RELEASE: House GOP Leaders Offer Alternatives to Tax Increases

Release:

Columbus – House Republican Leader William G. Batchelder released the following statement in response to this morning’s announcement from the governor who has proposed rolling back income tax increases for the next two years, costing tax payers nearly $850 million.


“Recently there has been much discussion in regard to tax increases as a means to fill the shortfall. House Republicans have agreed with Governor Strickland’s past statements that tax increases will hurt the economy and we encourage the Governor to stand by his decision this budget season to continue with the tax reforms of the 126th General Assembly. This is not a revenue problem; it’s a spending problem, and tax hikes are not the solution. Today, Ohioans face increases because of a more expensive, out of spending control and less efficient government.

Republicans offered up to eight amendments and two bills to ensure stability within the state budget. The proposals included $3 billion worth of savings by streamlining state government operations, and improving the Medicaid system. All of these amendments were tabled on the floor when Republicans offered them.

Instead of offering sound solutions to an economic crisis, the governor chose to increase fees by more than $1.1 billion, essentially the same as taxing the people of Ohio. Spending is out of control on all fronts; even now the state controlling board has spent $219 million on top of the budget passed by the legislature. While families are struggling to make ends meet, a tax hike imposed by the governor would just add a bigger bill to the pile and create less efficient government.”


Batchelder was joined by representatives Lou Blessing (R-Cincinnati), John Adams (R-Sydney), Cheryl Grossman (R-Grove City), and Ron Amstutz (R-Wooster).

GUEST COLUMN: "It’s Time to Halt the Government’s Takeover of the Economy" by Rep. Turner

By Rep. Mike Turner (R, OH-03)

According to news accounts, the Treasury Department isn’t ruling out keeping the federal government’s bailout program going beyond its one-year authorization. This follows the president’s recent speech on expanding government control of financial institutions. What’s missing is a firm government exit strategy from its takeover of banks and auto manufacturers.

Ten months into the new Administration, the federal government is not only borrowing and spending unprecedented amounts of money, it is also pursuing a course of economic dominance. A September 14 story in The New York Times put it bluntly: “…the government is the nation’s biggest lender, insurer, automaker and guarantor against risk for investors large and small.”

Indeed, the Administration is actually seeking to grow its influence over the economy by advocating a government option health care plan. Interestingly, the president is justifying his push for national health care as a means to actually control federal spending. On September 13, he told CBS’s “60 Minutes,” ‘The problem I've got is that the only way I can get medium and long-term federal spending under control is if we do something about health care.’

One has to wonder how the president can claim spending $1 trillion more to take over health care is going to reduce the federal budget deficit. In fact, many Americans wonder why the Administration is spending money that we as a nation simply do not have. The president’s own budget overspends by $1.8 trillion in 2009 – nearly four times last year’s federal budget deficit.

The public has been told that government bailouts and the economic stimulus (which together pile on another $1.5 trillion in deficit spending) were necessary to save the economy and jobs. Washington’s control of General Motors and Chrysler has not stopped job losses within those companies and in some cases it has actually encouraged the curtailment of worker health benefits as we have witnessed with many former GM employees in Ohio. What’s more, the taxpayers will ultimately lose money from their $81 billion investment in Chrysler and General Motors according to a report released in mid-September by the Congressional Oversight Panel for the Troubled Asset Relief Program (TARP).

Since the passage of the economic stimulus in February, over 2.4 million jobs have been lost and the national employment rate has steadily risen to 9.7 percent - its highest level in a quarter century. Yet, Vice President Biden told The Wall Street Journal last week, “In my wildest dreams, I never thought it would work this well.”

I voted against the $700 billion bailout of our nation’s financial industry, and in February I also opposed the $800 billion economic stimulus. In each case, these bills were ill-considered, did not help those who’ve suffered the most due to job loss and home foreclosures, and lacked details as to how tax dollars would be spent. I also voted against the president’s $1.8 trillion deficit spending budget as well as the Administration’s Cap and Trade energy bill which burdens Ohio’s manufacturing base and fails to meet our energy needs.

In June, I introduced a constitutional amendment to protect our private enterprise system from government intrusion by prohibiting federal ownership of private corporations. The Preserving Capitalism in America Amendment, H.J. Res 57, has 103 cosponsors, nearly a quarter of the membership of the U.S. House.

As we approach the first anniversary of the passage of the federal bailout bill, it is unfortunate that the Administration continues to press for more control over our economy. It’s time for a government exit strategy.

Team Husted on Residency

Read the whole thing, but here is the key phrasing:

“Moreover, if an election statute is ambiguous, the voter should not be penalized as a
result of the ambiguity.”

We need a better law.

As I have said time and again: I expect Husted will ultimately be vindicated on this issue because he is -- in my opinion -- within the letter of the law while crushing the spirit of the law.

Still waiting for a reason for why the GOP is taking the risk of running this guy in the first place...

And, oh yeah, when the Ohio Supreme Court does overturn Brunner, the Democrats will claim "politics as usual" and not only will they make that a case against Husted, but for whomever runs for Chief Justice and the other Supreme Court slot as well. Nice move OhioGOP...you've done it again...trying very hard to snap defeat from the jaws of victory!

REELASE: St. Rep. Combs on House Public Safety and Homeland Security Committee Vacancy

Release:

Columbus – State Representative Courtney Combs (R- Hamilton) today expressed in a letter to Speaker Armond Budish (D- Beachwood) the need to appoint a chair to the House Public Safety and Homeland Security Committee, which has been vacant since April. The previous Chairman Eugene Miller resigned to become a Cleveland city councilman.

“For almost six months, the Public Safety and Homeland Security Committee has been without a chair and I find this greatly disheartening,” Combs said in the letter. “There are currently 21 bills assigned to the committee, yet the committee has only met twice and not once since April 2nd… The result of this committee’s inaction is putting our most vulnerable citizens at risk.”

Combs introduced House Bill 98 in March to add a new provision to the sexual offender registration law to ensure that management of long-term care facilities notify residents and sponsors when a sexual offender is taken as a resident of a facility. Recently, due to an analysis by the Columbus Dispatch, the bill has received attention from Governor Ted Strickland and State Attorney General Richard Cordray, saying they would support such legislation.

“These citizens are the elderly, the mentally and physically disabled, and those who could not otherwise take care of themselves,” Combs said. “In the state of Ohio these citizens could be housed with sexual offenders just released from prison and they would never know it – leaving them exposed to unspeakable dangers.”

The lack of action from state Democratic leaders has been a major source of weakness, according to House Republicans. Only recently has the governor appointed a director for the Department of Development, after going without for nearly seven months.

BOEHNER COLUMN: Fact-Checking the Health Care Debate

WASHINGTON, DC – Congressman John Boehner (R-West Chester) today released the following weekly column fact-checking the health care debate. The full text of the column is below:

“As the majority in Washington continues to push plans for government-run health care, it is easy to get confused by all the conflicting speeches, TV ads and e-mail chains. That’s why I’ve made it a priority to share the facts about these plans with citizens in the Eighth District. Recently, I shared the impact these plans would have on small businesses. This week, I’d like to discuss what the current bills before Congress mean to our senior citizens.

“In the Senate, the Finance Committee continues examining Senator Max Baucus’ costly government-run health care bill. This plan would cut Medicare by nearly $500 billion, slashing coverage millions of seniors depend on, and ultimately eliminating choices currently enjoyed by seniors today.

“In the House, the current version of health care reform, H.R. 3200, is equally concerning. In fact, the bill would take more than $160 billion from Medicare Advantage.

“As you may know, Medicare Advantage is a private health insurance program created to compete with the government-run Medicare program. Medicare Advantage must offer at least the same benefits as traditional Medicare, but many providers include more in a bid to attract customers. For this reason, Medicare Advantage has grown to be quite popular, and now provides 23 percent of all Medicare beneficiaries nationwide – that’s nearly 11 million seniors – with access to high quality health care plans.

