There is no better situation than the current crisis facing the southern United States with the oncoming hurricane (Gustav) barreling down on New Orleans. This one could be nearly as strong as Katrina was. I'm tracking information as quickly as it comes with Twitter Search Gustav
What links are you using to track the progress and problems?
American Red Cross Blog, with videos and podcasts live from the field.
Live News Video Feed from New Orleans
Sunday, August 31, 2008
Thomas Sowell on Obama - Audacity of Hype
I seldom pull an entire article into this blog, but was tempted today since Sowell's post was well worth reading the whole thing. But, some excerpts so you'll go read it yourself. Changes in Politics
"We don't need Barack Obama to create "change." Things change in politics, in the economy, and elsewhere in American society, without waiting for a political messiah to lead us into the promised land ..."" ... Senator Obama's statement that "our economy is in turmoil" is standard stuff on the left and in the mainstream media, which has been dying to use the word "recession."
Not only has the economic slowdown failed to reach the definition of a recession, the most recent data show the U.S. economy growing at a rate exceeding 3 percent-- a rate that many European economies would die for, despite our being constantly urged to imitate those countries whose end results are not as good as ours ..."
Do head over and read the whole article, well written of course by Sowell, and thought provoking with a request that we ask of ourselves: What change is change for the better? What is real leadership?
Pathways Drug Treatment Fundraising
I posted on Pathways last year :
Should we fund Pathways Drug Treatment? and received a terrific amount of traffic and comments. So, weigh in, do you know Pathways? What are your thoughts?
CHESTERTON | The Pathway Family Center, a substance abuse treatment center for adolescents and their families, begins phase two of its fundraising campaign to hire additional clinical staff, allow the delivery of treatment services locally, acquire a building and furnishings and continue its community outreach and education programming.
Pathway Family Center has locations in Indiana, Michigan, Ohio and the Chicago area.
Porter County is in desperate need of drug treatment and drug prevention programs since the county ranks third in the nation for heroin emergency room mentions for patients ages 18 to 25, according to a joint study commissioned by Porter-Starke Services and the Community Drug Coalition.
The Pathway Family Center campaign aims to raise $750,000. Phase one, which gathered $450,000 through community donations, funded an assessment center in Chesterton, but Laurie Franke-Polz, community liaison for the center, said there is a demand in Porter County for a treatment facility.
"It's a very aggressive timeline. We're hoping to raise the money needed by this fall, and when we do raise that balance, it will be enough to open a facility," Franke-Polz said.
The program currently places those needing services at their Indianapolis location. But keeping the families in Porter County, rather than uprooting them, is important, Franke-Polz said. The center hopes to move phase two of the campaign along quickly.
Campaign administrators decided on fundraising in two phases to meet goals right away. They implemented an assessment center first to meet the need, rather than wait.
"The level of drug use is increasing in this county, and so we needed to get the center set up right away and get help to families," she said.
The facility provides a 24-hour parent help line, drug screening, clinical assessments, treatment referral, community outreach and education through partnerships with Northwest Indiana drug coalitions, law enforcement officials, schools and mental health partners.
Franke-Polz said treatment is effective and nearly nine out of 10 teens become alcohol or drug free and maintain their sobriety at one, two, and three years after care. But providing this care is contingent on the center's fundraising efforts.
"We need the community's help to get there," Franke-Polz said.
For more information on the fundraising campaign, or to donate, visit http://pathwayfamilycenter.org.
Should we fund Pathways Drug Treatment? and received a terrific amount of traffic and comments. So, weigh in, do you know Pathways? What are your thoughts?
Center launches second phase of fun
BY HEATHER AUGUSTYN
Times Correspondent | Sunday, August 31, 2008 |
Pathway Family Center has locations in Indiana, Michigan, Ohio and the Chicago area.
Porter County is in desperate need of drug treatment and drug prevention programs since the county ranks third in the nation for heroin emergency room mentions for patients ages 18 to 25, according to a joint study commissioned by Porter-Starke Services and the Community Drug Coalition.
The Pathway Family Center campaign aims to raise $750,000. Phase one, which gathered $450,000 through community donations, funded an assessment center in Chesterton, but Laurie Franke-Polz, community liaison for the center, said there is a demand in Porter County for a treatment facility.
"It's a very aggressive timeline. We're hoping to raise the money needed by this fall, and when we do raise that balance, it will be enough to open a facility," Franke-Polz said.
The program currently places those needing services at their Indianapolis location. But keeping the families in Porter County, rather than uprooting them, is important, Franke-Polz said. The center hopes to move phase two of the campaign along quickly.
Campaign administrators decided on fundraising in two phases to meet goals right away. They implemented an assessment center first to meet the need, rather than wait.
"The level of drug use is increasing in this county, and so we needed to get the center set up right away and get help to families," she said.
The facility provides a 24-hour parent help line, drug screening, clinical assessments, treatment referral, community outreach and education through partnerships with Northwest Indiana drug coalitions, law enforcement officials, schools and mental health partners.
Franke-Polz said treatment is effective and nearly nine out of 10 teens become alcohol or drug free and maintain their sobriety at one, two, and three years after care. But providing this care is contingent on the center's fundraising efforts.
"We need the community's help to get there," Franke-Polz said.
For more information on the fundraising campaign, or to donate, visit http://pathwayfamilycenter.org.
Saturday, August 30, 2008
Uncorking debate on the drinking age
Cow back again. This time on one of my favorite subjects: alcohol and underage drinking.
***
How easy for the gray-haired editorial writers at our local paper The Times—whose most recent experience with illegal drinking involves speakeasies—to righteously declare that young people should “simply wait until consumption [becomes] legal” at age 21.
As if it were so simple.
Several times in college I faced the question of whether to take a passed-out underage friend to the hospital—with the associated risk of meeting Officer Unfriendly--or hope they recover with just a hangover. We always chose the latter.
All but one of my encounters with the cops from high school through the end of college involved their attempts to enforce Legal Age 21. The police became our collective enemy, doing whatever it takes to get our friends in trouble solely because of their age. Maybe we were immature, but it created a lasting impression.
Three years after finishing college, I sat on a jury weighing a cop’s word against a crook’s. I was the good guy in that jury room. I should have been the goody-two-shoes to stand up for law and order and argue that police officers under oath tell the truth. Not one of us was willing to. I reflected back to my experience in college, with cops barging into our parties with the singular goal of getting people in trouble because of our age. I couldn’t help but see the same fast-and-loose attitude in the cop in the witness box, and that was reasonable doubt enough for me. After going around the room to vent against cops, we returned with “not guilty.”
The drinking age is far too complex an issue to be boiled down to platitudes like “simply wait.” People under 21 will drink regardless of the law. Nobody can prove that either 18 or 21 is the best drinking age. But it is time for a public debate and discussion.
***
For more, visit ChooseResponsibility.org. And George Will on the subject here.
***
How easy for the gray-haired editorial writers at our local paper The Times—whose most recent experience with illegal drinking involves speakeasies—to righteously declare that young people should “simply wait until consumption [becomes] legal” at age 21.
As if it were so simple.
Several times in college I faced the question of whether to take a passed-out underage friend to the hospital—with the associated risk of meeting Officer Unfriendly--or hope they recover with just a hangover. We always chose the latter.
All but one of my encounters with the cops from high school through the end of college involved their attempts to enforce Legal Age 21. The police became our collective enemy, doing whatever it takes to get our friends in trouble solely because of their age. Maybe we were immature, but it created a lasting impression.
Three years after finishing college, I sat on a jury weighing a cop’s word against a crook’s. I was the good guy in that jury room. I should have been the goody-two-shoes to stand up for law and order and argue that police officers under oath tell the truth. Not one of us was willing to. I reflected back to my experience in college, with cops barging into our parties with the singular goal of getting people in trouble because of our age. I couldn’t help but see the same fast-and-loose attitude in the cop in the witness box, and that was reasonable doubt enough for me. After going around the room to vent against cops, we returned with “not guilty.”
