http://www.waronruralmaryland.com/
This blog, created by Maryland legislators, describes Maryland Governor Martin O'Malley's radical policies that win the approval of elite leftists, but harm folks that own farms and live in the country.
Friday, February 25, 2011
Thursday, February 24, 2011
Calls For American Intervention in Libya
In the past few days, Libyan dictator Moammar Gaddafi/Qaddaffi/Quadaffi/GaDaffy (OK that's my own spellling) has sent his air forces to attack rebels who now hold multiple cities and sections of the countryside. Some have called on the United States to intervene, either alone or under the aegis of NATO.
As gratifying as it would be, this would be a bad call. America attacked Libya during the Reagan Administration because that nation backed terror assaults on American troops in Europe. International law, such as it is, tends to back the sovereign power of the internationally recognized state in most cases. Without some sort of UN resolution or threat outside his borders, such intevention would set a dangerous precedent.
That being said, the unrest in Libya does cause strategic problems in terms of the oil supply. That country produces 2% of the world's oil. Assuming the idea that intervention does become a real issue, we must do this intelligently.
First, any U. S. move would discredit the anti-Ghaddaffi forces. Only an IDF attack would look worse. That also eliminates most European states with colonial backgrounds, such as Britain, France and Italy. Turkey once ruled Libya directly as a province in their empire, so they are out as well.
That leaves us with Poland, and, well, Poland. American and European financial support behind NATO airstrikes conducted by Poland, the Czech Republic, and a short list of others might do the trick without raising the accusations of imperialism. That being said, the removal of the regime seems a foregone conclusion at this point as Ghaddaffffffie's military is slowly defecting to the rebels. Foreign intervention might halt that process.
Best to give moral support, but not intervene directly.
As gratifying as it would be, this would be a bad call. America attacked Libya during the Reagan Administration because that nation backed terror assaults on American troops in Europe. International law, such as it is, tends to back the sovereign power of the internationally recognized state in most cases. Without some sort of UN resolution or threat outside his borders, such intevention would set a dangerous precedent.
That being said, the unrest in Libya does cause strategic problems in terms of the oil supply. That country produces 2% of the world's oil. Assuming the idea that intervention does become a real issue, we must do this intelligently.
First, any U. S. move would discredit the anti-Ghaddaffi forces. Only an IDF attack would look worse. That also eliminates most European states with colonial backgrounds, such as Britain, France and Italy. Turkey once ruled Libya directly as a province in their empire, so they are out as well.
That leaves us with Poland, and, well, Poland. American and European financial support behind NATO airstrikes conducted by Poland, the Czech Republic, and a short list of others might do the trick without raising the accusations of imperialism. That being said, the removal of the regime seems a foregone conclusion at this point as Ghaddaffffffie's military is slowly defecting to the rebels. Foreign intervention might halt that process.
Best to give moral support, but not intervene directly.
More Americans Murdered By Somali Pirates
At some point we have to ask ourselves "should we really allow this to keep happening?"
Somali pirates seized a yacht with four American passengers aboard last week. For whatever reason, they decided to kill rather than hold for ransom. Certainly it is foolish to wander into the western Indian Ocean these days, but they did not deserve to die.
Piracy is an old adversary of the United States Navy. In the early 1800s the United States battled and defeated the Barbary Pirates when the rest of the international community had little stomach for the fight. American vessels closely blockaded the port cities and strangled the states supporting the pirate /terrorists. The threat finally ended in 1816.
The Somalis have little more than the Barbary Pirates had then, outside of mechanization. No air power, no satellites, not much at all. They are winning because the civilized world will not deal with them on their terms. Pirates have been caught, released, and caught again. We have to ask why.
Why are we not conducting search and destroy missions? Death will take the starch out of their collars. These are not radical fundamentalists, but guys wanting to steal. Make it clear that piracy means death and they will be less eager to do it.
Why are merchant ships not armed? Mounted .50 calibre machine guns would do the trick. There is nothing more discouraging to a criminal than a lack of easy, vulnerable targets. It's why states with lax gun ownership laws tend to have less crime.
The fact that we still are dealing with this issue is ridiculous. Sink the mother ships. Strand the motorboats. Kill a bunch of them and this will stop. I guarantee it.
Somali pirates seized a yacht with four American passengers aboard last week. For whatever reason, they decided to kill rather than hold for ransom. Certainly it is foolish to wander into the western Indian Ocean these days, but they did not deserve to die.
Piracy is an old adversary of the United States Navy. In the early 1800s the United States battled and defeated the Barbary Pirates when the rest of the international community had little stomach for the fight. American vessels closely blockaded the port cities and strangled the states supporting the pirate /terrorists. The threat finally ended in 1816.
The Somalis have little more than the Barbary Pirates had then, outside of mechanization. No air power, no satellites, not much at all. They are winning because the civilized world will not deal with them on their terms. Pirates have been caught, released, and caught again. We have to ask why.
Why are we not conducting search and destroy missions? Death will take the starch out of their collars. These are not radical fundamentalists, but guys wanting to steal. Make it clear that piracy means death and they will be less eager to do it.
Why are merchant ships not armed? Mounted .50 calibre machine guns would do the trick. There is nothing more discouraging to a criminal than a lack of easy, vulnerable targets. It's why states with lax gun ownership laws tend to have less crime.
The fact that we still are dealing with this issue is ridiculous. Sink the mother ships. Strand the motorboats. Kill a bunch of them and this will stop. I guarantee it.
Wednesday, February 23, 2011
Borrowing From the Public Employees Retirement System For Road Construction Is Not a Good Idea
Acting Governor Earl Ray Tomblim quite understandably wants to get some accomplishments under his belt before he runs for the office on a permanent basis. To build his appeal in the Kanawha and Ohio Valleys, he tried to help hammer together a proposal to finish the final fifteen miles of U. S. 35 as a four lane road. This would connect Charleston to Point Pleasant with an expressway that would also extend nearly all the way to Columbus.
The plan calls for the state to borrow $110 million from the Public Employees Retirement System and pay it back over time with toll money.
This is a really bad idea. How long will it take to pay back the money? With baby boomers retiring, will this put the system into a financial bind? Would this not simply invite more borrowing from trust funds?
