The Aftermath

After waiting until the end of the week, it is time to weigh in on the idiocy of Toledoians. Apparently, according to Toledo's own dog training aide:

Voters saw through the overblown charges against the mayor, which were all the more regrettable because they were racially tinged and largely fomented by someone who lives 750 miles from here.

Silly me, I didn't realize that all of the sudden the Rev. Rose's ideas were "racially tinged." As I remember, the Blade and city leaders have looked on his ideas as the truth from above. At least, unitl he spoke out on their pet projects.

To the editors of the Blade, I'm going to seek to enlighten you - something you won't receive from TPS. Using the ballot box to "express your displeasure" is the way our founding fathers set up this country. I'm sure that the newspaper would rather the taxes, mandates, and city life be mandated by their selected few - without public input or protest. After all:

Well-funded schools and a reasonable array of city services are vital to the quality of life in this urban environment and, perhaps more importantly, to the ongoing quest to lure new businesses and families to the city.

Here's the big secret - it's not well funded schools that attract businesses and individuals to the city, it's the quality of the schools. And, as I'm sure you'll all be surprised to learn, there is no positive corrolation between funding and excellence - if there was, how do private schools (with far less funding per student) continue to stand heads and shoulders above public schools? But wait, there's more - the "reasonable array" of city seriveces don't include $10k showers for the mayor, bike paths near the mayor's house, a city funded vacant shopping center, or

No, a business looks for a location with low taxes, a minimal array of fees (let's talk trash), and minimal governmental red tape. Toledo has just the opposite - a mayor and city council that meddles in what businesses should locate to the city, and then regulates their every move. Fees in every area from building erection to trash removal have been rising faster than inflation, and the tax structure in this city makes it unprofitable to run a business here. I expect more business to leave this area, along with many of those who make the city run - what's left of the middle class.

I listen to people complain about the health of others. This city is sick, from years of feasting on the tax dollars and passing it out the other end to the residents. What this city needs is an enforced diet, and the citizens of the city just voted to take another trip to the all-you-can-eat buffet. Someone call a plumber, the turd that you'll get back is going to be mammoth.

Right Wing Toledo

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*

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?

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.

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.

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

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

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

2006: Toledo's Top Moments

Well, with the end of the year approaching, it’s time to take a brief look back at those top moments that seem to define Toledo, in all it’s glory. So, in no particular order:

• Tom Noe convicted on 29 counts of embezzlement: He did the crime, now he’ll do the time. But what defines Toledo even more was the Blade’s crusade against the man, noting at every opportunity that he is a Republican. Bernadette, look out.
• Councilman Robert McCloskey indicted on federal bribery counts – bribes he took while being investigated for taking bribes. This time, however, the local daily failed to picture every prominent Democrat on the front page under the headline “INDICTED.” A guilty plea would follow.
• The Blade locks out workers in an effort to gain concessions. Despite a recent court decision that the lock-out is illegal, the newspaper continues to keep its workers in the cold. Local politicians, always outspoken on union rights, remain silent on an issue that may deny them the endorsements they so cravenly seek.
• Mayor Carlton Finkbeiner offers what amounts to a bribe to keep Toledo Public School Superintendent Eugene Sanders in Toledo. Sanders (to his questionable credit) refuses the bribe, but takes a hefty compensation package, exiting his contract two years early to become a paid consultant for the Toledo schools. The next day, he accepts a job with the Cleveland Public Schools. Never saw that one coming.
• Mayor Carlton Finkbeiner vetoes an exception to Toledo’s living wage ordnance, over 7 cents. Perhaps that COSTCO was the employer, and non-union, played a small role.
• Mayor Carlton Finkbeiner gets into a battle of wills with WSPD program director Brian Wilson, after calling morning host Fred LeFebvre a liar. WSPD is subsequently cut off from all communication from the city, including emergency services. I suppose Hizzhonor’s honor is more important than the city’s safety.
• The city goes months without a contract with their safety workers. Again, local Democrats are silent on the issue.
• The Mayor personally works to create jobs in Toledo, in the plumbing (via a shower) and electrical (tree and bridge lights) trades. That he does so with minimal or no oversight from City Council is a mere technicality. I guess if we have to see our Mayor, he should be clean. The Mayor and City Council rubber stamp David Ball and Jimmy Jackson’s plans for the former Toledo Edison Steam Plant, despite a competing plan. Five months later, the progress is evident every time one drives by.
• Toledo elects a full slate of Democrats, and helps put Ohio in the enviable position of having a Socialist governor, a minimum wage law that allows anyone to see your financial data, and allows the sale of tobacco, but not the use of it anywhere someone from the “public” might visit (this includes your babysitter, folks.) And yet, after re-electing the same old people, the citizens of this city complain that nothing gets done.

Well, enough of looking back. Soon, I’ll publish my 2007 predictions for the city, state, and nation. And no, I’m not giving a date for TomKat’s divorce.

Margaritas ante Porcos,
Right Wing Toledo