I am just not sure if Leslie Ghiz has read the text of of Issue 48, the anti-rail charter amendment, but she's in favor of banning all rail projects in Cincinnati for a generation. Well, she likely will claim otherwise, but she seems to think Issue 48 only covers the Streetcar, but as the Enquirer reported, all six experts consulted for the story agreed that the Issue could ban the City from enacting any type of rail project. I guess her prior "not right now" position on the streetcar really means never, which I believe is what it was all along.
At this point, Ghiz seems more about defeating the Mayor and anyone who criticizes her, than she is about improving the City. She's starting to sound more like a COAST member every time she makes a public statement. I can't find a Republican running for office in Cincinnati who doesn't sound like a COAST flunky.
It is so disappointing that the local Republican party has chosen to run all of its candidates on the same tone and strategy as National Republicans. It does nothing more than divide us, but alas, that's the point.
Tuesday, September 20, 2011
Wednesday, September 14, 2011
If anyone can find me at the event and you dressed in German-esque garb, then I might buy you a beer. Note the word "might" in the last sentence.
Oh, and Prosit!
If Chiquita Moves, Blame COAST, Winburn, and Smitherman
An Enquirer article reports that Chiquita Brands International, headquartered in Downtown Cincinnati, is being courted by other cities, mainly Charlotte, to move the company. In the article, Council member Charlie Winburn is quoted in the article:
Why does rail matter? Well, ask Charlotte, they have rail transportation and they stand poised to take a major headquarters from our city. Destroying the city may be COAST's and Smitherman's goal, but surely Winburn doesn't want this to happen. If he wants to get "serious," then he should rethink his stance on the streetcar and stop pointing fingers at others and get on board with those try to make this city a better place.
The solution is rather simple: don't shill for the FOP and don't think making the city into another suburb will solve any problems. All of the endorsed Republicans running might gain some respect and maybe even some votes if they took that to heart and lived it. That action would lose many Conservative votes and Suburban contributions, however, which leads me back to my cynical default stance, where Winburn's opportunism lives and keeps progress back, as long as he and other Republicans are in power.
Added Winburn: “Anytime 400 jobs are at stake, I take that serious. If the city loses this company, then we need to call for an evaluation of city administration.”No, Council Member Winburn, don't shirk your duty and point to the Administration. Point to yourself. If you want to keep Chiquita then you need to do several things to keep them here. It starts with voting on a budget that would free up money to add to an incentive. Then go to the Governor and get him of his ass and do something for Cincinnati. Finally, start acting like you want to make this city into a progressive community that will attract news people and new businesses here. Work to build the Urban Core of the city and agree it must be a vibrant success if the rest of the City and metro area are going to have sustained growth and prosperity. The article goes on about the air service. Well, that's quiet frankly a tough thing for a city or even the metro area to transform. It will take years to attract more direct flights. A more simple and immediate way to improve the city is to support rail projects, like the streetcar or light-right or the East Side commuter-rail. None of these will happen if COAST and Smitherman's anti-rail charter amendment passes. So, if nothing else, don't support the anti-rail forces.
Why does rail matter? Well, ask Charlotte, they have rail transportation and they stand poised to take a major headquarters from our city. Destroying the city may be COAST's and Smitherman's goal, but surely Winburn doesn't want this to happen. If he wants to get "serious," then he should rethink his stance on the streetcar and stop pointing fingers at others and get on board with those try to make this city a better place.
The solution is rather simple: don't shill for the FOP and don't think making the city into another suburb will solve any problems. All of the endorsed Republicans running might gain some respect and maybe even some votes if they took that to heart and lived it. That action would lose many Conservative votes and Suburban contributions, however, which leads me back to my cynical default stance, where Winburn's opportunism lives and keeps progress back, as long as he and other Republicans are in power.
Tuesday, September 13, 2011
Is Frey Pleading Guilty?
The Enquirer has an in-depth article about the property sales and purchases Diana Frey and family have made over the last few years. Frey is the former president of the CODE union who has been indited on charges that she embezzled over $700,000 worth of union funds.