This sets a bad precedent and could leave public retirees more cash strapped. Combine this with the proposal to increase retirees' health premiums and you have a recipe to make a lot of older West Virginians a lot more fearful for their financial futures.
It will be nice for West Virginia to have a modern highway bringing traffic to the state capital. It would be nice for Tomblin's chances at election. But it is a bad idea and sets a bad precedent. Finishing this highway is not an emergency. Find some other way to finance it.
The plan calls for the state to borrow $110 million from the Public Employees Retirement System and pay it back over time with toll money.
This is a really bad idea. How long will it take to pay back the money? With baby boomers retiring, will this put the system into a financial bind? Would this not simply invite more borrowing from trust funds?
This sets a bad precedent and could leave public retirees more cash strapped. Combine this with the proposal to increase retirees' health premiums and you have a recipe to make a lot of older West Virginians a lot more fearful for their financial futures.
It will be nice for West Virginia to have a modern highway bringing traffic to the state capital. It would be nice for Tomblin's chances at election. But it is a bad idea and sets a bad precedent. Finishing this highway is not an emergency. Find some other way to finance it.
Tuesday, February 22, 2011
A Time of Unease Brought to You By the Looters
We are entering a time of true unease both here and abroad.
Riots have broken out in Libya, Bahrain, Iran and elsewhere. Over 200 have died in Libya. Egypt is now under military rule, but we saw one of CBS's best known foreign correspondents raped in the streets of its capital.
Fifty-three died in Ciudad Juarez, Mexico since Thursday. Mexican Army efforts to pacify that city's violence have failed. How much of this stemmed from drug cartel influence in the army itself?
Madison, Wisconsin is seeing some of the same unrest that rocked Athens last year. Wisonsin is broke and needs to adjust state employee premiums. The would be Bolsheviks have joined short sighted state employees to try and deal the Republican governor a political defeat. However, he seems to be leaning towards giving them the same treatment meted to air traffic controllers by President Reagan thirty years ago.
It is the looters that have caused this. These looters take different forms. One form is the "president-for-life" that steals from his country's economy and foreign aid. Qaddafi, Mubarek, and others are now being held to account. Iran's day of reckoning is coming soon. The other is the culture of entitlement among welfare statists. They feel like they deserve something that the private sector cannot guarantee to its own. Why should government workers have more security or privilege than anyone else? (By the way, I AM a state employee who now pays more in premiums than last year.) Mexico's drug cartels have looted the money, decency, and spirit from that proud nation.
Looters' belief that they are above the laws of economics and decency are behind a lot of our problems. It is time to deny them all.
Riots have broken out in Libya, Bahrain, Iran and elsewhere. Over 200 have died in Libya. Egypt is now under military rule, but we saw one of CBS's best known foreign correspondents raped in the streets of its capital.
Fifty-three died in Ciudad Juarez, Mexico since Thursday. Mexican Army efforts to pacify that city's violence have failed. How much of this stemmed from drug cartel influence in the army itself?
Madison, Wisconsin is seeing some of the same unrest that rocked Athens last year. Wisonsin is broke and needs to adjust state employee premiums. The would be Bolsheviks have joined short sighted state employees to try and deal the Republican governor a political defeat. However, he seems to be leaning towards giving them the same treatment meted to air traffic controllers by President Reagan thirty years ago.
It is the looters that have caused this. These looters take different forms. One form is the "president-for-life" that steals from his country's economy and foreign aid. Qaddafi, Mubarek, and others are now being held to account. Iran's day of reckoning is coming soon. The other is the culture of entitlement among welfare statists. They feel like they deserve something that the private sector cannot guarantee to its own. Why should government workers have more security or privilege than anyone else? (By the way, I AM a state employee who now pays more in premiums than last year.) Mexico's drug cartels have looted the money, decency, and spirit from that proud nation.
Looters' belief that they are above the laws of economics and decency are behind a lot of our problems. It is time to deny them all.
Monday, February 21, 2011
Wisconsin Badgered
Governor Scott Walker finds himself under siege these days. Thousands of people from outside the state have decided to make a stand against proposed hikes in insurance premiums for state workers.
Democrats have no chance of stopping the bill legally, so they left the state to hide out, preventing Wisconsin's elected Legislature from having a quorum to do business. It is a low and cowardly tactic.
Governor Manchin shepherded these through in our state last year and we didn't have the radicals, Communists, and would be Bolsheviks raising Cain. As a matter of fact, Governor Manchin was praised for his pragmartic thinking. Must be Governor Walker's Republican registration and Tea Party support that bring the Communists out.
Obama has weighed in, on the side of the unions of course. Walker has struck back by hinting that 12,000 state employees could be without a job if the Democrats do not return to Madison to help pass the state budget and other critical legislation. Meanwhile, hordes of bizarre looking protesters have come in from all over.
Where do these people think that money comes from? Why does a GOP governor get hounded while Democrats get a free pass for doing the same things? State governments are going bankrupt, but some government employees think they deserve a pass. They think they can avoid economic realities. Speaking as a state worker, I am not happy that I have to pay more in premiums for my own health insurance. However, I get it. It's the way of the world that prices rise. It's also a fact that the beginnings of Obamacare have caused a lot of the problems that have resulted in higher premiums.
Meanwhile in West Virginia, austerity measures have drawn praise instead of condemnation. Governor Manchin and the Legislature shepherded through hefty premium hikes last year. Retirees will see their premiums go up under a plan crafted by State Senator Brooks McCabe, a Charleston Democrat. No protests in Charleston greet these measures, just the recognition of a grim reality forced on us by the advent of Obamacare and his other works. We in West Virginia know that our health care is better than a lot of people, even with a premium hike. Wisconsin's governor faces the protests that he does because he is a Republican. And he is right.
Those people in Wisconsin better look out. When President Reagan fired the unionized air traffic controllers, his popularity went up.
Democrats have no chance of stopping the bill legally, so they left the state to hide out, preventing Wisconsin's elected Legislature from having a quorum to do business. It is a low and cowardly tactic.
Governor Manchin shepherded these through in our state last year and we didn't have the radicals, Communists, and would be Bolsheviks raising Cain. As a matter of fact, Governor Manchin was praised for his pragmartic thinking. Must be Governor Walker's Republican registration and Tea Party support that bring the Communists out.