The drinking age is far too complex an issue to be boiled down to platitudes like “simply wait.” People under 21 will drink regardless of the law. Nobody can prove that either 18 or 21 is the best drinking age. But it is time for a public debate and discussion.
***
For more, visit ChooseResponsibility.org. And George Will on the subject here.
Democrat Chair happy about hurricane hitting New Orleans
He even suggests that God must be on "their" side, what a jerk. Source: RedState
And Michael Moore and Keith Obermann from moron TV (MSNBC)
And Michael Moore and Keith Obermann from moron TV (MSNBC)
Friday, August 29, 2008
Becky Skillman on Gov. Palin pick - Indiana
Lt. Gov Skillman Responds to Palin Announcement
Becky Skillman issued the following statement upon hearing of Alaska Governor Sarah Palin being chosen as Senator McCain’s VP choice:
Statement by Lt. Governor Becky Skillman on the selection of Governor Sarah Palin as the Republican nominee for Vice President of the United States
“I am delighted with John McCain’s choice for running mate. Governor Sarah Palin will bring with her a wealth of life experience to the White House - from serving as a popular and effective leader of Alaska to balancing her personal life as a wife and mother. She is a reformer and a public servant that Hoosier women, and all Hoosiers, can relate to.”
From Hoosier Access thanks
Luke Puckett on Gasoline Prices and Sarah Palin
From the campaign this morning:
Today is an interesting day for the Puckett for Congress campaign. Senator McCain's pick of Alaskan Governor Sarah Palin to be his VP running-mate has a unique impact on our campaign because earlier this year Luke meet with Gov. Palin on his fact-finding trip to ANWR and both of them were mutually impressed with each other and walked away with a mutual respect.
No doubt numerous factors went in to the selection of Gov. Palin, but an unmistakable undertone is that as Governor of Alaska Palin has been a strong advocate for expanded domestic energy production and the utilization of our oil resources. Governor Palin's expertise and advocacy on this issue has been outstanding and the fact that she will now be speaking from a national stage to this subject illustrates what Luke Puckett has been talking about for months.
Below please find a statement from Luke regarding Governor Palin's selection.
A great way to boost traffic is to include images with your posts so here is an excellent image of Gov. Palin and Luke (we only released it today, it has not yet been published in the newspapers). And right here is a just-released video of Luke and Gov. Palin working the media after a press conference.
"Today I extend my congratulations to Governor Sarah Palin on this momentous day for her, and for our party. She is an excellent pick for this position and I believe that her dedication, work-ethic, and ability to persuasively advocate for common-sense policies will be an asset to the nation. Governor Palin knows first-hand how important it is for us to increase our nation's use of domestic oil reserves and her selection to be Senator McCain's Vice Presidential nominee illustrates the importance of the energy issue in our national discussion."
Sarah Palin VP with McCain
This morning in Dayton Ohio, an event I was supposed to attend, I believe John McCain will announce that his running mate for the election will be Alaska Governor Sarah Palin
Confirmed: Sarah Palin will be our next Vice President
Previous Posts on Governor Palin on this site:
Sarah Palin Book, possible Vice President?
Sarah Palin delivers baby, didn't abort
Wednesday, August 27, 2008
How big is Good Government?
Stop Governing Like This asks some great questions, ones that many of our readers here may want to weigh in on. In many communities though there is a feeling that merging operations may save money but will cost the residents a level of service. What are your thoughts?
"Hoosiers pay for more than 3,000 units of government and 10,000 elected officials statewide, under a structure of local government designed in the 1850s. Our tax dollars are wasted supporting duplicative bureaucracies. If we do not vote to consolidate and fix the system, we will bring cuts to essential services, local tax increases, or both. By including the merger of township assessors in his budget, Mayor Ballard has made his preference for smaller, smarter, better government clear. Now it’s up to us — the voters — to decide in November: Should we vote for merger and its savings, efficiency and fairness, or for business as usual?"
"Hoosiers pay for more than 3,000 units of government and 10,000 elected officials statewide, under a structure of local government designed in the 1850s. Our tax dollars are wasted supporting duplicative bureaucracies. If we do not vote to consolidate and fix the system, we will bring cuts to essential services, local tax increases, or both. By including the merger of township assessors in his budget, Mayor Ballard has made his preference for smaller, smarter, better government clear. Now it’s up to us — the voters — to decide in November: Should we vote for merger and its savings, efficiency and fairness, or for business as usual?"
Alaskans show foolish ways, re-choose currupt Republicans
In two highly contested races in Alaska it would appear that bad Republicans have barely won their primaries, this is a poor reflection on Republicans' ability to remove their own bad apples. Republicans won't be able to retake the moral leadership of this country until they can remove their own bad candidates. There could have been some Democratic "chaosing" but to be frank our nation's affinity for returning power hungry politicians to Congress, merely because they have power and we don't want to start at the bottom, is getting really old to both sides of the aisle. Here are results so far in US Rep race, Senate race wasn't even this close. Maybe just maybe the last couple precincts or absentee ballots will favor the challenger.
Update: Still close, and no good news for challenger, I did get further indications that Ron Paul's group was backing the incumbent. How is that even possible, the group most wanting change and smaller government, backs an incumbent with corruption problems?
Update: Still close, and no good news for challenger, I did get further indications that Ron Paul's group was backing the incumbent. How is that even possible, the group most wanting change and smaller government, backs an incumbent with corruption problems?
| US REPRESENTATIVE (R) | REP | ||
|---|---|---|---|
| Total | |||
| Number of Precincts | 438 | ||
| Precincts Reporting | 429 | 97.9 % | |
| Times Counted | 94773/476472 | 19.9 % | |
| Total Votes | 93366 | ||
| LeDoux, Gabrielle | REP | 8589 | 9.20% |
| Parnell, Sean R. | REP | 42316 | 45.32% |
| Young, Don E. | REP | 42461 | 45.48% |
Monday, August 25, 2008
Well we Are Back to Will McCain Choose a Female Veep?
So here is the perfect chance for McCain to hold on to a lead. Choose a female as the veep. I know I have said this before but I think that this would blow Obama out of the water. I hope that McCain announces on Friday morning. What a great idea, that would take any bounce that he would get from the convention.
Clinton gets slap in the face from Obama
Brian Howey, from Howey Politics, makes a salient point ... Did Barack Obama purposely choose 3 am for his text message on his VP choice as a way to repay Hillary for her 3 am television ad?
An adroit observation, there is no doubt that there is great anger among hard line Hillary supporters about the way Obama ran his campaign. It looks like the caucuses were a total mess in some states, perhaps even undemocratic. Women in general seem to have been left out again as well.
Did Barack in his infinite supply of celebrity wisdom choose to send Hillary, and Bill, and little message to clarify who's running the 3 am show?
Childish you say? Sure, but what will you expect from a candidate who has no experience and is running on strength of marketing and celebrity. I don't know the answer, but I know other celebrities would do the same thing.
Some of our avid readers are Barack supporters, weigh in. Others are frustrated with McCain over immigration or various litmus tests to determine if he's conservative enough. Since when does our President have to fit our litmus tests? He or she needs to be a leader, able to work with 530 congressional egos, run dozens of departments, negotiate with 210 countries and .... Be someone we are proud to claim as our leader in the greatest country in the world.
An adroit observation, there is no doubt that there is great anger among hard line Hillary supporters about the way Obama ran his campaign. It looks like the caucuses were a total mess in some states, perhaps even undemocratic. Women in general seem to have been left out again as well.
Did Barack in his infinite supply of celebrity wisdom choose to send Hillary, and Bill, and little message to clarify who's running the 3 am show?
