BUZZ Boycott?
The Cincinnati Business Courier is reporting that WIZF-FM (100.9) and WDBZ-AM (1230) will be moving their offices and presumably their studios to Centennial Plaza on Central Avenue, which is across from City Hall. The move is slated to take place in October. The problem this brings is that both radio stations will be in the boycott zone. Will the Boycott Groups (A and/or B) modify their moving target boycott and not call for a listening boycott of the BUZZ and the WIZ come October? Is this a plot by the "man" (I guess I am one of them) to break the boycott? Is the BUZZ merely a pawn in the white man's oppression of the black man? (cough, cough). It couldn't have anything to do with Lincoln Ware wanting to save gas money by not having to drive to City Council meetings, could it?

Trent Lott's Ohio
How soon do we forget? Senator DeWine`s Annual Ice Cream Social is detailed as follows:

Date: June 22, 2003
Time: 1PM-5PM
Special Guests: Senator and Mrs. Trent Lott
Location: DeWine Farm, Cedarville
Contact: Barbara Schenck (937) 376-3080

The Boycott B (CJC) has issued a press release stating they will be protesting the event. Nate has invited the likes of Rev. Al. Sharpton, Kweisi Mfume, Jerry Springer and Ohio Senate candidate Eric Fingerhut, to join the protest. Odds are that Sharpton, Mfume, and Springer will be no shows, but if Eric Fingerhut wants the black vote in the primary, he might do well to go. This will be a long haul for Nate and company. Cedarville is northeast of Xenia, but is located relative close to Central State and Antioch, both schools might actually provide a significant number of protestors, assuming a large enough population of kids are still on campus. If the protests only amounts to the usual suspects from the Boycott B, then it will be a laugher, and attract no attention. The most ironic thing is that racists are protesting a man accused of being a racist. Lott's statements are tame compared to those of the "Black Fist" and other CJC allied groups, who are admitted black nationalists/separatists and racists. The boycott B's tactics do take a new low from their press release:

”CJC leader Nathaniel Livingston, Jr. also questions Senator DeWine’s commitment to family values. Livingston has filed suit to gain access to the divorce records of Senator DeWine’s son, Pat DeWine, a member of Cincinnati City Council. In the Complaint, Livingston accuses Senator DeWine of threatening a local television reporter, John Damschroder, for attempting to report on Pat DeWine’s extramaritial [sic] affair with an African American woman.”

Nate has reached a whole new level of scumbag with that kind of action.

Back to DeWine and Lott. It is very unseemly for Mike DeWine to be hanging around with Trent Lott. DeWine just perpetuates the GOP's reputation as being soft on bigotry. There are 50 other Senators DeWine could have asked to visit, in place of Lott. If Mike thinks he has to get out the KKK vote to help Voinovich beat Jerry Springer, then I think he might be a bit paranoid. At this point Springer is a weak candidate and Voinovich is moderate/libertarian enough to hold on to the middle of the road voter. The Democrats should be all over this, but will they drop the ball. The question that should be on everyone's lips: will State Senator Doug White join his compatriot in shame Trent Lott? White's comments about Jews placed in the same league with Lott, but it did not cost him his leadership position. Will the two of them cost the GOP any votes? I wonder....

UPDATE: Link to the CJC's press release.
UPDATE#2: The Ice Cream Social made the Dayton Daily News, but no mention of Trent Lott, not even a mention. A cancellation or an omission?

DeWine Has a Point?
It is an election year for Cincinnati City Council. That of course means that City Council members will be doing and saying things to try and get elected. Pat DeWine is clamoring about the method in which Council plans on paying for the cost of settling the "racial profiling" lawsuits. DeWine's beef is that instead of fitting the cost into the budget now, most on Council want to issue bonds for it now, and after the election offset the cost of the bonds against unknown budget items. For once I agree with DeWine. If council is going to settle the lawsuits, they should announce to the city what is going to be cut to pay for it. If certain programs, summer jobs programs for example, have to be cut, then let us know now. I am sure the money being to spent to keep Kroger downtown will no doubt drive the boycotter's bonkers, as well as the transnational progressives over at CityBeat. They should be thankful that Kroger is not going to walk away. The nearly 1,200 jobs at the Kroger HQ would be impossible to replace, and so would the tax revenue it creates.

Living in a Van, Down by the River
Pearl Jam's concert slated for tonight was cancelled. I will now wait for the Boycott B groups to issue a press release claiming to have caused the flood of Riverbend Music Center. I guess they either have a lot of buckets, or they drank a lot of beer. Chalk up another “victory” for Nate and the gang. I am sure fans will instead look inward and see the error of their ways. What kind of a person goes to a rock concert, when there are racist groups boycotting the city? What kind of person indeed.

Doug Trapp's Last Tango
In a biting CityBeat Editorial Doug takes on the ills of Cincinnati. Doug is off to Africa as part of the Peace Corps.

CityBeat: Trafficking in Peace
CityBeat News Editor Gregory Flannery is a free man. It appears the Prosecution had limited evidence to convict Greg, and might have wanted to avoid a high profile case with a member of the media. Extra attention is not something a DA wants, unless it can get him reelected.

OK Corral
Since Governor Bob Taft is backing the concealed-carry bill, I wonder if he is going to back the Boot Hill funeral fund?

A Pepper Burn
Greg Korte of the Enquirer reports that City Councilman David Pepper was recently slammed by the GOP for an old photo-op in front of a theater with Developer LaShawn Pettus-Brown, who is wanted by the FBI on fraud charges for misappropriation of funds in the renovation of that theater. Pepper's response was:

"Are they talking about the theater that Ken Blackwell stood in front of and said, 'LaShawn Pettus-Brown doesn't just talk the talk, he walks the walk?' "

Ken Blackwell is currently the Ohio Secretary of State, and a Republican. Ken also was formerly mayor of Cincinnati. I wonder when they are going to start in on each other's mother?

Our Men Flynt
Überfascist Simon Leis and political social climber Mike Allen are off wasting time with a needless prosecution of the Flynt brothers. Last I checked we had countless cases of burglary that have yet to be solved. Why haven't these crimes been solved? Hmm, I wonder if media attention has something to do with it? One last windmill charge for the old sheriff. Here's a summary of that media coverage.:
WLWT, WXIX, 12 WKRC, WCPO,Enquirer, and the Cincinnati Post.

Church tosses defiant minister
The bigots had the votes. Little anyone could do.

Sheriff's deputies seize Hustler videos
Jack booted thugs are off on another snipe hunt again. When will Leis stop his crusade? We have had how many shootings in the last week and the Sheriff’s manpower is wasted on this non-crime? We have real crime going on in the rest of the county. Why does Leis start working some theft cases? Surely fighting theft is more important than working about a few harmless videotapes. Well, I guess in Leis's mind, since he is not aroused by porn, no one else should be either. Nottingham is getting restless. I hope the CAC hides the topless pictures.

West End Community Members Push For Private Security
We have a police force. If there is a special need in a neighborhood, then add more police coverage. If people want private protection, then local businesses can pay for it themselves like every other business does. When bars have off duty cops working outside most of them are paid by the bar or local business association. Set up something similar, but don't use public funds to pay for it. If only public funds are available, then instead hire more police. Outsourced police forces will not fly. The other idea that is often floated to quell West End or OTR crime/violence is hiring the Nation of Islam's private security firm to patrol the streets. Subsidizing a hate group is the last thing the City of Cincinnati should be doing. The bad apple bigots in the CPD are bad enough. Adding racists will just increase the racial conflict. If people only want "black" security firms because they think only "blacks" can secure “blacks”, which some have professed, then those people are professing racist beliefs. Appeasing that racism will become a permanent City policy. I hope the racist vote is not such a big key to Mallory’s or Cooper’s successful political future.

