FREEDOM EDEN

Johnny Thomas - Bribe

2012-02-02T16:00:00.002-06:00

Milwaukee County Supervisor Johnny L. Thomas, candidate for city comptroller, has the endorsement of many major Milwaukee Leftists.

Mayor Tom Barret, County Supervisor Chris Abele, and U.S. Rep. Gwen Moore all support Thomas.

Here are the supporters Thomas lists on his campaign website:

Elected Officials

Mayor Tom Barrett
County Executive Chris Abele
Congresswoman Gwen Moore

Milwaukee County Treasurer Daniel Diliberti

County Board Chair Lee Holloway
County Board Supervisor Eyon Biddle, Sr.
County Board Supervisor Gerry Broderick
County Board Supervisor Marina Dimitrijevic
County Board Supervisor Jason Haas
County Board Supervisor Nikiya Harris
County Board Supervisor Willie Johnson
County Board Supervisor Michael Mayo
County Board Supervisor Peggy Romo-West
County Board Supervisor Joe Sanfelippo
County Board Supervisor James "Luigi" Schmitt
County Board Supervisor John Weishan

Common Council President Willie Hines

Alderman James Bohl
Alderwoman Milele Coggs
Alderman Joe Davis, Sr.
Alderman Ashanti Hamilton
Alderman Nik Kovac
Alderman Willie Wade
Alderman Tony Zielinski

Milwaukee School Board member Mark Sain
Milwaukee School Board member Meagan Holman
Milwaukee School Board member Jeff Spence

State Senator Spencer Coggs
State Senator Lena Taylor

State Representative Elizabeth Coggs
State Representative Jason Fields
State Representative Tamara Grigsby
State Representative Fred Kessler
State Representative Jon Richards
State Representative Sandy Pasch
State Representative JoCasta Zamarripa

Hon. Carl Ashley, Milwaukee County Circuit Court
Hon. Jane Carroll, Milwaukee County Circuit Court
Hon. Pedro Colon, Milwaukee County Circuit Court
Hon. Rebecca Dallet, Milwaukee County Circuit Court
Hon. Valarie Hill, Milwaukee Municipal Court
Hon. Derek Mosley, Milwaukee Municipal Court

Organizations
AFSCME District Council 48
SEIU Wisconsin State Council
Milwaukee Police Association

Community Leaders
Anderson Craig
Angela Adams
Bishop Darrell Hines
Bishop Sedgwick Daniels
Bobbie Weber
Bobby Drake
Carey Flowers
Carl Brown
Carmen Martin
Carolyn Walker
Cathy Edwards
Charles Harvey
Chris Boston
Chris Layden
Christopher Ware
Corey Hoze
Cory Nettles
Craig Mastanuono
Danae Davis
Darryl D. Morin
Darryl Fortune
David Riemer
Deidre Edwards
Demond Means
Derrick Martin
Dextra Hadnot
Dimitri Mack
Don Cohen
Doug Patton
Dr. Enrique Figeroa
Dr. Howard Fuller
Dr. Randy Pollard
Dr. Regina Flippin
Dr. Robert Davis
Dr. William Finalyson
Earl Buford
Emmanuel Mamalakis
Enoch Dukes
Evan Goyke
Florence Dukes
Florida Perry- Smith
Frank Gimble
Gary Goyke
Genyne Edwards
George Torres
George Walker
Gerald Jones
Gregory Williams
Harry E. Santiago
Hattie Daniels-Rush
Hector Colon
Hope DeVougas
Ihsan Atta
Jacqueline Ward
Jameson P. Delgadillo
Jamie Hummert
Jeff Fleming
Jeffrey Childs
Jenelle Williamson
Jennifer Green
Jennifer Morales
Jeremy Levinson
Jerry Fulmer
Jerry Fulmer
Jesus Rodriguez
Jim Wahner
Jim Zilli
Joe Volk
John Davis
John Draper, Sr.
John Finerty, Sr.
Johnna Scott
Joseph Alioto
Juan Carlos Ruiz
Karl Rajani
Kevin Flaherty
Kris Martinsek
Kyle Weatherly
Lafayette Crump
Larry Ashley
Leann Minor
Margaret Henningsen
Mark Cameli
Mark Phillips
Marvin Bell
Marycarmen Villasenor
Mathew P. Tharaniyil
Matt Flynn
Maurice Pulley
Michael Maistelman
Michelle Bryant
Michelle Mason
Mike D’Amato
Moira Fitzgerald
Nancy Rottier
Noah Domintz
Orlando Rice
Oscar Tovar
Oshiyemi Adelabu
Ossie Kendrix, Jr.
Dr. Pam Malone
Pamela Bell
Pastor John W. McVicker, Sr.
Pastor Martin Childs
Pastor Mose Fuller
Patricia McGowan Rowen
Pauli Taylorboyd
Rafael Acevedo
Randal Ali
Randy Crump
Ray Harmon
Ray Vahey
Raymondo Lopez
Rebecca Coffee
Richard Badger
Rita McCain
Robert Craig
Robin Reese
Ron Adams
Roy De La Rosa
Ruben L. Anthony Jr.
Scott Wiler
Shantel Bacchus
Sharron Jewel
Shirley Lanier
Steve Huff
Sushil Pillai
Themla Sias
Thomas Harris
Tim Elverman
Tim Mahone
Tony Baez
Tony Higgins
Tracy Meeks
Trevor Trimble
Tyna Rule
Ugo Nwagbaracha
Vicor Dennis Harmon
Vincent Lyles
Vivian King
Vivian McNealy Mays
Wallace White
Willie Brisco

Given the following revelations about Johnny Thomas, will some of these individuals change their minds about endorsing him?

From the Milwaukee Journal Sentinel:

Milwaukee County Supervisor Johnny L. Thomas - the frontrunner in the race for city comptroller - was charged Thursday with accepting a bribe in exchange for promoting a company for a county contract.

Prosecutors charged Thomas with two felony counts, one for accepting a bribe and the other for misconduct in office.

Thomas, 43, is accused of taking a $500 in cash in an undercover sting operation with Pat Farley, head of the county Department of Administrative Services, in exchange for promoting a company for a county financial services contract, according to the complaint.

The first-term supervisor accepted the money during the second of two meetings with Farley at the Dunkin Donuts, 622 W. Wisconsin Ave. The charges say Thomas also agreed to accept another $500 in campaign donations to move forward with recommending the contract.

One day after accepting the $500 bribe, the charges say, Thomas added an item to his committee agenda to extend the contract from the company that he thought was offering the cash.

...The charges were brought as part of a John Doe that was opened in late October or early November - less than two months after Thomas announced his bid for comptroller, according to those familiar with the investigation.

Asked about the John Doe probe earlier in the day, Thomas said he knew nothing about it.

"Oh, wow," said the first-term supervisor, who represents the city's northwest side. "I'm kinda waiting for you to say, 'Gotcha.'"

Thomas immediately left the County Board room Thursday morning after he was asked about the Doe investigation by a reporter and was gone for nearly the entire meeting.

Who is leaking all this information about these John Doe investigations?

Because this one targets a Leftist, was this leaked to take the heat off Democrat hack John Chisholm?

I suppose Barrett will say he's "disappointed," if anyone in the media would bother to ask him to comment. I don't think this rises to the Barrett "outrage" level.

Obama: Jesus and Taxing the Rich

2012-02-02T15:00:00.001-06:00

Obama is shameless.

At the National Prayer Breakfast this morning, the most radical pro-abortion president we've ever had, Obama, said that Jesus' teachings support his "tax the rich" policy.

Obama talks about the "most vulnerable among us," without blinking an eye about his fervent support of policies that permit the slaughter of roughly a million innocent lives in the U.S. every year.

Video.

Transcript

OBAMA: And so when I talk about our financial institutions playing by the same rules as folks on Main Street, when I talk about making sure insurance companies aren’t discriminating against those who are already sick, or making sure that unscrupulous lenders aren’t taking advantage of the most vulnerable among us, I do so because I genuinely believe it will make the economy stronger for everybody. But I also do it because I know that far too many neighbors in our country have been hurt and treated unfairly over the last few years, and I believe in God’s command to “love thy neighbor as thyself.” I know the version of that Golden Rule is found in every major religion and every set of beliefs -– from Hinduism to Islam to Judaism to the writings of Plato.

And when I talk about shared responsibility, it’s because I genuinely believe that in a time when many folks are struggling, at a time when we have enormous deficits, it’s hard for me to ask seniors on a fixed income, or young people with student loans, or middle-class families who can barely pay the bills to shoulder the burden alone. And I think to myself, if I’m willing to give something up as somebody who’s been extraordinarily blessed, and give up some of the tax breaks that I enjoy, I actually think that’s going to make economic sense.

But for me as a Christian, it also coincides with Jesus’s teaching that “for unto whom much is given, much shall be required.”

Jesus wasn't talking about taxes and class warfare.

Good grief.

Bottom line: Obama is a Christian when it's convenient.

Pelosi: Catholics, Obama, Contraception Mandate

2012-02-02T14:45:00.002-06:00

Once again, Nancy Pelosi is confused about the stance of the Catholic Church on abortion and contraception.

Her latest embarrassment involves the Obama administration's mandate that strips the Church of its rights under the Constitution.

Video.

Pelosi contorts the truth when she says she's going to "stick with my fellow Catholics in supporting the adminstration on this."

With all due respect, Pelosi is nuts.

If she's not nuts, she's intentionally lying, seeking to deceive.

Cardinal-designate Timothy Dolan, U.S. bishops, and priests across the country have strongly spoken out against Obama's contraception mandate.

Here's video, from CNSNews:

Transcript

CARDINAL-DESIGNATE TIMOTHY DOLAN: Religious liberty is certainly front and center in conversation these days, and that's very good.

Some days ago, so many Americans of all creeds, or none at all, cheered a unanimous decision of the Supreme Court, remember? The Court ruled that churches have the fundamental freedom to choose their own ministers without government interference. Nothing could be truer. All nine justices of the Supreme Court rejected the administration's incredibly narrow and unprecedented interpretation of religious liberty in that celebrated case. The court's decision was a home run for the 1st Amendment and for our democracy. But I'm afraid the administration is on the wrong side of the Constitution again.

Now it's ordered almost every employer and insurer in the country to provide sterilizations and contraceptives, including some abortion-inducing drugs, in their health plans. And it's requiring almost all Americans, even those with ethical and religious objections, to pay for this coverage.

The administration offered a very narrow religious exemption to some employers such as churches; but the government will still require most Americans to pay for this coverage even if it violates their consciences.

That's a foul ball by any standard. Never before has the federal government forced individuals and organizations to go out into the marketplace and buy a product that violates their conscience. This shouldn't happen in a land where free exercise of religion ranks first in the Bill of Rights.

How about letting our elected leaders know that we want religious liberty and rights of conscience restored and the administration's mandate rescinded? We can't afford to strike out on this one.

Clearly, Pelosi is flat-out wrong when she says Catholics support Obama's demand.
_________________

Remember this, from 2008?

On Meet the Press, Pelosi blathered on about the Catholic Church's position on when life begins.

TOM BROKAW: Senator Obama saying the question of when life begins is above his pay grade, whether you're looking at it scientifically or theologically. If he were to come to you and say, "Help me out here, Madame Speaker. When does life begin?" what would you tell him?

NANCY PELOSI: I would say that as an ardent, practicing Catholic, this is an issue that I have studied for a long time. And what I know is, over the centuries, the doctors of the church have not been able to make that definition. And Senator--St. Augustine said at three months. We don't know. The point is, is that it shouldn't have an impact on the woman's right to choose. Roe v. Wade talks about very clear definitions of when the child--first trimester, certain considerations; second trimester; not so third trimester. There's very clear distinctions. This isn't about abortion on demand, it's about a careful, careful consideration of all factors and--to--that a woman has to make with her doctor and her god. And so I don't think anybody can tell you when life begins, human life begins. As I say, the Catholic Church for centuries has been discussing this, and there are those who've decided...

BROKAW: The Catholic Church at the moment feels very strongly that it...

PELOSI: I understand that.

BROKAW: ...begins at the point of conception.

PELOSI: I understand. And this is like maybe 50 years or something like that. So again, over the history of the church, this is an issue of controversy. But it is, it is also true that God has given us, each of us, a free will and a responsibility to answer for our actions. And we want abortions to be safe, rare, and reduce the number of abortions. That's why we have this fight in Congress over contraception. My Republican colleagues do not support contraception. If you want to reduce the number of abortions, and we all do, we must--it would behoove you to support family planning and, and contraception, you would think. But that is not the case. So we have to take--you know, we have to handle this as respectfully--this is sacred ground. We have to handle it very respectfully and not politicize it, as it has been--and I'm not saying Rick Warren did, because I don't think he did, but others will try to.

What a disgrace!

Spencer Coggs, Staffers, Illegal Campaigning

2012-02-02T04:00:00.004-06:00

A "secret" John Doe investigation is in order to examine alleged illegal campaigning by Wisconsin Democrats.

From FOX6 News:

There are new allegations of government workers campaigning on the taxpayer’s dime, but this time, it’s Democratic State Senator Spencer Coggs who’s in the hot seat. The allegations are that Coggs’ office workers campaigned for him while he was running for lieutenant governor.

The Wisconsin Government Accountability Board is looking into the complaint, but won’t comment on specifics. Senator Coggs, who is currently running for City of Milwaukee Treasurer is denying the allegations.

A former aide to Sen. Coggs says a staff member used a Capitol office for illegal campaigning, a charge Coggs denies.

...The allegation is that a Senate staffer created and updated a campaign website for Coggs’ lieutenant governor run in 2010. “That is absolutely false. The campaign contracted with a firm in Milwaukee, and paid a designer in Milwaukee who created it, and then updated the website,” Williams said.

...The GAB confirms the complaint was filed by Jana Williams, a former member of Coggs’ Senate staff. Williams was fired when the Democrats lost the majority and had to trim their staffs. “The Democrats lost control of the State Senate and her position was eliminated,” Williams said.

There is another twist in the story: the Coggs campaign says Jana Williams was dating, and then had a bad break up with the staffer she’s now accusing. “You never know what someone’s real motivations are, but this is a weird personal situation between her and the staffer who she is accusing, and unfortunately, she has chosen to drag the State Senator into this,” Zak Williams said.

Jay Heck is the executive director of Common Cause Wisconsin, a non-partisan organization that advocates for clean government. He says it shouldn’t matter if Williams is a disgruntled former employee, or a jilted lover. “I’ve never heard of a case where it had this type of circumstance. Whether that is a factor shouldn’t matter. The facts should stand on their own,” Heck said.

Whatever the circumstances, the charges must be taken seriously.

If DEMOCRAT Coggs and his staffers weren't engaged in wrongdoing, that will come out -- after a lengthy fishing expedition.

Video.

Subway 'Subs Across America' (Video) - Bronze Fonz

2012-02-02T00:12:00.004-06:00

Late Night with Jimmy Fallon partnered with Subway for "Subs Across America."

It's a compilation of videos submitted by viewers from every state in the country. In the video clips, people recorded themselves in front of landmarks, catching a footlong Subway sub from the right side and passing it to the left. With the videos spliced together, it looks like a sub is being passed across America.

National landmarks like Mount Rushmore, the Grand Canyon, the Washington Monument, and Milwaukee's "Bronze Fonz" all make appearances in the video.

Be proud Milwaukee.

Here's the video:

Jimmy Fallon: Obama, 2005 Chrysler

2012-02-02T00:05:00.002-06:00

JIMMY FALLON: A woman in Illinois is auctioning off a 2005 Chrysler that once belonged to President Obama. You could tell it was Obama's car because it gets off to a fast start and then stalls for the next three years.

Obama: Enemies List - Koch Brothers

2012-02-02T00:02:00.003-06:00

One of Saul Alinsky's RULES FOR RADICALS:

Pick the target, freeze it, personalize it, polarize it. Don’t try to attack abstract corporations or bureaucracies. Identify a responsible individual.

Community organizer Obama and his fellow Leftists apply this rule routinely.

Case in point: Charles and David Koch, the "Koch Brothers."

Talk politics with a Leftist for a few minutes and the names of Charles and David Koch are sure to come up.

I know radical Leftists don't care, but to demonize individuals the way they've demonized the "Koch Brothers" is the lowest.

Ted Olson, in an op-ed published in the Wall Street Journal, calls Obama out on his ruthless, cutthroat tactics.

How would you feel if aides to the president of the United States singled you out by name for attack, and if you were featured prominently in the president's re-election campaign as an enemy of the people?

What would you do if the White House engaged in derogatory speculative innuendo about the integrity of your tax returns? Suppose also that the president's surrogates and allies in the media regularly attacked you, sullied your reputation and questioned your integrity. On top of all of that, what if a leading member of the president's party in Congress demanded your appearance before a congressional committee this week so that you could be interrogated about the Keystone XL oil pipeline project in which you have repeatedly—and accurately—stated that you have no involvement?

Consider that all this is happening because you have been selected as an attractive political punching bag by the president's re-election team. This is precisely what has happened to Charles and David Koch, even though they are private citizens, and neither is a candidate for the president's or anyone else's office.

What Messrs. Koch do, in fact, is manage businesses that provide employment to more than 50,000 people in North America in legitimate, productive industries. They also give millions of dollars to medical researchers, hospitals and cultural institutions. Their biggest offense, apparently, is that they also contribute generously to nonprofit organizations that promote personal liberty and free enterprise, and some of those organizations oppose policies advocated by the president.

Olson goes on to compare Obama and his enemies list with Richard Nixon and his practices. He compares Obama and the Left's behavior with Joseph McCarthy's bullying.

Olson notes that Americans traditionally don't tolerate such abuse of authority.

...In this country, we regard the use of official power to oppress or intimidate private citizens as a despicable abuse of authority and entirely alien to our system of a government of laws. The architects of our Constitution meticulously erected a system of separated powers, and checks and balances, precisely in order to inhibit the exercise of tyrannical power by governmental officials.

Our Constitution even explicitly prohibits bills of attainder so that Congress may not single out individual citizens or groups for disfavored treatment or unequal application of the force of government. Prosecutorial power is rigidly constrained and judicially supervised so that government may not accuse private citizens of crimes or investigate them without good cause.

Whoever may be the victim of such abuse of governmental authority, the press and public almost invariably unify with indignation against it. If a journalist, labor-union leader or community organizer on the left can be targeted today, an academic or business person on the right can be the target tomorrow. If we fail to stand up against oppression from one direction, we abdicate the moral authority to challenge it when it comes from another.

This is why it is exceedingly important for all Americans to respond with outrage to what the president and his allies are doing to demonize and stigmatize David and Charles Koch. They have been the targets of the multiyear, carefully orchestrated campaign of vituperation and assault described above—and much more. It has been choreographed from the very top. When the president personally takes leadership, his political surrogates and army of allies in the press and Congress quickly and surely follow the direction and tone he sets.

The hypocritical Leftists do not disregard Obama's "enemies list." They utilize it.

They don't condemn Obama's tyrannical abuse of power. They condone it.

SHAME, SHAME, SHAME!

Obama is a disgrace. He's not a nice guy.

Bailey Page

2012-02-02T00:01:00.001-06:00

This video is so moving.

A little girl received a birthday present she will never forget. Her dad, Sgt. Adam Page, surprised his daughter, Bailey, for her sixth birthday at school after returning early from a deployment in Afghanistan. The little girl was very thankful and explained, “That’s my only birthday present I wanted this year.”

Happy Birthday, Bailey!

Welcome home, Sgt. Page!

Happy Groundhog Day!

2012-02-02T00:00:00.000-06:00

A couple of years ago, there was an article about the origins of Groundhog day in the Washington Post.

How did this tradition get started?

In ancient times, people of different cultures celebrated Feb. 2 to mark the coming of warmer weather because the day is midway between the start of winter and spring. Candles were lit in a festival of lights to mark the day, and it became known as Candlemas. (The Catholic Church later declared a festival to honor Jesus on that day.)

People living many years ago also used that day to predict the weather. Tradition said that if Feb. 2 was sunny, it meant winter would last for six more weeks. If it was cloudy, winter was said to be nearly over.

Now take those traditions and add this: Farmers used to look for the reappearance of hibernating animals to tell them when spring had arrived. Early American settlers relied on the groundhog.

That Washington Post account makes it sound as if the Catholic Church arbitrarily took the established pagan festival of Candlemas and declared it to be in honor of Jesus.

Here's a different take on Candlemas. It appeared in the Boston Herald in 2009.

At Kosmala boutique in west suburban Villa Park, shoppers are lining up to buy frilly gowns so their babies will look their best for a special mass Monday.

They finger the fabric and compare outfits with the avidity of parents preparing for a baptism.

But the babies are just doll-like figurines, and the event being celebrated is the Mexican Candelaria, or Candlemas, a holiday in which statuettes of the Christ Child — the centerpiece of household creches and family devotions — are brought into church to be blessed by a priest.

The practice of focusing one’s devotions around a figure of baby Jesus is both Mexican in its origin and broadly Christian in its symbolism. And Candelaira has grown nationwide along with a population that traces its roots to south of the border.

The holiday falls on Feb. 2, a time when Roman Catholic Latinos from many countries celebrate traditions such as the blessing of water, children and the candles that lend Candlemas its name, said Rev. Claudio Diaz Jr. director of Hispanic ministry for the Roman Catholic Archdiocese of Chicago.

But it is the reverence for the child that gives Mexican Candelaria its distinctiveness. Candlemas comes 40 days after Christmas, a time when, according to tradition, Mary and Joseph presented Jesus at the temple.

The Nativity scene, rather than the yule tree, is the centerpiece of Mexican Christmas, but in most households the child isn’t placed in the manger until midnight on Christmas Eve, priests say. Over the weeks that follow, it is revered as a representation of the incarnation.

"It’s beautiful," Diaz said. "They place the image, the statue, in a little blankie, and they will cradle the image, and they will sing Christmas songs. And maybe grandma will knit a little gown, and he will be wearing his first little gown, like a baptismal gown.

"We talk about ’the Word became flesh.’ That is the metaphor."

St. Agnes of Bohemia in Chicago is expecting perhaps 200 people to participate in a Candelaria mass Monday, with parishioners bringing candles, water and their own children for blessing, along with the figurine. The Christ Child is often left out all year, and the candles and holy water are kept at hand for times of darkness, Rev. Rene Mena said.

"It could be literal darkness, caused by a storm, or it could be the sense that an evil spirit is around in the house," he said. "So they would light a candle and bless the house with the water that they brought on Feb. 2."

Accounts differ. Some stress pagan roots. Others cite 40 days after the celebration of Christmas as the reason for the February 2nd observance of Candlemas, not Candlemas being co-opted by Christians.

Some accounts consider Candlemas and Groundhog Day as interchangeable. Others maintain the uniqueness of the observances.

More history here.

It's confusing. In any case, the celebrations focus on light -- spiritual or seasonal or both.

Will Punxsutawney Phil see his shadow?

(Yes! Punxsutawney Phil is allegedly the only true weather forecasting groundhog. The others are just impostors.)

It doesn't matter in Wisconsin.

Have you ever known spring weather to arrive 6 weeks after February 2nd?

Not Better Off: Send Obama Your Resume

2012-02-01T12:55:00.004-06:00

Out of work?

Send Obama your resume.

Huge demand for engineers?

"Interesting" to be out of work?

Obama is out of touch.

NOT BETTER OFF.

Mitt Romney: Florida Victory Speech (Video)

2012-02-01T04:00:00.002-06:00

Here's video of Mitt Romney's victory speech after winning the Florida primary.

video platform
video management
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I thought it was a good speech.

