Looking Back at 2007

I thought I'd end the year with a look back at some of the calls I made a mere 12 months ago. Some were good, others didn't pan out quite as well as I'd hoped.

So, with no further ado:
Unemployment in Ohio will rise above 6%. Unemployment in October reached 5.9%, with November at 5.6%. We won't get December numbers until next month, but I'm going to call this one a qualified sort-of...

No border fence with Mexico. Nope, don't see one yet. *ding*

Hillary will wait before announcing her candidacy. *buzz* I admit, I missed this one. And look where it's gotten her - a big early boost, followed by falling numbers that may cost her in Iowa.

No ground will be broken on new arena. Missed this one by a couple of months - and was feeling quite secure with winter coming on.

Fees on garbage pickup. A big *ding* on this one. And to think, the "temporary" 3/4% income tax hasn't been repealed.

Erie Street Market to remain closed. In all fairness, has anyone realized it is open? Look for a possible resolution to this money pit from City Council on Jan. 2. (yeah, right)

Steam Plant shows not sign of progress. Can I get a "whoop whoop"? Well, the David and Jimmy Show sure did, with new tax credits!

Southwyck Mall remains on deadmalls.com. It is still listed as a "museum." *ding*

Blade labor dispute to last several months. The issue lasted into July - I do believe that qualifies. *ding*

UN Day

Today's calandar reminds me that it is United Nations Day. I suppose we should all take a moment, and give thanks that there is an agent of destruction working towards the end of deomocracy and liberty working in this very country. Also, said organization is supported by the very nations whose way of life it seeks to destroy.

Just in case anyone wonders why I have a problem with the UN, please remember the following:

• Oil for Kofi's Son
• The World Bank Scandal
• Indifference to genocide in Rwanda.
• Rape of women and children by UN employees.
• Condoning the turnover of North Korean refugees back to Lil' Kim by China.
• Sexual Harrassment of UN employees.

The US provides more of the funding for the UN by far, and yet we are the largest target in their eyes. All the while the "diplomats" flaunt our laws and claim immunity. As far as I'm concerned, the US should withhold all monies until the members of the UN pay their NYC parking tickets. I figure the total should wash out a couple of years dues.

RWT

Smokeless in Toledo

Perhaps King Carlton could follow the example of Oakland, whose City Council has banned smoking in many outdoor locations, including public parks. But, so he isn't accused of following the crowd, Hizzhoner could decree that "smoking guns" be also allowed, as those who might inhale the fumes would be put at risk (I suppose not just of lung cancer...). This might be the very thing needed to get around that whole pesky State Supreme Court.

Friday Quote 7-13-07

Look abroad through Nature's range, Nature's mighty law is change.

Robert Burns, Scottish Poet

Rules for Comments

A couple of folks (mostly posting under Anon.) have had their comments not approved. In order to insure that (mostly) everyone who wants to have a say can avoid the wrath of me, here are some guidelines. Following them all might not get your comment included - but failure to comply will almost definitely get your comment trashed.

• Comments must be intelligent, and based on the subject at hand (no wandering off the topic of the post.)
• Posts with factual backup stand a much better chance of being included. So, cite your source. (Note to liberals: MoveOn.org is not a source of facts.)
• Irrational, emotion driven posts will be trashed.
• The only one allowed to hold a flame-thrower on this field is myself - you can disagree with me, or another commenter, but no trashing. Please note the the McCain-Finegold-Kennedy-Clinton exception.
• Words mean things, please know the meaning of a word before you use it. If you are unsure, check dictionary.com.
• Brevity is the sole of wit. No 6 page dissertations please.

This is not an exhaustive list, but it hits the highlights of the more recent additions to the garbage can. Remember, my field, my ball, my rules - I don't edit posts, I just trash them.

RWT

Empowerment Comes Only in Certain Forms

The YWCA of Greater Toledo turned down a $1,200 donation from the Lucas County Democratic Party in the fallout of strippergate. According to local Chairwoman Lisa McDuffie, "Strip clubs are an outlet to dominate, control, and exploit women through money." Last time I checked, no one was holding a gun, forcing women to become strippers. In fact, they were making a choice.

I find this interesting, given the YWCA's stance on abortion. In fact, according to their own position paper, the organization "has been an advocate for reproductive rights and freedoms," and "adopted a “freedom of choice” position in 1967 at the YWCA National Convention following an extensive debate by the nearly 1,000 delegates from local associations all over the country." (Emphasis mine) If a woman has the choice of what to do with her body where abortion is concerned, why does this not extend to the acts that lead to the abortion? Looks like a double standard to me.

RWT

The Blade Weighs In on One Party Rule

Seen in the editorial section of today's Blade.

In short, the era of one-party rule is over. The art of compromise is again a valued part of the legislative process, and the people of Ohio are likely to be better served from a policy standpoint.

Why is it, I wonder, why what's good for the state isn't good for the city and county?

RWT

The Ugly American - Only When Republican

I find it interesting that when the US involves itself in the internal workings of another country, at least when a Republican is President, it is almost always hailed as another example of the "Ugly American." However, an editorial in today's Blade calls for President Bush to work for the protection of farm unions within the country of Mexico. Interesting, given that many who are proposing this bill, including Marcy Kaptur (S-OH), view the construction of a fence upon US soil as a violation of Mexico's sovereignty.

The newspaper and Ms. Kaptur are insisting on police protection for organizers, in a country rife with crime and social problems. So, why should these organizers be any different than Mexican citizens. If it is because they come from the US, or because the union is a major supporter of Ms. Kaptur?

Friday Quote, 7-4-07

Citizens by birth or choice, of a common country, that country has a right to concentrate your affections. The name of AMERICAN, which belongs to you, in your national capacity, must always exalt the just pride of Patriotism, more than any appellation derived from local discriminations.

- George Washington, President of the United States

HAPPY BIRTHDAY TO THE UNITED STATES OF AMERICA.

Calling the RINO on the carpet.

Brian over at One Oar in the Water has a great idea - call Senator V (I guess it really is for Vendetta) to the statehouse carpet to explain his vote. Read more here.

Talking Trash

Lisa Marie over at Glass City Jungle has an interesting article regarding holiday trash pickup. My response to the issue can be seen there.

The New Portside

Today's Blade poses the question, "can the market make it?" With the eleventh manager in ten years, one wonders if we would do any worse if Paris Hilton was driving the bus. While the savior has changed names from 5/3rd Field to the new arena, the idea is the same - the masses generated by the new entertainment will flock to the market. Let's face it, when people are done with a hockey game, they're not going to walk to the market to do some shopping at 10:30 at night.

To the paper's credit, they make the point that the market must draw folks away from the "strip malls or suburban markets." While it's true that you can't offer the same thing as a supermarket, or a strip mall, and expect people to come downtown, that's the very reason the market is doomed to fail.

Once upon a time, shopping malls were a prospering entity across the nation. Record stores, pharmacies, curio shops, and the inevitable Spencer's were ready to serve people from all walks of life, offering in one convenient place most everything outside of groceries and durable goods. Then, along came a little invention we'll call "W-cubed." Withing a few years, the speciality markets that made up so much of the mall were gone, marketing their goods on-line and reducing their overhead at the same time. As more demands were made on people's time, driving to a mall, finding parking, and walking around to get that new cassette (what came before CD's for all you children out there) just wasn't possible. As a result, stores pulled out, and malls went under. The only malls that are succeeding today are those catering to an upscale market - with convenient parking and proactive security. Only those with the time and money to browse are going to make a fiscal success possible. That demographic doesn't want to surf online to find their goods, and are unconcerned about the price tag, so a high overhead is not such a great concern.

Such was the atmosphere Portside entered into. While attempting to bank on "unique" items, the fiscal reality was that the rent per square foot was beyond the ability of any store to pay. The reason everyone expected Portside to succeed? The convention center was going to bring hordes of people downtown. Did it happen? Well, even COSI is failing fiscally there - and this is a genuine "family" attraction. Portside lacked convenient parking, and the upscale lady of the home didn't feel safe going downtown.

The Erie Street Market will not succeed unless there is a residential foundation in the vicinity. Poor parking will not allow for the numbers needed to succeed there marketing in a strip-mall fashion. Trying to thrive on "unique" items will lead the market down the path of Portside - stores will be competing with on-line companies to sell to the masses, and the elite don't want to fight the traffic, parking, and hassle of downtown, not when there are other options.

The only thing that the Erie Street Market has going for it are good intentions, and the wallets of Toledo. While good intentions are nice, they don't pay the bills. Sadly, until the leaders of Toledo are willing to shoot the horse with the broken leg, the citizens will have to saddle up and pay the vet.

