"'Everybody lost their minds,' recalled a former congressional staffer who lobbied with Abramoff at Preston Gates. 'Jack was cutting deals all over town. Staffers lost their loyalty to members -- they were loyal to money.'"
The rise and fall of Jack Abramoff.
29 December 2005
28 December 2005
DeWine's Seat Is One of Several in Democratic Crosshairs
Ohio is one of several states targeted by the Senate Dems for 2006 (the others: Rhode Island, Pennsylvania, Missouri, Montana, Tennessee and Arizona).
So far, the DSCC has an almost 2-to-1 fundraising advantage, but that didn't scare the NRSC much: "NRSC spokesman Brian Nick said [the Dems'] current fundraising advantage 'means zilch.'"
According to the article, Dems will try to capitalize on public dissatisfaction with Bush. This is the same strategy the Dems used in 2002 and 2004. Many Republicans laugh at this and wonder why the Dems don't change strategies. Well, the Dems aren't going to "cut and run" just because they're "losing" or "not getting elected" (as Republicans would phrase it). That would be allowing the Republicans to win. The best strategy is to stay the course and keep doing the same thing.
And remember, the Dems are kicking ass. It just doesn't seem that way because the liberal media never reports the good news.
So far, the DSCC has an almost 2-to-1 fundraising advantage, but that didn't scare the NRSC much: "NRSC spokesman Brian Nick said [the Dems'] current fundraising advantage 'means zilch.'"
According to the article, Dems will try to capitalize on public dissatisfaction with Bush. This is the same strategy the Dems used in 2002 and 2004. Many Republicans laugh at this and wonder why the Dems don't change strategies. Well, the Dems aren't going to "cut and run" just because they're "losing" or "not getting elected" (as Republicans would phrase it). That would be allowing the Republicans to win. The best strategy is to stay the course and keep doing the same thing.
And remember, the Dems are kicking ass. It just doesn't seem that way because the liberal media never reports the good news.
America's Priorities Looking Better and Better (for Asia)
It's a good thing kids can't vote. If they could, they'd probably vote for their own selfish interests, giving themselves perks like safe schools, small classes, computers and athletic equipment. They might even go off the deep end and indulge themselves with arts & music. I even heard one girl say her teachers deserved more money.
If kids had their way, they'd only think about themselves and "the future." That's why it's so important to have responsible adults who will prevent wasteful abuse of OUR MONEY on communist social welfare programs like education and Head Start. Kudos to Warren County for standing up to powerful schoolkids' special interests and spending county money on what's truly important.
If kids had their way, they'd only think about themselves and "the future." That's why it's so important to have responsible adults who will prevent wasteful abuse of OUR MONEY on communist social welfare programs like education and Head Start. Kudos to Warren County for standing up to powerful schoolkids' special interests and spending county money on what's truly important.
The Democratic Party is Kicking... What?
I get the word play, but I think you'll agree that the pun factor is far exceeded by the absurdity factor in the title of the Democratic Party's blog.
Is detachment from reality the bipartisan issue that will bridge the gap between the major parties?
Is detachment from reality the bipartisan issue that will bridge the gap between the major parties?
26 December 2005
"Catch & Release" with Jim Petro
From the AP:
"Attorney General Jim Petro's chief fund-raiser told a lawyer that legal work for the state was available for a $25,000 donation, the lawyer said in a statement for a lawsuit "
"[the lawyer] said [Petro's chief fundraiser] told him a contribution would be needed if he wanted legal work from the state. 'I asked her what the going contribution was and she said $25,000.00; in addition to that she said that most contributors agree to host several fund raisers for the candidate and there would be some expense involved in hosting the fund raisers.'"
It's a little hard to believe someone would be so obtuse as to come right out and say it. We all know it happens, it's just hard to believe it happens this way. Then again, it's hard to believe county chairs getting into rumbles, but that happened, too.
Unfortunately, we may never know whether Petro ran a corrupt office and if so, to what extent. The lawsuit that challenged Petro's actions has just been dropped because of mounting legal costs.
"Attorney General Jim Petro's chief fund-raiser told a lawyer that legal work for the state was available for a $25,000 donation, the lawyer said in a statement for a lawsuit "
"[the lawyer] said [Petro's chief fundraiser] told him a contribution would be needed if he wanted legal work from the state. 'I asked her what the going contribution was and she said $25,000.00; in addition to that she said that most contributors agree to host several fund raisers for the candidate and there would be some expense involved in hosting the fund raisers.'"
It's a little hard to believe someone would be so obtuse as to come right out and say it. We all know it happens, it's just hard to believe it happens this way. Then again, it's hard to believe county chairs getting into rumbles, but that happened, too.
Unfortunately, we may never know whether Petro ran a corrupt office and if so, to what extent. The lawsuit that challenged Petro's actions has just been dropped because of mounting legal costs.
24 December 2005
23 December 2005
Cronyism and Corruption
Those are the two words that characterize one-party domination. Karl Rove's GOP operates more like the Mafia than a legitimate organization. If you go against THE FAMILY then you get whacked (like McCain or Jeffords) but if you're loyal, well then...
... you might become Assistant Secretary of State...
...or enjoy retirement in an Italian mansion at taxpayer expense in spite of a history of criminal business practices.
Somebody should write a thesis comparing the operations and tactics of the GOP and the Mafia. Where are the grad students?
... you might become Assistant Secretary of State...
...or enjoy retirement in an Italian mansion at taxpayer expense in spite of a history of criminal business practices.
Somebody should write a thesis comparing the operations and tactics of the GOP and the Mafia. Where are the grad students?
22 December 2005
DHS Does Not Remember the Alamo
You might think DHS has its hands full protecting us from vegans, Catholics, animal lovers and Quakers, but those workhorses still found the time to block a kidney transplant patient from returning to the U.S. for treatment.