What is news to me is that the article reports that a guilty plea is allegedly in the works. The deal is not known, but Frey faces 20 years in prison and a $1.5 million fine. A deal would likely bring down both the jail time and fine, assuming restitution of the stolen money is made in some capacity.
What ever the deal, significant jail time must be part of it. Frey, if convicted, deserves at least a decade behind bars. The other question the Enquirer article brings to mind: who else in her family could be charged with a crime? Will a plea from Frey keep the rest of the family from jail time?
What is news to me is that the article reports that a guilty plea is allegedly in the works. The deal is not known, but Frey faces 20 years in prison and a $1.5 million fine. A deal would likely bring down both the jail time and fine, assuming restitution of the stolen money is made in some capacity.
What ever the deal, significant jail time must be part of it. Frey, if convicted, deserves at least a decade behind bars. The other question the Enquirer article brings to mind: who else in her family could be charged with a crime? Will a plea from Frey keep the rest of the family from jail time?
Monday, September 12, 2011
COAST Goes To The Extreme, Even For Them
5chw4rtz has the best response to COAST comparing 9/11 terrorism to the Streetcar in a Twitter post. Here is a pictorial version of the tweet:
Yes, the anti-city group went there and did it on the tenth anniversary of 9/11, and they tweeted more about terrorism and the streetcar beyond this single tweet. They lied and are totally full of shit, but they went there. That says miles about their lack of character and willingness to lie and slander others. Sure, they'll call it a joke and maybe they'll take the offending Tweet down. They will not admit they were wrong. They really need some counseling. Beyond a public apology from the group's leaders, the person or persons running the twitter feed should be replaced, if any attempt to show dignity exists within that group.
If there are elected officials who support COAST, even in the slightest, and they don't PUBLICLY condemn this and the other similar tweets from COAST, then they are going to be called out as tacidly supporting it. As the maxim goes "Qui tacet consentire videtur" (he who is silent is understood to consent), which holds true doubly here for the political climate of the times.
Yes, the anti-city group went there and did it on the tenth anniversary of 9/11, and they tweeted more about terrorism and the streetcar beyond this single tweet. They lied and are totally full of shit, but they went there. That says miles about their lack of character and willingness to lie and slander others. Sure, they'll call it a joke and maybe they'll take the offending Tweet down. They will not admit they were wrong. They really need some counseling. Beyond a public apology from the group's leaders, the person or persons running the twitter feed should be replaced, if any attempt to show dignity exists within that group.
If there are elected officials who support COAST, even in the slightest, and they don't PUBLICLY condemn this and the other similar tweets from COAST, then they are going to be called out as tacidly supporting it. As the maxim goes "Qui tacet consentire videtur" (he who is silent is understood to consent), which holds true doubly here for the political climate of the times.
Thursday, September 08, 2011
CityBeat Website Gets Big Makeover
I can't tell you when, exactly, but Citybeat.com has undergone a much needed make-over. It is a great improvement, but is moving slow this morning, at least for me. The mobile version is a bit different, but mostly structured the same. I am not pleased that on my iPad I wasn't able to open the regular site, just the mobile version. I am hoping that's a kink that can be worked out.
Tuesday, September 06, 2011
Downtown Cincinnati As Safe or Even Safer than Exurbs
The Cincinnati Enquirer had an excellent article about crime in the CBD/Downtown area as compared to several of the Cincinnati area's most populated exurbs, like West Chester, Florence, and Mason. I really hope people read this and understand what it means. Far too many people I've talked with can't tell the differences amongst Downtown, Gaslight, Northside, OTR, or even in a few instances Hyde Park. Therefore, I am not going to hold my breath that an understanding that crime happens everyone mixes with how safe the CBD area has become.
Monday, September 05, 2011
Desperate Candidates Lead to Misleading Press Conferences
If you are going to claim something to be true, like Republcian Council Members Wayne Lippert and Amy Murray, both appointees to council, then you better have facts, not misleading allegations that come close to out right slanderous lies, if they had named an individual.