“Cuts to this important program would be felt by every single one of Ohio’s seniors who rely on Medicare Advantage to provide them with the care they need, and it would have a big impact on the Eighth District, where more than 50,000 seniors in Butler, Darke, Mercer, Montgomery, Miami and Preble counties enjoy the benefits and flexibility offered by Medicare Advantage.

“The president continues to say that no Medicare beneficiary will see any reduction in benefits or services as a result of health care reform. But that just isn’t the case, and Republicans aren’t the only ones saying so. Last week, Doug Elmendorf, the head of the nonpartisan Congressional Budget Office (CBO), contradicted the president when he told the Senate Finance Committee he “expected the Medicare Advantage plans to lose 2.7 million enrollees over the next decade” as a result of the Baucus plan.

“Perhaps most troubling is the recent moves by the Obama administration to silence companies who are trying to explain to seniors how these plans could affect them. Last week, the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services slapped a 'gag order' on one company for simply distributing information to seniors outlining potential impacts of the Baucus bill.

“This type of censorship has no place in America. Seniors have a right to know how they may be affected by Washington’s health-care planning. When all the facts are laid out on the table, it is easy to see that this bill is the wrong prescription in these tough economic times. It increases health-care costs, cuts Medicare for seniors, imposes new taxes on struggling middle-class families and small businesses and has a trillion-dollar price tag.

“Let me make one thing clear: this isn’t about calling out President Obama for the sake of doing so. The American people have a right to know the unvarnished truth about the potential consequences of this costly government takeover of their health care. The president’s failure to meet this common-sense standard is yet another indication it is time to hit the reset button and start over in a bipartisan way to achieve health care reforms hard-working Americans can support and afford without taking away the high quality care our senior citizens deserve.”

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POLL ANALYSIS: Rasmussen's 2010 Ohio US Senate Race

Here is their analysis, but I want to dig a little deeper in to the guts of this thing...

Before we get to the Senate stuff, let's set the ground work...

Obama Job Approval

33% Strongly approve
15% Somewhat approve
10% Somewhat disapprove
40% Strongly disapprove
2% Not sure

How's that Hope and Change working out for you, Ohio?

Favor/Oppose Healthcare Plan?

Strongly favor 27%
Somewhat favor 17%
Somewhat oppose 7%
Strongly oppose 45%
Not sure 4%

Can you hear me now, Senator Brown?

Strickland Approval

Strongly approve 15%
Somewhat approve 32%
Somewhat disapprove 24%
Strongly disapprove 26%
Not sure 3%

Now...on with the show...

Portman does fairly well winning against both Democratic opponents, but I would like to see something more solid in regards to the Republican primary.

If there is one spot that I think Portman can be viewed as weak it is with the 65+ demographic where Lee Fisher actually beats him. It sure would be nice if Team Portman would address some current issues like the health care bill so we could have some idea what Rob actually thinks on the subject. It isn't as much of a risk as they probably think it is to come out against it as the 65+ crowd is getting wind of just how badly AARP has been screwing them.

Portman wins the Republicans, obviously, but when you add in the fact that he also wins the Independents, this is looking like some very good news for Team Portman. Portman also wins every category of voter that makes over $20,000, so he haw broad support across all classes of Ohioans.

All in all, I'd have to say that while this sounds like great news for Team Portman, there is still a LONG way to go and there are still an aawful lot of people who still don't know who he is or what he stands for. The moderates (going for Fisher and Brunner) and the Independents (going for Portman) are the people to watch as once these two groups realize that they are the same people and have to come to terms with picking their candidate for real, then the fun begins.

UPDATE: ThirdBasePolitics has more analysis of this poll that you don't want to miss.

On Brunner's Perfect Storm of Partisanship

It is no secret that I am not a fan of Jon Husted.

I have said all along that I expect Husted to be found to be within the letter of the law while shattering the spirit of the law.

That said, I must admit that I too was more than a bit surprised by Jenny Brunner's decision yesterday.

And while I do think that the spirit of the law has been crushed by Mr. Husted (and others), I believe that in the end, Mr. Husted ought to be vindicated on this charge. This is a political issue, not a legal one. That Brunner has decided to string this out does show her partisanship, but that was entirely expected...

That doesn't let Mr. Husted's supporters off the hook though. This issue has been brewing for quite some time and everybody knew it wasn't going to go away. Even if the Ohio Supreme Court sides with Husted, Democrats will use the GOP dominated Supreme Court ddecision as ammo against Husted and the entire Republican ticket. They will call it "politics as usual" and the facts of the case won't matter to the Cleveland Plain Dealer when the time comes. They may have an editorial out today that sets the story out right, but mark my words, the 527 Meida in this state will hit Husted and the Republicans HARD for their incompetence in handling this matter.

This will go down as yet another of Brunner's Blunders...but the GOP is not entirely without blame. Had somebody told Jon Husted that we didn't need this distraction while we are trying to convince Ohio voters that we have learned our lesson and are ready to lead again, we'd all be better off.

Mikey DeWine Thinks He's Got a Conservative Record

Check out this absurd email piece that Team Mikey put out:

Dear Supporter,

On Sunday, Fran and I hosted our 30th Ice Cream Social in Cedarville. It was a great day with a banjo band, a world famous magician, sack races and pie-eating contests. Over 1,300 supporters from across the state braved the rain and threat of thunderstorms to enjoy some good, old-fashioned family fun!

We are grateful for the support we received and for all of the work our volunteers did to make our Ice Cream Social such a success!

The level of activity that I have seen among Republicans since announcing my candidacy for Ohio Attorney General is remarkable. Republicans are energized, and ready to get to work!

I am really encouraged with the grassroots support that we are seeing from across the state. I know that with your help, we will usher in a new era of accountability in Columbus.

With high unemployment and a struggling economy, Ohioans are hungry for leadership. As I have done throughout my life, I will lead.

I will lead the fight to turn around our economy.

I will lead in the fight to put Ohio at the forefront of crime-fighting technology.

And, I will lead to eliminate corruption from the halls of the State Capitol in Columbus.

Throughout my career, I have always put principles before politics. I have fought for the rights of all citizens -- both born and unborn. I have worked to lower the tax burden on Ohioans. And, I have fought for legislation to punish those who break the law and protect who cannot protect themselves.


I am running for Attorney General to bring this principled, conservative record to Columbus.

I look forward to further discussion of these issues over the next 13 months.

Very respectfully yours,

Mike DeWine

And, no, I am NOT on Mikey's distribution list. One of my spies sent this over to me knowing that it would make my head explode.

Just how out-of-touch is this guy anyway?

Obamacare: Seniors, You Don't Want Canadacare, so Stand Against Obamacare

Since we need to continue our focus on Obamacare and its disastrous implications for the nation, I thought I would begin to bring back some oldie but goodie articles....Stay tuned for more...and later, some new notices about what churches and the Senate are doing to push this through....Tease: One church tries to invoke the Bible to support Obamacare's heinous initiatives. Wonder if their parishoners know they are lobbying for the culture of death?

Gee, guess it is another case of an Obama lie, or wishful thinking on the electorate? It looks like Obama is going to end Medicare as we know it, and seniors are going to suffer. Dick Morris has the scoop, and the rather senile reaction by seniors, quite frankly:

Obama’s health care proposal is, in effect, the repeal of the Medicare program as we know it. The elderly will go from being the group with the most access to free medical care to the one with the least access. Indeed, the principal impact of the Obama health care program will be to reduce sharply the medical services the elderly can use. No longer will their every medical need be met, their every medication prescribed, their every need to improve their quality of life answered.


It is so ironic that the elderly - who were so vigilant when Bush proposed to change Social Security - are so relaxed about the Obama health care proposals. Bush’s Social Security plan, which did not cut their benefits at all, aroused the strongest opposition among the elderly. But Obama’s plan, which will totally gut Medicare and replace it with government-managed care and rationing, has elicited little more than a yawn from most senior citizens.