New Thompson T-Shirt

I have to give kudos to the new Fred Thompson T-shirt over at Those Shirts.

Makes me wish I had thought of that one first.

RWT.

Friday Quote 06-22-07

"We can stand here like the French, or we can do something about it."

- Marge Simpson

Blade Editor Donates to Dem Campaigns

The copy editor at the Blade, James Bradley, donated money to both the Kerry campaign and the DNC in '04. When asked about his contribution, he stated that he didn't know if the newspaper had a policy on political activity.

Hmmm. Bradley edits the news portion of the paper - and if I remember correctly, the Blade took a very pro-Kerry stance in both news and editorial coverage. When an editor is taking the step of a political donation, you might well call his objectivity into question. And we all know that the local piddle-paper has never had a problem with objectivity.

Perhaps we should extend the fairness doctrine to newspaper editors' political donations.

Friday Quote 05-04-07

The reason why men enter into society is the preservation of their property.

- John Jay, Chief Justice of the US Supreme Court

Friday Quote 04-27-07

It is not strange ... to mistake change for progress.

- Millard Fillmore, 13th President of the United States.

The War on Choice

Well, don’t say I didn’t warn you. Comrade Ted has declared war on the Pro-Choice faction of Ohio – those who which to choose their children’s education. Appearing yesterday on Brian Wilson’s show, the governor decried the voucher program in general, and indicated that only the Cleveland program would survive his administration.

Comrade Ted has declared that they only “choice” you have is limited to selecting your school board. Don’t get me wrong, the school board choice is extremely important, and kudos to Maggie Thurber and Lisa Renee for their board project. But, even if you get every board member you want, the courts and state legislature take a large degree of control away from the local boards – mandating education of some theories (evolution for example) and forbidding the teaching of others. I suppose your choice doesn’t really extend to education after all, only the choice of the liberal elite matters.

Furthermore, why is Cleveland so special? Perhaps because a large, Democratic-voting block of minority parents receive vouchers – to send their children to private and parochial schools at government expense? As I recall, the Cleveland program was indicated as a “trial” program. Well, the trial’s run a while now, it’s time to end it, or expand it state-wide. It sounds like Comrade Ted has a problem with consistency.

For those of you about to suggest that the issue is “means-testing,” the Governor stated his opposition, quite clearly, to the use of “public dollars” in any private institution. I wonder, does the State of Ohio provide grants to any private institution – or is every state dollar spent by the state through governmental agencies. If not, what explains this inconsistency – perhaps the support of the teachers’ unions for Comrade Ted?

If this was really about reducing monies to the schools, let’s take a look at that. Reducing funding to the schools, according to Comrade Ted, will reduce the amount available to educate students. In other words, it would reduce the number of dollars per student. Unfortunately for Comrade Ted, that isn’t the case (perhaps he had the benefit of public school education). The voucher does not pay out more than a private or parochial school’s tuition – which is less than the amount appropriated for the same student in the public school system. Thus, while the total dollars are reduced, so is the student count – and effectively raising the funding per student to the public schools. If you doubt that private schools spend less, compare their tuition rates to the amount spent per student by TPS.

As a basic example to prove my theory – assume a hypothetical public school system of 10 students, and a total funding of $10,000 (numbers simplified to keep the math easier). The total spent per student is ($10,000 / 10 =) $1,000. Now, one local family wants to send their child to a local private school, with tuition of $500. The $500 is subtracted from the total budget, leaving $9,500, and the student is subtracted from the enrollment, leaving 9 students to educate. Now, the total spent per student is $1,055.56 ($950 / 9). Correct me if I’m wrong, but that is more than $1,000. Savings on the expense side would be even greater in a large school system, where teacher layoffs could divert funding to computers, new programs, and such. So, the “reducing the amount of money” argument doesn’t wash. Hmmm, could the teachers’ unions be behind this theory. Anyone, anyone?

Margaritas ante Porcos,
Right Wing Toledo

One Flew Over the Crow's Nest.

For those who don’t understand why those on the right don’t let celebrities run their lives, I present: Cheryl Crow. “All I want to do is have some fun” Crow was joined by pseudo-celeb Laurie David for a two-week bus tour of college campuses, declaring war on “Global Warming.” Whilst on the road, Cheryl blogged some of her solutions. April 19^th produced some of the most mind-bending ideas yet.

First, Cheryl advocated using one piece of toilet paper per use, excepting “hose pesky occasions where 2 to 3 could be required.” Perhaps the amount of crap leaving her mouth is reducing the level from her rear, but those of us who actually live life require a bit more than a single piece of see-through, recycled tissue paper. Her brother advocated “washing out” you own, personal piece. Here’s a clue: we’ve already invented this – it’s a cloth diaper. I invite Cheryl and her family to try it sometimes (and no using the help to wash it out, either.)

Then, in an attempt to save the “virgin wood” (apparently we’re cutting down the original trees grown by Mother Earth herself), Cheryl advocates eliminating paper napkins. Her solution, a removable “dining sleeve.” Now, one can fashionably wipe one’s mouth on their clothes, and then remove them for laundering. They would also be useful “to those suffering with an annoying head cold.” I can’t wait until she comes to town, I’m putting her idea to the test right before shaking her hand - I suppose she’s never heard of germ theory. Does anyone know how much energy it will take to wash all those dining sleeves? And are these sleeves going to be made with synthetic fibers, produced from oil products? If anyone wants to suggest hemp, I remind you of Toledo’s no-smoking laws at restaurants.

I will say, however, Cheryl saved the best for last. Her proposal – a reality show rewarding the person who “lives the ‘greenest’ life” would receive a recording contract! American Idol look out (I can hear Simon’s knees shaking as I write). We all know that living a “green” lifestyle equates to vocal talent – even if the lifestyles of these crazies and rock stars are similar (think of shower habits). On second thought, perhaps this is a good idea – it might drive the last nail in the coffin of reality shows.

Cheryl, shut up and sing. Thinking isn’t your strong suit.

Margaritas ante Porcos,
Right Wing Toledo

Friday's Quote 4-17-07

Ok, so it's Tuesday - but it's Taxation Tuesday!

What at first was plunder assumed the softer name of revenue.

- Thomas Paine, Pamphleteer

Local Dem Opposes "Flip-Flops"

On Friday, Lindsay Webb launched her campaign against Joe Birmingham by complaining that he “flip-flopped” in his position on the trash fee proposed by Carty Finkbeiner. While I have no problem with taking Mr. Birmingham to task for his position on raising taxes, I do find it a bit interesting for Ms. Webb’s approach. According to a Blade article, Ms. Webb criticized Joe for “voting for the tax after saying he opposed it.” I’m sure she voted for President Bush in the last election – he didn’t “flip-flop” on the war issue.

Even more interesting was the presence of Mark Sobczak at her press-conference. Mr. Sobczak could be accurately described as having “flip-flopped” on the issue of conflict of interest regarding the trash tax. I’m still waiting to see the position paper given to Mr. Sobczak which stated that voting for a fee that would benefit an organization he personally profits from is not a conflict of interest. I suppose that if one sold short pharmaceutical stocks, then announced a plan to nationalize the entire health-care industry (allowing one to personally profit), one might run for president.

In any event, I’m looking forward to Ms. Webb laying out her outline for the budget – one that doesn’t include new taxes. Somehow, however, I don’t think I’ll be hearing any concrete plans. And there is the real tragedy, a political sub-party playing on our fears (where have I heard that before) of new taxes to get elected. Upon gaining power, sadly, they continue to drive up spending and taxes, and sending those who can fleeing from the city. The only flip Toledo needs is one to some old-fashioned fiscal conservatism.

Margaritas ante Porcos,
Right Wing Toledo

Why It's Easier to be a Liberal (part 2)

Another one of the great hallmarks of liberals is their lack of consistency. To some extent, this is true of all politicians, but the liberal leadership has it in spades. It is much easier to skate through life when your position can change from minute to minute. Conservatives find this much harder, the base holds them to their position. President Bush campaigned one way on the issue of illegal immigration, ask him about the support he received from conservatives when he proposed a modified form of amnesty.

When you don't have to stick to a single position on a broad issue, you're free to pander to the political group of the moment, and proclaim agreement with a differing position the very next day. Liberals refer to this process as "triangulation," and seek it in their candidates for high office. Thanks to an obliging mainstream media, liberals are seldom called to the carpet - even when their very words show them to be guilty of hypocrisy. Think I'm crazy? Let's look at a few examples.

