Comments

I have brought back Haloscan and have kept the Blogger Comments. I like things about both, but I want everyone to participate, so for now I will kept both and see how it works, if at all. I might turn one off if no one uses it. Let me know what people prefer.

Horrible

One of the Moose on Main's Bartenders was shot in the face after closing traveling to his car after work. Luckily his wounds were not life threatening. No reason was reported, but the circumstances sound like a robbery. Here is where gun nuts clamor for carrying more guns and where I clamor for more police patrols and where the boycotters say nothing at all about what happened.

New Editor at Cincinnati Magazine

Kitty Morgan is leaving, so welcome Jay Stowe. Jay comes from Outside Magazine, an outdoors culture magazine. I sometimes pick up a copy of Cincinnati Magazine. It's view on culture have stuck generally to the fine-living type as the focus, sprinkling in something different each month. Will we see a change?

A Blog Movie?

The 'Baghdad blogger' has a movie deal. Life in a war zone is much more of a compelling story than writing on a website from your living room. I will be waiting for my agent's phone call any time now. (cough, cough)

Witty Bronson

More like this Peter, please, more like this. I am happy to say that I really enjoyed Bronson's column today. It was humorous, took a jab at the boycott, and had fun in a generally non-partisan way, except if you were from Louisville.

If Peter just leaves out the political shilling for Bush or his regular attacks on Bill Clinton for existing, then he would actually be an entertaining columnist.

Killer Cicadas!!!

Dr. Ray Baker of Cincinnati Children Hospital does not go that far, but he is doing his best to get parents into a frenzy. What he is concerned about and has noticed is that kids are doing stupid things or react hypersensitively towards cicadas. They are either scared by the bugs and injured themselves running away, or they are injured trying to crush the bugs.

Cicadas are not going to kill anyone directly. If you are unlucky enough to get one in your car and can't handle the buzzing I guess you crash and die. If you try to eat the bugs, make sure you chew them well, we don't want you to choke on them either.

Springer Chosen by Ohio Dems for National Convention

Jerry Springer has taken his first step at revitalization in the Ohio Democratic Party. He will never shed his sleazy TV show image completely, but over time I think he will become a viable candidate for office in 2006, but not win a statewide race.

New Site Format

You are not seeing things, I have updated the site. I am still working on things, so please bare with me. I am archiving the old comments, and will try and put them somewhere, but likely they will not be linked to their old post.

If you see any problems, errors, or ways to improve the site, please comment.

Berg Murder in Iraq, Untold Story

The Nick Berg execution in Iraq has many unanswered questions and XRay Magazine probes them. I am not one for conspiracy, but at a minimum there is more to the story with the news that Berg's father was being watched by a hardcore rightist website. Covington has more.

Build More Jails?

With Si Leis uniformly acting as if he was the sole deity in the universe, he has decreed that certain women facing trial for lesser offenses will not be held in the county jail. They will instead be sent home. Leis reportedly has asked for a new jail in the past, so what is he waiting for now? Leis is not immune from pulling political stunts to make his point, please refer to his billing of Bill Clinton for security coverage for an example.

What is the underlying problem to cause this capture and release? Are more women being arrested and we don't have enough space in the female areas of the jail? Are we solving more crimes? I don't think we have stopped many thefts in the county, Leis should know that. So, What gives? Why must this happen? Why have we not built a new jail? Are we holding convicted felons in the jail who can't fit into the state system?

Shocking Peter Bronson

I don't know if this counts as a true flip-flop or not, but Bronson is defending rich Indian Hill people for wanted to keep people out of their publicly funded parks. I always thought Peter wasn't a classist. I did not know he wanted to treat the rich differently than the rest of us. I guess if you have the money, you can buy government.

Oh, by the way, this is not really a shock, in case my sarcasm was lost in transference to the written word.

Quotas Suck

A Wisconsin Daily newspaper is asking for pro-Bush letters, mainly because they don't get enough and want to "balance the perspectives." They don't get enough of the GOP astro-turf. I would advise that Post-Crescent of Appleton, Wisconsin contact the Enquirer and asked for the piles of pro-Bush drivel they have lying around in the letters to the editor files.

Chiquita Spin

If I understand this article correctly, Chiquita is claiming that their payments to Colombian rebels was just a normal business expense commonly used by US companies in Central America.

Special payments by U.S. companies in Latin America - whether for faster telephone installation or security services - are known as 'facilitating payments' and are allowed under U.S. law. Chiquita says it and other American companies have done it for years.

Are they really comparing paying protection money to criminals to telephone installation? Do restaurant owners get to deduct the expense of paying of the mafia to assure their deliveries are made on time? What a large pair of bananas they have.

The New WOXY

We still will have a modern/alternative rock station to kick around. As I reported earlier from Sledge's blog, the new station will keep the same format. I would expect the station to be more "mainstream" and compare more to 97.3. I myself would love kind of a classic alternative/punk/new wave/grunge rock station that played the likes of the Clash, U2, Pearl Jam, Elvis Costello, and the like.

Gun Nuts, Oh the Stupidity

Ohio Gun Nutt part of the OFCC have written a list of businesses they are boycotting because they don't allow people carrying guns into their establishment.

Once again gun nuts are seeking SPECIAL RIGHTS, this time through acts akin to blackmail.

Frisch's response is the best:

"We're OK if they choose to boycott our stores," said Karen Maier, vice president of marketing for Cincinnati-based Frisch's Inc., which has posted signs banning weapons at all corporate-owned Big Boy restaurants in Ohio. "We don't want firearms in our stores."

What right do gun owners have to force their "rights" upon others via civil business interference? I hope none of these guys pushing this boycott are against the boycott of Cincinnati. The must approve of the method, if they attempt to use of themselves.

Idiots. Just Idiots. They have their guns, but they will not feel good until they can take their faux penis and intimidate everyone possible with it.

Chiquita paid rebel groups

My first question about the Enquirer's story is simply: Did Uncle Carl know? From the article:

Chiquita said the Justice Department was contacted after the company discovered the groups were listed on the State Department's Foreign Terrorist Organizations list. The list names 37 organizations, including al-Qaida as well as three groups in Colombia.

A Justice Department spokesman declined Monday to comment on the investigation. U.S. law makes it a crime to knowingly provide resources to terrorist organizations.

If Carl Linder was still part of the company when this happened, I hope he is being including in the investigation.

More from CNN.

Local Pols' Views on Rummy

Korte rounds up the views and statements of local and regional politicians about Secretary of Defense Don Rumsfeld. They all seem to hem and haw a bit, but support Rumsfeld staying.

I myself don't really care much if he stays or goes. I don't see the policies changing either way. We might even get Wolfowitz instead, and that is a scary thought.

Rummy should not be the fall guy for Iraq. The chains of sorrow should hang around the neck of Bush himself. Dumping Rumsfeld helps Bush's keep moderate votes, so in political terms I would hope Bush keeps him.

We're the Killer Bees!

Here's the 411 on the damn cicadas.

Backhanded Praise?