People think just because someone has a kidney transplant and lies in a hospital bed all day that he can't be a terrorist. Nonsense. When people lose kidneys they get mad. And when people get mad they start to hate our freedoms. DHS made a big mistake letting in this dangerous person. People with failing kidneys accumulate high concentrations of creatinine and urea, both of which contain nitrogen, which is used in explosives. How can we be sure this person didn't deliberately destroy his kidneys so that he could come to the U.S. for treatment and blow up San Antonio by holding in his pee? We could have a new type of suicide bomber here, and the feds are just letting him waltz right in.
People think just because someone has a kidney transplant and lies in a hospital bed all day that he can't be a terrorist. Nonsense. When people lose kidneys they get mad. And when people get mad they start to hate our freedoms. DHS made a big mistake letting in this dangerous person. People with failing kidneys accumulate high concentrations of creatinine and urea, both of which contain nitrogen, which is used in explosives. How can we be sure this person didn't deliberately destroy his kidneys so that he could come to the U.S. for treatment and blow up San Antonio by holding in his pee? We could have a new type of suicide bomber here, and the feds are just letting him waltz right in.
ACLU Still Tearing America Apart Like a Fluffy Muffin
The ACLU hates America. We know that. Militant lesbians get degrees in Womyn's Studies from Smith, then they go to law school and work for the ACLU. We know that. Their agenda is to put an abortion clinic and gay repertory theater in every strip mall in suburban America. WE KNOW THAT.
So I'm not sure what to make of this recent ACLU case. I know the enemy of my enemy is my friend, but what if the enemy of my friend is acting all friendly and stuff, is he still my enemy, or is my friend my enemy, and the enemy is actually a friend of my enemy? That would still make the enemy the enemy, unless the enemy actually is a friend, which we know is impossible. So if the enemy is still the enemy, why is he being friendly to my friend, unless my friend is the enemy or unless the enemy wants to infiltrate and destroy the only thing saving us from roadsides littered with dead fetuses and gay-themed programming on prime-time network TV?
Don't be fooled America, the ACLU hates you. If you think civil liberties are so important (i.e. you hate America, too), then by all means give them your elitist money so they can help terrorists like bin Laden and al-Zarqawi escape. After we catch them, I mean. And then don't release them ourselves.
So I'm not sure what to make of this recent ACLU case. I know the enemy of my enemy is my friend, but what if the enemy of my friend is acting all friendly and stuff, is he still my enemy, or is my friend my enemy, and the enemy is actually a friend of my enemy? That would still make the enemy the enemy, unless the enemy actually is a friend, which we know is impossible. So if the enemy is still the enemy, why is he being friendly to my friend, unless my friend is the enemy or unless the enemy wants to infiltrate and destroy the only thing saving us from roadsides littered with dead fetuses and gay-themed programming on prime-time network TV?
Don't be fooled America, the ACLU hates you. If you think civil liberties are so important (i.e. you hate America, too), then by all means give them your elitist money so they can help terrorists like bin Laden and al-Zarqawi escape. After we catch them, I mean. And then don't release them ourselves.
21 December 2005
Playing Poker with Dick Cheney
Playing Poker with Dick Cheney won an online award for the funniest post of 2005. If you haven't read it, you should. If you did, read it again because it's still great.
Voinovich: Right Thing, Wrong Reason?
The Post has an article about Voinovich's changes to oxygen tank reimbursement rules in the new Medicare bill.
Voinovich is often a thorn in the side of the right wing and its generally goofy agenda. He's stood up and asked for higher standards from his party on more than one occasion, and it's been a refreshing change from the groupthink typically manifested by Republicans.
But I wonder about two things: First, would Voinovich have pushed for the change if he was lobbied by citizens rather than industry? Would he have had the gumption to take the issue to the House and nip it in the bud (he didn't change the Senate version; he told the House it had to change it's version or he would kill it in the Senate later).
Second, let's face it: these changes would have been rejected if proposed by a non-Republican, no matter how much sense they make. It seems like the industry just happened to have interests that coincided with those of patient's and the industry has a good relation with its Senator, who, luckily enough, is a member of the ruling party.
Voinvovich did the right thing in asking for this change, but did he do it for the wrong reason? Is this just special interest politics as usual?
Good government shouldn't be the product of happenstance.
Voinovich is often a thorn in the side of the right wing and its generally goofy agenda. He's stood up and asked for higher standards from his party on more than one occasion, and it's been a refreshing change from the groupthink typically manifested by Republicans.
But I wonder about two things: First, would Voinovich have pushed for the change if he was lobbied by citizens rather than industry? Would he have had the gumption to take the issue to the House and nip it in the bud (he didn't change the Senate version; he told the House it had to change it's version or he would kill it in the Senate later).
Second, let's face it: these changes would have been rejected if proposed by a non-Republican, no matter how much sense they make. It seems like the industry just happened to have interests that coincided with those of patient's and the industry has a good relation with its Senator, who, luckily enough, is a member of the ruling party.
Voinvovich did the right thing in asking for this change, but did he do it for the wrong reason? Is this just special interest politics as usual?
Good government shouldn't be the product of happenstance.
20 December 2005
Sherrod Brown Performs One-Act Drama for ODP
Not sure what to make of Sherrod Brown's apparent meltdown at the ODP, except to say that campaigning is a laborious, exhausting, stressful process that can get to a person.
Tim Russo got chewed out, apparently for lack of genuflection.
And he wasn't the only one; the master of the Buckeye Senate Blog got a piece of Brown's sharp tongue as well. And it reminded him of another time not so long ago that he witnessed questionable behavior from Team Brown.
And check out what OH-2 wrote just yesterday about Brown's efforts to use the blogosphere (emphasis mine):
He's investing a lot of resources online, but I’m not seeing the return on the investment...
[Hackett's] strong suit is dramatic confrontations...
Ten points to OH-2 for hitting the bullseye.Five points for great irony.
Would Mr. Brown display such churlish behavior to a newspaper reporter? If he did, his temperament would have to be questioned. I am assuming he takes corporate media seriously but new media lightly, so he feels he can talk down to some young upstart (or two) with a blog.