Michelle Obama and Jay Leno (Video)

2012-02-01T00:15:00.005-06:00

Michelle Obama was Jay Leno's guest on Tuesday's Tonight Show.

This was Michelle's second time on the show. She first visited in 2008, before Obama was elected.

Of course, Leno was thrilled to have her as a guest.

The two segments were light-hearted. Michelle appeared to be on her "I'm not an angry black woman" tour.

She was very charming, because they didn't talk politics much at all. When Leno brought up the Republican primary, she steered clear of saying anything newsworthy.

They talked about Barack's singing voice.

During Leno's monologue, he played the "Barack sings Al Green" clip.

Some in the audience swooned. Kind of silly.

The White House certainly wants that clip seen by as many people as possible. Apparently, Obama's running for reelection on his performance as a singer.

Leno mentioned Obama's graying hair.

Michelle said, "He's aging, but he's gorgeous."

Again, some in the audience squealed and applauded.

They talked about Michelle's recent birthday and her mother and daughters baking her favorite cake, a red velvet cake. She said it had lots of sugar in it and it had "buttercream topping" and "all that good stuff."

See. Michelle isn't a food Nazi.

Later, they talked about healthy eating, the first lady's crusade.

Michelle promoted her new book, American Grown: How the White House Kitchen Garden Inspires Families, Schools, and Communities.

She got on Leno's case for his decade-long avoidance of vegetables. Michelle said one vegetable she doesn't like is beets.

Then, it was time to eat.

Michelle got "role model" Leno to eat vegetables. She brought veggie pizza with a whole grain crust for Leno to sample. She also fed him baked sweet potato "fries" and apple slices with "White House honey," from the beehives in the garden, for dipping.

Leno made kind of an off-color joke about "White House honey."

He said, "That sounds bad. You know, with a different president that could mean a whole different thing." Kind of unseemly.

Leno then gave Michelle beets. She ate a slice, and acted like she was gagging on it.

Clearly, the visit was very scripted. In spite of that, it was pleasant enough.

Here's video:

First Lady on Singing

First Lady on Presidential Campaign

White House Honey

_________________

Full interview video.

First Lady Michelle Obama, Part 1

First Lady Michelle Obama, Part 2

First Lady Michelle Obama, Part 3

Aaron Rodgers Back on Twitter

2012-02-01T00:01:00.000-06:00

Aaron Rodgers is tweeting again.

I'm back. Have missed u all. Lots to talk about and catch up on. 1st, congrats to my good friend Joe Philbin on his head coach gig in Miami

Secondly, the fans paid money to watch the pro bowl in person. I know no one wants to get hurt but on a couple plays the effort level was...

.....really bad don't u think?? If u wanna rip me for that go ahead. I think those folks in attendance n watching on tv would agree

Thirdly, Discount Double Check. Thanks to clay and bj for spicing up the commercials. Hope u all have enjoyed them. More to come

More State Farm commercials?

Something to look forward to.

January Thaw

2012-02-01T00:00:00.003-06:00

What a glorious winter it has been!

One year ago, we had a blizzard. The drifts were so high that we couldn't open our front or back doors.

I painstakingly used a kitchen scoop to shovel out the back, little by little, until we could open the door wide enough to step outside.

It was such a pain for the weather to get in the way of making preparations for Super Bowl Sunday. I didn't have time to be snowed in when the Packers were just days away from becoming Super Bowl Champions again.

This year, there are no monster drifts, barely any snow left in the yard.

It's a beautiful January thaw. It's my kind of winter.

Perfect, almost.

We aren't in the Super Bowl.

'Cracker Counties' North Florida

2012-01-31T12:50:00.002-06:00

Whoa!

During MSNBC's discussion of today's primary in Florida, Jonathan Martin of Politico referred to the panhandle and northern areas of the state as "Cracker Counties."

Chuck Todd had no problem with that.

Yeah, "Cracker Counties."

No one is bothered by that derogatory racial term. Everything's cool.

Offensive?

Nooooooo.

Video.

JONATHAN MARTIN: Chuck, one last thing on the map if I could -- the other reason why north Florida is gonna be fascinating to watch tonight is because it's gonna give us a sense of what's ahead in March when this primary does move to deep south states. Because as you know, Chuck, a lot of those counties in the panhandle, in north Florida, the 'Cracker Counties,' if you will, more resemble Georgia and Alabama, than they do Florida.

Will Martin be yanked off the air for this?

Will he be suspended?

I crack myself up.
__________________

"You want freedom, you going to have to kill some crackers. You going to have to kill some of their babies."

--KING SAMIR SHABAZZ

Jonathan Martin. Radical New Black Panther King Samir Shabazz. Birds of a feather.

'Liberty or Lies?'

2012-01-31T04:01:00.004-06:00

Last night on PBS, I watched a good portion of the 2-hour edition of Brien Farley's documentary, Liberty or Lies?

Farley examines conservative talk radio and its influence. Interviews with local conservatives and liberals, talk show hosts, journalists, commentators, and bloggers tell the story.

The juxtaposition of perspectives was fascinating.

Those on the Left and the Right occupy parallel universes.

I found the comments by the Leftists to be so revealing, albeit insulting in many cases.

Joel McNally, Eugene Kane, Bruce Murphy, Dan Cody, and Chris Liebenthal don't get it.

Their lack of understanding is amazing to me. What is it about talk radio that prevents Leftists from grasping its reality?

It's difficult to believe that Leftists really think they have no forum to air their views and conservatives have an unfair advantage with talk radio. Are they so dense that they don't realize the mainstream media outlets are their forum?

They can't really think that the print media and the Big Three Network news operations, as well as most cable news stations, provide balanced coverage, can they?

If they do, they've taken leave from reality.

Without question, the Leftists have no respect for the talk radio audience. Very offensive.

According to the Leftists in the documentary, listeners are racist and angry and filled with hate looking for an authority figure, the talk radio host, to articulate their feelings and validate their worldview. At the same time, the Leftists depict the listeners as lacking the intelligence to form their own views. Consequently, they're easily swayed by the opinions espoused by the host. The all-powerful host pulls the strings of the simple-minded masses.

In short, talk radio is all about hate. And stupidity.

Frankly, as the program progressed, the Leftists, via their own words, made it clear that they don't comprehend talk radio. They're clueless.

I don't know if it's jealousy over conservative talk radio's popularity or fear of its power that renders them senseless.

Whatever the reason or reasons, they can't stand conservative talk radio.

In the final analysis, I think the Leftists can't deal with it because they are left out. Liberal talk radio fails miserably.

They want to play, but they can't get in the game. They just don't have the skills. Their tantrums about talk radio are probably rooted in their frustration.
_________________

The answer is "liberty."

Jimmy Fallon: Mitt Romney, Too Far to the Left

2012-01-31T04:00:00.000-06:00

JIMMY FALLON: In a new round of campaign ads, Republican candidates have accused Mitt Romney of being too far to the left, which explains why today Romney received an endorsement from the Baltimore Ravens kicker.

Earthquake - Southwest of Kenosha

2012-01-31T00:06:00.000-06:00

Did you feel the earth move?

From WISN TV:

A 2.4 magnitude earthquake struck southwest of Kenosha late Monday night, according to the U.S. Geological Survey.

According to a preliminary report from its website, the earthquake struck at 9:54 p.m. The earthquake was 6.2 miles deep with an epicenter 11 miles WSW of Kenosha.

This was a weak earthquake with no damage.

I've never experienced an earthquake. I never want to.

Madison High School: Another Fight, Officer Injured

2012-01-31T00:02:00.000-06:00

This week began like the last week ended at Madison High School - with violence and police being called to the Milwaukee public school.

From the Milwaukee Journal Sentinel:

Another Milwaukee police officer was injured in an incident Monday at Madison Academic Campus, the second officer injured in a disturbance at the high school on two consecutive school days.

Officers were called to the school at N. 81st and W. Florist Ave. after dismissal shortly before 4 p.m. when school safety aides intervened in a fight between a female student and an adult female, Milwaukee Public Schools spokeswoman Roseann St. Aubin said.

According to St. Aubin, the adult came to the school and accused the student of stealing a cellphone. The girl fell to the pavement and the woman stomped on her. The woman fled when the safety aides intervened.

Officers who were in the building investigating the incident about an hour later intervened in an argument between two 17-year-old boys attending night classes. A third 17-year-old boy approached and pushed one of the officers to the floor and all three boys were arrested, St. Aubin said.

From WISN TV:

On Friday, eight arrests were made following multiple fights at the same school.

...On Thursday, a fight broke out at Washington High School, resulting in resisting arrest and disorderly conduct tickets for 12 people.

...Milwaukee Public Schools Superintendent Gregory Thornton called the behavior unacceptable.

"We ask parents and the community to step up and reinforce the standard of behavior that is expected in our school buildings," Thornton said in a statement. "We will not tolerate violence among students any more than parents would put up with it in their homes."

Just what are the standards of behavior expected in the homes of these violent students?

Are the parents enforcing rules of acceptable behavior at home? Are they guiding their children and holding them accountable?

If they aren't, it's hopeless.

Obama, Engineers, and Jobs

2012-01-31T00:01:00.001-06:00

Obama claims there is plenty of work for high tech engineers.

What a load of crap!

Video.

There is not a "huge" demand for engineers around the country.

"Not enough highly skilled engineers"?

That's BS.

Obama has no idea what's going on in the REAL WORLD.

Get a clue, Obama!
________________

Mr. President, I will be sending some resumes of highly skilled out-of-work engineers to you.

They will be thrilled to find employment "right away" with your help.

Thank you.

GAB and the Walker Recall Petitions

2012-01-31T00:00:00.007-06:00

UPDATE, January 31, 2012: The Government Accountability Board today announced plans for public release of copies of recall petitions for Governor Walker.

“In the interest of full transparency, the Board has always planned to release copies of recall petitions to anyone who requested them, and to post them online,” said Kevin Kennedy, director and general counsel. “However, we recently heard from a number of people who are concerned about their personal safety if their names and addresses are made public. As a result, our staff had to do a thorough analysis under Wisconsin’s Public Records Law. These are serious issues which must be given thorough consideration and addressed in light of the Statutes and the responsibilities of the Board.”

Kennedy said the staff has concluded, and Judge David Deininger, the Board chairperson, has concurred, that the petitions will be released under Wisconsin law, as well as a recent U.S. Supreme Court decision, Doe v. Reed, involving the release of referendum petitions in Washington State. That position is also supported by the Wisconsin Department of Justice. Unlike an elector’s vote, which is private and confidential, the signing of recall petition is a public process.

In addition to providing copies to requestors, the G.A.B. will continue its past practice, and put all 153,335 pages of PDF copies of the petitions online later today, Kennedy said. The PDF copies are not computer-searchable.

At least the petitions are finally posted.

The GAB's explanation for the delay is truly an embarrassment.
____________________

The Government Accountability Board is not doing as it promised. The recall petitions of Governor Scott Walker were supposed to be available online Monday.

Didn't happen.

The Board is dragging its feet, citing privacy concerns.

This makes no sense at all.

Other recall petitions are published online. The recall petitions for four state senators are posted.

See them here.

Apparently, there are no privacy issues with these petitions.

What's the deal?

It seems like the Democrats don't want everyone with access to the Internet to have access to the petitions.

Obviously, it's not a privacy matter.

It's not fair to publish the state senate recall petitions online but withhold the governor recall petitions.

The Government Accountability Board adds to its record of shame.

Miss Piggy and Kermit and FOX News

2012-01-30T13:00:00.004-06:00

Kermit and Miss Piggy blasted FOX News at their movie premiere press conference.

John Nolte writes:

The Fox News segment Kermit and Miss Piggy are responding to (in the video below) can be watched here, and you can see it’s a rather innocuous and perfectly valid discussion about the culture. As a response, and nearly a week after the segment aired, the Fox-hating entertainment media (which is all of them) viralized the clip, blew the controversy up into something it really wasn’t, and did so because they find it impossible to turn down an opportunity to prove they’re one of the minions in the club.

What effectively happened, though, is a week-old Fox Business segment was consequently amplified into the news narrative, which turned the new Muppet film into a political and partisan football. Only our wildly out-of-touch entertainment media minions would think this is a good thing, and as a consequence, a well-reviewed film that opened above expectations entered the divisive culture and political wars and didn’t do anywhere near as well at the box office as some had expected and hoped.

That, however, wasn’t the fault of the Muppets. That was the immature, clubby entertainment media. The video below, though, puts the Muppets themselves into this controversy, which will only further alienate a very large segment of their audience.

Video.

MISS PIGGY: It's almost as laughable as, uh, accusing Fox News, as uh, you know, being news!

I wish children's characters, like the Muppets, didn't make partisan, politically-charged remarks.

Too bad the puppeteer thought it was a good idea to attack FOX.

I don't like thinking of Kermit, that sweet gentle soul, as a liberal thug and Miss Piggy as a Leftist loon. I don't like picturing them in the Capitol rotunda in Madison shrieking, "FOX LIES!"

I do wish that beloved children's characters would remain apolitical. There are plenty of adults to promote political agendas. There's no reason to speak through a puppet.

Let the kids be kids.

Innocence lost is irretrievable. One of the great tragedies of life.
_____________________

Here's the original segment from FOX News:

Paul Ryan: Birthday Cake, FOX News Sunday

2012-01-30T04:01:00.004-06:00

Paul Ryan was on FOX News Sunday to discuss the budget battle. He commented on other topics as well.

At the end of the interview, Chris Wallace surprised Ryan with a birthday cake.

Ryan turned 42 on Sunday.

He was presented with a rectangular cake with a large dollar sign on it, and a knife. Ryan was genuinely surprised.

According to Wallace, it was the federal dollar. Wallace pressured Ryan into cutting it.

It was odd and uncomfortable, but Wallace enjoyed it. He laughed, "Oh, what we'll do for a photo op."

Right.

Here's video of the complete interview:

Here's the cake portion:

Sarah Palin: Rage Against the Machine

2012-01-30T04:00:00.001-06:00

Sarah Palin offers a way to annoy a liberal: Vote Newt.

Video.

Transcript

JEANINE PIRRO: How can Newt Gingrich distance himself and say that he's not an, you know, an insider when there are those who would say he's the consummate Washington insider? I mean, he was Speaker of the House and he was in Congress for 20 years.

SARAH PALIN: Yeah, how can he say that he's not a part of the establishment? Well, look at the players in the establishment who are fighting so hard against him. They want to crucify him because he's tapped into that average, everyday American Tea Party grassroots movement that has said, 'Enough is enough of the establishment that tries to run the show, and tweak rules and laws and regulations for their own good and not for our nation's own good.'

Well, when both party machines and many in the media are trying to crucify Newt Gingrich for bucking the tide and bucking the establishment, that tells you something.

And I say, you know, you gotta rage against the machine at this point in order to defend our republic and save what is good and secure and prosperous about our nation. We need somebody who is engaged in sudden and relentless reform and isn't afraid to shake it up, shake up that establishment.

So, if for no other reason - rage against the machine - vote for Newt. Annoy a liberal. Vote Newt. Keep this vetting process going, keep the debate going.

As more debate happens, Judge, we'll hear more from Newt and from the other candidates who will oppose his position as he claims that he's not part of the establishment. Let's hear more about it.

Palin's real message is to allow the process to play out. I don't want to see a coronation.

I think it's nuts when Republicans say that this messy primary fight is reelecting Obama.

The argument that Republicans are giving Obama ammunition to use against the eventual nominee is silly.

Obama has been a disaster as president. The American people know it. So many are suffering because of his policies, what he's done and what he's failed to do.

Obama's record and the state of the country will provide the Republican nominee with a massive arsenal of reasons to present a convincing case against an Obama second term.

Obama has a real problem - his dreadful performance as president.

The Republican candidates need to focus on Obama.

Enough with the mudslinging. Convince me with a positive message, not negative attacks. That's what I want to hear - positive stuff.

I want to feel confident the nominee is capable of challenging Obama and defeating him.

Protests of Obama Health Ruling at Mass

2012-01-30T00:01:00.004-06:00

Reuters reports:

U.S. Catholic bishops and priests across the country read out letters at Mass on Sunday protesting plans by President Barack Obama's administration to force religiously-affiliated nonprofit groups to offer birth-control coverage to women employees.

On Jan 20, the Obama administration made final a proposal requiring most employer-sponsored health plans to offer women contraceptive services including sterilization without copays, co-insurance or deductibles.

Religious authorities including the U.S. Conference of Catholic Bishops condemned the rule as a violation of religious conscience and the constitutional right to religious freedom.

In an organized protest, numerous local media reported on Sunday that Catholic clergy read out letters of protest Mass.

The "organized protest" wasn't too organized.

There was no mention whatsoever of the Obama administration's violation of the Constitution and disregard for religious liberty at the Mass I attended.

I'm glad some priests across the country informed the faithful of Obama's abuse and spoke out against it.

Unfortunately, the message wasn't relayed at every Mass over the weekend.

Mary Tyler Moore - SAG Award

2012-01-30T00:00:00.009-06:00

Mary Tyler Moore, TV icon, received a lifetime achievement award from the Screen Actors Guild during its annual awards ceremony.

From the Los Angeles Times:

Mary Tyler Moore took the stage Sunday to accept her award for career achievement, with her TV husband Dick Van Dyke singing her praises. And with Betty White onstage earlier to accept the award for female actor in a comedy series, the Screen Actors Guild Awards veered close to being an "MTM" episode of "This Is Your Life."

From the stage at the Shrine Exposition Hall in Los Angeles, Van Dyke recalled wondering aloud when he first met Moore: "Do you think she can do comedy?"

She could indeed, as she proved in her roles as Laura Petrie on the 1960s sitcom "The Dick Van Dyke Show" and later as Mary Richards on "The Mary Tyler Moore Show."

Moore could do drama too, with several serious roles on Broadway and TV. Her work in the heart-wrenching 1980 film "Ordinary People" earned her an Oscar nomination for lead actress.

Moore, of course, is perhaps best known for her role on her self-titled show, where she became the face of the modern single career woman. The pioneering role set the standard for countless female-driven comedy series, not to mention real-life careers.

...Moore also has helped raised funds and awareness about abused animals. The actress, who contracted juvenile diabetes, has been outspoken about the disease and has supported research for most of her career.

On Sunday, Moore enchanted the audience, telling the tale of how her trademark show business name came to be. It seems there were too many "Mary Moores" already in Hollywood.

...When Moore finished her speech, Van Dyke gave her a smooch on the cheek.

There's no question that Mary Tyler Moore deserved to be recognized for her achievements.

Dick Van Dyke, a TV icon in his own right, served as presenter.

When Van Dyke was finished with his introduction and the taped piece had played, Mary Tyler Moore was standing at the podium already. She didn't walk on stage.

After she completed her charming acceptance speech, she didn't move. When Van Dyke stepped in to give her a kiss on the cheek, she seemed startled. It was a little weird. She was never shown walking off stage.

There was an awkwardness about it. I wondered if she was suffering from a health issue.

I know she's had some health problems relatively recently.

I hope all is well. I wish her years of good health and congratulate her on the lifetime achievement award.

Bella Santorum

2012-01-30T00:00:00.004-06:00

Sarah Palin shares on Facebook: Beautiful Bella Santorum

Thank you, Rick and Karen Santorum, for living the Christ-like example of sacrifice and right priorities. Nothing is more precious or important than the life of an innocent child. Our prayers are with Bella, a perfect child in an imperfect world.

God bless the beautiful Santorum family.

- Sarah and Todd Palin and family

I so admire the respect for life exhibited by the Santorum family and the Palin family.

They live their beliefs. They understand the beauty of their blessings.
__________________

Santorum says daughter, Bella, 3, will be OK

Republican presidential candidate Rick Santorum, who scaled back campaign appearances to be with his 3-year-old daughter, Bella, at Children's Hospital of Philadelphia, said Sunday night the little girl was getting better and should be able to go home in a few days.

Speaking to Florida supporters by phone from Bella's hospital room, Santorum said she'd had a rough 36 hours with pneumonia, but was awake, alert and back to being a "beautiful, happy girl."

Bella, one of seven Santorum children, suffers from a serious genetic disorder called Trisomy 18, a condition caused by a third copy of material from chromosome 18 instead of two, leading to a wide array of physical and mental problems.

His campaign had released a statement Sunday morning saying Santorum intended to "return to Florida and resume the campaign schedule as soon as is possible." Florida's primary election is Tuesday.

Bella, whose full name is Isabella Maria Santorum, has become a symbol of Santorum's steadfast pro-life stance on the campaign trail.

He has mentioned her in interviews and at events, saying in a video in October: "Bella makes us better."

In a column Santorum wrote for The Inquirer in 2010, he said his daughter's condition requires constant attention and "she is worth every tear."

Hermain Cain Endorses Newt Gingrich

2012-01-29T00:02:00.003-06:00

Will Herman Cain's endorsement help Newt Gingrich?

It will probably help as much as Rick Perry's endorsement.

Video.

From the New York Times:

Despite signs that he could lose the important Florida primary on Tuesday, Newt Gingrich, who picked up the endorsement of a former opponent, Herman Cain, pledged Saturday to stay in the nominating race until the very end, telling reporters he would press on until the Republican convention in Tampa in August.

“I will go all the way to the convention,” Mr. Gingrich said after a rally at a golf course here. “I expect to win the nomination.”

Mr. Gingrich alluded to two national polls that he said showed him ahead, but it is the state polls that count, and in Florida they show him lagging 8 or 10 percentage points behind Mitt Romney.

Later, at a West Palm Beach County Republican dinner, Mr. Gingrich accepted the endorsement of Mr. Cain, the former business executive who ended his own presidential campaign in early December. Mr. Cain, sharing the stage with Mr. Gingrich, said he understood the “sausage grinder” of a presidential campaign and was inspired by Mr. Gingrich, who has been pilloried by many in his party who are worried that if he became the nominee, he would lose to President Obama in November.

Mr. Cain suspended his campaign after reports emerged of an extramarital affair, and it is not clear how much his endorsement would help Mr. Gingrich, who has also acknowledged extramarital affairs. But Mr. Cain’s plan for a 9 percent flat tax resonated with Tea Party supporters and other conservatives.

Gingrich vows to go all the way to the convention.

It makes sense that he'd say that now. Certainly, the goal is not to drop out of the race. Who knows what will happen down the road?

I don't think a spirited debate hurts Republicans.

What I don't like is the way Gingrich and Mitt Romney are ripping each other apart. They should focus on Obama.

Hillary Clinton and Obama engaged in a lengthy primary battle. It didn't hurt the Democrats in 2008.

I think Republicans should get a grip. The current climate of panic is premature.

Occupiers and the Constitution

2012-01-29T00:01:00.001-06:00

Members of the Southern Occupy movement struggle mightily with four very simple questions about the U.S. Constitution.

Video.

Not good, but entertaining.

Vuvuzela This!

2012-01-29T00:00:00.001-06:00

The anti-Scott Walker brigade tooting their vuvuzelas should take note.

If the Leftist/Democrat/union protesters could do this with their vuvuzelas, I might be less annoyed by their blasts.

Still, even Beethoven when played as a protest, to prevent someone from being heard, is the sound of an ill-mannered, uncivilized clod.

Caroline Kennedy, Uncle Teddy Fundraising E-Mail

2012-01-28T13:15:00.000-06:00

Ted Kennedy has joined the 2012 reelect Obama effort.

Here's the e-mail:

From: Caroline Kennedy
Subject: My uncle Teddy

Friend --

Four years ago today, I joined my Uncle Teddy and thousands of excited students at American University to endorse Barack Obama as the next president of the United States.