I understand both council members are up for election and neither have actually won a council election. That tends to lead to desperation. They may have all the Suburban GOP money that is possible, but they don't have the loyal Suburanite GOP voters to go with those dollars, since they aren't city residents. Instead they have to resort to stunts like this and as far as stunts go, this is one of the most dishonest ones I have ever seen. They make a claim and can't prove it.
Yes, that is like calling some a cheat, but not being able to back it up.
That's something people can be sued over and made to pay damages, under the right circumstances.
Here, Lippert and Murray chose to assume that the people of Westwood are ignorant fools. Westwood is the place they chose to hold their press conference and that is the city neighborhood they both need to place in 4th or 5th place in if they hope to get elected. So, lying to their prospective voters is worth the dishonor, as long as they can fool enough people into believing their unsubstantiated and unprovable claims.
Candidates who do more than appeal to the far extreme of their base are those who have a much easier time getting elected. Neither Lippert or Murray are looking like leaders for the majority of the City, just the small extreme GOP Base, looking to leave for the suburbs as soon as they can sell their house.
I understand both council members are up for election and neither have actually won a council election. That tends to lead to desperation. They may have all the Suburban GOP money that is possible, but they don't have the loyal Suburanite GOP voters to go with those dollars, since they aren't city residents. Instead they have to resort to stunts like this and as far as stunts go, this is one of the most dishonest ones I have ever seen. They make a claim and can't prove it.
Yes, that is like calling some a cheat, but not being able to back it up.
That's something people can be sued over and made to pay damages, under the right circumstances.
Here, Lippert and Murray chose to assume that the people of Westwood are ignorant fools. Westwood is the place they chose to hold their press conference and that is the city neighborhood they both need to place in 4th or 5th place in if they hope to get elected. So, lying to their prospective voters is worth the dishonor, as long as they can fool enough people into believing their unsubstantiated and unprovable claims.
Candidates who do more than appeal to the far extreme of their base are those who have a much easier time getting elected. Neither Lippert or Murray are looking like leaders for the majority of the City, just the small extreme GOP Base, looking to leave for the suburbs as soon as they can sell their house.
Political Nonsense From Sittenfeld
P.G. Sittenfeld has a well organized and well financed campaign for Cincinnati City Council. He also has quickly learned how to make nonsensical statements on important political issues. Here's his answer to the Enquirer's question on where he stands on the Streetcar:
I personally call Sittenfeld's statement political cowardice. I don't know who is advising him, but it sounds like a professional who is well schooled in how to be for and against everything, simultaneously. That is the most shallow and worthless manner a politician can exhibit and it leaves a bad taste in the mouth of anyone with a brain.
Since far too many people lack functioning brains, P.G. stands a good chance of becoming yet another bad member of city council, one more focused on getting elected than actually doing anything for the City.
What's even worse, P.G. appears to not want to get involved with the anti-Rail ballot initiative, based on his "in the hands of voters" line. What P.G. now needs to first realize is this isn't just an anti-streetcar issue, this is an anti-rail issue. Then he must take a stand on it. Is he part of the anti-rail delusional fringe of Cincinnati politics or is he with the majority of sane people who are NOT looking to ban all rail from Cincinnati for another generation?
P.G. Sittenfeld: The city's focus right now needs to be on basic services ahead of streetcars, but the reality is, this project is now in the hands of the voters, and I will respect the direction they give us in November.Yes, experts of all political views would agree that this answer is a prime example of "bull shitting." That's the act of pretending to take a stand on something, but actually saying things in such a confusing way that you can deny to supporters of both sides of the issue that you are not against their side. Does my definition come across like double-talk? Well, that's the point.
I personally call Sittenfeld's statement political cowardice. I don't know who is advising him, but it sounds like a professional who is well schooled in how to be for and against everything, simultaneously. That is the most shallow and worthless manner a politician can exhibit and it leaves a bad taste in the mouth of anyone with a brain.
