In Case You Were Wondering

This is what racism is in its plain and simplest ugly form. It is right here in the tri-state area and along with the disgusting fliers being left around Price Hill, we must make this type of hate something everyone is stamping out.

Mayoral Predictions

So, Who is going to be our next mayor? Where there any local media polls done? I can't find any.

I believe this race is too close to call. Conventional wisdom gives Pepper the edge with the money and the 'bigger' endorsements, but who really wants to trust CW?

I have no prediction, other than it will be within 3% points. What say you?

Council Predictions

Who is going to win? This I don't know, but I will now give the levels of who is a lock down to a possible shot at winning. My analysis is based only on my perceptions and observations. There are no public polls out there that I have read on the council race, so objective data is not on my mind as I do this:

Locks:
Cole, Cranley, Tarbell

Almost Locks:
Crowley, Smitherman, Berding, Bortz

Very Likey:
Ghiz

One of these should get a spot:
Lynch, Monzel, Young, Thomas

Outside Shot:
Spencer, Herd, Eby, Bolton, and yes Malone

Visit The 513 Green PAC Digital HQ

The 513 Green PAC has a new website/blog at http://513gpac.fiveonetree.org.

The site is meant to be an interactive forum and resource for Ohioans interested in advancing a progressive agenda. Regardless of whether or not you agree with the goals of the PAC, we welcome your participation and comments. Unlike many websites, once you register you are able to contribute to the site in a variety of ways.

Many parts of the site, including polls, downloads, and news articles, can be commented on. News articles may be submitted by clicking the “submissions” link at the top of the page. Registered users are also able to submit uploads, calendar events, and links.

With local media offering fewer and fewer divergent viewpoints it is more important now than ever to have options for meaningful information and discussion. We hope that you will join the dialogue on making Cincinnati a better place to live.

If you have press releases or information you think we would be interested in, make a submission on the site and we will probably post it.

Contact us anytime at 513greenpac@gmail.com

Please visit the site.

This post was made by Josh Nelson.

Tick, Tick...Boom! Extended

The Know Theatre's smash hit Tick, Tick...Boom! has been extended through Nov. 19th. For tickets call 513.300.KNOW or go online. It's a great show from a great group! Get out there now and see more local theater!

Enquirer City Council Endorsements

Here are the Enquirer's picks for Cincinnati City Council, and there are many new names:

Wendell Young, Democrat
Cecil Thomas, Democrat
Leslie Ghiz, Republican
John Eby, Republican
Chris Bortz, Charterite
Jeff Berding, Democrat
John Cranley, Democrat
Jim Tarbell, Charterite
Chris Monzel, Republican

One thing you can say about this group with little hesitation is that they are almost as conservative a group as the Enquirer could have endorsed. Sure there are more conservative nutcase independents out there, but the paper cannot and would not endorse them.

It appears also that Thomas and Young were the last to get on. They also appear to be close to what I would call an affirmative-action endorsement. The slate from the Enquirer is not very racially diverse, but it even less gender diverse, with Leslie Ghiz the only female. It amazes me most that they endorsed Thomas. I don't mind Thomas as a candidate, but honestly he is not really running a campaign, so why the paper endorsed him is a mystery.

The big winner here is Monzel. This might save him. With a last minute push of hand shaking in the right neighborhoods, he stands a much better chance of staying on council. This should put the final nail in Sam Malone's coffin. I was impressed with the way the Enquirer slammed him for his “discipline” campaign rhetoric. What a shameful candidate.

The only significant influence I see these endorsements having is on Republicans. This year’s election may prove true the theory that they only way a Republican can win a council seat, is with an Enquirer endorsement. Monzel didn't get it last time and lost. This time?

I have a Blog Stalker!

It appears someone is so obsessed with me they have created a Cincinnati Blog Blog, site that mocks me. Well, have a look at it. If it is proves to be funny, I might add it to my blogroll. If it is just some conservative toad, I will instead ignore them. Either way, I must laugh at being so worth while to cause someone to spend the time to steal my site's template, modify it, and make fun of me. I thought this is only the kind of thing happened to professional journalists or actual celebrities. I guess I am moving up in the world.

Cincy RTL: Front for the GOP

I generally despise the CRTL PAC. I still reviewed their Candidate Endorsements and I have to ask, why did John Cranley not get their endorsement? I would guess that he may not want it, but the guy has a clear "pro-life" stance, which gave him many votes when he ran for congress. The guy voted to in favor of a "Motion instructing city manager to exclude abortion coverage from city insurance plans." That stance is about as anti-abortion and oppressive of woman as a candidate can get, but he did not get their endorsement. What gives CRTL? Are you a one issue PAC or Republican Shill?

