Ad Bitz

Get used to the phrase I am {Insert Candidate's Name Here} and I endorse this message. Ohio will be the dumping ground for every political advertisement possible in the Presidential race. We are in for wall to wall TV commercials that will really start to wear on you. I would get used to it for while. Your only hope is that the polls swing to one candidate's favor over 15%, so the other candidate might give up on us.

City Worker's Racial Slurs

Well, I hope they fire this idiot. This guy sounds like a Klansman. What I hope people understand happened is this:

The suspect even made some of the comments after he was verbally confronted by fire and police personnel who were monitoring the radios.

"Why don't you be a man and identify yourself?" one of them asked.

Now, I hope this is not played up into some wide conspiracy of KKK infiltration of city government. I hope the boycotters don't go McCarthy on us.

Springer Back in Town

Jerry is moving back to Cincinnati, or so says his aides. Maybe Jerry is going to run for Mayor in 2005.

Cranley and Ghiz?

Korte is reporting, well mentions in passing that Leslie Ghiz used to date John Cranley. This is not the first I heard of this, but I thought someone was just kidding around. Damn, the political class in this city sure moves around in small circles.

In the same article Korte writes in what I can assume was Steven Reece corning him and forcing him to listen to him go on and on about the plans he has for his daughter. Statewide office or Mayor? Does she need to learn to walk before she can fly?

Bronson and Amos Clarification

Yesterday I wrote about Bronson's column and need to clarify my comments about Denise Smith-Amos. She sent me an email and mentioned the her Jan 12 Q&A did include a section on the topic Bronson covered. She also mentioned that her Q&A is not an opinion piece, therefore she does not express her views, as I suggested she should have.

My intent in mentioning her was to more point out that Bronson was the wrong person to be making the points he made in his column, and my asking why she did not cover it in her Q&A failed to mention the linked article above. I did not mean to suggest that she failed in reporting this issue. What I intended to ask is why the Enquirer Editors did not have her tackle that subject, and then I brought up that she might not share Bronson opinions, which is of course understandable.

If I offended her, I apologize.

Primaries

Kerry won BIG. He will be the Democratic Nominee. Ohio I think is officially in play.

DeWine is winning big.

Monzel is losing. That means it will be Grossman vs. Portune.

Museum Levy is passing big.

Voter turnout in the county was about 28%. Not horrible for just a primary.

The biggest joke of the primary is that Kabaka Oba got 14,110 votes. We have over 14 thousand people who voted for a racist. I would love to see the breakdown as to where these voters came from. Did Kabaka win any precincts? Or even any wards in the City? I can't imagine that Oba got the Burb vote. I am ashamed that an open racist was able to get that kind of support. The "so called" black militant wants to break away from the United States and form a separate "black dominated" country. So lets all give big cheer to the fools who voted for someone who made his name making religious and racial slurs at City Council meetings. Oh, happy days.

So Long Sweety

Marge Scott has died. I was not a fan, but not a huge detractor. She had many problems that were common to those of her generation, but she was an owner with World Series Win under her belt.

Queen City Forum

The folks over at QCF takle both Gay Marriage and Article XII.

Maybe Peter will read Steve Fritsch's piece where Steve, a conservative, supports Civil Unions. I may not agree this is the ideal, but I am happy to see there are many conservatives who see this as an issue of freedom and equality and are willing to find some reasonable middle ground. I might want to pull Steve to closer to the Gay Marriage position, but compromise show that people are coming at this from a non-emotional and non-religiously obsessed mindset and are willing to be fair.

Question to Bronson

Bronson: Why do you fear homosexuals?

I know you are against gay marriage and against equal rights for homosexuals, but I want to know why. Why do you think homosexuals impose on your rights? How do two men getting married affect you? If it is about money, then why are you not opposed to making remarriage after divorce illegal, thus reducing "costs" across the board.

What I also have to ask also is why is it a problem for a HUMAN RIGHTS COMMISSION, to support a movement for the equal rights of humans?

Also, Peter, do you really believe a poll by the CCV? I mean, that is like believing a poll by the Tobacco lobby saying most people like eating in the smoking section of a restaurant.