It’s time for the elderly to wake up before it is too late!

And Dick Morris uses our neighbor to the North, Canada for those of you living in Cleveland or Akron, to show the folly to Seniors under nationalized care:

Limited colonoscopies have led to a 25% higher rate of colon cancer and a ban on the use of the two best chemotherapies are part of the reason why 42% of Canadians with colon cancer die while 31% of Americans, who have access to these two medications, survive the disease.

Overall, the death rate from cancer in Canada is 16% higher than in the United States and the heart disease mortality rate is 6% above ours’.

Under Obama’s program, there will be a government health insurance company that gets huge subsidies of tax money. It will compete with private insurance plans. But the subsidies will let it undercut the private plans and drive them out of business, leaving only the government plan - a single payer - in effect.

Today, 800,000 doctors struggle to treat adequately the 250 million Americans who have insurance. Obama will add 50 million more to their caseload with no expansion in the number of doctors or nurses. Indeed, his plan will likely reduce their number by lowering reimbursement rates and imposing bureaucrats above them who will force medical decisions down their throats. Fewer doctors will have to treat more patients. The inevitable result will be rationing.

And it is the elderly who rationing will most effect. Who should get a knee replacement a 40 year old or a 70 year old? Who should get a new hip, a young person or an old person? Who should have priority in the operating room a seventy year old diabetic who needs bypass surgery or a younger person? Obviously, it is the elderly who will get short shrift under his proposal.

But the interest groups that usually speak up for the elderly, particularly AARP, are in Obama’s pocket, hoping to profit from his program by becoming one of its vendors. Just as they backed Bush’s prescription drug plan because they anticipating profiting from it, so they are now helping Obama gut the medical care of their constituents.

This is a horrible idea. And our senior citizens will suffer the most. Stand up for them and future generations. Don't let health care be rationed.

Obamacare: Heritage Trying to Tell Seniors The Garbage They Voted For

Since we need to continue our focus on Obamacare and its disastrous implications for the nation, I thought I would begin to bring back some oldie but goodie articles....Stay tuned for more...and later, some new notices about what churches and the Senate are doing to push this through....Tease: One church tries to invoke the Bible to support Obamacare's heinous initiatives. Wonder if their parishoners know they are lobbying for the culture of death?

I have been saying it for weeks in posts about Obamacare and its effect on the elderly. The AARP doesn't seem to be caring much, probably because they are full of lobbyists who think that Obama is the messiah and that Nancy Pelosi deserves her morning routine of 100 dollar hairstyling AND making the Secret Service get her Haagen Daas ice cream, who think they are smarter than everyone else. The Heritage Foundation lays out the numbers:

Losing Your Doctor: Under the current system, more and more seniors are discovering that it is becoming harder and harder to find and keep doctors who will accept Medicare patients. A 2008 survey found that 29% of the Medicare beneficiaries it surveyed who were looking for a primary care doctor had a problem finding one to treat them, up from 24% the year before. This problem is compounded by the fact that our nation is facing a growing shortage of doctors. Obamacare promises to only make these problems worse. First, Obama plans to pay for up to a third of his plan by cutting $313 billion in Medicare reimbursements to health care providers over the next 10 years. This will only force more doctors to stop seeing Medicare patients. Second, Obama’s public “option” could decrease the annual net income of hospitals by $36 billion, while the annual net income of physicians could drop by $33.1 billion. Facing a sharp reduction in their pay, more doctors will retire early and more bright students will elect to pursue other careers, thereby reducing access and ensuring lower quality health care for future generations as well.

Losing Your Coverage: 22% of all Medicare patients, which translates to 10.5 million seniors, are currently enrolled in Medicare Advantage plans. These health plans cover all of the traditional Medicare benefits and much more, including coor­dinated care and care-management programs for enrollees with chronic conditions as well as additional hospitalization and skilled nursing facility stays. President Obama has proposed killing this program entirely. A new study for the Florida Association of Health Plans found that, because Medicare Advantage plans have richer benefits and lower deductibles and co-payments than traditional Medicare, seniors in that state would face dramatically higher payments if forced to give up their Medicare Advantage plans. Cost increases would range from $2,214 a year in Jacksonville to $3,714 a year in Miami.
Rationing Your Care: Another centerpiece to Obamacare is the creation of a federal health board that will ration your health care. Obama supporter and infanticide advocate Peter Singer made the case for rationing health care recently in the New York Times, writing: “The task of health care bureaucrats is then to get the best value for the resources they have been allocated.” Conservatives in Congress have given Obamacare supporters every opportunity to disavow government-rationed health care, but Obamacare supporters have voted down every anti-rationing amendment proposed. Make no mistake, Obama plans to pay for expanded coverage for the young and healthy by denying treatments to the old and sick. Americans can do better.

There is no question that America’s $2.4 trillion health care system needs to be reformed. But it should not be done on the backs of America’s seniors. Conservatives have a better vision for health care reform that cuts health care costs by reforming the tax system, enabling true health care competition, and giving families control of their health care dollars.

Excellent points all around. Seniors, if you voted for Obama, you voted to cut short your own lives.

Obamacare: AARP Has Been in Obama's Pocket and Vice Versa Since Day One...

Since we need to continue our focus on Obamacare and its disastrous implications for the nation, I thought I would begin to bring back some oldie but goodie articles....Stay tuned for more...and later, some new notices about what churches and the Senate are doing to push this through....Tease: One church tries to invoke the Bible to support Obamacare's heinous initiatives. Wonder if their parishoners know they are lobbying for the culture of death?

The AARP is a huge insurance conglomerate. Don't think so? Look at their commercials. They sell life, home, flood, auto, and health insurance. They want to be in on the Obamacare nightmare so they don't get run over by the government.

This article exposes that the AARP is betraying its members:

Marketing operations don't get any slicker than the one behind AARP. Their invitation to join arrived in my mail box even before I turned 50. I joined for one year, but never renewed because I knew the truth about this famous group.

That truth is this: Millions join AARP and in return receive a host of useful services and resources. But their money and influence are hijacked to support causes that are absolutely inimical to their best interests.

The hijacking is the work of AARP's Washington staff, which is an integral part of the tireless liberal lobbying machine that runs 24/7 in the nation's capital pushing to protect and expand current government entitlements and to create costly new ones.

Sound hard to believe? Think again...the article continues....

But AARP's leadership has outsmarted itself by going all out to aid President Obama, Senate Majority Leader Harry Reid and House Speaker Nancy Pelosi in their drive to nationalize America's health care system.

That was predictable, given AARP history. In 2005, AARP led the charge against President Bush's still-born proposal to reform Social Security by allowing younger workers to put a small portion of their contributions into private investment accounts. Two years before that, AARP backed Bush's Prescription Drug Benefit, the largest expansion of the Medicare program since its creation in 1965.

In short, stick around D.C. for any length of time during the past three decades and you likely figured out that AARP's national office was and is today a key player on the side of Big Government, higher taxes and more bureaucracy.

The group has no PAC, which creates a patina of non-partisan respectability, but a look at the political contributions of the people working in AARP's Washington office exposes the real AARP

A. Barry Rand, AARP's CEO, maxed out for Obama in 2008, giving $4,600 to the president's campaign committee and $4,300 to the Obama Victory Fund, a joint production of the Obama campaign and the Democratic National Committee. And AARP general counsel Joan Wise gave $1,000 to Obama.

But FEC records reveal that big bucks for Obama from Rand and Wise are just the opening line of the AARP story. The following data are for 2006 and 2008 and only for individuals who listed AARP as their employer.

Policy director Jill Fensen gave $300 to Obama, while AARP research director Linda Fisher gave $750 to Obama, $2,300 to Hillary Clinton, and $250 to the Virginia Democratic Party. In 2006, Fisher gave a combined $2,300 to assorted Democratic campaign outlets.

