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