Since far too many people lack functioning brains, P.G. stands a good chance of becoming yet another bad member of city council, one more focused on getting elected than actually doing anything for the City.
What's even worse, P.G. appears to not want to get involved with the anti-Rail ballot initiative, based on his "in the hands of voters" line. What P.G. now needs to first realize is this isn't just an anti-streetcar issue, this is an anti-rail issue. Then he must take a stand on it. Is he part of the anti-rail delusional fringe of Cincinnati politics or is he with the majority of sane people who are NOT looking to ban all rail from Cincinnati for another generation?
Thursday, September 01, 2011
Half a Budget Plan is No Budget Plan at All
The Enquirer's Jane Prendergast has a blog post that discusses Cincinnati Council Member Chris Bortz stating he is tired of 'Democrats' saying he and the 'other side' don't have a plan to balance the budget. Jane then outlines a list of steps from Bortz that would cut half of the $33 million city budget deficit.
I hate to point out the obvious and I don't have any other way to say this but: half a plan is no budget plan at all. If Joey Votto hit the ball half way to the fence at GABP and wanted to call it a home run, I think everyone, including Bortz, would call that a joke.
Leslie Ghiz said Republicans have a plan, or at least are working on one. Bortz is not endorsed by the Republicans, but has been voting with that 'side' on budget issues, so whether these are the same issues Ghiz is taking about, then Ghiz has no more of a plan than Bortz. She should keep working on it. I thought Amy Murray, Charlie Winburn, and Wayne Lippert were spending the August recess working on issues like the budget, no?
The bottom line is a simple number: zero. The budget deficit has to be zero after cuts are made. I can't find anyone who thinks that both unfilled budget jobs and current staff working must be eliminated from the 2012 budget to reach the legally mandated zero number. If Chris Bortz or Leslie Ghiz can make those staff cuts without cutting police or the fire department, then that means they are cutting some other departments, heavily, reducing city services. The details on that should be made public an put forth now. In case anyone forgot, Cincinnati is having an election and voters should know where the candidates stand and what services they would cut to balance the budget if elected (or re-elected). That kind of knowledge is something that means candidates have to make political choices. They have to either take on the FOP or be their shill. It is a crappy choice, but that is the box the FOP and it's supporters have forced the Republicans and Bortz into and I for one am not going to give them a pass on making that choice.
I hate to point out the obvious and I don't have any other way to say this but: half a plan is no budget plan at all. If Joey Votto hit the ball half way to the fence at GABP and wanted to call it a home run, I think everyone, including Bortz, would call that a joke.
Leslie Ghiz said Republicans have a plan, or at least are working on one. Bortz is not endorsed by the Republicans, but has been voting with that 'side' on budget issues, so whether these are the same issues Ghiz is taking about, then Ghiz has no more of a plan than Bortz. She should keep working on it. I thought Amy Murray, Charlie Winburn, and Wayne Lippert were spending the August recess working on issues like the budget, no?
The bottom line is a simple number: zero. The budget deficit has to be zero after cuts are made. I can't find anyone who thinks that both unfilled budget jobs and current staff working must be eliminated from the 2012 budget to reach the legally mandated zero number. If Chris Bortz or Leslie Ghiz can make those staff cuts without cutting police or the fire department, then that means they are cutting some other departments, heavily, reducing city services. The details on that should be made public an put forth now. In case anyone forgot, Cincinnati is having an election and voters should know where the candidates stand and what services they would cut to balance the budget if elected (or re-elected). That kind of knowledge is something that means candidates have to make political choices. They have to either take on the FOP or be their shill. It is a crappy choice, but that is the box the FOP and it's supporters have forced the Republicans and Bortz into and I for one am not going to give them a pass on making that choice.
Wednesday, August 31, 2011
What Type of Math is Joe Deters Using?