Then there is AARP policy director Enid Kassner who gave Obama $750, AARP health advisor Lee Keiser who gave the DNC $500, AARP strategy consultant Joseph Liu who gave Obama $2,300, and AARP project manager Beth Lazur who gave Obama $1,500.

The list goes on and on: AARP speechwriter Erica Nash-Thomas gave Obama $2,350, AARP consultant Bryan Rawlings gave Obama $1,000, and AARP economist John Turner sent $900 to Hillary Clinton, $1,918 to the DNC, and $426 to the Democratic Congressional Campaign Committee. I could keep going here, but you get the picture.

But wait, there is more:

Among so much else, Obama and AARP promise seniors they can keep their present doctors, but an already worsening national doctor shortage will be made far worse by Obamacare. "Cost-saving" fee reimbursements and increased red tape will drive them out of the profession.

And Obama and AARP promise seniors high-quality care, but the Obamacare reality will be long lines and waiting lists for critical treatment and appointments with specialists here, just like in Canada, Great Britain and every other nation with government-run health care.

Finally, Obamacare will give seniors counseling to help them "consider their options" when their health deteriorates beyond a certain point. That's another way of saying Obamacare bureaucrats pull the plug, regardless of the family's wishes, so get ready.

In short, Obamacare means health care rationing for old folks, the sick and the terminally ill. There will be hell to pay for AARP with its members when this ugly reality becomes crystal clear, as it most certainly will.

Elderly people who look to the AARP to help will be rationed health care, and denied; left to suffer and die in the name of efficiency and cutting costs.

We at WMD have been chronicling the healthcare lies. Look under the healthcare tabs and the Obama tabs for more info.

Obamacare: AARP Doesn't Care What You Think, They Want a Piece of Obama's Action

Since we need to continue our focus on Obamacare and its disastrous implications for the nation, I thought I would begin to bring back some oldie but goodie articles....Stay tuned for more...and later, some new notices about what churches and the Senate are doing to push this through....Tease: One church tries to invoke the Bible to support Obamacare's heinous initiatives. Wonder if their parishoners know they are lobbying for the culture of death?

The AARP isn't about seniors anymore. It is about a radical liberal agenda that will kill seniors. And in this video, we get to see how they treat their members who PAY THEIR SALARIES. Check it out. not exactly the best customer service, but typical of liberals.


What about respecting your elders? And that blonde hack who can't even read off a prepared sheet, she disses a man who served his country, a Marine? Who the hell is she serving? It sure as hell ain't the interest of the members. Seniors, I urge you to cancel memberships to this organization that would prefer that Rahm Emmanuel's brother Zeke, the guy who said we should deny care to the mentally ill and those with dementia, as well as those over 65, run your health care instead of you. Stand against these people.

The behavior by these "volunteers" shows you who the true thugs are....Funny, I thought this was a listening session, but the only ones they want to listen are WE the People, not them, the bureaucrats and lobbyist hacks.

UPDATE: AARP Tries to Spin the Rude Behavior of this Moderator: This clown named Drew who used to work for the US Pharmaceutical Industry and is now hacking for AARP is trying to say there were countless better meetings....but he doesn't want to talk about that.....he doesn't want to talk about her and her prepared talking points...What about that, Drew? Get off the Kool-Aid, Drew?


And he has the audacity to say come to their town halls? To what, get abused by someone who wants grandpa's liver? Who thinks these are a bunch of hicks who think these meetings are "fun"? Typical liberal statist elitist hack....

Check this out from Glenn Beck...he lays it out there...

Obamacare: Munich 38? Nope, USA 09.....

Since we need to continue our focus on Obamacare and its disastrous implications for the nation, I thought I would begin to bring back some oldie but goodie articles....Stay tuned for more...and later, some new notices about what churches and the Senate are doing to push this through....Tease: One church tries to invoke the Bible to support Obamacare's heinous initiatives. Wonder if their parishoners know they are lobbying for the culture of death?
Obama and Rahm Emmanuel Want to Kill Senior Citizens...Another Adviser Wants Sterilizations...Well, actually, Rahm's brother, a doctor already in charge of several White House Health programs, thinks it is a waste of time for old people to have health care. Yep, check it out:

Yet at least two of President Obama's top health advisers should never be trusted with that power.

Start with Dr. Ezekiel Emanuel, the brother of White House Chief of Staff Rahm Emanuel. He has already been appointed to two key positions: health-policy adviser at the Office of Management and Budget and a member of Federal Council on Comparative Effectiveness Research.

Emanuel bluntly admits that the cuts will not be pain-free. "Vague promises of savings from cutting waste, enhancing prevention and wellness, installing electronic medical records and improving quality are merely 'lipstick' cost control, more for show and public relations than for true change," he wrote last year (Health Affairs Feb. 27, 2008).

Savings, he writes, will require changing how doctors think about their patients: Doctors take the Hippocratic Oath too seriously, "as an imperative to do everything for the patient regardless of the cost or effects on others" (Journal of the American Medical Association, June 18, 2008).

Yes, that's what patients want their doctors to do. But Emanuel wants doctors to look beyond the needs of their patients and consider social justice, such as whether the money could be better spent on somebody else.

Many doctors are horrified by this notion; they'll tell you that a doctor's job is to achieve social justice one patient at a time.

Emanuel, however, believes that "communitarianism" should guide decisions on who gets care. He says medical care should be reserved for the non-disabled, not given to those "who are irreversibly prevented from being or becoming participating citizens . . . An obvious example is not guaranteeing health services to patients with dementia" (Hastings Center Report, Nov.-Dec. '96).

In other words, no health care for cerebral palsy victims, or people with Alzheimers or Parkinsons. Think I am being too mean, guess what the same writer of the Post article found:

He explicitly defends discrimination against older patients: "Unlike allocation by sex or race, allocation by age is not invidious discrimination; every person lives through different life stages rather than being a single age. Even if 25-year-olds receive priority over 65-year-olds, everyone who is 65 years now was previously 25 years" (Lancet, Jan. 31).

In other words, you seniors got your care when you were 25, now hurry up and die and save us some money. Gee, AARP folks, does this sound like good treatment of the elderly to you?

But wait, Dr. Zeke "Mengele"Emmanuel has more to say. Seniors don't deserve the breakthroughs in technology that have given them better quality of life:

seniors' lives have been transformed by new medical treatments such as angioplasty, bypass surgery and hip and knee replacements. These innovations allow the elderly to lead active lives. But Emanuel criticizes Americans for being too "enamored with technology" and is determined to reduce access to it.

And another so-called doctor on team Obama agrees with him:

Dr. David Blumenthal, another key Obama adviser, agrees. He recommends slowing medical innovation to control health spending.

Blumenthal has long advocated government health-spending controls, though he concedes they're "associated with longer waits" and "reduced availability of new and expensive treatments and devices" (New England Journal of Medicine, March 8, 2001). But he calls it "debatable" whether the timely care Americans get is worth the cost. (Ask a cancer patient, and you'll get a different answer. Delay lowers your chances of survival.)

Obama appointed Blumenthal as national coordinator of health-information technology, a job that involves making sure doctors obey electronically deivered guidelines about what care the government deems appropriate and cost effective.

In the April 9 New England Journal of Medicine, Blumenthal predicted that many doctors would resist "embedded clinical decision support" -- a euphemism for computers telling doctors what to do.

So, if you resist Big Doctor, you are going to be punished. Also, you people who want breast cancer cures, screw you! AIDS research, slow it down! These guys want us to die rather than have funding for research to find cures! In America! But wait, there is more from team Final Solution II: Reich Now, er, I mean the Obama Administration:

Americans need to know what the president's health advisers have in mind for them. Emanuel sees even basic amenities as luxuries and says Americans expect too much: "Hospital rooms in the United States offer more privacy . . . physicians' offices are typically more conveniently located and have parking nearby and more attractive waiting rooms" (JAMA, June 18, 2008).

