What's a couple of taxes amoung friends

Today's paper edition of the Journal-Sentinel opinion page was like walking down peddlers row. Lee Holloway wants his additional sales tax increase and of course we can't forget about the Chicago-Kenosha-Racine-Milwaukee train gang. They want the ability to add, an additional sales tax to fund the choo choo.

Seriously folks every little bit hurts - us the taxpayers.

Liberal Talk

From BrewCity Radio, a forum I read about radio. This is about the Chicago radio ratings just published.

And the 4 stations of Air America have a .5 combined. That is .125 per station. If those people run the Government like they run radio stations ain't none of us ever gonna make any money ever again.

Pot Holes

From the MJS.

Milwaukee Ald. Jim Bohl plans to unveil a new idea Monday for fixing the city's deteriorating streets by using tax incremental financing.

Interesting idea from MY alderman. I'm interested to see how this will work and even more interested in having the battle zones called streets fixed.

God Bless America

Just finished watching the 1952 series "Victory at Sea." I need to shout it from the rooftop I'M PROUD TO BE AN AMERICAN. I don't care how arrogant it sounds, I don't care how anyone reacts to it. We've done the world pretty dog gone good.

This series ends with video of victory parades from around the world after WW2. It just makes me want to shout with joy.

Now along with this I need to thank God that he allowed me to be born in this great country, at this point in time, for some very special reason. I'm also very humbly proud to proclaim Jesus as my Lord and Savior and am eternally grateful.

I feel good.

GM CEO resigns at Obama's behest

This seems very wrong.
From Politico (and a bunch of other places).

Tosa Republicans

Tonight was "Thirsty Thursday" a new event for the Wauwatosa Republicans. It was a nice short meeting with Tosa Mayor, Jill Didier, speaking about how she's trying to contain the budget. Can you imagine that! A pol who didn't want to raise taxes (taxes were up 1% in Tosa this year, she confessed). Considering what they are raising everywhere else, I don't think that's too bad.

Had some nice conversations and learned more about the Republican Party. It seems that the grassroots level is not so pleased with the more publisized Republicans. This was good to hear. It may be time to shake the tree and remind the legislators that they are the servants and not the lords in our political system.

Fore

County Executive Scott Walker will take part in an annual tradition to open the Milwaukee County Parks golf courses. Walker and members of area golf groups are scheduled
to line up for a tee-off opening at Currie Park Golf Course today at 3:00 pm.

Walker will announce the “Stay Local – Play Local” golf specials that will be available at 15 courses within the Milwaukee County golf system designed for all skill levels.

NO complaints from the County Board.

Sen. Kanavas, Rep. Vukmir. Introduce bill to dissolve Milwaukee Public Schools.

From the Wheeler Report:

State Senator Ted Kanavas (R-Brookfield) and State
Representative Leah Vukmir (R-Wauwatosa) introduced a bill to dissolve Milwaukee Public
Schools (MPS) and permanently replace it with eight smaller, independent school districts.

I don't have a problem with this in general, though having gone through the MPS from K-12, I'm a bit nostalgic for the good old days.

What I don't understand is the timing of this bill. Today the "The Fiscal Impact of the
Milwaukee Parental Choice Program 2009" report is released and this bill is introduced.
We are also only two weeks from a DPI Superintendent Race.

Now both of these legislators are fine politicians, but why stir the pot today?

Walker Doesn't Raise Taxes

The county board isn't happy with Scott Walker - again.

"Scott Walker really hasn't said anything that I haven't heard before," 18th District County Supervisor John Thomas said. "What I was really looking for was for him to come up with different revenue sources for Milwaukee County. Constituents approved a one percent referendum."

Stop - Stop - Stop digging in my pocket Supervisor Thomas. What I'm looking for is a way to make the most use of the money you already have and maybe even give some of it back.

Joint Finance

I stopped by the Joint Finance hearings today, out of curiosity and to hear what was being said.

Sheriff Clark was beginning his 6 minutes when I entered the hearing room. He is really well spoken. Milwaukee Mayor Tom Barrett also spoke while I was there. Likeable enough, but I did keep my hands on my wallet as he spoke. Increase this, increase that, very typical Democrat.

The hearing room was full as was the overflow room and the entrance area was packed and busy with people entering and leaving. It sort of makes one proud to see that on a Wednesday morning the people still care enough to share their opinions.

I do wonder how much these events change the minds of the legislators. Even so, worth my time to see our representative republic style of government at work.

My Sister in Venezuela

I don't understand some things. Here's one.