Obama has weighed in, on the side of the unions of course. Walker has struck back by hinting that 12,000 state employees could be without a job if the Democrats do not return to Madison to help pass the state budget and other critical legislation. Meanwhile, hordes of bizarre looking protesters have come in from all over.
Where do these people think that money comes from? Why does a GOP governor get hounded while Democrats get a free pass for doing the same things? State governments are going bankrupt, but some government employees think they deserve a pass. They think they can avoid economic realities. Speaking as a state worker, I am not happy that I have to pay more in premiums for my own health insurance. However, I get it. It's the way of the world that prices rise. It's also a fact that the beginnings of Obamacare have caused a lot of the problems that have resulted in higher premiums.
Meanwhile in West Virginia, austerity measures have drawn praise instead of condemnation. Governor Manchin and the Legislature shepherded through hefty premium hikes last year. Retirees will see their premiums go up under a plan crafted by State Senator Brooks McCabe, a Charleston Democrat. No protests in Charleston greet these measures, just the recognition of a grim reality forced on us by the advent of Obamacare and his other works. We in West Virginia know that our health care is better than a lot of people, even with a premium hike. Wisconsin's governor faces the protests that he does because he is a Republican. And he is right.
Those people in Wisconsin better look out. When President Reagan fired the unionized air traffic controllers, his popularity went up.
Monday, February 14, 2011
Ron Paul Wins CPAC Straw Poll: What Does This Mean?
For the second year in a row, Ron Paul has taken CPAC's presidential straw poll. Is this a statement on the state of the conservative movement? Does this mean anything for Representative Paul?
Probably not. CPAC is a gigantic gathering of conservatives and libertarians that takes place every year. It attracts the most dedicated, but has in recent years been struggling to find its identity. Its economic conservatives and libertarians want it to go one direction and social conservatives prefer it would go another.
Poll results went as follows:
Texas Rep. Ron Paul: 30 percent
Former Massachusetts Gov. Mitt Romney: 23 percent
Former New Mexico Gov. Gary Johnson: 6 percent
New Jersey Gov. Chris Christie: 6 percent
Former House Speaker Newt Gingrich: 5 percent
Former Minnesota Gov. Tim Pawlenty: 4 percent
Minnesota Rep. Michele Bachmann: 4 percent
Indiana Gov. Mitch Daniels: 4 percent
Former Alaska Gov. Sarah Palin: 3 percent
Former talk show host Herman Cain: 2 percent
Former Arkansas Gov. Mike Huckabee: 2 percent
Former Pennsylvania Sen. Rick Santorum: 2 percent
South Dakota Sen. John Thune: 2 percent
U.S. Ambassador to China Jon Huntsman: 1 percent
Mississippi Gov. Haley Barbour: 1 percent
Others: 5 percent
This list of names is definitely not exhaustive of those who can, or might contend for the presidency in 2012. Governors Jindal, Perry, and Perdue of Louisiana, Texas, and Georgia could still emerge. Mississippi Governor Haley Barbour is also stronger than his 1% might indicate.
Ron Paul and Mitt Romney are both heads of different organizations that send their supporters to CPAC, so they naturally will vote for their patrons and heroes. However, Romney is persona non gratis to much of the conservative movement for his support of government health care. Ron Paul's ideas on economics and domestic policy have gained favor. Most conservatives would not argue that the Federal Reserve needs greater oversight. Support for the gold standard has also picked up recently. However, his rigid stance on foreign intervention keeps him on the outside for a conservative movement that cherishes the liberator of Grenada. His son, recently elected in Kentucky, has emerged as a much more moderate voice on this subject. Eventually Rand Paul could make a much better libertarian Republican presidential hopeful after some seasoning.
In the next election, a Southern governor will probably step up and break from the pack. Perdue might be held back by the fact that Georgia's economy is currently much less than peachy. Jindal, however, has stood up to Obama. Rick Perry is perceived as soft on immigration, but has battled the EPA and the Department of Education. The economy of his Texas has outperformed most states. Economics and states' rights should be at the forefront in 2012, helping active and successful governors to potentially launch strong challenges for the nomination. Sarah Palin remains in any discussion, but the governors who stayed at the helm will always have an advantage over her.
In essence, CPAC's poll represents the different factions that are diehard enough to travel to Washington and spend money to have a great time and socialize with other up and coming conservatives. However, it is not accurate to see them as a true bellcow for the movement.
Probably not. CPAC is a gigantic gathering of conservatives and libertarians that takes place every year. It attracts the most dedicated, but has in recent years been struggling to find its identity. Its economic conservatives and libertarians want it to go one direction and social conservatives prefer it would go another.
Poll results went as follows:
Texas Rep. Ron Paul: 30 percent
Former Massachusetts Gov. Mitt Romney: 23 percent
Former New Mexico Gov. Gary Johnson: 6 percent
New Jersey Gov. Chris Christie: 6 percent
Former House Speaker Newt Gingrich: 5 percent
Former Minnesota Gov. Tim Pawlenty: 4 percent
Minnesota Rep. Michele Bachmann: 4 percent
Indiana Gov. Mitch Daniels: 4 percent
Former Alaska Gov. Sarah Palin: 3 percent
Former talk show host Herman Cain: 2 percent
Former Arkansas Gov. Mike Huckabee: 2 percent
Former Pennsylvania Sen. Rick Santorum: 2 percent
South Dakota Sen. John Thune: 2 percent
U.S. Ambassador to China Jon Huntsman: 1 percent
Mississippi Gov. Haley Barbour: 1 percent
Others: 5 percent
This list of names is definitely not exhaustive of those who can, or might contend for the presidency in 2012. Governors Jindal, Perry, and Perdue of Louisiana, Texas, and Georgia could still emerge. Mississippi Governor Haley Barbour is also stronger than his 1% might indicate.
Ron Paul and Mitt Romney are both heads of different organizations that send their supporters to CPAC, so they naturally will vote for their patrons and heroes. However, Romney is persona non gratis to much of the conservative movement for his support of government health care. Ron Paul's ideas on economics and domestic policy have gained favor. Most conservatives would not argue that the Federal Reserve needs greater oversight. Support for the gold standard has also picked up recently. However, his rigid stance on foreign intervention keeps him on the outside for a conservative movement that cherishes the liberator of Grenada. His son, recently elected in Kentucky, has emerged as a much more moderate voice on this subject. Eventually Rand Paul could make a much better libertarian Republican presidential hopeful after some seasoning.
