Update: This morning, on a heavily traveled road in the north end of Columbus, I saw something left by a highway blogger----
The war is a lie
Impeach
Robert Novak in the Chicago Sun-Times, wrote the following:
.....The incumbent Republican House members who won by less than 2 percent of the vote in 2006 and are targeted for 2008 include Representatives Heather Wilson of New Mexico; Deborah Pryce of Ohio; Mike Ferguson of N.J.; Jon Porter of Nevada; Jim Gerlach of Pennsylvania, and Jean Schmidt of Ohio.....
-Wilson's name was mentioned in the recent scandal involving the firing of the U.S. Attorneys. (Wash. Post)
-Ferguson, according to the NY Times, won by just 1.4% and the DCCC has targeted New Jersey's 7th district.
-Porter voted against timetables for the troop withdrawal from Iraq.
-Jim Gerlach still has not returned the money he got from Tom DeLay's ARMPAC.
-Jean Schmidt is falling behind in her own fundraising (Politico) and people in her district are getting frustrated with her unwavering support of Bush's Iraq war.
-And our own Deborah Pryce who continues to support Bush's failed Iraq war strategy. Pryce, no longer a congressional leader, has pretty much lost the power to deliver jobs and economic development for Ohio's 15th district. Anyway, she has never delivered anything to this district except more Wal-marts.
Perhaps with Jennifer Brunner's help, Ohio may have free, legitimate, and honest elections in the near future.
Monday, April 30, 2007
Friday, April 27, 2007
Gun Law Not Enforced by Taft and Petro
Today it was revealed that the administration of former Gov. Bob Taft and former Attorney General Jim Petro had failed to fully protect the people of Ohio. Toledo Blade:
Ohio has not been conducting mental health background checks as required under its concealed carry law and has not supplied the same information to the federal government for gun purchase checks, Attorney General Marc Dann revealed this morning.
A rapid check of the state’s database in the wake of the Virginia Tech shootings two weeks ago showed that two people in Lucas County had been issued permits to carry hidden handguns who should not have been under the law. Two others in Lorain and Summit counties held permits before being adjudicated mentally ill and should have lost those permits as a result.
The state does not know how many people may have been allowed to illegally purchase firearms because Ohio has failed to forward the same information to the FBI for entry into the database it uses for background checks.
"I am absolutely livid," said Mr. Dann, who took office in January. He characterized the problem as "serious and inexcusable" and said he was investigating to see who dropped the ball that Ohio’s 2003 law authorizing law-abiding citizens to carry hidden handguns put into play.
He said his Republican predecessor, Jim Petro, indicated he didn’t realize that the mandatory checks weren’t being done.......
He didn't realize the checks weren't being done?????? In other words, he didn't do them. Not only have the Ohio Republicans participated in unethical activities while in office, let a coin dealer invest funds designated for injured workers, awarded state contracts to political contributors, chased businesses out of the state, but they also did not perform mental health checks on those applying for gun ownership. They were not doing their jobs! Incredible!
Ohio has not been conducting mental health background checks as required under its concealed carry law and has not supplied the same information to the federal government for gun purchase checks, Attorney General Marc Dann revealed this morning.
A rapid check of the state’s database in the wake of the Virginia Tech shootings two weeks ago showed that two people in Lucas County had been issued permits to carry hidden handguns who should not have been under the law. Two others in Lorain and Summit counties held permits before being adjudicated mentally ill and should have lost those permits as a result.
The state does not know how many people may have been allowed to illegally purchase firearms because Ohio has failed to forward the same information to the FBI for entry into the database it uses for background checks.
"I am absolutely livid," said Mr. Dann, who took office in January. He characterized the problem as "serious and inexcusable" and said he was investigating to see who dropped the ball that Ohio’s 2003 law authorizing law-abiding citizens to carry hidden handguns put into play.
He said his Republican predecessor, Jim Petro, indicated he didn’t realize that the mandatory checks weren’t being done.......
He didn't realize the checks weren't being done?????? In other words, he didn't do them. Not only have the Ohio Republicans participated in unethical activities while in office, let a coin dealer invest funds designated for injured workers, awarded state contracts to political contributors, chased businesses out of the state, but they also did not perform mental health checks on those applying for gun ownership. They were not doing their jobs! Incredible!
Democratic Debate
Last night I watched the Democratic debate that was featured on MSNBC. As I watched, I realized that the candidates for President were all extremely well-informed about the topics presented to them. Those I felt did especially well were Sen. Obama, Sen. Clinton, Gov. Richardson, and Sen. Edwards. I feel that if anyone of these would win the nomination that they could win the election. If you go to the MSNBC website, you can watch the entire debate online.
Wednesday, April 25, 2007
Pryce Votes To Continue Iraq War
Republican Rep. Deborah Pryce was among those Republicans who voted against HR 1591, Roll Call Vote 265 (http://clerk.house.gov/evs/2007/roll265.xml).
NY Times:
The House on Wednesday narrowly approved a $124 billion war spending bill that would require American troops to begin withdrawing from Iraq by Oct. 1, setting the stage for the first veto fight between President Bush and majority Democrats.....
.....“This bill is a statement that Congress will no longer fund the war as it exists today,” said Representative Louise Slaughter, the New York Democrat who is chairwoman of the Rules Committee, as she opened the debate...
While Pryce voted against fixing a timetable to end the war, more Americans were killed in Iraq. ICasualties has the following fatalities from Iraq:
NY Times:
The House on Wednesday narrowly approved a $124 billion war spending bill that would require American troops to begin withdrawing from Iraq by Oct. 1, setting the stage for the first veto fight between President Bush and majority Democrats.....
.....“This bill is a statement that Congress will no longer fund the war as it exists today,” said Representative Louise Slaughter, the New York Democrat who is chairwoman of the Rules Committee, as she opened the debate...
