TIB All Stars - 022809

VIDEO: Karl Rove at Cuyahoga County GOP Lincoln Day

I don't agree with everything he says in these clips, but he has a LOT of interesting things to say...check it out.

VIDEO: Boehner at CPAC

Part 1:



Part 2:



Part 3:

Ag Subsidies

What appears below is a piece of an email that I sent in to a particular Member of Congress via a staffer. Since I'm actually interested hearing answers, I've decided to reformat the message a little bit and reprint it here...

I've tried to get Republicans who represent agricultural districts to answer this before and have gotten nowhere, so the bar isn't too high here...

Correct me if I am wrong, but farm subsidies keep the price of American-grown food artificially lower...right? How is that not socialism? So why do Republican congresscritters...and conservative ones at that...support it? Isn't there a free-market approach to this? Shouldn't the price of food go up if that is what it really costs? And why shouldn't America buy food overseas if it is cheaper? (I have an answer to that one, but it isn't a fiscally conservative answer, but rather a national security answer.)

The road to corporate welfare was paved on the path of agricultural subsidies. I'm all for a safety net, but let's not kid each other these dollar amounts don't represent a safety net but rather a lifestyle. When a family or business (or in this case, both) relies on the government in order to maintain their lifestyle, that is no longer a safety net program that we have, but rather a means of keeping that demographic at the government trough.

There has to be a better way...

So...what do you think?

Angry Armenian Admits That He is a Democrat

This just in...

Cincinnati, OH - February 27, 2009 - David Krikorian met with supporters on Wednesday to announce his decision to run for US Congress in 2010 as a member of the Democratic Party.

Today the Krikorian Campaign issued a video announcement of his candidacy to supporters and members of the media. The video may be viewed at http://krikorian2010.com

This week the Krikorian campaign mailed out over 400 letters to Democratic Party officials including county central committee members, elected officials, party chairs, precinct captains and boosters asking them to join in support of the campaign.

In the 2008 election, Mr. Krikorian received the highest vote of any Independent or third-party candidate running for Congress anywhere in the country.

Krikorian supporters including liberals, moderates and conservatives strongly support his decision. "After careful consideration of both political parties and another independent run, the decision became obvious, the Democratic Party is the party of America today. The Republican party has become the party of obstruction" said Krikorian.

"Our district is a conservative district, they used to call conservative Democrats, Boll Weevil Democrats. Today we are called Blue Dog Democrats." Said Mr. Krikorian

"I want to help our country get back on the road to economic prosperity. Jean Schmidt and the Republican party had their chance to provide fiscal leadership and instead delivered enormous budget deficits and the worst economic downturn since the Great Depression. With the support of the Democratic Party, I will beat Jean Schmidt in 2010" added Krikorian.

He can stop calling himself an "independent" too...

UPDATE: Hamilton County Democratic Party chairman Tim Burke brings the truth about the Angry Armenian: ""David was in to see me a couple weeks ago. It was clear he was thinking in this direction. It's always good to see people come back into the Democratic Party, but he's going to have some fence mending to do," said Burke." Emphasis added... I'll argue that he never joined the Republican Party.

Youngstown John Update

We’d like to introduce to you a new feature here at WMD – the ‘Youngstown John’ update, dedicated to John Boccieri, Ohio’s most notorious Youngstown liberal. We’re starting this feature because Mr. Boccieri needs to be exposed for who he really is – a fake Youngstown liberal who is a rubber stamp for Nancy Pelosi, big labor bosses, and out-of-touch beltway Democrats…not to mention the guy has an ego the size of the federal budget.

After campaigning as a candidate who would “put partisanship aside,” Boccieri has been nothing more than a partisan lackey. Boccieri voted for the recently passed economic stimulus package, which was rammed through Congress with no Republican input and very few members of congress actually read it. When discussing the stimulus on the House floor, Boccieri questioned the patriotism of stimulus opponents, saying, “You are walking away from America and Americans in her greatest time of need.” How’s that for putting partisanship aside?

Boccieri is also becoming synonymous with dirty campaign cash. During last year’s campaign, we took Boccieri to task for some of the dirty campaign cash he received from Charlie Rangel, whom is under investigation, and John Murtha, a Congressman notorious for pay-to-play and corruption. Since then, more of Boccieri’s campaign cash has been exposed as dirty. Boccieri took $2,500 from PMA Group, a John Murtha-connected lobbying firm that was raided by the FBI. Coincidentally, Murtha also hosted a fundraiser for Boccieri last year. Not only did Boccieri take this dirty money; according to his FEC reports, he has yet to return any of it. How’s that for ethics?

All in all, Youngstown John Boccieri is anything but who he said he was during the campaign. Stay tuned for more updates and please share your opinions or reports on Youngstown John Boccieri and help the people of the 16th District learn once and for all who this guy really is…before it’s too late!

The ‘Youngstown John’ update is dedicated to Rep. John Boccieri (OH-16), Ohio’s most notorious Youngstown liberal. Whether it’s taking dirty campaign cash, carpetbagging, or deceiving his constituents, Boccieri’s done it all! Keep your eyes open every week here at WMD for the ‘Youngstown John’ update, through which will expose Boccieri for who he really is – a fake Youngstown liberal who is a rubber stamp for Nancy Pelosi, big labor bosses, and out-of-touch beltway Democrats.

NOTE: Yes, liberals, there are some Republicans who also took money from PMA. Yes, some of those Republicans are from Ohio. That's not the point...the idea that we are trying to illustrate here is that Youngstown John hangs out with some crummy people...

Budget Update

We have a lot of stuff to report on Comrade Presidente Obama's budget. Let's start with Republican Leader, my Congressman and a Great American -- John Boehner:

“Republicans want to work with the President and Democrats in Congress on a responsible budget that helps our economy recover without piling more debt on future generations. But this budget makes clear that the era of big government is back, and Democrats want you to pay for it. Middle-class families and small businesses are making sacrifices when it comes to their own budget, and it’s time for Washington to do the same. Instead, this budget taxes, spends, and borrows its way toward a bigger, more costly federal government at the expense of small businesses, family farms, middle-class families, retirees, every American who owns a 401(k), and anyone who flips on a light switch.”

Ohio's senior senator, George Voinovich:

“President Obama has delivered a budget outline that attempts to fool the American people with smoke and mirrors. He unrealistically promises everything to everyone and masks the sacrifices Americans will be forced to make if it passes. To act like it is some sort great accomplishment to reduce the deficit in four years to a level that is still higher than every deficit from the end of World War II up until Barack Obama’s inauguration is absurd. And, the $533 billion figure he touts for Fiscal Year 2013 ignores the continued borrowing from Social Security and other trust funds to the tune of roughly $200 billion a year. It doubles the debt in five years and triples the debt in 10 years, continuing huge deficits beyond this administration. Failing to tackle entitlement and tax reform and relying simply on an obvious phase-out of the astronomical spending in his stimulus bill, a reduction of troops in Iraq and Afghanistan and revenue from an irresponsible cap-and-trade program is a womb-to-tomb tax increase for every child born in this country.

“And, where are the $2 trillion in cuts and terminations we were promised? Although they are absent, he does promise to make middle class tax relief permanent while spending at least $634 billion on establishing a path to universal health care, but he does not know how he will fully pay for it.

“President Obama’s budget includes a cap-and-trade auction program to generate revenue for his botched spending priorities and permanent tax cuts. This is simply a veiled consumer tax increase the likes of which have already received a devastating critique from the EPA, EIA and many well respected economists. The impacts of this program will be disproportionately felt by states like Ohio who depend on coal for much of their energy needs. The president’s plan maximizes the economic pain of emissions reductions by requiring energy producers and users meet their compliance needs at auctions designed to maximize the costs that will ultimately be passed on in the form of higher gasoline, power and heating bills – stressing families and killing jobs. And, because energy costs are a form of regressive tax, the program will hurt our most vulnerable citizens at a time they can’t take any more pain. Indeed, the budget assumes this new tax will generate $645 billion over an eight year period – something businesses, workers and families cannot afford in this time of economic crisis.

“While I believe we have a responsibility to reduce emissions, we should not do so in a manner that further erodes our economic stability and our energy and national security interests. Last year, I worked very hard to kill a similar proposal when it came to the Senate floor. I will do so again unless significant revisions to this proposal are made.