Liberals loathe the use of the military in the protection of the US, or in regions of US interest, but have no problem with sending troops off to places like Darfur – to serve as police officers (and get shot), for no real purpose. I suppose the genocide in Iraq didn’t count; and the chemical weapons (categorized as “weapons of mass destruction”) were conveniently ignored as well.

Use a label to describe a liberal (“emotion-driven” comes to mind), they’ll shout you down. After all, “there is no such thing as a typical liberal.” Ah, but there is a typical conservative – heartless, money stealing polluters, if you believe the hype. I suppose that liberals detest labels like the plague because they serve to pin down people and tie them to their positions. And, in case you were wondering, they (inconsistently) feel free to decry conservatives as ”racists” and “homophobes” – the “no typical conservative” argument doesn’t make it through the wash.

And yesterday, liberals cheered the firing of Don Imus. Don't get me wrong, he owed an apology for his remarks. But, I suspect I'll be waiting for an apology from Al Sharpton to the Duke Lacrosse players falsely indicted by a Democrat prosecutor trying to win re-election. I'm still waiting for the liberals do demand that Sharpton, Jesse Jackson, and others that impugned the accused players offer to meet with the victims of this injustice - offer sincere remarks, and public ally make amends.

Soon, we'll look at how liberals justify their positions.

Why It's Easier to be a Liberal (part 1)

I recently had someone pose me the question, “Why would anyone want to be a liberal? There’re wrong on nearly everything, and they’re always so miserable.”

The answer: it is easier to be liberal than conservative. You can almost hear the voices now; “it…is…not…. It’s hard to… be concerned... about the bunnies.” Well, sorry to burst your bubbles, but it isn’t hard. In fact, there’s nothing hard about being a liberal – excepting the occasional hair pulling every time a conservative makes a fool of you in front of others. I know that you liberals feel bad when that happens, and this leads me to my first point.

To be a liberal, one feels instead of thinks. The basis for liberal arguments is rooted in emotion, not logic. Logic requires the application of rational thought, hard evidence, and critical attention to detail. Feeling requires whatever base emotion that touches one. Logic requires that to find a solution, one must prove what the cause is; feeling needs only correlating evidence. Logic requires one to train the mind, and be versed in the area of discussion. Emotion is instinctive, acquired at birth, and requires no extensive training.

If you don’t believe liberals use emotion instead of logic, watch how many times they start their arguments with “I feel.” If you “think” a particular way about a subject, you open yourself to questions on the data that backs your thoughts up. But, the way you “feel” cannot be challenged. Ever wonder why self-esteem is more important than math in your local school? Liberals want feelers, not thinkers.

Being a liberal also requires little intelligence and wisdom. This is not to say that there aren’t so intelligent liberals – college campuses are full of book-smart liberals. One must temper intelligence with wisdom, however. Wisdom comes from experience – something many professors lack (they’ve lived their entire life in the ivory tower, protected from the “real world.”) Wisdom shows that results are most often dependant on more than one variable, and that variables are only isolated in the lab, particularly when human beings are concerned. Take taxes: if one only considers the tax rate variable, tax dollars go up when the rates are raised. Yet, wisdom (gained through experience) shows that people change their behavior, finding more tax shelters, etc; and taxes go down.

The act of the personal attack is also sign one lacks intelligence, or the facts gained through observation, to back up one’s position. Try to discuss racial preferences with a liberal; get labeled a racist. Take a stand against gay marriage, you’re a homophobe. The fact that these responses to a position on issues resonate with libs indicates we’re dealing with the product of a dumbed-down educational system.

Next time: Liberal consistency.

Friday's Quote 3-16-07

The nine most terrifying words in the English language are, "I'm from the government and I'm here to help.

- Ronald Reagan, US President

Pro-Choice Doesn’t Extend to Education

In his State of the State speech, Ted Strickland announced his intention to eliminate private school vouchers for students in failing schools. In the very same speech, Comrade Ted proposed an increase in state-sponsored health-care for all children. Said state-sponsored health care includes, presumably, abortions. So, in Ted’s world, a prospective parent should have the choice – regardless of economic circumstances – of aborting their child but not the choice – regardless of economic circumstances – of how and where any child they so graciously allow to live should be educated.

The inconvenient facts about Ted’s position on abortion are all too clear. While serving in Congress, the governor voted several times in favor of governmental funding of abortions, and even federal funding of research into the “abortion pill.” He has received unquestioning support from NARAL, and he has promised to veto any pro-life legislation that comes from our state representatives.

In addition, Comrade Ted received a 100% rating from the NEA, and was heartily endorsed by the teachers’ unions. Those unions have a long-standing opposition to private and religious schools, or any competition to a state-sponsored monopoly on education – a monopoly that would insure their jobs regardless of ability. So, political payback required the governor to being quickly to remove the biggest sources of competition to our failing school system – private and religious schools.

I find it interesting that the governor heartily endorses using my taxpayer dollars to fund something I’m against – abortion, but wishes to deny it for something to which liberals object. And before quoting the First Amendment at me, I heartily suggest everyone re-read that one – there is no “wall of separation”, excepting that the government shall mandate no religion on the people. (In fact, this phrase derives from a letter from Jefferson to Danbury, Connecticut, Baptists.) Red Ted also plans on eliminating the ability of for-profit companies to run charter schools. Because we all know that for-profit companies will compete to gain more students (hence profits), and in order to compete they might well provide a superior education at a lower price than their public school counterparts.

My recommendation to our Komissar? Let citizens carry their own tax dollars to the school of their choice. If parents want to take their children to private school, why should they continue to pay double? Introduce more competition to the schools, not less – competition drives excellence, no matter what the self-styled experts at the American Psychological Association (the same folks who published an article claiming adult-child sex isn’t harmful) say. After all, isn’t this all about the children? How can we, in good conscience, deny them the education they deserve – instead of the one that the government has been giving them?

Margaritas ante Porcos,
Right Wing Toledo

Bankruptcy and Suburban Emergency

Yesterday, in response to the city’s usurpation of ambulance service, one company laid off 18 workers, and took half their ambulance force off the street. The company, who took out long-term loans in anticipation of a long period of service, has now found its revenue forecast cut drastically. In order to pay off those loans and avoid bankruptcy, costs are being cut. You cannot blame the owner of the business, he’s doing his best to avoid bankruptcy. Funny how the same group of politicians who decry bankruptcy as a form of “government welfare” seem to be the same ones who are putting the businesses in bankruptcy in the first place.

When the city finally succeeds in running the ambulance companies out of town, one important question will remain. What will the suburbs do? Sylvania, Oregon, and other townships under the local 911 service will not have private ambulance service to turn to in an emergency situation. This will leave them with two choices: create ambulance service themselves or contract with the City of Toledo to handle their ambulance services.

I’m sure Emperor Carty and others in One Overlord Center are licking their chops at the prospect of providing emergency transport services, at inflated prices, to the suburbs. The great question will come when; there is a shortage of ambulances, which will get service first – a Toledoian who may not have insurance, or someone in Sylvania resident who is paying an inflated rate. Everyone outside of the city ought to pay close attention to this issue, it affects you more than has been reported.

Margaritas ante Porcos,
Right Wing Toledo

City Council Pulls the Plug on Local Business

Yesterday Michael Ashford, Wilma Brown, Phil Copeland, Mike Craig, Joe McNamara, Mark Sobczak, and Frank Szollosi voted to euthanize several local ambulance businesses. The city plans to take 40% of the ambulance runs away from private business, in order to supposedly raise $600,000 yearly. According to the Emperor’s spokesman, 40% is a “small percentage” of the business. To business owners, could you survive a 40% loss of your revenue? What business experience does the mayor’s spokesman have to indicate that this will not cause a company to close its doors?

Well, looking deeper into the plans reveals a key items The vast majority of the ambulance service will be in west and south Toledo, with minimal ambulance service on the east side and in the central city. By concentrating on the wealthier portions of the city, instead of where the majority of emergency runs come from, the city is cherry picking the profitable runs, without having to cover the costs of the runs that gross little or no funding – those without insurance to cover the ambulance run cost. So, in reality, while taking 40% of the runs, the city plans to take a much higher percentage of the revenue away from private business.

Executives of the major ambulance companies in the city have announced cuts, and in one instance, the potential of moving their headquarters outside of the city. According to them, the city is not friendly to business. Welcome to Toledo, folks – ask the people over at Costco, Rite Aid, and the Pharm – they’ll tell you that Toledo hasn’t been friendly to business for years. Unless, of course, you’re a failing automotive company – then you get free land (stolen from citizens), tax abatements, and hugs and kisses from the administration. I heartily recommend that these companies withdraw all service from the city in emergency services – and begin your cutbacks immediately. Keep a minimal staff to service your private health care contracts, but no sense waiting for the axe to fall. After all, if the city provides such high quality care (like the quality one gets from every other city department) it makes no sense to wait – let the people of Toledo get their Cadillac ambulances immediately. After all, what’s a few hundred jobs.