Barack Obama had stirred something in young people and the young at heart. I saw the passion in my own teenage children, and I heard it from a different generation of people who said they felt like they did when my father ran for president.

We felt strongly that we needed to elect a president who urged us to believe in ourselves, who could tie that belief to our highest ideals, and who understood that together we can do great things.

Four years later, as I think about what first inspired me to support Barack Obama, I'm proud we have a president who has fought hard for the values Teddy held dear, and stood up on issues that matter.

Will you join me by saying what first inspired you to stand with Barack Obama?

http://my.barackobama.com/Teddy

Teddy understood that the challenges of health care aren't political -- they are personal. That's why he fought for 40 years to make health care a right and not a privilege for American families.

How proud he would have been to see his candidate sign the Affordable Care Act into law as president, giving all Americans the security of knowing that their health care will be there when they need it most.

In his speech four years ago today, Teddy reminded us all of that bright light of hope and possibility that shines even in the darkest hours. He knew that with Barack Obama as president, America would shine again. I don't think he would be surprised to know that four years later, this president would have ended the war in Iraq, repealed "Don't Ask, Don't Tell," and guaranteed women the right to equal pay for equal work.

The 2012 election will be harder than the last. As you think about what role you can play this time, I want you to remember that when Teddy joined this campaign, it wasn't just Barack Obama who drew him in.

It was you.

The possibility of a campaign run by ordinary people determined to change our country for the better and willing to work as hard as necessary inspired him then, and it's what inspires me today.

Thanks for all you do.

I'll see you out there,

Caroline

P.S. -- If you'd like to take some time to watch that speech, it's here.

This is kind of weird.

Bill Maher and Saul Alinsky

2012-01-28T13:00:00.001-06:00

Bill Maher is not too smart. Or he's a liar. He could be both.

Maher claims to have no idea who Saul Alinsky is.

Video.

Here you go, Bill. Get educated. Alinsky wrote the handbook for radicals, literally.

Read Alinsky's own words in this interview from Playboy magazine, 1972.

I remember when Bill Maher was a clever, funny comedian.

Hard to believe such a Maher ever existed.

Madison High School Fight

2012-01-28T00:01:00.005-06:00

Another day, another slew of students arrested at a Milwaukee Public High School.

From FOX6 News:

Milwaukee police arrested 11 people after multiple fights broke out at Madison High School at 81st and Florist Friday afternoon.

Police say the fights broke out inside the school and officers on the scene called for help.

One officer was kicked in the face by an 18-year-old female student, after which police deployed an electronic control device to stop the threat.

Eight people were arrested for disorderly conduct; three for resisting/obstructing an officer.

Two police officers were hurt but did not require medical treatment.

Milwaukee Mayor Tom Barrett issued the following statement in relation to the fights at Madison High School:

“Today’s violent incident at Madison High School and yesterday’s after school fight at Washington High School are inexcusable. Students arrested and charged must be held accountable by their families, Milwaukee Public Schools and the courts. All of us, but in particular, parents, family members and MPS must be loud and clear in stating that there is no tolerance for the behavior exhibited over the last two days.”

The Madison High arrests were on Friday. On Thursday, police were called to Washington High School, and 12 people were arrested.

What an absolute mess!

These high school students and their peers engaging in this violence are Milwaukee's future.

It's a very scary thought.

The deterioration of the city of Milwaukee is a tragedy.

I believe Mayor Tom Barrett is sincere when he expresses his anger about incidents like the fights on Thursday and Friday at Milwaukee's public high schools. The problem is he's been outraged and issuing the same sort of statements for YEARS.

"This will not be tolerated."

OK. It might not be tolerated but I don't see any improvement. It keeps happening again and again. Instead of signs of hope, there is more mob violence, like after the July 3rd fireworks and after the opening day of the State Fair.

The city's death spiral continues.

Barrett's statements don't work. They don't change anything.

I guess the only thing that can save Milwaukee is a street car!

Crazy.

The community's leaders are utterly missing in action on the disintegration of this generation of kids. Individuals in positions of authority need to speak out and get tough. I think the leaders' ineffectiveness is as inexcusable as the violence committed by the thugs.

ACCOUNTABILITY.

RESPONSIBILITY.

MORALITY.

By the way, when was the last time police were called to a private school in the School Choice program and multiple arrests were made?

Refresh my memory, please. I can't recall that ever happening.

National Kazoo Day

2012-01-28T00:00:00.001-06:00

Today is National Kazoo Day.

Al Levie

2012-01-27T12:30:00.005-06:00

UPDATE: "Wisconsin Activist Teacher’s Paul Ryan Snub Explained," by Kyle Olson.
_______________

Once again, a Leftist Wisconsin teacher behaves disgracefully.

Al Levie joins the ranks of Wisconsin public employees to thoroughly embarrass himself.

Who is this latest embarrassment?

[Al] Levie is a social studies teacher at Horlick High School and is on the state executive board of Voces de la Frontera and the Racine chapter of the NAACP. He is an advisor to the student youth group Youth Empowered in the Struggle.

More:

[Al Levie] works as a community organizer and teacher/program director for the Wisconsin Correctional Service.

Given Levie's radical Leftist resume, I suppose it should come as no surprise that he would behave so boorishly in public.

However, Levie acting in such a divisive, offensive manner at a Martin Luther King Jr. event is really taking his activism to an extreme that should make his fellow Leftists cringe. (The operative word is "should.")

From The Blaze, via Charlie Sykes:

A Wisconsin teacher refused to accept an award from Rep. Paul Ryan during a ceremony last week, saying he couldn’t do so “in good conscience” because of the Republican congressman’s politics.

Al Levie, a high school social studies teacher in Racine, Wis., was one of three recipients of a Martin Luther King Jr. humanitarian award during a celebration honoring the late civil rights leader. Ryan, who represents the district, was on hand to present congressional recognitions to each award winner, the Kenosha News reported:
After Ryan spoke, Levie criticized the congressman’s policies before being walked off the stage. Levie had earlier stated that he would like to see collective bargaining restored in Wisconsin, fair immigration reform and a fair tax system among other suggestions.

In a video of the ceremony, Ryan is seen stepping from behind the podium to hand the award to Levie, who backs away and instead turns to speak to the audience. His words aren’t audible, but according to the video’s captions he said, “I can’t in good conscience accept this award, as a humanitarian, Paul Ryan stands for everything I don’t believe in.”

“Oh come on,” one person is heard saying.

“For the kids!” someone else adds.

...“I would not accept the award from Paul Ryan because Paul Ryan is a lackey for the 1 percent,” he said. “Paul Ryan had no business at a Martin Luther King event, it’s totally hypocritical. On the one hand he votes to slash health care, while on the other hand, King dedicated his life and he died for it, for people to have adequate healthcare, to have adequate jobs.”

“King made it very clear that he was on the side of working people,” he continued. “Ryan on the other hand, he has absolutely no affinity for the working class and for him to come to an event where somebody of King’s stature was honored is wrong.”

Here's video:

Clearly, Levie doesn't deserve the award.

To publicly display such inexplicable hate for Paul Ryan shows that Levie is no humanitarian and should not have been selected as an honoree.

Obviously, Paul Ryan was invited to the event. He was a guest. Organizers wanted him to be there. When Ryan attempted to present a Congressional Certificate of Recognition to Levie, he snubbed Ryan in an awkward and selfish fashion.

The disrespectful Levie shamelessly put his politics before decency.

Dr. King didn't do that. That was not the approach he took. He appealed to the goodness in others by acting with integrity. Levie showed he lacks the sort of integrity Dr. King possessed.

Wisconsin taxpayer employee Levie embodies the antithesis to Dr. King.

Levie is a terrible role model. It was a mistake to honor a dishonorable man like him.

Rachel Maddow - Jeopardy

2012-01-27T00:02:00.001-06:00

And the reality of MSNBC's dismal ratings rears its ugly head.

All three contestants on Jeopardy could not recognize a photo of Rachel Maddow and provide the answer (in the form of a question, please), "Who is Rachel Maddow?"

Video.

I guess smart people don't watch MSNBC.

Joe Biden: Fake Indian Accent

2012-01-27T00:01:00.000-06:00

Joe Biden is one of the most buffoonish vice presidents we've ever had.

His latest stumble: Biden Does Fake Indian Accent During Outsourcing Speech

BIDEN: Even call centers, even call centers rushed over seas, hundreds of thousands. How many times you get the call, ‘I like to talk to you about your credit card’? Or that ad on TV, what is it? ‘Nancy, this is Nancy, can I talk to a supervisor?’ Right? Ok? Well, it’s a little overdone but the truth of the matter is these jobs now are paying about $19.50 an hour if memory serves me.

What's with Biden and mocking Indians?

Remember this one?

BIDEN: You cannot go into a Dunkin Donuts or a 7-Eleven unless you have a slight Indian accent. I'm not joking.

I guess we know how Biden learned his Indian accent.

Gogebic Taconite and Mining Bill

2012-01-27T00:00:00.002-06:00

We need jobs.

Will Wisconsin legislators go "Keystone" on us?

From the Pierce County Herald:

Debate continued in the Wisconsin State Assembly this afternoon on the bill to speed up the process of granting state permits for new iron ore mines – like the one Gogebic Taconite wants to build in Ashland and Iron counties.

Germantown Republican Dan Knodl said the measure would create jobs and prosperity to people throughout the Badger State. And that includes mining equipment makers in Milwaukee, 400 miles from where the proposed Gogebic mine would be built. But Appleton Democrat Penny Bernard-Schaber said the authors of the 180-plus-page bill should start over. She criticized an amendment to raise the maximum amount the DNR could be paid for permit-related costs from $1.1 million dollars to two-million. Bernard-Schaber said the state would be left “holding the bag,” because it might cost up to eight-million-dollars for the DNR’s permit-related expenses. She also said local communities would be hurt by a proposal to give the state 40-percent of tax revenues from the products of the mines – even though the original plan called for a 50-50 split of the state-and-local shares. And Bernard-Schaber said local residents would be hurt by a $150,000 limit on collecting personal property damages due to the mine.

At one point, the presiding officer called for the Assembly gallery to be cleared because of hecklers. Madison Democrat Mark Pocan accused Republicans of over-reacting, saying it’s wrong to eject the entire gallery over the behavior of a few. But speaker Jeff Fitzgerald (R-Horicon) said quote, “It’s more than a protest to have obscenities raining down on the Assembly floor,” and unless a specific culprit can be identified, he said lawmakers did not have a choice but to throw everyone out. The culprit was apparently found, and the debate continued.

Imagine that. Hecklers.

Boy, I didn't see that coming.

Bottom line: Leftists/Democrats don't want jobs to be created on Scott Walker's watch.

Yes, they pander to the environmentalists, but for them, this is mostly about obstructing Walker and preventing the state from acquiring new business.

Of course, the Republicans control both the Assembly and the Senate, but the Senate is where things get sticky.

From the Associated Press:

Republican Gov. Scott Walker is behind the bill, calling again during his State of the State address Wednesday night for lawmakers to pass it. Republicans control the Assembly, making passage in that house all but certain.

Assembly approval would kick the bill to the state Senate, but from there things get murky. Republicans control the Senate, but they've been treading cautiously on mining changes. The GOP holds only a one-vote majority in the chamber and four GOP senators face potential recall elections later this year. Passing the bill could generate even more anger among voters.

The Senate appointed a special committee to study mining issues last fall, but the panel has met only once. Sen. Neal Kedzie, R-Elkhorn, the committee's chairman, ticked off a number of questions about the Assembly proposal Thursday, saying the Senate might revamp the bill. All he could say for sure was he wants to get a mining bill out of the Senate before the legislative session ends in March.

"I'm not here to criticize the Assembly bill. They're putting out a product they feel their members are able to support, but that doesn't mean we can't add additional ideas and make the legislation better," Kedzie said.

The bill would require the state Department of Natural Resources to make a decision on an iron mining application within a year. Currently the process is open-ended.

...Mine opponents spent the day speaking out against the legislation in a Capitol hearing room, propping signs against the walls that read "there will be no mine, end of story, get out" and "they say mine, we say ours!!"

Members of the Bad River Band of Lake Superior Chippewa filled the room. The tribe's reservation is located just downstream from the mine site and fears pollution from the mine will contaminate their beloved rice beds. Tribal elder Joseph Rose regaled listeners with the tribe's creation stories, saying humans were meant to live in harmony with nature and not take more than they need.

"That's the very basis of our spirituality," Rose said. "What will we be leaving to that seventh generation? Will there be clean water? Will there be fresh air? Will there be birds and animals?"

There has to be balance, of course.

The environmental impact should be considered, but it shouldn't be used as an excuse to prevent jobs from coming to the state.

Unreasonable obstruction sends jobs elsewhere.

Creating jobs and being good stewards of the earth are not mutually exclusive.

Kelly Rindfleisch, Darlene Wink, and John Chisholm

2012-01-26T13:01:00.003-06:00

I've lost a lot of respect for Milwaukee County District Attorney John Chisholm, DEMOCRAT.

His partisan political maneuvering has brought disgrace to himself and his office. His allegedly "secret" John Doe investigation has been a joke.

From 620 WTMJ:

Two new sets of charges have come down Thursday against two former staffers for now-Governor Scott Walker when he was Milwaukee County Executive.

Each staffer reportedly engaged in political activity and fundraising while on the job at the County Executive's office.

Kelly Rindfleisch faces four charges of misconduct in public office.

Rindfleisch, 43, was then-County Executive Walker's deputy chief of staff.

The complaint alleges that Rindfleisch illegally worked on Rep. Brett Davis' campaign at taxpayers' expense.

Darlene Wink also faces two misdemeanors of political solicitation by a public employee.

She worked as a constituent coordinator for Walker.

Rindfleisch allegedly set up a private e-mail account and operated the account from the County Executive's office.

The complaint says the e-mails were for both political campaigning and office work.

Wink reportedly raised money for Walker's gubernatorial race at county taxpayers' expense.

Chisholm's lengthy investigation has yielded nothing that accuses Scott Walker of wrongdoing.

RATS!

He tried, Leftists. Chisholm tried, but he came up with nothing.

When it comes to Rindfleisch and Wink, illegal actions are, obviously, unacceptable and should not be tolerated.

However, justice is blind, right?

It shouldn't matter that Rindfleisch and Wink were doing political work for Republicans.

Unfortunately, it does.

John Chisholm must have hundreds, maybe thousands, of public employees to investigate and charge for illegal political activities.

He must confiscate the work computers of public school teachers, and comb through all the files and emails.

We know that taxpayer employees engaged in political activity while on the clock as teachers in public schools.

Will Chisholm begin to investigate them?

Fat chance.

If this "secret" John Doe investigation sheds light on anything, it's that John Chisholm is a partisan hack.
___________________

Video, from FOX6 News:

'Wife's a F---ing Whore' - Protester to Joel Kleefisch

2012-01-26T12:30:00.006-06:00

Last night after Governor Scott Walker delivered the State of the State address at the Capitol, Rep. Joel Kleefisch, husband of Lt. Governor Rebecca Kleefisch, was verbally assaulted by Leftist/Democrat/union protesters.

From the Capital Times:

A couple hundred people gathered at the Capitol Wednesday night for Gov. Scott Walker's State of the State speech. But the last thing they wanted to do was to actually hear it.

They were there to drown it out, with shouting, with singing, with profanity, and even with a poorly played sousaphone. And, they said, with a recall that will get Walker off the podium for good.

"We want to be really loud so they can hear us on TV," said Harriet Rowan, who was using her cellphone to tweet updates to followers. The organizers got around new Department of Administration rules restricting protests in the Capitol -- unveiled in December but not yet completely enforced -- by organizing via Twitter.

...The best part of the speech for many in this crowd was when it was over and politicians filed out.

"There's a live one!" someone shouted as Rep. Joel Kleefisch, R-Oconomowoc (also Lt. Gov. Rebecca Kleefisch's husband), strode past on his way to the bathroom.

"Shame!" shouted Jeremy Ryan, the executive director of a protest group called Defending Wisconsin.

As Kleefisch passed the crowd again later, a young woman taunted him. "Your wife's a f--- whore!" she screamed.

A man from Nebraska observing the scene was disgusted. "It's so disrespectful," he said. "We don't do this in Nebraska." He refused to give his name but said he was in town for what he described as a political convention.

This is beyond disrespectful.

It's a disgrace, an absolute disgrace.

Yes, it's shameful, as in "SHAME, SHAME, SHAME, SHAME."

There's no defending this sort of vile behavior.

I completely disagree with Tom Barrett politically. Without question, I think he should be voted out of office, not in a recall election, but when he's up for reelection. I think Barrett has been a disaster for Milwaukee. He would be a disaster for the state.

I've seen Barrett in public places. I've seen him walking around at Summerfest and the ethnic festivals.

I would NEVER start screaming at him. I would NEVER yell, "Your wife's a f---ing whore." I wouldn't whisper something like that. I wouldn't say it at all. I wouldn't think it.

I would NEVER post on Facebook, "Tom Barrett must die." I wouldn't say it and I wouldn't think it.

Such behavior is completely inexcusable. The lack of civility is shocking. Only a sociopath would act out in such a disgusting manner.

The public unions and other Scott Walker haters are doing nothing to help their cause by acting like thugs, truly despicable thugs.

SUPER BOWL XXXI - 15 Years Ago

2012-01-26T12:00:00.002-06:00

It was fifteen years ago today.

The Green Bay Packers beat the New England Patriots to become Super Bowl XXXI champions.

Al Marsh: Walker Death Threat, Protester

2012-01-26T04:01:00.000-06:00

On his radio program yesterday, Mark Belling reported that Al Marsh, under investigation for posting a threat to Scott Walker's life on Facebook, is, in fact, a city of Milwaukee employee.

Belling said that Marsh has made some additional Facebook posts since his disturbing comment first drew attention, including defending his "Scott Walker must die" threat as free speech.

Do you recognize this man?

It's Al Marsh. He believes he has the right to threaten the life of Scott Walker, Governor of Wisconsin.

Truly sick and deranged.

Failing to take his remark seriously is also sick. It's frightening.

Looking through Marsh's photos on Facebook is revealing.

His decision to post this is kind of scary:

Marsh also has a photo of the Capitol building in Madison from March 5, 2011, with the caption, "We arrive at the capital."

It's clear that Marsh dislikes Governor Walker enough to have made the trip from Milwaukee to Madison to protest. He's an activist.

With a photo of the protest captioned "40,000 strong," Marsh comments: "This is how I spent my Saturday."

Another photo from March 5, in Madison: "The assault begins."

"Assault"? Marsh's choice of words suggests violence, not a peaceful protest.

Some of his other photos from the same day:

"Protest rally marchers."

"Fellow protesters in the capital."

Marsh isn't just a guy writing dumb stuff online. He's actively involved in the anti-Scott Walker movement.

I hope law enforcement is thoroughly investigating Marsh.

The guy really creeps me out.

"Scott Walker must die."

A stable person, at least 50 years old, doesn't post that.

Scott Walker: State of the State (Transcript)

2012-01-26T04:00:00.008-06:00

Governor Scott Walker delivered his State of the State last night.

There were a few disruptions during the address, but they were minor.

Here's the transcript, as prepared for delivery:

Speaker Fitzgerald, Speaker Pro Tem Kramer, President Ellis, Majority Leader Fitzgerald, Minority Leader Miller, Minority Leader Barca, members of the Wisconsin Supreme Court, Constitutional Officers, tribal leaders, members of the Cabinet, distinguished guests, members of the Legislature, my wife Tonette and our family and most importantly fellow citizens of the great state of Wisconsin, it is an honor to appear before you tonight.

Next to my wife is the Adjutant General of Wisconsin Major General Don Dunbar. I want to thank him and the more than 10,000 members of our state's National Guard.

With him tonight are the members of the 724th Engineer Battalion. I first spoke with them when they were deployed in Iraq. I greeted them when they returned home and then, I saw many of them again this summer as they responded to the massive damage caused by the wind storms in northwestern Wisconsin.

Their dedication — to their country, their state and, their communities is a prime example of what we all know as the Spirit of Wisconsin. We thank them — and all of the other men and women in uniform: both past and present — for their service.

Before we begin our conversation, let us take a moment to honor a member of our state government family, who couldn't be with us tonight. Representative Tamara Grigsby is fighting a brave battle. Like so many of you, Tonette and I continue to send our thoughts and prayers to Representative Grigsby and her family, and we look forward to seeing her in this chamber again very soon.

Tonight, we come together to discuss the state of our state. To do so, we need to remember where we were as a state prior to a year ago, what we've accomplished over the past year and most importantly where we are headed in the year to come.

When I addressed you in this chamber last January, Wisconsin had suffered through three years of 150,000 of our fellow citizens losing their jobs. The unemployment rate was 7.5 percent. And after years of tax increases and budget tricks, Wisconsin faced one of the largest budget deficits in the country.

Now, our unemployment rate is down from a year ago. In fact, it's the lowest it's been since 2008.

We are turning things around. We are heading in the right direction.

During the past year, we added thousands of new jobs. And we balanced the state budget. We balanced it — without raising taxes; without massive layoffs; and without budget tricks; all of which allowed us to put more than $1.2 billion of new state money into Medicaid programs like Badgercare and FamilyCare.

Tonight, I want to share with you how we got here and I want to share our plan for:

— Helping the people of Wisconsin create more jobs,

— Keeping a balanced budget and

— Improving the education of our kids by working together.

When I ran for governor, I talked a great deal about the core principles I call "Brown Bag Common Sense." One of those principles is that people create jobs, not the government.

In the past, however, some thought that the government did create jobs and that's how they justified raising taxes to pay for the unsustainable expansion of government.

That thinking might explain why prior to my taking office the state lost 150,000 private sector jobs.

In contrast, I believe it is the people of this state who create jobs and not the government. With that in mind, I set out to improve the climate for small businesses in Wisconsin.

Last year, we passed some of the most aggressive pro-jobs legislation in the country. And we did it with help from lawmakers in both parties because these aren't Republican or Democrat jobs, they're Wisconsin jobs.

Tonight I'm happy to report that after three years of losing 150,000 jobs Wisconsin actually added thousands of new jobs in 2011. New business formations are up by over 2 percent. And our unemployment rate is down from a year ago.

In fact, Wisconsin's unemployment rate is not only lower than the national average but much better than our neighbors to the south in Illinois.

Most importantly, we improved the climate for job creators here in Wisconsin over the past year.

Today, 94 percent of our job creators believe Wisconsin is headed in the right direction. That compares to just 10 percent who thought the same thing just two years ago. And a majority of these employers say they're going to grow in 2012.

They will join companies like RUUD Lighting in Sturtevant or Uline in Hudson, Collaborative Consulting in Wausau or Shopko in Green Bay, Generac in Whitewater or City Brewing in La Crosse — all of whom announced new jobs during the past year.

They'll join Kestrel Aircraft in Superior. I was just there two weeks ago when they announced they're adding 600 new jobs. The Mayor said it was the largest jobs project in the region since World War II.

But, the inspiring stories don't come just from company owners or plant managers; they come from employees.

Sandy Breth — who is here with us tonight — has one of those great stories.

When the economy took a dive a few years ago, she took a pay cut. Not long after that, she lost her job. Today, however, she's working at G3 Industries in Mosinee.

G3 is one of those companies that added jobs in the past year and now has plans to add even more in the future. The owner told me that he's creating more jobs in Wisconsin because he likes the way we are moving our state forward.

Without the positive changes, he told me he would not have had the confidence to grow his business here. Improving the business climate is not only good for business owners; it's good for people like Sandy and her family.