No one has leveled with the public about these dangerous views. Nor have most people heard about the arm-twisting, Chicago-style tactics being used to force support. In a Nov. 16, 2008, Health Care Watch column, Emanuel explained how business should be done: "Every favor to a constituency should be linked to support for the health-care reform agenda. If the automakers want a bailout, then they and their suppliers have to agree to support and lobby for the administration's health-reform effort."

Gosh, and the libs called us brownshirts! These people make Ernst Rohm, Goebbels, and Mengele seem like choirboys. In America, no less, people! Stand strong. Obama wants to thin the ranks. He believes in the nonsense of Ehrlich and others. I mean, we have his science guy on the record about forced abortions.

But this is at the heart of so-called Progressivism, a cute euphemism for Statist Fascism. Remember, Margaret Sanger is/was a hero to progressives and she wanted blacks dead. She was praised by the Nazis, as well.

Anyone waiting for the crooked cross to be flying over the White House?

UPCOMING EVENT: Eastern Hills Community Tea Party Meeting

Eastern Hills Community Tea Party Meeting

When: Sept 25, 2009 630pm
Where: Madeira City Hall Council Chambers
Corner of Euclid and Miami Rd. Madeira, OH

Details

We will begin the evening at 6:30 p.m. with a mixer for friends, neighbors and patriots to meet. Video presentations of the Voice of America Freedom Rally and the March on Washington on 9/12 will be playing throughout the mixer, while we enjoy some appetizers. During the mixer we will be selling tickets for a chance to win an autographed copy of Oliver North's, "American Heroes" to generate funds in support of our Eastern Hills Community group.

At 7:30 p.m., the meeting begins with our guest speaker Ohio-State Representative, Courtney Combs discussing HCR11, the Ohio State Sovereignty Resolution and its importance. We will conclude the evening with a letter writing campaign to state Representatives and leadership urging their support of the State Sovereignty Resolution.

Please RSVP easternhillscommunityteaparty@yahoo.com by 9/20/09 This will allow us to properly plan food and drinks. We will have a prize drawing from among those in attendance who had RSVP'd.

“The purpose of this resolution is to add Ohio's voice to those of other States to warn the Federal government that its arrogance in dealing with the States is being noticed, and will no longer be tolerated.”

For more on the resolution, click here.

HT: April via email

TIB ANNOUNCEMENT: Guest Co-Host for 9/26 Show -- Wes Retherford

Be sure to join us for the live show on Saturday night as WMD contributor and candidate for Butler County Commissioner Wes Retherford sits in the Whole D@mn Show's seat and serves as our guest co-host for three whole hours of internet radio AWESOMENESS!

The TIB All Stars Show on the TIB Rado Network starts at 6PM Eastern.

Husted vs. Brunner: The Sequel

I was asked earlier today about the lack of Dancing Snoopys...well, all I can say is that I just knew that there would be a sequel.....

Husted vs Brunner the Sequel

This one won't be over until the Fat Lady sings or we have an election... And "our guy" is going to have this hanging over him the entire cycle even if he manages to win this thing.

DOCUMENT: Brunner Decision Re: Husted Residency

Brunner Decison on Husted

Brunner: Husted Violated Election Law

Mark this day down on the calendar of your choice! Why? Because I agree with Chris Redfern...and that NEVER happens...

On the L'Affair Husted, Redfern says this:

“Overwhelming evidence, including utility records and media investigations, shows that Jon Husted does not reside at the Kettering house,” Redfern said. “Today’s ruling calls into question the legitimacy of Husted’s candidacy for Secretary of State, because someone running to be Ohio’s chief elections officer should follow Ohio elections law.”

Let's review what has happened thus far... The Montgomery County Board of Elections deadlocked along party lines and kicked it up to Jenny Brunner who punted it back to the BOE who deadlocked again. The Dayton Daily News did some digging and that made matters worse for Jonny Boy. Eventually the Ohio Supreme Court made the decision that Jenny Brunner had to make a decision and here we are...with the decision that we all knew was coming all along.

Now, my friends in the Ohio Republican Party are trying their hardest to spin this off as politics as usual, but I ask them to take another look at that Zero-Tolerance Policy that Chairman DeWine put in to place...this would seem like a pretty good place to use it. Heck, shutting Husted down might actually strengthen the party's chances as it would demonstrate our willingness to police our own.

At this point, a Ham Sandwich would be better on the GOP ticket than Jon Husted.

Ohio House Republicans on The Future of Ohio

Release:

COLUMBUS — House Republicans today announced in press conferences across the state the Republican alternative to failed Democrat leadership, the “Future of Ohio” plan. House Republicans engaged stakeholders in discussions with the business community early this summer on their ideas for jumpstarting Ohio’s economy. The resulting package of proposals was announced at the press conferences. House Republican Leader William G. Batchelder issued the following statement:

“Today House Republicans unveiled a series of economic development proposals drawn from discussions with constituents and small business leaders across Ohio. This proposal, “the Future of Ohio,” is the Republican alternative to the failed Democrat leadership in Columbus.

The cost of these proposals will be minimal, but the long-term job creation, economic stimulus, will result in far greater revenue in state income than costs. Every job created by these proposals will have a multiplier effect on the local and state economy and will increase tax revenues for state and local government.

It is crucial that the majority hold extensive hearings on these and other proposals that will be forthcoming from our members. No bills have been heard at this time in the Economic Development Committee.”

But Will the Party Continue at V's?

The WMD Flag gets an opportunity to interview Rawnica's Campaign Sign about the latest news that Rawnica plead guilty in the bar bust...


So...you plead guilty to failing to section off the dance stage to keep patrons away from the nude dancers and for serving alcohol to a 20-year-old at your night club.



...



So...you are getting out of the bar business?



...


What's this bit I hear about you getting into more serious issues in Butler County?



...



Haven't you done enough damage already?



...

Is Modern Esquire a Liar on Ohio HB176?

In the comments to this post about Ohio HB 176, Modern Esquire calls my good friend Mark a liar:

The bill does NOT call for the Ohio Civil Rights Commission to work with the Department of Education to create any circulum regarding sexual orientation or gender identity at all.

You are flat out lying about this bill. Quote me the language of the bill that backs these claims up, because I've read the whole thing and cannot find anything that would support such nonsense.

Well, Modern Esquire, you need to read the bill again.

The bill modifies ORC Section 4112.04 so that it says this:

Sec. 4112.04. (A) The commission shall do all of the following:

...

(9) Prepare a comprehensive educational program, in cooperation with the department of education, for the students of the primary and secondary public schools of this state and for all other residents of this state that is designed to eliminate prejudice on the basis of race, color, religion, sex, military status, familial status, national origin, disability, age, or ancestry in this state, to further good will among those groups, and to emphasize the origin of prejudice against those groups and discrimination, its their harmful effects, and its their incompatibility with American principles of equality and fair play;

Strikethroughs represent language being removed from ORC. Underlined text are additions.

Let me take out all the formatting and break this down again:

(9) Prepare a comprehensive educational program, in cooperation with the department of education, for the students of the primary and secondary public schools of this state and for all other residents of this state that is designed to eliminate prejudice in this state, and to emphasize the origin of prejudice and discrimination, their harmful effects, and its their incompatibility with American principles of equality and fair play;

Now, since you're a lawyer, you may not be aware that a "comprehensive educational program" is also known as a "curriculum" in education circles.

If you read the bill -- as you say you have -- then it is you who is "flat out lying" about what is in the bill.

And there is enough libertarian in me that I'm not real wild about government getting concerned with thought crimes...which is the slippery slope that this sort of legislation approaches anyway. I know, that's just another straw man argument or whatever...but it is a real concern.

TIB All Stars -- 091909 -- Live Blog

The TIB All-Stars are on the Air at 6PM Eastern..... Click the link to listen; participate in the live blog...