Peter, the bigoted Article XII was passed mostly because your side misled the public into thinking it gave special rights, which you guys still are doing. It gives no more special rights than those who are protected from discrimination based on religion. Are you opposed to that Peter?

I didn't think so.

Ohio, Ohio, Ohio

On Meet the Press yesterday Tim Russert had out his marker board with the words Ohio Ohio Ohio on written much like he did in election day in 2000 but with Florida written three times. Speculation is now growing that Ohio will be the battle ground for President and that we could be the next Florida.

Well, there are several problems with this concept. Ohio will not be super close. We might be within a percentage point, but nothing like Florida. We will be targeted as the swing state of all swing states, but with a catch. The Democrats don't need Ohio to win. It would make it easy to win the White House if they did, but they don't need Ohio. The GOP must win Ohio or they will loose. Ohio is the bell weather for middle America, and the GOP can only win if they carry the Midwest big.

At this point Bush can likely forget about winning Michigan and Pennsylvania. It think the issues will hurt him there and many of those same issues spill into much of Ohio. That is where he is in danger. Ohio is much more GOP than either Michigan or PA, but the social issues don't carry the state. Jobs and Security will carry Ohio. Bible thumping might get you Adams County, but that is about it, and Bush had them at hello.

I am worried about campaign in Ohio. We are seen as a target and will likely be the place that sees the candidates a dozen times come the fall. That means we will be ripe for conflict. Local party people could start getting nasty. I could see things in Columbus get out of hand. I mean, they rioted when they won a football game, so I would think some hot bloodied college Republicans might get a few too many beers one day while watching the Buckeyes on TV and decide to go disrupt the Democratic VP's rally on OSU campus. Yes, it could happen the other way around, but I think this would were the GOP could be more desperate. Hold onto your hats kids, the Buckeye will be bucking.

Primary Predictions?

Anyone have any? I will bet Kerry takes Ohio, DeWine wins, and Brinkman. Other than that, I have no clue.

Bonson and Smith-Amos

Ok, Peter Bronson had a column yesterday about education in the inner city and the problem of anti-intellectualism or about being bullied for being "too white." I did not have a problem with the overall point of his column. I think that is a problem in some segments of the black community. My concern is the messenger. Peter's opinions will go on deaf ears in the black community. He is either hated or just not read by anyone who might actually gain something from the issues he raised. Why then didn't Denise Smith-Amos do a story on that issue? She does the education Q&A every week. Would it be because she disagrees with the premise? I hope she does not, because in this case Bronson is not making up a problem out of thin air. It exists. It is a problem, and it is ignored all to often.

Now, the only ironic thing about Bronson is his sudden defense of intellectualism. That is ironic from a conservative like Peter. He often attacks higher education, and education in general because it is not his brand of education. What do they lack? Well they lack the 4th "R". Yep, good old "religion." I am glad Peter kept that out of this, but I hope he will remember that historically "religion" has done more than any other element of society to hold back intellectualism and new thought. It did wonders to teach reading and basic education, but thinking for oneself, thinking that man is not mere chattel of a deity, that is just ‘heathenspeak.’ But I digress...

Priceless Mary

From CiN Weekly's review of Hamburger Mary's

"Mary's makes you feel like a queen, not a picky eater."

If the suburbanites only knew, they might run to the hills in terror!

'God' Hates Shrimp

Hilarity! I wonder what Phil Burress is doing about this bible verse, Leviticus 11:12?

Whatsoever hath no fins nor scales in the waters, that shall be an abomination unto you.

Red Lobster is sending us all to 'Hell'.

Speaking of Religion

Gina Daugherty of CinWeekly reports about Brendon Cull, press secretary for Mayor Charlie Luken becoming a "minister" in the Universal Life Church.

Brendon Cull, press secretary for Mayor Charlie Luken, became a minister through the Universal Life Church online earlier this year so he can officiate at his sister's wedding this fall.