While Pryce voted against fixing a timetable to end the war, more Americans were killed in Iraq. ICasualties has the following fatalities from Iraq:
| U.S. Deaths Confirmed By The DoD: | 3324 |
| Reported U.S. Deaths Pending DoD Confirmation: | 10 |
| Total | 3334 |
Rudy Doesn't Want to Discuss Iraq
How does Rudy Giuliani think that he'll be elected president even though he won't discuss Iraq? From the Huffington Post:
Republican presidential contender Rudy Giuliani said Tuesday he couldn't evaluate whether President Bush's 10-week-old troop increase in Iraq was working.
Republican presidential contender Rudy Giuliani said Tuesday he couldn't evaluate whether President Bush's 10-week-old troop increase in Iraq was working.
"I don't know the answer to that," the former New York City mayor told reporters after speaking with a group of business leaders in the first-in-the-nation primary state.
Giuliani did, however, have an opinion on what he said is necessary for victory in Iraq _ an emphasis on helping Iraqis rebuild their country.....
It doesn't appear that Rudy has enough information about Iraq. What has he been studying? Is he ignorant about the entire war? By the way, hasn't Rudy heard that our country has spent billions and billions of dollars already rebuilding Iraq? Does he want us to spend more?Tuesday, April 24, 2007
Debbie Doesn't Like Mondays
Republican Rep. Deborah Pryce (OH-15) did not vote on 3 bills before the House of Representatives on Monday, April 23rd. According to the Washington Post, Pryce did not vote on Monday on Vote 245, Vote 246, and Vote 247. Does this mean she was not at her office in the House of Representatives? Her job is to represent the people of the 15th congressional district and the way she does her job is to vote.
Looking back at Pryce's voting record, Pryce also missed votes on:
Monday, March 19, 2007 (Washington Post: Vote 157, Vote 158, and Vote 159),
Monday, March 12th, 2007 (Washington Post: Vote 136, Vote 137, and Vote 138),
Monday, February 5th, 2007 (Washington Post: Vote 74, Vote 74)
(*Note: Pryce missed the whole week of votes 2/5/07-2/8/07: Votes 74, 75, 76, 77, 78, 79, 80, 81, 82, 83, 84, 85, 86, 87, 88, 89, 90, 91, 92),
Monday, January 22, 2007 (Washington Post: Vote 45, Vote 46).
The next time Pryce is in a forum in which citizens can ask questions, someone should ask her why she continues to miss her votes on Mondays. If you were an employer, and one of your employees continued to miss work on Mondays, you'd fire that person. If you were a teacher, and a student missed school on Mondays, you'd make a phone call to his/her parents, and demand answers about the absences.
It is time for Pryce's constituents to take her to task for these missed votes.
Looking back at Pryce's voting record, Pryce also missed votes on:
Monday, March 19, 2007 (Washington Post: Vote 157, Vote 158, and Vote 159),
Monday, March 12th, 2007 (Washington Post: Vote 136, Vote 137, and Vote 138),
Monday, February 5th, 2007 (Washington Post: Vote 74, Vote 74)
(*Note: Pryce missed the whole week of votes 2/5/07-2/8/07: Votes 74, 75, 76, 77, 78, 79, 80, 81, 82, 83, 84, 85, 86, 87, 88, 89, 90, 91, 92),
Monday, January 22, 2007 (Washington Post: Vote 45, Vote 46).
The next time Pryce is in a forum in which citizens can ask questions, someone should ask her why she continues to miss her votes on Mondays. If you were an employer, and one of your employees continued to miss work on Mondays, you'd fire that person. If you were a teacher, and a student missed school on Mondays, you'd make a phone call to his/her parents, and demand answers about the absences.
It is time for Pryce's constituents to take her to task for these missed votes.
Monday, April 23, 2007
Don't Touch?
>When I read about Karl Rove's latest behavior, I immediately recalled the the MC Hammer song, Can't Touch This---
Huffington Post:
Last night Thelma and Louise drove the bus off the cliff or at least into the White House Correspondents Dinner. The "highlight" of the evening had to be when we were introduced to Karl Rove. How excited were we to have our first opportunity ever to talk directly to the Bush Administration about global warming.
We asked Mr. Rove if he would consider taking a fresh look at the science of global warming. Much to our dismay, he immediately got combative. And it went downhill from there......
.....At some point during his ramblings, we became heartbroken to think that the President of the United States and his top advisers have partially built a career on global warming not being real. We have been telling college students across the country for the past two weeks that government does not change until people demand it... well, listen up folks, everyone had better get a lot louder because the message clearly is not getting through.
In his attempt to dismiss us, Mr. Rove turned to head toward his table, but as soon as he did so, Sheryl reached out to touch his arm. Karl swung around and spat, "Don't touch me." How hardened and removed from reality must a person be to refuse to be touched by Sheryl Crow? Unphased, Sheryl abruptly responded, "You can't speak to us like that, you work for us." Karl then quipped, "I don't work for you, I work for the American people." To which Sheryl promptly reminded him, "We are the American people."
At that point Mr. Rove apparently decided he had had enough. Like a groundhog fearful of his own shadow, he scurried to his table in an attempt to hibernate for another year from his responsibility to address global warming. Drama aside, you would expect as an American citizen to be able to engage in a civil discussion with a public official. Instead, Mr. Rove was dismissive, condescending, and quite frankly a bully....
I am not surprised. Rove reminds me of that kid that was always bullying others, but never got caught. Now Rove is a major adviser to the President of the U.S. God help us!
>Senate Majority Leader Harry Reid believes President Bush is in denial about the Iraq War.
MSNBC:
With a veto fight looming, Senate Majority Leader Harry Reid said Monday that President Bush is in a state of denial over Iraq, “and the new Congress will show him the way” to a change in war policy.
Huffington Post:
Last night Thelma and Louise drove the bus off the cliff or at least into the White House Correspondents Dinner. The "highlight" of the evening had to be when we were introduced to Karl Rove. How excited were we to have our first opportunity ever to talk directly to the Bush Administration about global warming.