Bronson column today about 1230 the Buzz comes across as backhanded praise. Mostly because of his admitted original preconceived notion about the station. After the riots the Buzz did come across much like an Al Jazeera. I don't know if one time of calm a storm, namely the mini-riot in Winton Terrace, will erase the mouthpiece they give to the likes of Kabaka Oba and William Kirkland, two of the infamous Boycott B and two of the most avoid racists in town.

New Enquirer Managing Editor

Hollis Towns is the newest member of the Enquirer. He takes over a vacant position at the number 2 spot. He was previously at the Kalamazoo Gazette, so how will life in a much larger city affect his work? I wonder if anyone will notice his race? Do all senior editors get their picture in the paper when they are hired? It didn't happen here.

Bush's New Campaign Motto

Jeff Stahler gives us The Buck Stalls Here.

This was Radio X

Dig out the hankies for the end is near for 97X. Memories are full and the future of rock and roll is bleak. A station that was beyond a cliché, hopefully will not become one. More from the DDN.

The only funny thing is that Matt Sledge was listed two times (both repeated online to make four) in the memories section; he must have spent a lot of peanuts to get that much press.

Theocratic Fascists At Work Again

he National Press has noticed the work of one David Langdon, who is working to put on the ballot an amendment to the Ohio Constitution to ban gay marriage. I guess DOMA is just not strong enough of homosexual oppression. He wants to make sure it would take a huge effort to change the bigot backed state law.

Langdon is a far far right winger, so far right he supported the Constitution Party, a reactionary Conservative Christian group. An Ohio Democratic spokesman, Dan Trevas, sums up the situation politically on what it means to the Presidential race:

"I'm sure this is the [work of] general conservative movement," Trevas said. "Do I believe Bush-Cheney is rooting for them to do it? Sure, but I don't think they're involved."

Bush and gang don't really want bigots like Langdon getting press where they don't push Bush, but they would like his support if they could get it. This is where denouncing your allies is ethically the thing to do. It is a politically difficult task to swallow, something that will likely cost votes. Bush and most relevantly Ohio Republicans will dismiss this by ignoring it. That might be a mistake. Every vote in Ohio will count and if this guy goes for the openly theocratic fascists, instead of the closeted types, then Kerry is even better off in Ohio than he is now.

Hooray for Nancy Reagan

Yes, that Nancy Reagan. Mrs. Regan is publicly calling for stem cell research. Too bad the anti-abortion extremists have Bush over a barrel. His pre-9/11 cutting the baby in a 1/5th to 4/5th split against federally funded research has been lost on society. I gladly praise Mrs. Reagan for taking this action.

Cicada Sound

This Dayton Daily News article indicates that the real problem with the cicadas is the noise they make. One person told me that is what will drive you nuts, not them get in your hair.

I am sick of the stories, but this one about the noise I would tend to believe.

'Journalistic' Fellatio

Here we find Peter Bronson 'worshiping' at the alter of the Prophet Bush.

Fringe Fest

Thank you Enquirer! This festival is not the normal for the Enquirer to push in such a big article, but this coverage should go a long way to bring in people to the performances. More Here, and also Here.

For the full deal check out the Fringe's website.

This plus a mention along with the Know Theatre Tribe in a Jackie Demaline column, not bad for a Sunday.

Wow, Propaganda Works!

People just really like to eat it like it was candy eat it like it was candy. Rob ate it. No wonder why people actually think Iraq was behind 9'11.

UPDATE: This is up to number #5 on Daypop's TOP40. Can you say "suckers?" Bush hugs a girl, and the crowd goes nuts. Bush misleads the country about the threat from Iraq and.....nothing, they don't care. Bush can do no wrong. This is coming close to a literal religious movement surrounding this guy. Now before the religious zealots starting throwing darts at me, look at the situation. Bush is not questioned by the right. He gets a little grief on this or that, but nothing serious. He is treated like a new messiah. I am sure I will piss people off for going so "over the top" on that, but 10,000 screaming Sally Simpsons paint a different picture.

Freedom?

I find it odd that people would go to a public courthouse to celebrate freedom of religion. Why not go to your church or private place and celebrate the fact that the government does not interfere with your religion. Instead they seek to use the government or its facilities to push their religion. Dare I say the "T" word? Dare I?

I was there for you

I remember seeing a photographer at the Enjoy the Arts/START program, but I did not expect the story to be about 'Friends.'

Follow-Up BushCo Puff Piece

Did not think Bush got enough positive coverage yesterday in the Enquirer? Well, your wish for propaganda is granted including a totally bullshit PR photo of Bush hugging a teenager. The name of the picture is even just called "hug."

"Liberal Media My Ass" is something the Enquirer should just put on its masthead. Come on! What are the editors thinking? Oh, right, I forgot, they are writing for West Chester. The rest of us just don't matter.

The New WOXY

Matt Sledge will be the new Program Director for X97.7, "New Music First." That station will have a alternative/modern rock format. I also believe the station's studios are leaving Oxford, but that tidbit I am speculating on based on some background info, that I could have totally misconstrued. Don't blame me if I am wrong on that. Well, blame me, but don't tear me a new one.

Day After Coverage

As a point of reference, I pulled out the links to compare the Enquirer's coverage of the Bush visit yesterday and Kerry's visit back on April 6th.

Here are the stories on Bush:
Bush shores up SW Ohio support
Bush says Maupin is in his prayers
What's in bus tour name? Apparently a lot
Photos of Bush Rallies
Transcript of 'Ask President Bush' event in Dayton
Transcript of 'Ask President Bush' event in Dayton

Here are stories on Kerry's Visit:
Democrat enters GOP den
Sandal whappers serenade Kerry

Do we get fair and balanced coverage here in Cincinnati? I have reported on one media outlet, you decide.

Remarks by Bush at Cincy Gardens

Here is lesson one in how bankrupt this president is, from his speech:

"We stand for a culture of responsibility in America. The culture of this country is changing from one that has said, if it feels good, do it, and if you've got a problem, blame somebody else, to a culture in which each of us understands we are responsible for the decisions we make in life. (Applause.) If you're fortunate enough to be a mother or a father, you are responsible for loving your child with all your heart. (Applause.) If you're worried about the quality of the education in the community in which you live, you're responsible for doing something about it. (Applause.) If you're a CEO in corporate America, you are responsible for telling the truth to your shareholders and your employees. (Applause.) And in the new responsibility society, each of us is responsible for loving our neighbor just like we'd like to be loved ourselves. (Applause.) "

Why hasn't Bush taken responsibility for the following:

1. Not finding WMD in Iraq.


2. Having No Plan for post war Iraq.


3. Having no clue who is going to run Iraq come July 1st.


4. Intelligence failures before 9/11 and taking terrorism seriously.


5. Identifying a CIA agent.


6. Claiming Iraq was linked to Al Qaeda.


7. Using 9/11 anger as the catalyst for a pre-emptive war.

Gay Marriage is the problem with Heterosexual Marriage after all. The culture makes you lie, cheat, steal, do anything to make a profit, even tax the middle class into the poor house.