But Rev. Cull didn't just opt for the freebie ordination - he spent a few bucks to get the certificate, laminated card, sticker for his window and - drum roll - a parking pass with "Minister" on it.

"That's my favorite," Rev. Cull says. "And it's fun in social occasions to whip out my minister card - it's come out on more than a few occasions. But it's not worked as a pick-up line yet."

Does Brendon's religion allow Gay Marriages?

If it is this "easy" to become someone who can officiate a wedding, then I have to ask, what really is the big deal about Gay Marriage? Why are we letting the right wing theocrats push their religion on every one else?

Gun Nut on Stephen Hill

Ok, the Conceal and Carry law has passed here in Ohio, something I disagree with. At this point, the law is the law. For some reason someone, ID of "cbaus", at www.ohioccw.org, is beating on reporters and citing Stephen Hill. I have to ask, what the hell does Stephen Hill have to do with gun laws? Why is this guy attacking reporters? I know conservatives bitch about the "liberal media," but this guy is going nuts, all in the cause of privacy. He does not want gun owners to have to face a background check for guns. He is pissed the media can investigate who is applying for a C&C permit. What I have to ask, "Can we trust Truck Drivers with Guns?" I mean when an out of work truck driver breaks into a Truck company and kills people, that "shows" that we can't trust truck drivers. What an ass. Give your freaking gun obsession a rest. You "won." Take your victory lap and shut the hell up. If you want to attack the media, then do it with a little class. Cite some examples of reporters doing something that conflicts with your gun rights positions, and then link to it. That is all it takes. Exploiting a child abuse case to further your need to quell your fears is disgusting.

The Rambler

Drop over and say hello to The Rambler, a new local Cincinnati blogger.

UPDATE: I also added a couple of conservative bloggers to the blogroll, Rob Bernard and the Naughty Pundit. I don't agree with there opinions, which I am sure they know, but I like having local people to link to on the other side of spectrum who are not oblivious to Cincinnati Area culture.

I also added a link to the Queen City Forum. I recently met both the Publisher Steve Fritsch
and Editor-in-Chief Michael D. Altman. Both nice guys with a strong commitment to opening the eyes of the city to ideas they are not getting while watching local TV news.

WCPO TV News Reporter Arrested on 'Sex Charges'

Stephen Hill a reporter with WCPO has been arrested on charges of unlawful sexual conduct with a minor. Hill faces 8 counts of unlawful sexual conduct with boys whose ages have not been disclosed. As police tried to arrest him, Hill reportedly attempted to commit suicide by slashing his wrists.

This is what can best be described as a local bombshell news story. When news like this hits home to the media, they take it hard. What will be interesting is the amount of coverage it gets nationally. It was headline news on WLW radio this morning, but was not really a topic of conversation for callers. I chalk that up to it being Saturday morning.

The man deserves his day in court, but his behavior does not bode well for innocence. I would hope his past is being investigated to determine if he has had contact with other children locally and in cities where he worked previously.

If one of children abused was any of the kids he has cared for as a foster parent, then I hope local government officials will investigate how he was screened and let into the program.

The age of the children should be a factor that I hope is made public. All to often this is called Pedophilia no mater how old the victim is. Pedophilia specifically refers to the sexual attraction of children aged 13 and younger. Those who want the 14-17 year olds fall into what is called Hebephilia. For more information on this definitions check out www.religioustolerance.org which lists some definitions and terms used. Neither of these types of behaviors are tolerable, but one is worse than the other. If Hill was abusing a 15 year old, that is one crime, while a 5 year old is a whole different crime, or rather it should be. Lumping both crimes into one umbrella is ultimately unfair. I am sure this sounds like I am trying to defend Hill, something I don't wish to do, but passing comments on WLW referred to this a pedophilia, which is not a valid term. Hills added "crime" is that these people trust Hill to help mentor their children. That makes his actions just seem more heinous, much akin to the Priest sex scandals.

WCPO issued an on air comment on the issue, which is online here.

Additional coverage: WCPO, WLWT, The Post.

UPDATE: WLW is reporting that the children's ages were between 13 and 17. The also saying he is being charged with "child molestation" which goes to the point that no, this would not necessarily be the case.