Childish you say? Sure, but what will you expect from a candidate who has no experience and is running on strength of marketing and celebrity. I don't know the answer, but I know other celebrities would do the same thing.
Some of our avid readers are Barack supporters, weigh in. Others are frustrated with McCain over immigration or various litmus tests to determine if he's conservative enough. Since when does our President have to fit our litmus tests? He or she needs to be a leader, able to work with 530 congressional egos, run dozens of departments, negotiate with 210 countries and .... Be someone we are proud to claim as our leader in the greatest country in the world.
Sunday, August 24, 2008
Obama automaking magic
Obama has also promised that "we will get 1 million 150-mile-per-gallon plug-in hybrids on our roads within six years." What a tranquilizing verb "get" is. This senator, who has never run so much as a Dairy Queen, is going to get a huge, complex industry to produce, and is going to get a million consumers to buy, these cars. How? Almost certainly by federal financial incentives for both -- billions of dollars of tax subsidies for automakers, and billions more to bribe customers to buy these cars they otherwise would spurn.~George Wil
Saturday, August 23, 2008
Biden says Obama is wrong choice: video link
Just wanted to post the mentioned video:
That's right, Biden said about Obama: "I think he can be ready but right now, I don't believe he is. The presidency is not something that lends itself to on-the-job training." In regards to McCain, Biden said, "I would be honored to run with or against John McCain, because I think the country would be better off." 'Nuff said... .
That's right, Biden said about Obama: "I think he can be ready but right now, I don't believe he is. The presidency is not something that lends itself to on-the-job training." In regards to McCain, Biden said, "I would be honored to run with or against John McCain, because I think the country would be better off." 'Nuff said... .
Biden already said Obama was the wrong choice
Subject: Obama's VP Choice Said He Would Rather Work with McCain THAN Obama
Good Morning!
I am sure many of you already know by now that Senator Obama has already told the World that Senator Biden will be his VP running mate.
However, Biden has always been a critic of Obama and said he would rather stand or run against John McCain than with Obama. Biden even said he would stand by his statement.
Check out the latest TV Ad.
http://www.johnmccain.com/Informing/News/PressReleases/Read.aspx?guid=03407e23-e983-416b-a054-587ad8c615a0
>From this statement, even Senator Biden says he rather work for McCain THAN Obama. Senator McCain is the right person to lead this great nation as the next President of the United States of America.
With less than 75 days from now, the U.S. will know who will be the next president. Now is the time to get involved as part of the campaign process.
Have a good weekend.
Source: Natl Security Council for McCain
Good Morning!
I am sure many of you already know by now that Senator Obama has already told the World that Senator Biden will be his VP running mate.
However, Biden has always been a critic of Obama and said he would rather stand or run against John McCain than with Obama. Biden even said he would stand by his statement.
Check out the latest TV Ad.
http://www.johnmccain.com/Informing/News/PressReleases/Read.aspx?guid=03407e23-e983-416b-a054-587ad8c615a0
>From this statement, even Senator Biden says he rather work for McCain THAN Obama. Senator McCain is the right person to lead this great nation as the next President of the United States of America.
With less than 75 days from now, the U.S. will know who will be the next president. Now is the time to get involved as part of the campaign process.
Have a good weekend.
Source: Natl Security Council for McCain
Friday, August 22, 2008
Breaking - Fox News Confirms Obama chooses Biden
After Russia attacks Georgia during the Olympics, what else could Obama do?
Even though running a campaign of change, he chooses the status quo for his Vice Presidential candidate of choice. If this is the a way to innoculate Obama against his lack of experience in foreign policy, it may be too little too late since most astute Americans see the choice for what it is. Pandering to public opinion.
Even though running a campaign of change, he chooses the status quo for his Vice Presidential candidate of choice. If this is the a way to innoculate Obama against his lack of experience in foreign policy, it may be too little too late since most astute Americans see the choice for what it is. Pandering to public opinion.
Obama's Record Sealed at University of Illinois
People who hide things have things to hide. And that makes us wonder: What does the University of Illinois have to hide?
In question are the records of Barack Obama, the man who wants to sit at the helm of the world's most powerful government. It was during Obama's stay at U of I that he befriended the militant left-wing radical, William Ayers.
Ayers, a founder of the violence-advocating Weatherman Underground offshoot of Students for a Democratic Society, is currently a professor at the school.
Click the title of this article or click here to read the full source.
In question are the records of Barack Obama, the man who wants to sit at the helm of the world's most powerful government. It was during Obama's stay at U of I that he befriended the militant left-wing radical, William Ayers.
Ayers, a founder of the violence-advocating Weatherman Underground offshoot of Students for a Democratic Society, is currently a professor at the school.
Click the title of this article or click here to read the full source.
This weekend in Porter County Indiana
Feel free to leave other "events" in the comments that are going on in Porter County, but I thought I'd leave a few comments on Barack Obama's Vice Presidential pick here. I'm out of town this weekend and not quite able to post a whole lot personally.
If I were Barack Obama I would choose Governor Bill Richardson from New Mexico. He is very strong on foreign affairs and has experience in administration. Barack has neither and will continue to get beaten over his lack of experienc in these areas.
But, my gut tells me that for some reason he will choose either Joe Biden or Evan Bayh. If he chooses Biden I guess he think he gets to compete with John McCain for mature white guys. Biden really doesn't bring him a whole lot, maybe some marginal innoculation on his foreign policy weaknesses, but if he keeps running his mouth no one will care who he has as VP.
Bayh will affect our election here in Indiana. Mitch Daniels is safe, mainly because Jill Long Thompson is so weak and not a great candidate to rally the Democratic party itsel. She still doesn't have her own base union support. But choosing Bayh will affect other down ticket races and bring more attention and money into Indiana. If I were a newspaper or TV company in Indiana, I would want Bayh to be chosen strictly for the monetary increase. Now here's my real question though, why Bayh? He really doesn't bring a whole lot to the table. A small state, not much experience in places that Barack is weak, and even some whispered problems at home with his wife.
Rumors have it that Barack makes his selection public in the next 24 hours. This is his first big decision ... will he blow it? In a week when John Mccain makes his selection, will we once again see the differences between these two men and the way they think?
If I were Barack Obama I would choose Governor Bill Richardson from New Mexico. He is very strong on foreign affairs and has experience in administration. Barack has neither and will continue to get beaten over his lack of experienc in these areas.
But, my gut tells me that for some reason he will choose either Joe Biden or Evan Bayh. If he chooses Biden I guess he think he gets to compete with John McCain for mature white guys. Biden really doesn't bring him a whole lot, maybe some marginal innoculation on his foreign policy weaknesses, but if he keeps running his mouth no one will care who he has as VP.
Bayh will affect our election here in Indiana. Mitch Daniels is safe, mainly because Jill Long Thompson is so weak and not a great candidate to rally the Democratic party itsel. She still doesn't have her own base union support. But choosing Bayh will affect other down ticket races and bring more attention and money into Indiana. If I were a newspaper or TV company in Indiana, I would want Bayh to be chosen strictly for the monetary increase. Now here's my real question though, why Bayh? He really doesn't bring a whole lot to the table. A small state, not much experience in places that Barack is weak, and even some whispered problems at home with his wife.
Rumors have it that Barack makes his selection public in the next 24 hours. This is his first big decision ... will he blow it? In a week when John Mccain makes his selection, will we once again see the differences between these two men and the way they think?
Wednesday, August 20, 2008
The great Veep hoax
Every day we get a new story on who Barack might choose, and frankly I think it's all a game of cat and mouse that they are playing to get news cycles each day. A little leak here and then another somewhere else, they're trying to win the news back from China
Today's installment of "as the VEEP turns"
Barack Obama 08-20-2008 11:26 AM —
Today's installment of "as the VEEP turns"
Barack Obama
NashvillePost.com has learned that senior campaign officials from the Barack Obama Presidential campaign are being dispatched from various locations around the country and are converging in Indianapolis for a “major event” to take place on Saturday.