If Mr. Brown wants to learn his lesson the hard way, that's his choice. But if he wants to make things easier, he might start by learning some Dos and Don'ts of Online Political Campaign Marketing.
And it's probably not a bad idea to show a little respect for people who can influence campaigns and elections.
Tim Russo got chewed out, apparently for lack of genuflection.
And he wasn't the only one; the master of the Buckeye Senate Blog got a piece of Brown's sharp tongue as well. And it reminded him of another time not so long ago that he witnessed questionable behavior from Team Brown.
And check out what OH-2 wrote just yesterday about Brown's efforts to use the blogosphere (emphasis mine):
He's investing a lot of resources online, but I’m not seeing the return on the investment...
[Hackett's] strong suit is dramatic confrontations...
Would Mr. Brown display such churlish behavior to a newspaper reporter? If he did, his temperament would have to be questioned. I am assuming he takes corporate media seriously but new media lightly, so he feels he can talk down to some young upstart (or two) with a blog.
If Mr. Brown wants to learn his lesson the hard way, that's his choice. But if he wants to make things easier, he might start by learning some Dos and Don'ts of Online Political Campaign Marketing.
And it's probably not a bad idea to show a little respect for people who can influence campaigns and elections.
The Benefits of Spying On Your Friends
(The post title is spun-off a song title by The Apples in Stereo).
The neocons spied on Americans, and it should come as no surprise that spying was as politically motivated as it was motivated by security interests.
From today's NYTimes::
One F.B.I. document indicates that agents in Indianapolis planned to conduct surveillance as part of a "Vegan Community Project." Another document talks of the Catholic Workers group's "semi-communistic ideology." A third indicates the bureau's interest in determining the location of a protest over llama fur planned by People for the Ethical Treatment of Animals.
Does those sound like national security considerations or more like J. Edgar Hoover's paranoid delusions ("he brought true passion to catering to the paranoias that fester beside the Potomac")?
God bless the GOP for protecting us from the hellacious agenda of gay, vegan pet-owners.
FISA warrants are not hard to obtain; they're almost always granted (what's FISA?). One talk radio caller said only about 19 out of several thousand have been turned down. An acquaintance suggested that the reason for circumventing FISA is to spy on thousands of people (i.e. a fishing expedition) instead of certain targets.
If that is true, then Bush's NSA directive is political espionage; a tech version of the Watergate break-in.
UPDATE: The Pentagon spied on Quakers in Akron. QUAKERS!! Are you f*cking kidding me? The entire world wants our ass in a bag and the neocons are chasing people who'd rather not step on bugs. Bloody great.
The neocons spied on Americans, and it should come as no surprise that spying was as politically motivated as it was motivated by security interests.
From today's NYTimes::
One F.B.I. document indicates that agents in Indianapolis planned to conduct surveillance as part of a "Vegan Community Project." Another document talks of the Catholic Workers group's "semi-communistic ideology." A third indicates the bureau's interest in determining the location of a protest over llama fur planned by People for the Ethical Treatment of Animals.
Does those sound like national security considerations or more like J. Edgar Hoover's paranoid delusions ("he brought true passion to catering to the paranoias that fester beside the Potomac")?
God bless the GOP for protecting us from the hellacious agenda of gay, vegan pet-owners.
FISA warrants are not hard to obtain; they're almost always granted (what's FISA?). One talk radio caller said only about 19 out of several thousand have been turned down. An acquaintance suggested that the reason for circumventing FISA is to spy on thousands of people (i.e. a fishing expedition) instead of certain targets.
If that is true, then Bush's NSA directive is political espionage; a tech version of the Watergate break-in.
UPDATE: The Pentagon spied on Quakers in Akron. QUAKERS!! Are you f*cking kidding me? The entire world wants our ass in a bag and the neocons are chasing people who'd rather not step on bugs. Bloody great.
19 December 2005
Jean Schmidt: Model Republican
No, not "role" model, silly... fashion model!
Just when you thought Republican standards couldn't possibly get any lower... SURPRISE!!
Maybe that will teach you to misunderestimate Republicans.
She's unattractive. She's unintelligent. She's shameless. She's obsequious. She's got a big mouth. But those are just civilized society's descriptions of her behavior; Republicans have their own perspective.
Just when you thought Republican standards couldn't possibly get any lower... SURPRISE!!
Maybe that will teach you to misunderestimate Republicans.
She's unattractive. She's unintelligent. She's shameless. She's obsequious. She's got a big mouth. But those are just civilized society's descriptions of her behavior; Republicans have their own perspective.
Nation Transfixed by Bush Speech
President Bush gave the 99th version of his only speech last night. He repeated the same talking points ("major policy statements" as the MSM calls them) we've come to know and love:
We were attacked.
All my decisions were right.
Those who disagree were wrong.
I was right yesterday, I am right now, and I will be right tomorrow.
I am a leader ("I lead").
What can we say? He's the king of the world.
I'd like a more satisfactory answer to this question, though.
We were attacked.
All my decisions were right.
Those who disagree were wrong.
I was right yesterday, I am right now, and I will be right tomorrow.
I am a leader ("I lead").
What can we say? He's the king of the world.
I'd like a more satisfactory answer to this question, though.
Who Will Be the Next UC Basketball Coach?
Despite Andy Kennedy's success so far, he won't get the top job, says sportswriter Gregg Doyel. It looks like Skip Prosser is the leading candidate but Doyel has some other picks, too.
17 December 2005
21st Century Has Distinct Advantages
We take for granted just how easy things are in 2005. For most of human history, "life" meant a 45-year period of abuse and travail. Life was tough and so were the people it victimized.
This first-person account of a gun accident in Greenland in 1899 (click on August 2003) is a perfect snapshot of how dangerous and unpredictable life was for early settlers who lived off the land. It's almost comical how stoic and matter-of-fact the writer is.