My commute home rose from 25 minutes to 55 minutes thanks to Bush's campaign stop. Mind you it was a campaign stop, not an official Presidential visit, if there is a difference anymore.

I was surprised to hear 550 WKRC carrying the Bush Speech live from the Gardens. I am sure we will get Kerry's next campaign stop carried live on local Clear Channel Radio. (No, I will not be holding my breath on that.) I was also hope to hear from any Democrats who tried to enter but were denied entrance to the event. At one a day or so ago an old man was kept out of an event because when asked he said he was not a Bush Supporter. Best picture of Bush's trip was this one, Via Atrios, showing Bush riding in his French made bus, complete with French Flag.

I was disappointed that the anti-Kerry protestors last month got big coverage, but barely a word was said about those protesting Bush. I hope locals look and see how the media gushed over Bush here. There was not a critical word printed or said on local media (outside of the Buzz and CityBeat), any journalist.

I hope Stephanie Dunlap was let into the Bush rally, or someone from CityBeat. It would be nice to get someone point out that Bush has no plan for the next four years except "stay the course," the most clich? political image known to man, even more than kissing babies. It was funny that only really cheerful people where interviewed on WLWT on their way to the rally. I wonder if they work for the Ohio or National Republican Party.

Ohio in Play

The Post's Editorial Board leans toward putting Ohio in Play. This is from a newspaper that endorsed Bush in 2000. Yes, for the conservatives out there, your "liberal" local press were Bush supporters.

Bush's standing in Ohio depends most on how he does in Cincinnati and Columbus. He will win the rural areas, but loose the rest of the big cities. Bush must win Columbus and must clean up in the Cincinnati metro area. Bush will win our area, but if he does not get great voter turnout around here, he will find it hard to win the state.

His tour through the area will not really do much at this point. If Bush has to come to Cincinnati in late October or even early November, then he can write of Ohio and likely the election. I would guess Bush will need to be in Ohio heavily in October. Kerry better start living here in Ohio come Labor day. Kerry gets the Cleveland, Toledo, Youngstown and Dayton areas, and gets them at 60% plus, he should win the state.

I see June as the defining period in politics. Most uninformed people get an image of the candidates at that point that will stick. That first image or first impression sticks, and influences perceptions, which are then attacked by the media and advertising all Fall.

Mariemont Drinkers

A federal judged dismissed the lawsuit against the school by parents of kids suspended for drinking beer while on a trip to Germany.

I don't know the legal standing the suit was based on, but the judged seemed to toss it out fairly quickly, so it must have had little federal merit.

It is still just amazing that rules of a public school reach beyond the walls of the school or other public schools. If a kid does something that is not a violation of the law, but is a violation of school policy, how is that not a violation of the kid’s rights? How can a school make laws to punish students when what they did was not against the law and was not even on school property or reasonable sphere of control?

More on Disturbance/Mini-Riot

The Cincinnati Post has a full report on the mini riot in Winton Terrace last night. Tension is simmering in parts of the city. Are people just waiting to riot and attack police at the first sign of a shooting? Was this just bad timing mixed with a few idiots spreading rumors and bunch of fools listening to rumors?

More from ONN.

Both Sides of His Mouth

Today Bronson claims the NAACP is living in the past, but nearly every other column Peter writes on social issues he advocates a "lifestyle" better kept in a 1950's TV Show, than in a modern and free society. Bronson, I think you have been living in the past all of your adult life. It might do you some good if you stopped trying to mold the world in the fictional world of your youth.

Springer for Governor?

Lisa Abraham of the Beacon Journal seems to think he is running, or at least appears like he is running.

Disturbance/Mini Riot in Winton Terrace

WCPO was on the scene of the aftermath of a suspect who shot himself after being pulled over by police. Shots were reportedly fired at police, rocks thrown at cars, and a WCPO vehicle was set on fire.

UPDATE: About 300 people were outside yelling claiming the police killed the man. Police indicate they fired no shots. Police fear rumors being run around town and are trying to get the word out that he committed suicide.

Wes Flinn's Ohio Statehouse Report

Make sure you check out Wes' Polstate.com post on Ohio politics.

Big City Eyes, Little Mind

Joe Shaw of the UC News Record writes, or should I say laments, on living in Cincinnati after graduation. He pines for living in great city like Chicago, New York, or LA. Those truly are great cities. What bugs me is that Joe is foolish enough to compare Cincinnati to those cities and say we don't have what they have. No shit, Sherlock. We are not a Mega-Metropolis. That should have been obvious after your first week in town. We are also not Buttlick, Kansas either. We are a big city, with great attributes. We do have our problems and we maybe at a crossroads, where we become a confederation of suburban fiefdoms, or regain some glory as a great city as in past days of the 19th century.

Now Mr. Shaw really has a problem to contend with. He ends his screed with, "Cincinnati pretty much sucks. It's best to get out while you have the chance." What he must remember, when he has to say where he went to college either he lies or tells the truth and UC. That by itself may be worth lying about, but that is another story (only joking UC folks.) What Mr. Shaw must admit, after being logically ask, is why he was foolish enough to and live in Cincinnati at all? If he was born here why did he stay and go to college here. If you can get in UC, you can surely get into OSU, so he could have spent his time in CowTown. He could have spent his time in hot and sticky Gainesville Florida, hours from the beaches, and in the middle of humidity. Why not try college in Nebraska or Arkansas or what is so great about Lexington and UK?

I can understand why people don't like Cincinnati, but I don't know why they would have been stupid enough to come here or as to why then if they are so brilliant to not get out sooner. Did someone chain him to his dorm room desk? Could he not have fled this horrid town sooner?

My little town in Western, NY would likely be considered hell on Earth for Mr. Shaw. We honesty had no jobs and no chance for growth and hour plus outside of dying Buffalo.

What better opportunity could any human have than to try and change a city as it hovers in a crossroads? I guess I would have trouble hiring Mr. Shaw, he seems to want to run from a challenge and stick to the sure thing. Mega pond, microfish. Big Pond, little fish. I will take little over micro, if you please.

Appeasement to Prudes

If you listen to local AM talk radio on a Clear Channel Station you would after a while hear a host or a caller belittle anyone who appeases a foreign power or group. France is made the target of scorn most often. Now, however, when you think of appeasers, think of Clear Channel. Rick Bird reports in the Post that WEBN is believed to be on a 7 second delay like most AM talk radio stations. AM stations have unknown callers to worry about, FM stations only have their DJ to worry about or the occasional guest. The need for it is suspect, and will it cost advertisers more in the long run?

Clear Channel fears the new FCC (the one on a puritanical crusade) and is trying to appease the beast by requiring all FM Stations to go on a delay. Listeners will notice relatively little change, but there will be some.

I will just be laughing whenever I hear a Clear Channel talk show host say or agree with comments against anyone even appearing to be appeasing someone. The beast pays homage to the beast, how fitting, yet how sad.