Cincinnati Advance Radio on Today!

Tune into WAIF 88.3 FM today at Noon for the latest edition of Cincinnati Advance Radio with Joe Wessels. Joe's guests include ME! No shit! I will be on the radio. Tune in and make fun of me later.

Enquirer All About Keeping the GOP in Control

Without shock to me, the Enquirer Editorial Board has issued their views on the Issues: Yes on 2, No on 3, 4, 5. I will focus only on their view on Issue 4.

But to an extent, the board's makeup is a false issue. It wouldn't matter if Dopey, Sneezy, Daffy, Goofy and Bugs were on it. The board would be required to follow mathematical formulas, enshrined in the Constitution, that require districts with the highest possible "competitive balance," instead of the current premium on geographically "compact" districts. This could easily result in absurd districts criss-crossing the state, as sample maps generated by Ohio First have shown, and would be open to plenty of legal challenges. If that's not so, why has RON declined to produce its own maps showing how well this would work?

As for the "bipartisan" aspect of this plan: A MoveOn.org fund-raising pitch for RON called this a way to put six more Democrats in the U.S. House. And instead of waiting for the next census, Issue 4 would require new districts to be in effect for the 2008 election, and again after the 2010 census. Hmm. Now why the rush?

So, someone at the Enquirer Editorial Board finds these districts to be "compact?" Have they looked at districts 6 and 18?

Why is the City of Cincinnati divided between two districts? There is only ONE valid reason: to delude the Democratic votes and elect more Republicans. If the state is more "competitive" and elects more Democrats, then that is how the cookie crumbles. The same thing would happen in California and ever other state, a fair election brings fair results. "Fair" means equitable, not just who can tilt the board their way the most.

It is funny though how the paper restates the propaganda lines of the anti-issue 4 camp (which is just the GOP). The even call the anti-camp by their name (Ohio First) and call Reform Ohio Now by an acronym. Just a coincidence?

Council Picks

Well, here is my list. I am not going to tell anyone how to vote, but I am going to list out candidates I think are good and those that are OK, and those that are bad, and then the rest. Each group is in no particular order. I will have predictions closer to election day. For full details on each candidate check out Smart Voter.

Nine of these folks will get my vote
Chris Bortz
Nick Spencer
Jim Tarbell
Jeff Berding
Leslie Ghiz
Samantha Herd
David C. Crowley
Laketa Cole
Eve Bolton
Wendell Young

Ok, but not getting my vote
John Cranley
Cecil Thomas
John Eby
Robert Wilson

Just Say No
Chris Monzel
Chris Smitherman


Bad and should not get on council
Sam Malone
Damon Lynch, III


The Rest: So little known, so I have no opinion.
Bill Barron
Bennie Green
Antonio Hodge
Gerry Kraus
William S. Mathews, II
Paul McGhee
Ishaq Nadir
Michael Earl Patton
Victor Phillips
Ronnie Stallworth
Curtis Wells
Robert J. Wilking
Eric Wilson

Local Blog Endorsements For Council

Joe Hansbauer makes his council picks.

WestEnder at Clark Street Blog gives his picks too.

My list is coming shortly.

Kevin Drum: White Hot Center

Kevin is, you guessed it, right on target with his analysis of a recent 9th Circuit Court ruling. The culture wars are, at their core, about sex. That is where people's blood boils. That is where fear drives some very misguided humans to want and feel the 'need' to oppress a group of other humans because they fear how and why they have sex.

CPD Problems

If the FOP doesn't like the Sheriff patrolling OTR, then what do they intend on doing to stop crime in OTR? Hell, this could have just been a PR stunt, and that would have been a good thing. Instead of sending in a ton of deputies, Si Leis could have just made it know he was patrolling. That would have been enough to help make people scared to go downtown a little less scared, maybe enough for a few wavering to take the plunge and go out to Main Street.

I am curious about this part of the above referenced article:

Over-the-Rhine business owners and residents say that, while Cincinnati police were doing a good job and crime was decreasing, even more officers are needed.

I like the positive point of paragraph, but I am curious to find out what OTR business owners and/or residents are saying crime is going down. I hope it is going down. I don't know if the stats support such a contention. If they do, then why was Leis going to patrol OTR in the first place? Why didn't the CPD just say they don't need him, and that they have turned the corner on the crime in OTR?