This first-person account of a gun accident in Greenland in 1899 (click on August 2003) is a perfect snapshot of how dangerous and unpredictable life was for early settlers who lived off the land. It's almost comical how stoic and matter-of-fact the writer is.
16 December 2005
The World in 2121
Charlie Chaplin and Adolf Hitler were born in 1889. So were a lot of other people, of course-- like Ecuador's Maria Esther de Capovilla. But unlike everyone else born that year, she is still alive. At 116 years, she is the world's oldest person.
In 116 years it will be 2121. Given what has happened between 1889 and 2005, anyone care to toss out predictions for the future 116 years hence (besides the Iraq war...)?
And another question: given a choice to spend the rest of your life 50 years in the past (1955) or 50 years in the future (2055), which would you choose?
In 116 years it will be 2121. Given what has happened between 1889 and 2005, anyone care to toss out predictions for the future 116 years hence (besides the Iraq war...)?
And another question: given a choice to spend the rest of your life 50 years in the past (1955) or 50 years in the future (2055), which would you choose?
14 December 2005
Xenophobia: the New Black?
Homophobia is great, but it's soooo yesterday. Hipsters at the RNC executive committee are saying that xenophobia, not homophobia, will be the smash hit of the next decade.
A few months ago I posted about Norton, Ohio getting into the swing of things. Now a high school in Kansas has raised (lowered?) the bar and suspended a student for speaking Spanish in the hallway.
And you thought Kansans blew their wad of ignorant foolishness on ID, didn't you?
Here's what the National Libertarian Party's blog said about the student's father, who is considering filing suit:
"Zach's father displayed a greater understanding of due process than the Endeavor Alternative School administrators. He said, 'I learned in America, they can't punish you unless you violate a written policy.' Rubio asked the principal to show him the written policy against speaking a foreign language at school. The principal replied the school did not have such a policy."
A great philosopher offers this insightful counterpoint:
"Jim Boulet, executive director of the Virginia-based group English First, says the school did the right thing in suspending the high school student. 'Let's face facts here; if the kid had been saying in Spanish, 'The bomb is around the corner,' the school would be held liable for not knowing that.'"
But if he said it in English, then there's no liability? And isn't it true that anybody anywhere speaking in a language you don't understand could be talking about a bomb? And what about hard-to-understand dialects?
There is only one way to keep this country safe from bomb-toting polyglots, and I call upon all American-speaking Americans to join me in that way.
A few months ago I posted about Norton, Ohio getting into the swing of things. Now a high school in Kansas has raised (lowered?) the bar and suspended a student for speaking Spanish in the hallway.
And you thought Kansans blew their wad of ignorant foolishness on ID, didn't you?
Here's what the National Libertarian Party's blog said about the student's father, who is considering filing suit:
"Zach's father displayed a greater understanding of due process than the Endeavor Alternative School administrators. He said, 'I learned in America, they can't punish you unless you violate a written policy.' Rubio asked the principal to show him the written policy against speaking a foreign language at school. The principal replied the school did not have such a policy."
A great philosopher offers this insightful counterpoint:
"Jim Boulet, executive director of the Virginia-based group English First, says the school did the right thing in suspending the high school student. 'Let's face facts here; if the kid had been saying in Spanish, 'The bomb is around the corner,' the school would be held liable for not knowing that.'"
But if he said it in English, then there's no liability? And isn't it true that anybody anywhere speaking in a language you don't understand could be talking about a bomb? And what about hard-to-understand dialects?
There is only one way to keep this country safe from bomb-toting polyglots, and I call upon all American-speaking Americans to join me in that way.
Is Republican Government Bad for Health?
That's not one of the conclusions of the United Health Foundation's 2005 state health rankings, but a modicum of further analysis suggests exactly that: red states are consistently worse than blue states in health measurements (red/blue based on 2004 Presidential election). Some results:
Out of 5 states with greatest overall improvement (1990-2005), 4 were blue.
The 3 least-improved were all red.
Of the 15 states with the fewest reckless drivers, 11 are blue.
Of the 15 states with the most reckless drivers, 15 are red.
Of the 15 states with the most health insurance coverage, 10 are blue.
Of the 15 states with the least health insurance coverage, 13 are red.
Of the 15 states with the fewest children in poverty, 8 are blue.
Of the 15 states with the most children in poverty, 12 are red.
Of the 15 states with the most per capita health spending, 8 are blue.
Of the 15 states with the least per capita health spending, 12 are red.
Of the 15 states with the lowest rate of premature death, 10 are blue.
Of the 15 states with the highest rate of premature death, 15 are red.
Of the 15 states with the lowest rate of infant mortality, 11 are blue.
Of the 15 states with the highest rate of infant mortality, 12 are red.
These facts are provocative, but they only tell part of the story. It would be interesting to also correlate the data to the politics of state government, which is also important. Let me know what you find out.
Out of 5 states with greatest overall improvement (1990-2005), 4 were blue.
The 3 least-improved were all red.
Of the 15 states with the fewest reckless drivers, 11 are blue.
Of the 15 states with the most reckless drivers, 15 are red.
Of the 15 states with the most health insurance coverage, 10 are blue.
Of the 15 states with the least health insurance coverage, 13 are red.
Of the 15 states with the fewest children in poverty, 8 are blue.
Of the 15 states with the most children in poverty, 12 are red.
Of the 15 states with the most per capita health spending, 8 are blue.
Of the 15 states with the least per capita health spending, 12 are red.
Of the 15 states with the lowest rate of premature death, 10 are blue.
Of the 15 states with the highest rate of premature death, 15 are red.
Of the 15 states with the lowest rate of infant mortality, 11 are blue.
Of the 15 states with the highest rate of infant mortality, 12 are red.
These facts are provocative, but they only tell part of the story. It would be interesting to also correlate the data to the politics of state government, which is also important. Let me know what you find out.
13 December 2005
Will the Real Fiscal Conservative Please Stand Up?