Flip-Flop Protestors

I did a little bit more research into the flip-floppers who protested at the Kerry Rally last month and I ran into this column in the Dayton Daily News. It appears one Cornel TerreBlanche, age 18, of South Africa was one of the anti-Kerry protestors (insurgents?) who appeared at the Kerry Rally here in Cincinnati back on April 5th. In that column we learn:

TerreBlanche said she is a college student in southwestern Ohio, but asked that her school not be identified. She heard that College Republicans at her school planned a protest and she wanted to join in.

Based on that information I did a simple Google search on Cornel TerreBlanche and the only the hit that came up was at this location. That's a website for the Alpha Psi Omega group, the Cedarville University's psychology department club. Cedarville University is the Bob Jones University of Ohio, located in Cedarville, OH south of Springfield. I would then surmise that the group of rowdies all came from Cedarville.

This surprises me. I had assumed this group was from UC or maybe Miami. Lynne Cheney was the keynote speaker at their graduation yesterday. I wonder if the folks at Cedarville know about her 1981 book called Sisters? I wonder if it meets their "ethical" standards in the student handbook.

Protest Bush on Tuesday at 5:30 PM

Jene Galvin, local Democratic activist is reporting on the Jerry for Ohio Blog that a protest will occur outside the Cincinnati Gardens an hour before Bush is set to appear.

Will Si Lies be out in full force? Will anyone get arrested? I hope it is peaceful. I would like to see a good turnout and one that can be heard, and not banished to the far side of a parking lot across the street from the Garden.

Interesting protest ideas: In the thought of "flip-flops" used by some young GOP foot soldiers at the Kerry Rally last month, what are some thoughtful and striking protest ideas? The flip-flop is so lowbrow. I wonder if it was some smart marketing major or if they got talking points about it from the GOP?

The Dean of Cincinnati Looks at AliciaReece.com

The "Dean" has a look and comes down hard on Cincinnati Vice Mayor Alicia Reece's website. The Dean pulls no punches in his criticism of the website calling the article "How To Recognize Political Manipulation." I guess I don't expect political websites to be much more than propaganda tools. The only issue that has been raised about this site is whether it is a campaign site or her personal site. That is a legal distinction that only matters in campaign financing that may or may not be in technical conflict of the law.

Driehaus Wins House Race

Well, not officially yet, but with Witte leaving the race for the 31st Ohio House seat. I assume Witte felt he could not win, so he just gave up to avoid going into debt. Terry Deter's name was thrown out there, but according to the article he will not run because:

Deters confirmed that there had been talks, but said Driehaus is a conservative pro-life Democrat who deserves to be re-elected.

"If it weren't Steve, I'd run," he said. "We like Steve."

you know you a DINO when Terry Deters endorses you. Driehaus is one who supported DOMA in Ohio. I don't think Witte or Deters would be that much different on many social issues. So this is good news for Democrats in only so much as the GOP stranglehold on the state government will not gain in this district. How can you gain when you get help on issues already?

Nitpicking The Cincinnati Post

When conservatives talk about media bias the point most often to language. Michael Collins is The Post's Washington bureau chief will likely not be considered a conservative by most conservatives but in his column on Ohio Presidential politics he refers to Bush as "The Big Guy" and referred to Kerry continuing "to bash Bush" for a political stance. If Bill Clinton was called "The Big Guy" (not referring to his literal size) and Bob Dole was said to be Clinton bashing, then the conservative MRC would be hopping mad, issuing press releases like a green PR lackey.

WCPO Issues Statement on 'NightLine'

Why did WCPO feel the need to issue a statement about tonight's 'Nightline'? I hope it was just a large number of phone calls on the subject wondering if they are going to air it, and not demand that they do not air it.

This "controversy" is not one. This is political censorship. Sinclair's political motives are clear. They seek to re-elect Bush. They defense here is that 'Nightline' is doing the same thing, which is wrong. So, do what I say not what I do appear to be getting another go around.

I turned on WB64's "news" program at 10PM to see if they covered the "controversy" at all. I watched the beginning, but did not see much beyond that. They have a poll up on their website asking if they should air it, but it has problems working. At this point readers think they should air the program 80% to 20%.

Cheney Praises Fox News Channel

Gee, I wonder why Dick Cheney would praise FOX News? You don't think he thinks it is the best coverage because it gives him good coverage or rather it gives him good PR? Ya Think.....

Should we Boycott Sinclair Stations?

Sinclair Stations to Boycott 'Nightline' Tribute. We do have one local Sinclair station: WB64. Will there news program report this story tonight?

I hope everyone tunes in to WCPO tonight to pay tribute to the fallen soldiers.

Wes Finn has
more.

With Some Attention

Hopefully, no protestors will be arrested for doing what Bush supporters did at Bush's local speech at the Golden Lamb. Rumor is that he will speak from the balcony of the establishment. Wes Flinn said that it was as if we in "Argentina" or something.

Cornholed

At one GOP "parties for the President" we find this tidbit from Korte:

"A party at the Green Township home of Pakkiri 'Raj' Rajagapol was one of the largest, with 150 people turning out for a cookout, corn hole and the chance to listen to Cheney on a speaker phone. "

The whole country is being cornholed by the President, so I guess this is just fitting.

Enquirer Catches up on 97X

WOXY may be GONE

and

97X took flight from humble start

4%?

Kevin Drum believes that only 4% of the populations vote actually are in play this year. Or at least that is the only group that will have any significant sway either way in the election. I don't know how he got these numbers, but in general the election will come down to a small number of states. Ohio right now is one of those states. It is critical for Bush to win Ohio. He just can't win without it, at least not in any likely scenario. Kerry's must wins are all of Gore's states last year and Florida, which by the intent of voters should have been a Gore win with room to spare, if not for the mess that happened.

Tied for 10th!!!!

Congratulations to Cincinnati for being tied with Birmingham, Alabama as the 10th rank city with the most particle pollution in the country. Particle pollution is defined in the article as:

Particle pollution refers to the microscopic soot-like particles produced by power plant emissions, diesel exhausts, wood burning, and other sources.

We are not the worst in Ohio, however. Cleveland came in at number 8.

Bush, Cheney - Joined at the Hip

I realize that Matt Damon's movie Stuck on You is coming out on video, but to go this length to promote it, will it backfire?

Bronson's Not Drunk, Maybe He Should Be

Bronson pulls yet another claim out of his ass:

But anyone who thinks it's OK for 15-year-olds to sample the "Bavarian experience" of after-school keg parties should have their adult licenses suspended until they pass Breathalyzer tests.

Ok, we know Peter has a problem with any country who does not grovel at the feet of BushCo. He might want to check the last names of a large portion of the people who live in the area. They would be German. German culture, in case you missed Oktoberfest, includes drinking beer. Where does anyone say that drinking underage will harm kids? How does drinking beer at age 17 (I don't think most of the kids were 15, so Peter fudged that one) hurt a kid any more than a 21 year old. If you are a temperance freak who fears booze, fine, but don't try and make it out that beer will kill a 17 year old, but at 18 you instantly are immune to the death causing agents contained in beer. At that point you are deemed responsible enough to die for the county, vote of its leaders, but not responsible enough to not drink and drive. I guess the gene develops at age 21, we all no there are no DUI's for anyone after that.....(wink).