The most laughable comment comes from the FOP president:

Commissioners should stop playing politics with policing, Roberts said.

"They are using a perceived problem for their own political gain," Roberts said of the commissioners. "When you use the situation for individual political gain or individual advancement, that's wrong."

This is the same guy that put forth the idea that if you don't elect Charlie Winburn to office, crime would rise. What a hypocrite.

Council Votes

The Enquirer has nice summary of past City Council votes on selected issues. This brings back an interesting episode from 2004, when a City Beat reporter was issued a subpoena to appear before council. It passed with Cole, Cranley, Malone, Reece, and Smitherman voting to bring Leslie Blade before council. Not a great day for freedom of the press.

GOP Hate, Teenager Style

No, not the usual hate. Instead we have personal hate inside the party. I don't like government institutions being abused to fight a political battle, but hell, this just makes the local GOP look like a bunch of children. The more attention is given to this juvenile behavior, the better.

City Beat Endorsements

City Beat published their full endorsement list yesterday, and their choices for the City Council race has a surprise: all 4 Charter Candidates were endorsed. That surprises me. I was surprised Bortz was endorsed by City Beat. He supports the arts and has other issues in common with City Beats editorial Board, but Bortz can be considered a Republican on National political issues. Nick Spencer could be considered that as well, but on social issue Nick is progressive. On social issues Bortz is at best silent. I don't remember the last time City Beat endorsed an actual Republican. Don't get me wrong though, I like it.

Kool-Aid Drinking

When it comes to drinking the Kool-Aid, Peter Bronson has earned his drinker's elbow. There are shills, and then there is Peter Bronson writing bile on behalf of the Bush Administration. It is not even worth going into the details about what Bronson wrote. The term “drivel” does not do it justice. Seriously, he is living in such a land of denial it is not even funny. If Rove is so innocent, then why would people at the White want him to resign?

Fangman for Ghiz?

I got a robo-call from Keith Fangman in support of Leslie Ghiz. That does nothing to make me want to vote for her. It instead makes me not want to vote for her. I am up in the air. I really find it hard to vote for any Republicans, but I generally like Ghiz. This doesn't help.

Last Night's Debate

I did not catch any of the debate on TV or the radio. Korte has his take, what's your's?

Edwards and Forbes Debate

Anyone hit the John Edwards - Steve Forbes debate at NKU last night?

More Bigotry

WestEnder points out a Fairfield Republican who has nothing better to do with his time than put forth bills that waste Tax Payers’ money and promotes Hate more than the Mason bigot who uses signs to keep out the unwanted.

Are these things connected? I am sure that Courtney Combs didn't mind the efforts of the Mason bar owner, but this issue has been the Xenophobes’ pet project for a while. Conformity ain’t just a line in the sand; it apparently is a border too.

One Week To Go

One more week of yard signs. One more week of TV/Radio commercials. One more week of mass mailings. One more week of phone calls. Worst of all, it will be a week worse than all the weeks before, combined. For political junkies, this is a National Holiday.

The Mayor's race is still getting most ofthe press, but Borgman I think in the end sums up how most are starting to feel.

Over the weekend I will be issuing my picks for who I believe would be good for council. I will be listing more than nine. I will likely be personally voting from among the number I list, but not all, obviously. There are many good council candidates out there and not enough seats.

I will also be listing who should not get on council. Obviously Sam Malone will be at the top of that list. It will not be that long of a list, but there will be more than sorry Sam on it.

I will try and bring up the other races out there as well. We have judges, and trustees galore running. Most of which are not in competitive races, but we can at least examine who is who. There are also several City Issues on the ballot, many of which really suck ass, but we'll look at that too. I will be blogging all day on election day, well, most of the day. I expect a close election for Mayor, and a barn burner for the 9th slot on council. It will be a nutty week.

Don't forget the debate tonight as well.

Chabot is Sick

Here is a mile high reason why anti-abortion fanatics like Steve Chabot are viewed, and rightfully so, as anti-women:

A bill pending in the House called the Unborn Child Pain Awareness Act would require doctors to inform women who have an abortion after 20 weeks that the fetus she is aborting will feel pain and offer her the option to use anesthesia on the fetus.