Post Editorial: Weaponsgate?
Compare this to the Enquirer's editorial on this subject. Odd split of local opinion. I like the name, "Weaponsgate", but I would also consider "WMDgate", "Intelgate", or even "Iraqgate". I wll settle for a full-scale investigation with full media attention.

Councilman breaks up fight in Corryville
Tarbell gets involved. Good for him. I find it funny that Jay Love of 1230 the Buzz feels Tarbell should just had called the cops and wait for them to break up the assault. If Jay were watching a murder take place, would he let the person die while waiting for the police to arrive?

Theater protest only grows
So do ticket sales, which this article promotes. I wonder if Peter Bronson has seen the play yet, or is he busy burning porn?

Enquirer Editorial: Ten Commandments
On the issue of erecting a monument of the Ten Commandments on a public school the Enquirer is correct to support the court ruling requiring their removal. They are however wrong in their contention:

There is nothing wrong with exposing children to the moral truths embodied in the Ten Commandments. Teachers are free to explain the moral underpinnings of the commandments and how they influenced the development of our laws and society, just as they free to explain the principles and historical contributions of other religions. But public schools must not show deference to one religion over another, and that is exactly what the stone markers in Adams County were meant to do.

There is something wrong with teachers trying to explain morals to children. Whose morals are you going to choose? I do not want my future children taught that the first four commandments are "moral." The remaining six are in most incarnations good rules to live by, the "Golden Rule" being a better one, and are covered to varying degrees in criminal and civil law. The problem is that how do you teach these rules? Do you teach a kid that killing is wrong, and then ignore the death penalty?

Religion should not be taught in schools beyond the scope of the cultural impact it played in various societies and nations over time. This is useful in understanding history, social studies, and other similar disciplines. One can't study European History for example without understanding the influence of the Roman Catholic Church or the various reasons for war, which often had a conflict of religions element to it. That does not mean the teacher advocates the "morals" taught by a particular religion.

This editorial is a crafty one on a PR basis. The board took the valid legal and logical position of the court ruling, but did not want to come across as "anti-Christian" that stance is perceived to have by fanatics. They therefore chose to raise the issue of a pantheistic type approach to religion in school, which is in my opinion still unconstitutional. A pantheistic approach from a Christian perspective all to often is really a monotheistic approach, where monotheistic religions are acknowledged, while polytheistic and non-religious perspectives are ignored. If not monotheistic, then an institutional religious perspective is the bias, where individual religious beliefs or other minor religions are ignored or viewed as "nutty." The nearly never ending string of possible set of religious beliefs, not to mention the lack of religious beliefs, makes teaching their principals difficult, except in specific historical contexts. Keep moral lessons in the home and/or place of worship. Let teachers stick to the secular world.

Answers for Rob Bernard About WMD
Rob had a few questions for those who are concerned about the US not finding WMD in Iraq yet. I'll leap to a conclusion this might have been a rebuttal to my questions from Thursday. I'll take a stab:

1. Would you concede that Iraq had WMD before Gulf War I?

Obviously yes.:

2. Would you concede that a large number of these weapons were unaccounted for when the inspectors left in '98?

Unaccounted based on UN inspectors, yes. Whether this was true or not, this was the paper accounting.

3. What do you suggest Iraq did with those weapons? Do you really think Iraq destroyed them and just decided not to show us just to be petulant?

These are the possibilities:

1. Iraq overstated its WMD program before 1991, therefore the 1998 accounting was overstated.


2. The accounting of WMD materials in 1998 was wrong, for reasons other than listed in #1.


3. Iraq destroyed its WMD at some point. Could have been anytime after 1998 right up to now.


4. Iraq transferred its WMD to another country or terrorist group.


5. The WMD were looted in the chaos following the fall of the Regime and could be anywhere.


6. The WMD are still hidden somewhere in Iraq.

Rob’s questions confirm the problem of revisionism that has gripped the Bush Administration and its supporters. Bush made the claim that Iraq possessed WMD. He claimed that his administration had clear and certain evidence that Iraq possessed these weapons. Possession of WMD was the tantamount threat to the USA, US interests, and US allies that was made as the basis for going to war. What is becoming more clear is that the only evidence Bush had was circumstantial, at best.

Current efforts at find WMD in Iraq support two conclusions. One is that the US did not have any firm knowledge of where the WMD were located. Also, the low priority of the search indicates that now the unguarded existence of those weapons must not be a threat, because no actual weapons currently exist. This is where the lie/exaggeration/manipulation arises. Bush used the imminent threat of WMD as the focal point for going to war. We were under a threat, and had to defend ourselves. He claimed such, but it is clear now that were we not under such a threat. We may find some WMD, and we will surely find evidence of a WMD Program. Having a program is not an imminent threat to the US. If it were we would have declared war on half a dozen other unfriendly nations. Bush could have just used bad judgment, which will be his defense. The CIA will undoubtedly be the scapegoat, but may end up being Brutus in the end. Bush may have relied on faith-based intelligence. This possible lapse in judgment is a factor and action that a President should not shirk from. He should take it beg forgiveness. He should suffer the defeat at the next election. If Bush did knowingly put forth this threat of WMD without any reliable support, then I have to wonder if anyone can say lying about the reasons for going to war is not an impeachable offense, but lying about a blowjob is. Bush still might get lucky. He might find a bunker full of chemical weapons that could have been used on the US military. If he does, then everyone, including me will have cake on their face. Short of that type of find, I will personally remain angry. I trusted that Bush would not lie about WMD. I assumed Iraq still had a significant cache left. If Bush or anyone in his administration knew before hand that this was not the case, Nixon will begin to look like a light weight.

A crime beyond words
Well, Peter found a few words to use for his column. Is this fire and brimstone week at the Church of Bronson? Peter's false leap in this column is right from the CCV's fascist in chief, Phil Burress. Peter claims pornography causes or leads to "kiddie porn." This is totally unsubstantiated, and completely false. Peter brings out this old and trite propaganda:

Porn peddlers who get filthy rich on it often get away with the myth that "it's a victimless crime."

Peter, "kiddie porn" is horrible. Those are messing with it should be locked up for a long time. Those producing it should be locked up for good. Using the victims of kiddie porn as your tools in your puritanical crusade against pornography is sickening to me. Peter, if you want to attack the scum who abuse children, I will applaud you. If you want to exploit those children's victim hood for an unrelated cause, I condemn your callousness, as well as your closed minded moralizing. If you can't find the words, Peter, I think you should refrain from writing.

Unguarded WMD?
If there are still weapons of mass destruction or the components needed for making them lying around in a bunker someone isn't that rather dangerous? Couldn't someone just walk away with them? Maybe they already have. Isn't that sort of a problem? Isn't that our worst nightmare? Could Hamas have chemical weapons as I type? Hasn't the war increased the danger of WMD? Well, not if Saddam has destroyed them, and not if they were mostly all destroyed by the inspectors in 1998 and before. But WMD are really meaningless, right??? We don't have to fear any terrorists getting hold of them now. We don't need every qualified inspector from around the world to help comb the country as fast as possible, thus preventing anyone stealing the WMD. Those are not fears we should have. We should just sit back, relax, and wait for the dividends to role in.

Imax Theater at Levee closes
Is the Newport Levee not strong enough for big attractions? Is it just a nice mall? I have yet to set foot in the place. All reports are that it is a wonderful place to go, but how much is now empty there? Will the ShadowBox Cabaret be able to survive?