In the next election, a Southern governor will probably step up and break from the pack. Perdue might be held back by the fact that Georgia's economy is currently much less than peachy. Jindal, however, has stood up to Obama. Rick Perry is perceived as soft on immigration, but has battled the EPA and the Department of Education. The economy of his Texas has outperformed most states. Economics and states' rights should be at the forefront in 2012, helping active and successful governors to potentially launch strong challenges for the nomination. Sarah Palin remains in any discussion, but the governors who stayed at the helm will always have an advantage over her.
In essence, CPAC's poll represents the different factions that are diehard enough to travel to Washington and spend money to have a great time and socialize with other up and coming conservatives. However, it is not accurate to see them as a true bellcow for the movement.
Considering Looking at Long Term Costs in Budgeting Rather Than Simply the Original Price of a Project
Too often when elected officials approve infrastructure projects they do not plan for the long-term cost (the life cycle budget), which leads to wasteful spending at all levels of government. Current infrastructure projects frequently are not cost-effective and often lead to crumbling infrastructure.
Ultimately these projects become more expensive to repair and maintain. If they were constructed and priced out correctly from the beginning (looking at the entire cost of the initial project, including the maintenance and repairs in the future) we would have a better idea of the costs and benefits in the long term instead of the original price of the project. In the long run this type of budgeting would save taxpayers money.
A road, for example, is not simply a road. Does it pass through higher elevations where we can expect more stress and wear from freezing temperatures and more salt treatments? Will it have more wear and tear because of its proximity to industrial areas that will require a lot more truck traffic? How many bridges will be built on a long stretch of highway? These factors all go into the long term considerations of cost. When we think about these issues, we might be able to even come up with alternative specifics that could cost more in the short term, but pay off over time.
A lack of transparency in infrastructure spending is creating budgetary uncertainty, which only furthers the fiscal challenges facing state officials. This kind of shortsighted infrastructure budgeting is jeopardizing economic growth
Congressman Nick Rahall (Democrat-WV03) should consider this new way to look at the funding of infrastructure projects. Below are a couple of examples where government leaders have scrapped projects or hidden the true cost of projects.
— In California, a study conducted by the Sacramento Area Council of Governments found that routine repairs cost roughly $20,000 per mile of road per year. When roads break down, reconstruction is needed, costing up to $2 million per mile per year.
— In New Jersey, Governor Chris Christie canceled a highly publicized transit tunnel project because he discovered the full costs of the project would exceed projections by as much as $5 billion. The tunnel would have eased traffic congestion among commuters in the nation’s most densely populated state.
When we fail to account for the maintenance costs from the start, repairs aren’t paid for and we are forced to spend more on major reconstruction earlier in the life of the road.
Today, we think it is imperative that governments consider the full life cycle cost of any investment it makes. That means not just how much something costs to build, but also how much it costs to operate and maintain decades into the future.
It is worth noting that the Congressional Budget Office reports that life cycle accounting will produce more cost effective infrastructure projects. According to the non-partisan CBO, accounting for the total cost of a project over its life cycle – that is, taking into account the initial costs as well as the long term operation and maintenance costs – is a key to ensuring that infrastructure projects are cost-effective.
With government doing more with less at every level, we urge Rep. Rahall and his colleagues in Congress to adopt this form of budgeting.
Ultimately these projects become more expensive to repair and maintain. If they were constructed and priced out correctly from the beginning (looking at the entire cost of the initial project, including the maintenance and repairs in the future) we would have a better idea of the costs and benefits in the long term instead of the original price of the project. In the long run this type of budgeting would save taxpayers money.
A road, for example, is not simply a road. Does it pass through higher elevations where we can expect more stress and wear from freezing temperatures and more salt treatments? Will it have more wear and tear because of its proximity to industrial areas that will require a lot more truck traffic? How many bridges will be built on a long stretch of highway? These factors all go into the long term considerations of cost. When we think about these issues, we might be able to even come up with alternative specifics that could cost more in the short term, but pay off over time.
A lack of transparency in infrastructure spending is creating budgetary uncertainty, which only furthers the fiscal challenges facing state officials. This kind of shortsighted infrastructure budgeting is jeopardizing economic growth
Congressman Nick Rahall (Democrat-WV03) should consider this new way to look at the funding of infrastructure projects. Below are a couple of examples where government leaders have scrapped projects or hidden the true cost of projects.
— In California, a study conducted by the Sacramento Area Council of Governments found that routine repairs cost roughly $20,000 per mile of road per year. When roads break down, reconstruction is needed, costing up to $2 million per mile per year.
— In New Jersey, Governor Chris Christie canceled a highly publicized transit tunnel project because he discovered the full costs of the project would exceed projections by as much as $5 billion. The tunnel would have eased traffic congestion among commuters in the nation’s most densely populated state.
When we fail to account for the maintenance costs from the start, repairs aren’t paid for and we are forced to spend more on major reconstruction earlier in the life of the road.
Today, we think it is imperative that governments consider the full life cycle cost of any investment it makes. That means not just how much something costs to build, but also how much it costs to operate and maintain decades into the future.
It is worth noting that the Congressional Budget Office reports that life cycle accounting will produce more cost effective infrastructure projects. According to the non-partisan CBO, accounting for the total cost of a project over its life cycle – that is, taking into account the initial costs as well as the long term operation and maintenance costs – is a key to ensuring that infrastructure projects are cost-effective.
With government doing more with less at every level, we urge Rep. Rahall and his colleagues in Congress to adopt this form of budgeting.