First this horrible bill is a farce. It is nothing but a stunt, not something Chabot expects to be effective. If taken seriously it is designed to torment women. Create a false sense of guilt and make the doctor act as a tool of the insane right wing.

Abortion is about to become an issue again, and this is Chabot trying to get his nutty Westside base into a frenzy. As with the majority of most anti-abortionists, Chabot refuses to consider the best way to reduce the number of abortions: reduce the number of unwanted pregnancies by increasing the use of contraception. This is about religion to folks like Chabot, so he will not make the pill and condoms easily available to everyone. He also will not put money into finding new contraceptive tools that are better than the pill and condoms. Why would he not do this? Religion is the basis for his belief. It is not about "life," it is about sex and marriage, and the control of women. (I can hear the nutty conservatives typing their trite reactions from across town.)

With the expected nomination of a Conservative to the SCOTUS, the nut cases are about to come out of the woodwork again.

We Have a Write in Candidate For Mayor

Mr. E. Lanier Walker pointed out to me that he is the only write in candidate for Mayor of Cincinnati. He supports city wide WiFi.

Peter Bronson Has 'Issues'

The fact that Peter Bronson has issues will not shock anyone who regularly read this blog. I will respect the man a bit, however, and not get into the those issues today. Be forewarned that we could spend thousands of words on those issues, but today we won't. I am sure there is now much rejoicing amongst the "people."

What should also not be a shock to everyone, is that when Bronson bitches about the issues on the ballot next month, he does so with his typical myopic world view: its all about "the Bronson." Since Bronson can do it, you must be able to do it. Let's all sing along folks: "if its good enough fer Bronson, its good enough fer me." That view about the “the Bronson,” not be confused with “the Johnson,” is just a veiled viewpoint exposing that his party has a strangle hold on power in the state, and got it “legally”, so suck it, monkeys! The fact that the laws don’t make it fair, just don’t matter.

The ballot issues are not the way Bronson tries to sell them. Let's get things straight:

Issue One: Ok, this one is economic. The sides on it are fairly simple. Use the government to develop business and industry or not. Do it via state government bonds or not. That is a fairly straightforward philosophical choice. I will not begrudge Bronson's views on this, this has fair debate, except for the bible thumping thugs who fear finding the cure for cancer because every sperm is sacred, and dumping fertilized embryos in the trash can is ok, using them to help save lives is just evil! Savings Lives is Evil! (Sarcasm machine now off, for the moment) The fact that Bronson bashes Taft is just humorous. He does it with the Coin-gate scandal that Bronson should know, touches the President too.

Issue Two: Here is where Bronson wants to limit who votes. He wants to make it more difficult to vote, and he, again without surprise, misrepresents the issue:

It gives absentee voters a "do-over" provisional ballot, so they can vote twice.

False!!! The language of the issue clearly states that you can't vote twice:

An elector to whom a ballot has been mailed, but which has not been received by the issuing county board of elections prior to the election, may cast a provisional ballot on election day. If the elector's first ballot is received by the tenth day following the election, the provisional ballot shall not be counted. A ballot which is received by the issuing board by mail no later than the tenth day following the election shall be treated as timely cast if it contains a postmark not later than the day of the election.

The game Bronson is playing here is that he wants you to think the Democrats are making it so "their" voters get their vote counted twice. What does it matter if you cast a ballot twice? You don't get to vote twice and only one vote per person counts. This issue make things easier for the voter instead of easier for the powerful.

Issue Three: This issue is about equality, leveling the playing field. Elections are not about money, they are about voters, all the voters, not just the rich ones. Here Bronson wants to keep the powerful in charge. Corporations and fat cats are not who should be running the elections, and this makes it fair for everyone's fat cats and corporations, not just his side.

Issue Four: Oh, just fucking come on! How the hell can any honestly oppose this? Are people blind? Do they not see the gerrymandered district created to keep Steve Chabot in power? Why is the city of Cincinnati broken down the way it is between congressional districts? Why should be obvious: to elect more Republicans. That happens no matter who is in power, and California shows that. I support the efforts to pass a similar law in California championed by the GOP out there. It does cut both ways, but it cuts fairly. Why are Bronson and other GOPher's suddenly turned into a one party state crypto-communists? They should be getting hard-ons for this, it creates Competition. Competition is every capitalist's wet dream. Well, maybe not. Maybe monopolies are. I guess Russian style one party monopolies are the new vogue for movement Conservatives, and fundamentalist Christians alike. Who would have guessed?