We asked Mr. Rove if he would consider taking a fresh look at the science of global warming. Much to our dismay, he immediately got combative. And it went downhill from there......
.....At some point during his ramblings, we became heartbroken to think that the President of the United States and his top advisers have partially built a career on global warming not being real. We have been telling college students across the country for the past two weeks that government does not change until people demand it... well, listen up folks, everyone had better get a lot louder because the message clearly is not getting through.
In his attempt to dismiss us, Mr. Rove turned to head toward his table, but as soon as he did so, Sheryl reached out to touch his arm. Karl swung around and spat, "Don't touch me." How hardened and removed from reality must a person be to refuse to be touched by Sheryl Crow? Unphased, Sheryl abruptly responded, "You can't speak to us like that, you work for us." Karl then quipped, "I don't work for you, I work for the American people." To which Sheryl promptly reminded him, "We are the American people."
At that point Mr. Rove apparently decided he had had enough. Like a groundhog fearful of his own shadow, he scurried to his table in an attempt to hibernate for another year from his responsibility to address global warming. Drama aside, you would expect as an American citizen to be able to engage in a civil discussion with a public official. Instead, Mr. Rove was dismissive, condescending, and quite frankly a bully....
I am not surprised. Rove reminds me of that kid that was always bullying others, but never got caught. Now Rove is a major adviser to the President of the U.S. God help us!
>Senate Majority Leader Harry Reid believes President Bush is in denial about the Iraq War.
MSNBC:
With a veto fight looming, Senate Majority Leader Harry Reid said Monday that President Bush is in a state of denial over Iraq, “and the new Congress will show him the way” to a change in war policy.
Reid, D-Nev., said the Democratic-controlled House and Senate will soon pass a war funding bill that includes “a fair and reasonable timetable” for the withdrawal of U.S. combat troops. In a speech prepared for delivery, he challenged Bush to present an alternative if, as expected, he vetoes the measure...
Bush, Gonzales, and Rove seem to be in their own little club. They just don't get it. They don't want to hear opposing views and they certainly aren't interested in real discussions about issues. Their minds are made up and nothing can change them. Bush calls himself "the decider." Gonzales says, "I can't recall." Rove doesn't want to be touched. What a bunch of fools!
Friday, April 20, 2007
Ohio At the Center Again
Democrats will again work to gain congressional seats in Ohio. According to a New York Times article, the 1st, 2nd, and 15th congressional districts are prime targets for the Democrats. New York Times:
It is difficult to identify many Democratic setbacks in the House elections of 2006, when the party gained 30 seats and captured the majority after 12 years of Republican rule. But if Democratic House campaign strategists had to pick one state where they hoped for a better outcome, it would be Ohio.....
This little tidbit from the same NY Times article refers to Republican Rep. Deborah Pryce (OH-15):
....The other big target for Democrats is the 15th, where Pryce defeated Franklin County (Columbus) Commissioner Mary Jo Kilroy last year by 1,062 votes in one of the closest races in the nation.
Kilroy said last month that she will seek a rematch. But Paula Brooks, a fellow county commissioner, also is exploring a bid against Pryce.....
Will Pryce survive her next re-election attempt? Only time will tell. If she continues to support President Bush's unending war in Iraq, central Ohioans may decide it is time to bring fresh representation to the district. The other component to the next election will be the work done by Ohio Secretary of State Jennifer Brunner to get rid of the corrupt Republican control in Boards of Elections across the state.
If we have fair elections in Ohio next time, and Pryce continues her rubber stamp approval of Bush's Iraq war, voters in the 15th will retire her in November 2008.
Thursday, April 19, 2007
Ponder This
*Looks like Karl Rove made a visit to Ohio last night. Coshocton Tribune:
Karl Rove has been a lightning rod for controversy in the camp of President George W. Bush.
But even with a few protesters holding signs at the entrance to the McDonald-Marlite Center here, Rove was unflappable amidst the partisan crowd Wednesday night as the keynote speaker for the Tuscarawas County Republican Party's annual Lincoln Day Dinner.....
I'm so glad I missed him.
*The FBI has been busy investigating another Republican lawmaker. The Fresno Bee:
The FBI raided the Virginia home of Rep. John Doolittle and his wife on Friday, executing a search warrant for materials related to Julie Doolittle's company, Sierra Dominion Financial Services.
The raid was believed to be in connection with the ongoing federal investigation of the political corruption scandal stirred by disgraced lobbyist Jack Abramoff, a one-time Republican star who last year pleaded guilty to three felony charges of defrauding Indian tribes and corrupting political officials.
Abramoff had a close friendship with the Doolittles. The congressmen aided several of his clients, and Julie Doolittle worked for the high-profile lobbyist....
*Sen. John McCain says he supports "no gun control." Huffington Post: Republican presidential candidate John McCain declared Wednesday he believes in "no gun control," making the strongest affirmation of support for gun rights in the GOP field since the Virginia Tech massacre....
It seems that the more McCain talks, the less attractive he appears as a candidate.
Wednesday, April 18, 2007
Ohio
One hundred and forty-three Ohioans have been killed in Iraq. (ICasualties)
What have been Republican Rep. Deborah Pryce's (OH-15) comments on the war in Iraq?
CNN: ....Ohio Republican Rep. Deborah Pryce distanced herself Thursday from the Iraq war, telling CNN Radio, "What's happening in Iraq is not a direct reflection on me."
Time and time again, Deborah Pryce has done her part to continue the war in Iraq: http://prycewar.org/votes.htm
Ohio State Football News----
Scarlet and Gray Game Tickets Available at the Schottenstein Center and all McDonald's locations
Tickets for Saturday's annual Scarlet and Gray Game in Ohio Stadium currently are on sale at the Athletics Ticket Office in the Jerome Schottenstein Center and at all McDonald's locations in Columbus and Central Ohio.....
| U.S. Deaths Confirmed By The DoD: | 3309 |
| Reported U.S. Deaths Pending DoD Confirmation: | 2 |
| Total | 3311 |
What have been Republican Rep. Deborah Pryce's (OH-15) comments on the war in Iraq?
