New RNC Chairman

Congrats to Michael Steele, the RNC Chairman.

What this will mean for the Republican Party, don't know. I doubt that the color of this man's skin will encourage others to join the party. As I've mentioned before staying the conservative course and explaining how it will improve people's lives will make a difference.

I've been impressed with him when I've heard him speak. I wish Mr. Steele the best.

Note to self

Write to Senators Kohl and Feingold and Representative Moore about the non stimulus package.

It's our right and duty to express our views.

Keep the email hot for next week to express views to State Senator Taylor and State Rep. Kessler.

Assembly Bill 1

This bill also sets a goal that at least 2 percent of the aggregate value of the annual purchases of products and services by a local governmental unit (which
includes cities, villages, towns, counties, and special purpose districts, which include schools and technical college districts) will be from Wisconsin−based businesses. A further goal is that, in any year, the percentage of the aggregate value of purchases of products and services from Wisconsin−based businesses will not be lower than it was in the previous year.

At first glance this looks good, but after some thought I wonder how will this be monitored? It also occurred to me that what will happen if the Wisconsin businesses aren't price or quality competitive? Will they get a pass just because they're from our state?

The more I think about this, the more it looks like throwing a fancy rug over the dust.

Ooops, I'm not Bush

So President Obama tries getting in via the window, but who takes the heat? Former President Bush. What media bias !!!! Heck I'm surprised the window didn't open automatically for him.

Don't call me

Roth tries to end automated political calls.

This is a law that should be a no brainer. It's time for legislators to put their constituents interests in front of theirs.

I had far too many calls this last election, I bet you did also.

Kid Care Fraud

The Milwaukee Journal Sentinel needs to be commended for getting action out of the state and county for their series entitled "Cashing In On Kids."

Now what's needed is not the blame game, but a concerted effort to clean this mess up. I find it hard to believe that they can't find the money to expedite this. Take some of the 340 million dollars in this fund, hire some people to root out the fraud and I bet there will be more money for those who really need it to be dispersed.

Also in their investigations, they should make those who've received monies prove it was earned legitimately. If not, prosecute and get a refund.

Absolutely Sick

PELOSI SAYS BIRTH CONTROL WILL HELP ECONOMY

How far have we come and where is this type of thinking leading? This is so wrong.

More Fraud

As the government asks for more money we are seeing that they are being poor stewards of that money. I don't know about you, but my pockets aren't that deep. Here's an excellent investigative article by the Milwaukee Journal Sentinel titled Child-care scams rake in thousands.

Now I was a single parent. I would have loved to have a program like this when my children were younger, but I had a choice to make, either child care or independent living. I chose to move in with my parents so I could continue the child care while I worked.

Now I understand not everyone is as lucky as I was, but then we have these people who are abusing a system set up to help them succeed. To make it worse, state and county workers can't or won't control the fraud. Well guess what, this is my money and I want not only some oversight, but I want total oversight and fraud protection as part of any public money disbursement.

In What World

According to an AP article posted on Yahoo here's the headline "Obama breaks from Bush, avoids divisive stands"

You've got to be pulling my leg.

He largely avoided cultural issues; the exception was reversing one abortion-related policy, a predictable move done in a very low-profile way

Low key or not. This is divisive.

Also, while a new White House rule limits staffers' previous lobbying activities, exceptions were made for at least two senior administration officials.

So you set a rule and then immediately make exceptions? That's not controversial at all.

He ordered the Guantanamo detention center shut within a year, required the closure of any remaining secret CIA "black site" prisons abroad and barred CIA interrogators form using harsh techniques already banned for military questioners

Again, who writes these headlines and do they read the articles?

Just a bunch of hogwash.

He Won - and he don't have to do it

Interesting article in the New York Post and the lead story on Drudge.

What makes this quote interesting

That wasn't Obama's only jab at Republicans today.

In an exchange with Rep. Eric Cantor (R-Va.) about the proposal, the president shot back: "I won," according to aides briefed on the meeting.

"I will trump you on that."

was a story from an Obama supporter today at work.