As Boehner said, the era of Big Government is back and Democrats want YOU to pay for all of it.

Here are ten facts to remember about this budget:

1. The Administration’s projected budget deficit of $1.75 trillion is higher than the last five years of deficits combined, and under this plan, we will see three consecutive trillion dollar deficits between now and FY 2012.

2. While it was purported to cut the budget deficit in half – from $1.75 trillion in 2009 to $533 billion by 2013 – this budget projects higher deficits in 2014 ($570 billion), 2015 ($583 billion), and 2016 ($637 billion). In 2019, the final year in the budget, the deficit is projected to be $712 billion.

3. Including the recently-enacted trillion-dollar “stimulus” spending bill, discretionary spending will soar by 24 percent this year under this budget.

4. The budget projects that the national debt will increase from $8.4 trillion in 2009 to $15.4 trillion in 2019.

5. The Administration’s budget contains $1.4 trillion in tax increases – tax hikes that will impact everyone, from small businesses, charities, and seniors to everyone who owns a 401(k) and anyone who flips on a light switch.

6. After promising that he will reduce taxes on 95 percent of Americans, the Administration’s budget establishes a $646 billion energy tax hike that will impact anyone who uses electricity, drives a car, or relies on energy in any way.

7. This budget forecasts more than $1.5 trillion in new health care spending, including a 10-year, $634 billion a health care “reserve fund.” The budget also calls for seven percent annual growth in Medicare and more than six percent annual growth in Medicaid over the next 10 years.

8. The budget includes a $750 billion placeholder for a second round of spending under the Troubled Assets Relief Program (TARP), even though the first round of TARP spending is not yet finished, nor is there a clear explanation of how funds under the initial round was spent.

9. The Administration’s budget claims that reducing the number of troops in Iraq over the next 10 years will cut the deficit by $1.6 trillion; however, that is only because the budget allocates the same amount of funds for the Iraq war each year over the next decade, even though most combat troops may be withdrawn during the next 19 months. The savings are, at best, deceptive.

10. The budget provides a scant 2.9 percent pay raise for military personnel as required by law, less than a week after Democrats in Congress provided the necessary funding to implement District of Columbia locality pay for overseas Foreign Service officers, which would constitute an 18 percent pay increase.

Regular readers will know that one of the areas that we take particular notice of is energy and this budget is just plain bad for producers and consumers alike. Institute for Energy Research President Thomas J. Pyle:

“Though history tells us that no nation has ever taxed itself to prosperity, President Obama plans to fix our economy by establishing the single largest tax increase in American history—a tax on affordable energy. His plan is not economic development; it’s a surefire way to send America’s businesses either to bankruptcy or overseas.

“It’s alarming enough that the administration’s plan to balance its books relies on funds it hopes to someday receive from a policy it hopes to someday enact. But what’s truly appalling is that it’s attempting to sneak this huge stealth tax into the budget at a time when so many Americans are facing unprecedented economic constraints.”

Here is Boehner on the "Cap and Trade" measures:

“‘Cap-and-trade’ is code for increasing taxes, killing American jobs, and raising energy costs for consumers. Middle-class families are struggling during this recession, and the last thing they need is even higher costs of living and weaker job security, which is exactly what ‘cap-and-trade’ would deliver.”

If there were any doubts left about whether or not Colin Powell was either a conservative or a Republican, this ought to clear it right up once and for all:

“The President’s request for a robust international affairs budget is a smart and necessary investment in strengthening America’s civilian capacities for global development assistance and diplomacy, which augment our defense and are vital to our national security and prosperity.”

Never mind, Mr. Secretary, that two whole generations of Americans are going to be in debt to pay for all of this stuff...let alone the security concerns caused by mounting all of this reckless spending.

Latta and Boehner on SOTU09

Rep. Latta (OH-05):

WASHINGTON- Congressman Bob Latta (R-Bowling Green) made the following statement after President Obama’s address to the joint session of Congress [last night].

“President Obama’s address to Congress and our nation tonight provided a sober reminder of the struggles we face as a nation. However, President Obama relied on tired rhetoric of pointing fingers of blame on past administrations and fixing the problems we struggle with by introducing massive government spending, oversight, and regulation.

Unfortunately, President Obama’s proposed tax and spend policy outlined tonight will only send our nation further into debt and do nothing to correct the recession we are facing right now. During last week’s recess, I met with over 170 constituents at local courthouse conferences one on one, and they made it very clear that they do not support these massive spending bills, whether it was the so-called “stimulus” package or the financial market bailout. President Obama proposed billions more in spending this evening, financed by tax increases, with no guarantee to American taxpayers that these plans will work.

Since January, House Republicans have offered common-sense, viable alternatives to the stimulus package and other pieces of legislation. House Republicans introduced legislation that would provide twice as many jobs, along with much needed unemployment benefits, for half the cost of the so-called “stimulus” package. House Republicans also included a provision that would eliminate the current income tax on those unemployment benefits. Tax cuts provide an immediate boost to our economy, putting money back in the hands of the taxpayers- where it belongs. Additionally, we included provisions for small businesses that would cut their taxes, provide incentives to hire more employees, and free-up necessary capital funds. These actions, not pork-barrel spending, will immediately stimulate the economy and put our neighbors back to work. Our plan allows the market to correct itself without government interference or wasteful spending.

Unfortunately, the Administration and Democrat Congressional Leadership chose not to include any provisions of our legislation or include our members in Conference Committee. As President Obama repeated a new era of bipartisanship in Washington this evening, it is my hope that he and the Democrat Congressional Leadership take those words to heart as we debate future legislation.

As we move forward, House Republicans are dedicated to working with the President and the Democrat Congressional Leadership to bring our country out of this recession and tackle the other problems facing our nation. I personally believe America’s best days are ahead of Her and I look forward to spirited debate to do what is best for our Nation.”

Republican Leader, my Congressman and a Great American -- John Boehner:

“All Americans should be proud to witness the history that will be made in the Capitol this evening. President Obama will make a compelling case that our nation can overcome the immense challenges before us, particularly when it comes to strengthening our economy and creating new jobs on behalf of middle-class families. Republicans want to be partners with the President in finding responsible solutions to the challenges facing our nation, but thus far congressional leaders in the President’s own party have stood in the way. That’s why Republicans take seriously our responsibility to offer better solutions to address the concerns of the American people.

“Middle-class families and small businesses across our nation are making sacrifices and tough budget decisions. It’s time for Washington to do the same. We cannot afford to pile mountains more in debt on our children and grandchildren in order to pay for a spending spree that we simply cannot afford. It is time for both parties in Washington to back up our promises of fiscal responsibility with real action.

“That means instituting a spending freeze so we can get our budget in order – beginning by replacing the half-trillion dollar spending bill Democratic leaders have scheduled for a House vote tomorrow with a clean bill, free of pork-barrel spending. That means not raising taxes in the midst of a recession – a sure recipe for a weaker economy and fewer jobs. That means supporting our men and women in uniform by providing them all the tools they need to defeat our enemies. That means safely developing our nation’s vast energy resources to lower energy costs and create more jobs. And that means ensuring access to affordable, high-quality health care for every American.”

VIDEO: Boehner on Need for Spending Sanity

Another Interview with Rawnica's Campaign Sign

Uhh...Rawnica's Campaign Sign...what's this all about?



Big misunderstanding. Really.



I don't know...this seems pretty straight forward to me.



...



...



...



Say...weren't you supposed to be the "Real Republican" and all in to the family values of the Lori viars set?



...



Your silence speaks for itself.

Ladies and Gentlemen, I give you the Dancing Snoopy...



UPDATE: The Cincinnati Enquirer gets in on the act...

UPDATE 2: More from the Hamilton Journal-News here and here. Intrepid reporter Josh and his fellow crew are hard at work getting you all your erotic dancer bust news!

UPDATE 3: I was going to dig up that ridiculous DVD she sent out...but somebody saved me the trouble!



Nice going, Rawnica...

At some point after the primary, I exchanged a couple of emails with Mrs. Dillingham-Wilson-Dillingham-Ruscigno-Dillingham and she actually said, "You portrayed me as some kind of whore!"

I still don't have anything for that one...

Somebody ought to ask Sheriff Si Leis, whom endorsed her too, what he thinks about all of this...