We need more stories like hers in Wisconsin. So our Lieutenant Governor and I held small business round-tables all over the state.

From La Crosse to Green Bay, from Superior to Racine, from Milwaukee to Eau Claire, from Madison to Wausau, we listened. In particular, we heard many business owners say that they have jobs but that they cannot find enough skilled workers to fill them. This is a problem that must be solved.

With that in mind, we introduced our Wisconsin Working jobs plan. In it, we double the number of job fairs, add staff to connect people to employment, make it easier for job seekers to get needed skills and we prepare to do more to promote manufacturing.

In addition, we are specifically targeting our veterans for full employment. It is unacceptable to think that any man or woman who has served our country would return home and not be able to find a job. I made employment of our returning veterans the number one mission of our state Department of Veterans Affairs.

Focusing on veterans is good for employers like Monarch Company in Milwaukee who is looking to add machinists and welders. After a recent visit there they told me they understand the benefits of employing veterans. Our returning service members are good hires because they are well disciplined. On top of that, they can get their training paid for through the Wisconsin GI Bill that we fully restored last year.

To create more jobs, employers told us they also need help cutting through the red tape of government.

Tonight, I'm announcing new members to the Small Business Regulatory Review Board which has the authority to review every rule in all of our state agencies. I will direct our agencies to work with them to remove antiquated and unnecessary regulations that pose a threat to creating new jobs.

Employers also told us that they need a 21st century infrastructure system to drive economic development. After the previous administration raided more than a billion dollars out of the Transportation Fund, I took action to restore our commitment to good roads, freight rail and strong ports. We know that a strong transportation system helps manufacturers and farmers get product to and from market and it keeps good people on the job building that infrastructure.

There is another tremendous opportunity for job growth. We can pass legislation that will streamline the process for safe and environmentally sound mining. The proposed project in northwestern Wisconsin could provide at least 700 jobs at the mine and thousands across the state.

I mentioned this idea several times during the campaign and we've debated it for months. Now it is time for Wisconsin to move forward on a project that is not only about jobs but also about the history of our badger state.

Our heritage in Wisconsin is also built on fiscal restraint. One of the most important parts of our state constitution affirms that "frugality in government leads to freedom and prosperity for our people." That is worth repeating: "frugality in government leads to freedom and prosperity for our people." I believe our founders had it right.

Think about it, when I spoke here last January, Wisconsin faced a $3.6 billion deficit.

In the past, state government took more than a billion dollars away from building safe roads and bridges, illegally raided the fund to support malpractice victims and ignored a payment to Minnesota for tax reciprocity. And one-time federal stimulus money was used for ongoing costs — all of these practices left us with a more than $3 billion hole to fill last year.

While these poor decisions of the past left us with a major budget deficit, Wisconsin was not alone. Nearly every state in America faced a budget deficit in 2011. So what did other states do?

Some, like Illinois, raised taxes — but that only made matters worse.

Other states used massive layoffs to balance their budgets. We avoided that in Wisconsin.

Some states cut core services like Medicaid. But in Wisconsin, we added some $1.2 billion to Medicaid and our reforms allow us to expand Familycare — our long-term care program for seniors — all across the state.

Still other states opted to use budget tricks. But I didn't want to pass that burden on to my sons and their generation. I want our kids and grandkids to inherit a Wisconsin even greater than the one we did.

With that in mind, we balanced the $3.6 billion budget deficit with long-term, structural reforms. We thought more about the next generation than we did about the next election.

And isn't that what the people elected us to do? We kept our promises.

It's why our ranking as a good place to create jobs went up faster than any state in the country last year. We went from years of being ranked in the bottom 10 to breaking into the top half of the states. Employers appreciate that we took our fiscal problems seriously and that we addressed them with real solutions.

Another important pledge I made was to not raise taxes. That's even more important in a tough economy.

Many of us believe that the $3 billion tax increase imposed a few years ago actually led to the massive job losses through 2010. In contrast, we enacted a budget in 2011 that lowered the overall tax burden in Wisconsin.

For the five years prior to last year, the average school tax levy increased $220 million per year. Our reforms led to the first decrease in the school property tax levy in six years. The total school tax levy actually went down by more than $47 million.

That means real money in the hands of real people. People like Pam Petry of Rice Lake. Mrs. Petry saw her property tax go down by more than $100 this year. Or people like Gail Griswold of West Salem who was surprised to see her bill go down, too.

Our reforms helped protect these taxpayers and thousands of others across the state.

Still, there is more to be done to protect the taxpayers of Wisconsin. Last year, I appointed the bipartisan Commission on Waste, Fraud, and Abuse. The members turned in their final report earlier this month. In it, they identified over $400 million in savings for the taxpayers.

We've already implemented some of the recommendations from this report. And to date, these reforms have saved taxpayers tens of millions of dollars. That's a great start.

But identifying waste isn't enough; we need to eliminate it. To that end, I'm announcing the Waste, Fraud and Abuse Elimination Taskforce charged with the responsibility to follow through on the report.

Because I respect the hard working people of Wisconsin, I will continue to be a good steward of the taxpayers' dollar. Eliminating waste, fraud and abuse is a top priority of my administration.

Just as important as saving money, our reforms help government work well in places where it does have a legitimate role — like education. As governor, I travel the state and see great schools all the time. And as the father of two public high school students, I'm reminded of their importance every day

I want to improve our schools and ensure that every kid — no matter what zip code they live in — has access to a great education.

Fortunately, we can have great schools and protect taxpayers at the same time. We just have to spend our money more wisely. For example, before our reforms, school districts often had to buy their health insurance from one company which cost them millions of dollars.

Now, they can bid it out and that is saving school districts millions of dollars across the state. The Hartland-Lakeside School District saved nearly $700,000 by switching insurance providers. In Menomonee Falls they saved $2.4 million. In North Fond du Lac they were able to keep the same provider but saved over $300,000. That's money that can go directly into the classroom.

Here's another example, a few years ago long before I was governor, a young woman was named the Outstanding Initial Educator by the Wisconsin Council of Teachers of English. Not long after she received the award, she was laid off.

Why? Well, under the old collective bargaining system she was one of the first to be laid off because she was one of the last ones to be hired. It didn't matter that she was one of the best teachers in the state.

To correct problems like that, our reforms now allow local school districts to staff based on merit and pay based on performance. That means we can put the best and brightest in our classrooms — and we can keep them there.

Two years ago, I spoke to the convention of school board members and administrators and laid out my plan. As a candidate for Governor, I told them that the system needed to be reformed and that we should empower local officials who were elected at the local level to make the decisions about their schools. And that's exactly what our reforms do.

The best reminder of that came from the words of a superintendent of a small school district who said to me "now I get to go back to my office and focus on curriculum instead of grievances." That is exactly what all of this hard work is for — to allow our schools, as well as our state and local governments, to work better for the people we serve.

Tonight, I want to again thank the many teachers and public servants from across the state of Wisconsin. We appreciate your hard work and your dedication to serving the public. And we are glad that Wisconsin avoided the massive layoffs of government employees experienced in other states.

Looking ahead, there is much more to be done to improve our education system.

No skill is as fundamental to student achievement as the ability to read. Something profound happens when a student passes from third grade to fourth grade. You see, from kindergarten through third grade, students spend the bulk of their time learning to read. But by fourth grade, our kids must be equipped with proficient reading skills, so they are no longer learning to read, but reading to learn.

That's why I joined with Superintendent of Public Instruction Tony Evers to put together a Read to Lead task force — which was a diverse group of educators, reading specialists, parents and others from across the state to create a plan for improving the reading skills of our students.

I also want to commend Senator Luther Olsen, Representative Steve Kestell and Representative Jason Fields — as well as each of the other taskforce members for working together on Read to Lead.

Wisconsin used to lead the nation as one of the top-ranked states in 4th grade reading assessment. But by the time I took office Wisconsin had sunk to the middle of the pack. We can all agree that we can and should do better.

As part of our Read to Lead plan, we propose swift action to get our students back on top when it comes to reading.

— We will fund screeners to assess every child entering kindergarten, so that our teachers know the reading levels of each of their students and can put together plans to get kids reading at grade level.

— We will require the state's Young Star program which works with child care providers to include a new focus on reading skills and new training on early childhood education.

— We will implement a more rigorous licensure exam for elementary education programs patterned after the highly successful program in Massachusetts.

— We will create a Read to Lead development council to raise support for reading programs all across Wisconsin.

A study last April showed that students are 4 times more likely to drop out of a school if they are not reading at grade level by the time they leave third grade and they are 13 times more likely if you include poverty as an additional factor. It is our duty to help all our kids learn to read early, so they don't ever have to feel like learning isn't for them.

Our most ambitious goal is developing a uniquely Wisconsin school and school district accountability plan.

Dr. Evers and I have been working with a diverse group of individuals to develop our plan to let parents, teachers, and communities know which schools are performing well, so that we can replicate their success. And we do need to know which schools are failing, so we can help them.

Ultimately, educators, parents and even employers will be able to look at the scores of schools and school districts all across the state. Every school that receives public funds — be it a traditional public school, a charter school or a choice school — will be rated by a fair, objective and transparent system. We are proud of the work done by this design team and I want to thank Dr. Evers and his staff for the great leadership and collaboration on this important project.

Tonight I've discussed our challenges, our progress and our vision for success as we seek to create a climate for more jobs, a fiscally sound state government and an education system that works well for all of our children. Now, I'm asking each of you — in every part of the state — to help us move Wisconsin forward.

Over the last year, we've demonstrated our commitment to improve the climate for business here in Wisconsin. Tonight I'm asking small business owners from across the state to consider hiring at least one more person this year.

Imagine how many more people we could get working if we all pitched in together.

To continue to improve our fiscal standing so our kids inherit a state without massive deficits, I ask each of you to share your ideas of how to eliminate waste, fraud and abuse in government at our website bestpractices.wi.gov.

Imagine how much better we can make our government work if we share good ideas and suggestions.

To continue to improve the educational opportunities for our kids, I'm asking each of you to join me and become a reading mentor. Last week, I started reading with a third grader in Milwaukee.

I read to her about Science and the marine life under the water. She read to me out of her book about the adventures of Edgar and Ellen. Then we did a reading exercise on the computer. I've got to tell you that I was impressed.Imagine how many kids we can inspire to be great readers if we all reach out to our local schools.

In closing, let me leave you with a final thought.

Years ago, when I had the honor of representing the people of Wauwatosa in this chamber I learned a valuable lesson: don't personalize your differences. Over the years, I passed that on to many others with the simple reminder that your opponent today may be your ally tomorrow.

The people I've met travelling the state over the past year seem to reflect that simple concept of respect for their fellow citizen. Sure, there are plenty of people with plenty of different opinions — on politics, on business, on religion, on sports, on just about anything in this state. But what I've found in most parts of Wisconsin is a sense of respect.

Most of the people I've met in this state care — not only for their family and friends — but for the well-being of their neighbors and fellow citizens.

That's the spirit of Wisconsin. I've seen it in the faces of the volunteers who show up to help after tornadoes in places like Merrill or La Crosse or Marinette. And I've always seen it in the faces of our men and women in uniform like the members of the 724th we met at the start of the night.

Moving forward I believe that spirit of Wisconsin will help us improve the state of our economy, the state of our budget, the state of our schools and — ultimately, the spirit of Wisconsin will help us all improve the lives of each and every citizen in our great state.

Now is the time for action. Now is the time to get our state working again. Now is the time to move Wisconsin forward.

This is a much better speech in terms of substance and vision than Obama's State of the Union address.

Here's video of protesters in the Capitol rotunda after the address, from the MacIver Institute:

Lame, lame, lame, lame, lame!!!!!

What are they going to do when we reelect Scott Walker and their recall crashes and burns?

Vuvuzela in hand, but no place to go.

Maybe they'll become soccer fans.

Jan Brewer Gives Obama Finger (Video)

2012-01-26T04:00:00.007-06:00

UPDATE: Gov. Jan Brewer Reveals What Happened in the Photo of Her, President Obama in a ‘Heated Exchange’

________________

Arizona Governor Jan Brewer greeted Obama at the airport on Wednesday.

Obama used the opportunity to lash out at her.

From the Arizona Republic:

President Barack Obama arrived at Phoenix-Mesa Gateway Airport and was greeted by Gov. Jan Brewer, among other dignitaries and local mayors. The two spoke intensely for a few minutes. At one point, she pointed her finger at him. At another, they were talking over each other.

Obama appeared to walk away from Brewer while they were still talking.

"He was a little disturbed about my book, 'Scorpions for Breakfast,' " Brewer told a pool reporter who is a member of the traveling White House press corps shortly after her encounter with Obama. "I said to him that I have all the respect in the world for the office of the president. The book is what the book is. I asked him if he read the book. He said he read the excerpt."

Asked what aspect of the book disturbed him, Brewer said: "That he didn't feel that I had treated him cordially. I said I was sorry he felt that way, but I didn't get my sentence finished. Anyway, we're glad he's here."

Brewer, a Republican, had given Obama a letter about immigration and invited him back to Arizona. Her office declined to release a copy, saying it was a personal, hand-written letter and not a public record. She later released a statement saying she and the president had discussed "this state's economic turnaround."

A White House official said Obama told Brewer that he wants to help Arizona's economy expand and that he'd be happy to meet with her, but that he felt Brewer gave an inaccurate portrayal of her previous Oval Office meeting in her 2011 book.

The official said their last meeting, in June 2010, was a cordial discussion in the Oval Office. At the time, Brewer also described the conversation as cordial, but in the book, she calls the president "patronizing" and said "he lectured me."

Following Wednesday's event, Brewer spokesman Matthew Benson said the governor "was somewhat taken aback by the president's tone" during the encounter.

From the Associated Press:

Arizona Gov. Jan Brewer came to greet President Obama upon his arrival outside Phoenix Wednesday. What she got was a critique. Of her book.

The two leaders could be seen engaged in an intense conversation at the base of Air Force One's steps. Both could be seen smiling, but speaking at the same time.

Asked moments later what the conversation was about, Brewer, a Republican, said, "He was a little disturbed about my book."

Brewer recently published a book, "Scorpions for Breakfast," something of a memoir of her years growing up, and defends her signing of Arizona's controversial law cracking down on illegal immigrants, which Obama opposes.

Obama was objecting to Brewer's description of a meeting he and Brewer had at the White House, where she described Obama as lecturing her. In an interview in November Brewer described two tense meetings. The first took place before his commencement address at Arizona State University. "He did blow me off at ASU," she said in the television interview in November.

She also described meeting the president at the White House in 2010 to talk about immigration. "I felt a little bit like I was being lectured to, and I was a little kid in a classroom, if you will, and he was this wise professor and I was this little kid, and this little kid knows what the problem is and I felt minimized to say the least."

Temper, temper, Obama. Show a little self-control.

This was not the time to engage in a hissy fit over Brewer's book.

Very unpresidential to say the least.

I don't blame Brewer for responding.

Obama threw the first punch.

Video.

Debbie Bosanek: RICH

2012-01-26T00:01:00.005-06:00

Debbie Bosanek is Obama's class warfare poster girl, symbol of the struggling middle class.

Bosanek is "secretary to billionaire investor Warren Buffet" She's "the face of the 'Buffett Rule,' the tax policy President Obama is pushing, inspired by Buffett’s assertion that he shouldn’t pay a lower tax rate than his secretary does."

And there was little Ms. Bosanek, joining Michelle Obama in the gallery during the State of the Union address. Bosanek is seen here next to Laurene Powell Jobs, widow of Steve Jobs.

New revelations about Bosanek prove to be awkward for Obama.

From Paul Roderick Gregory, Forbes:

Warren Buffet’s secretary, Debbie Bosanek, served as a stage prop for President Obama’s State of the Union speech. She was the President’s chief display of the alleged unfairness of our tax system – a little person paying a higher tax rate than her billionaire boss.

Bosanek’s prominent role in Obama’s “fairness” campaign piqued my curiosity, and I imagine the curiosity of others. How much does her boss pay this downtrodden woman? So far, no one has volunteered this information.

...Insofar as Buffet (like Mitt Romney) earns income primarily from capital gains, which are taxed at 15 percent (and according to Obama need to be raised for reasons of fairness), we need to determine how much income a taxpayer like Bosanek must earn in order to pay an average tax rate above fifteen percent. This is easy to do.

The IRS publishes detailed tax tables by income level. The latest results are for 2009. They show that taxpayers earning an adjusted gross income between $100,000 and $200,000 pay an average rate of twelve percent. This is below Buffet’s rate; so she must earn more than that. Taxpayers earning adjusted gross incomes of $200,000 to $500,000, pay an average tax rate of nineteen percent. Therefore Buffet must pay Debbie Bosanke a salary above two hundred thousand.

We must wait for further details to learn how much more than $200,000 she earns. The tax tables tell us about average ranges. For all we know she earns closer to a half million each year, but that is pure speculation.

I have nothing against Debbie Bosanke earning a half million or even more. Buffet is a major player in the world economy. His secretary deserves good compensation. At her income, however, she is scarcely the symbol of injustice that Obama wishes her to project.

Debbie's salary isn't the sort I typically think of when it comes to secretary work.

She's a rich girl.

Embarrassing for Obama.
________________

Gabrielle Giffords Resigns (Video)

2012-01-26T00:00:00.000-06:00

From FOX News:

In the conclusion to an emotional ceremony in the House of Representatives Wednesday morning, a close friend and colleague of Rep. Gabrielle Giffords, Debbie Wasserman Schultz (D-FL), took to the podium to read the text of Giffords’ letter of resignation submitted to Congress this past weekend. Wasserman Schultz couldn’t hold back tears as she read the letter, which thanked friends, colleagues and constituents for their prayers and loyalty.

“Thank you for your faith in my ability to be your voice,” it read. “Even as we are set back by tragedy or profound disagreement, in the end we come together as Americans to set a course towards greatness. Every day I am working hard. I will recover and I will return, and we will work together again for Arizona and for all Americans.”

Giffords was then escorted by Wasserman Schultz up to the podium of House Speaker John Boehner, who embraced the congresswoman as he accepted her resignation letter. Boehner then tearfully held Giffords’ hand and raised it to Congress, who, with husband Mark Kelly and her mother in attendance, were all on their feet in a standing ovation.

Video.

What a moving moment!

Just one year after being shot in an assassination attempt, it is truly remarkable that Gabby Giffords was able to return to the U.S. House of Representatives and personally hand her letter of resignation to the Speaker of the House.

It's a triumph over the horrific violence that took place on that January Saturday in Tucson.

I prefer to focus on that victory rather than allow the anger I feel about the shootings to take over.

When I see Gabby Giffords, I'm inspired by her beautiful spirit and incredible determination. But I'm also heartbroken that the massacre occurred.

Her recovery has been miraculous. I know how hard she's had to work to get to where she is today. I hope and pray she continues to progress.

Obama: 'America Not About Handouts'

2012-01-25T13:20:00.001-06:00

Obama has got to be kidding!

From the Associated Press:

Obama: America about hard work, not handouts

President Barack Obama, promoting his opportunity-for-all economic agenda in the state that helped him get elected, said Wednesday that "America is not about handouts" but people do expect their shot at success. Following up on his State of the Union address, he defended the government's role in ensuring fairness and rejected criticisms about class warfare.

"There's no reason why we can't restore the basic American promise that if you work hard, you can do well," Obama said from a manufacturing plant. He said most people don't have unrealistic ambitions about their economic future but they do want to own a home, save for retirement and "achieve that small measure of an American dream."

..."America is not about handouts," he said. "America is about earning everything you've got."

Good grief. [Insert spit-take here.]

Obama is ALL about handouts from "his stash." His vision for America is entitlements. Obama is about dependence on big government.

The American dream under Obama is getting one's share of the wealth confiscated from the rich and the hard-working.

Obama SOTU Redux

2012-01-25T13:00:00.000-06:00

Obama did a lot of regurgitating last night in his State of the Union address.

Déjà vu video:

The big difference between his 2011 and 2012 speeches was delivery. Obama has picked up that weird habit of lowering his voice and straining with faux passion and sincerity. It's ineffective because he does it way too often.

Someone coached Obama on that speaking method. Bad move, coach.

Instead, Obama should be coached to occasionally look away from the teleprompters and directly into the camera. The left, right, left, right turns make for a detached delivery. Obama needs to connect with the people and look straight into the camera.

Prince Fielder: $214 Million

2012-01-25T04:02:00.001-06:00

Good-night, sweet Prince.

It's official. Prince Fielder's days with the Brewers are over. He cut a deal with the Detroit Tigers.

Free-agent first baseman Prince Fielder and the Detroit Tigers agreed Tuesday on a nine-year, $214 million contract, a person familiar with the deal said, filling the AL Central champions' need for a power hitter.

CBS first reported the agreement.

The person told the Associated Press that the deal is subject to a physical. The person spoke on condition of anonymity because the contract is not complete.

$214 million.

Yikes!

Obama is coming. Hand it over.

Let's spread that $214 million around.

How much do I get?

Thaddeus McCotter: SOTU Response

2012-01-25T04:01:00.002-06:00

Rep. Thaddeus McCotter responds to the State Of The Union:

“Tragically for the American people, in our unfolding globalized century the President remains wedded to a failed “Great Society” government: specifically, Washington elites dictating who gets someone else’s money. For the sake of our country’s economy and security, this President must learn that the great American tradition isn’t redistributionism; the great American tradition is exceptionalism. The sooner he does – or is relieved of the burden of governing – the sooner the American people will build a 21st Century of unprecedented liberty, prosperity and security.”

McCotter gets it.

More:

Al Marsh: Scott Walker Death Threat

2012-01-25T04:00:00.005-06:00

UPDATE, January 25, 2012: Mark Belling reports that Al Marsh is, in fact, a city of Milwaukee employee, as stated on his Facebook page.

Belling says that Marsh has made some additional Facebook posts, including defending his "Scott Walker must die" threat as free speech.

Do you recognize this man?

It's Al Marsh. He believes he has the right to threaten the life of Scott Walker, Governor of Wisconsin.

Truly sick and deranged.

Looking through Marsh's photos on Facebook is revealing.

His decision to post this is kind of scary:

Marsh also has a photo of the Capitol building in Madison from March 5, 2011, with the caption, "We arrive at the capital."

It's clear that Marsh dislikes Governor Walker enough to have made the trip to Madison to protest. He's an activist.

With a photo of the protest captioned "40,000 strong," Marsh comments: "This is how I spent my Saturday."

Another photo from March 5, in Madison: "The assault begins."

"Assault"? Marsh's choice of words suggests violence, not a peaceful protest.

Some of his other photos from the same day:

"Protest rally marchers."

"Fellow protesters in the capital."

Marsh isn't just a guy writing dumb stuff online. He's actively involved in the anti-Scott Walker movement.

I hope law enforcement is thoroughly investigating Marsh.

The guy really creeps me out.

"Scott Walker must die."

A stable person, at least 50 years old, doesn't post that.
_______________

Has Governor Scott Walker received yet another death threat on the Internet?

According to Mark Belling, an investigation is underway.

To date, online death threats against Scott Walker have been made with impunity.

Belling has posted the link to a screen shot of the "I Stand with Scott Walker" Facebook page showing a threatening post made by Facebook user "Al Marsh."

The individual writing from Marsh's account was very clear. The person wrote:

Scott Walker must die.

Short and sweet.

Who is Al Marsh?

He went to South Division High School, class of 1979, and lives in Milwaukee. He lists his present employers as "City of Milwaukee" and "Milwaukee World Festivals, Inc." as a security supervisor.