CNN: ....Ohio Republican Rep. Deborah Pryce distanced herself Thursday from the Iraq war, telling CNN Radio, "What's happening in Iraq is not a direct reflection on me."
Time and time again, Deborah Pryce has done her part to continue the war in Iraq: http://prycewar.org/votes.htm
___________________________________________________
Ohio State Football News----
Scarlet and Gray Game Tickets Available at the Schottenstein Center and all McDonald's locations
Tickets for Saturday's annual Scarlet and Gray Game in Ohio Stadium currently are on sale at the Athletics Ticket Office in the Jerome Schottenstein Center and at all McDonald's locations in Columbus and Central Ohio.....
....Saturday's kickoff is scheduled for 1:05 p.m. Halftime ceremonies include recognition of Ohio State's Big Ten team champions and individual award winners.
Last year's Spring Game crowd drew a record 64,000 fans, not counting those fans under six years of age who were admitted at no charge.
Tuesday, April 17, 2007
Fundraising
Politco.com has fundraising numbers for some Ohio Republicans:
Many other targeted Republicans raised more than $200,000 each in preparation for competitive races in expensive media markets..... Rep. Deborah Pryce (R-Ohio) took in $208,000.
Many other targeted Republicans raised more than $200,000 each in preparation for competitive races in expensive media markets..... Rep. Deborah Pryce (R-Ohio) took in $208,000.
Other targeted lawmakers did not fare as well. Rep. Jean Schmidt (R-Ohio) raised $20,000 despite facing two competitive elections. She has $17,000 cash on hand.
Rep. Ralph Regula (R-Ohio) raised $1,560 for the quarter, giving him only $91,000 in the bank. Regula, 82, has been the subject of retirement rumors....
Open Secrets has the numbers for presidential candidates. If you look at the list for the Republican candidates and their fundraising totals, you can see that Romney has a clear lead in the money. Sen. John "stay the course" McCain is not doing too well.
I saw a great bumper sticker....... 11.04.08. That is the date of the next presidential election.
Monday, April 16, 2007
Expecting More
When the House of Representatives returns to work this week, what should we expect from our member of Congress, Deborah Pryce (OH-15)? So far in 2007, Pryce has sponsored 2 bills, according to GovTrack:
Saturday, April 14, 2007
Bad News
News from the 15th congressional district--- More businesses are closing. Just this week, we've lost 2 Fuddruckers Restaurants and a Houlilan's Restaurant. CompUSA and Circuit City have stores that are in the process of closing and they are also located in Deborah Pryce's 15th congressional district. This must be the economic turn around that Pryce has promised to the voters. Unfortunately, it has gone from bad to worse.
I could have told you this, but you didn't ask----
Education Week: Abstinence-Only Programs Don't Work, Study Finds
I could have told you this, but you didn't ask----
Education Week: Abstinence-Only Programs Don't Work, Study Finds
Students who participated in sexual-abstinence education programs partially funded by the federal government were just as likely to have sex, and had the same number of sexual partners, as those who did not take part in the programs, a federally mandated report said today.
Both groups of youths—those who participated in abstinence education, and those who participated in other health education programs available in their areas—had a median age of first intercourse of 14 years and 9 months.....
Ohio Governor Strickland is correct in his recent statement that these programs don't work. We need to stop using federal funds on worthless things like abstinence programs. Kids today need the correct scientific information about types of birth control, STDs, AIDS, and condoms.
Friday, April 13, 2007
Ohio Republicans Continue to Smear
The Ohio GOP (pdf) has some insulting remarks about Democratic candidates:
Barack Obama ......"an inexperienced, insulated, arrogant, unabashed liberal."
Hillary Clinton ....."a calculating, divisive, lifelong liberal with political baggage."
Joe Biden ......."an undisciplined, self-described northeast liberal, in love with the sound of his own voice."
Tsk! Tsk! Tsk!
The Ohio GOP has some real problems. Do I need to refresh your memory? How can we forget...... Bob Taft, Coingate and Tom Noe, Bob Ney and his pal Jack Abramoff, the missing funds at the Ohio Bureau of Workers' Compensation, the pay-to-play method of rewarding state contracts to GOP contributors, etc., etc., etc.
I think it is rather funny that the Republicans think that their own presidential candidates are better than the Democratic. Here are some facts about the leading GOP presidential candidates:
John McCain--- married twice; caters to the far right wing religious end of the GOP; continues to support Bush's failed policies in Iraq; wants to let the war go on in Iraq indefinitely; thinks Baghdad is safe; anti choice.
Rudy Giuliani ----married 3 times; flaunted his adulterous behavior in front of the New York media; has ties to Bernard Kerik; supports the confederate flag; out of touch with prices of consumer items; appointed Russell Harding to New York Housing Dev. Corp.; the questional operations of Giuliani Partners; condemned by the International Association of Firefighters for his lack of respect for the fallen of 9/11.
The Ohio GOP represents years of corruption. mismanagement, and ethics violations. We should not turn to them for leadership or advice.
Barack Obama ......"an inexperienced, insulated, arrogant, unabashed liberal."
Hillary Clinton ....."a calculating, divisive, lifelong liberal with political baggage."
Joe Biden ......."an undisciplined, self-described northeast liberal, in love with the sound of his own voice."
Tsk! Tsk! Tsk!
The Ohio GOP has some real problems. Do I need to refresh your memory? How can we forget...... Bob Taft, Coingate and Tom Noe, Bob Ney and his pal Jack Abramoff, the missing funds at the Ohio Bureau of Workers' Compensation, the pay-to-play method of rewarding state contracts to GOP contributors, etc., etc., etc.
I think it is rather funny that the Republicans think that their own presidential candidates are better than the Democratic. Here are some facts about the leading GOP presidential candidates:
John McCain--- married twice; caters to the far right wing religious end of the GOP; continues to support Bush's failed policies in Iraq; wants to let the war go on in Iraq indefinitely; thinks Baghdad is safe; anti choice.