UPDATE#2: I hate to link to this, but Nate (Rhymes with Hate) is claiming Hill was set up by Keith Fangman. Here is one of his many pseudonym's full post:

Posted: Sat Feb 28, 2004 3:28 am Post subject: Channel 9's Steven Hill Arrested.

I can't believe this shit! The cops are trying to ruin another black man in this city. Steven Hill has been one of the few decent reporters in this town who wasn't afraid to tell the truth about the police department. You might remember Keith Fangman went on a crusade against Mr. Hill a few years ago and now they tell us that Mr. Hill was having sex with children. Give me a fucking break. I don't believe a word of this bullshit. This is the same type of shit they tried to pull with Ovie Mitchell.

These white boys are a bunch of devils. Fangman is a dirty dog just like Pat Dewine. They both hang around with the family values crowd and they both left their wives. Everybody knows that Pepper is a fag. The cops couldn't get Mr. Hill on anything REAL so they made some shit up. When is the Black community gonna wake up and realize that these white motherfuckers ain't worth a damn and stop letting them pick off Black people one by one.
_________________
Posted by The REAL Blog
This is protected by the 1st Amendment aaaannd the RED, the BLACK, and the GREEN !!!

Now I can't wait to see how Nate responds to my post by showing his racism and frankly his paranoia. This was post late last night, so he may not have been thinking clearly, or did not know about the attempted suicide by Hill, but the guy must really be living in a dream world, or just likes baiting people. If he's trying to bait people, I guess he hooked me, but exposing this type of comment I hope instills all of the liberals/progressives and journalists in town, and I especially hope the LOCAL AP REPORTERS, that Nate is a racist and bigot. Please see him for that and do not consider him or his organization as legitimate or worthwhile to include in any community discussion or effort. Also, for those reading this on his message board be sure to read the original at cincinnati.blogspot.com.

Thought Police: Just the Facts Ma’am

Ok, where are all of the conservatives who get pissed off every time a leftist wants them to stop using "Redskins" or "Indians" to describe a sports team going to take a full bore stand against the out right theocratic fascism (yet I said it again) of Phil Burress and the CCV?

Now, everyone knows that Clear Channel has nothing to fear from the current FCC commissioner or the current President, after all Rush Limbaugh is a Clear Channel man. It is interesting that we have not heard much about this on WLW, but I guess they want it to just go away.

On the other hand, this situation sounds like it was taken right from the plot of the 1987 version of Dragnet, where an anti-porn preacher conspired with a pornographer to push each other's causes by orchestrating a theft and a controversy. Now, I don?t see any theft, other than of my freedom, but controversy, yes that is what we have.

What strikes me as funny though, is that Burress is not mounting a campaign against Howard Stern. I have heard WEBN and its morning show and I have heard Stern's morning show, both show compete locally. Stern is 100 times "worse" than the Dawn Patrol. So, Clear Channel dumps on Stern, and then the next day CCV attack WEBN. The target market for WEBN would find Phil Burress to be a nutty prude (some might even call him a fascist as well). It is laying out like a passion play.

Side note: I have to raise one problem with Rick Bird's article. Rick failed to mention in the article that he used to work for WEBN and specifically was part of the Dawn Patrol. Rick should have made that admission in the story. I don't think the story is totally tainted, it says the facts as I think they are, but it does give fuel to the CCV to claim that this story is "biased" because of Bird's relationship to the story. CCV, in a rare case, may have a point. The Post should have given this story to someone else, or at least added a co-writer who could have gotten more of the CCV viewpoint. After all, nothing makes the CCV sound worse then when they keep talking about their bigotry and theocratic movement to bring about Christian Fascism.

Sex and the Cincy

Maggie Downs brings up the finale of Sex and the City. Having not had HBO since I left for college in 1990, I have only watched the show once will visiting a relative. I have to admit that it was entertaining, but I never though it was really that great. It was a story about women, and believe it or not, I am a guy, so I can see why I just did not "get it." I much prefer a West Wing or an ER.