Did someone use Marsh's account to make the threatening post?

Did he write it?

Al Marsh

It's possible Marsh is a victim in this situation.

It's also possible that he is responsible for writing "Scott Walker must die" on the "I Stand with Scott Walker" Facebook page.

If city of Milwaukee employee Marsh posted that threatening statement on Facebook, he should get more than a slap on the wrist. Such behavior is inexcusable. These threats against the Governor's life must stop. Why is this stuff tolerated and dismissed as harmless?

It's not harmless. Only a thug would write something like that.

We know with certainty that someone wrote the post, and that individual should be held accountable for threatening the life of Wisconsin's governor.

This is completely unacceptable.

I wonder how many online threats Jim Doyle received while in office as governor.

How many were ignored?

Paul Ryan: SOTU Statement

2012-01-25T00:01:00.000-06:00

Press release from Paul Ryan:

Following President Obama’s State of the Union address, House Budget Committee Chairman Paul Ryan of Wisconsin issued the following statement:

“In tonight’s speech, President Obama missed an opportunity to lead. Instead of putting forward bold solutions to tackle our most pressing challenges, the President offered more empty promises and recycled the same failed policies. Instead of charting a new course for renewed opportunity, the President recommitted to the path to debt, doubt and decline. Instead of working together to find common ground, the President continues to exploit the real anxieties of hard-working families by dividing Americans for political gain. Pitting Americans against each other makes us weaker, not stronger.

“The President stated his desire to ‘fight obstruction with action,’ yet his own party’s leaders in the U.S. Senate have failed to even propose a budget despite our looming fiscal crisis. In fact, today marks 1,000 days without a budget from Senate Democrats – a legal and moral failure by elected leaders. The economic and fiscal challenges before us require credible budget plans, and the President and his party’s leaders refuse to account for their reckless spending spree. The speech offered little more than a laundry list of proposals to spend money we don't have without any serious solutions to dig us out of the hole we're in. I invite the President and his party’s leaders to join our efforts to advance bipartisan solutions and principled reforms. I’m proud to work across the aisle on reforms that save and strengthen Medicare and repair the broken budget process. It is disappointing that the President continues to isolate himself from these efforts with false partisan attacks.

“The President rightly highlighted the need for a ‘renewal of American values.’ Yet the results of his failed policies and divisive rhetoric do just the opposite. Centralizing more power in Washington is antithetical to the American Idea, which promotes economic freedom and upward mobility for each and every citizen. It is critical we work together to advance a reform agenda that applies our timeless principles to the challenges of today.”

Timothy Dolan: Administration on Wrong Side of Constitution

2012-01-25T00:00:00.006-06:00

Cardinal-designate Timothy Dolan, Archbishop of New York, has strong words for Obama and his administration.

Dolan states that the Obama administration is stripping away religious liberty and violating the Constitution.

He calls for Catholics to contact their legislators and let them know "we want religious liberty and rights of conscience restored and the administration's [contraceptive] mandate rescinded."

Here's video, from CNSNews:

Transcript

CARDINAL-DESIGNATE TIMOTHY DOLAN: Religious liberty is certainly front and center in conversation these days, and that's very good.

Some days ago, so many Americans of all creeds, or none at all, cheered a unanimous decision of the Supreme Court, remember? The Court ruled that churches have the fundamental freedom to choose their own ministers without government interference. Nothing could be truer. All nine justices of the Supreme Court rejected the administration's incredibly narrow and unprecedented interpretation of religious liberty in that celebrated case. The court's decision was a home run for the 1st Amendment and for our democracy. But I'm afraid the administration is on the wrong side of the Constitution again.

Now it's ordered almost every employer and insurer in the country to provide sterilizations and contraceptives, including some abortion-inducing drugs, in their health plans. And it's requiring almost all Americans, even those with ethical and religious objections, to pay for this coverage.

The administration offered a very narrow religious exemption to some employers such as churches; but the government will still require most Americans to pay for this coverage even if it violates their consciences.

That's a foul ball by any standard. Never before has the federal government forced individuals and organizations to go out into the marketplace and buy a product that violates their conscience. This shouldn't happen in a land where free exercise of religion ranks first in the Bill of Rights.

How about letting our elected leaders know that we want religious liberty and rights of conscience restored and the administration's mandate rescinded? We can't afford to strike out on this one.

I admire Cardinal-designate Dolan's leadership.

Too often in the past, U.S. Catholic leaders have been lax when it comes to challenging the dictates of pro-abortion, anti-religious liberty politicians.

Too often in the past, Catholics have been lax as well.

Obama 'Doesn't Know What He's Talking About'

2012-01-24T21:10:00.006-06:00

OBAMA NOW: Anyone who tells you otherwise, anyone who tells you that America is in decline or that our influence has waned, doesn’t know what they’re talking about.

OBAMA THEN: In America, there is a failure to appreciate Europe's leading role in the world.

Instead of celebrating your dynamic union and seeking to partner with you to meet common challenges, there have been times where America has shown arrogance and been dismissive, even derisive.

When "global citizen" Obama was trotting around the world on his apology tour in 2009 and bowing before foreign leaders, he apparently didn't know what he was talking about.

Obama: SOTU Joke

2012-01-24T21:00:00.002-06:00

OBAMA: I’m a Democrat. But I believe what Republican Abraham Lincoln believed: That Government should do for people only what they cannot do better by themselves, and no more.

HAHAHAHAHA

He's kidding, right?
_____________

From Big Government:

Exclusive: Noted Lincoln Scholar Says Obama Misquotes Lincoln

Obama and Mandatory High School Graduation

2012-01-24T20:40:00.000-06:00

King Barack has instructed all fifty (57?) states to REQUIRE that students stay in high school until they graduate or turn 18.

OBAMA: We also know that when students aren’t allowed to walk away from their education, more of them walk the stage to get their diploma. So tonight, I call on every State to require that all students stay in high school until they graduate or turn eighteen.

That's funny.

SOTU: Obama and Iraq

2012-01-24T20:20:00.003-06:00

OBAMA NOW: "Last month, I went to Andrews Air Force Base and welcomed home some of our last troops to serve in Iraq. Together, we offered a final, proud salute to the colors under which more than a million of our fellow citizens fought – and several thousand gave their lives.

"We gather tonight knowing that this generation of heroes has made the United States safer and more respected around the world."

OBAMA THEN: "This is a dumb war, ...and we shouldn't fight it."

FLIP FLOP?

HYPOCRITE?

LIAR?

State of the Union Summary

2012-01-24T20:20:00.000-06:00

Greg Gutfeld provides a succinct summary of Obama's State of the Union address:

summary: got bin laden. yeah wind turbines. boo millionaires.

State of the Union 2012 (Transcript)

2012-01-24T20:15:00.001-06:00

From the New York Times:

Following is the prepared remarks for President Obama’s fourth State of the Union address on Tuesday, as released by the White House:

OBAMA: Mr. Speaker, Mr. Vice President, members of Congress, distinguished guests, and fellow Americans:

Last month, I went to Andrews Air Force Base and welcomed home some of our last troops to serve in Iraq. Together, we offered a final, proud salute to the colors under which more than a million of our fellow citizens fought – and several thousand gave their lives.

We gather tonight knowing that this generation of heroes has made the United States safer and more respected around the world. For the first time in nine years, there are no Americans fighting in Iraq. For the first time in two decades, Osama bin Laden is not a threat to this country. Most of al Qaeda’s top lieutenants have been defeated. The Taliban’s momentum has been broken, and some troops in Afghanistan have begun to come home.

These achievements are a testament to the courage, selflessness, and teamwork of America’s Armed Forces. At a time when too many of our institutions have let us down, they exceed all expectations. They’re not consumed with personal ambition. They don’t obsess over their differences. They focus on the mission at hand. They work together.

Imagine what we could accomplish if we followed their example. Think about the America within our reach: A country that leads the world in educating its people. An America that attracts a new generation of high-tech manufacturing and high-paying jobs. A future where we’re in control of our own energy, and our security and prosperity aren’t so tied to unstable parts of the world. An economy built to last, where hard work pays off, and responsibility is rewarded.

We can do this. I know we can, because we’ve done it before. At the end of World War II, when another generation of heroes returned home from combat, they built the strongest economy and middle class the world has ever known. My grandfather, a veteran of Patton’s Army, got the chance to go to college on the GI Bill. My grandmother, who worked on a bomber assembly line, was part of a workforce that turned out the best products on Earth.

The two of them shared the optimism of a Nation that had triumphed over a depression and fascism. They understood they were part of something larger; that they were contributing to a story of success that every American had a chance to share – the basic American promise that if you worked hard, you could do well enough to raise a family, own a home, send your kids to college, and put a little away for retirement.

The defining issue of our time is how to keep that promise alive. No challenge is more urgent. No debate is more important. We can either settle for a country where a shrinking number of people do really well, while a growing number of Americans barely get by. Or we can restore an economy where everyone gets a fair shot, everyone does their fair share, and everyone plays by the same set of rules. What’s at stake are not Democratic values or Republican values, but American values. We have to reclaim them.

Let’s remember how we got here. Long before the recession, jobs and manufacturing began leaving our shores. Technology made businesses more efficient, but also made some jobs obsolete. Folks at the top saw their incomes rise like never before, but most hardworking Americans struggled with costs that were growing, paychecks that weren’t, and personal debt that kept piling up.

In 2008, the house of cards collapsed. We learned that mortgages had been sold to people who couldn’t afford or understand them. Banks had made huge bets and bonuses with other people’s money. Regulators had looked the other way, or didn’t have the authority to stop the bad behavior.

It was wrong. It was irresponsible. And it plunged our economy into a crisis that put millions out of work, saddled us with more debt, and left innocent, hard-working Americans holding the bag. In the six months before I took office, we lost nearly four million jobs. And we lost another four million before our policies were in full effect.

Those are the facts. But so are these. In the last 22 months, businesses have created more than three million jobs. Last year, they created the most jobs since 2005. American manufacturers are hiring again, creating jobs for the first time since the late 1990s. Together, we’ve agreed to cut the deficit by more than $2 trillion. And we’ve put in place new rules to hold Wall Street accountable, so a crisis like that never happens again.

The state of our Union is getting stronger. And we’ve come too far to turn back now. As long as I’m President, I will work with anyone in this chamber to build on this momentum. But I intend to fight obstruction with action, and I will oppose any effort to return to the very same policies that brought on this economic crisis in the first place.

No, we will not go back to an economy weakened by outsourcing, bad debt, and phony financial profits. Tonight, I want to speak about how we move forward, and lay out a blueprint for an economy that’s built to last – an economy built on American manufacturing, American energy, skills for American workers, and a renewal of American values.

This blueprint begins with American manufacturing.

On the day I took office, our auto industry was on the verge of collapse. Some even said we should let it die. With a million jobs at stake, I refused to let that happen. In exchange for help, we demanded responsibility. We got workers and automakers to settle their differences. We got the industry to retool and restructure. Today, General Motors is back on top as the world’s number one automaker. Chrysler has grown faster in the U.S. than any major car company. Ford is investing billions in U.S. plants and factories. And together, the entire industry added nearly 160,000 jobs.

We bet on American workers. We bet on American ingenuity. And tonight, the American auto industry is back.

What’s happening in Detroit can happen in other industries. It can happen in Cleveland and Pittsburgh and Raleigh. We can’t bring back every job that’s left our shores. But right now, it’s getting more expensive to do business in places like China. Meanwhile, America is more productive. A few weeks ago, the CEO of Master Lock told me that it now makes business sense for him to bring jobs back home. Today, for the first time in fifteen years, Master Lock’s unionized plant in Milwaukee is running at full capacity.

So we have a huge opportunity, at this moment, to bring manufacturing back. But we have to seize it. Tonight, my message to business leaders is simple: Ask yourselves what you can do to bring jobs back to your country, and your country will do everything we can to help you succeed.

We should start with our tax code. Right now, companies get tax breaks for moving jobs and profits overseas. Meanwhile, companies that choose to stay in America get hit with one of the highest tax rates in the world. It makes no sense, and everyone knows it.

So let’s change it. First, if you’re a business that wants to outsource jobs, you shouldn’t get a tax deduction for doing it. That money should be used to cover moving expenses for companies like Master Lock that decide to bring jobs home.

Second, no American company should be able to avoid paying its fair share of taxes by moving jobs and profits overseas. From now on, every multinational company should have to pay a basic minimum tax. And every penny should go towards lowering taxes for companies that choose to stay here and hire here.

Third, if you’re an American manufacturer, you should get a bigger tax cut. If you’re a high-tech manufacturer, we should double the tax deduction you get for making products here. And if you want to relocate in a community that was hit hard when a factory left town, you should get help financing a new plant, equipment, or training for new workers.

My message is simple. It’s time to stop rewarding businesses that ship jobs overseas, and start rewarding companies that create jobs right here in America. Send me these tax reforms, and I’ll sign them right away.

We’re also making it easier for American businesses to sell products all over the world. Two years ago, I set a goal of doubling U.S. exports over five years. With the bipartisan trade agreements I signed into law, we are on track to meet that goal – ahead of schedule. Soon, there will be millions of new customers for American goods in Panama, Colombia, and South Korea. Soon, there will be new cars on the streets of Seoul imported from Detroit, and Toledo, and Chicago.

I will go anywhere in the world to open new markets for American products. And I will not stand by when our competitors don’t play by the rules. We’ve brought trade cases against China at nearly twice the rate as the last administration – and it’s made a difference. Over a thousand Americans are working today because we stopped a surge in Chinese tires. But we need to do more. It’s not right when another country lets our movies, music, and software be pirated. It’s not fair when foreign manufacturers have a leg up on ours only because they’re heavily subsidized.

Tonight, I’m announcing the creation of a Trade Enforcement Unit that will be charged with investigating unfair trade practices in countries like China. There will be more inspections to prevent counterfeit or unsafe goods from crossing our borders. And this Congress should make sure that no foreign company has an advantage over American manufacturing when it comes to accessing finance or new markets like Russia. Our workers are the most productive on Earth, and if the playing field is level, I promise you – America will always win.

I also hear from many business leaders who want to hire in the United States but can’t find workers with the right skills. Growing industries in science and technology have twice as many openings as we have workers who can do the job. Think about that – openings at a time when millions of Americans are looking for work.

That’s inexcusable. And we know how to fix it.

Jackie Bray is a single mom from North Carolina who was laid off from her job as a mechanic. Then Siemens opened a gas turbine factory in Charlotte, and formed a partnership with Central Piedmont Community College. The company helped the college design courses in laser and robotics training. It paid Jackie’s tuition, then hired her to help operate their plant.

I want every American looking for work to have the same opportunity as Jackie did. Join me in a national commitment to train two million Americans with skills that will lead directly to a job. My Administration has already lined up more companies that want to help. Model partnerships between businesses like Siemens and community colleges in places like Charlotte, Orlando, and Louisville are up and running. Now you need to give more community colleges the resources they need to become community career centers – places that teach people skills that local businesses are looking for right now, from data management to high-tech manufacturing.

And I want to cut through the maze of confusing training programs, so that from now on, people like Jackie have one program, one website, and one place to go for all the information and help they need. It’s time to turn our unemployment system into a reemployment system that puts people to work.

These reforms will help people get jobs that are open today. But to prepare for the jobs of tomorrow, our commitment to skills and education has to start earlier.

For less than one percent of what our Nation spends on education each year, we’ve convinced nearly every State in the country to raise their standards for teaching and learning – the first time that’s happened in a generation.

But challenges remain. And we know how to solve them.

At a time when other countries are doubling down on education, tight budgets have forced States to lay off thousands of teachers. We know a good teacher can increase the lifetime income of a classroom by over $250,000. A great teacher can offer an escape from poverty to the child who dreams beyond his circumstance. Every person in this chamber can point to a teacher who changed the trajectory of their lives. Most teachers work tirelessly, with modest pay, sometimes digging into their own pocket for school supplies – just to make a difference.

Teachers matter. So instead of bashing them, or defending the status quo, let’s offer schools a deal. Give them the resources to keep good teachers on the job, and reward the best ones. In return, grant schools flexibility: To teach with creativity and passion; to stop teaching to the test; and to replace teachers who just aren’t helping kids learn.

We also know that when students aren’t allowed to walk away from their education, more of them walk the stage to get their diploma. So tonight, I call on every State to require that all students stay in high school until they graduate or turn eighteen.

When kids do graduate, the most daunting challenge can be the cost of college. At a time when Americans owe more in tuition debt than credit card debt, this Congress needs to stop the interest rates on student loans from doubling in July. Extend the tuition tax credit we started that saves middle-class families thousands of dollars. And give more young people the chance to earn their way through college by doubling the number of work-study jobs in the next five years.

Of course, it’s not enough for us to increase student aid. We can’t just keep subsidizing skyrocketing tuition; we’ll run out of money. States also need to do their part, by making higher education a higher priority in their budgets. And colleges and universities have to do their part by working to keep costs down. Recently, I spoke with a group of college presidents who’ve done just that. Some schools re-design courses to help students finish more quickly. Some use better technology. The point is, it’s possible. So let me put colleges and universities on notice: If you can’t stop tuition from going up, the funding you get from taxpayers will go down. Higher education can’t be a luxury – it’s an economic imperative that every family in America should be able to afford.

Let’s also remember that hundreds of thousands of talented, hardworking students in this country face another challenge: The fact that they aren’t yet American citizens. Many were brought here as small children, are American through and through, yet they live every day with the threat of deportation. Others came more recently, to study business and science and engineering, but as soon as they get their degree, we send them home to invent new products and create new jobs somewhere else.

That doesn’t make sense.

I believe as strongly as ever that we should take on illegal immigration. That’s why my Administration has put more boots on the border than ever before. That’s why there are fewer illegal crossings than when I took office.

The opponents of action are out of excuses. We should be working on comprehensive immigration reform right now. But if election-year politics keeps Congress from acting on a comprehensive plan, let’s at least agree to stop expelling responsible young people who want to staff our labs, start new businesses, and defend this country. Send me a law that gives them the chance to earn their citizenship. I will sign it right away.

You see, an economy built to last is one where we encourage the talent and ingenuity of every person in this country. That means women should earn equal pay for equal work. It means we should support everyone who’s willing to work; and every risk-taker and entrepreneur who aspires to become the next Steve Jobs.

After all, innovation is what America has always been about. Most new jobs are created in start-ups and small businesses. So let’s pass an agenda that helps them succeed. Tear down regulations that prevent aspiring entrepreneurs from getting the financing to grow. Expand tax relief to small businesses that are raising wages and creating good jobs. Both parties agree on these ideas. So put them in a bill, and get it on my desk this year.

Innovation also demands basic research. Today, the discoveries taking place in our federally-financed labs and universities could lead to new treatments that kill cancer cells but leave healthy ones untouched. New lightweight vests for cops and soldiers that can stop any bullet. Don’t gut these investments in our budget. Don’t let other countries win the race for the future. Support the same kind of research and innovation that led to the computer chip and the Internet; to new American jobs and new American industries.

Nowhere is the promise of innovation greater than in American-made energy. Over the last three years, we’ve opened millions of new acres for oil and gas exploration, and tonight, I’m directing my Administration to open more than 75 percent of our potential offshore oil and gas resources. Right now, American oil production is the highest that it’s been in eight years. That’s right – eight years. Not only that – last year, we relied less on foreign oil than in any of the past sixteen years.

But with only 2 percent of the world’s oil reserves, oil isn’t enough. This country needs an all-out, all-of-the-above strategy that develops every available source of American energy – a strategy that’s cleaner, cheaper, and full of new jobs.

We have a supply of natural gas that can last America nearly one hundred years, and my Administration will take every possible action to safely develop this energy. Experts believe this will support more than 600,000 jobs by the end of the decade. And I’m requiring all companies that drill for gas on public lands to disclose the chemicals they use. America will develop this resource without putting the health and safety of our citizens at risk.

The development of natural gas will create jobs and power trucks and factories that are cleaner and cheaper, proving that we don’t have to choose between our environment and our economy. And by the way, it was public research dollars, over the course of thirty years, that helped develop the technologies to extract all this natural gas out of shale rock – reminding us that Government support is critical in helping businesses get new energy ideas off the ground.

What’s true for natural gas is true for clean energy. In three years, our partnership with the private sector has already positioned America to be the world’s leading manufacturer of high-tech batteries. Because of federal investments, renewable energy use has nearly doubled. And thousands of Americans have jobs because of it.

When Bryan Ritterby was laid off from his job making furniture, he said he worried that at 55, no one would give him a second chance. But he found work at Energetx, a wind turbine manufacturer in Michigan. Before the recession, the factory only made luxury yachts. Today, it’s hiring workers like Bryan, who said, “I’m proud to be working in the industry of the future.”

Our experience with shale gas shows us that the payoffs on these public investments don’t always come right away. Some technologies don’t pan out; some companies fail. But I will not walk away from the promise of clean energy. I will not walk away from workers like Bryan. I will not cede the wind or solar or battery industry to China or Germany because we refuse to make the same commitment here. We have subsidized oil companies for a century. That’s long enough. It’s time to end the taxpayer giveaways to an industry that’s rarely been more profitable, and double-down on a clean energy industry that’s never been more promising. Pass clean energy tax credits and create these jobs.

We can also spur energy innovation with new incentives. The differences in this chamber may be too deep right now to pass a comprehensive plan to fight climate change. But there’s no reason why Congress shouldn’t at least set a clean energy standard that creates a market for innovation. So far, you haven’t acted. Well tonight, I will. I’m directing my Administration to allow the development of clean energy on enough public land to power three million homes. And I’m proud to announce that the Department of Defense, the world’s largest consumer of energy, will make one of the largest commitments to clean energy in history – with the Navy purchasing enough capacity to power a quarter of a million homes a year.

Of course, the easiest way to save money is to waste less energy. So here’s another proposal: Help manufacturers eliminate energy waste in their factories and give businesses incentives to upgrade their buildings. Their energy bills will be $100 billion lower over the next decade, and America will have less pollution, more manufacturing, and more jobs for construction workers who need them. Send me a bill that creates these jobs.

Building this new energy future should be just one part of a broader agenda to repair America’s infrastructure. So much of America needs to be rebuilt. We’ve got crumbling roads and bridges. A power grid that wastes too much energy. An incomplete high-speed broadband network that prevents a small business owner in rural America from selling her products all over the world.

During the Great Depression, America built the Hoover Dam and the Golden Gate Bridge. After World War II, we connected our States with a system of highways. Democratic and Republican administrations invested in great projects that benefited everybody, from the workers who built them to the businesses that still use them today.

In the next few weeks, I will sign an Executive Order clearing away the red tape that slows down too many construction projects. But you need to fund these projects. Take the money we’re no longer spending at war, use half of it to pay down our debt, and use the rest to do some nation-building right here at home.

There’s never been a better time to build, especially since the construction industry was one of the hardest-hit when the housing bubble burst. Of course, construction workers weren’t the only ones hurt. So were millions of innocent Americans who’ve seen their home values decline. And while Government can’t fix the problem on its own, responsible homeowners shouldn’t have to sit and wait for the housing market to hit bottom to get some relief.

That’s why I’m sending this Congress a plan that gives every responsible homeowner the chance to save about $3,000 a year on their mortgage, by refinancing at historically low interest rates. No more red tape. No more runaround from the banks. A small fee on the largest financial institutions will ensure that it won’t add to the deficit, and will give banks that were rescued by taxpayers a chance to repay a deficit of trust.