Animal linked to monkeypox went to Edgewood school
If there wasn't any panic before, I bet there is now. I hope the pediatricians are willing to work overtime this weekend.

Dog Day Afternoon
A reader sends a request via email.

I am writing to you in hopes to gain more exposure in helping out a local
dog who needs a good home. She is eight years old, so the local rescue places will not consider her as a candidate; apparently in the dog world she is considered a senior! Her owner passed away last month and the owner's son and I are now taking care of her, though it's a challenge. We live in a small apartment with two cats and two kids, and the dog is not adapting well to the environment.....

A dog needs a good home. Here is another site on the pooch down on its luck. Email the current caretaker here.

Controversy won't deter cast of 'Corpus Christi'
The most perplexing element of this situation is that the play is being performed at a church. A religious group is protesting the play. A Church group is protesting another church. Has that happened before? I am sure it has happened at some point in the past, but a picket line outside another place of worship protesting their rights to use their church as they see fit. This would make a great SNL skit.

City art gallery cited for alcohol violations
Was the Enquirer scooped by City Beat? Read Greg Flannery's latest Porkopolis column and decide for yourself.

Possible Monkeypox Found In Greater Cincinnati
Please do not jump to conclusions. The odds that these are really cases of Monkeypox are on the surface very unlikely. I hope tonight's local news doesn't make this into a panic inducing ratings bonanza. I know, I know, they will. There is not a local TV news produces who would not give their firstborn in exchange for the number one rated news team. I can just picture the teaser...."Monkeypox in Cincinnati? Are You Going to Die? Find out tonight at 11."

President Bush Outlines Iraqi Threat
Above is a link to President Bush's speech from right here in Cincinnati. The link is from the White House, so I doubt anyone will doubt the source. This quote is one that gets my goat:

Some ask how urgent this danger is to America and the world. The danger is already significant, and it only grows worse with time. If we know Saddam Hussein has dangerous weapons today -- and we do -- does it make any sense for the world to wait to confront him as he grows even stronger and develops even more dangerous weapons?

The bold emphasis was added. First, I will not play semantics and say "dangerous weapons" does not necessarily mean WMD. The paragraph in the speech directly before this ends on a quote with the words "weapons of mass destruction." To me, that is what he meant. In the speech over all it is clear he was trying to communicate that Iraq possessed WMD, not that they just had a WMD program. If that is the case, then the questions are rather obvious:

1. If the Bush Administration knew Saddam Hussein had WMD, then how did they know it, yet not know where to find them after the war?


2. If the reader has answered #1 above with something to the effect of "they were destroyed by Saddam" or "they are still hidden" or "they were moved to Syria," then I agree those are possible, but so is the fact that they could had been destroyed before the war.


3. If Bush knew these weapons existed, ready to be used, then why is that not a bigger priority for the administration?


4. If those weapons existed then they could be in the hands of people trying to sell them. Was that not something the war was trying to prevent?


5. If you assume the intelligence on WMD was either weak or faulty or selectively filtered, then why would Bush make such a speech? My answer here is where the lie/exaggeration comes into to play as a means to manipulate public and even Congressional opinion.

The jury is still out on the WMD issue, but my concern is that people are being led into believing that the ends justify the means. Winning without honor is just losing by another name. If anyone can read the whole speech and not believe Bush did not state Iraq possessed WMD, then I will eat my hat. In lieu of not wearing a hat, I will eat my least favorite dinner for a week. Will this issue continue to gain attention? I shall continue to watch, but I do not expect truth to see much light in Bush's America.

The strategically ambiguous George W. Bush
It depends on what the meaning of "is" is, or rather in this case on the meaning of "weapons" of mass destructions vs. "weapons programs." This clear distinction is the basis of Bush's exaggeration/lie about evidence of WMD in Iraq. I hate to once again bring out a cliché, but if Bill Clinton had done this, the right-wingers would be calling him a murder of around 200 US military service members. Bush gets a pass from his flock. The media is starting to come around on this point, but will they keep up the pressure? This is more than enough for any President to be pushed out of office, but that is in terms of a non-media saturated culture. This is enough for him to lose next year. Will the media allow it to be used by the Democrats? I wonder how the beast will handle it. I have hope, but having been a sap on WMD before makes me übercynical on the media having balls.

Chris Anderson comments on Light Rail in Cincinnati. Well, it is really commuter rail using existing track. The idea is interesting, but Chris raises one big issue: the location of the track lacks population within ½ mile. Chris states that this is an important factor in establishing ridership. If people can't walk to the train stops, they are less likely to use it, and ½ mile is the conventional wisdom limit.

Run Jerry Run!
This is just sad. I wonder if the people behind Forest Gump know they have stolen a line from the movie? Quit Jerry Quit? Is that better?

IF YOU WANT the typical fundamentalist's screed on art questioning religion, then Bronson's your man. I myself am tired of responding to his drivel. Does Peter have a deal with the Corpus Christi producers? He raises a stink and they sell more tickets. Hell, I hope they made such a deal. The more people that see this, the more likely it is quality plays will be performed here. What I really have to wonder about Bronson: has he even seen the play? If not, then why is he trusting the propaganda of others? Come on Peter, buy a ticket for yourself and see what all of the fuss is about. My guess is that he might even enjoy himself. He will feel guilty about it, but hey, he can always become a Catholic and then feel guilty all the time.

'Shame the Devil': Hal McKinney and the shooting at Junker's Tavern
An ingaging column from Kathy Y. Wilson of City Beat. Kathy gives a thickly rich taste of Hal McKinny the "Northside Vigilante." Kathy paints McKinny as an honest man with a crystal focus against crime in his neighborhood. He comes across a little sad, and very creepy. I want to say he is obsessed, but Kathy's tone is a relaxed one, and she seemed to be a bit impressed. I think she expected him to be the devil, but instead pulled the curtain to find just a man, flawed yet credibly wise. The bulletproof vest would have been to much for me to handle, even more than having guns lying around a house with 6 year old kid. Needing a vest is not the kind of life I would want, and not want to be around. Kathy gets extra credit for courage in that regard.

Two indicted in Clifton 'mini riot'
The Ruby family is made for a TV movie. Being a Cincinnati restaurant magnet does not mean you are free from scandal. First Mrs. Ruby has a run in with the law, now the son. Brandon's case will undoubtedly get a fair share of scrutiny from those who think his family name might get him a slap on the wrist. That scrutiny includes me, but also I suspect includes some individuals in the boycott. Will Mike Allen push for jail time? Brandon was released on his own recognizance, which is an interesting occurrence. I would have guessed that 2 felony charges might warrant some kind of financial bond. Surprises happen, so he could walk free, or get hard time in state prison. You have to ask yourself one question: when does Mike Allen go up for reelection?

Neoliberal at Your Service
Tom Friedman's column today puts forth a good definition of "neoliberalism":

Neoliberals believe in a muscular foreign policy and a credible defense budget, but also a prudent fiscal policy that balances taxes, deficit reduction and government services.

What I find lacking is the stance a neoliberal would take on social issues. Is a neoliberal closer to Bill Clinton and the DLC on social issues? If that is the case, I am not a neoliberal. Otherwise, that definition fits me fairly well. Throw in a very liberal social freedom belief system and I am hooked, otherwise I have to qualify it with yet another subsection. One of to do items is compiling a listing and a chart on micro political ideologies. This little project is not high on my priorities, but I guess I can label Mr. Friedman without much flack.