This customer who's friend is a friend of Rahm Emanuel said that the President was in a meeting with a military higher up about the closing of Gitmo. The military person was respectfully disagreeing with the President and Vice President and Mr. Obama ended the conversation by saying something to the effect "I'm agreeing with the Vice President and you sir are forgetting that you're talking to the President. You sir are excused." Thus ending the meeting.

I think we're seeing a trend here. Well guess what, the election is over. Now the work begins, and everyone has a right to express their views and vote the way they want. One cannot rest on their laurels of winning.

Roe v Wade

I'm pro life. Phil Keaggy wrote this song, Little Ones some 20 years ago that still applies today. Who will speak up the little ones?

Government Stimulus

The more I'm hearing about the new stimulus package, bail-out or whatever it's going to be called, the more disappointing it is becoming. Is there really any money that will help the general public grow financially?

Question for Republicans

On the Jan 18th, UPFRONT with Mike Gousha, Reince Priebus Talks About Rupublicans' Future. To be upfront about this, I've met Mr Priebus, but this was years ago when his wife taught my grandson in first grade (about 8 years ago). No politics was discussed.

In this interview Mr. Priebus said the following "I don't think our message is off, I think our messengers are off."

Well I have to say I agree totally. But the bigger problem is that not only are messengers off, I don't think they are buying the republican program. Being a conservative I tend to lean republican, but I have a problem with this party when they stray (and they have strayed) from the basic conservative values it once held dear.

Less government involvement gives all of us more freedom. Less taxes and spending will allow individuals to use their money to earn more, be that in starting or growing a business or if they choose spending their money as they see fit.

For the republican party to think that more government is good and the representatives are wiser about spending their constituents money makes them democrats. My humble suggestion to Mr. Priebus is to maybe have a platform that is simple for the legislators to understand.

A Colorful Prayer

I don't know much about Dr. Joseph Lowery, but I do know about what I call propaganda prayer. This was one. Propaganda prayer is one when pushes a viewpoint on spiritually trapped listeners.

The final part of this prayer is offensive to me.

help us work for that day when black will not be asked to give back, when brown can stick around, when yellow will be mellow, when the red man can get ahead, man, and when white will embrace what is right.

I understand the practical ramification of Christian faith. But I respectfully disagree with Dr. Lowery in his benediction. When praying, one's concern should be spiritual in nature, not racial propaganda. God doesn't care about one's skin color, no matter what the color of a man's skin it's all dust. God cares about the soul, the eternal part of the man.

What's needed is very simple, Thou shalt love the Lord thy God with all thy heart, and with all thy soul, and with all thy strength, and with all thy mind; and thy neighbour as thyself. (Luke 10:27)

Happy Birthday Brian

Need to start the day off by wishing my son, Brian a very happy birthday. He's a young man whom I'm very proud of and love.

winner or whiner

My participation in sports has provided me with many opportunities to see bad losers. I've also seen my fair share of bad winners or should we say bad whiners. Here's an absolute lack of class that I'm saddened to say I believe will follow this new administration.

Changing of the guard

From the Ann Althouse live blog of the inauguration. 12:14: "We will harness the sun" = first comically grandiose statement of the new Prez.

Had to change my employees list today. Will miss former President George W. Bush.

abstinence

Interesting thought process here. According to the Yahoo/AP article

critics of abstinence-only sex education will be making an aggressive push to cut off federal funding for what they consider an ineffective, sometimes harmful program.

Yet we read this in a Milwaukee Journal Sentinel article from Nov 18.

The region should applaud data released Tuesday that shows a 10% drop in teen births - to girls ages 15 to 17 - in Milwaukee.

We're certain this community emphasis contributed to this drop - from 55.43 teen births per thousand females (ages 15 to 17) in 2006 to 50.03 in 2007. It has been accompanied by a public awareness campaign in the community and the schools. The drop also can be seen as part of what had been a national trend - until recently.

I'm seeing a mixed message here. Either the current policies are working to cut teen pregnancy or they're not. I fear what those who are against abstinence only policies consider harmful is their existence. I hope the pol's don't fall for the line from lobbyists.