It is also my understanding that the billing portion of our ambulance service will be contracted out – and a RFP was issued before City Council voted. If so, is this added expense already considered in the yearly planned $600K? Somehow, I think that this is a hidden line-item. Is the $200K for ambulance lease included? I’m no fortune teller, but I suspect that a new emergency services fee” will be included on our property taxes – right next to the trash pickup fee.

Oh, My Aching Poll...

Emperor Carty rants in today’s Blade about the “inflammatory and derisive” poll that showed his job approval numbers at around 40%. It is his contention that this story will make his job harder, it more difficult to pass his budget, and that the newspaper does the city a disservice by discouraging new political talent. Well, I have some follow-up questions for hizzhonor:

- It is your contention that this article will make your job harder. Where in the job description of Mayor does it state that the job will always be easy?

- Should articles that speak poorly of the administration not be run by the newspapers and other media? Or just articles and reports that question your pet programs? Do you think that such restrictions qualify as censorship and violate the First Amendment?

- Did you complain that the Blade was attacking Republican candidates prior to the primary and general elections, attempting to link every candidate with Tom Noe without a shred of proof?

- Have you complained that the national (and local) media have constantly harped about the President’s declining approval numbers while he is attempting to put down a terrorist insurgency (does it effect his “ability to govern”)? If so, is it because you only disapprove of attacks against yourself, but approve of attacks against your political opponents – and is this fair?

- Do you think that the Blade’s stance on Republican and conservative candidates discourages new political talent, with new ideas, from running? If it does, do you disprove of it?

- Will you now ban Blade reporters in the same manner you banned reporters from WSPD?

I cheerfully invite Mayor Finkbeiner to answer these questions, and will be happy to publish such – in the interests of fairness. But, I’m not holding my breath.

A Father-Daugher Talk

Sent from a friend:

A young woman was about to finish her first year of college. Like so many others her age, she considered herself to be a very liberal Democrat, and was very much in favor of the redistribution of wealth.

She was deeply ashamed that her father was a rather staunch Republican, a feeling she openly expressed. Based on the lectures that she had participated in, and the occasional chat with a professor, she felt that her father had for years harbored an evil, selfish desire to keep what he thought should be his. One day she was challenging her father on his opposition to higher taxes on the rich and the addition of more government welfare programs. The self-professed objectivity proclaimed by her professors had to be the truth & she indicated so to her father. He responded by asking how she was doing in school. Taken aback, she answered rather haughtily that she had a 4.0 GPA, and let him know that it was tough to maintain, insisting that she was taking a very difficult course load and was constantly studying, which left her no time to go out and party like other people she knew. She didn't even have time for a boyfriend, and didn't really have many college friends because she spent all her time studying.

Her father listened and then asked, "How is your friend Audrey doing?"

She replied, "Audrey is barely getting by. All she takes are easy classes, she never studies, and she barely has a 2.0 GPA. She is so popular on campus; college for her is a blast. She's always invited to all the parties, & lots of times she doesn't even show up for classes because she's too hung over."

Her wise father asked his daughter, "Why don't you go to the Dean's office and ask him to deduct a 1.0 off your GPA and give it to your friend who only has a 2.0. That way you will both have a 3.0 GPA and certainly that would be a fair and equal distribution of GPA."

The daughter, visibly shocked by her father's suggestion, angrily fired back, "That wouldn't be fair! I have worked really hard for my grades! I've invested a lot of time, and a lot of hard work! Audrey has done next to nothing toward her degree. She played while I worked my tail off!"

The father slowly smiled, winked and said gently, " Welcome to the Republican Party."

Friday's Quote 3-9-07

Common sense is in spite of, not the result of, education.

- Victor Hugo, French Author

The Real "Cash Cow"

In an article in today’s Blade, the Toledo Federation of Teacher’s president Francine Lawrence accused the state of setting up a “cash cow for church schools and private schools.” Her argument is with a program that allows students in failing schools to receive vouchers for attending private schools, both religious and non-religious. Interim Superintendent John Foley agreed, stating that vouchers were “another way for the state to harm urban schools, and not give us the resources to get better…” This is a rare show of unity between the TPS administration and the TFT, indeed. The real reason, is of course money. TPS wants to be the only calf at the cash cow’s udder. The reason that parents would change schools in order to be eligible for vouchers, according to both the TPS and TFT, is greed. Therefore, according to the twin paragons of the education system, the state must cease giving back taxpayers their own money.

What should be alarming to the public school system is not that parents are transferring their children in order to get vouchers, but rather that they so want to escape TPS, that they’re willing to sacrifice 2 years of their children’s education in order to obtain a better one. With about 5% of the eligible students taking vouchers in the first year of the program, Toledo outpaces districts around the country offering vouchers for failing schools. Apparently, even in the “non-failing” schools, the students are not learning enough – an indictment against the system as a whole.

Parents are fleeing public schools for private centers of learning where far less is spent each year per student. Yet, the only solution to the problem, according to both the teachers and the administration, is more money. If money were really the solution, than our students would lead the world, yet nothing is farther from the truth. Instead, parents are sending their children to locations where dedicated teachers (making far, far less money than their public-school counterparts) teach to a level above the minimum. To criticize the parents for doing anything possible to make sure their children receive the best possible education is insane – the sort of insanity that can only be propagated by a socialist-type school system. And in such a system, the cream doesn’t rise to the top, it is spoiled by the sour milk.

Margaritas ante Porcos,
Right Wing Toledo

Dr. Grossman and the Fat Crusade

Don’t’ say I didn’t warn you. Fresh off of his victory against private property and the freedom of citizens, Dr. David Grossman, Health Commissioner of the City of Toledo, is launching a program to have restaurants in the city serve “healthier food.” In conjunction with Emperor Finkbeiner’s Get Fit program, one can see that the first aim will be the elimination of trans-fats in the city – such as the ban instituted by New York City. Ironically, the kick-off for this program will take place in Sylvania Township – not Toledo. If the mayor can’t find his own city, how can we expect him to find our “health weight?”

Since the government is now in the business of regulating otherwise legal product use, the total regulation of what you can eat in restaurants shouldn’t be a surprise to anyone. Trans-fats are just the trend of the day. I’m sure we can expect to hear that the government is not interested in approving menus – just like they weren’t interested in banning smoking on anything but domestic flights in 1988 and 1989. In the next 10 years, expect to walk into an eatery, step on a scale, and be handed the menu you are allowed to choose from.

The city’s Director of Economic Development should be screaming at the mayor – oh, that’s right, the mayor IS the director. Let’s face facts; limiting the menus will help drive those customers away who survived the smoking purge. Last time I checked, the local taverns haven’t exactly seen a surge of non-smokers packing the place since the ban was instituted – despite the assurances of the local anti-smoking police. I understand that Emperor Carty and Lackey Grossman don’t believe this would be the result. The definition of insanity is to do the same thing over and over, and expect different results.

Once the restaurants and bars have left the city, I suppose it will be a leaner Toledo – specifically the tax base.

Shameless Self-Promotion

Have you been denied a job by the City of Toledo? Help those who have wondered what it takes to get a nice, cushy government job by wearing this shirt.

Friday's Quote 3-2-07

Balanced budget requirements seem more likely to produce accounting ingenuity than genuinely balanced budgets.

- Thomas Sowell, American Economist

Budget From the Blue Means More Green From You.

Well, Emperor Finkbeiner has released the portions of the 2007 budget, aka “Your Seized Money.” Some of the budget reduction ideas hold some merit, such as the shuttering of the pool system. Let’s face it, the system is underused, and overly expensive to maintain, staff, and insure. Personally, I have no problem with filling them with concrete, then painting them green to placate the environmentalists.

Staff reductions and department “eliminations” also hold promise. But, why are we simply giving the section another name, why not eliminate Affirmative Action completely? After all, in a time of budgetary woe, why are we accepting bids from someone other than the lowest bidder who meets the requirements? According to the Fourteenth Amendment, protection, due process, and by extension, the benefits of government cannot be discriminated by race. And, receiving a governmental contract is a benefit of said government. And, can someone tell me why we had Departments of Recreation along with Parks and Forestry? Oh, that’s right, more jobs for cash contributions (that’s pay to play for those keeping score at home).