My latest Polstate.com post is up.

OH: Springer Creates Exploratory Committee
Talk show host Jerry Springer has announced the formation of an exploratory campaign committee for the U.S. Senate seat currently held by Republican George Voinovich of Ohio. Full Post

Yes, it would appear Jerry is going to run. This is great for bloggers, comedians, news junkies, and professional journalists. It may not be good for the Democrats. Jerry has three positives: money, name recognition, and an untapped constituency.

Commandments removed amid protests
Next day's update on this debacle. The Post reports a total of 35 where "arrested," but according to one protestor none of those arrested were put in hand cuffs or put in jail. Prosecutors were alleged to be determining today whether the protestors would be charged with any crimes. I expect no charges to be filed. The county prosecutor would be toast if he tries for reelection after putting local preachers in jail for trying to enact a theocracy. Small town justice at its best, well, worst.

Dear Diary: These blog readers hang on my every thought
A nice piece on local bloggers. If you read this you might find one blog missing. Well, if I had responded to Lance a bit quicker, I might have been mentioned. He caught me while I was on vacation, and I was late in responding. Oh, well. I got the Enquirer mention last week, so I guess I can let Lance spread the wealth around a bit. (cough, cough)

Removal of Commandments Protested in Ohio
Another update on this story. All 4 stone structures were removed and a total of 30 people were temporally taken into custody. At this point no charges have been filed. I have to ask, how can they not file charges? What kind of hick town is this that the preachers can break the law and get away with it? Is this Boston or something?

U.S. Bank Arena Awaits Dixie Chicks
I wonder how the handful of protestors will be covered? I bet they get some face time on local TV news. I am surprised WLW is letting the Dixie Chicks go through town without a PR stunt. Is Darryl Parks on vacation or something? He lives for that kind crap.

Matt Weiler: Color the Times impressed
Matt has comments on the New York Times review of the CAC's new building. Matt also has few observations on the local reaction to some of the art on exhibit.

U.S. Sees Likely Al Qaeda WMD Attack Within 2 Years
Is the boy King crying wolf or wagging the dog?

Ministers block removal of Commandments
Theocracy in Action! It appears the School officials or School Board and the County Sheriff did not do their duties. These people impeded a public school from doing its business, which was complying with court order. How could this not be something these fascists could be arrested for? Trespassing, disturbing the peace, protesting on public property without a permit are all possible laws they could have been arrested for. Instead politics weighs in on the situation. The school board and sheriff want to get reelected. Nice. I love it when small town bumpkins can scoff at the law with no recompense. Someone should get a contempt of court citation for this.

This action proves conclusively that placing the Biblical 10 commandments on these school's lawns had a religious purpose. This group is forcing everyone to adhere to their religion, and have ignored the law to do it. I am disgusted by this action. I am all for the individual's right to practice any religion in anyway they choose, as long as it does not infringe on other's rights. These religious zealots want to force people to accept their religion's law more powerful than the American Rule of Law.

As expected Bill Cunningham of WLW is acting irresponsibly and is allowing a kook from Adams County on the air claiming there will be a “fight” to keep the commandments on school grounds. Cunningham’s act of ginning up the dolts of Adams country has potentially dire results. The tone of the man was implying to me that he meant a physical fight, not a figurative one. Based on the prior actions by the other zealots earlier today, it can only be concluded this man is willing to attack people who are following the law, by removing the stone commandments. How “Christian” of him to say such. How “American” of him to reject the rule of law, and instead embrace mob rules. If this is any sign of things to come, then future political confrontations in the coming years are headed to more violent outcomes.

UPDATE: WLW is reporting that some arrests may have been made at one location.

UPDATE #2: WLWT updates the story stating that 10 people were arrested. WLWT indicated that only 10 of the reported 400 protesting were arrested because police did not have enough jail space. One of four stone monuments was removed. Protestors claimed they were going to "guard" the remaining three stone structures. I am using the term "protestor" generously in my opinion, but the article used it correctly in an objective manner.

UPDATE #3: WCPO, ONN, the Canton Repository and of course FOX News's story. Can FOX go a day without covering this type of story?

UPDATE #4: The Enquirer's followup.

Man killed in truck in Over- the-Rhine
People who knew him had no idea why he drove 40 into the City. Why would a boiler repairman end up in Cincinnati alone at 12:30 AM? If I were to speculate, I would suppose to buy drugs. I am speculating the police are considering this angle as well. They may have real evidence of such, where I am only guessing. They also may have evidence to infer the man was on a joy ride to the city. Will this man’s death get anyone’s attention? Nope. Number 31 is no more newsworthy than number 30, who ever that was.

Cincinnati in Black, White and Green
Well, if you want a skewed column filled with basically bigoted rhetoric, this is your article. What do you expect from the Nation of Islam? Well, I expect racist and bigoted columns, and this one fits right in with false claims, and bogus suppositions. All from a UC professor. Who would have guessed?

Let people decide on flag desecration
Ok, I guess this person would not have a problem with a constitutional amendment outlawing Christianity. The conflict with the first amendment means little to him, we can just wipe away certain elements of religious freedom. Wait, he is a Christian? Well, if the "people" decided to change the law, then I guess he is SOL. This part took the cake:

"The notion that flag burning is rare is not an issue, and if the Enquirer was to follow this mind-set they need to withdraw editorial opinion (April 9, 2003) that cross burning, which occurs far more infrequently than flag burning, should be illegal. Our laws are based on right and wrong, not frequency of occurrence. "

I wonder if this moron can tell me the last time a flag was burned? I have not heard of it happening anywhere around here, and we all dame well that FOX News would carry it live it happened. What we have seen locally within the last year right here in Southwest Ohio is a cross burning up near Oxford. So no, Mr. Marty Justis, if that is your real name, I don't think you can claim flag burnings happen more than cross burnings. I don't think you can claim that historically most definitively. What I think you should worry about is property rights. If I own a flag, it is my property. Does Mr. Justis want to infringe on my property rights? If that is the case, then I think a few of his fellow conservatives might have a beef with him. It is now against the law to burn a flag you don't own or don't have the permission to burn, and in some places you can only burn things on private property, with permission of the owner. Those obstacles are more than enough to preserves this guy myth of meaning in a his cloth. If he wants to ban something, why not ban the burning of books? Or better yet, ban the burning of the constitution.

Enquirer Editorial: “Iraq's weapons: Threat was there”The title of this editorial should be “Iraq’s weapons: Ends Justify the Means.” The Editorial Board of the Enquirer cares little about lying. They care little that everyone of consequence in the Bush Administration stated Iraq possessed WMD and were trying to gain more, using this claim as the main and most immediate rationale that war against Iraq was for National Security reasons. That claim was either an out right lie, faith in bad intelligence, or miracle brilliance on the part of the Iraqis to destroy or hide their WMD.


I don’t doubt Iraq was trying to gain more WMD, but there was no concrete evidence that Iraq had weapons ready to be used on short notice, thus creating a threat. They might have possessed machines with dual use. They likely had unprocessed materials that could have been used to create WMD. There are many many countries that have the same thing: Syria, Iran, and North Korea being three of the most well known. If there was no immediate threat, then justification for an invasion lies back on the other reasons given: violation of the UN, and deposing of a dictator.

Does this possibility mean war was justified? On the threat of WMD alone, no. Do the other reasons given for going to war justify it, yes, but lying about the only reason involving a threat to the USA does nothing to support it after the fact. Playing bait and switch does not fly. It will fly with Bush loyalists and apathetic idiots, but not to anyone who cares about simple truth.