Rudy Giuliani ----married 3 times; flaunted his adulterous behavior in front of the New York media; has ties to Bernard Kerik; supports the confederate flag; out of touch with prices of consumer items; appointed Russell Harding to New York Housing Dev. Corp.; the questional operations of Giuliani Partners; condemned by the International Association of Firefighters for his lack of respect for the fallen of 9/11.
The Ohio GOP represents years of corruption. mismanagement, and ethics violations. We should not turn to them for leadership or advice.
Thursday, April 12, 2007
News Items
> Author Kurt Vonnegut has died (NY Times).
>Looks like the presidential campaign of Sen. John McCain is in deep trouble. McCain will be cutting his staff (Yahoo News). Do you think it is because he is such a big fan of Bush's war?
>Australia has been invaded by Rain. I'm not talking about precipitation! Rain, a Korean pop star who has already conquered Asia, is preparing for a concert in Sydney (The Australian).
>Looks like everyone is getting tired of the unending war in Iraq. Boston.com:
Recent graduates of the US Military Academy at West Point are choosing to leave active duty at the highest rate in more than three decades, a sign to many military specialists that repeated tours in Iraq are prematurely driving out some of the Army's top young officers.
According to statistics compiled by West Point, of the 903 Army officers commissioned upon graduation in 2001, nearly 46 percent left the service last year -- 35 percent at the conclusion of their five years of required service, and another 11 percent over the next six months. And more than 54 percent of the 935 graduates in the class of 2000 had left active duty by this January, the statistics show....
...The rising exodus is blamed on a number of factors, including the economic lure of the private sector. But interviews with former West Point superintendents, graduates, and retired officers pointed to another reason: the wear and tear on officers and their families from multiple deployments.
>Looks like the presidential campaign of Sen. John McCain is in deep trouble. McCain will be cutting his staff (Yahoo News). Do you think it is because he is such a big fan of Bush's war?
>Australia has been invaded by Rain. I'm not talking about precipitation! Rain, a Korean pop star who has already conquered Asia, is preparing for a concert in Sydney (The Australian).
>Looks like everyone is getting tired of the unending war in Iraq. Boston.com:
Recent graduates of the US Military Academy at West Point are choosing to leave active duty at the highest rate in more than three decades, a sign to many military specialists that repeated tours in Iraq are prematurely driving out some of the Army's top young officers.
According to statistics compiled by West Point, of the 903 Army officers commissioned upon graduation in 2001, nearly 46 percent left the service last year -- 35 percent at the conclusion of their five years of required service, and another 11 percent over the next six months. And more than 54 percent of the 935 graduates in the class of 2000 had left active duty by this January, the statistics show....
...The rising exodus is blamed on a number of factors, including the economic lure of the private sector. But interviews with former West Point superintendents, graduates, and retired officers pointed to another reason: the wear and tear on officers and their families from multiple deployments.
"Iraq is exerting very strong influence on the career intentions of junior officers," said retired Lieutenant General Daniel Christman, a former superintendent of West Point, who recently outlined the war's toll on young officers in a speech to West Point alumni in North Carolina....
When the young members of the military start bailing out of service, you know we've got problems. Bush's war is just not appealing to a majority of Americans. People want this war over NOW.
>Republican Rep. John Boner (OH-8th) once said the following in a speech to student-loan providers: "Know that I have all of you in my two trusted hands." According to the Post, Boner has always enjoyed lots of contributions from the student loan companies/groups/PACs.
Wednesday, April 11, 2007
Bennett Has Resigned!!!!!!! Yipeeeeeee!
Breaking News: (WKYC) Cuyahoga County Elections Board Chairman Bob Bennett has resigned. He's the last board member to agree to step down.
New Secretary of State Jennifer Brunner asked the board to step down to help restore faith in the election process.
Secretary of State Jennifer Brunner has sent a letter to Ohio Republican leader Bob Bennett thanking him for his resignation from the Cuyahoga County elections board and dismissed her complaint against him without a finding of fault.
Brunner says Bennett's decision to resign from the Cuyahoga County elections board allows a new board to move ahead with its plans.
Bennett agreed to step down today, ending his fight with Brunner's March 19th order for the board's four members resign or be fired.
A removal hearing was planned Monday in suburban Euclid.....
Bennett who had been appointed to the Cuyahoga County Board of Elections by then Ohio Republican Gov. Bob Taft, lives in Franklin County but still served on the board in the northeast part of the state. Now Bennett can continue his work at the Ohio Republican Party headquarters. Since he'll have more time on his hands maybe he can teach a few seminars on ethics to members of his party.
New Secretary of State Jennifer Brunner asked the board to step down to help restore faith in the election process.
Secretary of State Jennifer Brunner has sent a letter to Ohio Republican leader Bob Bennett thanking him for his resignation from the Cuyahoga County elections board and dismissed her complaint against him without a finding of fault.
Brunner says Bennett's decision to resign from the Cuyahoga County elections board allows a new board to move ahead with its plans.
Bennett agreed to step down today, ending his fight with Brunner's March 19th order for the board's four members resign or be fired.
A removal hearing was planned Monday in suburban Euclid.....
Bennett who had been appointed to the Cuyahoga County Board of Elections by then Ohio Republican Gov. Bob Taft, lives in Franklin County but still served on the board in the northeast part of the state. Now Bennett can continue his work at the Ohio Republican Party headquarters. Since he'll have more time on his hands maybe he can teach a few seminars on ethics to members of his party.
War: What is it good for?
>According to the Columbus Dispatch, Republican Sen. George Voinovich has joined Ohio Gov. Ted Strickland and Democratic Sen. Sherrod Brown in condemning the recent callups of Ohio's National Guard (Dispatch). Even though Voinovich is talking tough now, he will continue to support Bush's Iraq War policies. Why? It is just the way Voinovich works. If Bush uses his veto on the bill that has timetables for an Iraq pullout, Voinovich will not vote to override the veto. Voinovich is a marshmallow.