Most importantly, however, is the raising of revenue proposed by the Emperor. There is to be a new tax on your trash, a tax that was covered by the “temporary” ¾% income tax that keeps being renewed. The new tax amounts to a near 20% increase on top of the average city resident’s income tax bill.

So, what I want to hear is, the sound of liberals screaming – this tax hits the poor far more than the rich. The poor create far more of the garbage being eliminated, that is the stuff that isn’t tossed into the streets by young hoodlums dealing drugs and shooting police officers. So, I suppose, being the evil conservative that I am, I should be in favor of this regressive tax. Sorry guys, as a true conservative, I’m against governmental taxation in as many forms as possible. Let’s try working the guys 8 hours a day (instead of the 6 they average), or better yet, open up the city contract for bids. Oh rats, I suppose we can’t privatize trash collection at the same time we’re trying to seize the ambulance business from private industry. My bad.

Margaritas ante Porcos,
Right Wing Toledo

Vox popula, vox Dei

A recent letter to the Blade on the topic of the smoking ban has managed to not raise the bar on the discussion yet again. In his letter, John L. considers neither property rights nor the rights of individuals to use a legal product. He even dismisses the questionable arguments against second-hand smoke. Instead, he asserts “what [smokers] fail to understand is that their behavior is offensive to most of us who do not smoke.” Indeed, as he finishes, “[t]he voters have spoken. We should all now work to eliminate smoke from all hotel rooms, apartment buildings, and condominiums.”

How silly of me indeed. I was unaware that all it took to give backing to legislation was that someone be offended! In that vein, I plan to propose legislation that will outlaw the Democratic Party forever, as their leadership not only offends me daily, but their proposals are certainly hazardous to my health. If the voice of the people is truly the Voice of God, then perhaps we better look to restoring some things that the people voted on, prior to the interference by those pesky “Courts.” Slavery, Jim Crow laws, and segregation were all approved laws in certain states – proposed, passed, and ratified by the legislatures elected by the people of that state. Strange, the voice of the people was interfered with by outside sources (in this case, the Federal Government) – should we revert to these?

Well, in the very next letter, Jeff J. stated that allowing smoking was the very same as expelling Rosa Parks to the back of the bus. Jeff, let’s give you a clue – the bus Rosa was riding on was a public service provided by the city. But, again, Jeff like so many others insists that a location where the public is welcome is public property. If so, can I dictate what you can do in your home because I walk across the sidewalk in front of it?

It is becoming more disturbing, because not only are the property rights of the individual and business owner being run over, they are being run over in the name of “I shouldn’t be offended.” There is no right not to be offended in this country. I used to think that there was the right of someone to use his property as he or she chose. Apparently we’ve replaced the rights granted to us by our Creator with the whim of the created. If that’s the case, eliminate the court oversight, I’ve got some ballot initiatives to prepare: same-sex marriage, abortion, and the recall of Mayors – sounds like a good start to me.

Margaritas ante Porcos,
Right Wing Toledo

Friday's Quote 2-23-07

Capital punishment is our society's recognition of the sanctity of human life.

Orrin Hatch, US Senator

Products of the "Justice System"

In the fog of a early Wednesday morning, two young birds of the juvenile justice system came home to roost. Unfortunately, it was not those who coddled these individuals who paid the price, but rather one who stood up on behalf of the community, working to insure that others would be protected from the lawlessness that Robert Jobe and Sherman Powell represented.

What makes this even more upsetting is how it may have been prevented. The "alleged" shooter, Robert Jobe, at 15 years of age, has a rap sheet as long as my arm - including weapons charges and drug activity. Each time, he was not convicted of the felony charge, but let go with a stern warning to behave. Instead of time being locked up, he was placed in "drug court" with orders to report to the court each week - and I have not found evidence that he did so. I am relatively certain that his probation on the latest gun charge - which was reduced to a misdemeanor charge of carrying a concealed weapon - required him to attend school. Despite attending only 2 days in 2 weeks, he was "within a week" of being reported as truant. The electronic monitor he was supposed to be wearing apparently wasn't checked as well.

Throughout his run-ins with police, Jobe was given chance after chance, without real punishment, just the admonishment to shape up. Apparently, any real punishment was considered detrimental to his "self-esteem." So, he was allowed to continue in this lawless ways, until one of Toledo's finest came along. Now, Jobe faces the potential of trial as an adult, regrettably without the possibility of the death penalty. More likely, however, he will be tried as a juvenile, locked up until 21, and have his records sealed - so that when he commits another crime or kills someone, there can be no mention to the jury that the crime under consideration was not his first.

So, in some sense, the blame for Detective Dressel's death is not Jobe's alone. This does not absolve Jobe for his actions, he must pay the price for his actions. However, he had a wonderful cast of enablers along the way, his family, the court system for letting him go time and time again, his schools, the list goes on. I guess it does take a village to raise a killer.

So, to you screaming at your computer right now, I ask does the following make sense. A puppy relieves itself on your floor, and you pat it's head gently and tell it in a calm voice how it needs to go outside. Then, one day when it is an adult dog, and performs the same action - you shoot it in the head. If that doesn't make sense, perhaps we should take a closer look at how we treat those juveniles who break the law.

Detective Keith Dressel (1971-2007)

Under cover of night, They're paid to fight
For what is good, and wrong and right.
Somebody didn't make it home today.

They leave their families, and their wives
Kiss the kids, and risk their lives
Somebody didn't make it home today,

They work each day, out on their own
But as of tonight, a new star has shone
Somebody didn't make it home today.

So with your family, shed a tear
Hold them close, it's what we fear
Somebody didn't make it home today.

-Richard Frawley Milford PD, CT

Friday's Quote 2-16-07

A strong body makes the mind strong. As to the species of exercises, I advise the gun. While this gives moderate exercise to the body, it gives boldness, enterprise and independence to the mind. Games played with the ball and others of that nature, are too violent for the body and stamp no character on the mind. Let your gun therefore be the constant companion of your walks.

- Thomas Jefferson

Goose Stepping to the Hospital

Well, that certainly didn’t take long. Governor Strickland proposed state regulation of hospital construction, and by extension, what new services will be allowed at your local health-care facility. According to Comrade Ted, we have “unhealthy competition” at hospitals. And, as we all know, competition must be stopped at all costs!

Waving the bloody shirt, the Governor declared that since hospitals receive over $1 million each year from the government, they need to be accountable to his office. What he failed to mention is that the vast majority of these dollars are spent not as a result of government grants, but through low-income health care spending, in programs such as Medicaid. While the dollars are indeed from the “government”, they are spent through choice by the consumer.

While I heartily applaud most attempts to streamline the costs of government, regulating what services hospitals can provide is not the way to go about it. Competition doesn’t raise the cost of services; it lowers it – outside of governmental interference. So, if your hospital wants to build a heart center, but Comrade Ted decides your immediate area doesn’t need one, you won’t get it. And, when that heart attack finally comes after you’ve received your tax bill, you’ll have to be carted by (Government) ambulance 90 miles away to get the treatment you need – if you’re still alive when you get there. Smaller communities won’t have hospitals that can cater to their needs, they’ll get stuck with “Doc in a Box” clinics – served by underpaid physicians who received their degree on-line. For any of you undergoing chemo – expect to get up earlier for a 2 hour drive to a hospital that can administer your treatment.

This argument isn’t about government spending, it’s about the government absorbing a large section of the private economy. Rather then telling the local hospitals what services they are allowed to provide and focusing on “preventative” medicine (look out McD's), lets save some money by not adding a whole new bureaucracy to the government. Comrade Ted, this sounds an awful lot like the Hillary-Care Express.

Margaritas ante Porcos,
Right Wing Toledo

Friday's Quote 2-9-07

The path we have chosen for the present is full of hazards, as all paths are. ... The cost of freedom is always high, but Americans have always paid it. And one path we shall never choose, and that is the path of surrender, or submission.

- John F. Kennedy

Boy George, Pelosi One, and assorted fun

The illustrious Senior Senator from Ohio, George Voinovich, has signed a letter demanding that the US Senate reopen debate on a “non-binding” resolution opposing sending additional troops to provide security in Iraq. This is hardly the first time Boy George has decided to follow the liberal line – although he never seems to close to re-election time. Conservatives, and Republicans in general, need to be reminded that the Senator’s rating by the American Conservative Union has been in steady decline since his election. If you don’t believe me, ask John Bolton. Unless he is defeated in the primaries, I expect a repeat of the last senate election – Republicans are fed up with his toadying to the press and liberals.

