22 September 2008

Will Time Tell?

I was reading Charles Krauthammer's column online via the Detroit News, and he brought up an interesting, albeit slanted, thought. Is George W. Bush the next Harry S. Truman? I say perhaps in time, but only if he's eventually vindicated on Iraq. If not, he could be the GOP's two-term Jimmy Carter.

What do you think??

21 September 2008

Sunday Shenanigans

I'm sitting here watching the Chicago/Tampa Bay game with my wife, checking my fantasy football scores, and if I wasn't working tonight, I'd probably enjoy a couple of cold ones over the course of the day. I don't want to go to a restaurant or tavern to do it, I want to just kick back at home and have a frosty beverage. It's unfortunate that I would have had to gone out last night to get my supplies for today.

The liquor laws in this state are a bit asinine to say the least. On Sunday, if you want a cocktail and have none at home, you have to go out and have it, then drive home, risking your safety and the safety of others. I don't understand what the problem is if you want to get a six-pack and go about your day around the house.

20 September 2008

Has Enough Been Enough?

Yesterday in Coral Gables, FL at a rally, Democratic presidential nominee, Sen. Barack Obama (D-IL) was chanted against by protesters holding signs that read "Blacks Against Obama" or "Obama for Abortions." Another sign mentioned his candidacy was supported by the Ku Klux Klan.

My thing is that the Democratic party uses minorities the same way they used the immigrants a century ago. They would have you think they have your best interests at heart because your one group or another. All they have done is conspire at all levels of government to erode your freedoms. Sometimes of their own volition, sometimes in concert with Republicans.

These freedoms are many, from property rights to economic liberty to name only a couple. Democrats aren't the only party doing this though. Republicans have made it a point over time to grow government their way into more of a Norsefire than compassionate conservatism. The Patriot Act and nationalizing AIG are two of the glaring examples of this activity.

If you're tired of feeling like you're being taken for your finances or your freedom, vote Libertarian. They represent every minority, the individual.

19 September 2008

Are You a Socialist or a Socialist?

In the wake of an unprecedented bailout by the Fed, I am now convinced that there is NO difference between Republicans and Democrats on the fiscal level. Socially, there is a dichotomy, but when it comes to matters of economics, there truly isn't a dime's difference anymore, and that's a shame. I thought deep-down that the GOP would return to its small-government roots not be a player in the private sector. I can wish in one hand and crap in another and I'll tell you which one fills up first.

Today is a dark day for America. The American dream is quickly becoming a nightmare, and few seem to notice.

18 September 2008

BOHICA 2008

I know a lot of people love the new Lucas Oil Stadium. It's state of the art, has a retractable roof, it got Indianapolis a Super Bowl...so on and so forth. The Kenny Chesney concert over the weekend was atrocious from people I've personally talked to, poor acoustics, no leg room, and lack of toiletries were the primary complaints from the concert-goers.

Now Brendan O'Shaughnessy from the Star wrote the annual deficit may be TWICE as bad. Now it's $20 million to maintain the facility that the city doesn't have. The staaste is starting to assist, and the Colts, with all the revenue they generate rent-free are playing the "a contract is a contract" card.

I call bullshit, Irsay was quoted saying it's the people's stadium, well if it is the people's stadium, why are there no tickets directly available, why only to season ticket holders? If it's the people's stadium, why do you Mr. Irsay get all revenues from Colts games, and up to half of non-Colts events at the stadium? If it's the people's stadium, why lie about the cost of the monstrosity, and then have no way to fund its maintenance? Why would you, Jim Irsay, give a flying flip? You got your millions of dollars in naming rights from Forrest Lucas, your new home free, paid for by the taxpayers, and the sweetest deal this side of the Sudetenland.

Mr. Irsay, I hope for your sake the Colts win five more Super Bowls, or the court of public opinion may find you guilty of gross misconduct.

05 September 2008

Broken Promises

Last year, I was the Libertarian nominee for Mayor of Lawrence. The winner, Republican Paul Ricketts ran on a platform of reform and responsibility. I ran on fiscal discipline and transparency. At the candidates' forum, I spoke of a cut of five to ten percent on all non-public safety departments. A week later, a mailer went out by Ricketts saying he was for a flat five percent cut. Ricketts won the election.

Fast forward to February 08, he was to receive a $15,000 raise from the Water Department. However, a state law disallows any pay raise in a current budget. This week, the Lawrence Common Council looked into a raise in the next budget for the Mayor, again from the Water Department.

I went on record as saying I would cut my own salary in order to help public safety. Granted it would've been only $3,250-$6,500, but if you vote for the lesser of two evils, instead of someone who brings a real , you reap what you sow.

My friend Mike Kole said it best, "I'm sick of Republicans who campaign like Libertarians and govern like Democrats."