Voinovich on SOTU09

Statement:

“When President Obama speaks to Congress tonight, he will speak to a nation with real concerns about the challenges we face at home – some of the most difficult challenges in our great history. Americans are hurting and are looking to Washington for leadership. We need to put people back to work, inject needed capital into our economy, stabilize home values, respond to the human needs brought about by this deep recession and tackle our rising national debt. Our nation is facing a catastrophic debt burden and trillion- dollar deficits for as far as the eye can see. I truly believe that President Obama’s stimulus bill simply added to our debt without fulfilling the well-accepted stimulus criteria that the funds be timely, targeted and temporary. I am hopeful that I will hear straight-talk tonight about the president’s long-term plan to restore the fiscal health of our nation. Nothing can be off the table if we want to ensure our future prosperity. Congress must view our tax code, entitlement system and budget process as the three pillars of our nation’s fiscal foundation and not as separate entities. In addition to creating jobs, jump-starting the economy and responding to human needs, in 2009 we must reform all three fiscal pillars to keep our obligations to future generations and to keep our nation strong. OMB Director Peter Orszag has given me assurances that entitlement and tax reform will be on President Obama’s agenda this year and I look forward to hearing more about his plans tonight. We must all remember that a change in the political landscape of our nation has not changed the challenges we face. ”

Cleveland Tea Party

This just in...

The Cleveland Tea Party, which is going to occur simultaneously with other Tea Parties across the US to protest "taxation without deliberative representation", public money for private failure, the profligate government spending, and other general socialist tendencies.

The Tea Party is planned for this Friday, February 27th from 12pm to 1pm in Public Square, Cleveland. We are hoping this protest really takes off to let the powers that be know that we will not just sit by and watch them beggar us.

The official website of the protest is here; additionally, if people have Facebook, we are encouraging them to RSVP and invite their friends here.

Dems Running for US Senate Update

We all know that Lieutenant Governor and Development Director Lee "Loser Man" Fisher and the most partisan Secretary of State in Ohio history, Jennifer Brunner are both planning to duke it out for the privilege of getting beat by Rob Portman.

But there are two other names that I keep hearing as also being interested...

Zack "Blue Dog Puppy" Space apparently thinks that he has represented his constituents in San Francisco so well, that he ought to run statewide. What? San Francisco isn't in Ohio? Hmm...Zack might be in trouble, then.

The other name that is still being tossed around is Rep. Tim Ryan. Of all of the Democrats we've discussed, Ryan is the one that keeps me up at night. Ryan could run a formidable campaign against Portman. Fortunately, Governor "T-Shirt" Ted Strickland and Chris Redfern are already backing Fisher, so it isn't all that likely that Ryan will jump in anyway.

Portman Update

From the WMD Mailbag:

February has been a busy and productive month for Portman for U.S. Senate. We hit the ground running after our 6 city announcement tour on January 14th and now we are moving full speed ahead. We are reaching out to as many Ohioans as we can with our positive message on how to bring back jobs and the economy and address issues like healthcare and home foreclosures.

I continue to be encouraged by the outpouring of support we are receiving from folks across the state. 80% of our Republican State Senators, 95% of Ohio House Members, 75% of Republican County Chairs and nearly 75% of the members of the Ohio Republican Party State Central Committee have endorsed my U.S. Senate candidacy.

As you may know, February and March is historically GOP Lincoln Day dinner time in communities throughout Ohio. To date, I've spoken at Lincoln Day dinners in Warren County (2/12), Hamilton County (2/13), Montgomery County (2/18), Fairfield County (2/19) and Wayne County (2/20).

In the coming weeks, I'll hit the road to speak at many more, including Butler, Franklin, Wood and Belmont counties, to name a few. Jane addressed the audience at the Clermont Lincoln Day dinner (2/20), and did such a great job that we'll be sending her out often in the weeks and months to come as my number one surrogate!

And for those Lincoln Day dinners that neither Jane nor I can attend personally, we have Portman for Senate volunteers who have graciously stepped up to represent us and share our message.

Comrade President Obama's Mortgage Bailout

I've been thinking about Comrade President Obama's mortgage handout/bailout lately, and if you were listening to the TIB All-Stars Show on Sunday, you know where I am going with this...

I think there just might be a way for Republicans to benefit from this experiment in socialism after all...


You see, the Butler County Republican Party spent nearly a million dollars on the Todd Mahal... And I am not alone in thinking that maybe the Butler County Republican Party should have been a little bit more fiscally responsible than to spend a million dollars we didn't have for a building we rarely use.


Does that not sound like the perfect case for Comrade President Obama's Mortgage Bailout?

I'm really liking this idea...we're going to have to give this some more thought. Maybe somebody could add this to the agenda for tomorrow night's meeting.

VIDEO: OhioGOPtv

Guest Column: Technology's Impact on the Political Process

e-Politics: Technology's Impact on the Political Process

Nicole Rapier
Vice-President, Butler County Young Republicans
Technology Chair, Butler County Republican Women's Club

Facebook, Twitter, YouTube... you don't have to be a genius to see that technology impacts politics. Everyday voters now have the ability to participate in politics in a way that little over ten years ago we were only dreaming of. After all, most of you reading this now likely checked one of your social networking sites shortly after you got up this morning.

Can, and will, the next generation of politicians effectively use these mediums available to them?
Will these mediums influence public opinion?
Does one party benefit from the use of new technology more than the other?

Recently dubbed e-politics, new technology has opened the door to a whole new arena of fund-raising, grass-roots, communication and marketing participation. You only have to do a quick search in your facebook groups to see how many politicians are using some of these outlets. In Ohio John Kasich, Kevin Coughlin, Rob Portman, Mary Taylor, Josh Mandel, Jon Husted and several others all participate in one or more of these technologies, using them to reach out to potential voters and volunteers. Used effectively some of these sites can message and keep informed larger amounts of the general public than traditional media (ie. television and radio).

In November of 2003 social networking was introduced. MySpace was followed shortly after by Facebook and Flickr in February of 2004, and YouTube in 2005. These sites made it possible to communicate with the world without picking up a phone, turning on the TV, or listening to the radio. Unlike previous methods of mass communication new technology is cheap, and has better outreach. After all, we now have the opportunity to reach several demographics that may have been harder to reach previously... the housewife, the student, business professionals, the ever elusive 20-somethings, the poor, the rich, the educated and uneducated. It's interactive, and as up close and personal as you can get without sitting down face-to-face.

By spring of 2008, 40 percent of adult Americans had used the Internet to get political news and information, this is up from 31 percent at the same stage in 2004 and 34 percent for that entire election season. Furthermore, among adults, 47 percent of non-Hispanic whites use the Internet, e-mail or text messaging to get political news or exchange their views, compared with 43 percent of non-Hispanic blacks and 50 percent of English-speaking Hispanics, according to the Pew Internet & American Life Project.

These numbers alone speak volumes of the potential new technology has to influence politics. There are several studies that show e-politics is rapidly changing the traditional power structures by making candidates more transparent, communicative and participatory.

There are two schools of thought on the impact of the internet on politics. The first being the cyber-optimists, who argue that new technology helps to increase the role of the community in public affairs and therefore promotes participatory democracy. The second are the cyber-pessimists who argue that new technology has not and may never have a progressive and liberalizing effect on politics at all.

Regardless of your opinion, there is no doubt, the Internet has increased the quantity and sometimes quality of available information. The statistics from channels like iTunes, YouTube, and other podcasting sites, indicate that technology could have played a very critical role in the 2008 elections. While many argue it was far from the deciding factor, it is hard to ignore.

The Internet and technology are now positioned to play a huge role in future elections. And with it being accessible to everyone regardless of party affiliation, it is fair game. Using OhioGOP-TV, blogs, E-mail updates and interactive calendars all while harnessing the power of the social networking sites, the Ohio GOP, with John McClelland at the helm has stepped up it's game, and is rapidly changing the face of Ohio politics as we know it.

Does technology have the power to change the face of politics? Absolutely, and it's only a matter of time before technology plays a critical role in our elections.

TIB All Stars -- 022109 -- Live Blog

The TIB All-Stars are on the Air at 7PM Eastern..... Click the link to listen; participate in the live blog...





Listen Now!

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Maybe It Isn't Too Early for 2010

...I just got my first anti-Kasich anonymous email of the season. It was a vile too...