Let’s never forget: Millions of Americans who work hard and play by the rules every day deserve a Government and a financial system that do the same. It’s time to apply the same rules from top to bottom: No bailouts, no handouts, and no copouts. An America built to last insists on responsibility from everybody.

We’ve all paid the price for lenders who sold mortgages to people who couldn’t afford them, and buyers who knew they couldn’t afford them. That’s why we need smart regulations to prevent irresponsible behavior. Rules to prevent financial fraud, or toxic dumping, or faulty medical devices, don’t destroy the free market. They make the free market work better.

There is no question that some regulations are outdated, unnecessary, or too costly. In fact, I’ve approved fewer regulations in the first three years of my presidency than my Republican predecessor did in his. I’ve ordered every federal agency to eliminate rules that don’t make sense. We’ve already announced over 500 reforms, and just a fraction of them will save business and citizens more than $10 billion over the next five years. We got rid of one rule from 40 years ago that could have forced some dairy farmers to spend $10,000 a year proving that they could contain a spill – because milk was somehow classified as an oil. With a rule like that, I guess it was worth crying over spilled milk.

I’m confident a farmer can contain a milk spill without a federal agency looking over his shoulder. But I will not back down from making sure an oil company can contain the kind of oil spill we saw in the Gulf two years ago. I will not back down from protecting our kids from mercury pollution, or making sure that our food is safe and our water is clean. I will not go back to the days when health insurance companies had unchecked power to cancel your policy, deny you coverage, or charge women differently from men.

And I will not go back to the days when Wall Street was allowed to play by its own set of rules. The new rules we passed restore what should be any financial system’s core purpose: Getting funding to entrepreneurs with the best ideas, and getting loans to responsible families who want to buy a home, start a business, or send a kid to college.

So if you’re a big bank or financial institution, you are no longer allowed to make risky bets with your customers’ deposits. You’re required to write out a “living will” that details exactly how you’ll pay the bills if you fail – because the rest of us aren’t bailing you out ever again. And if you’re a mortgage lender or a payday lender or a credit card company, the days of signing people up for products they can’t afford with confusing forms and deceptive practices are over. Today, American consumers finally have a watchdog in Richard Cordray with one job: To look out for them.

We will also establish a Financial Crimes Unit of highly trained investigators to crack down on large-scale fraud and protect people’s investments. Some financial firms violate major anti-fraud laws because there’s no real penalty for being a repeat offender. That’s bad for consumers, and it’s bad for the vast majority of bankers and financial service professionals who do the right thing. So pass legislation that makes the penalties for fraud count.

And tonight, I am asking my Attorney General to create a special unit of federal prosecutors and leading state attorneys general to expand our investigations into the abusive lending and packaging of risky mortgages that led to the housing crisis. This new unit will hold accountable those who broke the law, speed assistance to homeowners, and help turn the page on an era of recklessness that hurt so many Americans.

A return to the American values of fair play and shared responsibility will help us protect our people and our economy. But it should also guide us as we look to pay down our debt and invest in our future.

Right now, our most immediate priority is stopping a tax hike on 160 million working Americans while the recovery is still fragile. People cannot afford losing $40 out of each paycheck this year. There are plenty of ways to get this done. So let’s agree right here, right now: No side issues. No drama. Pass the payroll tax cut without delay.

When it comes to the deficit, we’ve already agreed to more than $2 trillion in cuts and savings. But we need to do more, and that means making choices. Right now, we’re poised to spend nearly $1 trillion more on what was supposed to be a temporary tax break for the wealthiest 2 percent of Americans. Right now, because of loopholes and shelters in the tax code, a quarter of all millionaires pay lower tax rates than millions of middle-class households. Right now, Warren Buffett pays a lower tax rate than his secretary.

Do we want to keep these tax cuts for the wealthiest Americans? Or do we want to keep our investments in everything else – like education and medical research; a strong military and care for our veterans? Because if we’re serious about paying down our debt, we can’t do both.

The American people know what the right choice is. So do I. As I told the Speaker this summer, I’m prepared to make more reforms that rein in the long term costs of Medicare and Medicaid, and strengthen Social Security, so long as those programs remain a guarantee of security for seniors.

But in return, we need to change our tax code so that people like me, and an awful lot of Members of Congress, pay our fair share of taxes. Tax reform should follow the Buffett rule: If you make more than $1 million a year, you should not pay less than 30 percent in taxes. And my Republican friend Tom Coburn is right: Washington should stop subsidizing millionaires. In fact, if you’re earning a million dollars a year, you shouldn’t get special tax subsidies or deductions. On the other hand, if you make under $250,000 a year, like 98 percent of American families, your taxes shouldn’t go up. You’re the ones struggling with rising costs and stagnant wages. You’re the ones who need relief.

Now, you can call this class warfare all you want. But asking a billionaire to pay at least as much as his secretary in taxes? Most Americans would call that common sense.

We don’t begrudge financial success in this country. We admire it. When Americans talk about folks like me paying my fair share of taxes, it’s not because they envy the rich. It’s because they understand that when I get tax breaks I don’t need and the country can’t afford, it either adds to the deficit, or somebody else has to make up the difference – like a senior on a fixed income; or a student trying to get through school; or a family trying to make ends meet. That’s not right. Americans know it’s not right. They know that this generation’s success is only possible because past generations felt a responsibility to each other, and to their country’s future, and they know our way of life will only endure if we feel that same sense of shared responsibility. That’s how we’ll reduce our deficit. That’s an America built to last.

I recognize that people watching tonight have differing views about taxes and debt; energy and health care. But no matter what party they belong to, I bet most Americans are thinking the same thing right now: Nothing will get done this year, or next year, or maybe even the year after that, because Washington is broken.

Can you blame them for feeling a little cynical?

The greatest blow to confidence in our economy last year didn’t come from events beyond our control. It came from a debate in Washington over whether the United States would pay its bills or not. Who benefited from that fiasco?

I’ve talked tonight about the deficit of trust between Main Street and Wall Street. But the divide between this city and the rest of the country is at least as bad – and it seems to get worse every year.

Some of this has to do with the corrosive influence of money in politics. So together, let’s take some steps to fix that. Send me a bill that bans insider trading by Members of Congress, and I will sign it tomorrow. Let’s limit any elected official from owning stocks in industries they impact. Let’s make sure people who bundle campaign contributions for Congress can’t lobby Congress, and vice versa – an idea that has bipartisan support, at least outside of Washington.

Some of what’s broken has to do with the way Congress does its business these days. A simple majority is no longer enough to get anything – even routine business – passed through the Senate. Neither party has been blameless in these tactics. Now both parties should put an end to it. For starters, I ask the Senate to pass a rule that all judicial and public service nominations receive a simple up or down vote within 90 days.

The executive branch also needs to change. Too often, it’s inefficient, outdated and remote. That’s why I’ve asked this Congress to grant me the authority to consolidate the federal bureaucracy so that our Government is leaner, quicker, and more responsive to the needs of the American people.

Finally, none of these reforms can happen unless we also lower the temperature in this town. We need to end the notion that the two parties must be locked in a perpetual campaign of mutual destruction; that politics is about clinging to rigid ideologies instead of building consensus around common sense ideas.

I’m a Democrat. But I believe what Republican Abraham Lincoln believed: That Government should do for people only what they cannot do better by themselves, and no more. That’s why my education reform offers more competition, and more control for schools and States. That’s why we’re getting rid of regulations that don’t work. That’s why our health care law relies on a reformed private market, not a Government program.

On the other hand, even my Republican friends who complain the most about Government spending have supported federally-financed roads, and clean energy projects, and federal offices for the folks back home.

The point is, we should all want a smarter, more effective Government. And while we may not be able to bridge our biggest philosophical differences this year, we can make real progress. With or without this Congress, I will keep taking actions that help the economy grow. But I can do a whole lot more with your help. Because when we act together, there is nothing the United States of America can’t achieve.

That is the lesson we’ve learned from our actions abroad over the last few years.

Ending the Iraq war has allowed us to strike decisive blows against our enemies. From Pakistan to Yemen, the al Qaeda operatives who remain are scrambling, knowing that they can’t escape the reach of the United States of America.

From this position of strength, we’ve begun to wind down the war in Afghanistan. Ten thousand of our troops have come home. Twenty-three thousand more will leave by the end of this summer. This transition to Afghan lead will continue, and we will build an enduring partnership with Afghanistan, so that it is never again a source of attacks against America.

As the tide of war recedes, a wave of change has washed across the Middle East and North Africa, from Tunis to Cairo; from Sana’a to Tripoli. A year ago, Qadhafi was one of the world’s longest-serving dictators – a murderer with American blood on his hands. Today, he is gone. And in Syria, I have no doubt that the Assad regime will soon discover that the forces of change can’t be reversed, and that human dignity can’t be denied.

How this incredible transformation will end remains uncertain. But we have a huge stake in the outcome. And while it is ultimately up to the people of the region to decide their fate, we will advocate for those values that have served our own country so well. We will stand against violence and intimidation. We will stand for the rights and dignity of all human beings – men and women; Christians, Muslims, and Jews. We will support policies that lead to strong and stable democracies and open markets, because tyranny is no match for liberty.

And we will safeguard America’s own security against those who threaten our citizens, our friends, and our interests. Look at Iran. Through the power of our diplomacy, a world that was once divided about how to deal with Iran’s nuclear program now stands as one. The regime is more isolated than ever before; its leaders are faced with crippling sanctions, and as long as they shirk their responsibilities, this pressure will not relent. Let there be no doubt: America is determined to prevent Iran from getting a nuclear weapon, and I will take no options off the table to achieve that goal. But a peaceful resolution of this issue is still possible, and far better, and if Iran changes course and meets its obligations, it can rejoin the community of nations.

The renewal of American leadership can be felt across the globe. Our oldest alliances in Europe and Asia are stronger than ever. Our ties to the Americas are deeper. Our iron-clad commitment to Israel’s security has meant the closest military cooperation between our two countries in history. We’ve made it clear that America is a Pacific power, and a new beginning in Burma has lit a new hope. From the coalitions we’ve built to secure nuclear materials, to the missions we’ve led against hunger and disease; from the blows we’ve dealt to our enemies; to the enduring power of our moral example, America is back.

Anyone who tells you otherwise, anyone who tells you that America is in decline or that our influence has waned, doesn’t know what they’re talking about. That’s not the message we get from leaders around the world, all of whom are eager to work with us. That’s not how people feel from Tokyo to Berlin; from Cape Town to Rio; where opinions of America are higher than they’ve been in years. Yes, the world is changing; no, we can’t control every event. But America remains the one indispensable nation in world affairs – and as long as I’m President, I intend to keep it that way.

That’s why, working with our military leaders, I have proposed a new defense strategy that ensures we maintain the finest military in the world, while saving nearly half a trillion dollars in our budget. To stay one step ahead of our adversaries, I have already sent this Congress legislation that will secure our country from the growing danger of cyber-threats.

Above all, our freedom endures because of the men and women in uniform who defend it. As they come home, we must serve them as well as they served us. That includes giving them the care and benefits they have earned – which is why we’ve increased annual VA spending every year I’ve been President. And it means enlisting our veterans in the work of rebuilding our Nation.

With the bipartisan support of this Congress, we are providing new tax credits to companies that hire vets. Michelle and Jill Biden have worked with American businesses to secure a pledge of 135,000 jobs for veterans and their families. And tonight, I’m proposing a Veterans Job Corps that will help our communities hire veterans as cops and firefighters, so that America is as strong as those who defend her.

Which brings me back to where I began. Those of us who’ve been sent here to serve can learn from the service of our troops. When you put on that uniform, it doesn’t matter if you’re black or white; Asian or Latino; conservative or liberal; rich or poor; gay or straight. When you’re marching into battle, you look out for the person next to you, or the mission fails. When you’re in the thick of the fight, you rise or fall as one unit, serving one Nation, leaving no one behind.

One of my proudest possessions is the flag that the SEAL Team took with them on the mission to get bin Laden. On it are each of their names. Some may be Democrats. Some may be Republicans. But that doesn’t matter. Just like it didn’t matter that day in the Situation Room, when I sat next to Bob Gates – a man who was George Bush’s defense secretary; and Hillary Clinton, a woman who ran against me for president.

All that mattered that day was the mission. No one thought about politics. No one thought about themselves. One of the young men involved in the raid later told me that he didn’t deserve credit for the mission. It only succeeded, he said, because every single member of that unit did their job – the pilot who landed the helicopter that spun out of control; the translator who kept others from entering the compound; the troops who separated the women and children from the fight; the SEALs who charged up the stairs. More than that, the mission only succeeded because every member of that unit trusted each other – because you can’t charge up those stairs, into darkness and danger, unless you know that there’s someone behind you, watching your back.

So it is with America. Each time I look at that flag, I’m reminded that our destiny is stitched together like those fifty stars and those thirteen stripes. No one built this country on their own. This Nation is great because we built it together. This Nation is great because we worked as a team. This Nation is great because we get each other’s backs. And if we hold fast to that truth, in this moment of trial, there is no challenge too great; no mission too hard. As long as we’re joined in common purpose, as long as we maintain our common resolve, our journey moves forward, our future is hopeful, and the state of our Union will always be strong.

Thank you, God bless you, and may God bless the United States of America.

Obama, SOTU, Gimme

2012-01-24T19:59:00.000-06:00

E-mail from Obama:

Subject: Before I speak tonight

Friend --

I'm heading to Capitol Hill soon to deliver my third State of the Union address.

Before I go, I want to say thanks for everything you're doing.

Tonight, we set the tone for the year ahead. I'm going to lay out in concrete terms the path we need to take as a country if we want an economy that works for everyone and rewards hard work and responsibility.

I'm glad to know you'll be standing with me up there.

Barack

Milwaukee City Hall Study: 1 MILLION DOLLARS

2012-01-24T13:00:00.006-06:00

THIS IS NOT OK!

It's not OK for the city of Milwaukee to squander $1 million on an investigation of the City Hall building.

Good grief!

A piece of masonry fell off the building. Given the horrible incident at the O'Donnell Park parking structure on the opening day of Summerfest in 2010, I understand the importance of tending to signs of potential problems. But $1 million to investigate?

That's nuts.

The investigation into why a piece of masonry fell off Milwaukee's City Hall has cost approximately $938,000 to date, a city spokeswoman said Monday.

That's more than nine times the original cost estimate. And with the investigation expected to last at least through April, the odds are growing that the final price tag could exceed $1 million.

Because the investigation could lead to legal action against contractors on the $76 million City Hall renovation project, a Common Council committee is to discuss the issue in closed session Wednesday. The Department of Public Works will not release a preliminary report on the matter until after that meeting of the council's Public Works Committee, department spokeswoman Cecilia Gilbert said.

But the investigation already has continued almost a year after a chunk of terra cotta tumbled from the east side of the iconic 116-year-old building. When it hit the ground, the terra cotta broke into three pieces of about 5 pounds each, slightly damaging a parked vehicle on N. Market St.

That was the evening of Feb. 17. City officials promptly cordoned off the streets and sidewalks around the building as the city and renovation contractor J.P. Cullen and Sons Inc. attempted to figure out what happened and whether any other pieces were in danger of falling off the building.

Inspectors rappelled down the side of City Hall's south tower, found cracks in eight decorative urns and four finials under the clock face, and removed all of them.

Although the streets reopened about two weeks after the incident, scaffolding still surrounds the building to shield pedestrians from any other falling masonry.

The costs of the scaffolding and the street closures are included in the total investigation price, along with the costs of site inspection, crane rental and lab testing, Gilbert said. An exact breakdown of those expenses was not available Monday, she said.

Wiss, Janney, Elstner Associates Inc., an engineering and architecture firm in Northbrook, Ill., is leading the investigation, testing the terra cotta and examining how it was installed. That company already had been paid $325,000 by September, city officials said at the time.

Ropelink Inc., of New York City, employs the rappelling inspectors, who have scaled the building three times so far, most recently in December. Each inspection costs about $50,000, for roughly $150,000 to date.

If the city is going to dish out this kind of money on an investigation, it should at least go to Wisconsin firms.

Why send all that money out of state?

One million dollars to INVESTIGATE!

UNREAL!

Is Mr. Mayor Tom Barrett outraged over this drain of funds?

Mr. Mayor, are you there?

Taxpayers of Milwaukee, you're being screwed.

Unemployment: Black Men in Milwaukee

2012-01-24T12:00:00.001-06:00

This is huge.

Elected officials and community leaders in the city of Milwaukee should be rushing to the press to comment on a new study by UWM. The study reveals that black males in Milwaukee have the lowest employment rate on record.

In the wake of the 2008-'09 recession, black male employment in metro Milwaukee plunged to the lowest levels on record, according to a new study from the University of Wisconsin-Milwaukee.

The data highlight a renewed setback to an urban region that for years has helped set national extremes for poverty and unemployment, following a decades-long collapse of the city's manufacturing economy that left a depression in the urban core.

According to the UWM analysis of the most recent U.S. Census Bureau data, only 44.7% of the area's working-age black males ages 16 to 64 were employed in 2010, which is "the lowest level in metro Milwaukee ever recorded in census data." Only two of the nation's 40 largest metro areas analyzed in the study - Buffalo and Detroit - reported lower black male employment rates in 2010 than Milwaukee.

"No metro area has witnessed more precipitous erosion in the labor market for black males over the past 40 years than has Milwaukee," according to the report, which echoed findings in recent years by the Journal Sentinel. "The 2010 data, however, revealed a new nadir for black male employment in Milwaukee."

Employment levels for the region's black men declined sharply from 52.9% in 2008, which was the year when over-indebted banks, hobbled by subprime mortgage debt, curtailed lending and threw the brakes on the broader economy, triggering the deepest and longest recession since the Depression of the 1930s.

The decrease in black employment is even more drastic compared with 1970, the year when both the city and the nation approached their respective peaks in industrial employment. In 1970, Milwaukee led the nation in factory employment for black laborers with nearly three in four holding a job (a 73.4% employment rate), which is 28.7 percentage points higher than the current record low.

This is a disaster!

This Milwaukee Journal Sentinel report of the disastrous state of black males in Miwaukee doesn't mention Mayor Tom Barrett. NOT ONCE!

The story was posted on the website YESTERDAY. Obviously, it wasn't updated to include any comment from the city's executive, Barrett. The wannabe governor of Wisconsin, certainly a potential candidate, wasn't asked to comment on the findings of this study.

It's stunning.

Where does the buck stop?

Who is responsible for such dismal employment figures among black males in the city?

What is Barrett doing about it?

Where are the protests? Where is Jesse Jackson? Where is Al Sharpton?

Occupy Mayor Barrett's office!

This is really amazing. The Journal Sentinel's bias is sickening. The liberals there manage to work Scott Walker's name into any remotely negative story. They twist themselves into knots just to attach Walker's name, blaming him for everything. Yet when it comes to Barrett, he's given a pass. Barrett doesn't even offer his trademark "I am outraged" quote.

Stunning.

Bottom line: The city of Milwaukee has serious problems. Apparently, the residents are cool with that. They aren't booting their elected officials out of office. There's no uprising. There's no search for new leaders.

Milwaukee voters should support Ieshuh "Not the Whiteman's Bitch" Griffin for mayor.

She can't be worse than Barrett.

Actually, I think Edward MacDonald should be seriously considered to replace Barrett. He has failed Milwaukee. He doesn't deserve another term.

Barrett should be history as mayor. Reelecting him would be a thoroughly stupid move, Milwaukee residents. He's a failure.

Tom Barret, THIS is your legacy. No excuses.
______________

Learn more about Edward MacDonald. Give him a chance.

John Koszarek Update

2012-01-24T04:00:00.003-06:00

Yesterday was the first day of the second semester at Slinger High School.

Remember that John Koszarek, social studies teachers at the public school, negotiator for the teachers' union, and Scott Walker hater, has a problem with the conservative residents of Washington County.

Koszarek wrote an e-mail to Rep. Don Pridemore, expressing his very low opinion of Washington County voters.

"Of course you are in Washington County where Hitler would have defeated Reagan had he the 'R' in front of his name on the ballot. Enjoy your fleeting moment in the limelight. Soon the people will see that 'Emperor Walker' and you and the rest of the jesters have no clothes."

Koszarek equated Washington Country residents with supporters of Hitler in his message to Rep. Pridemore. Unfortunately, he lacks the ability or the desire to keep his political agenda to himself while working for Wisconsin taxpayers. Koszarek doesn't keep his liberal extremism out of his classroom. His teaching reflects his politics and union activism, at times force-feeding his views to his students.

Very unprofessional.

One good thing that came from the revelation of Koszarek's "Hitler" comment is now he's being watched. School officials can't ignore his inappropriate behavior.

Here's an update from a student at Slinger High School:

Today was the first day of the 2nd semester and at the beginning of both classes either the principal or the superintendent spoke to students without John present about the controversy. They told students to make sure he keeps his political views and biases out of his lessons and to contact the principal if it occurs.

I wonder if Koszarek has the self-control to keep from attempting to indoctrinate his students.

Old habits die hard, if they die at all.

At least, the students have been told to contact the principal if Koszarek's Leftist ideology creeps into his lessons.

That's good if they feel confident that Koszarek won't have the power to get revenge via grades if they do report any wrongdoing on Koszarek's part.

The smartest thing to do would be to record Koszarek's misbehavior when he veers into liberal brainwashing mode, to have undeniable proof to show the principal.

Taxpayers should not be footing the bill for Koszarek to promote his political opinions during class, "educating" a captive audience of Slinger High School students.

1,000 Days - NO BUDGET

2012-01-24T00:01:00.004-06:00

The Democrat-controlled U.S. Senate under Harry Reid has failed to pass a budget for 1,000 days.

When Obama delivers his State of the Union address tonight, keep in mind that January 24, 2012, marks the 1,000th since the Senate has passed a budget.

Unbelievable. Inexcusable. Disgraceful.

Here's a must-read from The Foundry:

Tuesday, January 24, will mark the 1,000th day since the U.S. Senate has passed a budget—an egregious dereliction of duty on Senate Majority Leader Harry Reid’s (D–NV) watch. By enacting continuing resolution upon continuing resolution (short-term measures to keep the government running, spending money at the current rate), the Senate has taken a pass on leading, all to the detriment of the poor and middle class.

The budget process forces Congress to set priorities to protect the people’s money and put it to its appropriate use. Instead, the Democrat-controlled Senate has abdicated its responsibility. The result? The deficit is soaring, causing a looming tax burden and injecting uncertainty into the economy, leaving jobs and economic growth on the table. It’s no wonder the U.S. economy’s growth is so tepid.

As the 1,000th day nears, here are some facts about America’s budget and why the Senate must take action to be stewards of the people’s money as the Constitution requires:
•The last time the Senate passed a budget was on April 29, 2009.

•Since that date, the federal government has spent $9.4 trillion, adding $4.1 trillion in debt.

•As of January 20, the outstanding public debt stands at $15,240,174,635,409.

•Interest payments on the debt are now more than $200 billion per year.

•President Obama proposed a FY2012 budget last year, and the Senate voted it down 97–0. (And that budget was no prize—according to the Congressional Budget Office, that proposal never had an annual deficit of less than $748 billion, would double the national debt in 10 years and would see annual interest payments approach $1 trillion per year.)

•The Senate rejected House Budget Committee Chairman Paul Ryan’s (R–WI) budget by 57–40 in May 2011, with no Democrats voting for it.

•In FY2011, Washington spent $3.6 trillion. Compare that to the last time the budget was balanced in 2001, when Washington spent $1.8 trillion ($2.1 trillion when you adjust for inflation).

•Entitlement spending will more than double by 2050. That includes spending on Medicare, Medicaid and the Obamacare subsidy program, and Social Security. Total spending on federal health care programs will triple.