The County Department heads, including County Prosecutor Joe Deters, issued a report of what they state will happen if cuts are made to the county budget. The results are not good, but Joe Deters seems to be using some type of new math or really has a internally top heavy salary range and high overhead. I say this because he claimed that if he had to bear $1.9M of cuts of his $10.4M budget, he will have to cut 50 of his criminal attorneys. The Enquirer reports that 50 is 41% of his staff attorneys. That works out to an 18% budget cut, which Deters claims equates to a 41% cut to his number of attorneys? What the hell kind of cut is he making to his staff? Is he just picking the 50 lowest paid attorneys and staff and laying them off? The average cost comes out to $38,000 for 50. That's expense for the employees, not salary. Salary would have be something much, less. I don't know what the starting wage is for a county lawyer, but something in the low 30K seems really low.
I am guessing that 50 would include attorneys and support staff combined and it doesn't include expenses for benefits.
Therefore, either Deters is lying, or the Enquirer is mistaken, or both.
This is disappointing because the County is in horrible shape and the Republican majority is not willing to do anything to prevent these types of cuts. Reports like these issued by the department heads are helpful to the public understand the type of impact we face because of the failure of Hartmann and Monzel to maintain the services required by the state. It would help department heads' cause if Deters would be more straight forward with the facts.
UPDATE: Yeah, someone is not adding correctly. If you read page 41 of the impact statement you find that the very half-assed report from the Prosecutor's office assumes $3M in cuts and base 50 attorneys at $50K, plus 10K for benefits, totaling $60K each. So, the question is where does the $3M vs. $1.9M of cuts discrepancy come from? A million+ dollar difference is a big one.
I am guessing that 50 would include attorneys and support staff combined and it doesn't include expenses for benefits.
Therefore, either Deters is lying, or the Enquirer is mistaken, or both.
This is disappointing because the County is in horrible shape and the Republican majority is not willing to do anything to prevent these types of cuts. Reports like these issued by the department heads are helpful to the public understand the type of impact we face because of the failure of Hartmann and Monzel to maintain the services required by the state. It would help department heads' cause if Deters would be more straight forward with the facts.
UPDATE: Yeah, someone is not adding correctly. If you read page 41 of the impact statement you find that the very half-assed report from the Prosecutor's office assumes $3M in cuts and base 50 attorneys at $50K, plus 10K for benefits, totaling $60K each. So, the question is where does the $3M vs. $1.9M of cuts discrepancy come from? A million+ dollar difference is a big one.
Tuesday, August 30, 2011
CincyFringe Shows Get Noticed Across the Country
CityBeat's Rick Pender reports on the good review the Performance Gallery's IndyFringe performance of Fricative received. The show is a provocative Dadaesque use of vocalisation that played CincyFringe in 2008. Here was my Review on TheConveyor.com.
Also getting some attention for the upcoming Chicago Fringe is Pones Inc whose production The Four Food Groups was the featured photo for this UpChicago Fringe article.
Chicago Fringe also features the amazing Artemis Exchange show Aberrant Reflections on the Barbarism of You & I.
If you happen to be in Chicago over the next week and a half, see both shows, they both were Conveyor.com award winners and are rousing fun.
Also getting some attention for the upcoming Chicago Fringe is Pones Inc whose production The Four Food Groups was the featured photo for this UpChicago Fringe article.
Chicago Fringe also features the amazing Artemis Exchange show Aberrant Reflections on the Barbarism of You & I.
If you happen to be in Chicago over the next week and a half, see both shows, they both were Conveyor.com award winners and are rousing fun.
Monday, August 29, 2011
Bigotry Wins a Battle in a Local Catholic High School
It is sad, but not a surprise that the Cincinnati Archdiocese bowed to local and national pressure from anti-Muslim groups and parents. Archbishop Dennis Schnurr cancelled a potluck dinner at Mother of Mercy High School in Westwood between students and local Muslims. The dinner was to be Ramadan meal and was meant as a way for students to learn about and meet local Muslims in hopes to better understanding the religion and the people who practice it. Instead, the event at the school was cancelled and a different Catholic group in University Heights will hold the event, without the school's involvement.