Dog Chases Cat

Is this really blogworthy? The NY Post's John Podhoretz comes up the all to great commentary on Kerry: "Kerry is a terrible, terrible, terrible candidate." That is just so enlightening. I am convinced. Gee ma, I did not know this. I thought misleading people into a war was bad, but CW on Kerry just "must" be right. (COUGH, COUGH)

Rob, come on, if you are going to harp on Kerry, how about something better than flipflops and who voted for what in a bill that wasn't going to pass anyway (or was along party lines anyway.) Most of all come up with a writer without the most trite conservative analysis that a 6 year old couldn't write.

Kerry must have lied on the customer survey at Denny’s. He really did not have the eggs and toast, he had Waffles, and when he said they were great, he could have been telling the truth.

Now, where are those WMD??? Where was the threat from Iraq (note one that could have hurt someone in Saddam's lifetime)? Where is the Iraq - al Qaeda connection? Oh, those don't matter? SUV's, medals, haircuts? This is best you got? Come on, attack on substance, not on this bullcrap. We have a President with no Plan in Iraq, and whether Kerry toss away his medals is the fodder for the right wing. Amazing. Nothing to see hear. All is well. Don't changes horses in midstream.

Jones Case

The Local NAACP is claiming Nathaniel Jones died by asphyxiation. This claim is support by a report paid for by the NAACP produced by Dr. Joye M. Carter, a forensic pathologist.

Why did the NAACP refuse to release the full report to the media? It would be rather useful to know why this doctor stated one cause of death, while the local ME declared Jones died rom a heart problem exacerbated by the struggle with police.

This is the basis for a lawsuit and it is nothing but normal wrongful death civil action type of tactics.

The Enquirer has more and this story, WCPO, and it was picked up big time by the AP (no Nate quote this time...thanks John Nolan!), but did the AP reports have to continue carrying the "number" along:

Jones was at least the 19th black man to die in violent confrontations with Cincinnati police since 1995. Police union leaders said the men who died threatened officers with weapons.

Police say that all but 4 of the 19 had weapons I believe. So the story was even wrong there. If one wants to be Dramatic yet accurate, then say "Jones for the 4th unarmed black man killed by police since 1995. For the record some might say more than 4, but that might be the number, unless you do or don't count a brick or a car.

Also comments from Greg Mann.

The future of rock and roll is passing

97X has not found a sponsor or investor to fund an Internet continuation of WOXY. Sledge has the same release and hints that his status with the new station, and the format of such, will be announced soon.

Ratings Ploy?

Is this just a ratings ploy on the part of Elton John? I guess because Al Sharpton did not win the Democratic nomination, it is because everyone is racist? The same would go for Allan Keys in 2000. Elton is reaching or his off handed comment was picked up by a race obsessed press. If he wants to say that the public are ignorant on picking vocal talent, he can and he would likely be correct. He is wrong to try and say American Idol is about picking the best singer. It is about picking a "star" who has the full package of "talent," beyond just the voice (yes I say this while laughing out loud.) In other words it is just a popularity contest. Who does Elton think are the majority of people voting for this? Teenagers are, or at least they are through their parents. Why would anyone be shocked that this turned into a high school popularity contest, not Star Search

By the way Elton, how racist can the voting be when largely the same voter base last year picked a black man as the winner?

Smitherman Jumping the Gun

Greg Korte reports on Councilman Chris Smitherman jumping procedure by issuing a memo to the City Manager asking to appoint a person to two City Boards. He was wasting his time, since only the Mayor can make those appointments, so his memo was misdirected.

What I want to know, did Chris or his staff keep a copy of that memo in their City Hall office or take it home for "safe" keeping.

Meet-Ups

I guess Carl Weiser missed the sensation of Dean Meet-ups in his gushing praise for Bush's organization which I would like to hear real numbers as to the number of people who attend that are either new to the GOP or at least new to party activities. That is what Dean did with that kind of process and did it out of thin air, not with big bucks behind it and not just make it sound like his campaign is "current."

UPDATE: Correction - Weiser did not "miss" Dean's influence in the article, let just say that it was buried and referenced once.

Bush Brings Campaign to Lebanon, Ohio

Bush will be in Lebanon next week at the Golden Lamb, owned by Rep. Rob Portman's family. Anyone got a reservation there? I hope this does not tie up traffic on I-71 when I am trying to get to work. This will likely be closed to the public, unless directly invited. If any protestors are allowed within earshot of Bush, I will my hat. They will be kept away. If anti-Bush protestors did what anti-Kerry protestors did at the Kerry rally here a few weeks ago, they would be arrested on the spot and charged with a serious crime.

Forced?

This story seems a bit forced. It is as if someone up the ladder said write a story on this but don't piss of the CCV. I wonder how this plays out in West Chester.

This kind of story is the problem with CinWeekly. This story calls for an opinion piece. CinWeekly has no opinion. This story should have a vibrant slam of the CCV and their puritanical crusade to push their religious standards on the rest of us. Instead we have quotes from the CCV, but no comment from anyone from WEBN, who had no comment. The story is thin. I would have preferred more content and background into the history of what kind of jokes WEBN uses and the motivation of the CCV and less reader comments, which are well, not very insightful.

Mr. Roberts

The film version is brilliant. The original stage version is supposed to be great. I hope to go see this. If anyone wants to go, drop me a line.

"Winning the War on Terror Tour"

The name of the BushCo campaign's effort to attack Kerry is actually called "Winning the War on Terror Tour" . I really hope that I never hear a Republican claim that BushCo is not politicizing "the war."

What I find distressing: Bush has only two messages. One is an anti-Kerry spin where they troll out the usual bullshit campaigns do. They try the “what you voted against” gambit. In case you are too ignorant to understand, most every time each party has a budget plan and they are voted on multiple times. Most party members vote in preliminary votes for their party's plan and against the other party's plan. That is the game. Both plans are usually 90% the same, but each party will vote against the other party's plan. Thus "Kerry voted against body armor" is as true as "Trent Lott voted against tax cuts."

BushCo's second message makes me wonder were the firefly girl is: "Don't change horses in midstream."

So that's it. Don't vote for the other guy and stay the course. That is all BushCo has to say at this point. No plans to do anything different. Their plan I guess is to ride the tax cut into the Promised Land? Do nothing and all will happen just as he planned. This is the man with leadership? He has a secret plan to win the War in Iraq and the "War on Terra," but if BushCo tells anyone, let alone Bush, then it may not work.

The Enquirer Buys the Onion

Newsreaders will be shocked to learn that the Cincinnati Enquirer has purchased the SATIRICAL publication The Onion. Peter Bronson will be covering the Michael Jackson Trial and Greg Korte will do the entertainment reporting. Jim Knippenberg will be editor.

Boris the Spider

Bugs in national spotlight
Bugs Bugs Bugs.....I guess April Showers brings May flowers, and Cicadas bring out the crap in the media (mp3). There is even a cicada watch section of the Enquirer's website.