Saturday is the same day that Obama is expected to make his first public appearance with his yet to be announced vice presidential running mate. Indiana is the home state of Democratic Senator Evan Bayh, widely considered to be on the short list of Democratic vice presidential contenders.
John McCain and Mitch Daniels leading in Indiana
With much talk about Senator Evan Bayh as a possible Veep for Barack Obama, the Olympics, and Republicans demanding a vote on oil drilling in their #dontgo movement ...
Republicans John McCain for President and Mitch Daniels for Governor pulled into safe leads in statewide polls. Articles on the topic:
McCain Daniels have Hoosier Momentum
Polling Results you can believe in
Daniels Stomping all over Long-Thompson's Parade
Let's just say Indiana looks to stay pretty red state in 2008. That means the battle's still raging in Ohio and Michigan, with Illinois a lost cause.
Republicans John McCain for President and Mitch Daniels for Governor pulled into safe leads in statewide polls. Articles on the topic:
McCain Daniels have Hoosier Momentum
Polling Results you can believe in
Daniels Stomping all over Long-Thompson's Parade
Let's just say Indiana looks to stay pretty red state in 2008. That means the battle's still raging in Ohio and Michigan, with Illinois a lost cause.
What's the real story at Porter Co. Animal Shelter?
True, many of the topics on this site seem more important, like Presidential elections and region-wide initiatives ... but something about this animal shelter story has a ring to it.
Why does one Porter County Commissioner seem to spend so much time on this one department of the county? In today's version of craziness we learn that Bob Harper (D) Porter County Commissioner had a volunteer arrested for not leaving when ordered to by ... Bob. Why was he even there? See also Snarls over Animal Shelter at meeting.
My favorite part of the story is when we learn that upon arrest, the man receives a letter at home from Bob Harper offering to defend him in court. Lol.
Ok, so I have read a few of the passionate posts on the NWI message board, can some of you that have followed this story closely plese catch us all up? Is this political? Is this an enviro-wacko thing? Who's making the animal shelter a mess? Update: You can't fire a volunteer
Why does one Porter County Commissioner seem to spend so much time on this one department of the county? In today's version of craziness we learn that Bob Harper (D) Porter County Commissioner had a volunteer arrested for not leaving when ordered to by ... Bob. Why was he even there? See also Snarls over Animal Shelter at meeting.
My favorite part of the story is when we learn that upon arrest, the man receives a letter at home from Bob Harper offering to defend him in court. Lol.
Ok, so I have read a few of the passionate posts on the NWI message board, can some of you that have followed this story closely plese catch us all up? Is this political? Is this an enviro-wacko thing? Who's making the animal shelter a mess? Update: You can't fire a volunteer
Monday, August 18, 2008
78 Days Until Election Day
Republican Friends:
Election Day is quickly approaching, and WE NEED YOUR HELP! Elections are won by people willing to donate their time and help out. They are not won by large corporate or special interests, and they are not won by the candidates themselves. Elections are won by people like you. The candidates of the Republican Party need your help more than ever in such a challenging year against the Democrats. We are optimistic that we can win, and we are counting on you!
There is a variety of valuable ways that you could get involved and make a difference:
1. Special Events. This Friday, August 22nd the South Haven Volunteer Fire Department will be hosting its annual Fire Fest. The Porter County Republicans will have a booth to distribute literature and collect contributions, and we need volunteers to make that happen anytime between 2 and 9pm.
We also need volunteers for this Saturday, August 23rd, for Pork Fest in Kouts. This will involve a booth at the festival or walking in support of our candidates at the morning parade, kicking off the day's festivities.
2. Phone Banks. Every weekday evening from 6-8pm, we have been holding phone banks identifying new Porter County voters. This is crucial to our efforts in this election, because the data we collect will help us to determine who to mail to and call during the various local campaigns, as well to let us know how we're doing.
3. Door Walking. Each Saturday at 10:00am from now until Election Day, we will gather at Headquarters (212 E Lincolnway) to canvass neighborhoods. Every candidate needs to work harder than ever to ensure Republican victories this Fall. To do so, each candidate will need to be making contact with as many voters as possible, by walking through neighborhoods and talking to people. Unfortunately, the candidates themselves cannot cover each and every household. They need your help getting it done!
4. Yard Signs. A visual presence is absolutely necessary for a Republican victory this Fall. Please consider putting your name on the list to get a yard sign for your favorite candidate(s), and getting your family and friends to do it as well.
Please consider helping us out in one or more of the ways listed above. As I mentioned, we cannot do this without a party energized and willing to get involved. If you are interested in these or other ways to help us win in November, or have any questions, PLEASE DO NOT HESITATE TO LEAVE A COMMENT TO THIS ENTRY OR GIVE US A CALL AT PORTER COUNTY REPUBLICAN HEADQUARTERS @ (219) 464-2213.
I hope all of you had a wonderful weekend in the perfect Summer weather!
Regards,
Porter County Republican Party
(219) 464-2213
Election Day is quickly approaching, and WE NEED YOUR HELP! Elections are won by people willing to donate their time and help out. They are not won by large corporate or special interests, and they are not won by the candidates themselves. Elections are won by people like you. The candidates of the Republican Party need your help more than ever in such a challenging year against the Democrats. We are optimistic that we can win, and we are counting on you!
There is a variety of valuable ways that you could get involved and make a difference:
1. Special Events. This Friday, August 22nd the South Haven Volunteer Fire Department will be hosting its annual Fire Fest. The Porter County Republicans will have a booth to distribute literature and collect contributions, and we need volunteers to make that happen anytime between 2 and 9pm.
We also need volunteers for this Saturday, August 23rd, for Pork Fest in Kouts. This will involve a booth at the festival or walking in support of our candidates at the morning parade, kicking off the day's festivities.
2. Phone Banks. Every weekday evening from 6-8pm, we have been holding phone banks identifying new Porter County voters. This is crucial to our efforts in this election, because the data we collect will help us to determine who to mail to and call during the various local campaigns, as well to let us know how we're doing.
3. Door Walking. Each Saturday at 10:00am from now until Election Day, we will gather at Headquarters (212 E Lincolnway) to canvass neighborhoods. Every candidate needs to work harder than ever to ensure Republican victories this Fall. To do so, each candidate will need to be making contact with as many voters as possible, by walking through neighborhoods and talking to people. Unfortunately, the candidates themselves cannot cover each and every household. They need your help getting it done!
4. Yard Signs. A visual presence is absolutely necessary for a Republican victory this Fall. Please consider putting your name on the list to get a yard sign for your favorite candidate(s), and getting your family and friends to do it as well.
Please consider helping us out in one or more of the ways listed above. As I mentioned, we cannot do this without a party energized and willing to get involved. If you are interested in these or other ways to help us win in November, or have any questions, PLEASE DO NOT HESITATE TO LEAVE A COMMENT TO THIS ENTRY OR GIVE US A CALL AT PORTER COUNTY REPUBLICAN HEADQUARTERS @ (219) 464-2213.
I hope all of you had a wonderful weekend in the perfect Summer weather!
Regards,
Porter County Republican Party
(219) 464-2213
Indiana - Stop Governing Like This
Polar opposites Jen Wagner and Josh Gillespie have teamed up to bring the new site Stop Governing Like This ... with it's unveiling today.
I sat on a panel with Josh over the weekend at the Blog Indiana Conference, and can attest to his conservative roots but a desire to work across the aisle to reach far-reaching results. Take a few minutes to check out the site and movement.