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Wow! It was almost a whole month (and I’m still sure within 100 hours) before Nancy Pelosi abandoned her campaign on Congressional perks. It seems that the small plane used by Speaker Hastert simply isn’t up to snuff. Instead, the taxpayers should be expected to pony up a 757 aircraft, equipped for luxury travel: complete with bedroom, changing room, conference room, and high-tech communications gear, all because Ms. Pelosi doesn’t want to stop for fuel on occasion. The distance between her district and Washington is at the edge of the Gulfstream 3 previously assigned to the Speaker’s office. Or, perhaps, it is more that Ms. Pelosi would like to take family, supports, press, and all sorts of others for a free trip. In fact, ABC news reported that Pelosi specifically requested transport for supporters. Well, since the Speaker led the charge to ban travel on chartered jets for the masses of Congress for “ethics reasons”, I suppose one shouldn’t question her motives here. And the military best not, per John Murtha, or they might lose some funding. It’s almost like our Mayor appropriating cash to build a bike path near his home, or a personal shower … oh, never mind.

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Some random musings on the passing scene:

Katie Couric has managed to drop to the bottom of the nightly news ratings. I suppose that perky might be OK over morning coffee, but not in the serious news of the evening.

I’m having a hard time with global warming, even with Al Gore’s comments about how threatened we are. I’m more threatened by frostbite. Yes, animals are dying – the reindeer in Sweden need emergency relief because they can’t find food through the ice.

Why is it liberals are so willing to believe that the government can do anything better than private business? Are you willing to trust your transportation to the hospital to the same people that brought you the DMV?

Margaritas ante Porcos,
Right Wing Toledo

Stoking the County Fires

No, my comments on Monday weren’t a prophecy. Apparently, in the quest for “efficiency,” the County wants to open their own power plant to supply heating and cooling for county-owned buildings. While I applaud steps to reduce the governmental overhead, I suspect something more is afoot here. According to the study, “several hundred thousand dollars” would be saved each year, for an initial investment of $19 million. So, let’s do some figuring (math for you TPS graduates). Assuming no interest on the debt (not possible), and no cost overruns (like that stands a chance), saving $300,000 a year on maintenance costs would require over 63 years to pay back the debt. Given the fact that the typical boiler system lasts 20-30 years, I’m not seeing this as a positive for the county. In fact, in order to pay back the principal of the debt alone in 30 years, the county would have to save $633,333 a year.

So, in the words of all great governmental investigators: “Who Benefits?” Well, obviously the local economy would receive a “boost” as money was taken from the taxpayers’ hands and sunk into the new infrastructure. Furthermore, new positions to take care of the boiler system: a new governmental “power and heat generation” entity, complete with union labor, staff, and county engineers would be created. So, the size of government increases with a bunch of new patronage positions.

Another potential beneficiary is the local farmer – at least initially. The “green” aspect of this plan, with the ability to burn multiple fuels is supposed to be both a money saver and an environmental boon. At least, until you look at the requirements to burn multiple fuels both efficiently and environmentally clean. And don’t think for a moment that this will be a zero emissions plant – even with a “hidden” smokestack, the waste air (heat pollution as well as fossil fuel remnants to you eco-freaks) will be vented somewhere – and not too far away either. But, I suppose, we could send Jack Ford out on another tree-trimming mission to get some cheap fuel, or find that the emerald ash borer had moved to elm trees…

Margaritas ante Porcos,
Right Wing Toledo

Thanks Lisa Renee

A special thanks to Lisa Renee at the Toledo Free Press, for mentioning RWT in her article. Lisa's own blog can be found at Glass City Jungle, another great source of political information for the Toledo area.

Turning up the Heat...

I’m told that there is an art to cooking a frog. One can’t simply drop the frog into a pot of boiling water, as he’ll jump right out. Instead, one must put the frog in some lukewarm water, so he’s nice and comfy. “After all, it’s just water, right?” Then turn up the heat a bit at a time, so he has time to adjust. “Sure, the water’s warmer, but dang it, it’s just so comfy, and it can’t really hurt me.” Once the poor frog’s been in hot water for long enough, he’s too lethargic to jump out and he’s cooked.

I remember when the anti-smoking crowd pushed for smoke-free flights, only within the US. After all, you have the endurance to not smoke for a couple of hours, right? And we were reassured that it was only a small liberty we were giving up. And no one noticed how warm the water was getting until the pot was at a boil, and there was no way to get out. So now, thanks to the great unwashed, we have a smoking ban in Ohio.

In efforts at full disclosure, I will admit: I do not smoke. No one in my household smokes. Once again, I’ll admit, I see this as a private property issue. But before anyone screams “RWT, you’ve been over this before, ENOUGH ALREADY – besides, we won,” I want you to take a hard look at an editorial in the Blade today. In their effort to ban private property rights north of the Ohio border, the leadership at the daily piddle-paper let one slip. They actually told us how they felt about your rights. They remark that this isn’t a private business issue, that is “a ridiculous position, of course, because government is already involved in manifold aspects of private industry every day.” (Emphasis mine)

The Blade’s position seems to be that if the government is involved with your business in any way (taxes, heath inspections, building inspections, etc), they have the patent right to interfere with your business in any way they so choose. Now, correct me if I’m wrong, but when a government entity tells you what legal activities are allowed on your property, they’re telling you that the business (or residence) has no RIGHT, even if not expressly forbidden. And the Blade supports this type of legal seizure of one’s property rights. Once the government gets in the habit of telling businesses which legal activities they are allowed to have on premises, I wonder how long before the government turns up the heat some more, and simply seizes the business completely – in essence, cooking every business owner in Frogtown. According to the Blade, jump in because the water’s just fine.

Margaritas ante Porcos,
Right Wing Toledo

Friday's Quote 2-2-07

The groundhog is like most other prophets; it delivers its prediction and then disappears.

William Vaughn (aka Burton Hillis), columnist.

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I've never seen anything so hypocritical as a "Save the Environment" bumper sticker. Sell the car and buy a bike if you're so committed!

Right Wing Toledo, blogger.

A Friday Twin Spin for everyone!

Toledo Pride vs Taken for a Ride

Toledo Pride: Going over to an elderly member of your church's home, building a wood rack, and restacking the wood to keep them from an expensive ticket. Kudos to those who helped out, you are defining the true meaning of neighbor.

Taken for a Ride: Having an inspector issue the citation in the first place, without explanation.

It seems to me that in an attempt to reconcile the city budget with the lack of city income, the Emperor has decided to increase the number of "tickets" handed out, not by the police, but by roving city inspectors. It also appears that only the districts of the city that are wealthy enough to pay said tickets are being targeted. Everything from sidewalks to early trash placement is available for revenue raising.

The Emperor calls this a part of raising "Toledo Pride" (as everyone driving up I-75 is reminded of). The program should be "Take 'em for a Ride." City inspectors are apparently entering the property of residents of the city (although I'm not sure if this particular one was given permission to enter), issuing citations for everything they can find, and leaving. Disagree with the citation, and of course you're able to appeal, for only $50. But, it's before someone paid by the city, and if they find you in the wrong, expect to get slapped with additional costs for their time as well as the original fine. Not exactly a petition for a redress of your wrongs, is it? Where else does the same entity (the City of Toledo) act as the police detective, prosecutor, judge, and jury (excepting the IRS, of course).

I suspect that this spring, I'll wake to find an inspector out measuring the length of my lawn, trying desperately to find a blade of grass 1mm over the limit. When it happens (or should any inspector be upon my soil, of which my taxes are dutifully paid on), expect the following to happen.

• Ask the inspector to leave my property at once, while filming his/her reactions.
• If the inspector refuses, demand to see warant for search of my home.
• Lawsuit in state court, demanding that "probable cause" be shown prior to admitting any evidence of supposed "ordnance violation." Suit to include damages, legal fees, and compensation for mental anguish suffered that made it impossible for me to get a restful sleep.

If the city has problems making it's budget, perhaps its time to take a look at what we're spending on (tree lights, bike paths, etc), and not institute more hidden taxes. That's all those fines are, so let's use the "T" word for a change. And, while we're at it, how about removing another "T" word that is still applied to a money scheme ... the "Temporary" 3/4% Income Tax.

Margaritas ante Porcos,

Right Wing Toledo

Blockhead, I mean Ironhead...

I've been listening to the local government cry about the lack of high-paying, union jobs for quite some time now. So, when the local idiots get a chance to create some local jobs, in an industry that won't be going away anytime soon, what do they do? Why, pull the rug out from under the businessman, of course.