Issue Five: Again, another Duh! How can you have a fair election if a partisan group controls the election? I guess if you gerrymander the districts so it is never close, then it doesn't matter when someone intimidates a voter with a cop car outside a polling station.

Bottom line, the election system in this state is grossly unfair. It is far too difficult to vote and have a chance to be elected. Why would anyone who believes in a democratic form of government oppose these issues?

Shocking News! - Enquirer Picks Pepper

There's gambling going on at the Enquirer! Are they gambling on our future? Well, no, just the obvious has occurred: the Enquirer had endorsed David Pepper for Mayor. Something that you couldn't have missed every time the Black Fist was given ink-space in the paper.

The funny part about this is that unlike Jean Schmidt’s surprising GOP primary win which was helped by an Enquirer endorsement, this endorsement will not likely matter much. This is a close election, so one could argue that a few vital votes could change hands, but in the big picture, the average city voter doesn't care what the newspaper says, and they in fact might be slight more inclined to vote against who the Enquirer picks for Mayor. Out in Jean’s district, outside the city, the Newspaper still has credibility with many.

The editorial is very well articulated. I myself prefer Mallory for Mayor, but Pepper is not a bad choice, just not the best. I feel Pepper is more of a wonk, and detailed orientated. The city does not need more detail. The city needs a better image. I myself hate that idea. I much prefer to wallow in the details of what to do, instead of crafting PR image that springs a positive perception. That is however what the city needs. The city needs a voice, a leader out front to pull together the city and make people think things have changed are going to get better. Pepper will have a difficult time doing that. He doesn't inspire many. Mallory inspires. Mallory's voice would be heard beyond the city, beyond the suburbs, and beyond Ohio. Pepper is more of the same from council, and will be viewed by the rest of the region as more of the same. Perceptions of the city will not change under Pepper. He will not do a bad job. He will on paper likely do a very good job. Few will care. People will still see city as two things: intolerant and crime ridden. Those two perceptions are what is hurting the city. With Pepper in office, I don't see how they will change.

Hmmmm

I think I almost like this column. Almost.

Miers Out

Miers has withdrawn her nomination for SCOTUS. This seems to be coming for weeks. Who would blink first was the only question.

This clearly shows Bush is now a weak President. He has caved in to part of his party.

A big nasty fight is coming. Bush is going to either appoint Gonzales to say F.U. to the right wing, or he will feel slighted and appoint the worst cave man judge out there, just to show he "ain't no chicken."

Who will get the nomination? Will there even be one this term?

Stephanie Dunlap Leaving City Beat

In what came as a bit of a shock to me, City Beat reporter Stephanie Dunlap is leaving the paper. She is moving on to new things on her own terms. Nothing bad to report. She just wants to move on to something different. What that is, is yet to be determined.

I don't know who will replace her, which will be difficult. She is staying around town, and was just in a Play, and may be in more. Her last day at the Paper will be in November.

Good Luck to Stephanie!

513 Green PAC Endorsements

The 513 Green PAC supports candidates that support issues that are important to progressive, socially-conscious, responsible Cincinnatians. These issues include but are not limited to: open government, electoral reform, arts and cultural investment, appreciation of diversity, environmental protection, mass transportation, wireless internet proliferation, attracting and retaining the creative class and responsible development.

City Council

Christopher Smitherman - (Charterite, http://christophersmitherman.com)
Key endorsements include the AFL-CIO and the Sierra Club. Christopher has shown a willingness to take controversial positions on issues such as the Fountain Square Development and police community relations, as well as his sensitivity to environmental and GLBT concerns.

Nick Spencer (Charterite, http://www.spencer2005.com/)
Key endorsements include the Equality PAC and the Cinergy PAC. Nick is a proponent of center city development and the creative class. He has also taken progressive stances on GLBT issues and remains a supporter of public transportation and electoral reform.

Laketa Cole (Democrat, http://laketacole.com)
Key endorsements include the AFL-CIO and the Sierra Club. Laketa is an ardent supporter of environmental and homeownership issues. She was also heavily involved in the creation of the one-stop housing center.

Jim Tarbell (Charterite, http://jimtarbell.com)
Key endorsements include the AFL-CIO and AFSCME. As a 3 time council member Tarbell has proven himself to be one of the strongest supporters of the arts community in Cincinnati. He also spearheaded the effort to revitalize Over-the-Rhine.