From Frugal Hoosiers:
"Jennifer Wagner and Josh Gillespie have teamed up and started a new blog, “Stop Governing Like This.“ The focus of the blog is local government reform, inspired by the Kernan-Shepard Commission report. We’ve often written about that report and tried to encourage efforts to keep local government reform alive in the post-property tax crisis world in Indiana. It’s great to have a new blog on the scene written by veteran bloggers with this focus."
From Hoosier Access:
I sat on a panel with Josh over the weekend at the Blog Indiana Conference, and can attest to his conservative roots but a desire to work across the aisle to reach far-reaching results. Take a few minutes to check out the site and movement.
From Frugal Hoosiers:
"Jennifer Wagner and Josh Gillespie have teamed up and started a new blog, “Stop Governing Like This.“ The focus of the blog is local government reform, inspired by the Kernan-Shepard Commission report. We’ve often written about that report and tried to encourage efforts to keep local government reform alive in the post-property tax crisis world in Indiana. It’s great to have a new blog on the scene written by veteran bloggers with this focus."
From Hoosier Access:
"So what are we going to do on our blog? Pretty simple actually. We want to expose all the waste, fraud and abuse that occurs at the local level that cost you and me our hard earned tax dollars. You know you’ve heard about it and you know you’ve seen it.
If you’re interested in seeing how your taxes are being spent, head on over to Stop Governing Like This. You will be astonished at what you read.
And don’t worry. Just because I’m teaming up with Jennifer Wagner doesn’t mean I’m going to take it easy on Democrats on here or on the new site."
Sunday, August 17, 2008
Porter County Politics Featured Nationally on Dontgo Movement
Eric Odom of the Don't Go Movement decided to pick up a post we published here in June, and like wildfire we got a terrific amount of traffic and commenting.
ANWR & The Case for Drilling
ANWR = Arctic National Wildlife Refuge
Our good friends over at Porter County Politics have published a group of pictures that are sure to infuriate anyone who opposes common sense in the drilling for oil in ANWR debate. Read the story »
Thanks Eric. For those that haven't read the post please do, and join in the debate.
ANWR & The Case for Drilling
ANWR = Arctic National Wildlife Refuge
Our good friends over at Porter County Politics have published a group of pictures that are sure to infuriate anyone who opposes common sense in the drilling for oil in ANWR debate. Read the story »
Thanks Eric. For those that haven't read the post please do, and join in the debate.
Saturday, August 16, 2008
Blog Indiana Conference in Indy
daltonsbriefs My quickie thoughts on @blogindiana today http://tinyurl.com/5p2myv
Love to have more questions from readers for the panel discussion tomorrow on "creating community on your blog" If you have a question, and can't attend leave in comments here.
Love to have more questions from readers for the panel discussion tomorrow on "creating community on your blog" If you have a question, and can't attend leave in comments here.
Thursday, August 14, 2008
Schellinger's Company hosting fundraiser for Mitch Daniels
Ruth Holliday breaks news that CSO Architects, where former Dem candidate for governor Jim Schellinger is an owner, is working closely with the Daniels administration to rebuild a bridge in Rush County.
And ... hosting a fundraiser for Mitch Daniels for Governor campaign.
Thanks to Advance Indiana for the link
And ... hosting a fundraiser for Mitch Daniels for Governor campaign.
Thanks to Advance Indiana for the link
Obama leadership led to cease-fire?
I know, I laughed when I wrote the title. But one potential VP candidate for Barack Obama seems to have fallen to the celebrity leadership fallacy:
Update: In November it is our job to help our friends and relatives understand why this concept is so foolhardy. Good luck, this won't be an easy task, for some reason Americans believe celebrities more than experts.
Obama Credited for Cease Fire Between Russia & Georgia
"Tim Kaine is looking for a VEEP spot. Kaine told Fox News that he was glad that Russia listened to Obama’s demand for a ceasefire and retreat to their original positions. It is great to have a candidate that has such oratory skills that his words demands action.
It was a bad crisis for the world. It required tough words but also a smart approach to call on the international community to step in. And I’m very, very happy that the Senator’s request for a ceasefire has been complied with by President Medvedev.
Even if the Russians weren’t still attacking, which apparently they are, this is the most ludicrous spin imaginable. Medvedev ignored France, Germany, George Bush, and even John McCain, but he snapped to attention when he heard Obama’s “request”?"
Update: In November it is our job to help our friends and relatives understand why this concept is so foolhardy. Good luck, this won't be an easy task, for some reason Americans believe celebrities more than experts.
Wednesday, August 13, 2008
Valparaiso growing even more
Population growing all over the region
From an article in the Post, and yes I get a little sick of engineers and planners dragging their feet to approve projects that will create construction jobs, long-term full time jobs, and the continued positive growth of the City. Sorry to those that ticks off ... but right now Valparaiso is one of the only places growing and creating economic activity in the rush to a media inspired recession.
VALPARAISO -- The Plan Commission agreed to rush the process to make the 28 acres on the southeast corner of Silhavy and Vale Park roads part of the city by year's end.
From an article in the Post, and yes I get a little sick of engineers and planners dragging their feet to approve projects that will create construction jobs, long-term full time jobs, and the continued positive growth of the City. Sorry to those that ticks off ... but right now Valparaiso is one of the only places growing and creating economic activity in the rush to a media inspired recession.
Valparaiso planners will rush annexation process on 28 acres
However, it won't rush through the plans for a proposed seniors living facility on the site, a combination of independent and assisted living the developers are proposing.
The commission members voted Tuesday to recommend the annexation of the property -- and of the Northern Indiana Public Service Co. substation on the northeast corner of the intersection -- to the City Council after only one meeting's consideration of the annexation.
If the commission took two meetings to consider it instead of suspending the rules, there's a chance it wouldn't get annexed before Dec. 31 because it'd be two weeks before deadline, according to Todd Leeth, attorney for Ramsey Real Estate Enterprises.
"I'm a little nervous about a two-week buffer," Leeth said.
Because 2009 is the year before a census, the city then couldn't legally annex the land until Jan. 2, 2010, so Ramsey and Trilogy Health Systems out of Louisville, Ky., couldn't develop their care facility.
Commission members were amenable to the suspension of rules because Ramsey had filed for annexation in early May, but the city's concerns about enough sewer capacity to handle it delayed the matter coming to the commission. (So engineering held things up, but now they feel rushed?)
The project start has already been delayed from this year to spring, Leeth said.
Because annexation requires a zoning, and the land is residential in the county, Ramsey asked that the land be considered as a Planned Unit Development, a mix of uses.
Under the PUD, the land that's part of the intersection wouldn't be developed until later, possibly as a clinic.
The land south of the intersection on Silhavy would have a 55,000 square-foot building with 40 beds for assisted living and 60 for a nursing home.
Between there and Indiana 49, Ramsey and Trilogy plan a Memory Care facility and seven buildings that each have four apartments for independent care -- seniors living alone.
City Engineer David Pilz didn't like giving approval for the PUD without time for city staff to review the development. (My least favorite part)
The annexation goes to the City Council on Sept. 22, and the PUD goes back to the Plan Commission Sept. 9.
Serious research - Obama tax increases on poor
"Those are the marginal tax rates and how they would change, analyzed here, via Greg Mankiw. The key point is this: "Reducing a person’s tax credit as his income goes up also reduces his incentive to earn more income." Source: The Obama Tax Plan
The author then takes great pains to say he is not endorsing John McCain, but merely pointing out the effects of the Obama plan. Face it, Obama doesn't really understand taxes.
Tuesday, August 12, 2008
Attending Blog Indiana Conference this weekend
Are you going? For only $50 why not?