The GOP always runs on a platform of fiscal conservatism but usually delivers a plate full of corruption. So far, the first half of the equation is playing out in the GOP Governor's race.
Petro and Blackwell both favor anti-spending plans based on additional regulations. Pete Draganic favors an across-the-board spending cut. Last week, Betty Montgomery unveiled her plan that keeps the onus on state government to make the tough calls.
Does Montgomery's approach mark her as the true fiscal conservative? The Blackwell and Petro plans practically concede that Republicans cannot be trusted to spend properly, so they remove spending authority from people and put it into new regulations. That's a cop out, folks. If our officials can't be fiscally responsible, then we need new officials, not new regulations.
I applaud Montgomery for her "buck stops here" policy. It shows more guts than the other candidates. Montgomery's current position as state auditor also gives her added credibility when it comes to fiscal matters.
It remains to be seen whether Montgomery's profile will get any boost from her fiscal policy, given that "Holy Jim" Petro's ads seem to be resonating with the base.
Petro and Blackwell both favor anti-spending plans based on additional regulations. Pete Draganic favors an across-the-board spending cut. Last week, Betty Montgomery unveiled her plan that keeps the onus on state government to make the tough calls.
Does Montgomery's approach mark her as the true fiscal conservative? The Blackwell and Petro plans practically concede that Republicans cannot be trusted to spend properly, so they remove spending authority from people and put it into new regulations. That's a cop out, folks. If our officials can't be fiscally responsible, then we need new officials, not new regulations.
I applaud Montgomery for her "buck stops here" policy. It shows more guts than the other candidates. Montgomery's current position as state auditor also gives her added credibility when it comes to fiscal matters.
It remains to be seen whether Montgomery's profile will get any boost from her fiscal policy, given that "Holy Jim" Petro's ads seem to be resonating with the base.
12 December 2005
Will Ohio Dems Sing to the Tune of Todd Portune?
The Ohio Democratic Party needs a new chair now that Denny White has stepped down. Vying to fill his small shoes are Todd Portune, Chris Redfern and several other people we've never heard of.
Todd Portune is Hamilton County's most popular official. He got more votes in 2004 than anyone else on the ballot-- more than Bush and Voinovich (and Voinovich set an Ohio record for the most votes statewide).
And it's little wonder why; Portune is a great official who has bipartisan respect. He is smart, hard-working, and committed to the public interest. He is not overly partisan. Eric Kearney practiced law with him years ago, and respects Portune's legal mind and work ethic. And Kearney is also not overly partisan (in fact, liberal partisans objected to his appointment), so his support for Portune carries weight.
The ODP would not be served well by someone overly partisan. That would just continue the bipartisan 'Cold War' and we'd be right back where we started, with two huge political organizations whose primary function is to perpetuate their own [expensive] existence.
Portune's background is as a public official, not a party activist, and that's an advantage. He has actual experience with government and citizens. He can make the Democratic Party the force of Ohio’s future, rather than the force of special interests. Portune isn’t old school; he’s one of the new wave of progressive Dems like Mark Mallory and Eric Kearney.
But Portune is a County Commissioner, and his primary obligation is to serve the people of Hamilton County. The ODP chairmanship would be a second job on top of the one he already has. Portune (as far as I know) has no plans to leave one job for the other, and has said he can fulfill the role as Dem chair without compromising his duties as Commissioner.
In my judgment, that has to be true for Portune to get support. It is not acceptable for Hamilton County citizens to be shortchanged. After all, we are already being shortchanged by the other two commissioners: an anti-democratic ideologue, Phil Heimlich, who is working to undermine the voter-approved Drake levy as you read this, and Pat "I deserve higher office” DeWine. Portune has lost more commitment to local citizens than either of these two clowns ever had to begin with.
Nevertheless, Portune was elected, and he has to do his job, period. It is easier for the Dems to find another chair than it is for Hamilton County to replace Todd Portune. If he can do both jobs effectively, then it would seem the ODP can do a lot worse than Todd Portune.
Todd Portune is Hamilton County's most popular official. He got more votes in 2004 than anyone else on the ballot-- more than Bush and Voinovich (and Voinovich set an Ohio record for the most votes statewide).
And it's little wonder why; Portune is a great official who has bipartisan respect. He is smart, hard-working, and committed to the public interest. He is not overly partisan. Eric Kearney practiced law with him years ago, and respects Portune's legal mind and work ethic. And Kearney is also not overly partisan (in fact, liberal partisans objected to his appointment), so his support for Portune carries weight.
The ODP would not be served well by someone overly partisan. That would just continue the bipartisan 'Cold War' and we'd be right back where we started, with two huge political organizations whose primary function is to perpetuate their own [expensive] existence.
Portune's background is as a public official, not a party activist, and that's an advantage. He has actual experience with government and citizens. He can make the Democratic Party the force of Ohio’s future, rather than the force of special interests. Portune isn’t old school; he’s one of the new wave of progressive Dems like Mark Mallory and Eric Kearney.
But Portune is a County Commissioner, and his primary obligation is to serve the people of Hamilton County. The ODP chairmanship would be a second job on top of the one he already has. Portune (as far as I know) has no plans to leave one job for the other, and has said he can fulfill the role as Dem chair without compromising his duties as Commissioner.
In my judgment, that has to be true for Portune to get support. It is not acceptable for Hamilton County citizens to be shortchanged. After all, we are already being shortchanged by the other two commissioners: an anti-democratic ideologue, Phil Heimlich, who is working to undermine the voter-approved Drake levy as you read this, and Pat "I deserve higher office” DeWine. Portune has lost more commitment to local citizens than either of these two clowns ever had to begin with.
Nevertheless, Portune was elected, and he has to do his job, period. It is easier for the Dems to find another chair than it is for Hamilton County to replace Todd Portune. If he can do both jobs effectively, then it would seem the ODP can do a lot worse than Todd Portune.