Teaching that bigotry wins is the result of this incident. That will create more bigotry. What is worse is that some parents, like Kelly Jennings, are teaching bigotry directly by acting to prevent this event. I just don't understand the fear and ignorance of fools like Jennings. They appear to live in bubble, with just a single tube of information flowing in and scared stiff that adding more sources will pop their mythical safety net. This lingering bigotry is so foolish, yet so hard to break.
Teaching that bigotry wins is the result of this incident. That will create more bigotry. What is worse is that some parents, like Kelly Jennings, are teaching bigotry directly by acting to prevent this event. I just don't understand the fear and ignorance of fools like Jennings. They appear to live in bubble, with just a single tube of information flowing in and scared stiff that adding more sources will pop their mythical safety net. This lingering bigotry is so foolish, yet so hard to break.
Where Is the Conservatives' Budget Plan?
Leslie Ghiz said there was going to be a budget plan, but we still haven't gotten word of one. We get more grandstanding and pandering by the Conservatives on Cincinnati City Council, but no plan. It is a pathetic game. Promise not to fire police officers, but refuse to document and detail whose jobs would be cut is all we get.
Let's be clear, jobs will have to be cut based on current State cuts and the continued low revenue projections. The Conservatives (mostly Republican) on council have the majority and have the responsibility to state before the election what they would cut.
We're not going to get much more than promises made to score endorsements and votes. Elections don't breed honesty, they are about saying what your voting base wants to hear.
Let's be clear, jobs will have to be cut based on current State cuts and the continued low revenue projections. The Conservatives (mostly Republican) on council have the majority and have the responsibility to state before the election what they would cut.
We're not going to get much more than promises made to score endorsements and votes. Elections don't breed honesty, they are about saying what your voting base wants to hear.
Saturday, August 27, 2011
Check Out Some Great Aerial Photos of Cincinnati
Check out some great aerial photographs of Cincinnati, including Downtown, the Rverfront, and Kings Island, from QueenCityDiscovery.
Friday, August 26, 2011
Here They Are: AMERICA'S MERCURY ASTRONAUTS!
There are a few Cincinnati City Council candidates who need their signatures verified, but everything's been turned in and the list of candidates for the ride of a lifetime are as follows:
Incumbents:
Chris Bortz (C)
Leslie Ghiz (R)
Wayne Lippert Jr. (R)
Amy Murray (R)
Roxanne Qualls (C/D)
Laure Quinlivan (D)
Cecil Thomas (D)
Charlie Winburn (R)
Wendell Young (D)
Previous Candidates:
Kevin Flynn (C)
Nicholas Hollan (D)
Christopher Smitherman (I)
New Candidates:
Jacqueline Allen (I) *
Mike Allen (I)
Kathy Atkinson (I)
Patricia McCollum (I)
Sandra Queen Noble (I)
Jason Riveiro (D)
Chris Seelbach (D)
Yvette Simpson (C/D)
P.G. Sittenfeld (D)
Catherine Smith Mills (R)
Write in Candidate:
Orlando Welborn
More from CityBeat and the Enquirer.
*Please note that CityBeat and the Enquirer have slightly different lists. CityBeat includes Jacqueline Allen, the Enquirer does not. CityBeat indicated J. Allen had turned in enough signatures, but was among those waiting for the signatures to be verified. I am not aware that the verification were completed.
Incumbents:
Chris Bortz (C)
Leslie Ghiz (R)
Wayne Lippert Jr. (R)
Amy Murray (R)
Roxanne Qualls (C/D)
Laure Quinlivan (D)
Cecil Thomas (D)
Charlie Winburn (R)
Wendell Young (D)
Previous Candidates:
Kevin Flynn (C)
Nicholas Hollan (D)
Christopher Smitherman (I)
New Candidates:
Jacqueline Allen (I) *
Mike Allen (I)
Kathy Atkinson (I)
Patricia McCollum (I)
Sandra Queen Noble (I)
Jason Riveiro (D)
Chris Seelbach (D)
Yvette Simpson (C/D)
P.G. Sittenfeld (D)
Catherine Smith Mills (R)
Write in Candidate:
Orlando Welborn
More from CityBeat and the Enquirer.