About
Overview of the conference
Local bloggers from across Indiana will gather at the IUPUI Campus Center on August 16-17th, 2008, for Blog Indiana 2008, a 2-day blogging and social media conference that aims to promote education, innovation and collaboration among Indiana’s fast-growing blogging community. The conference is sponsored by the IU School of Informatics.
Blog Indiana 2008 is a 2-day conference for both experienced and new bloggers alike. Sessions will include topics such as blogging for beginners, using blogs in your business, monetizing your blog, political blogging and more advanced topics. In the past, most blogging and technology-related conferences have either been too expensive or too far out-of-state. Blog Indiana 2008 seeks to bring a low-cost, high-value conference to Hoosier bloggers.
Monday, August 11, 2008
Mitch running away with public opinion
With 85 days left before election day, Jill Long Thompson is in a deep hole. A poll taken August 3-5 shows Mitch Daniels with a crushing 53-35 lead. This is the third recent poll that has shown a very similar, but growing, margin. In addition to his 18 point lead, Daniels’ favorability rating is 60%. If this were a football game, this is about the time you’d sit your starters. (From Frugal Hoosiers)
Saturday, August 09, 2008
Donnely flipping around on oil drilling
He's stuck, the public wants drilling and his party is against it. Many in his party say they'd prefer $10 gas to reduce consumption.
In a race that appears to be tightening, he didn't need this to upset his chances to retain the 2nd Congressional seat in the House on behalf of Indiana.
hear Donnelly's anti-drilling record
In a race that appears to be tightening, he didn't need this to upset his chances to retain the 2nd Congressional seat in the House on behalf of Indiana.
Though Silent Joe is running TV ads now that call for domestic drilling, his voting record reflects that he’s opposed it repeatedly when given the opportunity in Congress. Is this just lip-service given to a cause that Donnelly knows his leader, Nancy Pelosi, is determined to thwart? After all, Pelosi’s office confirmed she’s willing to take the heat and allow vulnerable Democrat Congressmen like Donnelly to appear ‘independent’ in opposing her. Further, Donnelly’s energy ‘solution’ months ago was tried…and failed miserably.
Friday, August 08, 2008
Speaker Pelosi - book tour problems (video)
She's not selling very many books, just over 2,000 total, and the Michigan GOP chairman confronted her last night at a book signing. He wanted to know why she wouldn't let Congress vote up or down on off-shore drilling to increase our oil supply and independence from foreign oil. He was posting live on twitter last night under the #dontgo stream, check it out if somehow you've missed all the action in Washington this week.
Thursday, August 07, 2008
Lake County a possible Unigov?
John Byrne from the Post Tribune asks today: Was HEA 1001 a stop toward Unigov in Lake County?
Although I don't believe this was the goal of HEA 1001 or either party, there is the definite possibility that some municipal groups in Lake County will look to efficiencies and even mergers of operations as a way to cut costs and fit under the circuit breakers.
"Why did the General Assembly order us to do this, if the recommendations we give don't have any teeth anyway?" Councilman Ted Builski asked.
Szarmach pointed out Marion County's consolidated city-county council operates this way, crafting budgets for all the taxing bodies in Indianapolis and environs.
The General Assembly might be pushing Indiana's counties toward unified government like that in Indianapolis, Szarmach said.
Although I don't believe this was the goal of HEA 1001 or either party, there is the definite possibility that some municipal groups in Lake County will look to efficiencies and even mergers of operations as a way to cut costs and fit under the circuit breakers.
What is the #dontgo movement?
I had a reader email asking plainly, "what is the #dontgo movement" so here's a post explaining and I'll post in a couple places so you can check in yourself. By the way Senator John Mccain is supporting this idea, and Senator Obama is not.
First, last week Congressional Democrats were not interested in being forced to take an up or down vote on Offshore oil drilling, a way to start increasing domestic production of oil and pull prices down. Go back to basic high school economics. If supply increases prices will be pulled downward in anticipation of either plenty of oil, or even too much oil in circulation. As an aside some Democrats (and MoveOn.org) are suggesting that anyone in favor of more drilling is being paid by the oil companies. I am not in the employ of any oil related industry.
Democrats moved to adjourn the House on Friday morning, and Republicans attempted to stop the adjournment. They lost that vote and Speaker Pelosi and Congressional Democrats left for a five week vacation.
Mike Pence, from right here in Indiana, and other Republican leaders decided to return to the floor and debate anyway. They called for congress to come back, thus the #dontgo moniker, and vote up or down. Speaker Pelosi had the lights, cameras, and microphones turned off so that no one could hear them.
Enter the fun part. Congressman John Culberson is an active user of twitter for communicating online. Twitter allows the user to post multiple short thoughts, up to 140 characters, to answer the question "what are you doing?" Congressman Culberson began posting from the floor of the now dark and quiet House of Representatives. He also used his phone to shoot some video in the foyer and post online. They debated for more than 4 hours in the dark House on Friday.
Over the weekend, the movement began to catch some steam. Active online conservatives set up blogs and sites to track the debates as the Republicans returned on Monday to begin the debates in the House again. This time there were even more, both participants and audience.
Liberal MoveOn.org types then decided on Tuesday to begin fighting the issue. They initially dropped what they call Twitter bombs into the #dontgo stream, basically gumming up the system. But it actually worked against them because the tracker for #dontgo became the number one trending topic on twitter both Wednesday and Thursday morning when I last checked.
Now the media had to start paying attention and this morning a couple stories began to circulate that 80% or more of the American public wants an up or down vote on offshore drilling. They know what Democrats are missing ... namely that an increase in supply of any energy source will decrease the price of oil and thus gasoline to Americans. This could be the biggest "tax cut" like economic boost the economy could get this year.
What can you do?
First, last week Congressional Democrats were not interested in being forced to take an up or down vote on Offshore oil drilling, a way to start increasing domestic production of oil and pull prices down. Go back to basic high school economics. If supply increases prices will be pulled downward in anticipation of either plenty of oil, or even too much oil in circulation. As an aside some Democrats (and MoveOn.org) are suggesting that anyone in favor of more drilling is being paid by the oil companies. I am not in the employ of any oil related industry.
Democrats moved to adjourn the House on Friday morning, and Republicans attempted to stop the adjournment. They lost that vote and Speaker Pelosi and Congressional Democrats left for a five week vacation.
Mike Pence, from right here in Indiana, and other Republican leaders decided to return to the floor and debate anyway. They called for congress to come back, thus the #dontgo moniker, and vote up or down. Speaker Pelosi had the lights, cameras, and microphones turned off so that no one could hear them.
Enter the fun part. Congressman John Culberson is an active user of twitter for communicating online. Twitter allows the user to post multiple short thoughts, up to 140 characters, to answer the question "what are you doing?" Congressman Culberson began posting from the floor of the now dark and quiet House of Representatives. He also used his phone to shoot some video in the foyer and post online. They debated for more than 4 hours in the dark House on Friday.
Over the weekend, the movement began to catch some steam. Active online conservatives set up blogs and sites to track the debates as the Republicans returned on Monday to begin the debates in the House again. This time there were even more, both participants and audience.
Liberal MoveOn.org types then decided on Tuesday to begin fighting the issue. They initially dropped what they call Twitter bombs into the #dontgo stream, basically gumming up the system. But it actually worked against them because the tracker for #dontgo became the number one trending topic on twitter both Wednesday and Thursday morning when I last checked.
Now the media had to start paying attention and this morning a couple stories began to circulate that 80% or more of the American public wants an up or down vote on offshore drilling. They know what Democrats are missing ... namely that an increase in supply of any energy source will decrease the price of oil and thus gasoline to Americans. This could be the biggest "tax cut" like economic boost the economy could get this year.
What can you do?