10 December 2005
Conservative Pundit Reported to Be 'Douchebag'
There's nothing like the feeling of pride in promoting a local blogger, and I'm just warm and fuzzy all over about this post from Tavern Wench.
I don't know what bar she works at, but I'll go there if they have big TVs and a good kitchen.
(and I can take my poodle...)
I don't know what bar she works at, but I'll go there if they have big TVs and a good kitchen.
(and I can take my poodle...)
HealthSouth CFO Gets the Slammer
After losing his marriage, home, and bank account, HealthSouth CFO Bill Owens was sentenced to 5 years for his role in the health care company's accounting fraud.
CEO Richard Scrushy was acquitted of all criminal charges earlier this year, which this judge alluded to, calling it a "travesty" because the evidence against him was "overwhelming." He still has to face civil charges, though. What's the diff?
Criminal cases require evidence beyond a reasonable doubt, whereas civil cases require a preponderance of evidence. The bar is a little lower in the latter. That's the brief explanation from a lawyer friend.
Corporate criminals have to go to prison in large numbers if there's going to be any deterrence to corruption. Otherwise they'll just move here and join the Ohio Republican Party.
CEO Richard Scrushy was acquitted of all criminal charges earlier this year, which this judge alluded to, calling it a "travesty" because the evidence against him was "overwhelming." He still has to face civil charges, though. What's the diff?
Criminal cases require evidence beyond a reasonable doubt, whereas civil cases require a preponderance of evidence. The bar is a little lower in the latter. That's the brief explanation from a lawyer friend.
Corporate criminals have to go to prison in large numbers if there's going to be any deterrence to corruption. Otherwise they'll just move here and join the Ohio Republican Party.
09 December 2005
Let's Eat Out Tonight
You know that visage of indecision in which a tiny devil is over one shoulder and a tiny angel over the other? Well, the devil won.
Rumsfeld Resignation Rumor Resists Riddance
Just heard on Talk of the Nation: Rumsfeld is on the way out; Lieberman is on the way in.
Provocative, but still just a rumor.
"I have no plans to retire" is what the Secretary said yesterday.
Provocative, but still just a rumor.
"I have no plans to retire" is what the Secretary said yesterday.
08 December 2005
You Gotta Fight for the Right of the Paaaarty
Jim Petro and Ken Blackwell are courting the right wing. Petro made the first pass with his "check it out, I'm Christian!" TV ads, and it looks like he's ready to go for 2nd base.
Is Jim Petro using the Attorney General's office as a political tool now? Is he making decisions on the basis of legal merit, or on the basis of how much it can help his campaign?
Is Jim Petro using the Attorney General's office as a political tool now? Is he making decisions on the basis of legal merit, or on the basis of how much it can help his campaign?
DNC Moves Forward With Anti-Schmidt Billboard
After being rejected by Lamar Advertising for ad space on two Porstmouth billboards (near Schmidt's local office there), the DNC has decided to make its own:
"During the next week we will purchase full-page newspaper ads in local newspapers and just so everyone is sure to get the message -- a mobile billboard will hit the streets in the 2nd district." [Daily Kos]
As usual, the DNC is being stupid. First of all, it should make this about the GOP, not Jean Schmidt. She is not a lone wolf with a loud mouth; she represents the party line, and that is what the DNC should be attacking. The DNC should be using Schmidt to attack the GOP, but it is just using Schmidt to attack Schmidt. It's a wasted opportunity.
Secondly, all the DNC is really doing is helping Bob McEwen win the GOP primary. Is this what the Dems want? Why do they think this would work in their favor? Do they think any Dem candidate would have an easier time beating McEwen rather than Schmidt? Or do they have a particular candidate in mind that they're setting up?
"During the next week we will purchase full-page newspaper ads in local newspapers and just so everyone is sure to get the message -- a mobile billboard will hit the streets in the 2nd district." [Daily Kos]
As usual, the DNC is being stupid. First of all, it should make this about the GOP, not Jean Schmidt. She is not a lone wolf with a loud mouth; she represents the party line, and that is what the DNC should be attacking. The DNC should be using Schmidt to attack the GOP, but it is just using Schmidt to attack Schmidt. It's a wasted opportunity.
Secondly, all the DNC is really doing is helping Bob McEwen win the GOP primary. Is this what the Dems want? Why do they think this would work in their favor? Do they think any Dem candidate would have an easier time beating McEwen rather than Schmidt? Or do they have a particular candidate in mind that they're setting up?
07 December 2005
Blame Game Begins for the Banks
Today's Post has an op-ed disguised as article about fallout over The Banks. Arn Bortz of Towne Properties is enjoying his I-told-you-so hissy fit and blames the County Commissioners for blowing off the Port Authority (which hired 3CDC, which Bortz is a member of). In other words, Bortz thinks any plan that doesn't involve him and his company is bad. I wonder if councilman Chris Bortz feels the same way.
Arn Bortz has a perfectly valid point that the County bungled its role. The County has bungled many things since Republicans Heimlich and DeWine (insert joke here) waltzed into office under the apparent impression that the election gave them the deed of ownership to the County. But Democrat Todd Portune was on board with them on this issue. Why?
Probably because the Port Authority was given 5 years to develop a plan, and all they came up with was parking garages.
So we're back to square one. I am not as distressed by this as others in the local blogosphere, because I have no confidence in civic planning that is led by developers. Developers are not urban planners. Developers build strip malls and condos, not vibrant metropolises.
The first step in a Banks project should be to purge the decision making bodies (the Economic Development Task Force, e.g.) of business executives. There is no reason to believe that business execs are any better at urban planning than any other profession, and I'm constantly flabbergasted at Cincinnati's automatic faith (and reliance) in its business community to solve all problems.
So how should the "new" Banks project move forward? Perhaps Robert Manley has the right idea.
If you're more interested in wrong ideas, some of The Enquirer's staff chimed in with their ideas, most of them copycat ideas from other cities. At least no one said casinos, thank god.