Principal defends student editorial

Sounds like a pretty goodschool Principal to me. As the son of a former principal, I know how the politics of school boards can be. It takes courage to say no to them. When you say it and you are right, it fills you full of glee that can last for a month.

Auto Porn

I can't decide. Is Sam Malone's auto porn a bigger concern for the People of Cincinnati, or is Chris Monzel's campaign to screen ice cream truck vendors? What if just combined them? Mobile porn vendors! I like the idea. Hustler on Wheels. The Pornmobile. Has this been tried before? Would the market bare it? I think it would be a gold mine if someone where to try it. Simon Leis might pull it over for speeding every night though, just so he could look at the covers of the videos.

How can Log Cabin Republicans Vote for Bush?

Now, aside from the stealth pun in that headline, I really I do wonder how any gay republican could support Bush for President. Will this brave college kid or his family support Bush?

How can any human being support a party that puts on stunts designed to devalue and I believe dehumanize gays and lesbians? What I will also want to observe is how many Democrats and Moderate Republicans stand silently by and let Sen. Rick Santorum and others push their bigoted agenda using the platform of Senate Hearings.

Will these hearings finally identify the "threat" gay marriage causes to anyone? Will the bigots finally gain the guts and come out with their hate filled message, instead of code and veiled references to "the harm" a change in marriage would supposedly cause?

Anti-Abortion Website Keeping Tabs On Maggie Downs?

A hardcore anti-abortion "news" site reported the following:

"'More than one million people are expected to participate in the rally, which could make it the largest march for legal abortion in US history,' the Cincinnati newspaper predicted. The Associated Press said 'an estimated 750,000' were slated to converge on the nation's capital. "

Now I found this article by a general Google search and then wondered what "Cincinnati newspaper" they were referring to, since they had not bothered to quote it correctly. I just searched Google again and found a story from the Enquirer by Maggie Downs which included that quote. I don't really think they are watching Maggie's reporting, but it is just odd the way it was incorrectly quoted. I think Maggie was at the event covering it for the Enquirer. She did the same thing last year for the anti-abortion rally. I wonder if that rally met expectations? I wonder if this anti-abortion news site reported that?

Nate Loses First Round

Nate Livingston has lost the first round in his big to spout his racist dogma at city council meetings. Nate was also found guilty of criminal trespass and sentenced to 10 days in jail.

One Note to Kimbal Perry, Kevin Osborne, the photo caption writer at the Enquirer, and the editors of both the Post and the Enquirer: Nate is no more an "activist" than David Duke.

PD Reports Luken to Run for State Auditor in 2006

In an article describing the internal GOP power struggle between Ken Blackwell and Larry Householder we read that Luken "may run for state auditor against Householder in 2006." No sources of this information were given, so what it is based on it beyond me. Luken has stated publicly that he plans on running for re-election as Mayor in 2005.

Any comment from the Luken Camp?

Enquirer Fact Checking Problem

A reader, Barbara, emailed and pointed out a problem with Linda Oda's guest column on Autistic children. The reader, the parent of a child with autism, found the ending of the column troubling and "lazy.":

About autism

April is National Autism Awareness month. The autism spectrum is one of the fastest-growing birth defects, up more than 800 percent in the past 15 years. Studies have shown that autistic children tend to be born to parents who have above-average intelligence and are successful in their fields. Typically, siblings are either gifted in some area or are autistic as well.

For more information, go to the Web site of the Autism Society of America, www.autism-society.org.

Barbra pointed out that if you were to go to the website listed in the article you would read on the front page the following:

What is Autism?

Autism is a complex developmental disability that typically appears during the first three years of life. The result of a neurological disorder that affects the functioning of the brain, autism and its associated behaviors have been estimated to occur in as many as 2 to 6 in 1,000 individuals (Centers for Disease Control and Prevention 2001). Autism is four times more prevalent in boys than girls and knows no racial, ethnic, or social boundaries. Family income, lifestyle, and educational levels do not affect the chance of autism's occurrence. Frequently Asked Questions

The conflict? Compare this from the Enquirer column: "Studies have shown that autistic children tend to be born to parents who have above-average intelligence and are successful in their fields." and compare it to this "Autism is four times more prevalent in boys than girls and knows no racial, ethnic, or social boundaries. Family income, lifestyle, and educational levels do not affect the chance of autism's occurrence." Further digging in the autism website reports no known causes, but only some theories, none of which include an intelligence or career success factor. This definition seems to try and paint autism as a condition that tends to affect the affluent more than other groups. According to what I read on the website, this is not valid.

The rest of the column was excellent in my opinion at conveying some of the problems of parents with autistic children have. I do not mean to claim that autism is not something people should not be working to help cure or that Ms. Oda's comments should be ignored on the subject. Instead at the prompting of the reader I want to point out an error. If this error was part of the column or added by the editors is something the Enquirer might want to check out. Fact Checking is a dying element of journalism, which in newspapers is all but dead.

Bronson's Shame: Does He Even Notice?

He can't let it rest. He can't write a column about a POW without both slamming Cincinnati for not being faux patriotic enough nor can he resist trying to paint anti-war protestors as anti-troop:

'Because it hits so close to home,' Eyer explained. She didn't know Matt or the Maupin family. But her response is what makes small-town Batavia so different from big-city Cincinnati.

I saw it when we went to war, and Batavia rallied to support the troops while antiwar protesters yawped on Fountain Square. And I saw it again last night when the crowd stood and sang 'I'm Proud to be an American.' They can wave flags and reach out to someone in trouble because they don't have both hands full of cynical doubts and pretentious baggage.

Does Bronson have any shame? I have said nothing but positive comments on the Matt Maupin POW situation. I even watched some of the church service on TV where a preacher invoked BushCo's "the Iraq War is part of the War on Terrorism" propaganda. I held my tongue then, and will do it again now.

Bronson seems to want to just kill Cincinnati as much as Nate Livingston. Both men's answer is to drive everyone out, level it, and build each man’s version of a fascist utopia, all be it from different social/religious/race perspectives. I don't want to totally compare Peter to Nate. Nate's level of attention whoring, racism and bigotry towers over Bronson's. To be clear Bronson is only two of the three (not a racist).

UPDATE: Greg Mann also comments.

BushWorld

Maureen Dowd shows us life in The BushCo's World. This is a world where reality and truth are as plain as the emotion stirred up in the patriotically correct TV commercials airing all over Ohio.

Authority of Schools

With incidents like this one in Mariemont where 17 students were suspended for drinking beer in Germany where their parents allowed it and were I was legal for them to drink. Why do some school officials feel they must control children, in this case older teenagers, at every step? They broke no law. The rules of schools do not super jurisdictions. Let parents rule their kids outside of school. This sounds like paranoia about alcohol. When did the temperance movement gain so much power in a city of beer drinkers?

Full coverage: Enquirer, WLWT

Fables of the Reconstruction

In case you missed the Association of Alternative Newsweeklies (AAN) story on Iraq, CityBeat has it. The evidence of a poorly run war is adding up. I don't think many war supporters actually can claim BushCo knows what they were doing beyond the military battle plan. Everything since has been reactions to the situation and seat of pants planning that was as timely as the news cycle would allow.