*Please note that CityBeat and the Enquirer have slightly different lists. CityBeat includes Jacqueline Allen, the Enquirer does not. CityBeat indicated J. Allen had turned in enough signatures, but was among those waiting for the signatures to be verified. I am not aware that the verification were completed.
Thursday, August 25, 2011
Help the Streetcar and All Rail Projects: Cincinnatians For Progress Fundraiser - Tonight!
Cincinnatians For Progress is holding a fundraiser tonight,Thursday August 25th, from 5:30-7:30 p.m. at The Blue Wisp, 318 E. 8th St.
There will be music by Dave Hawkins. There will be door prizes from Milton's, Iris Bookcafe, Park + Vine, Segway and others. Get there and support progress for Cincinnati.
A suggested donation is $20 to the general public, or $50 to hosts. If you can't make it tonight, you can contribute online here.
A suggested donation is $20 to the general public, or $50 to hosts. If you can't make it tonight, you can contribute online here.
Chabot Hates Open Meetings and is Ignorant About Tax Rates
In case you missed the video, check out what happened when Republican Congressman Steve Chabot's staff directed a Cincinnati police officer to seize cameras of private citizens during a Chabot Town Hall event in Avondale at a publicly owned building.
I feel sorry for the police officer, but he should know better, and should have questioned the validity of "security reasons" when two television station cameras are there. Here is a tape of this from a third camera:
Here is more from the Enquirer's political blog. (If this was Steve Driehaus, this would have been front page news).
In other Chabot News, Steve Benen of Washington Monthly has a great story discussing an exchange, at I believe the same meeting above, where Chabot was advised that Federal Tax rates are the lowest they have been in 50 years.Chabot didn't believe it. He was told this by a voter, not likely one to vote for him, but a voter none-the-less. Benen gives Chabot-the-Ignorant the truth about Federal Tax rates. I understand that in the middle of a meeting, Chabot can't Google this, but as a member of Congress who is talking about tax policy, he should know this simple fact. What I fear is that he knows this, as do most Republican office holders, but he doesn't want any else to know this. They want people to think they pay far more taxes then ever before in hopes that the ignorant public will support cutting taxes, without a worry about how much their lives will change when they are asked to buy why they can't afford, assuming they want the same service the government provided. Republicans like Chabot want to destroy more government services for the public and will lie in order to do so. That's the modern GOP way.
I feel sorry for the police officer, but he should know better, and should have questioned the validity of "security reasons" when two television station cameras are there. Here is a tape of this from a third camera:
Here is more from the Enquirer's political blog. (If this was Steve Driehaus, this would have been front page news).
In other Chabot News, Steve Benen of Washington Monthly has a great story discussing an exchange, at I believe the same meeting above, where Chabot was advised that Federal Tax rates are the lowest they have been in 50 years.Chabot didn't believe it. He was told this by a voter, not likely one to vote for him, but a voter none-the-less. Benen gives Chabot-the-Ignorant the truth about Federal Tax rates. I understand that in the middle of a meeting, Chabot can't Google this, but as a member of Congress who is talking about tax policy, he should know this simple fact. What I fear is that he knows this, as do most Republican office holders, but he doesn't want any else to know this. They want people to think they pay far more taxes then ever before in hopes that the ignorant public will support cutting taxes, without a worry about how much their lives will change when they are asked to buy why they can't afford, assuming they want the same service the government provided. Republicans like Chabot want to destroy more government services for the public and will lie in order to do so. That's the modern GOP way.
The System Works! No Thanks to Republicans on Council
So, no laws had to be changed. No, arms had to be twisted. Instead, the Republicans Grandstanding on a non-issue just needed to waste some time. None of that mattered. The Oakley Skyline Chile Restaurant has approval to expand as it wanted. If you hear any of the Republicans taking credit, ask them to explain what they did, exactly, to get his done. If they don't have anything beyond a B.S. answer, then you can figure out what stinks. If you can't smell what they say, then you have your nose up someone's behind.
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