Venezuela's Chavez calls Obama "ignoramus"

Venezuela's President Hugo Chavez said on Sunday his U.S. counterpart Barack Obama was at best an "ignoramus" for saying the socialist leader exported terrorism and obstructed progress in Latin America.

A formal City Hall ceremony Tuesday morning will include the signing of Common Council-approved documents executing the City of Milwaukee’s “sister city” relationship with Carora, Venezuela.

Mayor Tom Barrett will take part in the signing ceremony, which will include a welcome by Common Council President Willie L. Hines, Jr.
Ald. Joe Davis, Sr., chair of the Sister Cities Committee and the Council’s Community and Economic Development Committee, will host the event,

According to the President, Venzuela exports terrorism yet Milwaukee brags on a sister city there. Someone has some xplainin' Lucy.

Rep Moore talks Crap with Mike Gousha

On today's Upfront with Mike Gousha, my Congresswoman Gwen Moore talks about her $500,000 Poop To Power Earmark. On the issue of how does it create jobs - no answer. She's not ashamed about her cheerleading Poop To Power segment on Fox News either.

Also in this issue of Upfront Ms. Moore doesn't answer any questions about the AIG fiasco. About why she voted on it in the first place "the republicans fault."

I have to say Mike Gousha is usually a pretty good interviewer. In both of these segments he lets the congresswoman get away with not answering any questions he asks. Was he afraid of her or would he rather not ruffle feathers to get to the truth of the matter. Either way, this was a piss poor effort by him.

Illegal Aliens and Basketball

So Gov Doyle wants to allow illegal aliens who graduated from a Wisconsin High School to pay in-state tuition charges. You can read about it at the Wisconsin State Journal, MJS, plus a boatload of blogs are commentating on this.

So what does this have to do with basketball? With the state high school basketball season just ending and on my mind and what I'd call an injustice in the WIAA process I've come up with what I think is a good if not great question.

The Background
The WIAA runs most high school sports. In general a good organization. The WIAA is the organization that determines eligibility of athletes. For instance because of concerns with open enrollment and school hopping (read recruiting) an athlete can change schools after their freshman year and remain eligible for the remaining three years. If they transfer after that they must sit out a season and lose one year of eligibility. Unless the family moves into the district.

A dilemma for the WIAA is home school athletes. Under WIAA rule they are not eligible to play on WIAA teams

Q.: Can home school student compete for their attendance area high school-without any additional issues?
A.: No. Both our middle level and 9-12 members have determined and agreed they can/will only use their own, full-time students on their interscholastic athletic teams. Our association is not a park and rec, or a YMCA - it was not formed to serve a general public; only the full-time students of members.

The above Q&A if from here. Besides being an arrogant and demeaning answer, this leads up to my question.

The Question
Why does an illegal alien living in a school district have the privilege to play in WIAA tournaments, yet a home schooled student/athlete doesn't.

Boys BB Congrats

Way to go for another fun and exciting boys high school basketball tourney and the state champs.
Division 1 - Madison Memorial 56 - Racine Horlick 41
Division 2 - Wisconsin Lutheran 79 - Monroe 67
Division 3 - Racine St Catherine 48 - La Crosse Aquinas 34
Division 4 - Benton 55 - Wisconsin Rapids Assumption 43

And how about Dominic James playing after breaking his foot last month. Oh to be young and healthy. I get a paper cut and I'm on the DL for weeks.

Go for the gusto Sen Lassee

Sen Lasee, your bill, SB130, is almost right. As I've suggested before, don't pussyfoot around this. Why wait until the fourth DWI to confiscate the car. Do it on the first offense. Not only that, grab the car that the person is driving, theirs or not. This will stop "friends" from borrowing their car to drunk buddies.

Leaning left on recall

I've been thinking about the recall effort against Gov Doyle. The more I think about it the more I'm against it. I understand the emotionalism it brings from the right. I agree that the Gov hasn't done a good job with the budget, unless of course you like higher taxes and fees. But I'm not so sure that with a real election just around the corner that the timing and energy to do this correct.

Get the DVR ready

From WisPolitics

WisconsinEye: Set to offer comprehensive coverage of statewide budget hearings

Time to clear those old movies off the hard drive.

More school workers could get state pensions

According to the LaCrosse Tribune

Education support staff would be treated the same as teachers in terms of how quickly they can enter the state retirement system and when they can retire, under a proposal in Gov. Jim Doyle’s budget.
The changes would increase costs to the system and raise benefits for teachers’ aides, cafeteria workers and clerical staff who would be affected.