Does anyone know who is going to be "in charge" on July 1st yet?

Atrios on Religion

He makes the point better than me. I hope Michael at Rantophilia reads this too.

Careful What You Wish For

The media, fueled by conservatives, have been pushing for John Kerry's military records. Kerry has released them and a shocker, he was good sailor and Kevin Drum illustrates the differences between Bush and Kerry on their military record. If you don't think that matters, fine, but don't deny that people have been throwing military records around for years in elections, usually against Democrats. Bush is running as a War Hero for misleading the country in a war, while Kerry actually was a war hero. It is funny that conservatives even fooled CNN into biting a guy who claimed to have dirt on Kerry's service, but never even served with him and misrepresented that he did.

Something Bronson Left Out

Peter is supporting district representation in his latest column. He gave reasons why others support that type of system. What he fails to report, the many feel a district system will help the GOP win more seats on council. That is surely part of Bronson's rationale for support and overall positive reaction to district representation.

Picking Up 'Chicks'

The advice provided in this CinWeekly article on how to pick up women in local clubs has one small problem: I don't want a woman that spends her time in clubs. A club-chick would tend to be a non-intellectual person more concerned with American Idol than with the American Prospect.

Please note that I said "tend to be a non-intellectual." I don't want any angry emails from club-chicks. I doubt they read blogs though, so do I really have to worry?

Nothing to See Here

Ray Cooklis gives another conservative spin on media commentary totally ignoring the charges of which that commentary was based. Gee, the allegations only involve lying to American public, being obsessed with the Iraq over al Qaeda, the subversion of the Constitution, manipulation of the oil markets, and failure to gain the full analysis of Secretary of State before deciding to go to war. I wonder why people are talking about things like that. I wonder why it is likened to Nixon's actions. (Cough, Cough) I guess Bush can do what ever he wants and the media should just shut up about it unless they can heave praise on him. Well, if Bush does not carry the conservative's water I guess the media can mention that, as long as the bow to fearless leader while doing it.

Ray, you failed to even mention Bush’s HORRIBLE press conference this week where his comments, or many of them, would have fit into your column better than anything. Good catch there dude! Way to ignore the blatant and meaningful, and go after the insignificant and invalid spin.

Lie of the Week

The Winner goes to Councilman Chris Smitherman for this quote from Greg Korte's column:

"I don't need a history lesson on civil rights, or my ancestry, or how African-American people in this community have fought for their rights," he said. "I am not grandstanding."

When you defend a group of racists and do nothing to counter their hate speech in what I would say is a political move to appease the "militant vote," then yes you are grandstanding Mr. Smitherman.

I also think Greg Korte forgot some quotation marks in this sentence, "Now, a new generation of civil rights fighters - people like Nate Livingston, William Kirkland, Kabaka Oba and Terry Summers - have been using the City Council podium as their soapbox." Either that, or the sarcasm just did not come across. How can you call these guys "civil rights fighters" with a straight face? If Greg did not forget the quotation marks, then I think he needs to reassess the beliefs of the boycott B gang, as should the rest of the media, especially the local AP writers.

UPDATE: A Letter to Editor of the Enquirer agrees with my running assesment of Counclman Smitherman:

Smitherman proving to be disappointment


Councilman Christopher Smitherman would apply zero tolerance to Cincinnati police officers who use racial slurs and would start with the termination of an officer who might have used a slur five years ago. Yet, when a vocal, shameless minority of the black community stands up in council meetings and hurl the same slurs at council, Smitherman contends that his fellow members are not showing these malcontents proper respect. Does anyone else see a contradiction here?

To many of us who thought Smitherman's campaign offered a refreshing, thoughtful approach to a beleaguered city government and a racially divided community, he has become a huge disappointment and an embarrassment to the Charterite Committee. In practice, it is clear that Smitherman only knew how to speak the word "reconciliation."

John M. Kunst Jr., Anderson Township

Zero Thinking from Portman

Is Rob Portman Smoking crack? He is a sponsor of a bill in congress which requires states to consider any level detectable of controlled substances while driving a DUI. So if someone smoked a joint last week and is pulled over and tested today and still has it in their system, they are DUI.

Nutty! and The Post Editorial Board seems to mostly like this kind of lunacy. The next step will be locking me up for life for driving after taking cold medication.

Fred Kent, president of the Project for Public Spaces, seems to think so.

Please note everyone, that this zero tolerance police was brought to you by “my beloved” Republican congressman.

Fountain Square Key to Downtown?

Fred Kent, president of the Project for Public Spaces, seems to think so.

Earth to Dorette

A Letter to the Enquirer:

Democratic criticism undermines war

Every time Sen. Ted Kennedy and Sen. John Kerry, or other Democrats open their mouths criticizing the war on terror, another Marine or soldier dies. As they continue to undermine President Bush, or as I say, give aid to and abet the enemy, they give the enemy reason to doubt our resolve. Please support Bush in this war. I am a proud Marine's mom and aunt.

Dorette Landis, Maineville

Dorette, you seem to be living in a George Bush fantasy world. We happen to live in a country where everyone has the right of free speech. Secondly, it is the CONSTITUTIONAL DUTY of our congressmen and senator to stand as watchdogs on the Executive Branch (that would be George Bush and his Administration Ms. Landis). It is rather obvious that as of now, Bush has no plan in Iraq. They are flying by the seat of their pants and are in danger of plunging the country into further chaos. If Kerry and Kennedy did not speak up, they would shirking their duty.

Also, how ignorant must you be to actually think that anything Kerry says is really listened to in by Iraqis fighting in the streets. Lady, George Bush is the commander in chief. Whether he is has the courage to accept it or not, the buck stops with him. Anyone dying in Iraq is the result of the war. Bush owns this war. Don't try and blame it on anyone else.

The Walk In Brain Statehouse Report

Be sure to check out Wes Flinn's statewide police reports, part 1 and part 2.

Ooooo, What a Crime Wave

Oh boy, Ohio is safe from a bunch of kids going off by themselves and taking drugs. Oh, glory be! The great Satan of rave parties is dead in Oxford. Everyone can sleep a sound sleep knowing that those horrible ravers won't invade your house and leave glow sticks and Cat-in-the-Hats lying around. The evildoers have been smited. Lets all sing cheesy songs now singing praises to Bush for this glorious day. All bow before fearless leader!

I don't know how this devolved down to a slam on Bush, but what the Hell, if Bronson can drag Clinton into everything, I sure can.


Also, the Warren County Sheriff is checking tinted windows. I guess they are through with all of theft and robbery cases and have just moved on to the really important stuff.

Media Runner

It appears that local reporter Stephanie Dunlop ran the Boston Marathon. Her time was listed as:
Official Time: 4:06:58
Net Time: 3:59:22
Overall: 6556th
Gender: 1498th
Division: 1149th

Guardian Angels?

Will bring the Guardian Angels to Cincinnati do any good? They beat having the Nation of Islam provide "security."