Prostitution Free Zone

According to WUSA9

District police have placed signs along 5th and I Streets. They read, "Warning, Prostitution Free Zone." Those who disobey could be fined 300 dollars, and even jailed.

How the heck are all the politicians going to cross the street and move around if this is the case?

Well maybe some types of prostitution are legal?

Say Something

SOMETHING

Again I see another Obama message that says nothing, communicates nothing, nor really inspires me to jump on the bandwagon.

Here's the quote from the Washington Post

"As President, I will need the help of all Americans to meet the challenges that lie ahead," Obama said in a video message e-mailed to supporters (and reporters) this morning. "That's why I'm asking people like you who fought for change during the campaign to continue fighting for change in your communities."

Seriously, what does that mean. I'm weirdly looking forward to the change in administration so I can hear something substantial from him.

Cold weather melts ice at Pettit center

Go figure, read the rest from the Milwaukee Business Journal.

it is about him

The Drudge Report has this tonight...

OBAMA SKIPPED BUSH GOODBYE?

At 8 pm, just as pres bush began his farewell speech peotus obama left blair house for the 30 second drive to equinox restaurant on connecticut and I st.

Pool is holding outside... DEVELOPING...

If this is true, it's another indication of the arrogance of the PEOTUS.

Really Mr. Waxman?

Rep. Henry Waxman, D-Calif. said this "Our environment and our economy depend on congressional action to confront the threat of climate change and secure our energy independence"

I think God has something to say about this Mr Waxman. You have little to no effect on the envir0nment. You could help by stopping all the hearings and in essence saying less.

to smoke or not to smoke

Makes you wonder what really is important - $ or health?

The Fond du Lac City Council will allow smokers to take their last puffs inside local taverns on Super Bowl Sunday.....The council then voted 4-3 to allow a Super Bowl delay

This from the Fond du Lac Reporter

Bailout

This whole bailout scenario is interesting. I'm the first to admit that I don't understand the macro or micro economics of what we are facing. At times both sides make some sense and at times both sides seem out of line.

One aspect of the bailout that is driving me insane is the reaction on the state level. No one seems to want to move until they have money from the national government in hand. What I'd like to see is the local-state governments go about their business and do what is right no matter how much bailout money they think they are going to get. Once the money is doled out then they could apply the extra money to projects that are currently scheduled to be either started or completed.

One of the selfish aspects of this pig trough money grubbing is the Santa Claus atmosphere in virtually all local levels of government. These purveyors of the taxpayers money have been blinded by "change we can believe in" and are blind to common sense and accountability.

Class Act

Watched the Fox News interview with both President Bush 41 & 43 and not only did Britt Hume do a nice respectful job, but both 41 & 43 were impressive.

Now say what you want about the man's politics GW Bush is a class act. Neither man took the opportunity to rip the incoming administration.

One of the most notable impressions I got from the interview is the love each of the men have for each other. Not only in words, but reactions to what the other said. Just as importantly was the respect they had for the office of Presidency. No question neither man thought they were above the office. I'm not so sure one could say that about some other previous Presidents.

Craig Gilbert wrote an article about the realness of President Bush and in every interview I've read and seen I would have to agree.

I can't help it, I just like the guy and have from the beginning.

I should have known better

From Bloomberg.com via ABC's "This Week" here's what Barack Obama has to say about things he promised during the campaign.

“I want to be realistic here, not everything that we talked about during the campaign are we going to be able to do on the pace we had hoped,”

The good news here? Barack wants to be realistic. The bad news? It makes one wonder what data his election team was looking at or if he just plain lied to the masses to get elected.

So we look at the new promises from the President to be.

forecasts his two-year stimulus proposal would generate as many as 4 million jobs

This is 1.5 million more than before. How did the sudden increase happen?

Another 604,000 jobs would be created or saved in the retail sector and 408,000 in manufacturing.

Will jobs saved become on notch on the belt of the new plan and not just jobs created.