The best idea? Buy the baseball Hall of Fame from Cooperstown and bring it here. Rename The Banks "Pete Rose Park" and laugh at Major League Baseball forever.
Arn Bortz has a perfectly valid point that the County bungled its role. The County has bungled many things since Republicans Heimlich and DeWine (insert joke here) waltzed into office under the apparent impression that the election gave them the deed of ownership to the County. But Democrat Todd Portune was on board with them on this issue. Why?
Probably because the Port Authority was given 5 years to develop a plan, and all they came up with was parking garages.
So we're back to square one. I am not as distressed by this as others in the local blogosphere, because I have no confidence in civic planning that is led by developers. Developers are not urban planners. Developers build strip malls and condos, not vibrant metropolises.
The first step in a Banks project should be to purge the decision making bodies (the Economic Development Task Force, e.g.) of business executives. There is no reason to believe that business execs are any better at urban planning than any other profession, and I'm constantly flabbergasted at Cincinnati's automatic faith (and reliance) in its business community to solve all problems.
So how should the "new" Banks project move forward? Perhaps Robert Manley has the right idea.
If you're more interested in wrong ideas, some of The Enquirer's staff chimed in with their ideas, most of them copycat ideas from other cities. At least no one said casinos, thank god.
The best idea? Buy the baseball Hall of Fame from Cooperstown and bring it here. Rename The Banks "Pete Rose Park" and laugh at Major League Baseball forever.
06 December 2005
Polluters & Republicans: Peas in a Pod
I followed up on The Post's article "Toxins ID'd in river areas" about the Ohio River's major polluters and looked up some campaign contribution data on the companies. For the [Ohio] companies whose data I found, about 85% of their PAC contributions consistently went to Republicans. Individual contributions (from employees) went 100% to Republicans.
This in itself does not prove that Republicans favor polluters (they do, but this doesn't prove it). The industries would simply say that they do business with the state, and they want to ensure a good relationship. Fair enough. It's just a coincidence that Ohio has insufficient environmental oversight and is generally rife with corporate welfare.
In addition to supporting Republicans in general (through contributions to individuals as well as campaign committees), the companies also targeted the legal system. Contributions were made to the Attorney General (Petro), State Auditor (Montgomery), and Supreme Court Justices. Employees bundled contributions to three Justices in particular: Tom Moyer, Judith Lanzinger, and Terence O'Donnell.
Corporate corruption has infiltrated the state's executive and legislative branches. Are Justices Moyer, Lanzinger, and O'Donnell the ones who will usher corporate corruption into Ohio's Supreme Court?
This in itself does not prove that Republicans favor polluters (they do, but this doesn't prove it). The industries would simply say that they do business with the state, and they want to ensure a good relationship. Fair enough. It's just a coincidence that Ohio has insufficient environmental oversight and is generally rife with corporate welfare.
In addition to supporting Republicans in general (through contributions to individuals as well as campaign committees), the companies also targeted the legal system. Contributions were made to the Attorney General (Petro), State Auditor (Montgomery), and Supreme Court Justices. Employees bundled contributions to three Justices in particular: Tom Moyer, Judith Lanzinger, and Terence O'Donnell.
Corporate corruption has infiltrated the state's executive and legislative branches. Are Justices Moyer, Lanzinger, and O'Donnell the ones who will usher corporate corruption into Ohio's Supreme Court?
05 December 2005
State GOP Better Off Avoiding Primary
Now that Columbus mayor Michael Coleman has dropped out of the race for governor, Ted Strickland is the Democratic front-runner. This creates a problem for the state GOP because they still have three big names in the race, and that necessitates a money-eating, mudslinging primary.
So the Party wants to see if it can expedite things and choose a front-runner now while hoping to convince at least one of the other candidates to seek other office. So far none of the candidates have hinted they would be willing to do so.
A GOP primary would move politics to the far right, so it would be good for voters in general to avoid one. Jim Petro has already staked out the religious right with his new TV ad, which you might have caught during the Bengals game. If you didn't, it points out that he is a holy Christian man with a holy Christian family.
The GOP will poll party members over the coming weeks, but it's safe to say that it will follow S.O.P and choose the person who best supports corporate and religious special interests. It remains to be seen whether Petro's ad has helped him gain favor.
I would be surprised if they didn't pick Blackwell. He has the most name recognition, he's a staunch party loyalist, and he has national ties. I also wouldn't be surprised if the RNC chimed in on Blackwell's behalf.
So the Party wants to see if it can expedite things and choose a front-runner now while hoping to convince at least one of the other candidates to seek other office. So far none of the candidates have hinted they would be willing to do so.
A GOP primary would move politics to the far right, so it would be good for voters in general to avoid one. Jim Petro has already staked out the religious right with his new TV ad, which you might have caught during the Bengals game. If you didn't, it points out that he is a holy Christian man with a holy Christian family.
The GOP will poll party members over the coming weeks, but it's safe to say that it will follow S.O.P and choose the person who best supports corporate and religious special interests. It remains to be seen whether Petro's ad has helped him gain favor.
I would be surprised if they didn't pick Blackwell. He has the most name recognition, he's a staunch party loyalist, and he has national ties. I also wouldn't be surprised if the RNC chimed in on Blackwell's behalf.
02 December 2005
Information, Propaganda... Tomato, Tomahto
Here's what retired General and a professor of defense studies Walter Jajko thinks would improve U.S. foreign policy:
What General Jajko is basically saying is that U.S. foreign policy needs used car salesmen. They are the ones best suited to selling bad merchandise. A good car doesn't need a big sales pitch; it sells itself. The salesman can basically just stand there and let you look over the car as long as you want (I am making an analogy to transparency here). Go ahead, look under the hood. There's nothing to hide. Come back tomorrow with an expert if you want.
The good car salesman knows that the more you know about the car, the more you will want it.
But that's not the case with crappy products. You have to fudge the truth a bit to move those. You can only sell a poor product with superior marketing, and you sure as hell aren't going to let anyone look under the hood. That's really what propaganda (read: "U.S. foreign policy") is all about.