Sunday, February 13, 2011
From the Secretary of State's Office: Final List of Candidates For Governor
Clark
Barnes Republican 106 S. Kanawha St., Buckhannon, WV 26253 Randolph 304-472-5608 cbarnes1950@yahoo.com
Earl Ray
Tomblin Democrat PO Box 11530 Charleston, WV 25339 Logan info@earlraytomblin.com
Rick
Thompson Democrat 4625 Route 152 Lavalette, WV 25535 Wayne 304-551-7425 Info@RickThompsonWV.com
Arne
Moltis Democrat PO Box 8373 South Charleston, WV 25303 Kanawha 304-395-0214 arne@suddenlink.net
Natalie E. Tennant Democrat P.O. Box 1063 Charleston, WV 25324 Kanawha 304-993-0874 info@natalietennant.com
Betty
Ireland Republican 948 Ridgemont Road Charleston, WV 25314 Kanawha 304-343-5033 votebettyireland@gmail.com
Mark A.
Sorsaia Republican P.O. Box 361, Hurricane, WV 25526 Putnam 304-546-3477 mark@sorsaiaforgovernor.com
Larry V. Faircloth Republican P.O. Box 558 Inwood, WV 25428 Berkeley 304-267-3949 faircloth4governor@frontier.com
John D.
Perdue Democrat 608 Virginia Street E Charleston, WV 25301 Kanawha 304-414-0880 John@johnperdue.com
Cliff
Ellis Republican 104 Sunset Drive Westover, WV 26501 Monongalia 304-680-5332 gellis104@comcast.net
Mitch B.
Carmichael Republican 2 Colonial Drive Ripley, WV 25271 Jackson 304-372-4667 mitch.carmichael@frontier.com
Ralph William Clark Republican Monongalia rclark376@comcast.net
Jeffrey V. Kessler Democrat 607 Wheeling Ave. Glen Dale, WV 26038 Marshall jeff@jeffkesslerforgovernor.com
Bill
Maloney Republican PO Box 18189 Morgantown, WV 26507 Monongalia maloneyforwv@gmail.com
PRECANDIDATES: Have filed a Precandidate Form and are authorized to raise and spend money for the 2011 election for Governor. Listed in the order in which received by the Election Division.
Name Party Mailing Address County Phone # Email Address
Jesse
Johnson Mountain Kanawha jesse4wvgov@yahoo.com
Patrick
Lane Republican Kanawha
Bob Henry Baber Mountain 526 Kanawha St. Glenville, WV 26351 Gilmer 304-462-0320 mayorbobhenrybaber@yahoo.com
Barnes Republican 106 S. Kanawha St., Buckhannon, WV 26253 Randolph 304-472-5608 cbarnes1950@yahoo.com
Earl Ray
Tomblin Democrat PO Box 11530 Charleston, WV 25339 Logan info@earlraytomblin.com
Rick
Thompson Democrat 4625 Route 152 Lavalette, WV 25535 Wayne 304-551-7425 Info@RickThompsonWV.com
Arne
Moltis Democrat PO Box 8373 South Charleston, WV 25303 Kanawha 304-395-0214 arne@suddenlink.net
Natalie E. Tennant Democrat P.O. Box 1063 Charleston, WV 25324 Kanawha 304-993-0874 info@natalietennant.com
Betty
Ireland Republican 948 Ridgemont Road Charleston, WV 25314 Kanawha 304-343-5033 votebettyireland@gmail.com
Mark A.
Sorsaia Republican P.O. Box 361, Hurricane, WV 25526 Putnam 304-546-3477 mark@sorsaiaforgovernor.com
Larry V. Faircloth Republican P.O. Box 558 Inwood, WV 25428 Berkeley 304-267-3949 faircloth4governor@frontier.com
John D.
Perdue Democrat 608 Virginia Street E Charleston, WV 25301 Kanawha 304-414-0880 John@johnperdue.com
Cliff
Ellis Republican 104 Sunset Drive Westover, WV 26501 Monongalia 304-680-5332 gellis104@comcast.net
Mitch B.
Carmichael Republican 2 Colonial Drive Ripley, WV 25271 Jackson 304-372-4667 mitch.carmichael@frontier.com
Ralph William Clark Republican Monongalia rclark376@comcast.net
Jeffrey V. Kessler Democrat 607 Wheeling Ave. Glen Dale, WV 26038 Marshall jeff@jeffkesslerforgovernor.com
Bill
Maloney Republican PO Box 18189 Morgantown, WV 26507 Monongalia maloneyforwv@gmail.com
PRECANDIDATES: Have filed a Precandidate Form and are authorized to raise and spend money for the 2011 election for Governor. Listed in the order in which received by the Election Division.
Name Party Mailing Address County Phone # Email Address
Jesse
Johnson Mountain Kanawha jesse4wvgov@yahoo.com
Patrick
Lane Republican Kanawha
Bob Henry Baber Mountain 526 Kanawha St. Glenville, WV 26351 Gilmer 304-462-0320 mayorbobhenrybaber@yahoo.com
From the Secretary of State's Office: Final List of Candidates For Governor
Clark
Barnes Republican 106 S. Kanawha St., Buckhannon, WV 26253 Randolph 304-472-5608 cbarnes1950@yahoo.com
Earl Ray
Tomblin Democrat PO Box 11530 Charleston, WV 25339 Logan info@earlraytomblin.com
Rick
Thompson Democrat 4625 Route 152 Lavalette, WV 25535 Wayne 304-551-7425 Info@RickThompsonWV.com
Arne
Moltis Democrat PO Box 8373 South Charleston, WV 25303 Kanawha 304-395-0214 arne@suddenlink.net
Natalie E. Tennant Democrat P.O. Box 1063 Charleston, WV 25324 Kanawha 304-993-0874 info@natalietennant.com
Betty
Ireland Republican 948 Ridgemont Road Charleston, WV 25314 Kanawha 304-343-5033 votebettyireland@gmail.com
Mark A.
Sorsaia Republican P.O. Box 361, Hurricane, WV 25526 Putnam 304-546-3477 mark@sorsaiaforgovernor.com
Larry V. Faircloth Republican P.O. Box 558 Inwood, WV 25428 Berkeley 304-267-3949 faircloth4governor@frontier.com
John D.
Perdue Democrat 608 Virginia Street E Charleston, WV 25301 Kanawha 304-414-0880 John@johnperdue.com
Cliff
Ellis Republican 104 Sunset Drive Westover, WV 26501 Monongalia 304-680-5332 gellis104@comcast.net
Mitch B.