- Head to the #dontgo movement website and check out the videos, links and blogs
- Go to the petition, now about 27,000 names, and add your name to the list Call Back Congress Petition
- Keep an eye on the twitter search tag #dontgo
- Call or email your House Representative and demand that they return to Washington and vote up or down on offshore drilling
Obama supporters for $10 gasoline on video
You won't believe this video, supporters of Barack Obama and MoveOn.org saying on video we need $10 gasoline and that a single mom probably shouldn't have a mini-van.
Luke Puckett - Campaign Video - from LaPorte
Live from Laporte Indiana, just to our east, comes the first official campaign advertising video from Luke Puckett running for Congress from the 2nd Indiana District.
Monday, August 04, 2008
Barack on Oil & Economics
Barack Obama should take an introductory course in economics; this much is clear from his speech on his energy policy from Lansing Michigan yesterday morning. Check out the full speech here: Obama on Energy
His solution--simple; we should all ride unicorns. Or, at least it is as plausible...
First, he mentions that John McCain has no short term solution, seeing that offshore drilling will take an estimated 7 years before we see results at the gas pump. If you are looking for Barack's short term solution while listening to his speech, however, you will find that the closest he comes to short term relief is 1) by taxing the oil companies, 2) giving a $1000 tax credit to consumers, and 3) moving to alternative energy, all at least 10 years away. Even though he offers no short term relief himself, his suggestions just don't make economic sense.
1. Tax the Oil Companies. This merely requires the first hour of instruction in an introductory level economics course to unravel. When a company faces an added tax in a given industry, two things can happen. First, the company can simply pass the cost directly on to the consumer. This is known as simple price theory. Minimum price is driven by the cost required to produce something. When marginal cost (such as increased taxes) goes up, so then does the cost to each consumer. So, really what has happened in this scenario is that you've essentially taxed the American consumer you were attempting to help in the first place. The second possibility is that the oil companies will have an incentive to produce less supply to avoid the excess tax. It is fairly elementary to conclude what happens when demand remains the same while supply decreases. (Again, assuming you've had the basic course.) While taxing the "big bad oil companies" sounds like a heroic idea from the standpoint of the average consumer, it does not make economic sense.
2. Take the Above Tax and Give Consumers $1000. While this may make sense to generate a short term economic stimulus, it will not solve--or attempt at a solution for--America's immediate energy problem. Given the law of inflation, this will likely INCREASE the cost of gasoline at the pump, not to mention that most of the people receiving $1000 checks will likely spend them before they even reach the gas pumps. What a ridiculous idea...
3. Alternative Energy Sources. This is the closest Obama gets to an actual solution, given the world's turmoil with petroleum, the limited nature of its sources, and pollution, however, once again it does not aim to reduce the price of oil in the short term. His (albeit lofty) goal to "...end the age of oil..." by 2018 is a noble one, but doesn't offer any immediate relief to consumers.
Barack Obama's own criticism of McCain's Plan is that it offers no short term relief, while none of his own proposals do, either. On top of that, he mentions nuclear--what many economists say is the clearest solution--merely in passing, without calling for any increase in the production of nuclear facilities. So clean, efficient, and safe energy is off the table, Barack?
The explanation of his irrationality is this: the Democrats (and Barack Obama) have no intention to offer consumers actual relief or to reduce gas prices. What they are attempting to do is to spearhead their efforts to force a transition to their versions of renewable energy sources. In fact, they simply plan to subsidize private industry with yet more government in order to accomplish it; big surprise. So in fact, they are attempting to actually push gas prices HIGHER in order to pursue their short-sighted agenda.
Just wanted to clear the air on that.
Almost needless to mention, releasing oil from our strategic reserve is the most foolish suggestion on the table today. I don't know why we're even discussing it as a viable alternative. First, it can only offer relief in the immediate short term due to the small amount it contains. Its purpose was as a safeguard in case of natural disasters or a temporarily disrupted oil supply, to be replenished when supply comes back online. Opening up the floodgates just in order to leverage fuel prices indeterminately will pay big consequences in the long term, not to mention give the oil producing companies carte blanche when we reach a point at which we cannot use reserves any longer, or when they run out entirely, thereby leaving us completely vulnerable and at the very mercy of OPEC and the "big, bad oil companies." Finally, the Democrats claim that they are only to use ten percent (10%) of the reserves today, but that's a slippery slope I am not prepared to embark upon, especially given this liberal Congress' track record.
Well, Barack, it looks like your energy policy fits right in with the rest of your campaign; big on smoke and mirrors, small on substance. I might recommend a couple of really good undergraduate economics professors at Valparaiso University for perhaps a short brush up; then you might begin to understand the oil market and come up with a viable solution.
His solution--simple; we should all ride unicorns. Or, at least it is as plausible...
First, he mentions that John McCain has no short term solution, seeing that offshore drilling will take an estimated 7 years before we see results at the gas pump. If you are looking for Barack's short term solution while listening to his speech, however, you will find that the closest he comes to short term relief is 1) by taxing the oil companies, 2) giving a $1000 tax credit to consumers, and 3) moving to alternative energy, all at least 10 years away. Even though he offers no short term relief himself, his suggestions just don't make economic sense.
1. Tax the Oil Companies. This merely requires the first hour of instruction in an introductory level economics course to unravel. When a company faces an added tax in a given industry, two things can happen. First, the company can simply pass the cost directly on to the consumer. This is known as simple price theory. Minimum price is driven by the cost required to produce something. When marginal cost (such as increased taxes) goes up, so then does the cost to each consumer. So, really what has happened in this scenario is that you've essentially taxed the American consumer you were attempting to help in the first place. The second possibility is that the oil companies will have an incentive to produce less supply to avoid the excess tax. It is fairly elementary to conclude what happens when demand remains the same while supply decreases. (Again, assuming you've had the basic course.) While taxing the "big bad oil companies" sounds like a heroic idea from the standpoint of the average consumer, it does not make economic sense.
2. Take the Above Tax and Give Consumers $1000. While this may make sense to generate a short term economic stimulus, it will not solve--or attempt at a solution for--America's immediate energy problem. Given the law of inflation, this will likely INCREASE the cost of gasoline at the pump, not to mention that most of the people receiving $1000 checks will likely spend them before they even reach the gas pumps. What a ridiculous idea...
3. Alternative Energy Sources. This is the closest Obama gets to an actual solution, given the world's turmoil with petroleum, the limited nature of its sources, and pollution, however, once again it does not aim to reduce the price of oil in the short term. His (albeit lofty) goal to "...end the age of oil..." by 2018 is a noble one, but doesn't offer any immediate relief to consumers.
Barack Obama's own criticism of McCain's Plan is that it offers no short term relief, while none of his own proposals do, either. On top of that, he mentions nuclear--what many economists say is the clearest solution--merely in passing, without calling for any increase in the production of nuclear facilities. So clean, efficient, and safe energy is off the table, Barack?
The explanation of his irrationality is this: the Democrats (and Barack Obama) have no intention to offer consumers actual relief or to reduce gas prices. What they are attempting to do is to spearhead their efforts to force a transition to their versions of renewable energy sources. In fact, they simply plan to subsidize private industry with yet more government in order to accomplish it; big surprise. So in fact, they are attempting to actually push gas prices HIGHER in order to pursue their short-sighted agenda.
Just wanted to clear the air on that.
Almost needless to mention, releasing oil from our strategic reserve is the most foolish suggestion on the table today. I don't know why we're even discussing it as a viable alternative. First, it can only offer relief in the immediate short term due to the small amount it contains. Its purpose was as a safeguard in case of natural disasters or a temporarily disrupted oil supply, to be replenished when supply comes back online. Opening up the floodgates just in order to leverage fuel prices indeterminately will pay big consequences in the long term, not to mention give the oil producing companies carte blanche when we reach a point at which we cannot use reserves any longer, or when they run out entirely, thereby leaving us completely vulnerable and at the very mercy of OPEC and the "big, bad oil companies." Finally, the Democrats claim that they are only to use ten percent (10%) of the reserves today, but that's a slippery slope I am not prepared to embark upon, especially given this liberal Congress' track record.