As much as I'm against government subsidies, the grant money (both Federal and local) was in place, a company moved into Toledo, and was prepared to make a long-term commitment in a heavy-industry sector. I might even understand the "difficulties" in getting the $4 million from the US government, but there is no valid reason for Carty pulling the $1.5 million commitment (over 3 years). As far as I can see, the reason for doing so is that the Emperor didn't make the deal himself, so he couldn't take credit for it. After all, what's good for the community doesn't matter - it's all about the politics. It certainly wasn't money at the time he announced he wouldn't make good on the commitment, that was the time of the south end bike-path fiasco, and followed shortly by "Light up the Trees."

Carty has been railing against low-paying, service industry jobs as well as retail jobs at those companies he doesn't like (ie Wal-Mart and Costco). He is willing to bend over backwards, however, for the auto industry and union labor. So, what is so different about the Boilermakers?

The biggest asset Toledo has is it's location and geographic features. We've got rail, road, and air transport facilities, and perhaps the best harbor on the Great Lakes. We have to play the hand we're dealt, and I think Carty's willing to throw away two high pair. Quit playing politics over who gets credit, Mr. Mayor.

Friday's Quote 1-26-07

An armed society is a polite society. Manners are good when one may have to back up his acts with his life.

- Robert A. Heinlein, Author.

Friday's Quote 1-19-07

You know why there's a Second Amendment? In case the government fails to follow the first one.

- Rush Limbaugh

Perhaps the ban on guns in public places makes more sense now.

Global Warming vs The First Amendment

Hedi Cullen, Weather Channel "Climate Expert", has proposed that all meteorologists that disagree with the theory of man-made global warming be decertified by the American Meteorological Society. Her comments are particularly interesting, in light of yesterday's snowfall in Malibu. Amazing, the concept of global warming is so important, that Ms. Cullen feels that those who disagree should be stripped of their livelihood for having the audacity to express an alternate theory.

Well, given that we were told of the "coming Ice Age" at the first Earth Day, I'm not so sure we can trust these climatologists. It is only the hubris to believe we have a complete understanding of something so complex as the Earth's climate, and all it's interactions (including the Sun, if I'm not mistaken.) I suppose it wouldn't look good on one's resume to have an article entitled "Earth's Climate - We've Got No Clue."

As a result, the so called "experts" will do as they always have done, working to ostracize those who disagree. After all, we know that the Earth is flat, the atom is indivisible, and Al Gore was really elected in Florida. So I suppose that the elimination of all competing theories is perfectly acceptable. Unless, of course, one has tenure - but more on that at a later date.

Margaritas ante Porcos,
Right Wing Toledo

Carty Passes the First Amendment Torch

The legal victory by the WSPD team yesterday struck a blow for freedom, and against the tyranny, unintentional though it may have been, of a government. In order to balance the scales, Dennis Kucinich proved himself worthy of the torch by announcing the Democrat’s intention to re-institute the so called “Fairness Doctrine.” Now, we not only have assaults on the First Amendment in Toledo, but now the whole US gets to join in the fun.

In launching his “progressive agenda” on the citizens of this country, Comrade Kucinich is attempting to do what Mayor Finkbeiner could not – namely stifle criticism. The “Fairness Doctrine” has often been referred to as the “Hush Rush” bill, designed to force radio stations to provide programming with a view opposite his, regardless of it’s economic viability. (Let’s face it, without sums of stolen cash, Air America would be on the rocks … oh, it is anyway?) This is smack in the face of the First Amendment. There is a Freedom of Speech, but not a Freedom to be Heard.

From my comfortable chair, I can hear the voices screaming “Hypocrite! You backed WSPD, but won’t guarantee Al Frankenstein the same thing.” Well, back to school. Let’s take a look at the First Amendment:

Congress shall make no law respecting an establishment of religion, or prohibiting the free exercise thereof, or abridging the freedom of speech, or of the press…

The WSDP issue was with the Freedom of the Press, “Hush Rush” smacks in the face of Freedom of Speech. And, if that isn’t enough, governmental press conferences are public affairs, taking place in public buildings, on ground owned by the “public” (via their government). Rush, or any talk show, is broadcast from a studio owned by a private company or corporation (even if publicly owned, the corporation is treated as a private individual.) When the government to dictate what a private owned business must broadcast (or speak, in real terms), it does break ranks with the Constitution.

And libs, would you let me apply this to television? There ought to be some programming showing family values, and showing the good news out of Iraq. What’s good for the microphone is good for the teleprompter.

Margaritas ante Porcos,
Right Wing Toledo

An Open Letter to Brian Schwartz

Cross post from Glass City Jungle

Mr. Schwartz,

Your statements give the impression that either you or the Mayor believe that Mr. Milikin cannot do two separate jobs. The way I see it is, during the newscasts, he acts as a reporter - and never during a newscast has he stated "I think..." During the Eye-on-Toledo segment, he acts as a commentator, like many journalists have done on both a local and national level.

If your objection is to WSPD's use of particular portions of the Mayor's words during news broadcasts (which is what department was being covered), please reference the fact that NO media outlet presents the Mayor's news conference in its entirety. The sound byte chosen may not be the Mayor's first choice, but these decisions are made by every news organization separately (ask the President how he feels about it). Since the sound byte is here to stay, perhaps it is the Mayor's best interest to pay more attention to what he says, not to dictate to any media outlet what they can and cannot report (even if it is for the "self-esteem" of the city.)

Now, what this whole mess seems to resolve around is the Mayor's issue with WSPD "barking up a tree" he doesn’t want barked at. Specifically, the bike path and his issue with the Ottawa County Sheriff's Office. I find that the issue of WSPD is that in both occasions, the Mayor may have given the appearance of using his official position for personal gain. Mind you, I do not say that this was his intent, but it certainly appears that way. The bike path was pushed through with little time for determining community support or objections, in an area that would be convenient for his personal use. By invoking his title either verbally or in writing at the jail, the Mayor appears to have sought to curry special favor. I would ask the Ottawa County Sheriff to produce the letter he received from the Mayor, to determine it's exact wording and if or not it was printed on city stationary. (This would be an excellent Freedom of Information Act request - that letter is public record.)

In the interest of fairness, I invite the Mayor for a short-format interview to answer questions regarding this, just as the Program Director of WSPD consented to do, at his earliest convenience.

Right Wing Toledo

Friday's Quote 1-12-07

The First Amendment's freedom of speech and press were fundamental to personal liberty and protected from state infringement.

Edward T. Sanford, US Supreme Court Justice

Q&A with Brian Wilson

My special thanks to Brian Wilson, Program Director at WSPD, for agreeing to this short Q&A yesterday.

Right Wing Toledo: Before we begin Brian, I should let you know that I don't agree with you on everything, but what a horrible world it would be if everyone thought the same - I call it political correctness.

Brian Wilson: Could be. I call it Common Sense. There is no obligation - or expectation - that everyone will agree with everything on anything, specifically (in this case) on Talk radio. It's the interchange, the dialogue, the compare-and-contrast of spontaneous public debate that makes the format compelling, entertaining and informative. Obviously, some take the liberty and opportunity beyond the boundaries of civility for their own needs; a sad by unavoidable reality.

RWT: The actions of the Mayor of Toledo are clearly in violation of the First Amendment. Are you surprised by the actions of the Blade and other news outlets in the city for not supporting your reporter in the resulting actions Tuesday?

BW: Nope. The Blade is the puppeteer pulling the strings of Toledo government - and has been for a long time. How and precisely when that happened has yet to be covered in my Toledo History 101 class. But the Blade, as an evil, malicious manipulative force within Toledo is beyond question. For the Blade to have taken a principled stand for the First and against its chosen stooge is hardly "surprising". Still, "Hope springs eternal" when if comes to bedrock issues like the defense of the First Amendment. All the Blade's actions (or lack thereof) proves is Block Family values.

The sterilized, dutiful "reporting" by the TV outlets is more depressing. While I recognize they are not specifically in the "Opinion" biz, there is still nothing stopping any/all of them from behaving properly and on principle. Today (Wed), they all had the Golden Opportunity to tell the Mayor, " We won't indulge your "news conference" if you are going to force WSPD to leave.." And see what happens. But, of course, they didn't.

RTW: Given the Mayor's stance on the Second Amendment (in relation to a gun ban in city parks), are you really surprised that he would blatantly violate the first?

BW: Not at all. What's surprising is the "blatantly" part. I've never worked in a market this small and maybe that's a larger part of the explanation. This dude would be toast virtually everywhere else I've lived.