Carmichael Republican 2 Colonial Drive Ripley, WV 25271 Jackson 304-372-4667 mitch.carmichael@frontier.com
Ralph William Clark Republican Monongalia rclark376@comcast.net
Jeffrey V. Kessler Democrat 607 Wheeling Ave. Glen Dale, WV 26038 Marshall jeff@jeffkesslerforgovernor.com
Bill
Maloney Republican PO Box 18189 Morgantown, WV 26507 Monongalia maloneyforwv@gmail.com
PRECANDIDATES: Have filed a Precandidate Form and are authorized to raise and spend money for the 2011 election for Governor. Listed in the order in which received by the Election Division.
Name Party Mailing Address County Phone # Email Address
Jesse
Johnson Mountain Kanawha jesse4wvgov@yahoo.com
Patrick
Lane Republican Kanawha
Bob Henry Baber Mountain 526 Kanawha St. Glenville, WV 26351 Gilmer 304-462-0320 mayorbobhenrybaber@yahoo.com
Barnes Republican 106 S. Kanawha St., Buckhannon, WV 26253 Randolph 304-472-5608 cbarnes1950@yahoo.com
Earl Ray
Tomblin Democrat PO Box 11530 Charleston, WV 25339 Logan info@earlraytomblin.com
Rick
Thompson Democrat 4625 Route 152 Lavalette, WV 25535 Wayne 304-551-7425 Info@RickThompsonWV.com
Arne
Moltis Democrat PO Box 8373 South Charleston, WV 25303 Kanawha 304-395-0214 arne@suddenlink.net
Natalie E. Tennant Democrat P.O. Box 1063 Charleston, WV 25324 Kanawha 304-993-0874 info@natalietennant.com
Betty
Ireland Republican 948 Ridgemont Road Charleston, WV 25314 Kanawha 304-343-5033 votebettyireland@gmail.com
Mark A.
Sorsaia Republican P.O. Box 361, Hurricane, WV 25526 Putnam 304-546-3477 mark@sorsaiaforgovernor.com
Larry V. Faircloth Republican P.O. Box 558 Inwood, WV 25428 Berkeley 304-267-3949 faircloth4governor@frontier.com
John D.
Perdue Democrat 608 Virginia Street E Charleston, WV 25301 Kanawha 304-414-0880 John@johnperdue.com
Cliff
Ellis Republican 104 Sunset Drive Westover, WV 26501 Monongalia 304-680-5332 gellis104@comcast.net
Mitch B.
Carmichael Republican 2 Colonial Drive Ripley, WV 25271 Jackson 304-372-4667 mitch.carmichael@frontier.com
Ralph William Clark Republican Monongalia rclark376@comcast.net
Jeffrey V. Kessler Democrat 607 Wheeling Ave. Glen Dale, WV 26038 Marshall jeff@jeffkesslerforgovernor.com
Bill
Maloney Republican PO Box 18189 Morgantown, WV 26507 Monongalia maloneyforwv@gmail.com
PRECANDIDATES: Have filed a Precandidate Form and are authorized to raise and spend money for the 2011 election for Governor. Listed in the order in which received by the Election Division.
Name Party Mailing Address County Phone # Email Address
Jesse
Johnson Mountain Kanawha jesse4wvgov@yahoo.com
Patrick
Lane Republican Kanawha
Bob Henry Baber Mountain 526 Kanawha St. Glenville, WV 26351 Gilmer 304-462-0320 mayorbobhenrybaber@yahoo.com
Friday, February 11, 2011
Military Dictatorship In Egypt?
Unrest in Egypt is getting worse and not better. What is unclear is which groups stand to gain if, or more likely when, Hosni Mubarek is forced to step aside. We would love to see true democracy, but should be concerned about the Moslem Brotherhood (backed by Obama, of course.) Egypt has tried to retain a secular government in the face of a tide of dangerous fundamentalism. Inviting a religious group to the table is a bad idea. Just because they came does not mean they should get to sit or speak.
History shows us that revolutions such as the one brewing in Cairo tend to turn out badly much of the time. Radicals shove aside moderates and spill blood when they consolidate power. Radicals want to control the people body, mind, and spirit. Radical Islamofacist terror will be bad for Egypt, Israel, Europe, and the United States.
In 1933, German democracy selected Communists and Nazis overwhelmingly in elections for the national legislature (Reichstag.) Its system required the President to choose a government from the dominant political parties. The President selected what he thought was the better of two evils, the Nazis. Of course the Communists had already killed thousands and wrecked Russia. The Nazis had not done as much yet, although they eventually would. The best case scenario for that desperate nation would have been a temporary seizure of power by the military.
Is that what is best for Egypt? If the Moslem Brotherhood or any other Islamic front group try to seize power, the military needs to step in and shove them aside. We need no more radical religious groups running nations in the Middle East. It is not a great result, but better than a lot of alternatives if true democracy cannot be established.
This all being said, that military government (as we have seen this morning actually take over the country) needs to put together a transition plan to democracy that reflects the secular nature of the country and respects all of its religious groups. It needs to promise to prevent terror as well. Hopefully, temporary military rule will result in real democracy and positive change for Egypt.
Feral Pigs and Such
On Tuesday, Fox News ran a story about the growing menace of feral pigs. Farmers complained about the destruction to crops. Suburbanites are upset about their lawns. The United States Department of Agriculture and state governments are concerned as well. The population of feral pigs around the country is approaching 4 million, according to expert estimates. So it's pretty obvious what ought to be done. Michigan has a new policy that allows anyone with a hunting license to shoot them at any time since they breed so quickly and in such large humbers.
Fox had to dig up the animal rights expert, though. He protested the "persecution of pigs" and suggested that someone go out and neuter them instead of hunting them. This was his best, serious suggestion.
This is animal rights at its worst. Armchair thinkers who have never been around an animal larger than a golden retriever or more dangerous than a kitten. Imagine trying to actually catch a pig in a sty to neuter it. Now imagine doing it to a feral pig in the woods. How dangerous is that? How much does it cost? The armchair left isn't interested.
What is amazing is that this very same group likely supports free range chickens as opposed to those cooped up. Wouldn't these be "free range pigs?" Wouldn't it be better to get your pork from wild hogs than those kept on a farm, from an animal rights point of view?
Just a typical statement made without thought by the animal rights movement.