Listen Now!

Click the "Listen Now!" text above to listen to TIB RADIO.

Rep. Latta on Constitution Day

Statement:

WASHINGTON- Congressman Bob Latta (R-Bowling Green) made the following statement in recognition of Constitution Day.


“Today we celebrate the signing of the United States Constitution and recognize its importance in our nation’s history. We were blessed as a nation to have individuals that put self-interest and sectionalism aside to debate, argue, draft and sign the Constitution. Our Constitution has been that beacon upon the hill, that guiding star at night, and that shining city that millions of persons around the word have longed to be guided by within their own countries.

Earlier this month, I introduced H. Res 734, which recognizes and honors September 17th as Constitution Day. In 1956, Congress established Constitution week so that every American citizen could learn more about the Constitution. In 2004, the 17th of each September was designated as Constitution Day. I am pleased to introduce this Resolution to stand up and support the Constitution because it deserves the recognition, respect, and reverence of all people in the United States.

In celebration of today, I would encourage all Americans to sit down and read this great document. Since the Constitution’s ratification, it has been the framework for our great nation. Not only did great men bring it forth, but for two hundred twenty-two years this Constitution has been paid for by hundreds of thousands of lives- the lives of our brave military men and women. Let the living give thanks to our honored dead who have paid the ultimate sacrifice that the Constitution of the United States remains our guiding light.”

Beck Selected for 67th Ohio House

Release:

COLUMBUS – House Republicans today announced that Peter A. Beck, will serve the remainder of the 128th General Assembly representing the 67th House District.

“I am honored to serve the constituents of Warren County and eager to get to work in Columbus,” said Beck. “As a parent and small business owner, I know the difficulties Ohioans are facing during these tough economic times, and will strive to work toward finding lasting solutions.”

Beck currently serves as vice-mayor of the City of Mason and has also served as a member of Mason City Council from 1999-2003. He is active in many civic activities, including Mason Veterans Memorial Committee; City of Hamilton Business Incubator board of directors; Butler County Certified Development Company; and Ohio Society CPAs. He is a former member of the National Federation of Independent Business. Beck has been awarded various honors, including Ohio Society of CPA Public Servant of the Year; SBA National Accounting Advocate of the Year; and SBA Account Advocate of the year. A veteran of the United States Marine Corps, Beck was a delegate for the White House Conference on Small Business in 1995 and a delegate for the Congressional Small Business Summit from 1996-1998. He is happily married and has four children.

“I am very proud that we had candidates of such caliber apply to represent the constituents of the 67th district,” said Republican Leader William G. Batchelder. “As a result of the screening panel’s recommendation, the caucus has successfully selected Mr. Beck.”

Beck will take the oath of office at the Statehouse next week, officially starting his first term as the 67th House District’s voice in Columbus. After being sworn in, residents may reach Beck at his Columbus office located at 77 S High St, Columbus, OH 43215, through telephone at (614) 644-6027, or by e-mail at district67@ohr.state.oh.us.

Supporters of Issue 3 Sue "TruthPAC" for Lies

Release:

Columbus, Wednesday, September 16, 2009 - The Ohio Elections Commission was asked today by supporters of State Issue 3 to find that the front group for a West Virginia-based casino company – the so-called “TruthPAC” – is in violation of state election laws for making false statements in TV and radio ads currently running throughout Ohio.

The complaint was filed by Pasquale “Pat” Manzi, executive secretary-treasurer of the Columbus and Central Ohio Building and Construction Trades Council, which is supporting passage of Issue 3.

The charge centers on TV and radio ads that question – using false statements – the proponents’ assertion that the jobs created through passage of Issue 3 would go to out-of-state workers, not to Ohioans. In his affidavit, Manzi states that TruthPAC’s ads make false statements “with actual knowledge of their falsity, or with reckless disregard for the truth,” in violation of Section 3517.22(B) of the Ohio Revised Code.

The commercials reference a report prepared by the Economics Center for Education & Research of the University of Cincinnati College of Business. The report was commissioned by the Ohio Jobs and Growth Committee, sponsor of Issue 3.

The TruthPAC ad in question claims “the jobs that are created will go to skilled, experienced casino workers from out-of-state.”

However, the University of Cincinnati study specifically notes that “the data suggest that the vast majority of new casino employees are anticipated to live in Ohio…,” in direct contradiction of the TruthPAC ads.

The complaint also cites as false two statements contained in TruthPAC’s official arguments against Issue 3 as submitted to the Secretary of State.

If the Elections Commission finds the ads or the statements in the arguments against the issue to be in violation of state election laws, it can refer the offending campaign committee to a prosecuting attorney for prosecution.

Section 3517.22(B) of the Revised Code states (emphasis added):

(B) No person, during the course of any campaign in advocacy of or in opposition to the adoption of any ballot proposition or issue, by means of campaign material, including sample ballots, an advertisement on radio or television or in a newspaper or periodical, a public speech, a press release, or otherwise, shall knowingly and with intent to affect the outcome of such campaign do any of the following:

(1) Falsely identify the source of a statement, issue statements under the name of another person without authorization, or falsely state the endorsement of or opposition to a ballot proposition or issue by a person or publication;

(2) Post, publish, circulate, distribute, or otherwise disseminate, a false statement, either knowing the same to be false or acting with reckless disregard of whether it was false or not, that is designed to promote the adoption or defeat of any ballot proposition or issue.

YesOn3 vs TruthPAC OEC Complaint

Warren County Treasurer Begins Second Term

Release:

Warren County Treasurer Jim Aumann began his second term in office last week with little fanfare, but the impact of his first term is felt county wide. Warren County is widely regarded as being in the best fiscal shape of any County in Ohio. The County Commissioners recently cited two factors in the County’s relative success; conservative spending policies and intelligent tax collection and investments by County Treasurer Jim Aumann.

Despite a severe recession across both Ohio and the nation, the Warren County Treasurer’s Office has continued to operate in an efficient and effective manner. The office runs on a budget 50% the size allowed by the State, saving the tax payers hundreds of thousands of dollars. For every dollar spent on the operation of the Treasurer’s Office nearly twenty-four dollars are collected. These successes are a credit to both the knowledge and ingenuity of the Treasurer, and his staff, who have used technology and new procedures to cut the budget without sacrificing work product and maintaining low delinquency rates.

“I appreciate the support and trust placed in me by the people of Warren County and I will continue to use my experience and investment knowledge to assist and aid the taxpayers of Warren County.” Treasurer Aumann said. “I have a small, efficient and talented staff that is vital in assisting tax payers and protecting our hard earned dollars.”

Krikorian's Ignorance on Display Again

Mark this day on your calendar as we don't usually link to BSB at all, and we're going to do it TWICE today...

Modern Esquire has a high-larious piece on the Angry Armenian today that shows us all once again what a total amateur David Krikorian is when it comes to party politics...and it doesn't matter which party either.

GUEST POST: "Responding to Modern Esquire on HB176"

By William G. Pierce

May I respond to Modernesquire? I understand he supports HB176 which he reports that “[i]t just says that schools and school boards cannot discriminate against students and employees on the basis of their sexual orientation or gender identity.”

Once again, he may be right in principle but far from the practice of burying discrimination. As before, I am going to work with the belief that Modernesquire is a business leader – and in particular the superintendent of a local school district. Along with the overriding accountability of establishing the educational philosophy which governs his school district, Modernesquire has the overall responsibility and will oversee the facilities, the budget, long term planning, and even hiring.

Many of the local suburban school districts in southwest Ohio will receive as many 100 times the number of resumes as they do teaching openings leading up to the new school year. Mason Local Schools have reported receiving as many as 800 responses to a single published position. Now I appreciate Modernesquire will not have the time to review the stack of received resumes with the exception of the final four as selected by the HR Department and the building principal, BUT I will guarantee he will be named as a defendant in any pending lawsuit generated on the premise the applicant was discriminated against.

