Friday Quote 2-15-08

It takes a great deal of character strength to apologize quickly out of one's heart rather than out of pity. A person must possess himself and have a deep sense of security in fundamental principles and values in order to genuinely apologize.

- Stephen Covey, Author of The Seven Habits of Highly Effective People

Mayor Earns Left-Wing Chops

Well, King Carlton put his foot where his mouth was once again. I understand that his attempts to make Toledo more metropolitian through bike paths, planting flowers, and "resident artists" (aka grafitti). However, did His Dishoner have to take Toledo down Berkley's path? Soldiers and Irish stay off the grass, indeed!

There's so much wrong with this story, it's difficult to find out where to begin. For the mayor to claim he was uninformed is simply BS. The city put out a press release last Tuesday, the Marines received a permit - there was plenty of opportunity for the Fink to stick his nose into the pot, and smell what was cooking. Instead, he waited until the last minute to assert his authority, and order the soldiers out. (I'm not positive, but I'm pretty sure that there is no "Mayor" box in the chain of command.)

Then, when the soldiers actually in charge attempted to meet with the Mayor, they were instead stopped by the Minister of Propoganda, with details that the Exaulted One was currently in a meeting, and would be unable to see them. Sure, and my tax check for the city is in the mail - how far would that fly. You deny a permit at the last minute, cost an orginization over $10,000 in travel and time costs, and then don't have the stones to meet with them? My first thought was, "be a man," then I realized that it was Carty I was thinking about - swine aren't human.

The next time the city experiences a race riot, natural disaster, or faces a terrorist attack (more likely with a Democrat in the White House), I hope that when Carty shouts for help, the armed forces are in a meeting.

Well, I suppose it's all over but the crying. I'm going to state it for the record here: I will NOT vote for John McCain for President. It dosn't matter who is also on the ticket: Condi Rice, Fred Thompson, even if the Gipper rose from the grave to run alongside the charter member of the "Gang of 14", I won't be voting for him.

No, I'm not throwing away my vote - that's what the mantra from the McCain gulag will be. Number me with Ann Coulter, I'd rather see 4 (or less) years of Hillary than watch the party I've tried to nuture itself fall into the mud, never to see the light of day again. In fact, should the original RINO win, I expect that the Republican party wouldn't survive intact to the mid-term elections.

I'd take the time to tell you my predictions for the future, but things like double digit inflation and unemployment, an 80% marginal tax rate, and nationalized and rationed health care aren't fun to mention. Just a warning: to those in the insurance industry - start your job retraining now.

If anyone is willing to start an Ohio chapter of the Conservative Party - drop me a line.

Monday Quote, 2-4-08

Just because I like it:

There is no worse tyranny than to force a man to pay for what he does not want merely because you think it would be good for him.

- Robert A. Heinlein, Author.

Friday Quote 2-1-08

Ninety eight percent of the adults in this country are decent, hardworking, honest Americans. It's the other lousy two percent that get all the publicity. But then, we elected them.

- Lily Tomlin, Actress

The Perfect Storm Hits Ohio

Well, the liberal whining concerning the defaults on low-income housing loans. Of course, the fault lies completely with the banks and lending institutions.

For county treasurer Jim Rokakis, the greed of the banks is to blame for this man-made disaster.
"All you needed was a pulse to buy a house. Some loans were written with no money down, no proof of buyer's incomes. They did not even check what people were saying. Most of those folks were jobless," he said in an interview.
"Shaker Heights was the perfect storm: poor folks, unemployed and a desire to get a piece of the American Dream."

I understand that the first thing the banks did was to look for the unemployed and poor and hold a gun to their head to get a loan for a house they couldn't possibly afford. Well, there was a gun held to someones' head, but it wasn't the poor and unemployed. Sherman, set the Wayback Machine to 1990. The New York Times headline reads: Banks Are Prodded to Offer Better Service in Poor Areas. It makes for an interesting read, but to the rub: lending institutions were forced to offer unprofitable loans, and the only way to offer lower rates on high risk loans was through the use of adjustable rate mortgages. Otherwise, the banks were threatened with action under the 1977 Community Reinvestment Act (thank you Jimmy Carter).

And, does anyone remember the complaints about a lack of investment in central cities following the Rodney King riots? South-central LA was "underserved' - check out this report by the Poverty and Race Research Council.

So, when the left gets their way, high risk people are put in houses and turn around and lose them when circumstances change - they complain that it was the mean banks. You know, just like how the Savings & Loan bailouts had *absolutely* nothing to do with a change in tax laws leading to a downturn in the housing market.

Anyone want to guess how long it is until Toledo jumps on the bandwagon? After all, King Carlton has tried to sue gunmakers, why not 5/3rd Bank? Then they can rename the stadium "Fink Park"

Friday Quote 1-25-08

The First Amendment also means the Government can't enforce a lack of religion upon me, nor can it prevent my expressing my faith in a public forum.

- Right Wing Toledo

What's Yours is Mine

Todays Blade includes a letter to the editor by one Adele Ferderman. She claims that private beachfront property should be public land, accessable to all, because public funds were used in lake cleanup.

Beaches along public waters should be open to the public whose tax money has developed, cleaned, and improved these waters. Property owners of waterfront property should not be the sole enjoyers of the benefits for which this public tax money was spent.

Ms. Federman, those property owners pay taxes on the property you wish access to, not "the public." In fact, their property taxes are based on property values, which are (surprise) higher than equivilent landlocked properties. The property ends at the water's edge (and owners are not taxed on property under water), so, if you wish to trapse along in the water, you're more than welcome to. However, step one foot upon dry land and you're tresspassing.

What's so disturbing is not that Ms. Federman wants to run along your beach without your permission, doing as she pleases; but rather that the contention that any public dollars spent on a project immediately renders it public property. Does this mean I'm entitled to a new Jeep - after all they're constructed on land provided by "public tax money."

Here's a thought: public dollars were spent on the clean-up of Lake Erie to benefit the public at large. And you do benefit, Ms. Federman, every time you turn on your water tap.

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.