You Get What You Vote For

Two years ago, West Virginia had a choice for the United States Senate. One option was a lifelong political maverick who campaigned on cheaper American made energy a year and a half before it grew into a major concern. John Raese did not blow smoke at voters, he challenged them. Raese's campaign aimed ideas at the electorate and fired continually. You never needed to worry about John Raese's stance, he would tell you very candidly.

The other option was Robert C. Byrd. In his time he served as an effective diverter of federal funds to a poor state. The Democratic Party led us to believe that if re-elected, Byrd would retain his spot on the Appropriations Committee and fight hard for his state. Republican concerns that his advanced age might form an obstacle were brushed aside as ingratitude.

Well, 2008 swept the left into power and they started cleaning house. Long serving Democrats, such as Byrd, found that these new varmints cared not a whit for seniority. What does that mean for West Virginia?

It means less federal funding because Byrd has lost most of his influence.

It means we have to rely on Jay Rockefeller to fight for coal against an apparently hostile administration. I don't think coal should be the alpha and omega of our economy, but we certainly do need it as a pillar.

Voting in John Raese in 2006 would have given us a younger and very dynamic voice defending our interests in the Senate. I mean no disrespect to Byrd because he truly fought as hard as possible for West Virginia. I disagree with his ideas on how to build an economy, but he did care. Unfortunately, like Johnny Unitas playing for the Chargers, this term is the impression he leaves, old, tired, and ineffective.

Jimmy Carter: Middle Eastern Terror's Bestest Buddy

Former president (my it hurts to admit that he was once our president) Jimmy Carter has become an advisor to the Palestinian terror group Hamas. These people, who seized power in Gaza by force, have an Israeli solider hostage. Carter advised them on what price to seek for his release.

Yes, this is the so-called "best ex-president." Right now he lies about on the Jane Fonda level of the patriot scale.

Carter met with Syrian as well as Hamas leaders, assuring all of us that these guys are not religious zealots, but wear suits. Well that is a huge relief. I don't trust just anyone. But if they wear a suit, well, that is a whole different story! Adolf Hitler wore a suit from time to time, as did Saddam Hussein (this ensemble came with fedora and shotgun, too!)

Carter is trying hard to win the "Neville Chamberlain Award" for the man who sold out his and other people's countries the most this decade.

Of course it could be worse. Obama could have made this jackleg secretary of state.

Time For State Leadership on the Drug Issue

Six people arrested in Keyser. A 19 year old dies of a drug overdose in Jackson County. Drug gangs from Detroit own Huntington.

It is time to see aggressive leadership from Charleston on the drug issue. Hard drugs such as meth, crack, heroin and almost anything else flood not only the streets of West Virginia's major cities, but also the small towns and hollows. The Legislature must enact stricter laws, and not against college students with an ounce of pot. We need to hit back at the gangs now controlling the drug trade.

State, county, and local police must not only share information on known gang members, but also work with prosecutors to make sure that gang affiliates get arrested and prosecuted to the fullest extent possible for every violation. Gangs must be made as uncomfortable as possible in West Virginia. A unified effort from the Governor down to the town police officer can make that happen.

The alternative, if we continue to do as we do now, is frightening. Like the inner cities, kids coming up want material rewards. Do they get them the easy way or the hard way? In a state with as few opportunities as West Virginia, kids will be more likely to take that easy path and perpetuate the blight of hard drugs.

Press Release: Mineral County Office of Emergency Management

Hi All:

I am pleased to inform you that effective Monday December 22, the Mineral County Office of Emergency Management will officially relocate to our new facility at 392 Pine Swamp Road, Keyser. You will still be able to reach the dispatch center 24 hours a day at 304-788-1821, however Emergency Managements TEMPORARY phone number at Pine Swamp Road is 304-788-4540 - this number will be staffed during regular business hours until the complete switchover occurs. By January 1, our existing number at the old building (304-788-1821) will be transferred to the new building.

The new building will not be available for meetings or other uses at this time. You will be notified when space is available for use. Our Open House/Dedication is scheduled for Friday January 16, at 12 Noon (RSVP to Barbara Sutton).

The 911 Center is currently scheduled to transfer to the new building on January 22. We do NOT anticipate any changes in numbers for the 911 Center through this process.

Thanks for your patience with us during this exciting time. As always, if you have any problems through the landlines, I may be reached by cell at 304-813-1036.

Marc

Carol Smith For US Senate!

Yup, Carol Smith. She is a very attractive woman on the right side of middle aged. Smith is an acceptably good speaker with good taste in clothes. Smith also has a lot of money that she did not earn herself.

What has she done? Nothing, nothing at all. But look how pretty she is!

Most people would reject this woman out of hand as a suitable candidate for United States Senate. I mean, really. Anne Barth is more qualified. But this woman is not being rejected because her name is not Carol Smith. It is Caroline Kennedy.

Good Lord, the Democrats want to subject us to another Kennedy. At least John F. Kennedy was a war hero. Each generation brings a more vapid and less substantial group of Kennedy's. The idea that she is even a consideration for Hillary Clinton's seat should be insulting to the Democrats of New York. Is New York so bereft of political talent that a woman with zero experience can swoop in and take over?

The House of Representatives is the place for social butterflies and comedians to get their feet wet in serious politics. The Democrats propose to make one of each US Senators while at the same time booting their own most experienced committee chairs to the curb. It will be fun to see the chaos that ensues.