We have all seen or read of discrimination lawsuits based on age, race, gender, weight, disability, and/or religion – all of which removes preciously scarce tax dollars out of the classroom and into the courtroom and do nothing for the children seeking to be educated. Given the fact that very few, if any, applicants are going to list his/her sexual orientation on their resume AND it would be against the law to raise the question during the interviewing process, how would Superintendent Modernesquire propose to protect the district from the potential lawsuits generated by a rejected and disgruntled applicant.

With all due respect to all of humanity, it is relatively easy to observe age, race, gender, weight, disability, and many times religion which operate within a myriad of federal guidelines to promote non-discrimination, but sexual orientation and gender identity are not observable human traits – nor should they be in the interviewing process. Furthermore, once hired they should remain as hidden human traits as the personal sexual preferences of educators should never be subject matter of the children entrusted to them for the purpose of educating them to read, write, and do arithmetic. The principle is as true for heterosexual instructors as it is for homosexual or transsexual educators – a violation by anyone should bring immediate removal from the classroom.

The scenario played out above would be equally true with any business and would require a similar diversion of critical funds for self preservation. It would be particularly devastating to a small business.

It is difficult for me to imagine anyone who would not be angry and disgruntled if they felt that they were discriminated against in the hiring process or while on the staff for any reason. It is equally difficult for me, as a former owner of a small business, to imagine Modernesquire not being angry after having put his heart and soul into the development of a business and then have to endure the burden of the court for a discrimination lawsuit over a human trait for which he had no idea existed.

I am afraid I must side with those who oppose HB176, but I do so simply because it places an unimaginable burden on an employer to avoid discrimination for a trait which should never be demonstrated during the hiring process or the career which may follow.

RELEASE: House Republicans Name Representative Grossman to Leadership Team

Release:

COLUMBUS - Ohio House Republicans today named State Representative Cheryl Grossman (R-Grove City) as the newest addition to their leadership team for the remainder of the 128th General Assembly.

“I am proud to serve on my caucus’s leadership team and have the opportunity to share the ideas and concerns of the 23rd House District,” said Grossman. “There are so many critical issues facing the state of Ohio, and it is an honor to have the confidence of my legislative colleagues.”

Grossman will join Republican Leader William G. Batchelder (R-Medina), Assistant Republican Leader Louis W. Blessing, Jr. (R-Colerain Township), and Whip John Adams (R-Sidney) as the Assistant Whip. The Assistant Whip was elected by all members of the caucus and is responsible for supporting the Republican Whip in monitoring legislation and securing votes for legislation on the floor.

“Ohio’s focus must be concentrated on creating jobs and strengthening our economy,” Batchelder said. “Representative Grossman is a great asset to moving our state in the right direction.”

Ted Strickland's New Program: "Driving Privileges For Who The Heck Knows"

Originally posted at http://www.kylesisk.typepad.com/ last night by Kyle Sisk , but bringing the truth to the masses this afternoon on WMD courtesy of my friend Matt Hurley!

Ohio governor Ted Strickland's hand-picked Ohio Public Safety Director Henry Guzman (2nd from the left) with Strickland himself sitting squarely in the middle of this picture

Some of you are going to think I’ve lost my mind (if you hadn’t already), but former State Public Safety Director Henry Guzman might be providing the dem equivalent of “Coingate” for Kasich & the GOP for the November 2010 elections.

If there is a full-fledged investigation I believe this will be as big or bigger than Coingate.

The MSM should be ALL over this because someone is going to potentially get the elusive Pulitzer which narrowly escaped Jim Drew’s grasp back in 2006 (The Blade's Coingate entry was not awarded a Pulitzer Prize but was one of three finalists in the public service category, considered the highest Pulitzer honor).

There are a LOT of angles to be watching on this so I’ll go slow and use small words for my readers who might be a little slow on the draw:

*Guzman delayed a crackdown for over a year (not weeks or months…a year!) after he met with people who benefitted financially from the Strickland Administration dragging their feet on this issue.

*The regulations were to take effect on 8/1/08, but after meeting with dozens of business owners the day before the regulations were to take effect Guzman decided not to begin the crackdown.

*Who specifically are the 60,000 people (in Ohio & elsewhere throughout the US) who utilized the Strickland Loophole to fraudulently drive the highways, roads, streets, boulevards & drives illegally amongst the citizens of the USA?

*Former BMV registrar Mike Rankin regularly pushed Guzman & his staff to put the stricter policy into effect, but what is the definition of “regularly” here (i.e. once a week? Once a month? More? Less?) and who else did Rankin, Guzman or Guzman’s staff tell about Rankin’s efforts to push Guzman? Is there a paper or electronic trail from Rankin to other people in & outside of state gov’t on this issue?

*Which specific out of state police departments were reporting in on this issue? Who did they report this issue to & how often did this go on?

*Did Rankin resign from the BMV willingly or was he nudged/pushed? If you read my post from yesterday “Modus Operandi” you have got to think that he might have been pushed out of BMV. If he was still in good graces with Strickland he would have gone anywhere on the planet other than Brunner’s office or Marilyn Brown’s office. That speaks volumes to me that Rankin found safe haven with Brunner…which then begs the question: Did Lee Fisher as Lieutenant Governor know about ANY of this stuff? When did he know? What actions did he or his staff take on the issue? Who did Lee or his staff speak to about it and is there a trail there?

*For the entire Strickland Administration the BMV investigators have considered Ohio a haven for this sort of illegal activity. How is it that nothing has been done about this sooner? That is a long time!

*Has there been any sort of cover up whatsoever & if there has who all is involved, who knows about it, when did it begin?

*Has anyone spoken with John Lang Jr (former Public Safety lobbyist) during the Guzman era? He is no longer there and my guess is that he might have a lot to add to the picture from who, what, when, where, why, how much, how often perspective.

There is no possible way on the planet that Guzman or someone who worked for Guzman did not know the names of the dozens of people who were in the meeting on 7/31/08. No way. Who were the car dealers? The finance company people? The insurance company people? The “runners”? Who else other than Enrique Robledo was in the room???

Is the public to believe that governor Strickland’s Department Director who he hand-picked to take this very important job regularly takes meetings with dozens of people who have an intense interest in a major regulatory decision less than 24 hours prior to the implementation of a significant policy change without knowing the names & businesses represented by the dozens of people he is meeting with?

Is that really what we are supposed to believe? Really? How dumb do you think we are???

Where was the meeting? Who scheduled the meeting? Which state employees attended the meeting? Time to check video tape from surveillance cameras to see who was entering & exiting the building before & after the meeting occurred. Time to subpoena emails & phone records of the state employees who had anything to do with scheduling the meeting or who attended the meeting.

Once we figure out who was there then let’s figure out which of these dozens of people, family members of the attendees &/or employees of the attendees have contributed to the Strickland re-election effort or to the Ohio dem Party’s various funds (i.e. is Strickland benefitting in any way from the 8/1/08 delay which everyone with a brain would agree was good public policy to move forward on the crackdown)???

The original “best public policy decision for the voters of Ohio” date was 8/1/08 and the “crackdown” didn’t occur until 8/24/09 so the question is what did 388 days cost the dozens of people in the room via the Strickland re-election effort and has Guzman personally benefitted in any way as well???

Was there a lobbyist(s) involved in any of this and what all has the lobbyist(s) done to make this happen? Which contributions did the lobbyist(s) facilitate?

One life has already been lost by this Strickland loophole (a pregnant illegal immigrant was killed in an illegally registered vehicle driven by her husband).

I am not in any way, shape or form saying the broad brush statement that all illegal immigrants are bad.

I am not saying that at all. I think that is asinine. I personally know some illegal immigrants and they are good people (I wish they wouldn’t kick my ass on the soccer field, but that does not make them bad people).

