while focused more on the fact that it was a media source that was demanding the retesting makes it clear:
This then of course brings up the motivation of Gov. Mark Warner to even order the testing. The Courts had clearly ruled in favor of the State. Warner leaves office next week and there are rumors that he is considering a Presidential run.
Even in the town of Grundy, where the murder and trial took place there is a difference of opinion on the retesting. Retired Judge Persin, who was the original judge for Coleman's trial on one hand feels "If you're examining it in a vacuum, a new test is a good thing," but he then states:
If this DNA testing shows Coleman was truly guilty it still raises the question should all DNA evidence from convicted inmates be destroyed after their execution? How long is to long?
According to Samuel R. Gross, a professor of law at the University of Michigan, there was another case where DNA evidence in Virginia was asked to be retested:
Should the State fear this to the point of preventing the truth to be discovered? Is the mere belief that all of those who were truly innocent are somehow spared the Death Penalty based on a strong enough foundation to continue to deny or destroy evidence that might prove otherwise?
In closing I quote retired Judge Nicholas Persin:
Today Virginia Gov. Mark R. Warner ordered that DNA testing be done on evidence that has been stored since 1981 in the case of Roger Keith Coleman. Coleman was executed in 1992 for the rape and murder of his sister in law, Wanda McCoy. While it is obvious those who have fought for years for this testing to happen are attempting to establish proof to demonstrate an innocent man was executed as a way to stop the use of the death penalty, there are other issues this brings to the surface no matter the outcome.
Back in November I wrote an article about Ruben Cantu that focused on that case and some information on inmates in Texas who had proclaimed their innocence right up to the very moment of their execution. Roger Coleman also proclaimed his innocence until the very end, though he ironically failed a polygraph test earlier on the day of his execution.
The State of Virginia has not only fought to keep the DNA testing from happening, but has tried to have this evidence destroyed. They have also attempted to have the law changed so that any remaining DNA evidence from a death penalty case is destroyed once the inmate is executed. Virginia is not alone in this, many states fight this type of situation after a death sentence has been completed. One wonders why this is, you would think if the case was truly that strong that a State would welcome the testing and quickly so that any speculation would end. It is the fear of the unknown, that the State may have very well allowed the excecution of an innocent to happen that helps create this type of response.
Today's Washington Post article points out what a huge impact this one case could have:
Ira Robbins, an American University criminal law professor, said if Coleman is proven innocent it would push many Americans who are unsure about capital punishment to oppose it. But even if the tests prove Coleman was a killer, he said, it could spark testing of more old cases nationwide.
"Lets assume it comes back that he was proved innocent. Here is the case that the death penalty opponents have been looking for for a long time -- that we have executed an innocent person," Robbins said. "It could be the biggest turning point in death penalty abolition."
In 2001, a lawyer with the Virginia attorney general's office told a circuit judge that "Continual reexamination of concluded cases brings about perpetual uncertainty . . . and disparages the entire criminal justice system."
Robbins could be correct but as it presently stands the Court precedence seems to not support the idea of testing after an execution is done. This earlier Washington Post piece concerning the Court refusual to demand the retesting while focused more on the fact that it was a media source that was demanding the retesting makes it clear:
Justice Donald W. Lemons wrote for the unanimous court. The testing of the remaining DNA would "generate a new scientific report, thereby altering, manipulating, and/or destroying existing evidence in order to create new evidence."
The court also found that the physical evidence in criminal cases is not considered open under state freedom of information laws. "Clearly the biological material recovered on swabs from the . . . victim does not meet the test of a 'public record.' Even if it did, the VFOIA allows for inspection and copying, not testing," the opinion said.
This then of course brings up the motivation of Gov. Mark Warner to even order the testing. The Courts had clearly ruled in favor of the State. Warner leaves office next week and there are rumors that he is considering a Presidential run.
Even in the town of Grundy, where the murder and trial took place there is a difference of opinion on the retesting. Retired Judge Persin, who was the original judge for Coleman's trial on one hand feels "If you're examining it in a vacuum, a new test is a good thing," but he then states:
However, in "every other capital murder case down the road we may be creating an environment where juries may not consider giving the ultimate punishment" in cases where it is deserved, Persin said.
Toying with his glasses which he had set down carefully on the wooden table before him, he said, "It just opens up so many different things that you need to think about."
If this DNA testing shows Coleman was truly guilty it still raises the question should all DNA evidence from convicted inmates be destroyed after their execution? How long is to long?
According to Samuel R. Gross, a professor of law at the University of Michigan, there was another case where DNA evidence in Virginia was asked to be retested:
After Joseph O'Dell was executed in Virginia in 1997, the Catholic Diocese of Richmond, Va., asked for permission to test DNA samples that could determine his innocence or guilt.