Is there anywhere in the Doyle budget that he at tries to lower the burden on taxpayers? So far the answer is no.

Arrogant

From the Community Journal - Gwen Moore is now taking credit for yanking the bonuses from AIG.

The

"Bill would demand accountability to taxpayers"

Congresswoman Moore, you need to be accountable to taxpayers and your constituents. You voted for this without knowing what was in it.

"There are people in my community who are losing there jobs and facing perilous economic difficulty; for taxpayer dollars to go towards bonuses for individuals who have played a key role in our economic downturn is unacceptable"

Congresswoman, you got a raise. You didn't have to vote on it, it came automatically. Whether you want to admit it or not, you and your co-horts are also responsible.

This is shameful.

Doored

From the Wisconsin State Journal

Madison is taking action to make it safer for bicyclists riding near cars parked on the street.

The City Council on Tuesday made it illegal for someone to open the door of a parked or standing vehicle into traffic without checking to make sure it’s safe.

First of all, how often does this type of accident happen? Bicyclists claim it's "too often" which doesn't sound like a study's ever been done.

Secondly, who's gonna admit to not checking before opening the car door? It seems a safe argument would be that the guy on the bike was going too fast and was not in the side view mirror when I opened the door.

Thirdly, according to the article there's a state law "that requires bicyclists to ride at least three feet from a parked vehicle." If a bike crashes into a car door within the three feet, who's to blame then?

Crazy Lenny would have a ball with this if he'd still be around.

He's Classy

Say what you want about President GW Bush, he's class act. It's too bad the Democratic former Presidents haven't followed the same game plan.

Former President George W. Bush says he won't criticize President Barack Obama because Obama "deserves my silence,"

AIG Bonus

Didn't they vote for the pork package, the bailout, the stimulus?

Maybe they did a Bozo NoNo.

Thomas Hits the Nail on the Head

From the WBDJ7 website, Supreme Court Justice Clarence Thomas said the following

"The message today seems more like ask not what you can do for yourselves or your country, but what your country must do for you,"

BINGO, we have a winner. A far cry from President Kennedy's inaugural statement.

Waupon -3 Schools

According to an article on CSB 58 WDJT-TV, the Waupon School District is closing 3 elementary schools and letting 30 employees. The Mayor of Fox Lake, where one of the schools being closed is located, asked to allow the city to withdraw from the district. It was denied. One of the reasons is that school board president Cathy Loomans gave was she didnt' think the request represented the majority of Fox Lake residents.

Maybe we'll see a referendum to find out.

New Logo

Here's the new Wisconsin Department of Tourism logo. Very different and I understand it very well.

The guy above the state name is being held up by Gov Doyle and the legislature and shaken to make sure every penny drops out of his pockets. I think this logo must be left over from budget hearings.

The Chicago Tribune's take " Life isn't so good anymore, Wisconsin, but live like you mean it!" The article explains all the nuances I missed out when seeing the logo the first time. Did you know that Wisconsin has a brand manager? It's Sarah Klavas.

Change that Name?

I watched the documentary today on Channel 10 called "Braves New World." As a kid growing up in Milwaukee during the Braves time here and as a homer type fan, I found the show really good and it brought back a bunch of memories. Very informative also.

But a couple of clips showed what looked like Indians dressed up in tribal garb celebrating the Braves time here with one very distinct clip after the World Series win in 1957.

It got me to wondering, what type of scorn would a professional sports team with the Braves or Redskins have to put up with in todays politically correct climate. Or would they be welcomed with open arms like the Milwaukee Braves were or would some state senator try to make them change their name.

Hoops

I love the HS Basketball Tourney. I love HS sports in general.

Congrats to the following girl basketball teams on their state championships.

Division 1 - Milwaukee Vincent 48 - Milwaukee King 47
Division 2 - Grafton 54 - Durand 52
Division 3 - Amherst 41 - Cuba City 37
Division 4 - St. Mary Central 45 - Potosi 42

The big winners are all those who participated. Congrats all.

School Vacation

Here's an interesting story in the Racine Journal Times about the school year.

State lawmakers want to repeal the law that restricts when Wisconsin schools can start.

So here's the fight. The tourism bureau wants a post Sept 1 start so more families can take advantage of the summer season and Labor Day to take one last family vacation. School districts want the option to a flexible school start so teachers can more easily attend their continued education classes (the only reason given for the early start). Schools are required to be in session 180 days.