Has anyone heard a peep from Republican Rep. Deborah Pryce about all this???????
>Raw Story is reporting that the Army plans to extend the duty of all of their men and women in Iraq.
>Bloomberg News: U.S. Attorney General Alberto Gonzales should resign, most Americans say, and White House aides should be forced to testify before Congress about their involvement in the dismissal of eight U.S. attorneys.
Has anyone heard a peep from Republican Rep. Deborah Pryce about all this???????
>Raw Story is reporting that the Army plans to extend the duty of all of their men and women in Iraq.
>Bloomberg News: U.S. Attorney General Alberto Gonzales should resign, most Americans say, and White House aides should be forced to testify before Congress about their involvement in the dismissal of eight U.S. attorneys.
In a new Bloomberg/Los Angeles Times poll, conducted April 5 to 9, 53 percent of respondents said Gonzales should leave his post. Seventy-four percent said White House staff members who had discussions about the firings with Gonzales's chief of staff should testify under oath before the Senate Judiciary Committee, which the White House has refused to allow.....
>Helena Independent Record: ....McCain pleaded for patience and asked Americans to give Bush's troop increase a chance to succeed. He said he was encouraged by signs of progress he witnessed during a visit to Iraq last week.....
How much patience does McCain want from us? When we have had 10,000 dead Americans in Iraq, will that be enough for McCain, Bush, and the rest of the Republicans?
Tuesday, April 10, 2007
Strickland Speaks Up for Ohio's Military Families
Ohio Gov. Ted Strickland had a few things to say to President Bush.
Forbes:
Forbes:
Ohio's governor said Tuesday he is worried that National Guard troops who have been told to prepare for a possible deployment to Iraq won't have proper training and equipment....
"There are so many concerns that I have - the effect on employers, the effect upon families of these men and women - and I just think this is an example of the government not keeping faith with the men and women who have volunteered to serve in the Ohio National Guard," the Democratic governor said....
...Strickland called on the Bush administration to take steps to ensure that the soldiers are properly trained and given the most up-to-date body armor and weapons....
....In a March report to Congress, the Commission on the National Guard and Reserves said it found nearly 88 percent of Army National Guard units had insufficient trucks, generators, radios and other gear needed to respond to potential disasters and terrorist attacks. The Government Accountability Office issued a similar finding in January....
Gov. Strickland should be commended for his support for Ohio's military families.
Mark Your Calendars
On Thursday, April 26, 2007, Jorma Kaukonen will make a special appearance at Ace in the Hole Music. Jorma will be in the store from 3pm-4:30pm. As some of you know, Jorma is a member of the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame and played/sang in Hot Tuna and Jefferson Airplane. Support a local business and visit Ace in the Hole at 1153 Kenny Centre, in Columbus! Need more info? Call the good people at Ace in the Hole at (614) 457-5666.
Noteworthy Items
>Columbus Dispatch:
The 37th Infantry Brigade Combat Team based in Columbus has been told to prepare for deployment to Iraq.....
>Even though I have a dog named Brutus, the following story shows that Buckeye fans carry their spirit through their families. A couple from central Ohio have named their newborn son, Tressel Hayes Huffines, after two prominent Ohio State coaches. See the Toledo Blade for the full story.
>News about the corruption scandal in the Taft administration's Bureau of Workers' Compensation has gotten to North Dakota. North Dakota officials wanted to know a little something about a former employee from the Ohio Bureau of Workers' Compensation. Insurance Journal:
The 37th Infantry Brigade Combat Team based in Columbus has been told to prepare for deployment to Iraq.....
>Even though I have a dog named Brutus, the following story shows that Buckeye fans carry their spirit through their families. A couple from central Ohio have named their newborn son, Tressel Hayes Huffines, after two prominent Ohio State coaches. See the Toledo Blade for the full story.
>News about the corruption scandal in the Taft administration's Bureau of Workers' Compensation has gotten to North Dakota. North Dakota officials wanted to know a little something about a former employee from the Ohio Bureau of Workers' Compensation. Insurance Journal:
...Separately, the Legislature's Democratic floor leaders, Rep. Merle Boucher, D-Rolette, and Sen. David O'Connell, D-Lansford, sent a letter to Ohio Attorney General Marc Dann, asking for information about Sandy Blunt, the top administrator for North Dakota's Workforce Safety and Insurance agency.
Blunt worked for the Ohio Bureau of Workers Compensation before starting his North Dakota job in April 2004. A man he formerly supervised in Ohio, Terrence Gasper, pleaded guilty last year to a federal racketeering charge, and to state charges of money laundering and failing to report gifts.
Gasper was the agency's chief financial officer. He had been taking payoffs to award state investment contracts to people he favored, authorities said.
Blunt spoke about the Gasper case at a Workforce Safety and Insurance board of directors' meeting last September, vehemently denying any wrongdoing....
>The Columbus Monthly has a nice article about Mayor Coleman's green plan for Columbus.
>The National Priorities Project shows how much of our money from the 15th congressional has gone to support Bush's Iraq war through 2007 (link):
| Taxpayers in Congressional District 15 (Pryce) will pay $946.3 million for the cost of the Iraq War through 2007. For the same amount of money, the following could have been provided: | |
 317,198 People with Health Care or | |
| 16,080 Elementary School Teachers or | |
| 146,118 Head Start Places for Children or | |
| 538,167 Children with Health Care or | |
| 8,826 Affordable Housing Units or | |
| 85 New Elementary Schools or | |
| 117,089 Scholarships for University Students or | |
| 14,486 Music and Arts Teachers or | |
| 22,700 Public Safety Officers or | |
| 1,059,812 Homes with Renewable Electricity or | |
| 19,522 Port Container Inspectors |
Monday, April 09, 2007
What do Republicans represent?
When I think of Republicans, I think of the the following words/phrases:
REPUBLICANS ---
>more interested in businesses than regular Americans.
>like guns.