Angry Armenian 2010

This just in...

Dear Friends,

It has been a few months since you last heard from me. I hope you are all doing well. I'd like to once again express my gratitude for your support in last year's election.

It is because of your support and belief in me that I am inviting you to a gathering of close friends and supporters this Wednesday evening at 7:00pm, at the Coffee Please, 6930 Miami Avenue in Madeira.

I have thought long and hard about which direction to take my political career, and have talked with several party members & leaders on both sides of the aisle for their input and feedback.

Before I make a public announcement and inform the media of my intentions, I feel I owe it you to be the first to know of my decision and the reasoning behind it.

Please join me February 25 for good coffee and even better conversation. I look forward to seeing you then.

Yours truly,

David Krikorian

I can't decide whether or not I want him to run again or not...it WAS pretty entertaining the last time around.

Buckeye Institute Study Chronicles the High Cost of High School Dropouts

Release:

COLUMBUS - The Buckeye Institute today released a study chronicling the negative impact high school dropouts have on government services and social welfare programs. Report author Matthew Carr found that individual consequences of not completing high school result in increased public outlays for welfare services, health care, police services and correctional facilities. Dropout recovery charter schools help mitigate costs to the state, according to the study.

The failure of thousands of high school students to graduate costs taxpayers an estimated $677 million annually in Medicaid costs, income tax collections and imprisonment costs, the study found. The reduced labor force participation, employment rates, and average earnings for dropouts also mean lower tax revenues to help offset the costs of providing these services.

Carr's research found that dropout recovery charter schools provided the state a net benefit of about $44 million a year.

"Dropout recovery charter schools help would-be dropouts graduate, and save tax dollars in the process," Buckeye Institute President David Hansen said. "These public charter schools step in where government schools have failed. Their overall efforts bring enormous monetary value to taxpayers."

Among the findings, failing to graduate from high school:

* Leads to lower lifetime earnings;
* Increases the likelihood of unemployment;
* Increases the likelihood of health problems;
* Leads to higher rates of delinquency and incarceration;
* Increases the risk of school-age pregnancy; and
* Produces higher rates of broken-homes.

"Decreasing the number of high school dropouts in Ohio can improve the standard of living for everyone, not just those that get a diploma," Carr said. "One of the strongest predictors of an individual's chances for living a healthy and prosperous life is his or her level of educational attainment. In Ohio, far too many of our high school students do not reach graduation, and spend the rest of their lives suffering the consequences."

The Buckeye Institute for Public Policy Solutions is a nonpartisan research and educational institute devoted to individual liberty, economic freedom, personal responsibility and limited government in Ohio.

The complete study is available online at http://www.buckeyeinstitute.org.

Interesting Thoughts on John Kasich and Governor's Race...

From a source I trust:

Also, John Kasichhas all but officially announced that he is running for Governor. People may want to take note that whenever I mention John Kasich in my newsletters, I get very strong negative responses from the people that care most about gun rights. Mr. Kasich has a lot of work to do to repair that chasm. If he fails to do so, and he wins the Primary Election, the gun groups have made it very clear to me that they will be supporting Ted Strictland for re-election. That would be very disheartening to lose such an important and powerful (traditionally) Republican constituency. That being said, I like John Kasich. He has a lot of very good ideas for Ohio. I am especially excited about him wanting to abolish the Ohio income tax. That is my primary economic issue for Ohio.
Note to Mr. Kasich: As a freedom loving American, I was very disappointed by your vote in favor of the failed Clinton gun ban in 1994. I, and many others, are passionate about protecting the 2nd Amendment. Please tell me that you were caught up in the theater of the moment and made a mistake. Additionally, I want to know that you would take back your vote if you could. I will accept your apology (if offered) and tell you that all is forgiven. Please help me to help you win the gun vote.

This source is a real mover and shaker in the Ohio Republican Party and is well connected. This does not bode well for Mr. Kasich or the ORP if he is nominated. Mr. Kasich had best skip some of the party events in favor of attending a few gun shows and perhaps some Firearms Association meetings. This type of thing could allow a Coughlin to come in under the radar; or even worse, it could be an easy reelection bid for T-Shirt Ted, he of the pimp my vote for stimulus money that never comes.

Some other interesting things....

Chief Justice Thomas Moyer will be retiring. Former Attorney General, Jim Petro, will run for that seat. Jim was a great AG. He is very smart and would be a great Chief Justice. Additionally, Justice Maureen O'Conner wants to run for Chief Justice. She has also served Ohio well. It is important to note that Justice O'Connor would have to resign and Ted Strictland would appoint a Democrat.

These are some interesting observations by my source as well. I am not sure if Petro would be a good Chief Justice. He has seemed a little bit too much of a squish for me. However, I will look into some of his work as AG, where many people did laud him for his efforts. I think Justice O'Connor would be a fantastic CJ, but I don't want Teddy Boy touching the Supreme Court with his disgustingly diseased hands.


One final note, regarding Mary Taylor. My source seems to think that all the talk of her running for Guv or Senator next time is just that....talk:

Mary Taylor will run for re-election. It is very important that we support her and retain this Apportionment Board seat. Mary is a great lady and has been doing a fabulous job for Ohio.

This is great news.....Mary Taylor has done a fabulous job as auditor, and her political future is bright. However, right now, the state needs her where she is, but will be looking forward to what she has to offer in the future.

Guest Column: GOP Women

EDITOR'S NOTE: I asked Nicole Rapier for her reaction to this post from over the weekend about the GOP's problem with female candidates. Nicole is one of my good friends from the Butler County GOP and MUCH smarter than I am... :)

Why are there not more women in Ohio running for office?
I believe there are several reasons, but will talk about two areas in which I feel we are lacking the most, candidate recruitment, and branding.

Candidate Recruitment -In suffering electoral losses over the last few cycles, the Republican party needs to reevaluate how it recruits candidates - including females.

It should be stated this shouldn't be about women vs. men, it should be about who the best candidate for the job is. It is more important to make a decision based upon merit and viability rather than gender. Certainly, there are a number of well qualified and viable females in the party who fit the bill.

When you look at the statistics, nationally women make up 53% of all eligible voters, and in the 2004 Presidential election 54% of the voters were women. These numbers are hard to ignore. The GOP would be wise to consider this when recruiting candidates or crafting how we are messaging our platform.

We should then look to recruit female candidates who deliver a strong appeal to our voters- individuals who can communicate how the conservative party's values and platform serve to benefit all Ohioans, men and women alike. For too long the party has focused solely on the highly divisive issue of abortion as the defining issue for women. Our female officials need to engage voters from all walks and demonstrate how their platforms are appealing to the voter on more than one issue.

Ohio has many qualified Republican women who would make great candidates both on a county and state level. The GOP needs to do more to support, and recruit these women into running for higher political office. Our future candidates need to be reaching out to more than our typical base voter.


The Republican Brand -We need to rework how we are communicating our party's platform to the voting public. The Obama team has demonstrated how effective a good ‘branding' campaign can be, and they are continuously working to protect ‘the brand's' image.

It's not just about controlling the message, it's about embracing constituents and energizing voters with candidates who can relate to and inspire the average voter. We need to re-evaluate the way we are marketing our party platform. We have been losing, among others, women voters over the past few years because we are marketing to such a narrow audience. According to recent polls, only 41% of Americans have a favorable view of the GOP, a drop of 15 points since 2001. We have made it a point to single out women as one-issue voters, and label them as such. We need to re-brand the GOP image to reach a wider range of individuals, explaining how the Republican solutions to today's problems are the better choice for Main St. and Wall St. - for the Joe Six Packs & Joe Six Figures alike.

As far as the topic of media scaring off women candidates... it's time we put our big girl pants on and get over it! Sure there are hurdles that women face regarding media coverage, as the saying goes the media will cover a woman candidate based upon her, "hairlines, hems and husbands," but we as a party need to stand up for our female candidates and force the media to cover their agendas, and to stay on target. It takes a collective effort from the party to back any candidate whether they be male or female.

Of the volunteers I had the opportunity to work with as the Butler County Volunteer Coordinator for the McCain campaign, over 80% were women. The women are there, it is just a matter of re-branding to appeal to a broader base of women, and recruiting qualified candidates to run.