Do Bush’s remaining reasons for war support his value of leadership? At this point HELL NO! His rationale for war now could and should be used in a dozen plus other countries, but it is clear Bush cannot and will not seek to take military action anywhere in Africa or Southeast Asia, against countries with just as horrible governments as Iraq had. He may look to invade Iran or Syria, killing thousands of American soldiers in the process. That possibility sounds far fetched I know. Invading Iraq sounded just as far fetched to me back in 2001 and early 2002. I believed Bush on the WMD, that although they could likely not be used to hit American soil directly, they could be used to hit Israel or other US allies or International US targets. I believed that Bush would not exaggerate, not rely on weak evidence, and not lie like a dog as a means to justify a war. I do not like Bush as president at all, but I supported the president and assumed he was being mostly honest about going to war. I did not trust Bush, but I honestly believed he would not spin a war like he spun his tax cut. I was wrong. I was a sucker. I expected that the US Military would find munitions loaded with chemical weapons ready to go in some kind of bunker or complex in Baghdad or Tekrit. At this point, none have been found. I assume we are correctly looking for them, but I don’t trust the Bush Administration to be looking for them. If they find anything now, it will be difficult to trust what they find. They may still find something. All they may find now is either traces of materials used to make WMD, or if they are lucky, large amounts of materials used to make WMD. I doubt they will find much any of anything supporting a viable capability to use or easily produce WMD.

Will Bush suffer for misleading the country? Only a little bit, assuming he does not get “lucky” and find something consequential. Bush supporters will allow the man do anything he wants with little or no response. Those who opposed Bush before will still oppose Bush. The rest, well, that is where it remains to be seen. If the mainstream media does its job and finds the truth on the WMD, and asks about it constantly right up to November 2004, then Bush on paper should be defeated. If the media slacks off, or lets Bush off, then little will change based on this issue alone. The media so far has slowly been working on the story. The true test will be how they react to the campaign of denials and revisionism from the Bush Gang. As long as the media does not let Bush and company try and claim that the presence of WMD did not matter and the ends are all that matters, then the truth may come out. If the media instead follows Bush like a lemming, as the Enquirer has done, then I am afraid Bush will have been allowed to wage war on false pretenses.

Martha Stewart: Living sucks these days!
Ilene Huffman from XRAY Magazine vents on the Martha Stewart scandal. I too have little pity for, especially after watching the NBC TV movie Martha, Inc. I normally don't watch TV movies, but it is TV summer, so little else was on. The movie made Martha out to an obsessive bitch, bent on world domination. Well, not world domination, but domination of a big chunk of it.

Jailed Juror Hires High-Profile Attorney
Do you have to ask who this attorney is? Or do you trust your instincts?

WCIN sues Etta James (Last Item)
WCIN's 50th anniversary celebration June 2 ended on a bad note when Grammy winning singer Etta James failed to take the Stage at the Cincinnati Zoo's Pavilion. According to the Cincinnati Herald’s front page story, the lawsuit claims that

"While the Blind Boys of Alabama performed, Defendant Jamesetta Hawkins (Etta James) refused, offering no reasonable explanation or one recognized in the contract between parties."

Ms. James who is 65 years old, did not go on because she believed WCIN could not pay her, according to the Cincinnati Post story. As of now, the Boycott B gang is not claiming responsibility. No report was made of any protests at the event.

Note: The Cincinnati Herald has no known website to provide a link to their story.

Some In Cincinnati Have Misgivings About Tax On Visiting Athletes
It appears the Boycott B's Nate Livingston had a valid point that this law was in effect, something I did not know. (A mea culpa) What is unclear is that this law affects Ava Muhammad from the Nation of Islam, as I posted here. Her status under this law is debatable, but she is not a professional entertainer or professional athlete. I assume Nate is claiming she is a professional entertainer. Nate is still making a federal case out of this issue and I don’t know why. NOI is a racist group, but so is the Black Fist, an endorser of Nate’s Boycott B. I guess Nate is cooking a red herring up in the form of his faux attack on the NOI. I will now just await another email calling me names.

CalPundit: Hillary-NRO Smackdown!
Kevin Drums finds that "...Howell Raines isn't the only editor who knows how to flood the zone."

WNKU to showcase local music
Where do you have to go to get local music? Public radio stations. Clear Channel can't risk anything, so they wouldn't want to showcase local talent, when they can just plug in a direct from factory band, complete with pre-made image and merchandising contract.

Mayor poses election change
Who actually opposes changing how city council is elected? I don't think the Republican's are to keen on it, with Monzel's apathetic statement:

"It wasn't tainted by the politics of City Hall. Coming from the inside, I don't know if it will have legs," Monzel said. "But we'll see."

Uber-conservative Tom Brinkman is for a change, along with Charterite John Schlagetter. If elements of all three parties favor change, then is the only conflict when to change and what the structure of the revised council would resemble.

Of the three plans out there I like Democrat Donald Driehaus's plan of 7 district seats and 3 at large. Brinkman wants 15 seats, which seems far to many, and Schlagetter stated he likes the idea of proportional representation, which has the taint rewarding the little guy a bit to much. The basic fight will be on where you draw the districts. If the recent episode in Texas is any example, that process could get very ugly. Race will of course be the pink elephant in room for that process. This idea was one of the original boycott demands, and from the boycotters perspective they idea was to get more blacks on council, or at least gerrymander the districts to guarantee a minimum number would make it on council, almost a back door quota.

Luken is wise to get out front of this issue with the proposal to hold public hearings on the issue. The problem with all of the plans so far is that they lack details. Luken's process has the potential of giving the public a chance to learn about the plans, voice opinions on them, and attract support for what hopefully will end up being a broadly supported Charter Amendment. I hope the process to form districts has a mostly objective criteria as its basis, otherwise the process will become a pissing mach for power among power hungry interest groups. Your Price Hill groups, Hyde Park cartel, and boycotters all will scream about this or that, leaving little room for compromise. If those groups have the courage to be objective this might work, but that is a pipe dream. The worry that will be more cause for concern is long term: neighborhood competition for funding. Council members will be expected to bring home the bacon for their constituents. At-large council members can only provide minor balance to what will surely be a rancorous battle with the Downtown councilman and the Price Hill Councilman and the Avondale Councilman all battling for dollars. No Whammies, Big Money….Stop!!!

Other Coverage: Post, ONN, Canton Repository, WCPO, WKRC, and City Beat

Queen City Soapbox: Ethan Hahn on Bronson on Art. Ethan shares my view that Peter Bronson's opinions on art are not worth the canvass they are painted on.

Women's World Cup may come here
This is great news, but the last sentence makes me worry.

"The Bengals are conducting the negotiations with the soccer federation."

With the Browns in charge, failure is only a few press briefings away.

Bronson: Is that art or a joke?
Once again Peter has demonstrated his lack of any desire to see life beyond the steak and potato mindset. Art to Peter is supposed to be comfortable, like shag carpet. Peter should stick to "Dogs Playing Poker," or even a velvet Elvis. He can keep the milquetoast; let the willing souls take on the challenge of something outside the typical, and even a bit over the edge. If you don't live a little bit beyond the norm, then normal is all you care about, and bland is all you will be.

UPDATE: Artist Zhang Huan and a Doberman Pinscher in color from the Post. This is even less offensive than I thought. I actually find it interesting.

Matt Weiler Presents.....

Harold McKinney is reportedly running for Cincinnati City Council. Local TV stations reported tonight that Mr. McKinny will soon officially announce his candidacy. Mr. McKinny, called the Northside Vigilante, was cleared last month on charges stemming from a shooting in bar during an alleged robbery. His actions are an astute political move, but are a morally reprehensible exploitation of vigilante justice.