Samantha Herd (Democrat, http://www.followtheherd.org)
Key endorsements include the AFL-CIO and the Sierra Club. Samantha is widely recognized as one of the strongest voices for labor in this council race. Her proposed community jobs program is an innovative way to put Cincinnatians to work.

Damon Lynch, III (Democrat, http://damonlynch.com/)
Key Endorsements include the Cincinnati Women’s Political Caucus and the Sentinels Police Association. Not only does Damon have the endorsement of labor and police organizations, he is also focusing efforts on improving race-relations and living conditions in Over-the-Rhine.

Mayor
We feel that of the remaining candidates, Mark Mallory is the best suited for the position of mayor.

Issues
1 Yes
2 Yes
3 Yes
4 Yes
5 Yes

8 No
9 No

To contact the 513 Green PAC please email 513greenPAC@gmail.com

We are currently seeking volunteers to help distribute literature on election day.

For more information on the issues we support, visit http://cincinnatigreens.blogspot.com and http://cincinnatinews.blogspot.com.

This entry was made by Josh Nelson.

Newport Levee on the Rise

First its down, now the moon rising at the Levee.

Oba Makes Bond

Kabaka Oba, local black separatist was released from jail on bond. His trial is set for January 3rd.

Mallory Mistake and Biased Reporting

Mark Mallory made a mistake defending the "support" he got from the Black Fist. He should ignore the issue, let Pepper look like he is playing for Westside votes, and stay above the frey.

Putting yourself into the insignificant action of the Black Fist does two things that hurt Mallory and the City. First, they group is a hate group, spewing nothing but vile. They have no more value to society than the KKK. Second, any attention the Black Fist gets is more fuel to the campaign for division of the city. They seek separation. They more of a platform they get, the more fools who hear their message and buy into it. We don't give the KKK a platform for a reason. We should do the same for the Black Fist.

The bias on this issue comes from the Enquirer. This is not a real issue. This is a Pepper supporter's issue. The Editorial page, obviously biased in favor of Pepper in my opinion, asked about it during its interview for endorsements. How often do those interviews become news stories before the endorsements come out? This bias does not appear to be not the reporter’s “fault,” this lies on the Editors and the Editorial page. David Wells and crew passed this on to either Korte directly or to his editor. You get information, you print it. I would do the same

The question I ask is that did (or will) Korte get the same information from the Pepper meeting?

Hackett Set To Announce

Paul Hackett is reported to be officially announcing his candidacy for Senate today. This comes on the heels of Sherrod Brown changing his fund raising methods to a much more ambiguous means.

That change by Brown would follow suit with this Dispatch Story (Sub. Req.) which reports:

Rep. Sherrod Brown, D-Lorain, who had intended to announce his candidacy for the U.S. Senate this month, has delayed the official announcement until next month. Speculation is that he wants to see whether Issue 4 passes Nov. 8.

If it does, BrownÂ?s safe congressional district would be redrawn by an independent commission in time for the 2008 elections. If it fails, his seat would remain intact until 2012, all but guaranteeing that he would easily win re-election to the House rather than risk a challenging Sen. Mike DeWine next year.

On WVXU this morning it was reported that Hackett may even ask Brown to leave the race.

The pre-primary politics are in full swing. By year-end we should know if there will be a contested primary or not for the chance to face DeWine in 2006.

Coleman's Wife Arrested

Gubernatorial candidate and Columbus Mayor Mike Coleman (D) took a small hit after his wife was arrested on DUI charges in the Columbus area.

This is not going to be the issue to hurt Coleman. Ted Strickland’s appeal to the Southern Ohio Democrats, and thereby the moderate/conservative Ohio voters, will be the biggest issue facing Coleman.

Fangman Should Resign

What gives with Keith Fangman being, well, his usual prickley self? I am no Smitherman fan, and I too am baffled by Smitherman's support for Kabaka Oba, but Fangman thinks he should resign?

When the hell is Ketih Fangman going to call on Councilman Sam Malone to resign? Smitherman is not facing a criminal trial. Malone is facing a criminal trial.

It is so very hard to see a law and order Republican who represents, well, the union of law and order arm of the local government, ignoring a fellow Republican's troubles with the law.

This is Keith Fangman, so I expect this type of Cunningham charade of equity. I am disgusted still when the drivel is put forth in the local media.

Anti-Intellectual Bronson

OK, Bronson hates "intellectuals", and water is wet. I know, I know. You have heard this all before.