Nicole Rapier
Vice-President, Butler County Young Republicans
Technology Chair, Butler County Republican Women's Club

For more statistics on women in politics visit:
http://www.nfrw.org/republicans/women/21.htm or http://www.cawp.rutgers.edu/index.php

VIDEO: Boehner on Porkulus

Republican Leader, my Congressman and a Great American -- John Boehner -- is THE MAN!!!

VIDEO: OhioGOPtv

Where Are the GOP Women?

Thomas Suddes writes an interesting piece on women in the Ohio legislature for the Plain Dealer today.

He is right on the point that the "problem" is caused by term limits, but that doesn't just effect the women. But I think it is only a partial explanation. I am eager to hear what reaction some of my female GOP friends might have to this, but I suspect that the treatment of Sarah Palin might scare some of them off from public service at higher levels. I think the Ohio media has treated Mary Taylor fairly, but what would happen if she would run for governor? Would she get The Treatment? I suspect that she would.

I'd be curious to know what the numbers look like at the local level of government. Here in Butler County, we have several successful female office holders. I suspect that there are more females in leadership roles at the county level amongst Ohio's 88 county parties as well.

My point, and let's see if you agree, is that I believe Republican women are engaged to the level that they wish to given the environment of hostility shown by the media.

EXIT QUESTION: Isn't Suddes applying a rather liberal view of equality here? So long as women have the same opportunity to run for office and the same access to "play the game" I don't really have a problem with the choices that women make as to their level of involvement in politics. If there is a problem with opportunity and / or access, then we have something to talk about.

UPDATE: I have asked that a very special friend of mine come to WMD and offer her thoughts on this subject and I look forward to seeing what she has to say but in the mean time, one of my Facebook friends says that you can find GOP women here...and she is also right!

TIB All Stars -- 021409 -- Live Blog

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VIDEO: House GOP is Back

Rep. Latta on Porkulus

Release:

WASHINGTON- Congressman Bob Latta (R-Bowling Green) made the following statement after he and all 178 House Republicans voted against H.R. 1, The American Recovery and Reinvestment Act.

“Unfortunately, H.R. 1, the Democrat’s spending bill, is still fundamentally flawed and the Conference Committee did nothing to change the fact that this is basically a pork barrel bill by the Democrat majority in Congress and the administration. No one had time to read this legislation which will cost American taxpayers over $1 trillion, in addition to Republicans being shut-out of the Conference Committee process.

As our nation shoulders the burden of a recession and Americans continue to feel the effects of rising unemployment rates, the Democrat majority has decided to send our nation further into debt, passing the buck to our next generation with wasteful spending that does nothing to create jobs tomorrow, next month, or even next year.

Our economy needs fast and immediate relief, and unfortunately, spending $50 million on the National Endowment for the Arts, $200 million for volunteerism programs or $1 billion for the 2010 Census, do nothing to quickly pull our country out of recession. Furthermore, members of Congress have asked repeatedly for numbers showing how many jobs will be created with this package. To date, we have yet to see any statistics that prove this package will work in terms of job creation or reducing the growing unemployment rate. I, along with my Republican Colleagues in the House, believe that the fastest way to recover from this recession is immediate tax relief for small businesses and incentives to promote job growth. The private sector, not the Federal government, is best suited to stimulate the economy and this can be done through tax relief which will put money directly in the hands of American families and businesses- where it deserves to be. House Republicans offered an alternative stimulus package that would create twice as many jobs as H.R. 1, for half of the cost. In Ohio alone, the Republican alternative plan would create an addition 104,000 more jobs than the Democrats’ spending bill.

With our national debt at a staggering $10.6 trillion, the American people, along with House Republicans, know that we as a country cannot borrow and spend our way out of this recession. Americans already owe foreign governments $3 trillion, with China owning $683 billion of that alone. We cannot in good faith continue to drive our national debt higher and place future generations of Americans in peril by enacting a plan that is little more than a “shot in the dark.”

Voinovich to Vote NO on Final Porkulus

Release:

WASHINGTON, D.C. – U.S. Senator George V. Voinovich (R-OH) will vote today against the conference report of the non-stimulative Democratic “compromise” bill. The $789 billion spending package will add more than $1.1 trillion to the national debt over 10 years when interest is included. The Congressional Budget Office projects that this bill will push the deficits for 2009, 2010 and 2011 to well-over a trillion dollars on average. Because of this, the conference report raises the debt limit to an astounding $12.1 trillion compared to today’s already staggering debt of $9.85 trillion. When Sen. Voinovich came to the Senate in 1999, the debt was at $5.6 trillion – less than half of what it is soon to become.

“I sympathize with Americans who are hurting and understand that our economy needs a shot in the arm,” Sen. Voinovich said. “I worked towards and was prepared to support a package that put people back to work, injected needed capital into our economy and provided a safety net for families who the recession hit the hardest. I will vote against this bill because it is weighed down by too much spending that is not stimulative and will not provide the jump-start our economy so desperately needs. Instead of funding federal responsibilities that are shovel-ready, like highways, sewers and housing, which would put people back to work quickly and the results of which would contribute to our nation’s economic growth, this bill is filled with items that should be funded through the regular appropriations process and compete with other federal priorities in President Obama’s budget request. Our nation is facing a catastrophic debt and this bill simply adds to that debt without fulfilling the well-accepted stimulus criteria that the funds be timely, targeted and temporary. I am disappointed the conference committee did not do the work the American people asked them to do: ensure that each and every dollar in this bill is focused on creating jobs, jump-starting the economy and responding to the human needs brought about by the deep recession our country is experiencing.”

Sen. Voinovich worked closely with a group of Senate Republicans who hoped to forge a bipartisan compromise with the Democrats. This group identified roughly $300 billion in spending that arguably does not belong in this bill. These programs generally fall into two categories: those that are worthy federal programs but should compete with other federal priorities in the regular budget process; and those that are not even a federal responsibility at all. Some of the least justifiable funding includes:

· $53.6 billion for the State Stabilization Fund: Many on both sides of the aisle refer to this as the “slush fund”. Given the large amount of money we are pumping into state budgets through the increase in the federal matching rate for Medicaid – which Sen. Voinovich supports – it is unclear why we need a second, duplicative method of filling holes in state budgets. And, Sen. Voinovich is disturbed by a carve-out for K-12 public school construction, which has never been a responsibility of the federal government.

· $10 billion for the National Institutes of Health (NIH): NIH research is critical to our nation’s long-term prosperity, and Sen. Voinovich believes it should be adequately funded, but it belongs in the regular appropriations process.

· $1 billion for wellness and prevention programs: Sen. Voinovich believes these programs are worthy of being funded in the regular appropriations process, and over the long-run could reduce health care costs. But, these programs will not stimulate our economy in the short-run.

In addition, the Republican group at the negotiating table believed that the legislation failed to devote adequate resources to programs that truly would stimulate the economy and create jobs. They advocated for significantly higher spending in certain areas. For example:

· The group would have provided somewhere between $40 billion and $54 billion for highways. The American Association of State Highway and Transportation Officials say there are $64 billion projects that are “ready to go.” Ready-to-go highway construction provides one of the most effective means for stimulating the economy and creating jobs, and the $27.5 billion included in the conference report is less than half of the amount that could be injected into the economy quickly. State Transportation Director Jolene Molitoris has identified $2.7 billion in “shovel-ready” highway projects in the state. If highways had been funded at Sen. Voinovich’s requested level, the state would be receiving nearly that much instead of the $900 million it is slated to receive. This would have gone a long way towards tackling all the “shovel-ready” highway projects in Ohio.

· The group also would have provided between $17 billion and $25 billion for the Clean Water and Drinking Water State Revolving Loan Funds. EPA unfunded mandates are requiring water and sewer districts to raise rates to fund infrastructure improvements, driving out businesses and imposing even greater hardship on already struggling families. These projects are already underway or will be shortly, and the $6 billion for the entire country included in the conference report is inadequate for the task. Ohio ranks as having one of the largest wastewater treatment collection needs at $11.7 billion. Of that amount, EPA has identified almost $6.3 billion in improvements necessary to address CSO problems in over 100 communities throughout Ohio alone. This is resulting in astronomical utility rate increases throughout the state. The city of Fremont, for example, is facing a 150 percent rate increase. This unfunded mandate is simply unacceptable.