It's an interesting battle. The tourism side of the battle, a late start, seem to be very open about their reasons. The other side wants local control and flexibility in setting their calendar. It would be intriguing to see what a repeal of the law would bring. Would it affect football and other sports, like giving some schools who start early an advantage over those who start later? How early would the schools start?

I have to admit I don't see what the problem is. Is the post Sept 1 start really that big a deal in "creating a calendar?" There must be an issue I'm not understanding and the repeal side isn't pushing. I'd like to know what the real issue is.

FEEd ME

The LaCrosse Tribune as well as other newspapers are carrying the AP story about Gov Doyle and his increase in not only taxes, but fees. It seems that these fees are the new tax - non tax. The line in the story that jumps out at me is this by Lee Sensenbrenner

“We realize that these are costs but we are basing them on the service people get for these fees,” he said. “When you see a fee increase, you’re getting a service that justifies that cost.”

Oh really? What about the $10 fee for drivers licenses? What service is the state providing that justifies that cost?

Updating Site

I'm in the process of trying to be more of a servant here and as a result I've added a bunch of links to Conservative Wisconsin Webbloggers. I'll be visiting the listed sites and adding more over the next week.

I want to thank Fred Dooley for the advice he gave about Google Reader as I'm starting to get the hang of it and it is a great time saver.

Now Let's Try This In Wisconsin

From the LaCrossse Tribune

Wisconsin’s U.S. senators have split their votes on an amendment that would change the way members of Congress are awarded pay raises... Currently, salary increases are automatic. The amendment would have changed that, forcing members of Congress to cast votes whenever they want to boost their pay...The senate voted down the measure Tuesday 52-45, with Democrats largely opposing it and Republicans generally supporting it...Among the 10 Democrats who opposed the automatic pay raises was Sen. Russ Feingold.

This is another thing I agree with Sen Feingold on. I hope this doesn't become a habit.

Now the Wisconsin legislature needs to vote on the same type of law. Nothing should be automatic. Raises, the gas tax, nothing.

Get Up and Fight

Wisconsin Eye is running the AFP event from last weekend. It's really quite inspiring. I'd think that no matter what your political persuasion you'd find this a jump start to do what is stirring in your heart.

I see an excitement in the few conservatives I know. A friend of mine asked me the other day, what can I do to get involved?

There is a hunger out there. The question is what group will take advantage of the hunger?

I hope it is the conservatives and Republicans. The battle was lost the last election, but not the war.

2nd Drinking Right

I changed hours with a co-worker that allowed me to attend my second Drinking Right event. I must say that I enjoyed myself.

What's amazing for me is that the men and women who I enjoyed listening to aren't just political junkies. They have many different likes and it's fun to listen to them share their experiences. Getting there a bit late, I'm sorry I didn't get the chance to talk to a few people who I wanted nor meet some of the others there. I'm looking forward to future events and meeting fellow bloggers "in real life" as Fred Dooley from Real Debate Wisconsin so aptly put it recently.

Can't see what you're saying

This image sort of reminds me of the Democrats vs Republicans and conservatives vs liberals.

I'm not sure if the just refuse to communicate or are to proud to actually talk to one another. I don't mean talk "at" one another, but to each other. Try to understand what is being said and then discuss the issues not personalities.

The politicians that bother me are those who are arrogant and assume just because they hold the positions they do that they and their opinions are somehow superior to those of us who don't hold public office.

What brought this about is that over the weekend there was the following event: Americans For Prosperity, Defending the American Dream Summit — Wisconsin. This was a conservative event. It was by all reports very well attended and very inspirational, especially if you are a conservative.

I visit a good dozen liberal webblogs every day and I was amazed at how they covered this event, while most of them didn't attend. And to say that the progressive bloggers were unkind is an understatement.

I believe it is essential we who disagree on issues should discuss those pro's and con's of our views. We need to keep personal attacks out of the equation, especially cheap shots that have nothing to do with the issues.

Could St. Louis lose its Catholic hospitals under new federal abortion legislation?

From Stl.com

A proposed bill promising major changes in the U.S. abortion landscape has Roman Catholic bishops threatening to close Catholic hospitals if the Democratic Congress and White House make it law...A proposed bill promising major changes in the U.S. abortion landscape has Roman Catholic bishops threatening to close Catholic hospitals if the Democratic Congress and White House make it law.

This will be interesting. Will the Catholic Church stand it's ground against mandating abortion? I've got a feeling they will.