I am saying two things though that should keep Strickland, Chris “I am the Jordan of Lobbyists!” Redfern and the rest of the dems from getting a good night’s sleep for the next 13 months:

1) Whether one of these 60,000 illegal immigrants is “bad” or not is not the point. The point is that due to the Strickland loophole which Strickland is 100% responsible for there are 60,000 political ticking time bombs out there that could explode at any minute before 11/4/10. If an illegal immigrant who is a good human being has a few too many drinks and plows his car into & kills four pedestrians then those four deaths are on Strickland’s head. If an elderly illegal immigrant who is a great person falls asleep at the wheel, runs a red light and kills a family of five then that is on Strickland as well. Strickland has to hope that nothing really bad happens with 60,000 illegally driving in the US because of his policies.

Before I do #2 I want you to think about life in Columbus on a daily basis without a car. It is one thing to not have a car in San Fran or Chicago or DC where mass transit is clean, efficient and kicks ass, but entirely a different situation when you don’t have a car in Columbus (or other cities like Columbus that do not have good mass transit). It is a huge issue to not have a car.

2) With that as background I will try to word this as carefully as possible so I don’t get hate email. I believe that 60,000 people of any race, creed, religion, sexual orientation, etc. are not all going to be good people. If you set aside any group of 60,000 people even randomly I would argue that the odds of 25 out of 60,000 of those people being very bad would be extremely high odds (i.e. 59,975 good & 25 very bad). My assumption is that number holds true to this group of 60,000 people that Strickland’s Loophole is allowing to drive around the USA illegally. All it takes is one of those 25 people to go rent a van, put together the ingredients for a bomb(s), haul said ingredients back to their place in the van that Strickland’s Loophole has allowed them to drive, make the bomb(s), hop back into the van and park it in front of a building with a lot of Americans inside.

I hope and pray to God that does not happen, but I’d be lying if I said it didn’t scare me that it only takes 1:60,000 for this scenario to occur.

I think it is great that Tom Charles is looking into this. I think Tom Charles does a great job and I tip my hat to him and the track record he has assembled over the years, but I think when this thing is all said and done Tom Charles is only going to end up being a bit player in all of this.

This Strickland Loophole potentially has major homeland security issues…think national agencies with recognizable acronyms on this investigation.

Yep, like I said before. I would not be sleeping very well if I were Ted Strickland, Lee Fisher or a dem on the statewide ticket in 2010.

Sweet dreams.

(Addendum: Interesting news clipping was brought to my attention after posting:

http://www.timesreporter.com/homepage/x79613192

RELEASE: State Reps. Announce Lawsuit Regarding Video Lottery Terminals

Release:

COLUMBUS – State Representatives John Adams (R-Sidney), Ron Amstutz (R-Wooster) and Seth Morgan (R-Huber Heights) today announced that they have joined with the Ohio Christian Alliance in filing a lawsuit with the Ohio Supreme Court to oppose the unlawful expansion of gambling in Ohio.

“This governor and the House majority have sidestepped their legislative responsibility by relying on executive orders,” Morgan said. “They have subverted the will of the Ohio people, ignored the Ohio Constitution and have given the people of Ohio little recourse other than filing legal challenges as a chance to stop this expansion to Ohio gambling.”

“It’s time to find a remedy to the ruff shod way the will of the voters has been thwarted,” stated Amstutz. “I believe that the Ohio Supreme Court is the correct place to overturn the outrageous actions that have violated our state constitution in so many ways.

“It is against the principles of this state to prohibit the citizens from challenging a law that the Legislature passes and the governor signs into law,” Adams said. “When a section of a bill clearly goes against the Ohio Constitution, citizens have the right and the obligation to stand up and object.”

Under House Bill 1, the Ohio Legislature, along with Governor Strickland, included a provision to allow slot machines at Ohio racetracks. The complaint is that under the Ohio Constitution, this kind of action is not permitted. To complicate matters, a section was included that prohibited citizens of this state from filing a grievance with any court save the Ohio Supreme Court, or to take this issue directly to the ballot.

Cincinnati: Wenstrup Outraises Mallory / Mallory Cancels Debate

Release:

CINCINNATI, OH - Brad Wenstrup, candidate for Cincinnati Mayor, apparently raised more money than incumbent Mayor Mark Mallory during the last reporting period according to amended papers that Mallory filed with the Cincinnati Elections Commission on September 11. Mallory's report overstated his contributions by $62,990 or approximately 300%.

A story in the Enquirer from September 5 reported that Mallory made more money than Wenstrup, his opponent, by a factor of almost 2 to 1. In reality, Wenstrup raised more money than Mallory during the reporting period by $17,920.

Mallory filed an amended report on September 11 showing that he raised only $32,948.00 to Wenstrup's $50,868.

"I am honored by the amount of support that has allowed me to raise more than Mark Mallory during this period, and I look forward to continuing a strong and winning campaign," Wenstrup said.

Also, I have heard that the Little Mayor that Could has also canceled a debate that was previously agreed to...sounds like the guy is running scared!

RELEASE: $104 Million Expansion Circumvents Process

Release:

Columbus – State Representative Jay Hottinger (R-Newark) today spoke out against 21 State Controlling Board requests that increase state spending by more than $100 million and contradict the legislative authority of the General Assembly.

“Unfortunately, members of the current administration cannot live within their means and have ignored the most important piece of legislation that the 128th General Assembly has passed—the state budget,” Hottinger said. “This continued trend of state agencies attempting to circumvent the legislative process by asking the Controlling Board for additional funding increases is unacceptable.”
Specifically, Hottinger questioned 21 appropriation requests by 14 state agencies, which would increase state expenditures by more than $104 million over the next biennium.

“The $104 million price tag associated with these requests could have avoided devastating cuts to our public libraries and saved educational programs for economically disadvantaged children,” Hottinger said. “The budget boondoggle of 2009 is still fresh, and cuts to public programs and their devastating effect on the people of Ohio still populate news headlines. When will we examine the fundamental structure of state government and how we do business?”

GUEST POST: "Healthcare Policy and Its Impact on Nurses"

By Adrienne Carlson

We can talk and argue about it till we’re blue in the face, but that’s not going to really affect the healthcare reforms that have been proposed by President Obama. From the look of things, he seems bent on going ahead with his plan because he seeks to bring about positive change, one that will ensure that all Americans have access to affordable healthcare. The President plans to eliminate wastage from Medicare, Medicaid and other government sponsored programs and also reduce tax deductions for the super rich in order to produce money to fund the proposed reforms.

So if the common man is set to gain through Obama’s proposal, what does it hold for nurses? For starters, the proposal calls for more primary care physicians in order to provide basic healthcare in emergency rooms and in rural settings. Nurse practitioners are already taking care of the healthcare needs of patients in rural areas by doing the jobs that physicians are supposed to do. But they are bound by licensing and state rules, some of which allow them unfettered freedom to not only treat patients but also prescribe medicine, and others that require them to practice medicine only under the supervision of a licensed physician.

With the proposed reforms, President Obama hopes to make the jobs of nurses easier and more fulfilling by:

Encouraging nurse practitioners to aid and assist primary physicians in both outpatient and rural settings.

Reducing the amount of paperwork they do, a task that takes up a large chunk of their time, by modernizing health records

Investing in preventive medicine that helps keep patients out of hospital

Making their lives much easier and by this, helping to draw more young people to the nursing profession and reducing the shortage that this industry faces.

Encouraging them to use their education and skills to improve patients’ experience during their stay in the hospital.

There are fears among those in the healthcare community that with people shifting (or being forced to move en masse) to the government sponsored healthcare plan, doctors and other healthcare professionals are going to have to endure pay cuts. While this is still conjecture at this point, it remains to be seen how the reform will play out.

This guest post was written by Adrienne Carlson, who regularly writes on the topic of nurse practitioner schools. Adrienne welcomes your comments and questions at her email address: adrienne.carlson1@gmail.com