>support Bush's war in Iraq forever, and ever.
>support sending your sons and daughters to war.
>want to force women to have pregnancies no matter the circumstances or conditions of the mother.
>like to condemn your family values while refusing to discuss their own family values.
>fix elections to benefit their party.
>are involved in scandals and ethics violations.
This is only my opinion, but there are probably many Americans who feel the same way I do.
REPUBLICANS ---
>more interested in businesses than regular Americans.
>like guns.
>support Bush's war in Iraq forever, and ever.
>support sending your sons and daughters to war.
>want to force women to have pregnancies no matter the circumstances or conditions of the mother.
>like to condemn your family values while refusing to discuss their own family values.
>fix elections to benefit their party.
>are involved in scandals and ethics violations.
This is only my opinion, but there are probably many Americans who feel the same way I do.
Friday, April 06, 2007
Just Remember
One hundred and forty-two Ohioans have died in Iraq. http://icasualties.org/oif/Statecity.aspx
Three thousand two hundred and sixty Americans have been killed in the Iraq War.
According to Newsweek, the Iraq surge (escalation) has left Iraq in a bigger mess.
Three thousand two hundred and sixty Americans have been killed in the Iraq War.
According to Newsweek, the Iraq surge (escalation) has left Iraq in a bigger mess.
Thursday, April 05, 2007
Boner and Bennett
Republican Rep. John "can't pronounce Tuskegee" Boner of Ohio has been highly critical of Speaker of the House Nancy Pelosi's recent trip to Syria. However, it was just revealed that accompanying Pelosi's bipartisan delegation was.....Ohio Republican Rep. David Hobson. Whoa!
Columbus Dispatch:
House Republican Leader John Boehner of West Chester yesterday accused Speaker Nancy Pelosi of going to Syria solely to embarrass President Bush, a charge rejected by an Ohio GOP lawmaker traveling with Pelosi.
***Ohio GOP head honcho and Cuyahoga County Board of Election member Bob Bennett, must face an administrative hearing that could result in his removal from that board. Secretary of State Jennifer Brunner is fighting to make every vote count in our state, even in Cuyahoga County. Here is some info from the Zanesville Times Recorder:
The remaining elections board member in the state's most populous county must face a hearing seeking his removal from the board over problems with elections in the Cleveland area, a judge ruled Wednesday....
Columbus Dispatch:
House Republican Leader John Boehner of West Chester yesterday accused Speaker Nancy Pelosi of going to Syria solely to embarrass President Bush, a charge rejected by an Ohio GOP lawmaker traveling with Pelosi.
Rep. David L. Hobson of Springfield, who joined Pelosi and other lawmakers in a meeting yesterday with Syrian President Bashar Assad, disagreed with Boehner that Pelosi "came here to embarrass Bush. I think she came here to reinforce certain policies, understand the region better and have the region understand her better."
Of course, Pelosi and the delegation did not strive to embarrass President Bush. Why? Bush embarrasses himself and all Americans every single time he opens his mouth.***Ohio GOP head honcho and Cuyahoga County Board of Election member Bob Bennett, must face an administrative hearing that could result in his removal from that board. Secretary of State Jennifer Brunner is fighting to make every vote count in our state, even in Cuyahoga County. Here is some info from the Zanesville Times Recorder:
The remaining elections board member in the state's most populous county must face a hearing seeking his removal from the board over problems with elections in the Cleveland area, a judge ruled Wednesday....
....The board's three other members, one Republican and two Democrats, stepped down under pressure from Brunner, who accused the panel of shoddy work, including elections glitches and cost problems.
For example, many poll workers weren't properly trained to operate touch-screen voting machines for the May 2006 primary, and testing of optical scan machines was performed too close to the elections and results were delayed six days when roughly 18,000 absentee ballots had to be hand counted.The board oversees elections for more than 1 million registered voters.
Franklin County Common Pleas Judge John Connor refused Wednesday to block the removal hearing against Bennett that Brunner plans for Monday. Brunner argues that the law allows her to oust county board members....
....Brunner' has cited problems with elections in 2004, 2005 and 2006, including unsecured keys to ballot storage areas; shoddy work checking voter names, addresses and signatures; failure to make sure the number of voters matched the number of votes cast and poor checking of ballots. Among other problems, two election workers were convicted last month of illegally rigging the 2004 presidential election recount so they could avoid a more thorough review of the votes. They were sentenced to 18 months in prison....
Wednesday, April 04, 2007
Three Cheers for Jennifer Brunner!!!
Ohio Secretary of State Jennifer Brunner has suspended Cuyahoga County Board of Elections member and Ohio Republican Chair, William Bennett. Brunner and Ohioans are aware of the vote counting debacle that has continued to occur in every election in this state. Two people associated with the Cuyahoga County Election Board have already been sentenced to prison. Other board members have resigned, but Bennett has refused to go. Here is an update from The Zanesville Times Recorder:
....Democratic Secretary of State Jennifer Brunner on Tuesday suspended Ohio Republican Party boss Bob Bennett from his position as chairman of the Cuyahoga County Board of Elections. The board oversees elections involving more than 1 million registered Cleveland-area voters.
Bennett has gone to Franklin County Common Pleas Court to try to stop Brunner from kicking him off the board. Three other board members have resigned under pressure from Brunner’s office.
A hearing on Bennett’s lawsuit was scheduled for Wednesday morning before Judge John Connor.
Brunner said the suspension would only end upon Bennett’s removal from the board or by resolution of the lawsuit he filed against her.
“We’re trying to move this board along so that it’s on track (for the May 8 primary),” Brunner said.....
....Brunner announced Monday that she was placing the board under state administrative oversight through the end of next year. The oversight means Brunner must approve any board changes to policy and procedure.
Brunner, who took office in January, accused the board of shoddy election work, including election glitches and cost problems.
A complaint Brunner filed against the board last week said it ignored warnings, including one by its own outside monitor, that a recount of the 2004 presidential election was being conducted in violation of state rules.