UPDATE: WKRC and WCPO's Stories.

New York's 'Naked Cowboy' Grins and Bares It
I don' know if we want to claim him, but Naked Cowboy got his start here in Cincinnati. I even saw him myself at Taste of Cincinnati several years ago.

'Matrix' influence examined in slayings
I have not yet seen either of the Matrix movies. This is a reason that makes me want to see both of them, but this should scare my friends and coworkers. (cough, cough)

CINCINNATI BLOG makes the Enquirer Website. I am mentioned towards the end. There is also a section on XRAY.

Shopping for Media Attention?
Since Nate and the rest of the Boycott B crew have lost favor in the local media, it appears they had to go attention shopping all the way to Cleveland. Now, which news reporter was the Boycott B crew able to reach? The Plain Dealer's assistant travel editor reporter seems to be the latest to take the bait. I wonder if a little bit of the reporter loved down playing Cincinnati's tourism industry, in hopes of promoting Cleveland. I hope not, but I have to question her with an article headline like: "Cincinnati feels pinch of boycott."

Downtown skywalk falls into disfavor
I am with the 65% in the WCPO/Enquirer poll; keep the skywalk.

Developer sues reporter over paper's articles
I am no lawyer, but I find it odd that the newspaper was not included in the lawsuit. Here is Dan Monk's article referenced in the lawsuit. I see no libel in the article at all. Monk reported facts, nearly all from publicly filed documents. This is most likely nothing more than a legal manuver in what is legal feud between a developer and some of his investors.

2nd Study Finds Gaps in Tax Cuts
I wonder if Peter Bronson has read this article. Again, more evidence of the lies that are coming from the Bush Administration on this new tax law. Everyone is not getting a tax cut. 8 Million taxpayers are not getting a tax cut. That number does not include the extreme poor, who already pay no federal income tax. Now, this type of lie is not new to politics. Everyone does it. What I find disingenuous is that there are people out there who think this President is somehow different. I guess these same people think their congressman or senator does a good job, but the rest are corrupt. The other lies are that this will be an immediate stimulation to the economy and the gimmicks used to limit the initial "cost" to around $350 million. I am beating a dead horse here, but I don't really care. Tax policy is all ready tedious and sleep inducing. Repetition will not harm it at all.

The Cincinnati Post also had an Editorial on this earlier this week.

Bronson: You can pay my taxes
Mr. Bronson, if I had a tax break to give you, I just might do it. Since I get no tax relief, I therefore can tell you to pound sand. If your boy Bush and his crew were honest, they would address the fact that I get nothing out of the latest tax cut. I wonder if Peter is expecting every parent to be eligible for that $400 in a tax credit. If he were to read the fine print he might realize that not every parent, not every lower income parent, will be able to get that $400 tax credit. Peter does not want to waste his time on the fine print while he can trumpet the trickle down economic policies of the Bush Administration.

Ohio workers' comp premiums to rise 9%; employers to pay full cost
So much for a raise next year.

Cincinnati's old-line third party wants big change
An interesting picture of non-incumbent Carterites. The question is, will they get the exposure need to be elected? This article will surely help.

Volunteer Slavery: Thoughts on Jayson Blair's screwup at The New York Times
An interesting perspective from Kathy Y. Wilson. It has the usual assumptive blame white people tone, but her own personal experiences add credibility to the situation. One fact I hope Kathy agrees with me on, but was missing from her column, is that Jayson Blair is finished in serious journalism. He will get offers from tabloidic outlets, but not any significant outlets, significant in respect to reporting hard news.

Bob Hope: Entertainer's local legacy
I had first hand exposure to the Bob Hope 100th birthday celebration on my visit today to the Ronald Reagan Library in California. They currently have a special Bob Hope exhibit, and they were serving cake today to all visitors in celebration. Four local TV news crews were in attendance to cover the event, and my backside was even filmed briefly. The Library, really a museum, is pretty good. One must accept going in the propaganda of the GOP on Reagan's legacy, but the place is worth the visit for history buffs. They are working on expanding it to include one of the old Air Force One jets. That will be worth visiting all by itself when they finish next year.

Tax-cut cash is on the way (not for me)
The Enquirer provides the GOP talking points on the Tax-Cut, but fails to include the fine print. For starters, I do not get a tax cut. As I have been screaming about for months now, I get nothing. I am in the 15% bracket based on my AGI. I have no children, and I am not married. All of my investments are in my 401(k). Add that all up, and you get the hard facts. My tax rates are not being lowered, and I do not get any increased tax credits. Not a penny. Let no one fool you into thinking that everyone is benefiting from this plan. Single people are not, unless they make some serious bread. This tax cut is far more tilted towards the higher income brackets than the 2001 tax was, by far. Add that to the fact that some of the child care credits originally set for lower income families was taken out of the final plan.

Columbia Parkway up for repairs
My drive in to work will now suck rocks. Well, it will suck when I get back from vacation.

Vacation
I am on vacation. My blogging will go on, but at a pace that fits in with my tourism schedule.

Group steps up campaign against violence
Billboards are their answer? Why not just pass out flyers? This is nothing but a dog and pony show to make people think the Boycott A is "doing something" to prevent the out of control violence in OTR and other intercity neighborhoods. Advertisements are not going to deter drug gangs. If "Just Say No" will not stop the drug dealers, than "So Many Tears" has little more chance.

Cracks showing in boycott movement
Well, it appears the big media are agreeing with me on the state of the Boycott. At this point it is fun to watch. If it was not sad to watch people corrupted by the lust for power and wealth, I would really enjoy their self destruction. I think the credibility of Boycott B, Nate and Company, is as low as it can be. The Press should be on notice, assuming they read the Enquirer, that Nate and his crew are on the fringe, and represent no one but themselves. Any attention given to the Boycott B from this point on is nothing but sensationalism. I will try and avoid it myself, but sometimes the tawdry is just to hard to resist.

The AP's Version.

Al Qaeda’s Summer Plans
Did they include Ohio? This paragraph from the Newsweek Article indicates that there is an Ohio connection:

The Feds have identified a few Qaeda soldiers already in the United States. Intelligence sources tell NEWSWEEK that during his interrogation, Khalid Shaikh Mohammed fingered an Ohio truckdriver. In a major breakthrough, the Feds picked up the truckdriver, who began to cooperate. According to law-enforcement sources, the truck- driver was involved in plots to bring down a bridge and blow up an airliner. The truckdriver was asked by his Qaeda masters to obtain the proper tools for loosening the bolts on a suspension bridge. As for the airliner, the truckdriver said that cargo trucks could easily drive underneath passenger jets without arousing suspicion.

Cleveland has a significant Arab and Muslim population, so logically speaking the truck driver would be from the Northeast Ohio area, but he could have lived anywhere. What the article does not indicate is where the bridge or airport are located. The truck driver could simply live in Ohio, but could have been planning the attack anywhere he ran his route. Ohio has 43,075 bridges statewide, second in number only to Texas, according to this ODOT report(pdf). Most of those are small minor bridges. Logically in Ohio the bridges to attack would be on a major highway in a major city. I don't know of any major bridges in Columbus, and there are not that many in Cleveland. If you are going to go after a bridge in Ohio is would be in Cincinnati. The only other place would be trying to close down I-70, I-75, or I-90, causing the price of freight to jump in the region sky high. Gladly this person was caught, but this does mean that terrorists can target anyplace. Ohio is still much less likely to be a place where civilians would be targeted. Industry and commerce are the soft underbelly of the State and the country. I do wonder if this relates at all as to why Cincinnati and Cleveland got Federal anti-terrorism funds, but not Columbus. The more likely bottom line reason is that both Cleveland and Cincinnati have major Federal facilities to target, that Columbus does not. Targets include Federal Reserve Branches, the United States Court of Appeals for the Sixth Circuit, a NASA facility, and an IRS processing center. Those would be bigger targets for domestic terrorism, instead of the Al Qaeda brand, which still is more likely in the this part of the country.