Just one point to either shatter or bullster Bronson's rant against the Intellectuals and the Ivy League:

She did not go to Harvard or Yale. She went to Southern Methodist University. So she's not a certifiable intellectual like, say, John Kerry, Karl Marx, Bill Moyers, Timothy Leary, Dr. Joseph Mengele, Margaret Sanger, both Clintons, 95 percent of college professors, the Unabomber, Gore "Lincoln was gay" Vidal, Osama (who would qualify on nearly any campus), Al Gore or Noam Chomsky, who has preached since 1969 about "de-Nazification" of America.

George Bush. Fucking both of the them when to Yale Peter!

And Osama? Come on Peter. You did not have courage to show up for the CinAd Debate, even when you accepted the invitation, and you make a really bile ridden joke about Osama bin Laden being welcomed as an intellectual at "nearly any campus?" I think Peter had better look up who has gone to Ivy League schools before he makes such a stupid joke.

Then he drags out Regan's corpse. I mean, if you want to drag out a dead president who hated Intellectuals, then Peter you have to dig up Dick Nixon. The guy was so anti-Ivy league he would have fire bombed them if their alumni didn't run every major business in the country.

It is funny that somehow Bronson bitches about Miers being nominated because she is not qualified, but bitches about Ivy League intellectuals. Dude, she went to SMU! How much more bible belt can you get out side of Liberty, or Bob Jones U?

Hackett, Attack-it

I have not yet picked up Mother Jones, yet but they have an article on Paul Hackett in the latest issue. Hackett is running to oust Mike DeWine. Any thoughts on the article? I have heard some grumblings on Hackett in the comments. Could that be from some primary foes?

Theater Heroes

Get out and see They Will Be Heroes, a new play that premiered at the Mockbee last night. It runs through Saturday the 22nd. I saw the production and very much enjoyed the intense dialogue and the drops of humor sprinkled heavily over this cutting edge production from Cincinnati Experimental Arts and the Blue Forms Group from Columbus.

The show is an original play, created as a collaboration of the actors, director, and production team. It focuses on life for Generation X. As a card-carrying member of that generation, I could relate intently to the play. Additionally I was able to relate well to the performance, in part because I know all of the actors and see the personal way they approached much of their performance, but more importantly because of the energy and vibrancy that was enthralling on the endangered Mockbee stage (The Mockbee is closing at the end of the month). The overall style of the play is very much a Blue Forms flavor, but the tone was very Cincinnati.

Happy Happy, Joy Joy

You know.....Ah, nevermind. Rant on, brothers and sisters, make today a day of great platitudes and cliches fit for a King.

In other words... Open Thread!

More Endorsements are Out

Mallory got several more. What I have to point out is that both the Black Firefighters and the Appalachian Group lose much credibility in my mind when they endorsed Sam Malone for City Council. Malone is still awaiting trial for allegedly physically abusing his son. That is not the kind of thing you want hanging over a candidate you endorse. This is the kind of reason you drop the man as a candidate altogether, which many Republicans would have preferred. Why did these two groups do it? That is a mystery to me. I am sure someone out there has an answer.

The fact that the Cincinnati Right to Life PAC endorsed Malone is not a surprise. They fit the stereotype of caring more about children before they are born, than after.

Murder Rate Up

The murder rate is up over 2004 this year, and we have a ways to go. We are still under 2003, but it looks like we will pass that rate.

For the record, odds are very high that you are not going to be killed if you go downtown or to OTR, unless you go there to buy or sell drugs.

Denial

CYA baby! That is what I hear Tom Ullum telling Peter Bronson. The issue that bugs me about this case that is lost on Conservatives is not the legality. I don't want the guy locked up. I support the ruling of the Ohio Civil Rights Commission, but I am willing to listen and respect the free-speech debate. The issue of concern to me is not Free Speech. The issue is a bar and a community that thinks this bar owner’s actions as "no big deal."

This is bigotry. This is a man publicly attaching a group of people. His intent, as I have said before, MAY have been a joke, but that is the CYA afterthought talking. Would it be a joke if I owned a bar and put a sign in the window that said "No Service for Christians?" Would anyone who wrongly attacks me whenever I comment on religion take it as a joke? Hell no, I would be attacked, protested, threatened, and likely put out of business by any community in the area (city or burbs).

Here Mr. Ullum gets a pat on the back from Mr. Sensitive, Peter Bronson, and likely is feeling good right now. He is being supported. His bigotry is being rewarded. That shows how much people like Bronson are in denial. They grasp at free speech/joke red herrings, but don't address the underlying problems facing immigrants. How can people fit in to a society if they are told, in so many words, "you are not welcome here?"