Well, Barack, it looks like your energy policy fits right in with the rest of your campaign; big on smoke and mirrors, small on substance. I might recommend a couple of really good undergraduate economics professors at Valparaiso University for perhaps a short brush up; then you might begin to understand the oil market and come up with a viable solution.
Twitter driving Republican Revolution in DC today
For those of you wondering what the "chatter" is all about here's the story in short form:
On Friday Speaker Nancy Pelosi and House Democrats adjourned, all but two Republicans voted to keep the House open, and shut down the People's House.
They turned off the lights, the cameras and the microphones. The Republicans then staged a debate in the dark to demand an up or down vote on new oil drilling. They asked the speaker to reconvene the House, to which she retorted "no."
They debated for five hours in the dark, and the only methods of communication were cell phones, pagers, and Twitter. Congressman John Culberson used his blackberry and twitter account to begin sending out posts, 140 character or less of course, so that bloggers and media could pick up the debate. He also used his phone to video tape and send out to video site Qik.
Conservative bloggers did pick up the "dark debate" and immediately someone added a hashtag #dontgo so that twitter search engine (formerly summize) could be used to follow all the thousands of posts that then cascaded across the web. I have attached the RSS feed for this hashtag to the right for the next couple days so you can see what's going on. But, you'll be better served to go to twitter search and use the hashtag and watch live, the links flow by pretty fast!
Jump in the water's great, Americans are speaking out and won't be censored by the likes of Speaker Pelosi or Barack Obama.
Oh, by the way, if there's an Obama ad on this site, even right under this post ... feel free to click it will cost him money that obviously isn't being spent in the best way! We won't ban any political ads here on this site, but we do find it awful funny.
On Friday Speaker Nancy Pelosi and House Democrats adjourned, all but two Republicans voted to keep the House open, and shut down the People's House.
They turned off the lights, the cameras and the microphones. The Republicans then staged a debate in the dark to demand an up or down vote on new oil drilling. They asked the speaker to reconvene the House, to which she retorted "no."
They debated for five hours in the dark, and the only methods of communication were cell phones, pagers, and Twitter. Congressman John Culberson used his blackberry and twitter account to begin sending out posts, 140 character or less of course, so that bloggers and media could pick up the debate. He also used his phone to video tape and send out to video site Qik.
Conservative bloggers did pick up the "dark debate" and immediately someone added a hashtag #dontgo so that twitter search engine (formerly summize) could be used to follow all the thousands of posts that then cascaded across the web. I have attached the RSS feed for this hashtag to the right for the next couple days so you can see what's going on. But, you'll be better served to go to twitter search and use the hashtag and watch live, the links flow by pretty fast!
Jump in the water's great, Americans are speaking out and won't be censored by the likes of Speaker Pelosi or Barack Obama.
House Republicans' "Don't Go" Protest
"Don't Go Vids" youtube channel
http://dontgo.us (includes dontgo twitter conversation)
Rep. John Culberson on Twitter
House Republican Uprising live blog
Rep. Rob Wittman live updates on Twitter
House Republicans' Open Letter to Speaker Pelosi
House Republican Uprising photos on flickr
C-Span live streaming coverage
Oh, by the way, if there's an Obama ad on this site, even right under this post ... feel free to click it will cost him money that obviously isn't being spent in the best way! We won't ban any political ads here on this site, but we do find it awful funny.
Luke Puckett and ANWR Oil Drilling
"Regular gasoline had been selling for about four dollars a gallon at the Speedway convenience store and gas station on State Road 19 in Elkhart, Indiana for most of July. Two miles down the road from Speedway is the Elkhart plant for Monaco Coach, a company that manufactures recreational vehicles. The Oregon-headquartered Monaco Coach announced on July 17 that the Elkhart plant and two others in nearby Wakarusa and Nappanee would close in September ..."
" ...One presumes that any information regarding the potential of lowering energy costs and restoring lost jobs would be tremendous news in Elkhart and the surrounding area. But this has not been the case as far as the local media outlets have been concerned.
Local businessman Luke Puckett is challenging freshman U.S. Representative Joe Donnelly, a former trial lawyer and business owner, in Indiana's Second Congressional District. Puckett has made lowering energy prices a key theme of his campaign. To that end, Puckett and six other House challengers -- all Republicans -- traveled to Alaska's Arctic National Wildlife Refuge the week of July 14 in order to get a first-hand look at the area that holds an estimated 20 billion barrels of petroleum. Donnelly turned down an offer to join the Alaska trip."
"Puckett made the rounds to local media outlets on July 18 to personally deliver a press release following his trip and to offer to speak with reporters. Aside from local NBC affiliate, WNDU-TV, the rest of the area television stations and the area's major daily newspaper, the South Bend Tribune, ignored reporting Puckett's trip after he returned. The general managers of WBND-TV ABC 57 and WSBT-TV CBS 22, and South Bend Tribune managing editor Tim Harmon did not respond to requests for comment. WSJV-TV Fox 28 general manager Steve Morris said several interview offers were turned down by Puckett, a claim disputed by Puckett and a staffer who accompanied him to the TV station. After commenting on the interview dispute, Morris added, "Drilling in Alaska has no more of a tie to RV plant closures than it does to the mortgage crisis." (typical reaction when confronted with media bias)
Luke Puckett for Congress
Sunday, August 03, 2008
Barack - it's not about my ideas
From Obama Doubles Down - Plays another race card
Great read on Gateway Pundit:
"How very Clintonesque.
Obama admitted to playing the card in southern Missouri and then, just in case you missed what he was saying, he doubled down on race in the next paragraph.
Obama insists that it's not the Far Left, inexperienced, changing, surrenduring, tire-inflating positions that will be an issue in this year's presidential election.
It's his name and his race."
Great read on Gateway Pundit:
"How very Clintonesque.
Obama admitted to playing the card in southern Missouri and then, just in case you missed what he was saying, he doubled down on race in the next paragraph.
Obama insists that it's not the Far Left, inexperienced, changing, surrenduring, tire-inflating positions that will be an issue in this year's presidential election.
It's his name and his race."
Saturday, August 02, 2008
Why would CT readers swing to Barack?
This one has me surprised, at a time when Obama is dropping in polls because people are starting to see what he stand for, a poll comes out suggesting that readers of CT are moving toward him? Got any theories?
"Christianity Today online readers showed more support for Sen. Barack Obama than Sen. John McCain in our poll this week for the first time since January.
This graph is also cross-posted at Christianity Today's new election 2008 blog.
Friday, August 01, 2008
Republicans storm House in the dark
So maybe that's a bit dramatic, but truthfully House Speaker Nancy Pelosi today had the lights turned off, C-Span disconnected, and microphones turned off so that Republicans couldn't speak on Drilling for Oil. Early reports, mostly on twitter today, came out that Rep. Mike Pence from Indiana rallied the Republican members to speak anyway.
At 3:00 EST I believe there are still members speaking in the dark without microphones and a call has gone out for a bullhorn!
House Democrats turn out the lights on debate.
Head to @johnculberson for live updates from the darkened floor
Also @petehoekstra
Another article on House Speaker attempts to stifle debate on Oil Drilling
Breaking News: TV not even covering this yet ... House debate rages on in the dark
At 3:00 EST I believe there are still members speaking in the dark without microphones and a call has gone out for a bullhorn!
House Democrats turn out the lights on debate.
Head to @johnculberson for live updates from the darkened floor
Also @petehoekstra
Another article on House Speaker attempts to stifle debate on Oil Drilling
Breaking News: TV not even covering this yet ... House debate rages on in the dark
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)