The complaint also said the board had failed to manage its finances and had underestimated the cost of last May’s primary by $500,000.....
Bennett, who resides in Franklin County, should not have even been placed on a board in Cuyahoga county (over two hours away). It is obvious to me that the former Republican controlled government was not only involved in payoffs, the "Coingate" scandal, ethic violations, but voting problems. Bennett, who apparently just can't walk away from it, wants to keep his hands in the voting process. I'd suggest that Bennett resign now before the oatmeal really hits the fan.
Ohioans need to thank Brunner for her efforts to protect our votes and clean out the filth left by the dirty GOP.
....Democratic Secretary of State Jennifer Brunner on Tuesday suspended Ohio Republican Party boss Bob Bennett from his position as chairman of the Cuyahoga County Board of Elections. The board oversees elections involving more than 1 million registered Cleveland-area voters.
Bennett has gone to Franklin County Common Pleas Court to try to stop Brunner from kicking him off the board. Three other board members have resigned under pressure from Brunner’s office.
A hearing on Bennett’s lawsuit was scheduled for Wednesday morning before Judge John Connor.
Brunner said the suspension would only end upon Bennett’s removal from the board or by resolution of the lawsuit he filed against her.
“We’re trying to move this board along so that it’s on track (for the May 8 primary),” Brunner said.....
....Brunner announced Monday that she was placing the board under state administrative oversight through the end of next year. The oversight means Brunner must approve any board changes to policy and procedure.
Brunner, who took office in January, accused the board of shoddy election work, including election glitches and cost problems.
A complaint Brunner filed against the board last week said it ignored warnings, including one by its own outside monitor, that a recount of the 2004 presidential election was being conducted in violation of state rules.
The complaint also said the board had failed to manage its finances and had underestimated the cost of last May’s primary by $500,000.....
Bennett, who resides in Franklin County, should not have even been placed on a board in Cuyahoga county (over two hours away). It is obvious to me that the former Republican controlled government was not only involved in payoffs, the "Coingate" scandal, ethic violations, but voting problems. Bennett, who apparently just can't walk away from it, wants to keep his hands in the voting process. I'd suggest that Bennett resign now before the oatmeal really hits the fan.
Ohioans need to thank Brunner for her efforts to protect our votes and clean out the filth left by the dirty GOP.
Tuesday, April 03, 2007
Pryce Slips in Rankings
The new rankings are out and Republican Rep. Deborah Pryce (OH-15) doesn't look so good. Dayton Daily News:
Last year, www.congress.org ranked the nation's congressmen and senators by a series of criteria including tenure, committee assignments and influence, aiming to determine who in Congress was most powerful....
....This year, with the new Democratic majority, there's a new list, courtesy of Knowlegis, the consulting company that creates the rankings. Boehner is now fifth in the House, though most powerful in the Ohio congressional delegation. Hobson has dropped to 207, behind Ohio Democrats Marcy Kaptur of Toledo and Dennis Kucinich of Cleveland. Rounding out the bottom of the Ohio delegation are Reps. Jean Schmidt, R-Loveland, who ranks 409 in the House and Jim Jordan, R-Urbana, who ranks 435th. Rep. Mike Turner, R-Centerville, tied with Rep. Deborah Pryce as the 324th most powerful member of Congress....
Pryce is the 324th most powerful person in Congress! Wow! What does that mean to the people of the 15th congressional district here in central Ohio? It means that she is powerless and we will not receive any benefits from her work in office. Pryce does only two things in office: (1) rubber stamp the desires of Bush and the Republicans, (2) and continue to support Bush's failed policies in Iraq.
If we really want to boost our district's ranking, next time there must be a Democrat elected to represent the 15th congressional district.
Last year, www.congress.org ranked the nation's congressmen and senators by a series of criteria including tenure, committee assignments and influence, aiming to determine who in Congress was most powerful....
....This year, with the new Democratic majority, there's a new list, courtesy of Knowlegis, the consulting company that creates the rankings. Boehner is now fifth in the House, though most powerful in the Ohio congressional delegation. Hobson has dropped to 207, behind Ohio Democrats Marcy Kaptur of Toledo and Dennis Kucinich of Cleveland. Rounding out the bottom of the Ohio delegation are Reps. Jean Schmidt, R-Loveland, who ranks 409 in the House and Jim Jordan, R-Urbana, who ranks 435th. Rep. Mike Turner, R-Centerville, tied with Rep. Deborah Pryce as the 324th most powerful member of Congress....
Pryce is the 324th most powerful person in Congress! Wow! What does that mean to the people of the 15th congressional district here in central Ohio? It means that she is powerless and we will not receive any benefits from her work in office. Pryce does only two things in office: (1) rubber stamp the desires of Bush and the Republicans, (2) and continue to support Bush's failed policies in Iraq.
If we really want to boost our district's ranking, next time there must be a Democrat elected to represent the 15th congressional district.
Sunday, April 01, 2007
Pryce, Schmidt, and Regula on Endangered List
According to the Cincinnati Post, three Republicans are in danger of losing elections next year. (We can only hope!) Here are some excerpts from the article:
Memo to Rep. Jean Schmidt:
Memo to Rep. Jean Schmidt:
The White House thinks you're in danger of getting beat in next year's elections.
The Ohio congresswoman's name is on a list of three dozen Republican House seats that the White House says will have to be defended in the 2008 elections....
...Schmidt, a Miami Township Republican who was elected to a second term last November by just 2,500 votes, is the only local lawmaker on the endangered list.
Two other Ohioans made the list - Rep. Deborah Pryce, who represents the Columbus area and was re-elected last year by just 1,000 votes; and Rep. Ralph Regula of Navarre. Regula was re-elected last November by a wide margin, but his seat is on the endangered list because it's believed he may not seek re-election next year....
Pryce, Schmidt, and Regula continue to support Bush's unending war in Iraq. Ohioans and a majority of the people in the country are very dissatisfied with Bush's lack of an exit strategy.
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