So the U.S. has two options: we can be a great country and tell the truth, or we can be a lousy country and sell lies. We know where the right stands on the matter.
So next time you meet a used car salesman, don't jeer... he might be working out of the White House someday.
...the U.S. military has been paying millions of dollars to plant pro-American, Pentagon-written propaganda articles in Iraqi newspapers and to buy off Iraqi journalists with monthly stipends... it's about time."
We need to be using all the means available in the war of ideas: public diplomacy, psychological operations, influence agents, disinformation and computer information warfare — from open and overt to clandestine and covert, from public explanation of policy to secret subversion of enemies. All of these must be well-orchestrated.
...the CIA owned or subsidized, at various times, more than 50 newspapers, news services, radio stations, periodicals and other communications facilities...
...at least 22 U.S. news organizations employed American journalists who were also working for the CIA. Nearly a dozen U.S. publishing houses printed some of the more than 1,000 books that had been produced or subsidized by the CIA.
A permanent leadership is needed in the form of a new Cabinet department that can knock together heads to force integrated influence activities — a Ministry of Propaganda, if you will.
What General Jajko is basically saying is that U.S. foreign policy needs used car salesmen. They are the ones best suited to selling bad merchandise. A good car doesn't need a big sales pitch; it sells itself. The salesman can basically just stand there and let you look over the car as long as you want (I am making an analogy to transparency here). Go ahead, look under the hood. There's nothing to hide. Come back tomorrow with an expert if you want.
The good car salesman knows that the more you know about the car, the more you will want it.
But that's not the case with crappy products. You have to fudge the truth a bit to move those. You can only sell a poor product with superior marketing, and you sure as hell aren't going to let anyone look under the hood. That's really what propaganda (read: "U.S. foreign policy") is all about.
So the U.S. has two options: we can be a great country and tell the truth, or we can be a lousy country and sell lies. We know where the right stands on the matter.
So next time you meet a used car salesman, don't jeer... he might be working out of the White House someday.
01 December 2005
A Clever Way to Schedule Meetings via Email
Those who schedule meetings regularly with the same people have their own scheduling method, but for those of us who schedule occasional meetings with different attendees, here is a clever method that beats back-and-forth emails.
Pentagon: Next Time We'll Be Less Stupid
From now on, the Pentagon will include post-combat planning into its military operations.
Good news? Don't make me laugh. People have been harping about post-combat plans since BEFORE the war started, and the neoPentagon has ignored it all. Unless this directive includes changes in the cognitive ability of neocons, it will have no effect.
So what is the point of this "new" policy? To make it seem like the neoPentagon has brain cells and can actually learn from 4 years of unrelenting ineptitude.
I don't know about you, but when I hear a bunch of inept morons make nice-sounding promises, I don't exactly make a note of it.
Good news? Don't make me laugh. People have been harping about post-combat plans since BEFORE the war started, and the neoPentagon has ignored it all. Unless this directive includes changes in the cognitive ability of neocons, it will have no effect.
So what is the point of this "new" policy? To make it seem like the neoPentagon has brain cells and can actually learn from 4 years of unrelenting ineptitude.
I don't know about you, but when I hear a bunch of inept morons make nice-sounding promises, I don't exactly make a note of it.
Another Hat Tossed Into District 2
It's Thor Jacobs', and apparently he kinda sorta ran in the special election earlier this year.
Little is known about his policies, but hopefully that will change when his website is up and running (which should be soon, according to an email he sent out).
What we know at this point is that he graduated from Madeira High School (which has a good academic reputation) where he captained the 9-1 football team in 1975. He was also inducted into their athletic hall of fame in 1994. And apparently he was recruited by Nebraska for football, but he went to Ohio State (which I'm not allowed to talk about) and got a BBA followed by an MBA from UC.
After college he stayed around these parts and worked for NCR and Convergys before starting Sovereign Construction, a basement remodeling company, with his brother (who played football at 'Bama).
Little is known about his policies, but hopefully that will change when his website is up and running (which should be soon, according to an email he sent out).
What we know at this point is that he graduated from Madeira High School (which has a good academic reputation) where he captained the 9-1 football team in 1975. He was also inducted into their athletic hall of fame in 1994. And apparently he was recruited by Nebraska for football, but he went to Ohio State (which I'm not allowed to talk about) and got a BBA followed by an MBA from UC.
After college he stayed around these parts and worked for NCR and Convergys before starting Sovereign Construction, a basement remodeling company, with his brother (who played football at 'Bama).
What's This... Democrats Have Good Ideas?
That's right... the Democrats, perhaps having realized that the Republicans have the problem of gay communists firmly under control, are now addressing issues that matter, such as the future of electronic society. Maybe they should start talking about their ideas instead of storing them in secret underground bunkers.
This Will Show Up on CSI Someday
“A Sheboygan woman was seriously injured Wednesday night when her live-in boyfriend allegedly beat her with a cactus. 22 year old Nathaniel Radzicki was arrested and charged with substantial battery withadangerous weapon and is facing up to 8 years in prison. Sheboygan Police report they received a 911 call and responded to the apartment in the 600 block of South 8th Street about 10 p.m.
The victim said Radzicki became upset over some phone calls he had made and then “went psycho”, hitting her repeatedly with the cactus plant. Officers said the victim was covered with blood bleeding from the face, head and arms. She needed stitches to her upper lip, had a broken eardrum, a severely bruised jaw and medical staff had to use tweezers to pick large half-inch thorns from her neck, face and arms.” [WHBL News Radio]
The victim said Radzicki became upset over some phone calls he had made and then “went psycho”, hitting her repeatedly with the cactus plant. Officers said the victim was covered with blood bleeding from the face, head and arms. She needed stitches to her upper lip, had a broken eardrum, a severely bruised jaw and medical staff had to use tweezers to pick large half-inch thorns from her neck, face and arms.” [WHBL News Radio]
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