The state's objection in O'Dell's case was more to the point than in Coleman's: If the test went badly for the state, prosecutors argued, "it would be shouted from the rooftops that the Commonwealth of Virginia executed an innocent man." The courts ordered the evidence destroyed.
Should the State fear this to the point of preventing the truth to be discovered? Is the mere belief that all of those who were truly innocent are somehow spared the Death Penalty based on a strong enough foundation to continue to deny or destroy evidence that might prove otherwise?
In closing I quote retired Judge Nicholas Persin:
"We're always searching for the truth," he said.
But, he asked, "Is it worth looking at it now for certainty, or is it best left alone? How can I answer that without opening up a whole can of worms?"
"Can I say that something good won't come of this? No. I can't say that. Something good may well come from it."
Yet, "I think you also have to look at the other side of the coin. It may create a lot of pessimism and a lot of second-guessing on the part of jurors even in the really, really bad cases that merit giving the ultimate punishment," he said.
"It's a tough call," Persin said.
Thursday, January 05, 2006
Stories worth blogging about...
Brew pointed out this letter to the Washington Post By Paul E. Schroeder who's son, Lance Cpl. Edward "Augie" Schroeder II, was killed in Haditha, Iraq. Mr. Scrhoeder makes some personal observations as well as some accurate points. No matter how you feel about the war, it's well worth reading. I personally agree with the belief that there were not/are not enough troops and think that the fact that his son was killed on his fifth mission to clear Haditha tells us that that manner of dealing with these towns/insurgents is not working.
In Ohio, Manuel Bartsch is still being held in Bedford Heights jail, where he has been detained since Dec. 21. While I do believe immigration laws in this country should be followed, I also think the fact that Manuel was ten at the time he came here and the fact it appears once he discovered there was some question as to his legal immigration status he tried to rectify it should count for something. It's not like he tried to skirt the law, he was arrested because he tried to clear up his immigration status.
Then in Toledo, Is the A Team done? This Toledo Blade article states that the Democratic PAC that was the A team is going to disband. Chris Redfern is coming up to try to play peacemaker and Wade Kapszukiewicz, will co-host Mr. Redfern's luncheon meeting with local Democrats on Monday. Mr. Redfern said the other co-hosts include two leaders of the official county party, Jack Wilson and Dennis Duffey. Not everyone is ready to kiss and make up at this point. Frank Szollosi is quoted by the Blade as stating he's not going and he thinks it's disgraceful.
The Court of Appeals dismisses the lawsuit filed by Dave Schulz, yet it's not over. Plans are to refile now that Bob "You guys are the reason. You ruined my chance to be president of council. It should have been mine." McCloskey has taken office. In addition they will produce more documentation to prove Dave is entitled to quo warranto status. Dave posted about this last night on Toledo Talk for those of you who are local or interested in more information.
Over at Historymike's (before he is forced to blog whore - lol) He has an interesting post on his take on the recent mining disaster and the role of the press.
And those? Are my stories so far worth blogging about...
:-)
In Ohio, Manuel Bartsch is still being held in Bedford Heights jail, where he has been detained since Dec. 21. While I do believe immigration laws in this country should be followed, I also think the fact that Manuel was ten at the time he came here and the fact it appears once he discovered there was some question as to his legal immigration status he tried to rectify it should count for something. It's not like he tried to skirt the law, he was arrested because he tried to clear up his immigration status.
Then in Toledo, Is the A Team done? This Toledo Blade article states that the Democratic PAC that was the A team is going to disband. Chris Redfern is coming up to try to play peacemaker and Wade Kapszukiewicz, will co-host Mr. Redfern's luncheon meeting with local Democrats on Monday. Mr. Redfern said the other co-hosts include two leaders of the official county party, Jack Wilson and Dennis Duffey. Not everyone is ready to kiss and make up at this point. Frank Szollosi is quoted by the Blade as stating he's not going and he thinks it's disgraceful.
The Court of Appeals dismisses the lawsuit filed by Dave Schulz, yet it's not over. Plans are to refile now that Bob "You guys are the reason. You ruined my chance to be president of council. It should have been mine." McCloskey has taken office. In addition they will produce more documentation to prove Dave is entitled to quo warranto status. Dave posted about this last night on Toledo Talk for those of you who are local or interested in more information.
Over at Historymike's (before he is forced to blog whore - lol) He has an interesting post on his take on the recent mining disaster and the role of the press.
And those? Are my stories so far worth blogging about...
:-)