RWT: The Mayor said that you make his administration, and the city "look like losers." Is the function of the press to make an administration look good? And, is the Mayor's job to look after the "self-esteem" of the city?

BW: The function of the Press is to report the facts. Period. Who, What, When, Where, How and sometimes Why. The News Dept is to be factual and ethical - and they have codes to which they voluntarily subscribe to do so. The RTNDA (Radio -Television News Directors Assoc) is the professional organization which oversees the activities of broadcast news operations. Cassie Wilson, CC Dir. of News Operations is a member and contributing author.

The "Self-esteem of the city" is indeed the Mayor's job - if you allow it. And if it means micro-managing news stories and reporters to assure the "right" stories get printed, then the lovers of tyranny who allowed the Mayor to watch over their self-esteem will receive what they so richly deserve. Unfortunately, those of us who don't deserve it will be forced to suffer along. Or leave.

RTW: Would you consider the violation of the First Amendment cause for impeachment of a sitting Mayor? If not, is it cause for a recall election to put the issue to the voters?

BW: Of course. Both, if one doesn't work effectively. To quote my favorite part of the Declaration of Independence:

" That to secure these rights, Governments are instituted among Men, deriving their just powers from the consent of the governed..."

Governments are put in place by the governed to secure our rights. Not define them, grant them, interpret them, modify them. Using the force of government to violate an inalienable right should do nothing less than forfeit the election of that individual by whatever means necessary - or you must acknowledge the Oath of Office is meaningless and unenforceable.

RWT: Brian, thank you for your time and answering the questions here. I think that it is important for both sides of the story to be told, and it seems we're not getting both of them from the mainstream media - excepting WSPD.

BW: Thanks for the opportunity to speak on Liberty and Freedom. Hopefully, the reader will be moved sufficiently to take whatever actions necessary to preserve our rights in an area and under an administration run by someone, regardless of his strengths and weaknesses, who has demonstrated he is an enemy of Freedom with total disregard for fact and truth, void of civility, decency and honesty. Then again, maybe the reader prefers a cheerleading dictator?

And the Blade Weighs In

And there you have it. No comment on the First Amendment, no comment on the legality of the Mayor's position. I suppose we are going to have to wait until the Blade issues a "Special Investigation." Perhaps we can feature a story on the Mayor every day, before guilt or innocence is established, then hound his family and urge their prosecution after he is arrested, tried, and convicted. Oh, wait, that was Tom Noe, who was, as last reported by the piddle-paper of record, a Republican.

The fact of a physical confrontation at a public event is indisputable this time, "As Mayoral spokesman Brian Schwartz attempted to hold the door closed..." So, a public official attempted to physically detain a credentialed member of the press (for the second day in a row), from attending a public press conference. According to the Mayor's faithful pup, Brian Schwartz, "he denied the journalist access because Mr. Milliken had not been acting in an objective manner in his dealings with the mayor's office." At last check, the words "objective manner" appear nowhere in the First Amendment. If the Mayor has such a problem with Mr. Milikin, lobby to have his press pass removed. Until then, you must admit him.

Margaritas ante Porcos,
Right Wing Toledo

Objectivity, Home Rule, and Secret Police.

Well, a new day has dawned in Toledo, and the Mayor and his lapdogs (including the Toledo Piddle-Paper) continue their attacks upon those with a different view. The Blade reporting of the denial of Kevin Milikin’s First Amendment rights left something to be desired – namely the same level of vitriol as their attack on Ken Blackwell. Not only does the article present primarily the Mayor’s side of the argument, but it completely ignores the statements made by city officials that Mr. Milikin has no First Amendment rights – because he is a talk show host. Huh, I guess that the government can shut down anyone it deems not an “objective reporter.” Where do I file my complaint against Al Franken?

I suppose that the “home rule” that Toledo enjoys under Emperor Finkbeiner extends not only to the State Constitution, but to the US Constitution as well. I was unaware that the city charter gave out such power.

In other news, the Toledo version of Pravda reported that the Emperor issued an edict to all of his subjects to report, via his secret police line, any city workers caught taking a break. Now, do I believe that city workers slack off on the job? Yes, I’ve seen 15 minute breaks extend into an hour or more. Should they be punished? Yes, but the investigation needs to come from the city, not the public at large. The only thing this will result in is more time spent in management/union grievance committees, all being paid from the taxpayers’ pockets.

The only person from the Blade to report on the Mayor’s return to “good ole Carty” was (gulp) Roberta deBoer. I find it a sign that the apocalypse is close when I’m in agreement with her. She came to the table a bit late, but let’s welcome her. After all, Carty wasn’t being Carty over COSTCO, the bike path, feuding with WSPD, etc. All that was missing was for him to declare a housing development for the blind by the lighthouse.

Margaritas ante Porcos,
Right Wing Toledo

The Emperor Strikes Back

WSPD is reporting that their reporter was physically barred from attending a news conference by Mayor Carlton Finkbeiner. This is a clear violation of the 1st Amendment to the Constitution. WSPD holds the same credentials for broadcast, has a recognized news program, and is entitled to the same rights as any television station (of which several were admitted) or newspaper (at least one entered.)

One wonders, will the Blade report this behavior by their beloved Mayor? Or, does the "civility" they demand of Ken Blackwell on this very day not apply to Finkbeiner. For once, I eagerly await tomorrow's edition - it may even be read before being relegated to puppy duty.

Margaritas ante Porcos (and the parties have never been clearer),
Right Wing Toledo

Double Standards in Reporting

The Blade's editorial today regarding Ken Blackwell is yet another salvo from the left-wing double-standard machine. To accuse Mr. Blackwell of illegal activities ("large-scale shredding perhaps?") without proof borders on the slanderous. The dog piddle-paper of record in T-Town seems to forget the outright property destruction committed by the outgoing Clinton Administration, and their deafening silence on that issue. Of course, by using the court system, Al Gore and company continued to delay the transition team, only compounding the issue. But, this I guess is what one should expect from a one-party paper in a one-party town.

In fact, Mr. Blackwell had no obligation to open his doors and allow the incoming administration full access. The work of the state needed to continue, and those who were told their jobs were being eliminated were placed in a position of needing to find other jobs over the holidays. Instead, the newspaper seems intent on bashing the former Attorney General, so that this may be muckraked out again should he run for office down the road.

But, I suppose, that destroying furniture (by placing bumper stickers on them) and computer keyboards is OK, as long as it's done by the Dems. Not opening your case files with confidential information, and compromising information concerning ongoing cases is not, if you happen to have an (R) behind your name.

Margaritas ante Porcos,
Right Wing Toledo

Friday's Quote

"I love to go to Washington -- if only to be near my money."

Bob Hope

Bringing out the crystal ball for 2007.

Welcome to the New Year. With everyone making their 2007 predictions, I thought it appropriate to add a few of my own:

• Unemployment in Ohio will rise above 6%, and quite possibly 7%. Between the new minimum wage, and the Dems running the state, this will be unavoidable.
• There will be no border fence with Mexico. Mistress Nancy has to curry favor with her base, and the illegal immigrant lobby still has sway in the party of the left.
• Hillary will wait as long as possible before announcing her candidacy for President. Not only to amass a war chest, but to keep the media focus on herself and away from darlings like Obama.
• No ground will be broken on a new arena, despite raising the hotel tax. Instead, expect another study. In the meantime, one wonders if Perrysburg will attempt another project, perhaps “Bass Pro Arena?”
• Carty and City Council will institute fees on garbage pickup, raise fees on police and fire responding to accidents, and not repeal the “temporary” 3/4% income tax designed to pay for those services.
• The Mayor will attempt to create at least one new bike path under the media’s radar, despite the deficit the city will be running under.
• The Erie Street Market will remain closed for “renovations,” unless by some miracle it is sold to a private developer.
• The Steam Plant project will show no visible signs of progress, and be steadfastly ignored by the Blade. Expect a dissolution of the David Ball/Jim Jackson development corporation, and the monies paid to have disappeared.
• Southwyck will remain a standard bearer on deadmalls.com.
• Word will begin to get out that the Toledo Public Schools’ building project is massively over budget. Blame will be assigned to thieves stealing copper pipes and wire, rather than the mismanagement. Paying for the cost overruns will be assigned to Toledo taxpayers.
• A bitter labor dispute at “One of America’s Great Newspapers” will drag on for several months. The workers will be reinstated to their jobs, but no resolution will be achieved. The resulting strike may finish the newspaper off. Good riddance.

As always, these predictions are not offers to sell, buy, or barter. If you base your future, financial plans, or life’s happiness on this column, you deserve what you get.

Margaritas ante Porcos,
Right Wing Toledo