U.S. to host 2003 Women's World Cup
This is great news for women's soccer, but great news for Columbus, Ohio. Crew Stadium was listed as a site in the orginal proposal for the revised tournament.

Stars and Stripes: BBC, DOD differ on Lynch rescue news
Fair and Balanced reporting on the Pfc. Jessica Lynch rescue from a newspaper that is affiliated with the U.S. military, but is nearly exclusively published for the members of the U.S. military. This story is mostly a summary of the facts, but it presents them in an objective manner. This story is getting minor coverage in the U.S. media, and will likely get little more. The press is scared to death to dare question the veracity of the story surrounding an American "hero." This young woman's story is riddle with problems, none of which are her doing. The military PR machine at a minimum pumped up the story. The report that she has amnesia is the cherry on a skeptical Sunday. I was please to see that FOX News Watch did cover the story, and did so fairly credibly.

Taste of Cincinnati

Above you can see the mighty boycott B in action. Can't make them out in the crowd? Well, there were less than 10 present, so they were easily missed. As I took this picture the man with the video camera trained in on me. I guess I made him suspicious. You never know when the "man" may try something dangerous with a digital camera. I was sure to wave back at the camera once I had taken my picture.

City Council candidates were also out campaigning. I had a very nice chat with Charter candidate John Schlagetter on his chances and city politics in general. I also briefly met Nick Spencer, an independent candidate for council. Pat Dewine was also out, but I doubt he would have been open to wasting his time talking to a blogger, even a fellow Miami Alumnus.

Oh the Things You Get in Emails
When someone calls you a white supremacist it can sting. When that someone is a black supremacist it tells you that you are in the right. In an email I was call just that. The email writer was a hotheaded boycott B bigot. Saying the pot is calling the kettle black does not do this irony justice. I am the furthest thing from a racial supremacist as most anyone can be. I am an individualist, if anything, but a humanist as well, creating one entertaining combination. What I am not, is supremacist. I am a bit of an intellectual snob, but I make up for that with my countless other faults. I laugh when I am labeled. I laugh because I am lumped into one group by one nutcase, and in another group by some other hardliner. Being called names is fine. I call people names all the time. I usually mean it when I do, at least when I being serious. When I am called a white supremacist simply because I refuse to bow towards a fringe group of black nationalists/racists bent on seeking revenge on non-black people for all of their personal failures, I tend to chafe a bit. I can be magnanimous however. When someone has to call me a racist, they must have little other ammunition to through at me. When I point out anti-Semitism and anti-homosexual beliefs in people and groups, they try to dodge my charges, but making stuff up, but I will not be fooled. I will maintain my observation and commentary. Bigots can hide, bigots can fool most people, but when you don’t worry about gaining influence on image, you can’t be muted. I guess Mr. “wanna be” Al Sharpton will have to find a new name to call me.

Tristate Fire department worker held in beating (last item)
I meant to link to this earlier. People wonder why the hate crimes law was passed? Here a fireman is accused of assault. The problem so far is that at this point no there's no indication that the hate crimes ordinance is being considered. He is being charged with misdemeanor assault, so when would the Hate Crime ordinance come into play? I think this case is set to go to the grand jury. I hope they are not swayed by the uniform.

My XRAY Cincinnati column on understanding the media is up.

CityBeat: The Social Justice Crisis in Cincinnati
There is no "social justice crisis" here in Cincinnati. There are problems for poor people. Wherever there are poor people, there are problems, that is a fact in a capitalistic society that will never cease unless material wealth is cheap and simple to provide to all. Dan La Botz is making a political move. He is nothing new; call it socialism or him a transnational progressive. His goals are not for social justice; instead it is for political power. He praises the CBUF, while trying to paper over the anti-gay bigotry that runs rampant in that organization and in the black activist community. Opportunistic coalitions of convenience. Both the fringe progressives and the black separatists/nationalists want to take down the corporate economic system. The problem is that allies today, will be enemies later. Once one gets power, they will dump their partner, for power is the goal, not justice.

Lazarus adding Macy's to its name Aug. 1
Officially, I have no comment. Off the record... Jeff, I told you so!!!!

Collaborative: City To Pay Plaintiffs $4.5 Million
Ok, yet another demand is met, but will it stop anyone? Of course not. The wallet is open and the greedy will just up the ante.

Ex-county investigator convicted of theft
The man who made off with $2,817 in 1996 under Joe Deters' watch has taken the deal. If Joe couldn't account for money in a locked property room, how can he handle the State of Ohio's money?

Church accused of hiding evidence
Gun Nuts get off, but the Catholic Church gets the third degree. Is this bizzaro world? Nope, this is a fundamentalist Christian's wet dream.

Bronson: One man who made a stand
Peter does his best to wave the flag of gun nuts everywhere. The quote that sticks out in my mind most is this from Mr. McKinny:

"That law about guns in a bar sure didn't stop those guys," he said. "

I guess this is what we should expect if the conceal and carry law passes. Even if that law does not allow people to carry guns onto private property where they are not allowed to carry guns by law, like bars and schools, then people like Mr. McKinney will not adhere to the those laws. If Mr. McKinny can't be indicted on a gun law now, why can I expect that gun nuts who break the law will ever be charged for carrying around their gun where ever they damn well please? It has been almost 200 years since Cincinnati was considered the "West." Well the Wild West was out in force in a Northside Saloon, and Frontier Justice is ruling supreme. Where is Wyatt Earp when you need him?

New publisher named for Enquirer
Interesting News. I am not knowledgeable enough on the interworkings of newspapers, but I have to give Margaret Buchanan the benefit of the doubt mainly because she worked at the newspaper in the town where I was born, Elmira, N.Y., at the Star-Gazette.

This real issue to watch for is will the Enquirer start charging for online content. Let us hope no, but if that what it takes to keep it afloat, I think the print media is doom. The Enquirer has many many faults, but it is really the only semi-comprehensive news source for this region. All other outlets piggyback on it. I would wish that the Mrs. Buchanan pushes to increase it reporting staff, especially reporting from Columbus on State Government.

Texas agency destroyed records related to search for Democrats
What are the odds that the nation media picks up on this issue? I would say 1 to 3 against. What are the odds that there is any kind of either State or Federated investigation into this? I would say 1 to 20 against. What are the odds that anyone who dares to raise this as a political issue being labeled unpatriotic? I would say 1 to 1; take it to the bank.