· Based on information we received from the Armed Services Committee, the group included $16.6 billion for national defense, including $4.1 billion for replacing and modernizing equipment being used in Iraq and Afghanistan – spending for which the manufacturing capacity is available and ready to go. In fact, The conference report only provides $4.6 billion for national defense – $12 billion less than their proposal – and nothing for replacing and modernizing equipment being used in Iraq and Afghanistan.

· The conference report includes only $2 billion for the Neighborhood Stabilization Program, which struggling communities use to help stabilize home values. Sen. Voinovich had hoped it would include at least the $2.25 billion in the original Senate Appropriations Committee bill.

The legislation does include funding for several programs that serve immediate human needs during the current crisis. Sen. Voinovich supported inclusion of this funding, as it both stimulates the economy and prevents those families struggling the most from falling through the cracks. This funding includes:

$87 billion for an increase in the federal matching rate for the federal-state Medicaid program. Only $11 billion would be required to prevent a reduction in Medicaid coverage, but the draft on which Sen. Voinovich’s group was working would have provided this higher amount to give states and governors flexibility in their budgets so that Medicaid funds could be shifted to prevent cuts in jobs, education and services in other programs. With this higher amount, there is little justification for the extra state slush funds that the conference report contains. According to the Urban Institute, the FMAP increase in the stimulus bill exceeds enrollment-driven growth in state Medicaid programs related to the economic downturn (around $11 over two years). The extra money would help states take the heat off other expenditures. Ohio will receive approximately $3 billion in additional federal matching funds under Medicaid which, according to the Urban Institute, is above the cost for the expected growth in the Medicaid program.

· $12.2 billion for helping states comply with the mandates imposed by the Individuals with Disabilities Education Act (IDEA) which were unfunded mandates. This funding will help eliminate pressure on school boards across Ohio.

· Roughly $40 billion for extension and modernization of unemployment insurance.

· Nearly $20 billion for food stamps.

VIDEO: Rangel's Money for Nothing

The Journal Gets It Right!

This morning's editorial for the Hamilton Journal-News in reference to the hiring of the new EMA director clearly demonstrates that for once, they have their pulse on the heartbeat of the community. With all the drama and draconian measures taken place in the county, it behooves the new EMA board to move with caution and to ensure that no improprieties occur.

What is not printed in the article is simply that the history of the EMA agency is fraught with internal struggle, controversy and the irony of who Mr. Turner was related to and how he got the job. That is in the past now but it illustrates the frustration involved and the suspicious looks that happen when someone is 'gift wrapped' the job.

Another dynamic is simply that the expectations and duties of the job have not been well defined. It is always beneficial to know who's who in the zoo, so to speak! As far as the police chiefs and the fire chiefs arguing over the sandlot and marking their turf, that really needs to be rectified and cooler heads need to take charge and show some leadership and maturity.

As far as the 'prime candidate' involved in this scenario, the last thing anyone wants is for him to be harmed by the perception that he has the 'inside track' and that other qualified people would not even get a sniff at the opportunity. If that happens, rest assured that this observer will call you on it! I have nothing against him, or for that matter have even met the gentleman although he does sound qualified, I am sure there are others who deserve a fair and impartial shot at it. Let's hope that we seize this chance to show that we are past the cronyism and good ole' boys routine. I am tired of the dog and pony show, get it right!

Rep. Schmidt on Porkulus

E-Newsletter:

Last week I wrote about the $819 billion stimulus package that the House of Representatives approved, despite the fact that every Republican and eleven Democrats voted against it. This week, despite a “bipartisan” compromise to trim around $100 billion from the overall price tag, the bill that the Senate passed this week is still estimated to cost more than the House-passed bill.

Over the past month, many have tried to portray the stimulus debate as a fight between those who want to act versus those that seem happy with the status quo. Nothing could be further from the truth. One would be hard-pressed to find any member of Congress opposed to federal action to provide a temporary economic jolt. It would also be difficult to find any member of Congress opposed to including infrastructure spending in any final package. The debate is about what is the best combination of tax cuts and spending needed to jump start economic activity.

My problem with the current stimulus package is that much of the spending is not designed to “jolt” the economy or create jobs. In fact, according to the Congressional Budget Office, three-fifths of discretionary spending in the House Bill will not occur until after 2010. Our economy needs a boost now, not in 2011 or 2012. Some of the spending will never stimulate the economy. While I support increasing the maximum amount of Pell Grants to help pay for college, is this really going to create jobs in the short term? After the President’s Day recess, Congress will consider a $400 billion spending package to pay for government through the rest of this fiscal year. Shouldn’t Pell Grants have to compete against other priorities for increased funding? The current economic crisis should not be an excuse to spend taxpayer dollars on programs or projects that could not or have not been enacted in the normal course of business.

In much the same way, infrastructure spending should not be used to fulfill a wish list of state and local leaders. Indeed, wisely spent infrastructure funding can create private-sector jobs, save money over the long-term, and actually increase future economic activity. The Brent Spence Bridge and the Eastern Corridor are excellent local examples of the types of infrastructure spending about which I am speaking. Unfortunately, these projects, and so many like them across the country, are not “shovel ready.” So, it is time for serious people to come together and determine what projects in Ohio are worthy of federal funding as a result of this so-called stimulus package.

I recently had the opportunity to read the United States Conference of Mayors report on “Ready To Go Jobs and Infrastructure Projects. According to the report, “779 cities . . [report] a total of 18, 750 local infrastructure projects are ‘ready to go.’ These projects represent an infrastructure investment of” more than $149 billion “that would be capable of producing an estimated 1,604, 371 jobs in 2009 and 2010.” It is essentially a wish list for mayors. Many of the projects will create jobs in the short run. Unfortunately, many of the projects on the list will create too few jobs and will neither save money in the long run nor fuel future economic growth.

Many of you might have read that Las Vegas, Nevada wants $2 million for more neon signs. Austin, Texas would like $886,000 for a Frisbee golf course and Boynton Beach, Florida would like $4.5 million to construct an “eco park.” Closer to home, the City of Cincinnati would like $132 million for streetcars, $50,000 to build a basketball court, $1.2 million to renovate a swimming pool, $40,000 to build tennis courts, and $50,000 for a ‘Climate Plan Summit.” This is not the type of “stimulus” that our country needs.

As the stimulus bill moves forward, states and local communities need to make plans for how to get the best bang for the buck out of the federal largesse coming their way. If the Majority insists we must spend this money, let’s make sure we do it wisely, with an eye to turning a windfall into long-term growth.

I would love to hear your thoughts. Please send them to me at Congresswoman Jean Schmidt, 418 Cannon HOB, Washington, DC 20515.

RSC: Concerns on the Comparative Effectiveness Research Provision in Porkulus

This just in from the Republican Study Committee:

In addition to many other provisions of concern to conservatives, the Democrats’ so-called “stimulus” package establishes a Federal Coordinating Council for Comparative Effectiveness Research (CER). This new health board lays the groundwork for a permanent government rationing board prescribing care in place of doctors and patients.

Conservatives may believe that a board made up of 15 presidentially-appointed bureaucrats that is removed from the people with no input from patients and providers is not the correct way to gather and disperse CER information. This can and should be encouraged in the private sector to help doctors and patients if they so choose.

While the Senate version made some “improvements”, they are not enough. In the Senate bill the term “clinical” was inserted before “comparative effectiveness research” to try and limit what the board can consider and unlike the House, the accompanying language does not say anything about using the board to determine “cost effectiveness”.

While the conference committee has not yet come to an agreement on CER, unfortunately, many outside groups believe that Rep. Obey and his staff, who oppose inserting the “clinical” language and believe that the end game is to make cost effective decisions (ration care), will win out, as this isn’t necessarily considered a significant provision in the bill.

While the Democrats continue to argue that this board is simply a way to collect and disseminate information, their true intentions are clear through various statements including:

Draft report language accompanying the Appropriations health portion of the bill:

“By knowing what works best and presenting this information more broadly to patients and healthcare professionals, those items, procedures, and interventions that are most effective to prevent, control, and treat health conditions will be utilized, while those that are found to be less effective and in some cases, more expensive, will no longer be prescribed.”