Spain the New France in Wingnut World?

With news that Span is pulling troops from Iraq soon than thought, will right wing zealots make Spain the new target for their hate? I wonder how long it will take to see the first anti-Spain post on the usual sites.

Oil Promises = Bribes?

Kevin Drum brings up something from Bob Woodward's 60 Minutes interview last night that also caught my eye. Woodard stated that the Saudi Arabian Ambassador promised to produce more to assure that the price was lowered in time for the 2004 election. Is that a bribe? Is it a violation of some election law? Isn't it something that should be investigated intensely and be subject to Congressional hearings? Manipulation of the oil market for political gain is something that I hope everyone find deplorable, and something that would make you not vote for Bush. I wonder how little attention this will get from the SCLM?

Answering a Question

In a letter to the Enquirer:

Federal marriage amendment needed

Supporters of a constitutional amendment defining marriage as between one man and one woman have been called bigots. This proposed amendment is identical to the Defense of Marriage Act passed by 427 members of Congress and signed into law by former President Clinton. Are they bigots, too? The ultimate goal of homosexual marriage isn't the relationship of any two people. It is to change national policy to say that gender, especially in raising children, doesn't matter, even though history and research show children do best when raised by a married mother and father. For the sake of our children, a federal amendment protecting traditional marriage is necessary.

Pete Shockey, Taylor Mill

To answer your question Mr. Shockey "are they bigots, too?" Yes, yes they are. I will say you too are a bigot Mr. Shockey. Which should not be a surprise, or shock, to you. I at least give you a little bit of credited for at least putting your objections out in the open. You fear gender equality. You fear individuals you don't like having children. I fear that too, like I fear if you have any children, but I don't seek to make it illegal or place legal hurdles trying to prevent it. Mr. Shockey, if you want to be a an anti-homosexual bigot, fine, I don't care. If you want to institutionalize your bigotry, then I care. There are plenty of single parent households out there. I happen to be the son of a father raised by a single mother. This was during the 40's and 50's when being a boy from a broken home was a black mark on you. Guess what Mr. Shockey. My father went to college, as had my Grandmother, raised three kids, was a public educator for 35 years and now lives with my mother and mostly plays golf while battling Parkinson's disease. I would say single parents do just fine. If they are gay or not it does not matter. If there are two parents there, all the better, where they are the same sex or not. You can take your uncited studies made by unnamed people and frankly, shove it.

Took the Bait

Marcus Carey, chairman of the Republican Party in Kentucky's 4th congressional district, is frankly, a fool. He is all in bother over last week's George Clooney column where George threw down the gauntlet and said don't attack my dad (Nick) by attacking me, it wont work. Well for some stupid reason, Carey does just that. I have to wonder why Carey bothers? It will not work. People love Nick Clooney and think he is a nice guy. I bet their are plenty of people who don't even know that George is his son. More over, if they do or now know, they do not care. It is funny how Carey tries, after cherry picking on George, makes references to Nick's alleged opinions saying he said this or said that, but makes no reference to when or where or exactly what Nick said on the issues. He does not even quote him, just says he said these things, like claiming "any American who would own a gun is a barbarian." It would have been nice to read a real quote of that, instead of a claim with no support.

On Carey's attempt at humor, I would just point out that George's also did mention that a GOP take over of the 4th district seat would be a Return of the Killer Tomatoes.

Theocrats

Michael at Rantophilia feels I have "gone too far" in referring to those who advocate mixing religion and government as theocrats. I could have gone much further, but I don't. What Michael appears to be criticizing me on is that I either don't name names (which religious sects) or that I am painting anyone who wants more religion in government as theocratic.

I can name names. It is clear that most conservative Christian denominations that put out spokes people want a theocracy. The problem here is that Michael may not understand what I mean by theocracy and my reference to Iran. That also plays into my "generalization" about those who want any religion in government.

If you want religion into government then I am guessing (or you could say generalizing) that 95% of those people want their religion into government, not any religion. They don't want Wicca or Islam or Hindu beliefs or the belief that the Grand Canyon is the ruler of the Universe put equally into government. Most want Christianity because most people in the country are Christian and most of those pushing for mixing government and religion on any level are advocates or repeating what they heard in churches that advocate a "Christian Nation."

Now, do I believe most people who answered yes to putting more government want a Iranian style theocracy? No, I doubt they even now what a theocracy is. I do think that those same people would care if we did outlaw certain religious beliefs or mandated certain religious practices in the country, like saying oaths where one pledges allegiance to a Christian "God."

I don't honestly fear we are going to end up like Iran. I think their enough people out there who like porn, beer, swearing, and watching football on Sundays to keep freedom alive. What I do fear is a continuation of a society where atheists are often considered either communists or devil worshipers, therefore considered subhuman or outright criminal. This idea is manifest mostly plainly in the fact that no openly atheist person could be elected to any significant public office in the country.

There are many groups that make me fear theocracy. I think if one reads some of their beliefs you might share my fears. One of biggest and most troublesome is that of the Texas Republican Party. Their 2002 party platform (pdf) is filled with the following gems:

We believe that human life is sacred because each person is created in the image of God, that life begins at the moment of conception and ends at the point of natural death, and that all innocent human life must be protected.

[...]

“God Bless Texas!”

[...]

Christian Nation – The Republican Party of Texas reaffirms the United States of America is a Christian nation,
which was founded on fundamental Judeo-Christian principles based on the Holy Bible. We also affirm the right of each individual to worship in the religion of his or her choice.
Religion – The Party acknowledges that the church is a God–ordained institution with a sphere of authority separate from that of civil government; thus, churches, synagogues and other places of worship, including home Bible study groups, should not be regulated, controlled, or taxed by any level of civil government, including the Social Security Administration and the Internal Revenue Service. We reclaim freedom of religious expression in public on government property, and freedom from governmental interference.


[...]

Free Exercise of Religion – The Party believes all Americans have the right to practice their religious faith free of persecution, intimidation, and violence. We call on Congress to sanction any country that is guilty of persecuting its citizens because of their religious beliefs. Our Party pledges to do everything within its power to restore the original intent of the First Amendment of the United States and dispel the myth of the separation of Church and State. We support the right of individuals and state and local governments to display the Ten Commandments on public property subject to their control.

Now, with ideas like these in the state platform of the Home State of sitting President, you really my fears are totally unfounded? The GOP leadership in Texas is advocating a theocracy. It is one where as long as you accept that the majority religion is the real one, you can do as you want, with the understanding that you will be social outcasts left out of society. They won't kill you for being atheist, but life would be easier if you just complied with the majority and accepted the state religion. That is not Iran, but is "starting to sound" like it.

Matt Maupin Held Hostage in Iraq

Information on Army Reservist and now Hostage can be found at WCPO, Post, Enquirer, WLWT.

I hope the national press can leave the family alone and not stake out his house, but if you were to drive over there, which I do NOT sugguest you actually do, you would likely find national journalists holding vigil. I wonder if they are all staying at the Holiday Inn at Eastgate.