•By 2050, the national debt is set to hit 344 percent of Gross Domestic Product.

•Taxes paid per household have risen dramatically, hitting $18,400 in 2010 (compared with $11,295 in 1965). If the 2001 and 2003 tax cuts expire and more middle-class Americans are required to pay the alternative minimum tax (AMT), taxes will reach unprecedented levels.

•Federal spending per household is skyrocketing. Since 1965, spending per household has grown by nearly 162 percent, from $11,431 in 1965 to $29,401 in 2010. From 2010 to 2021, it is projected to rise to $35,773, a 22 percent increase.

Despite all of these blatant red flags, the Senate has utterly failed to execute the most basic, fundamental function of governance at the worst possible time—when the country’s fiscal house is in disarray, the U.S. credit rating is in continual jeopardy, entitlement spending is ballooning, defense spending is on the chopping block, and the economy is in shambles.

One thousand days without a budget is an embarrassing number, but the level of spending, deficits, and taxation that results from the Senate’s failure to exact even a modicum of fiscal discipline is terrifying. Senator Reid has said it would be “foolish” to pass a budget, but failing to pass it is proving to be beyond irresponsible. The middle class will be left holding the bag, paying for the Senate’s reckless negligence with soaring deficits, higher taxes, and a weak economy as far as the eye can see.

Harry Reid has quite a legacy.

Talk about a DO-NOTHING Senate!

This can't go on. Time for a change. The Democrats are miserable failures.

Warren Zevon - 65

2012-01-24T00:00:00.001-06:00

Warren Zevon was born 65 years ago today.

Jim Irwin R.I.P.

2012-01-23T12:30:00.000-06:00

Jim Irwin passed away on Sunday.

Jim Irwin, the voice of the Green Bay Packers for three decades, died Sunday from complications of kidney cancer, his son Jay Irwin said Monday.

Jim Irwin, worked as a color analyst for Packers games on WTMJ-AM (620) radio from 1969 until 1975 and worked as a play-by-play announcer until he and his longtime sidekick Max McGee retired at the end of the 1998 season. He also called Milwaukee Bucks and Wisconsin Badgers games and served as a fill-in radio voice for Milwaukee Brewers games.

Irwin was inducted into the Packers Hall of Fame and was recognized as the Wisconsin sports Announcer of the Year 10 times. He's in the Wisconsin Broadcasting Association Hall of Fame.

Irwin was diagnosed with kidney cancer in 2010, according to WTMJ. In an interview last year, Irwin told WTMJ that he wore his Super Bowl XXXI ring as a good-luck charm during this year's Super Bowl 45 game.

"Every time there would be a close play, which started with my grandson, he ran over and started rubbing the ring," Irwin told WTMJ. "Well by the time we got to the fourth quarter and the last series by the Steelers, everybody was rubbing the ring."

Rest in Peace.

Romney Negative Gingrich Ad: 'Florida Families'

2012-01-23T12:15:00.003-06:00

Mitt Romney approves this message:

From Team Romney:

While Florida families struggled during the housing crisis, Newt Gingrich cashed in while working for Freddie Mac. After being sanctioned for ethics violations and resigning in disgrace, Newt Gingrich cashed in as a D.C. insider. President Obama and his campaign would be very happy if Newt Gingrich is the nominee.

Gingrich: Obama's Alinsky Roots

2012-01-23T12:00:00.002-06:00

I'm not on Newt Gingrich's bandwagon, but I do like some of the things he's willing to say.

For example, on Meet the Press yesterday, he told the truth about the Leftist media refusing to cover the truth about Obama.

He is a child of Saul Alinksy. He's a radical.

Read Alinsky's own words in this interview from Playboy magazine, 1972.

Video.

Transcript

DAVID GREGORY: Let me end with this, Mr. Speaker. Jeb Bush, former governor of Florida whose nomination is highly sought after, he says he's going to stay neutral in the race, has called on all of the candidates to have a very positive tone and think about the independent voter as we move forward in the general election. I want to play something you said about President Obama last night and ask if you think you're consistent with that admonition. Watch.

NEWT GINGRICH: The founding fathers of America are the source from which we draw our understanding of America. He draws his from Saul Alinsky, radical left-wingers and people who don't like the classical America.

(End videotape)

GREGORY: Can you win independent voters in a general election campaign with that message?

GINGRICH: Absolutely. Ronald Reagan did it by a landslide in 1980. He carried more states against Jimmy Carter than Franklin Delano Roosevelt carried against Herbert Hoover, and the reason's simple: What I said last night is the truth. Nobody in the elite media wants to cover it. Nobody's ever gone back and looked at what Saul Alinsky stands for. Nobody ever asks what neighborhood organizer meant. He wasn't organizing Boys and Girls Clubs. He was teaching political radicalism. It explains his entire administration. He is who he is. It's--you know, it's not that he's a bad human being, my impression is that he has a good family, that he really loves his children and his wife, that he's a very pleasant person in some ways. But the objective fact is he believes in a very radical vision of America's future that is fundamentally different from probably 80 percent of this country. And nobody in the elite media has ever wanted to dig into it, ever wanted--why would he veto the Keystone pipeline? Why would he kill jobs in America? Why would he have a National Labor Relations Board attack Boeing? Because it fits the model of Alinsky radicalism.

Steven Tyler National Anthem - Reaction

2012-01-23T00:00:00.001-06:00

Steven Tyler sang the National Anthem before the AFC Championship game.

Listen:

Reaction to Tyler's performance:

Washington Post: Steven Tyler’s national anthem: How bad was it?

TMZ: Steven Tyler's National AnthemDid It Suck?

Daily Mail: Star Mangled Banner! Steven Tyler accused of butchering national anthem at NFL final

Yahoo! Sports: Steven Tyler’s scarf better than ‘Star-Spangled Banner’ rendition

Herald Sun: Steve Tyler accused of butchering US national anthem

The Star-Ledger: Steven Tyler sings national anthem: Rock star cool or plain awful?

Steven Tyler sang the anthem the way Steven Tyler sings.

Tyler shouldn't be ripped for his performance. Maybe the ones responsible for inviting him to sing it should be criticized.

I don't think it was all that bad.

What's bad is that the Packers aren't in the Super Bowl.

Scott Walker Rally, Hart Park (Video)

2012-01-22T00:15:00.005-06:00

From FOX6 News:

Thousands of people gathered in a Wauwatosa park to rally in support of Gov. Scott Walker.

Organizers called the rally a "Celebrate Walker" rally, and a dozen Republicans were set to speak. Organizers say this was their response to the recall against Governor Walker.

...Republican speakers included Lt. Gov. Rebecca Kleefisch, First Lady Tonette Walker, Sen. Van Wanggaard and Former Governor Tommy Thompson.

Speaking to the crowd, Tonette Walker called the rally long overdue.

"I've waited a long time to see a rally on the other side," said Walker. "I thank you. Scott thanks you. My children thank you. Everyone here in Wisconsin thanks you for finally stepping up."

Kleefisch, who is also facing a recall election, asked the crowd to fight to keep Republican lawmakers in office.

"I think that you're seeing that the silent majority that you hear so much about, isn't so silent anymore," Kleefisch told Fox 6.

I'm confident the silent majority isn't going to roll over and let the Democrats/unions/Leftists drag Wisconsin down.

We've made too much progress. We aren't going back.

Unfortunately, the Recall Walkerites are obstructing Wisconsin's recovery by creating an environment of uncertainty and chaos in the state.

This recall insanity is a colassal waste of time, resources, and money. It's so bad for Wisconsin; but relatively soon, it will be over. We'll elect Scott Walker AGAIN and investors will know that we're committed to keeping Wisconsin open for business.

Here's video of the rally:

_________________

From MacIver News Service: Thousands Turn Out for Pro-Walker Rally

Ryan Braun: MVP Speech Transcript

2012-01-22T00:00:00.004-06:00

Ryan Braun accepted his National League MVP award on Saturday night.

Here's the full transcript of Braun's speech:

“Thank, you Mark (Feinsand, the NY BBWAA chapter chairman). Before I get started, (Hall of Fame writer) Bob Elliott said he forgot to thank his son, Bob Jr., during his speech and wanted to make sure I did it for him. So, Bob Jr., Bob Elliott truly appreciates you being a great son and supporting him (laughter from audience).

“I’ve really been looking foward to this night for a long time. I first want say thank you to the Baseball Writers Association of America for this incredibly prestigious award. I want to congratulate all of the other award winners and recipients who are here tonight. It’s truly a privilege to be part of this night and be here with all of you guys.

“I want to take a moment to congratulate Matt Kemp, Justin Upton, Prince Fielder, Troy Tulowitzki, Albert Pujols among many others who were also deserving of this award as well. It’s truly an honor for me to be surrounded by so many people in this room who share my deep love and respect for the game of baseball, including those who cover it, all the fans that are here today and all of us who play the game of baseball.

“I’d like to say thank you to the entire Milwaukee Brewers organization for believing in me, for drafting me, for helping to develop me as a baseball player and a person. I specifically want to say thank you to Mark Attanasio and his wife Debbie and their entire ownership group. I want to thank Doug Melvin, Gord Ash and our manager, Ron Roenicke, for all being here tonight and for your incredible support. Thank you, guys.

“I want to thank my teammates and the rest of our coaching staff for putting me in an environment and a position to succeed. For me, tonight is about them and what they have accomplished as much as it is about me. I know that if I didn’t play on an incredible team and I wasn’t a part of a special organization, I wouldn’t be standing here tonight.

“I want to thank my family for their love and support and encouragement. I want to thank them for instilling in me a lot of the values and morals that I live my life by today. I want to thank my dad Joe, my mom Diane, my brother Steve, my grandfather Bob and his wife Liz for all being here tonight and supporting me. I also want to thank my beautiful girlfriend Larisa for being here as well, for being my best friend. I wanted to make sure I didn’t forget you because that would be trouble.

“I want to thank my agency, CAA Sports, Marissa Edler, Terry Prince and my agent, Nez Balelo, for your endless support, for being one of my best friends and for being part of every step of this journey with me. Thank you.

“I also wanted to take a moment to thank the players association for supporting me throughout my career and especially for supporting me through everything I went through over the last couple of months. Thank you, guys.

“Sometimes in life we all deal with challenges we never expected to endure. We have an opportunity to look as those challenges and view them either as obstacles or opportunities. I’ve chosen to view every challenge I’ve ever faced as an opportunity and this will be no different. I’ve always believed that a person’s character is revealed through the way they deal with those moments of adversity.

“I’ve always loved and had so much respect for the game of baseball. Everything I’ve done in my career has been done with that respect and appreciation in mind, and that is why I’m so grateful and humbled to accept this award tonight. Thank you again to everybody and I hope you guys enjoy the rest of your evening.”

Roe v. Wade: 39 Years Later

2012-01-22T00:00:00.003-06:00

Feet of a 10-week-old fetus

Since Obama became president, he's broken promise after promise. One thing he hasn't wavered on is his radical anti-life, pro-abortion stance.

On the campaign trail in 2008, he made no secret of the fact that he would not protect the weak, the vulnerable, and the unborn.

OBAMA: I've got two daughters — 9 years old and 6 years old. I'm gonna teach them first of all about values and morals. But, if they make a mistake, I don't want them punished with a baby.

PASTOR RICK WARREN: At what point does a baby get human rights, in your view?

OBAMA: Well, you know, I think that whether you're looking at it from a theological perspective or a scientific perspective, uh, answering that question with specificity, uh, you know is, is, uh, above my pay grade.

Obama began his assault on human life within days after assuming office.

On January 23, 2009, Obama signed an executive order to overturn the "Mexico City Policy."

Obama is the most radical pro-abortion president in our history.

He considers a human life to be a "punishment."

I can't grasp what it's like to think of a new life in those terms, that it's expendable when inconvenient, that it's a cruel burden.

Fifty million precious, innocent lives have been aborted since Roe v. Wade. They were never allowed to take their first breath let alone grow up. They were killed before having the chance to know what it's like to love and be loved.

Their mothers made the choice not to be "punished" rather than cradle their babies in their arms.

Do you think of your being, the gift of your life, as a "punishment"?

Mourning 50,000,000 lives today.

Obama and the Keystone Pipeline

2012-01-21T12:00:00.002-06:00

From GOP.com:

They Said It!

Obama’s Decision To Kill The Keystone Pipeline Reflects His Broken Promises To Create Jobs And Bring The Country Together

MSNBC’S Joe Scarborough: “We haven't talked about one issue that on any other day we'd be talking about nonstop. A big policy decision yesterday by the Obama administration. I must say, I don't understand it for a lot of different reasons, but I'm going to let you guys comment on it. Keystone, the president killed the permitting for Keystone. And I'm just wondering, wouldn't this be a good issue for him to reach out to the middle on? Am I wrong about that?”

Time’s Joe Klein: “No, the campaign this year is like the stupid Olympics. These guys -- Obama just made, I think, a very big mistake at a time when we have 9% unemployment, the one most important consideration in any political decision is jobs. And whether there are 2,500 jobs or 2,000 jobs, you go with it.”

Scarborough: “What’s the motivation inside the White House? Because the president -- the president wants to win independent voters. He wants jobs, he wants more energy. What is the hold up here?

Klein: “He wants his base.”

Scarborough: “The base would not forgive him for this?”

Klein: “College campuses, there’s a lot of environmental sentiment, this is a big issue.”

Time’s Mark Halperin: “I don't think it's purely political. I think the president doesn't think this is the right -- that the country's ready to make the decision, primarily because of safety concerns. But I think it is reflective of the fact he has not brought the country together on controversial issues which he promised to do.” (MSNBC’s “Morning Joe,” 1/19/12)

WHAT OTHERS ARE SAYING ABOUT OBAMA’S MISGUIDED MOVE ON KEYSTONE

Chicago Tribune: “Obama made a decision that will deny the U.S. a reliable source of oil. Note that Canada has never threatened to block the Strait of Hormuz. Obama made a decision that will cost the U.S. good jobs. He seems to think those jobs will still be there when he gets around to making a decision on the pipeline. But they may well be gone for good.” (Editorial, “Pipeline Politics: Misguided Obama Blocks Keystone Pipeline,” Chicago Tribune, 1/19/12)

The Washington Post: “But, clearly, constructing the pipeline would still result in job gains during a sluggish economic recovery.” (Editorial, “Obama’s Keystone Pipeline Rejection Is Hard To Accept,” The Washington Post, 1/18/12)

· The Washington Post: “We almost hope this was a political call because, on the substance, there should be no question. Without the pipeline, Canada would still export its bitumen — with long-term trends in the global market, it’s far too valuable to keep in the ground — but it would go to China. And, as a State Department report found, U.S. refineries would still import low-quality crude — just from the Middle East. Stopping the pipeline, then, wouldn’t do anything to reduce global warming, but it would almost certainly require more oil to be transported across oceans in tankers.” (Editorial, “Obama’s Keystone Pipeline Rejection Is Hard To Accept,” The Washington Post, 1/18/12)

Laborers’ International Union of North America: “Instead of celebrating their victory by hugging a tree they should hug a jobless construction worker because they’re the ones who are going to need it.” (Laborers’ International Union of North America , “Job-Killers, 2; American Workers, 0,” Press Release, 1/18/12)

· Laborers’ International Union of North America Called Obama’s Decision “Politics At Its Worst.” “‘The score is Job-Killers, two; American workers, zero. We are completely and totally disappointed. This is politics at its worst,’ LIUNA General President Terry O’Sullivan said. ‘Once again the President has sided with environmentalists instead of blue collar construction workers – even though environmental concerns were more than adequately addressed. Blue collar construction workers across the U.S. will not forget this.’” (Laborers’ International Union of North America , “Job-Killers, 2; American Workers, 0,” Press Release, 1/18/12)

Obama isn't a leader. He's an egomaniac.

Celebrate Walker Rally, Hart Park

2012-01-21T06:00:00.003-06:00

UPDATE, WauwatosaPatch, 11:49 AM: Police Lay Down Ground Rules for Both Sides at Pro-Walker Rally

Wauwatosa police met with Celebrate Walker rally organizers and security personnel at 10 a.m. Saturday at Hart Park and have arranged to meet with counter-rally organizers at noon to make sure everyone on both sides understands the rules.

The pro-Walker group, headed by Onward Wisconsin, has rented an area stretching from the west side of North 68th Street to the east side of North 72nd Street, but it has barricaded only the area between 68th and North 70th Street for its rally.

Police Sgt. Jim Mastrocola made it clear to the private security group that Celebrate Walker's rental permit does not cover the public sidewalks along those streets. Anyone, including anti-Walker protesters, may occupy those sidewalks.

However, no is allowed to impede the progress or access of others using those walkways, he said.

Mastrocola said that at least one police officer would be posted to each of the two entrances to the rally area, one on 68th Street and one on 70th.

The sergeant instructed security personnel that they had the right to remove anyone from the event, but they should avoid any physical contact at all costs short of self-defense.

______________

Wisconsinites will be gathering at Hart Park in Wauwatosa today to show support for Governor Scott Walker and celebrate all he's done for the state.

Details:

1:00pm until 4:00pm

Wauwatosa, WI ~ Charles Hart Park
7300 Chestnut Ave, Wauwatosa, WI

Scheduled Speakers
Lt. Gov. Rebecca Kleefisch
Senate Candidate and former Governor Tommy Thompson
Senate Candidate and Former Congressman Mark Nuemann
Assembly Speaker and Senate Candidate Jeff Fitzgerald
State Senator Alberta Darling
State Senator Leah Vukmir
State Senator Van Wanggaard
State Senator Glenn Grothman
State Rep. Robin Vos
State Treasurer Kurt Schuller
State Rep. David Craig
State Rep. Jeff Stone
Political Activist Kim Simac
Dr. Tim Nerenz
Teen Political Activist Jerrid Madden
Member of the Hispanic Chamber of Commerce Perfecto Rivera

Blog for Choice Day 2012

2012-01-21T00:03:00.002-06:00

It's that time of year again.

NARAL is celebrating the slaughter of innocent human life.

On January 22, 2012 –the 39th anniversary of Roe v. Wade – we invite pro-choice bloggers and activists to join us for the seventh annual Blog for Choice Day!

Blog for Choice Day gets more people reading and talking about reproductive rights online on one of the most important days surrounding a woman’s right to choose: the Roe anniversary. Plus, it lets your readers and the mainstream media know that a woman's right to choose is a core progressive value that must be protected.

This year, we want your thoughts in answering this question: What will you do to help elect pro-choice candidates in 2012?

CELEBRATE!

It's the seventh annual "Blog for Choice Day" and the 39th anniversary of Roe v. Wade.

"Blog for Choice Day gets more people reading and talking about reproductive rights online on one of the most important days surrounding a woman’s right to choose: the Roe anniversary."

Think about that. Pro-abortion proponents are celebrating this most important day: "the Roe anniversary."

Do these people understand how sick it is to promote a day that marks the legal killing of tens of millions of unborn children?

Let's be honest about the celebration of the 39th anniversary of Roe v. Wade.

This really is about celebrating the killing of human life. Tens of millions of unique human beings have been slaughtered under the guise of CHOICE.

To counter this perverse celebration, people who respect life and value the unborn are responding to "Blog for Choice Day" with "Ask Them What They Mean By ‘Choice’ Blog Day."

Jill Stanek writes:

This Sunday, January 22, pro-life bloggers, tweeters, facebookers, commenters, debaters, apologists, and rabble-rousers will band together to counter NARAL’s Blog for Choice Day by asking them everywhere they can, “What do you mean by that word, ‘choice’”?

On Sunday we will not let the other side get away with the euphemism “choice” to cover for the word they for some reason like to avoid: Abortion. In other words, killing babies.

The use of the word "choice" by the pro-abortion movement is so insidious. It's cowardly.

If they're so proud to support the killing of the unborn, why are they afraid to be clear about what it is they're "choosing"? Why hide the reality of abortion by softening the language?

"Choice" means killing a unique, one and only, human life.

If one is pro-choice, one is pro-abortion. "Choice" equals death, the mother's "choice" to intentionally kill her unborn child.

That's what it means.

Let's not play word games.

Let's be honest.

Sunday is "Blog for Killing the Unborn Day."

In its seventh year, millions of babies weren't permitted to even take their first breaths since that first online event. Their mothers didn't allow them to grow up at all. And some people cheer that.

FACT: "Choice" means choosing death for one's child.

The anniversary of Roe v. Wade is the darkest of days. It stands as a reminder of over 50 million birthdays never celebrated.

Obama's Free Contraception Mandate

2012-01-21T00:02:00.007-06:00

King Barack is forcing his will on Catholic and other religious organizations.

Separation of church and state? What? Huh?

Health plans ordered to cover birth control without co-pays
Most healthcare plans will be required to cover birth control without charging co-pays or deductibles starting Aug. 1, the Obama administration announced Friday.

The final regulation retains the approach federal health officials proposed last summer, despite the deluge of complaints from religious groups and congressional Republicans that has poured in since then. Churches, synagogues and other houses of worship are exempt from the requirement, but religious-affiliated hospitals and universities only get a one-year delay and must comply by Aug. 1, 2013.

“This decision was made after very careful consideration, including the important concerns some have raised about religious liberty,” Health and Human Services Secretary Kathleen Sebelius said in a statement. “I believe this proposal strikes the appropriate balance between respecting religious freedom and increasing access to important preventive services."

Congressional Republicans slammed the decision as an assault on religious freedom.

"This ruling forces religious organizations to violate the fundamental tenets of their faith, or stop offering health insurance coverage to their employees," said the Republican Policy Committee. "Time will tell whether those institutions choose the former or the latter course — but neither option should be necessary, if the administration had not taken such an unbending approach to appease its liberal base."

Private organizations should not be forced to violate their beliefs.

Sebelius' statement that the "proposal strikes the appropriate balance between respecting religious freedom and increasing access to important preventive services" is positively idiotic.

There's no balance at all. A one-year exemption is ridiculous. It doesn't address the moral issues involved.

From ABC News:
The Obama administration today said it would move forward with a new mandate requiring most U.S. employers – including religiously affiliated hospitals and schools – to provide health care plans that cover contraceptive services for female employees free of charge.

The guidelines, first proposed in August and set to take effect in August 2012, have been hailed by the abortion-rights community and many Obama re-election supporters.

But the Catholic Church and other religious groups, which consider some forms of contraception as the termination of life, had waged an intensive lobbying campaign for a clear exemption of affiliated institutions from the new rules.

The Department of Health and Human Services today said, despite their concerns, it will hold the line on the requirement, but extended the deadline for compliance until 2013.

“We will continue to work closely with religious groups during this transitional period to discuss their concerns,” Secretary Kathleen Sebelius said in a statement.

"Work closely with religious groups during this transitional period to discuss their concerns"?

Give me a break! Really? What a load!

What is Sebelius going to do that will actually address their concerns, such as not being forced to provide something that violates their basic faith tenets?

It's impossible. One year means nothing.

King Barack rules without checks and balances.

This is tyranny. Obama is a tyrant.

SQUIRREL APPRECIATION DAY

2012-01-21T00:01:00.002-06:00

Today is Squirrel Appreciation Day!

Five ways you can celebrate.

Angry Bruce Springsteen: 'We Take Care of Our Own'

2012-01-21T00:00:00.000-06:00

Angry Bruce.

Bruce Springsteen's new album WRECKING BALL has been set for a March 6th release on CD, vinyl, and digitally, and is available for pre-order now at Amazon and iTunes. Marking his 17th studio album, WRECKING BALL is a vision of modern life, featuring 11 new songs including "We Take Care of Our Own." Watch the video now at youtube.com/brucespringsteen with Bruce's lyrics.