I wonder what the national fallout will be. What will the Catholic Milwaukee area hospitals do? I do believe they will stand up against the "evil" the article quotes.

I've also got a feeling that we are soon going to see a "truth in advertising" movement from the voting public. Will they continue to allow legislators to call themselves something, in this case Catholic, and vote against the basic tenets of what they label themselves.

It reminds me of something I heard years ago. Just because I go into McDonald's every week, it doesn't make me a hamburger.

Disappointment in Sen Taylor

I've emailed Senator Lena Taylor, twice in the last few months and I have had a response either time. No thank you, but I'm busy, no answer to my questions, nothing. I'll be calling her next week to get some answers from her. This is sad.

Both times I've contacted Rep Kessler, he's answered my questions in a timely manner.

Waukesha drafting ordinance on mandatory sick pay

From the MJS

The Common Council has directed City Attorney Curt Meitz to draft an ordinance that prohibits city government from dictating wage and benefit packages to private business.

The move is a response to the November referendum initiative approved in Milwaukee that requires businesses to provide up to nine sick days to employees.

Several suburban communities, including Franklin, Grafton, Menomonee Falls and Cedarburg, have passed similar ordinances.

If this sick pay ordinance was such a good idea, why are all these Milwaukee area communities not jumping on the bandwagon? Ms Bravo needs to do a better job of "educating."

This thought crossed my mind also

From Beloit Daily News editorial.

WHEN THE supposed tax break to boost the middle class is fully in place, it appears most working folks will see a whopping extra 13 bucks or so in their paycheck for a week's work.

Meanwhile, the recently passed federal legislation will increase benefits for the unemployed by $25 a week.

So, if our math is correct, the legislation pays $12 more a week not to work than it does for those who are working.

It does seem a bit out of wack. But I'd rather have my job than not.

Follow Thru Rep Fields

Rep. Jason Fields has a great press release about MPS. I sure hope he follows through and that other Milwaukee legislators join him.

Wisconsin citizens filing early, electronically

Unless of course you use a Mac. A friend of mine stopped by last night to use my PC because the state website wouldn't recognize Adobe on his Mac. Not sure if this was an IO (idiot operator) problem or not. But he said he was on the phone to the Department of Revenue for a quite while to get this resolved. They told him to punt.

Lt.Gov Lawton in DC to talk about global warming.

Lt. Governor Barbara Lawton is in Washington D.C. today and tomorrow to meet with Senators Herb Kohl and Russ Feingold, and Representatives Tammy Baldwin and Gwen Moore about reducing greenhouse gas emissions, investing in renewable energy technologies and creating jobs in the green economy.

I've got a feeling that gas emissions from that meeting won't help with global warming. At least this one didn't get snowed out.

STUPAK, KAGEN ANNOUNCE NAVY CONTRACT FOR MARINETTE MARINE

According to a press release, "U.S. Congressmen Bart Stupak (D-Menominee) and Steve Kagen (D-Appleton) announced that the U.S. Navy has awarded a contract to Lockheed Martin Corp. that will allow Marinette Marine to begin acquiring materials for the construction of a new Littoral Combat Ship (LCS)."

Being a bit of a neophyte to the process of politics, I often have questions when I read news like this.

They are:
1) Exactly what did these two congressmen do?
2) Is it part of their job to shill for a particular company?
3) Does the Navy take bids for this work?
4) Did the company officials for Marinette Marine do anything get this contract?
5) Is this a case of someone taking credit for results they didn't really have anything to do with?

I would like to comment on something Congressman Kagan said.

I am working hard to keep and create jobs in Marinette and throughout Northeast Wisconsin,

Congressman, may I suggest you stop raising taxes and give every person in your district a raise instead of voting to raise their taxes and lower their disposable income.

Lose the Light Rail

On todays UPFRONT with Mike Gousha they had a segment titled "High Speed Rail All But Reality Here In Milwaukee." It featured Kevin Brubaker of the Environmental Law and Policy Center from Chicago.

Kevin's line of choice is "It's our to lose." The good news about rail, it will only take you 1 1/2 hours to get 90 miles south to Chicago and 1 hour to get 60 miles west to Madison. But the pitch here is that we're to be concerned with the time it takes to get from Milwaukee to Madison on HIGH SPEED RAIL, but the quality of the ride.

Of course we can't expect this venture to be profitable, as Mr. Brubaker plainly states in this interview "It's impossible for trains to make a profit." So his idea is that we subsidize the people like him to travel so he can be more productive in his business.

Sounds like a heck of a plan to me.