Fox had to dig up the animal rights expert, though. He protested the "persecution of pigs" and suggested that someone go out and neuter them instead of hunting them. This was his best, serious suggestion.
This is animal rights at its worst. Armchair thinkers who have never been around an animal larger than a golden retriever or more dangerous than a kitten. Imagine trying to actually catch a pig in a sty to neuter it. Now imagine doing it to a feral pig in the woods. How dangerous is that? How much does it cost? The armchair left isn't interested.
What is amazing is that this very same group likely supports free range chickens as opposed to those cooped up. Wouldn't these be "free range pigs?" Wouldn't it be better to get your pork from wild hogs than those kept on a farm, from an animal rights point of view?
Just a typical statement made without thought by the animal rights movement.
Wednesday, February 9, 2011
GOProud At CPAC Is the Right Call
CPAC is facing strong criticism from social conservatives due to its inclusion of the group GOProud in its upcoming event.
CPAC is a conference that operates on many levels. There is an elite level where very important folks mingle, drink, eat, and celebrate conservatism. For those without several hundred to spend, there are speeches and a floor with hundreds of booths. This is probably where GOProud will be.
GOProud is a group like the Log Cabin Republicans. In other words, they are gay conservative Republicans. That may sound like a contradiction, but it isn't. Republicans and conservatives are split between those who are predominantly socially conservative and those whose interest lies more in economic liberty. The latter are more likely to be socially libertarian. Additionally, this is where most young conservative/libertarian, Republican voters are.
The Republican Party and conservative movement are moving strongly towards positions of liberty and rights. This will tend to alienate old social conservatives, but revitalize the Republican brand among the younger. Personally, I see a contradiction between the concept of less government interference while using the law to prevent legal connections between gays. Civil unions for all couples, gay or straight, would best reflect these values of limited government in people's lives.
Our combined enemy is statism that can evolve into mercantilism, fascism, or socialism. Obama's vision could send us down any of those three paths and none are good for America. We need to bind together and fight for liberty, rights, and less government. If that means that gay couples end up with civil unions or that people end up being able to grow and smoke pot on their own private property, so be it. I don't care about what people do in private on their property or in their bedrooms. I want the government less involved in all of our lives.
Tuesday, February 8, 2011
What About Henry Gassaway Davis, Stephen Elkins, or Harley Staggers Day?
State legislators can come up with some good ideas and some not so good ideas.
In this year's session, eleven have decided to sponsor a meausre to make Senator Robert Byrd's birthday a state holiday.
Byrd had one paramount cardinal virtue. Show up for work every day that you possibly can. His efforts to get to votes in his advanced age approached the heroic. How ironic that some want to honor that dedication with giving folks a day off.
Also, let's not forget that Senator Byrd has not been our only legislator of note on the national stage. Harley Staggers served his congressional district faithfully for decades and helped to save railroads in the late 1970s. Henry Gassaway Davis and Stephen Elkins served in the U. S. Senate and helped to build the industrial base that sustains our state today. Arthur Boreman and Francis H. Pierpont risked capture and execution as traitors against the Commonwealth of Virginia to stay loyal to the Union and help create the Mountain State.
I'd like to say that Senator Byrd would be against this, but the man did like having his name attached to stuff. Despite the possibility that he would be elated by this kind of honor, it would be better to recognize his memory at the beginning of every session by having a reading of the United States Constitution and a pledge that each member will have it be his guide. That was Senator Byrd's other sincere political love. Remember him with something productive, not inactivity paid for by the taxpayers.
In this year's session, eleven have decided to sponsor a meausre to make Senator Robert Byrd's birthday a state holiday.
Byrd had one paramount cardinal virtue. Show up for work every day that you possibly can. His efforts to get to votes in his advanced age approached the heroic. How ironic that some want to honor that dedication with giving folks a day off.
Also, let's not forget that Senator Byrd has not been our only legislator of note on the national stage. Harley Staggers served his congressional district faithfully for decades and helped to save railroads in the late 1970s. Henry Gassaway Davis and Stephen Elkins served in the U. S. Senate and helped to build the industrial base that sustains our state today. Arthur Boreman and Francis H. Pierpont risked capture and execution as traitors against the Commonwealth of Virginia to stay loyal to the Union and help create the Mountain State.
I'd like to say that Senator Byrd would be against this, but the man did like having his name attached to stuff. Despite the possibility that he would be elated by this kind of honor, it would be better to recognize his memory at the beginning of every session by having a reading of the United States Constitution and a pledge that each member will have it be his guide. That was Senator Byrd's other sincere political love. Remember him with something productive, not inactivity paid for by the taxpayers.
Monday, February 7, 2011
Rolling the Dice: Natalie Tennant
Natalie Tennant tossed her hat into the gubernatorial ring last week, confirming long held suspicions of her ambition.
Tennant was the first female Mountaineer and is well-known as a newscaster in the Charleston-Huntington market. Her hometown is in Marion County, giving her connections with two of the largest centers of population in West Virginia. She rode that name recognition as well as a winning personality to victory in the Secretary of State race. Now she is taking a serious gamble.
Earl Ray Tomblin, current acting governor, has the advantage of semi-incumbency and a long career behind him in the State Legislature. However, his southern West Virginia base could hurt him in the eastern counties. It is also difficult for long term legislators at any level to compete for statewide office because of their lengthy voting record. It's easy for opponents to highlight votes and stances at different points out of context. Tennant's lack of experience means that she has very little to attack, outside of her lack of experience.
And that in itself is dangerous. With uncertain economic times and our state economy under attack by the federal government itself, we need a governor who will stand up to the feds and protect our jobs and interests. There is no evidence that Natalie Tennant has any track record at all in fighting for this state. Republican candidates and Earl Ray Tomblin himself understand that coal is a vital part of our state economy. What has Tennant done in her career that has shown support for state jobs?
Democratic voters need to think about experience when they head to the polls, as opposed to personality.
Tennant was the first female Mountaineer and is well-known as a newscaster in the Charleston-Huntington market. Her hometown is in Marion County, giving her connections with two of the largest centers of population in West Virginia. She rode that name recognition as well as a winning personality to victory in the Secretary of State race. Now she is taking a serious gamble.