Jeanne Lambrew (Deputy Director of the White House Office of Health Reform) at last week’s Health Policy Conference:

“There is a bipartisan – I should be careful about the bipartisan, working the bipartisanship in the Senate. The House isn’t quite as bipartisan as we would like but there has been support for investing about $1.1 billion in this economic recovery act for over two years for ARC and partly for NIH and partly for under agency activities to begin to try to say how do we get at the relative costs, excuse me, the relative effectiveness of the different services.”

Tom Daschle in his book Critical: What We Can Do About the Health Care Crisis:

“The Federal Health Board wouldn't be a regulatory agency, but its recommendations would have teeth because all federal health programs would have to abide by them…Congress could opt to go further with the Board's recommendations. It could, for example, link the tax exclusion for health insurance to insurance that complies with the Board's recommendation.”

However a big surprise and disappointment for patients everywhere is that members, including Reps. Pelosi, Hoyer, Waxman, and Dingell, who previously fought so hard during the Patients Bill of Rights to disallow insurance companies from making care decisions, are now pushing this same idea.

VIDEO: House Republican Leadership Stakeout

House Republican leaders speak about the economy and the Republican plan that will provide twice the jobs at half the cost.

The Road to Relevance Takes a Detour

Read this most excellent piece by Tony Marsh and then come back for a few of my quibbles...

Back? Good...let's get to it...

Tony starts off rather well and he makes his point rather eloquently, but once he gets to this bit...

The claim that Republicans suffer a branding problem is at least partly a complaint that we lack a central thematic that draws us together as a singular political movement.

...is where I begin to beg to differ.

Prior to this point, Tony went through a lengthy explanation of how the modern Republican Party was pieced together during the 70's and 80's but totally ignores what happened the last eight years.

The "problem" wasn't the fall of the Soviet Union. The problem was that Republicans got lazy and governed like Democrats. Any other assertion is simply just making excuses for bad governance.

And I simply can not let this go unanswered...

That lack resulted in the election disasters of 2006 and 2008. A Republican Party that had long ago lost hope of winning urban and minority voters finally lost the suburbs and middle class as well. The result is that some within the party, and a great many more outside it, now think the only Republican hope left us is a massive philosophical repositioning.

I am supposed to believe that Republicans LOST in 2006 and 2008 because the Soviet Union is no longer on the map? Seriously. Uh...no. That ain't it. Nice try though... If all that the GOP lacks is an external enemy, what does Tony call the Global War on Terror? Surely fighting terrorism is at least as important as fighting Soviets...

Moving on...

This, however, may be the smartest thing Tony says in the piece:

So Republicans did what Democrats do: We talked conservative during campaigns, but we governed liberal with big spending entitlement programs designed to buy selected chunks of the electorate. Predictably, a bidding war with Democrats only worked to shrink our base, it did little to add those whose allegiance we thought we could purchase.

Exactly right. This is the problem that must be addressed in order for the Republican Party to get back on to the road to relevance.

The rest is just standard RNC boilerplate promises that we've all heard before about how this time it is going to be different. Don't talk about it...just do it.

Latta Update

Two items:

Latta joins GOP Whip team:

WASHINGTON- Congressman Bob Latta (R-Bowling Green) joined the House Republican Whip Team this week as an Assistant Whip. As an Assistant Whip, Congressman Latta will coordinate with House Republican Whip Eric Cantor (R-VA) and other members on the Whip Team to advance the agenda of House Republicans for the 111th Congress.

“I want to thank Whip Cantor for this wonderful opportunity to serve the Republican Conference. I look forward to assisting the Whip Team in whatever way possible as we work towards our goals and vision for this year and beyond,” Latta said

“Last month, we began our march toward a stronger future for America based on revitalized, common sense ideals,” said Congressman Eric Cantor, the Republican Whip. “I’m pleased that Congressman Latta has joined the Republican Whip Team, the team that will act as the cornerstone of House Republican efforts to preserve, protect and create a better tomorrow for working families. This team is comprised of top leaders that will advance a positive vision for the future of our country, a vision based on accountability, transparency and action. I look forward to getting to work alongside of Bob.

I suspect that Rep. Latta will be very good at this particular gig...

OH-05 Art Competition:

BOWLING GREEN- Congressman Bob Latta (R-Bowling Green) announces the 2009 Congressional Art Competition for Ohio’s Fifth Congressional District. The competition is open to all high school students who reside in the Fifth Congressional District.

“The Congressional Art Competition is an excellent chance for high school students across our great nation to showcase their artistic ability, and I look forward to seeing the great artistic talent students in the Fifth District possess,” Latta said in today’s announcement.

Artwork will hang in the Capitol for the entire year of the exhibition. Congressman Latta’s three district offices will accept artwork between April 27 and May 9.

Artwork categories are as follows:

Paintings: oil, acrylics, watercolor, etc.

Drawings: pastels, colored pencil, pencil, charcoal, ink, markers

Collage: must be two dimensional

Prints: lithographs, silkscreen, block prints

Mixed Media: use of more than two mediums such as pencil, ink, etc.

Computer generated art

Photography

I love these art competitions...always have...

For further information, you may contact Congressman Latta’s Defiance District Office by calling 419-782-1996 or visit http://latta.house.gov.

VIDEO: Chairman Dewine on Leading Ohio

Message:

Ohio Republican Party Chairman Kevin DeWine talks about renewing the Party and Leading Ohio at the Holmes County Lincoln Day Dinner. Sign up and give us your feedback at www.leadingohio.com.

VIDEO: Rep. Latta on Porkulus

Boehner on Miami University's Bicentennial

Transcript:

Madam Speaker, I rise today to congratulate Miami University for its 200 years of commitment to extraordinary higher education. There are 9 Miami graduates currently working for me, so I can tell you firsthand how well educated Miami students are. Miami is a student-centered university deeply committed to student success, building great student and alumni loyalty, and empowering its students, faculty, and staff to become engaged citizens who use their knowledge and skills with integrity and compassion to improve the future of our society. Miami University is the 10th oldest public university in the nation, and is located in my district in Oxford, Ohio.

Poet Laureate Robert Frost once referred to Miami as “the most beautiful college there is.” In addition to distinctions for the campus’ beauty and first-rate facilities, Miami University is cited annually by national college rankings as being one of the nation’s best values among public universities. According to Business Week magazine, Miami’s Farmer School of Business is ranked among the nation’s top 5 percent of undergraduate business programs, ranking 8th among public universities and colleges. Miami is also named as one of the “Public Ivies,” offering “an education comparable to that at Ivy League universities at a fraction of the price.” Miami provides the opportunities of a major university while offering the personalized attention found in the best small colleges.

Furthermore, Miami has a retention and graduation rate that exceeds the national average for undergraduates, students of color, and athletes, and has the highest graduation rate in Ohio. Much of Miami’s success is owed to its stellar faculty. As nationally prominent scholars and artists, Miami’s faculty contribute to the university, their own disciplines, and to society. In fact, while a faculty member at Miami, William Holmes McGuffey, “School Master to the Nation,” wrote and compiled the first 4 McGuffey Eclectic Readers.

Additionally, Miami recognizes the opportunities for personal and professional growth that living and studying internationally brings. With its own campus in Luxembourg, Miami consistently ranks among the top 25 universities and colleges in the nation for the number of undergraduate students who study abroad. These abroad opportunities have enabled countless Miami students to develop a broader perspective and keener understanding of the world as they contribute to society.

Miami alumni have a history of profound service to the United States, including a President of the United States (the Honorable Benjamin Harrison); 9 U.S. Senators, including sitting Senator Maria Cantwell (D-WA); and 31 U.S. Representatives, including sitting Members, Congressman Paul Ryan (R-WI) and Congressman Steve Driehaus (D-OH). In addition, Miami students and alumni have achieved the pillar of their professions including a Poet Laureate, Pulitzer Prize winners, a National Teacher of the Year, and renowned journalists. As the nation’s oldest university newspaper, the Miami Student has offered students the opportunity to develop their interests and skills in journalism since 1826.