[Link via Atrios]

Captain Nate vs. Moby Farrakhan?
For some bizarre reason Nate Livingston is pushing for an investigation into a member of the Nation of Islam because he claims that person "did not report her earnings or pay her taxed to the city of Cincinnati, Hamilton County, the State of Ohio, or the United States government." Ms. Ava Muhammad reportedly broke the boycott and gave a speech at an event here in Cincinnati. Nate has written letters to various public officials of each entity mentioned above. Nate needs to check up on a few things. Regarding Cincinnati Law, when I read § 311-15 Exception to the Tax it starts off with one line “The tax provided for herein shall not be levied upon the following:” and then paragraph (h)

on the compensation of an individual if all of the following apply: (1) the individual does not reside in the city of Cincinnati; (2) the compensation is paid for personal services performed by the individual in the city of Cincinnati on twelve or fewer days in the calendar year; (3) in the case of an individual who is an employee, the principal place of business of the individual's employer is located outside of the city of Cincinnati and the individual pays tax on the compensation described in subsection (2) of this section to the city, if any, in which the employer's principal place of business is located, and no portion of that tax is refunded to the individual.

seems to indicate that Ms. Muhammad does not have to pay Cincinnati income tax, unless she earns income here for 11 or more additional days this year.

The main issue that Nate seems to miss, is that this is income is for 2003. The group who paid Ms. Muhammad does not have to immediately report that income to any government this soon, because she is not their employee. They may very have to report it, but not this quickly, and it is not Ms. Muhammad’s responsibility to report it until she files her tax returns for 2003 next April, which is why I assume Nate is going after Victoria Straughn.

Also, for the record, you don’t have to report income to Hamilton County. They don’t lay taxes on income.

Nate is oddly attacking groups that other members of his crowd would logically support. What is comical is that Nate is calling the CCFJ (Coalition of Concerned Citizens for Justice) a “gang.” He claims groups like the Nation of Islam and CCFJ “have threatened to commit vicious and violent acts against anyone who opposes them.” There are members of Nate’s boycott B “gang”, including Nate himself, that one might argue the same could be true. That is either ironic, or hypocritical or both.

Bearcats' Hicks is suspended
I hate to say it, but this is nothing new to the Cincinnati Bearcats. What I wonder is, now that the Cinco de Mayo Six might get booted, this basketball player might get booted, but when you read this

"University of Cincinnati sophomore quarterback Gino Guidugli was arrested Sunday for the second time in four months after he allegedly punched an opponent in an intramural basketball game."

but you don't here anyone asking if he violated school policy, I have to wonder why he is special? How many other basketball players did things wrong, but did not get expelled from UC? This incident alledged took place on UC campus, so all bets are off, this is covered by school rules no question. Will UC do the right thing and expel Gudugli? I will not hold my breath. {Full Disclosure: I am a Miami grad, so I am slightly biased.}

Boycott coalition targets concert
The concert still went on despite a lawsuit and the usual mini-carnival of militant racist boycotters.

An "Unindicted" Folk Hero
Chris Anderson comments on what some are calling the Northside Vigilante. Prosecutor Mike Allen was on 1230 the Buzz today, giving a typically bland performance. Mike has big balls. He dismissed the obvious fact that Mr. McKinney clearly was carrying a gun in a liquor establishment, a crime. He weakly tried to rationalize the grand jury's decision based upon being presented all of the affirmative defenses Mr. McKinney could employ. Couple this erroneous claim with the contention on the Buzz that only one gun was found at the scene. Mike could have easily refuted that claim, but instead of claiming he could not answer that under law, he said that he really did not know the facts of the case well enough to answer. This case smells bad. The case was a slam-dunk light sentence, but it still should have gone to trial. This does nothing but provide fodder to the criticism of the Justice System. If this man was not a Citizens on Patrol Program member he would have been indicted, and Mike Allen’s office would have gotten it done. The old cliché is more often than not true; the DA can get a ham sandwich indicted. In this case he could not get a soon to be NRA poster boy indicted. Guns for all, justice for the gun owner, and screw the rest.

Because things like this tick me off
Matt Weiler has a problem with the City of Chicago's snub of Cincinnati in its names of streets. Other Ohio cities are represented, but not Cincinnati. I think we should boycott Chicago until this injustice is overcome.

BRONSON: Justified shooting by a 'guardian angel'
Another conservative who seems to have abandoned any pretense of supporting the rule of law. Laws seem to be avoidable if you happen to break one that opposes the cause celeb of the gun lobby.

I again understand not charging the man with assault. I don't agree with it, but I understand it. I do not understand not indicting him on the charge of possession of a firearm in a liquor establishment. The trial jury could have found him not guilty or even given a very light sentence, or better yet, the guy could have cut a deal and served no time. This grand jury should be reviewed as much as the Twitty grand jury was. I would like to know the racial make-up of the jury. I would like to know if any witnesses were called. I wonder if this will be talk radio fodder tomorrow. My guess is that the usual suspects will comment on it in their predictable fashion, a cheer from WLW and a boo from the Buzz. Bronson’s advocacy of vigilantism is not new, but is expected when it is politically constructive.

Rival boycott groups in court
On today's episode of As the Boycott Turns Juleana Frierson quips, "They're crazy and -- they're acting more like a gang." The judge agreed and issued restraining orders against Boycott B members: Nate Livingston, Steve McDaniels, William Kirkland, Kabaka Oba, Monica Williams, Shannan Clark and Amanda Mayes. Which by all known accounts, makes up nearly 75% of their membership. The straw that broke the camel's back was Frierson's contention:

She accused them of surrounding her car at a boycott event sponsored by her group last Saturday and then rocking the car, pounding its windows, hood and trunk and cursing at and harassing her.

Will the Boycott B group dissolve? Will the Boycott A group cower in fear of the militant tactics of the Boycott B group? Will Nate and Juleana settle their differences by taking a private moonlight cruise on the Ohio? Will Kabaka find the “White Man” pulling all the strings that “made” his son break the law? Will Amanda Mayes bash the Jews again? Will Damon Lynch III actually move to the neighborhood he seeks to champion, or at least live in the City of Cincinnati? To find out, turn in to our next episode of As the Boycott Turns.

Jury clears bar 'hero'
This excerpt from the article sounds like something:

"The grand jury reflects the community," said Hamilton County Prosecutor Mike Allen. "The only thing that I can surmise is that the grand jury felt the elements of the offense were not there."

What does it sound like??? Grand Jury Nullification, or one could speculate it sounds like Prosecutorial manipulation. Was Mike Allen pressured by the gun lobby or the concealed and carry lobby (basically the same group) to help get the grand jury to look the other way on charges of possessing a gun in a bar?

If all it takes for a person to get off is “community” opinion to be in their corner, then I think there have been quite a few people demonized by the Prosecutor’s office that should not have been. Hustler was one, Mapplethorpe was another. Oh, wait, could this “community” Mike Allen speaks of not be the community at large, but instead is the “community” of Republican donors and activists? Hmmm, do you think that is possible.? Phil Burress, say it “ain’t” so.

UPDATE: Additional Press reports -- Enquirer, WCPO, WKRC, WLWT, Plain Dealer, and the Dayton Daily News.

Voinovich feeling heat for tax vote
More criticism on Voinovich, who by all accounts deserves some. George was more concerned about a fictional number, the 350 billion. In typical political fashion George PR campaign as a GOP maverick was a scam. He found a way to appear to appease both sides, while pulling the wool over the voter's eyes. Same bat time, same bat channel.

Equirer: Forum Race relations
Yet another dialogue calling for more dialogue. Let us talk about the need for people to talk to one another. Why don’t we ever discuss the need for breathing?

The need for people to feel they are doing something is only outpaced by the need for people to think they should be doing something.

A FEW unkind words from The New Republic Online: etc. on Senator George Voinovich. He held to his 350 billion number, but caved on the dividend tax semi-repeal.

Just as a reminder to all concerned, I will not be getting any kind of tax cut under any of the plans put forth by the House or Senate or the President. That is Zero, nada, none, a doughnut, el blanko, nil, nothing, zilch, zip, not an iota of a tax cut.