In the silence is golden diplomacy Mr. Obama stayed firm as he declined to be drawn into a substantive discussion of the new violence between the Hamas in the Gaza Strip and Israel.

chop chop the budget

From TwinCities.com

MADISON, Wis. — Solving Wisconsin's budget problems may mean cutting prizes at county fairs and grants to bolster minority businesses.

The head of Wisconsin's Department of Administration sent a letter to state agency secretaries this week, listing those grants and others as potential cuts. Legislative approval would be needed.

The memo says the cuts could range from 10 percent of the grants to the entire amount not already awarded. Gov. Jim Doyle has said he wants to cut $25 million in grants to deal with this year's $386 million budget shortfall.

Other possible targets are grants for programs promoting clean water and recycling and fighting smoking and compulsive gambling.

What are the odds of this happening?

Obama Site Linked to 'Bush Shoe Toss' Event

Absolutely no class. A sign of things to come? I'm afraid this will be the case.

Read the article and excuses.

Government as Business

I've noticed something very interesting in reading politicians reactions and solutions to our current economic situation. It's a very simple often secondary thought and Milwaukee County Supervisor Elizabeth M. Coggs puts it as well as anyone I've read when talking about the Task Force on Work Reform for Men.

As a catalyst to building strong families and economic growth, it is reasonable that more emphasis be placed on males as heads of households in order to become productive taxpaying citizens within Milwaukee County.

Is it really the job of governments to make constituents productive taxpaying citizens so they can reel in more taxes?

Now maybe I'm reading more into this statement than I should, but this theme seems mighty prevalent in many statements I've been reading. It could also be a difference of philosophy of government between the liberals and the conservatives.

Stiffer penalties cost plenty

So says the headline on JSOnline.

Again I'd like to propose the legislature looking at auto confiscations as a part of any change in the drunk driving laws. Will it eliminate the additional costs? Probably not. But the whole point of the proposed changes in the law is to lower the cases of OWI and even more importantly to save lives.

who do you know wants your money

Now the porn industry wants bailout money. Seriously, these goofs think that people can't live without their services. It's not like someone will quickly take their places once these businesses bite the dust. This quote by Larry Flynt (as in The People vs Flynt) is just priceless

"People are too depressed to be sexually active," Flynt says, "This is very unhealthy as a nation. Americans can do without cars and such but they cannot do without sex."

I'm going out on a limb here, but I imagine a large majority of American are doing quite well in the sex area without even thinking about Hustler and Girls Gone Wild.

2x the Budget

The Postcrescent has an excellent editorial today concerning the size of the Wisconsin Budget. According to the article.

The $5.4 billion is the total projected deficit, starting in July 2009, for the two years. It's $2.9 billion in 2009-10 and $2.5 billion in 2010-11

I'm a simple guy who asks simple questions and wants simple truthful answers. Why the shell game with Wisconsin resident's money? Be honest and do the job you're hired to do. Don't cover up or butter up, just lay it on the line.

perez on coulture - well sort of

So Miss Coulter has written another book and to me the biggest shame is her wardrobe. You'd think she could at least get a different color dress or a different pose for the cover.

Now on to Perez, from Newbusters the sleazemeister Perez Hilton, says "She's not very friendly with the gays...but that's okay I'm friendly with everyone." Well this could be the reason why, "Perez Hilton addressed the Coulter bumping controversy directly, as he challenged the conservative author: 'Ann Coulter, if you’re watching, bite me!'"

Maybe in Hilton's world that's a sign of endearment.

decisions - not barack

I've said it before, I'll say it again. This guy has trouble making decisions, even food. I wonder if the fawning world governments will wait to do things until he makes up his mind?

mono bi partisianship

Here's to working together, according to Human Events,

House Speaker Nancy Pelosi plans to re-write House rules today to ensure that the Republican minority is unable to have any influence on legislation

I remember some of the hearings before the 1994 Republican sweep and what jerks the committee chairmen were. If I remember correctly Rep Gonzalez from Texas was awful. He wouldn't even let Republicans ask questions he deemed no relevant to what he wanted to approve.

the House Republican leadership is sending a letter today to Pelosi to object to changes to House Rules this week that would bar Republicans from offering alternative bills, amendments to Democrat bills or even the guarantee of open debate accessible by motions to recommit for any piece of legislation during the entire 111th Congress.