Power of POWR PAC

How powerful will the POWR PAC be in city politics? There endorsements skew right wing and white:

POWR PAC - "Partnership of West Side Residents Political Action Committee" - has endorsed David Pepper for mayor, along with a six-member council slate - Democrats John Cranley, an incumbent, and challengers Jeff Berding and Cecil Thomas; and three Republicans, incumbent Chris Monzel and challengers John Eby and Leslie Ghiz.

No Charter Candidates? That is a bit of a surprise. I would have thought Bortz, Tarbell, or maybe Spencer could have gotten a nod.

Bigotry Good For Business

Last weekend I wrote about the Mason, Ohio bar that put a sign up in its front window reading "For Service Speak English."

I made the argument that the community bore responsibility for creating an atmosphere where the bar owner felt he could put a bigoted sign like that in his window, while getting little or no negative response from the members of the community. I got plenty of flack for that argument. Well, today the Enquirer has a story which outlines two points, one of which directly shows my views on the community were actually underplaying the bigotry of the community. Instead of feeling pressure from people around town to take down the sign, the bar owner has had increased business.

Ullum said he has received no complaints about the sign. In fact, he said, the controversy has been good for business.

He said one woman called to say, "We've been in Mason 18 years. We've never been in your bar, but we're coming in to show support."

If Mason is a tolerant city, then why after this story has gotten so much attention have the locals either supported the bigotry or at "best" hid behind cul de sac apathy?

The other point this article brings up is one not limited to Mason. The Ohio Civil Rights commission received emails that show why bigotry, racism, and hate are still around:

"To attempt to deny an American citizen the right to speak their mind in regards to a request to Speak English reveals your fascist tendencies. ... You are a good example as to why this country is turning in to a cesspool of third world scum."

The final interesting element of the article is who is listed as a contributor: Peter Bronson. Why was Bronson on this story? Was he looking to write a column, but even he was disgusted by this and turned over his notes/quotes for a regular news article?

MIAMI 51, Akron 23

Love and honor to Miami,
Our college old and grand,
Proudly we shall ever hail thee,
Over all the land.

Alma mater now we praise thee,
Sing joyfully this lay,
Love and honor to Miami,
Forever and a day.

More Here and Here.

Kabaka Oba Indicted

Ok, Black activist Oba has been indicted. Why do read this?

Police arrested Oba, a bus driver for Queen City Metro, on Oct. 7 as he completed his route. Police said he didn't ask for a lawyer - but did ask for them to call Smitherman.

"That's what he said - have them call Smitherman. And he rattled off a phone number," said Lt. Jack Kraft.

Smitherman, who did not return several phone calls seeking comment, showed up last week at Oba's first court appearance - where Smitherman confronted Municipal Court Judge Kendal Coes in the hallway.

Coes said Smitherman walked up to him and said he was there to support Oba, but did not explicitly ask the judge for any favors.

Why is Councilman Chris Smitherman trying to do anything for Oba?

Cincinnati Advance Radio Is On The Air!

Joe Wessels is back on WAIF today 10AM to 11AM with the premier of Cincinnati Advance Radio. Joe is teaming up with Cincinnati Advance to give Cincinnati a great radio program with local, state and national guests discussing the headlines and local happenings effecting you.

This weeks lineup:

This week we welcome former Cincinnati mayors Roxanne Qualls and David Mann. They will be on to discuss what they think it takes to be Cincinnati's Mayor.

We'll also welcome Leslie Isaiah Gaines. The defense attorney and former judge has released an updated version of his 1994 hit "Shake 'n Blake" about the Cincinnati Bengals with the newer "Shake 'n Quake." Gaines says the Bengals are going all the way. With Sunday's loss, we'll see if he's singing a different tune.

To listen live online check out WAIF's website. Archives of Joe's shows will be online in the future.

Speaking of Endorsements

The following column by Peter Bronson is brought to you by the Committee to Elect Ken Blackwell. It is a badly veiled campaign commercial. Bronson is in Blackwell's corner. He wants a "a real conservative." That sounds like people who say they are a "real Bengals fan," not a bandwagon fan. It reminds me more of a person who says they are a "real Christian," not like the Catholics and Mormons.

(Let the “Brian is an anti-Christian” posts begin. They are wrong, but they will begin none-the-less)