Weird. I'm reading reviews that Springsteen is very angry on this new album. Well, I guess.

The opening line of this first track is strange/stupid:

Is he knocking at the bathroom door?

Is he angry about not being able to get in there? Springsteen can afford to have a bathroom for every day of the year.

I don't know.

Obviously, it's a political song.

Since the Leftists are in power and Obama is king, on the throne, Springsteen can't be complaining about President Bush and the Republicans anymore. If he is, he's confused.

Knowing Springsteen's Leftist politics, it's hard to believe that he holds Obama responsible for the misery across America being felt by people like me, in the 99 percent. God knows, in spite of playing blue-collar characters, Springsteen is up there in the 1 percent.

Does he feel betrayed by Obama?

The elite Leftists like Springsteen have to be a bit troubled that Obama has screwed up so royally. The people on the Left aren't happy with him and the people on the Right aren't happy with him.

How does Springsteen, this alleged blue-collar champion, reconcile Obama's Keystone pipeline decision when so many people are out of work?

That insane decision is all Obama. 100 percent Obama.

"We take care of our own" doesn't seem to fit with the dependence and entitlement culture Obama envisions.

Who takes care of whose own? Is that an endorsement of welfare and being trapped in poverty?

It doesn't make sense.

There's definitely a lot of anger in the country.

I don't know if it's what angry Bruce is singing about, but there's definitely a lot of anger.

Obama Sings Al Green (Video)

2012-01-20T16:00:00.001-06:00

Singing won't get Obama reelected.

Even some of his staunchest supporters don't swoon anymore when he makes such horrible moves like killing the Keystone pipeline project.

Obama: First Campaign Ad - Energy Record

2012-01-20T04:02:00.006-06:00

Watch Obama's first ad of his 2012 campaign, "Unprecedented." It focuses on his energy record.

Absurd.

Mark Levin analyzes the ad.

MARK LEVIN: Does this ad have any relationship to reality whatsoever?

Short answer: No.

LEVIN: Foreign oil imports below 50 percent - do you want to know why that's the case? Because we're in a massive economic downturn. He tries to leave the impression that what he's done here is promoted domestic drilling and refining when he is obstructing it. So, these are the kind of lies that we're going to get. America's clean energy industry, 2.7 million jobs and expanding rapidly. We don't even know that means. What is America's clean energy industry? Can anyone define it? No. Where does he get this 2.7 million jobs figure? Nobody has any idea whatsoever.

Obama has a major problem when it comes to campaigning for his reelection - reality.
________________

UPDATE: Even FactCheck.org had to admit Obama's ad is "misleading."

President Obama’s first 2012 campaign ad misleads on ethics, “clean-energy” jobs and U.S. dependence on oil imports.
■ The spot uses outdated quotes from groups that said his record on ethics is “unprecedented” and that he “kept a promise to toughen ethics rules.” Those same groups said later that he “has let down millions of Americans who accepted his word” and rated his promise as “broken.”

■ The 30-second TV spot also trumpets a claim of “2.7 million jobs” in “America’s clean-energy industry.” That mostly counts jobs put in place long before Obama took office.

■ Finally, it boasts that U.S. dependence on foreign oil has declined to below 50 percent, as a net share of total demand, for the first time in more than a decade. That’s true, and increasing U.S. oil production is a factor (despite Republican criticisms that Obama is anti-drilling). But economists say the chief factor is reduced oil consumption, brought on by the recent economic recession.

Obama is choosing to lie to the American people rather than doing the right thing and telling the truth.

He is Jimmy Carter - a failed president, a disaster.

Brian Ross and Marianne Gingrich (Video)

2012-01-20T04:01:00.001-06:00

Brian Ross conducted a sleazy interview with Newt Gingrich's former wife, Marianne.

Here it is:

video platform video management video solutions video player

Brian Ross creeps me out more than Newt Gingrich.

So does CNN's John King.

Gingrich wiped the floor with him when King opened Thursday's debate by questioning Gingrich on the open marriage accusation.

Video.

video platform
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video solutions
video player

Biden: SF Giants in Super Bowl

2012-01-20T04:00:00.007-06:00

Oops, Joe Biden did it again.

His latest gaffe, from the San Francisco Chronicle:

Vice President Joe Biden had his “oops” moment Wednesday speaking in a 49er-crazed San Francisco when he told a crowd at a city political fundraiser that “the Giants are on their way to the Super Bowl.”

Biden spoke at a closed event in the city’s financial District at the Bently Reserve when he made the gaffe, according to a White House pool report released today.
The comment by Biden drew immediate “good-natured” boos from the crowd, according to the report by Josh Richman of the Oakland Tribune, who was the only local print reporter allowed to cover the event.

After suggesting that the Giants were heading to the Super Bowl, Biden quickly recognized the gaffe and and explained he was accustomed to thinking in terms of the San Francisco Giants and their baseball wins. His next reference was to the “49ers on their way” to the Big Game.

Good grief.

Leftists were so horrified at the possibility of Sarah Palin being the vice president.

With all due respect, Biden is more than somewhat of a dunce.

Comfortable with that?

I don't think he's capable of being the president. Seriously.

Jimmy Fallon: Obama Campaign Ad

2012-01-20T04:00:00.006-06:00

JIMMY FALLON: Did you see this today? President Obama aired his first campaign ad of 2012 which promotes his record on clean energy. Obama's a big environmentalist. In fact, for the election, he plans to recycle the same promises he made four years ago.

Herman Cain: Tea Party State of the Union Response

2012-01-20T00:00:00.005-06:00

UPDATE: The Tea Party response will be streaming live at www.TeaPartyExpress.org and will last approximately 7 minutes.
_________________

Herman Cain will share at least a little bit of the spotlight on the night of January 24th, when Obama delivers his State of the Union address.

Cain will be delivering the Tea Party response.

Here's the press release:

HERMAN CAIN TO DELIVER TEA PARTY STATE OF THE UNION RESPONSE

Sacramento, CA - Tea Party Express, the nation’s largest tea party political action committee, is announcing that Herman Cain will be delivering the Tea Party State of the Union response at the National Press Club in Washington, D.C., on the evening of January 24th, 2012.

Sal Russo, Chief Strategist of the Tea Party Express, said, “We are excited to have Herman Cain deliver the 2nd Tea Party State of the Union response next week. Americans are fed up with the Washington politics that fail to address America’s fiscal woes. The Tea Party Express has called for reducing the size, cost and intrusiveness of the federal government, and we have stood strongly for pro-growth policies to get the economy growing and job creation increased.

“We are enthusiastic that a successful conservative governor like Mitch Daniels of Indiana will be giving the Republican response. I know that both Governor Daniels and Mr. Cain will contribute important ideas for the future of our country.

“Herman Cain has been a steadfast advocate for the values of the Tea Party and the practical solutions needed to solve the problems that face our nation. By following President Obama, Mr. Cain will have an opportunity to square off with the failed policies of the Obama Administration. Whether it is a flat tax, a fair tax or a combination of the two, reforming the tax code must be a priority. Americans want straight talk and honest solutions, and Herman Cain will deliver a pro-growth message strongly and clearly,” Russo concluded.

The Tea Party Express hosted the first ever Tea Party State of the Union Response last year with Congresswoman Michele Bachmann.

Cats in the Snow

2012-01-20T00:00:00.003-06:00

Cute.

I'm sick of winter.

Rick Perry Drops Out

2012-01-19T13:58:00.003-06:00

Rick Perry is "suspending" his campaign to be the Republican nominee for president.

It was only a matter of time. Things just didn't work out.

Gov. Rick Perry of Texas dropped out of the Republican presidential race here on Thursday and announced his endorsement for the candidacy of Newt Gingrich, a man he called a “conservative visionary.”

“I’ve never believed that the cause of conservatism is embodied by one individual,” Mr. Perry said at a news conference here. “Our party and our conservative philosophy transcends any one individual.”

Mr. Perry, who opened his bid for the Republican presidential nomination five months ago here in South Carolina, conceded that “there is no viable path forward for me.” He urged Republicans to support Mr. Gingrich, who he conceded was not a perfect candidate, but was the best conservative alternative in the race.

“Newt is not perfect, but who among us is,” Mr. Perry said. “The fact is, there is forgiveness for those who seek God. And I believe in the power of redemption, for it is a central tenet of my Christian faith.”

Mr. Perry reached the decision on Wednesday night, his aides said, and informed Mr. Gingrich of his plans to leave the race. He was planning to fly home to Texas shortly after his announcement.

...In a brief announcement here, as Mr. Perry was surrounded by his wife and family, he did not acknowledge Mitt Romney by name. But his praise of Mr. Gingrich, along with his repeated calls for Republicans to elect a true conservative, seemed to be a direct shot at Mr. Romney.

Perry collapsed in the national spotlight. He wasn't ready.

Of course, he didn't have the fawning media to prop him up the way the inexperienced Obama did in 2008.

If Perry had the media defending him and virtually creating him, he could have been the nominee. He could still be in the race. Instead, he was systematically dismantled.

The media didn't help him and Perry wasn't able to help himself. It just wasn't going to work.
_______________

A.D. Miles:

Rick Perry announcing he dropped out of the race is like me emailing Gisele Bundchen to tell her I'm not interested in dating her anymore.

Marianne Gingrich, Open Marriage

2012-01-19T13:15:00.001-06:00

I've never been divorced.

I experience the torture of marriage daily, but not the pain of divorce.

I've never been in Marianne Gingrich's position so I can't be sure how I'd react. I do feel sorry for her because obviously she hasn't moved on with her life. After all these years, she still wants to stick it to Newt.

Does Marianne feel better after her session with Brian Ross?

I doubt it. It seems like she'll be miserable for the rest of her life. Very sad.

I think of how Hillary Clinton reacted to Bill's serial infidelities. She moved on, and she's still technically married to him. (Do not confuse the Clinton's personal marital stuff with Bill lying under oath and his effort to obstruct justice.)

People respond to these things differently, I guess. And of course, everyone's circumstances are unique.

For me, open marriage, meaning not being monogamous while remaining married, is not an option. That's against my religious beliefs.

However, forgiveness is important in my faith. We all make mistakes. Using the religious vernacular, we all commit sins. I know how difficult it can be to truly forgive someone.

Clearly, Marianne Gingrich hasn't forgiven Newt for his indiscretions.

Don't misunderstand, I'm not defending Newt. His unfaithfulness is part of his history. He has to live with that.

I feel sorry for Marianne. She's bitter. She's vindictive. The fact that she's willing to blab her personal story to the media is unseemly. Jackie Kennedy didn't run to the press to air her personal grievances, before or after President Kennedy's death.

Marianne is acting as a political pawn, hoping to derail his campaign. She's willing to be used. The Leftist media are eager to give her a platform, anything to assist the Obama reelection effort.

Oh, well, no one's perfect. Newt isn't and neither is Marianne. None of us are perfect.

Video, from ABC News:

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Casey Lewis

2012-01-19T04:00:00.001-06:00

Casey Lewis was much more composed on FOX6 News yesterday than she was after the Packers suffered that devastating loss on Sunday.

She didn't shed any tears like she did after the Packers' season came to an abrupt end.

Obviously, Casey didn't take the loss well.

Here she is talking about the video which will live in YouTube infamy:

Casey Lewis is certainly getting a lot of attention.

She's an Internet sensation.

It's strange when the media devote valuable time from their newscasts to cover a silly, albeit entertaining, YouTube clip.

I wonder if Casey would trade her 15 minutes of fame for a Packers victory in the NFC Championship game on Sunday.

I think she would. Internet glory is so fleeting. Another Lombardi Trophy for the Packers would be forever.

Ron Paul - Leave GOP?

2012-01-19T00:00:00.002-06:00

Bill Kristol thinks Ron Paul doesn't belong in the Republican Party.

"I do not think he's a particularly good guy.... I think it would be better for the Republican party, if he left the Republican party."

Video.

I wonder if Ron Paul keeps ratcheting up his insanity to bait Republicans to call for him to jump the Republican ship, as Kristol does.

That would enable Paul to make a third party run without the charges of being a spoiler. He could claim he was forced out of the Republican party.

"They made me do it."

I think it's better for Paul to crash and burn as a Republican.

Scott Walker: 'FOX & Friends' (Video)

2012-01-18T11:01:00.001-06:00

Scott Walker was on FOX & Friends this morning.

Here's video:

Brian Piech

2012-01-18T11:00:00.003-06:00

Brian Piech embodies the recall effort against Scott Walker.

Assuming there is a recall election, your vote for Scott Walker will be an endorsement of his policies and many accomplishments, and a repudiation of the likes of Brian Piech, proud "UNION 'THUG' (soon to be one again)."

Piech wrote the following e-mail to 620 WTMJ talk radio host Charlie Sykes:

Chuck,

Your comments regarding the Dems spending millions of taxpayers dollars is nothing more than one-sided right-wing propaganda. Garbage. Make sure you tell everyone how much it cost that dirtbag Fitzgerald to run "fake" Democrats back in August, and how much it cost for all the other dirty Tea Party extremist tricks these punks have played week after week since getting into office!! Don't forget that Chuck!

Also....here's another thought about taxpayer concern....the same "taxpayers" that put this filthy slimebag Walker into office in the first place??? We're supposed to be concerned about THOSE TAXPAYERS??? LET EM PAY!!!! All of us state employees got raped and had to pay, so can they!! They can have some of the fun too!!! The only thing I have to say about this costing millions is, GET YOUR F-ING CHECKBOOK OUT!!!

And quit comparing us to private sector workfoce!! Between you and that dirtbag Walker, I don't know who's more full of idiotic crap! We don't WANT to be compared to private sector workforce!! We didn't APPLY for private sector jobs!! We took jobs that make LESS than private sector people and we took them for the insurance benefits and job security!! STOP BEING LIKE THAT IDIOT WALKER AND COMPARING US TO PRIVATE SECTOR!!!!

And don't forget, tell the WHOLE story Chuck, not just your Tea Party propaganda. The only ones who buy your crap are your broke, right-wing drooling neanderthals who are dumb enough to not know better.

All your little fun and ripping the state apart is coming to an end. Walker's approval rating is sh*t and everybody know's it. The RECALL is here. You can fool your minion followers with your little "600 jobs created by Walker in Superior" bullsh*t, but you won't fool the intelligent. We know the truth. We know about this dirtbag killing good civil service jobs to turn them into politically appointed jobs for his dirty right-wing thugs! EVERYONE KNOWS, Chuck!

You right wing extremist neanderthals have had your fun, now it's time to pay. Walker will be the only WI Governor recalled and ousted and one of about 3 maybe ever. Fantastic embarrassment. Maybe he should've thought about all this before he came stomping through the doors with his six-shooters firing! Him and all his loud-mouth thug cronies. Walker will have to cheat better than he did at Marquette to get out of this one!!

Signed,
Brian Piech bpiech@wi.rr.com
UNION "THUG" (soon to be one again)

Positively deranged.

Sykes has more on taxpayer employee Brian Piech.

He is a Sergeant in the Department of Corrections and WE pay him $65,927 a year.

Sykes writes, "He is also the author of this email to State Rep. Robin Vos... written on AFSCME stationery."

Robin,

Had the pleasure of reading the story about the beer dumped on your head in Mad-town. Great read. Best use of beer I've seen in a long time. Did he include the glass mug with the delivery?

All I can say is, welcome to the future of Wisconsin politics. Enjoy it. This is the way things will be, because we don't forgive or forget well. You guys created this radical mess, now you can deal with it. The only thing wrong with the whole incident is that your other loudmouth Republi-con cronie Van Wanggaard wasn't there getting one over his squash too.

I don't know when you Walker disciples will ever wake up and get it, but right now wouldn't be too soon. What is with this radical right-wing rampage you continue to support? What is wrong with you people? Did your moms and dads not show you enough attention as kids? Were you such dorks in high school that you no had no dates for the dances, so now you have to abuse your political powers to finally be noticed by someone?

You minions continue to support this radical neanderthal Walker, and yet one by one you are going down. Wirch wins big against another Tea Party attorney wanna-be, and Hopper cries like a baby that his livelihood is challenged only because of his support of Walker. He then of course gets destroyed in a recall. TOO BAD SO SAD. Darling is of course the only one who saved the day for you, as she was saved by the rich in River Hills. No surprise, but don't get too excited, the small group of the River Hills rich are not indicative of the views of the entire state of Wisconsin, especially not with Scotty in office killing jobs by the thousands. So the recalls bring things closer. And January's recalls will be even more damaging to you, as you all already know. Tick, tock....

So what does Robin Vos plan to do next? You want to BANISH RECALLS...OF COURSE! Finding about 10,000 votes in Waukesha to save Prosser wasn't good enough, now you want to banish recalls. When you little republicon punks don't get your way, and you see the other team has found a way to win, you throw a tantrum and you try to change the rules of the game! Dirtbag little kids, that's what you all are. No, recalls aren't the "cancer", Robin, YOU and your republi-con cronies are!

But recalls are going NOWHERE, Robin. Don't be delusional. Or stupid. Right now they are the only peaceful "cure for cancer" we have. And we don't want to hear about your radical views of banishing them anymore. Just get your little sippy cup and teddy bear and settle yourself down. You thugs must be held accountable, and recalls are about the best way....for you. Banishing recalls is not a smart idea at all. Actually, recalls are your friend. They let the voters decide peacefully who stays in office. You should never back people into a corner with radical power abuse and give them no options out, it's never a good idea. Leave the recalls alone, Robin.

And oh guess what. It gets better. You and big mouth Wanggaard (Mr. yellow rain jacket protesting union rebel when he needed the union for his "medical" retirement) are next. I'm also anxious to see how Scotty's left hand man Fitzgerald will fare in the state employee-run prison area of Horicon, come January, after Walker has ripped middle class workers down to nothing while even coming after vacation time and other things meaningless to the "BUDGET" he has lied so much about. If Walker could just sell all his BS he has fed all Wisconsinites over the last several months, this recession would be over and we would be truly "open for business." But he continues to lie to Wisconsin, and we continue to anger.

January's coming fast....time is ticking for all of you dirtbags, Vos. You, Wanggaard, Fitzgerald, Grothman, all of you ad nauseum.... Walker's crooked ways are catching up. People, even former supporters and moderate republicans are sick of your big mouths and the radical extreme agenda you disciples represent under Scotty. Your radical agenda is dividing and ruining this state. In case you haven't noticed, your God Walker has agitated a very vindictive large group of people, and Scotty's radical disciples are just as guilty in our eyes. NOT GOOD.

Now might be a great time for you radical circus clowns to let it go and start smacking some sense into your collective brains. Your God, the self-proclaimed "Eagle Scout with the Christian upbringing" is in a bit of trouble. Rich cronies getting convicted, Federal raids on assistants, computers being seized, assistants anointed 100K jobs being exploited, spokesmen receiving immunity, criminal defense attorneys hired, etc etc.... Funny how Walker is "unaware" of what's going on, while his partner in crime railroad hotshot is convicted of 2 felonies and his own spokesperson has been granted immunity. Sounds shadier than Van Wanggaard's "medical" retirement!

Dirt always surfaces, no matter how much you pro-rich radicals try to hide it.

Let it go, Vos. You, Fitzgerald, Wanggaard, et al. Let it go. As inept as Doyle was, Walker is making him look like Jesus right now. And no matter how much you Tea Party filthbags hate Obama, it doesn't make Walker any better.

I've enclosed below a little tidbit for you on your god Walker's cheatings and failures at Marquette, for your reading pleasure. Clearly his evil youngster ways have not been completely relinquished. It might be wise to get off your Walker train soon, before it crashes. ENJOY! (feel free to forward to your cronies)

Brian Piech
Racine

P.S. - someone please tell that big mouth pro-rich River Hills radical Alberta Darling to shut her fat yap and stop talking over Lena Taylor in the assembly. Darling's ugly enough without opening her yap. If anyone should be removed from their job, it's HER. Thanks.

This is so vile it's hard to believe it's real.

Think about it - Brian Piech and his ilk are propelling the recall movement against Scott Walker.

This public employee, Brian Piech, has no problem with going on the record, writing an elected official, spewing despicable remarks.

It's extremely disturbing.

I know it bugs the Leftists when conservatives refer to them as thugs, but when you read what Piech writes, it's clear the term fits.

I'm proud to not be on the same side as Brian Piech in this fight.

I call on Kathleen Falk, Democrat candidate for governor again, to condemn Brian Piech.

KATHLEEN FALK: Faced with an all-out assault on everything that matters to us, we reacted not with despair, not with anger, but with hope.

What a crock!
________________

From the Republican Governors Association:

Republican Governors Association executive director Phil Cox issued the following statement regarding Kathleen Falk’s announcement that she will run for governor:

“The labor union bosses who want to end the progress Wisconsin has made since the end of 2010 got their hand-picked candidate today in Kathleen Falk. Statewide voters have already twice rejected Falk’s out-of-touch, big-government ideas, and this year will be no different. Wisconsin will continue to move forward by rejecting Kathleen Falk and those who represent the failed policies of the past.”

Bob Ryan Wins Primary

2012-01-18T04:02:00.000-06:00

Apparently, the people of Sheboygan like Bob Ryan as their mayor.

They're very forgiving people.

From the Sheboygan Press:

Sheboygan Mayor Bob Ryan and former state Rep. Terry Van Akkeren captured the top two spots in Sheboygan’s first-ever mayoral recall primary on Tuesday.

Ryan and Van Akkeren advance to face each other in the Feb. 21 general recall election, which will be a rematch of the 2009 mayoral election, in which Ryan defeated Van Akkeren to win the office.

If Ryan wins on Feb. 21, he will continue as mayor; if Van Akkeren wins, he would be sworn into office at the March 5 Common Council meeting and serve the remaining 13 months of Ryan’s term, which ends in April 2013.

Ryan and Van Akkeren topped an eight-candidate primary field, which drew a turnout of 34.5 percent of Sheboygan’s 28,458 registered voters and caused some polling places to run out of ballots briefly in the late afternoon.

In unofficial results, Ryan finished first with 3,225 votes (33 percent), followed by Van Akkeren with 2,567 26 percent).

...Ryan’s well-documented problems with alcohol, including the fallout from a three-day drinking binge in Elkhart Lake last July, also played a major part in the recall effort. Citizens collected 4,481 valid petition signatures to force the election.

Getting signatures to force a recall election is one thing.

Succeeding in booting an official out of office is another.

Jimmy Fallon: Obama, Disney World

2012-01-18T04:01:00.002-06:00

JIMMY FALLON: President Obama is visiting Disney World on Thursday to promote a new plan to boost tourism. Of course, it's going to be awkward when he walks through the Hall of Presidents and sees them making room for Mitt Romney.

Obama doesn't pay admission to Disney World. He just charges it to the China section of Epcot.

Jimmy Fallon: Miss America

2012-01-18T04:00:00.003-06:00

JIMMY FALLON: This is cool. Over the weekend, a 23-year-old from Wisconsin won the Miss America Pageant. Oh man, people from Green Bay must be so psyched right now.

Packer Fan Crying (Video)

2012-01-18T00:02:00.004-06:00

Now we know what happened. Now we know why the Packers lost.

Megan.

Megan told Casey to put the sparkles on her nails and to wear her Clay Matthews jersey.

If only Casey hadn't listened to Megan. She wanted to wear her Aaron Rodgers jersey, but she listened to Megan. Big, BIG mistake!

Staged or real, I feel Casey's pain.

We all wanted the Packers to win the Super Bowl.