Miami is also committed to creating an environment that teaches student-athletes to excel in their chosen endeavors. In fact, Miami is one of only 4 universities and colleges to generate both a United States President (the Honorable Benjamin Harrison) and a winning Super Bowl quarterback (Ben Roethlisberger). Miami alumni include a National Football League Rookie of the Year, National Football League Super Bowl Champions, National Basketball Association World Champions, National Health League Stanley Cup Champions, Major League Baseball World Series Champions, and Olympic gold medalists. Known as the “Cradle of Coaches,” Miami has produced an unparalleled number of nationally prominent collegiate and professional coaches, 18 of whom have been recognized as national “Coach of the Year,” including Paul Brown (Cleveland Browns), Walter “Smokey” Alston (Brooklyn/Los Angeles Dodgers), Woody Hayes (Ohio State University), Bo Schembechler (University of Michigan), and Vicki Korn (Miami University).

In addition to athletics, many Miami students also participate in Greek life. As the Alpha Chapter for 5 national Greek organizations (Beta Theta Pi, Sigma Chi, Phi Delta Theta, Phi Kappa Tau, and the Delta Zeta sorority), Miami University is known as the “Mother of Fraternities.” Greek life at Miami offers students the ability to engage in philanthropic activities and offers leadership opportunities that help prepare the students for their future.

Miami alumni have gone on to lead some of our most august corporations such as AT&T, Inc., Proctor and Gamble Co., the J.M. Smucker Company, and the United Parcel Service of America. As the largest employer in Butler County, Ohio, Miami University serves as an economic powerhouse Southwest Ohio, the state of Ohio, and the nation with an economic impact of over a billion dollars per year to the state of Ohio.

On February 17, 2009, Miami will celebrate its bicentennial. I congratulate Miami for the university’s profound achievements and unwavering commitment to liberal arts education and the active engagement of its students in both curricular and co-curricular life that has continually attracted and produced some of the nation’s brightest faculty, staff, and students. I wish Miami the very best in the future.

Porkulus is Bad For Our Health: Obama, Reid, Pelosi get to Decide Who Lives and Dies...

I thought this was about economic stimulus. Supposedly about creating jobs. Well, if you are counting jobs created for burying the people who are going to be denied treatment by the new StalagCare option offered by Obama (with tips from Tom "the Mortician" Daschle) who will die. Yes, no longer is your doctor or even your insurance company going to be able to decide what care you get. The government bureaucracy now will. Think I am lying? Think again. Why this has not been trumpeted more by our side is beyond me. I don't want government telling me what my doctor can give me.

Tragically, no one from either party is objecting to the health provisions slipped in without discussion. These provisions reflect the handiwork of Tom Daschle, until recently the nominee to head the Health and Human Services Department.

I am goin to highlight some of the key provisions in this bill, which should be scary, especially if you think your insurance company is crazy in refusing some treatment. Page numbers refer to page numbers in the Stimulus Bill:

The bill’s health rules will affect “every individual in the United States” (445, 454, 479). Your medical treatments will be tracked electronically by a federal system. Having electronic medical records at your fingertips, easily transferred to a hospital, is beneficial. It will help avoid duplicate tests and errors.

But the bill goes further. One new bureaucracy, the National Coordinator of Health Information Technology, will monitor treatments to make sure your doctor is doing what the federal government deems appropriate and cost effective. The goal is to reduce costs and “guide” your doctor’s decisions (442, 446). These provisions in the stimulus bill are virtually identical to what Daschle prescribed in his 2008 book, “Critical: What We Can Do About the Health-Care Crisis.” According to Daschle, doctors have to give up autonomy and “learn to operate less like solo practitioners.”

Funny, my doc wants more autonomy to be able to give treatment regardless of insurance, that insurance and cost should not determine who lives and dies. But, however, this sounds like that to me, how about you? But wait, the worst is yet to come....

Hospitals and doctors that are not “meaningful users” of the new system will face penalties. “Meaningful user” isn’t defined in the bill. That will be left to the HHS secretary, who will be empowered to impose “more stringent measures of meaningful use over time” (511, 518, 540-541)

What penalties will deter your doctor from going beyond the electronically delivered protocols when your condition is atypical or you need an experimental treatment? The vagueness is intentional. In his book, Daschle proposed an appointed body with vast powers to make the “tough” decisions elected politicians won’t make.

The stimulus bill does that, and calls it the Federal Coordinating Council for Comparative Effectiveness Research (190-192). The goal, Daschle’s book explained, is to slow the development and use of new medications and technologies because they are driving up costs. He praises Europeans for being more willing to accept “hopeless diagnoses” and “forgo experimental treatments,” and he chastises Americans for expecting too much from the health-care system.

Yes, give up hope. Just suck it up and die, you are using up too many of my carbon credits, say the lefties. I guess Daschle and company will seek to close down City of Hope, St. Jude, the Shriners Hospitals, etc., because they help people who should accept hopeless diagnoses. Gee, does this sound like change and hope you can believe in? I think not. But, according to Daschle, this is the best way to proceed. Forget saving lives, it is about saving bucks! Hmmm....not exactly standing up for the little guy....But wait, guess what, all you seniors and little snot nosed lobbyists for the AARP who lauded the caring of Pelosi and Obama and liberals for seniors and healthcare....Your constituency is GOING TO DIE, AND THE LIBS WANT THEM TO DIE:

Daschle says health-care reform “will not be pain free.” Seniors should be more accepting of the conditions that come with age instead of treating them. That means the elderly will bear the brunt.

Medicare now pays for treatments deemed safe and effective. The stimulus bill would change that and apply a cost- effectiveness standard set by the Federal Council (464).

The Federal Council is modeled after a U.K. board discussed in Daschle’s book. This board approves or rejects treatments using a formula that divides the cost of the treatment by the number of years the patient is likely to benefit. Treatments for younger patients are more often approved than treatments for diseases that affect the elderly, such as osteoporosis.

In 2006, a U.K. health board decreed that elderly patients with macular degeneration had to wait until they went blind in one eye before they could get a costly new drug to save the other eye. It took almost three years of public protests before the board reversed its decision.

Sorry, Grandma, that osteoporosis? You are just going to have to wait til you shatter something before we treat it. Funny, I thought Obambi and the Dems were lauding preventive care.

And great, we are modelling ourselves after the UK? Here is a great story about the "logic" the UK invokes when treating people:

A smoker is facing years of pain after an NHS hospital refused to set his broken ankle unless he gives up cigarettes.

John Nuttall, 57, needs the operation to fix the ankle he broke in three places two years ago and which was not healed by a plaster cast.

Doctors at the Royal Cornwall Hospital in Truro have refused to operate to rebuild the ankle because they say Mr Nuttall's heavy smoking would reduce the chance of a full recovery.

They have told him to give up smoking before they operate but the retired builder has been unable to break his habit.

So, let's see here....you have a bullet wound to the femoral artery....Well, I am sorry, but until you lose 30 pounds I am afraid we will have to deny that treatment...too much of a health risk, don't ya know.....

WHAT THE HELL IS THE MATTER WITH THESE PEOPLE? Don't think it is going to happen? Think again:

If the Obama administration’s economic stimulus bill passes the Senate in its current form, seniors in the U.S. will face similar rationing. Defenders of the system say that individuals benefit in younger years and sacrifice later.

The stimulus bill will affect every part of health care, from medical and nursing education, to how patients are treated and how much hospitals get paid. The bill allocates more funding for this bureaucracy than for the Army, Navy, Marines, and Air Force combined (90-92, 174-177, 181).

Why Hide this in stimulus? To sneak it into law...As this article explains:

Hiding health legislation in a stimulus bill is intentional. Daschle supported the Clinton administration’s health-care overhaul in 1994, and attributed its failure to debate and delay. A year ago, Daschle wrote that the next president should act quickly before critics mount an opposition. “If that means attaching a health-care plan to the federal budget, so be it,” he said. “The issue is too important to be stalled by Senate protocol.”

Daschle, Reid, Pelosi, and Barry want us to be slaves to the government. Those of you upset out there with insurance companies and their bureaucracies denying coverage and delaying; think about what it would be like if the Feds got involved?

Attention, Ohio Congressional Delegation! Attention, Leader Boehner! Attention, Congresswoman Schmidt! Stand up and proclaim the idiocy of this part of the bill! Tell the American people we are being made to be slaves to the federal bureaucracy from womb to tomb! Don't let us lose our last remaining freedom in healthcare areas! Life is too precious to be decided upon by a disgusting, botox infested dumb tyrantette like Bullwhip Nancy and Co.!

Call your members of Congress and make them aware of these provisions and urge them to stand against them! Our very lives are at stake!