When these "reforms" are enacted I wonder how the media will report what's happening.

Here's a Government Problem - actually a voter problem

The lead paragraph in this story from the Eau Claire Leader Telegram plainly lays out the problem with government today. I'd like to say it distinguishes the conservatives (Republicans) from the liberals/progressives (Democrats), but recent history tells us this isn't the case.

Newly elected state legislators often head to Madison with big dreams of all they can accomplish - and spend - for their districts.

The article interviews 3 freshman Democratic representatives, Kristen Dexter of Eau Claire, Chris Danou of Trempealeau and Mark Radcliffe of Black River Falls. With the budget a top priority here's the concern of these new representatives according to Danou

"the budget mess "is going to limit our ability to do a whole lot. Anything we do is probably going to be revenue neutral."

Well actually not so Mr Danou. Instead of looking for ways to spend your constituents money, how about looking for ways to give it back to them or not take it all.

Is it Easy being Green?

In an earlier blog I suggested that this is the year that whole global warming farce will face some tough questions. It looks like the whole "green" thing may come under some tough questions also.

With prices for recycling dropping like my belly, it seems that being green doesn't make sense unless it makes dollars and cents, at least according to Cory Tomczyk, owner of IROW, a waste hauler in Mosinee.

In an article in the Wausau Daily Herald,

"Once an industry that could turn profits, recycling is costing waste haulers and material processors more money than it would to throw recyclable material in a landfill, according to business owners and officials."

So your city/county/state/country makes you recycle and what may be the results?

The Solid Waste Management Board in Portage County, where about 75 percent of recycled material from Marathon County ends up, will explore changes that could include charging a fee for recycling, taking a recycling recess or asking that state money from landfill fees be diverted to municipalities to offset costs.

The charge for recycled material would be passed down to municipalities and eventually residents, said Meleesa Johnson, solid waste administrator for Marathon and Portage counties.

How often are we going to see mandated laws and then the people will have to pay to follow these laws. It's getting past crazy. Legislators need to step back and do a reality check.

In Hawaii there is no info

president-elect Obama is very quite about the middle east. As often as he pontificates on domestic issues, no one seems to know where he stands on the touchy situation in Gaza.

Ralph Peters of the New York Post has a very insightful article.

who do you know want to seize your car

One of my first blogs was about the drunk driving laws and legislatures views on them from the Journal Sentinel. Neither of my state representative, Fred Kessler nor Lena Taylor answered the survey questions. So I emailed each to get their answers, Rep. Kessler replied, Senator Taylor didn't. I will contact Ms. Taylor again once she's sworn in, this coming Monday.

Though I'm a bit conflicted I think that one of the things that should be looked at is vehicle seizure. Total DUI is an interesting site and here's some info from them.

In Naperville, Illinois, officials are taking a tough stance against drunk driving. Drivers arrested for DUI can now have their vehicles seized and forfeited.

Since the beginning of 2008, Naperville has seized 78 vehicles after DUI and criminal arrests. Police Chief David Dial says that approximately five vehicles a week are seized in Naperville due to a state program that now allows the vehicles of drunk drivers to be seized. Under Article 36 of Illinois criminal code, any vehicle used in the commission of one of 48 different crimes, including Illinois DUI, may be seized and forfeited

Last week, for the first time in Canada, cars were permanently seized in Ontario from repeat DUI offenders and eventually towed to public auctions to be sold. Proceeds of the sales will go to victims of crime and anti-drunk driving organizations.

I also found this from a Minnesota's lawyers site.

vehicle forfeiture subsequent to conviction for a designated offense for operating a motor vehicle while under the influence of alcohol is statutorily proscribed and set forth in Minnesota Statute section 169A.63. The Minnesota Supreme Court and the Minnesota Court of Appeals has held that vehicle forfeitures are mandatory, not discretionary as a result of a conviction for a designated offense.

I think that this should at least be discussed or looked into if not enacted into law.