Earl Ray Tomblin, current acting governor, has the advantage of semi-incumbency and a long career behind him in the State Legislature. However, his southern West Virginia base could hurt him in the eastern counties. It is also difficult for long term legislators at any level to compete for statewide office because of their lengthy voting record. It's easy for opponents to highlight votes and stances at different points out of context. Tennant's lack of experience means that she has very little to attack, outside of her lack of experience.
And that in itself is dangerous. With uncertain economic times and our state economy under attack by the federal government itself, we need a governor who will stand up to the feds and protect our jobs and interests. There is no evidence that Natalie Tennant has any track record at all in fighting for this state. Republican candidates and Earl Ray Tomblin himself understand that coal is a vital part of our state economy. What has Tennant done in her career that has shown support for state jobs?
Democratic voters need to think about experience when they head to the polls, as opposed to personality.
Saturday, February 5, 2011
The Muslim Brotherhood Must Be Excluded
In recent days, Obama has been pushing Egypt to find a role in a new government for the Muslim Brotherhood. This is an international front for Islamofascism who tries to make fundamentalist Islam look acceptable, much like the Nazi moderation campaigns in the late 20s and early 30s.
Make no mistake, especially y'all on the liberal side of things. These are people who have no problem with the execution of gays and the mutilation of rape victims, especially if that rape destroyed their virginity. These are the Middle East version of the Westboro Baptist (non)Church in their basic beliefs. They should be allowed nowhere near any power structure anywhere.
Revolutions usually begin with democratic leaning moderates in control and radicals asking just for a place at the table. Over time the radicals use ruthless means to intimidate and shove their way into dictatorial control. The American Revolution was an example of the opposite. Radicals were weeded out or chose to drop out and the moderates too over. In Russia and France, radicals seized control with terrifying and bloody results.
To avoid bloodshed in the increasingly inevitable looking scenario of change in Egypt, we must push for the exclusion of the Muslim Brotherhood. They are terrorists who will kill and maim the weak and vulnerable if their sick interpretation of Islam is given any credibility or influence.
We want a moderate and secular democracy in Egypt that opens up the economic system to a more free market orientation. We do not need terrorists who have temporarily decided to look moderate.
Make no mistake, especially y'all on the liberal side of things. These are people who have no problem with the execution of gays and the mutilation of rape victims, especially if that rape destroyed their virginity. These are the Middle East version of the Westboro Baptist (non)Church in their basic beliefs. They should be allowed nowhere near any power structure anywhere.
Revolutions usually begin with democratic leaning moderates in control and radicals asking just for a place at the table. Over time the radicals use ruthless means to intimidate and shove their way into dictatorial control. The American Revolution was an example of the opposite. Radicals were weeded out or chose to drop out and the moderates too over. In Russia and France, radicals seized control with terrifying and bloody results.
To avoid bloodshed in the increasingly inevitable looking scenario of change in Egypt, we must push for the exclusion of the Muslim Brotherhood. They are terrorists who will kill and maim the weak and vulnerable if their sick interpretation of Islam is given any credibility or influence.
We want a moderate and secular democracy in Egypt that opens up the economic system to a more free market orientation. We do not need terrorists who have temporarily decided to look moderate.
Wednesday, February 2, 2011
What Is Going On in Egypt?
"May you live in interesting times."
Egypt is living out this ancient Chinese curse as thousands have taken to the streets to protest, confront government forces, and/or loot. People on the outside have a difficult time making out precisely what they stand for, although it is easy to see that they are definitely against the current president Hosni Mubarek. Counter demonstrations have zealously supported Mubrake and his administration which has generally been non hostile to Israel and the United States while strongly opposing Islamofascist terrorism. That being said, under his governance, there has been corruption and the suppression of democracy.
If this falls into a real revolution, it could follow a pattern set for hundreds of years. Moderates take control first with the desire to right the wrongs of the old regime. They are quickly shoved aside by ruthless radicals whose aim is power and control. They will shed blood and lives to get what they want. Radical Puritans in Britain in the 1600s, France in the 1700s, Russia in the 1900s are the most well-known examples. We must watch for the same pattern here.
If radicals do seize power in Cairo, we must be ready. A coalition of countries led by the United States, but including African and Asian countries must be ready to seize the Suez Canal and place it under international control. Not United Nations control, but a temporary trusteeship. India, South Africa, and other non traditional powers should be party to this, but ready to move quickly if Islamofascists gain control of Egypt.
This is dangerous and could spread quickly. Where was our president at the beginning? A star studded party. Where is our Secretary of State?
We need the experienced hand of a Condoleeza Rice right now. Or a George H. W. Bush. Obama is once again in over his head and needs to ask for experienced help to try and prevent the worst from happening.
Tuesday, February 1, 2011
Skinned
MTV will likely pull the plug on its import show "Skins" under pressure from viewers, advertisers, Congress, and the Department of Justice.Executives at MTV held long discussions to determine whether or not U. S. law and the American market would accept a television program that is entirely about sex and drug use among teenage children. They apparently forgot that even simulated sex among child actors and actresses is a federal crime, punishable by prison sentences. To me, if you are having that discussion, the show is probably inappropriate.
"Skins" originated in Great Britain on the BBC. Parents should be warned that the show is on BBC America, which is available on satellite and cable. It probably will not be shown very much longer based on the adverse reaction to its showing on MTV.
The show's creators and backers sell it as a "frank" portrayal of teenage life. They claim that those who think teenagers behave otherwise are foolish and deluded. Generalizing about any lareg group leads to dangerous inaccuracy. Lots of teens indulge in sex and use drugs. Lots of teens are afraid of sex and avoid drugs. In any event, one can get the point across on a fictional show that teenagers are doing these things without breaking federal child pornography laws. At a certain point, the show's creators must admit that they are trying to stimulate other things than a frank discussion about teenage behavior.
Fortunately we have an appropriate market response to the show. Not only are advertisers abandoning the show, so are viewers. Even on the most coarse, envelope pushing network offered in America, viewers are not accepting of what has been offered. MTV will likely pull the plug on the show not long after assuring its creators that the market and the law would be permissive of this type of programming.
People my age are nostalgic for the days when you saw music on Music Television (as MTV was once known.) As far as I am concerned, Jim Morrison sang something that resonates very well here "when the music's over, turn out the lights . . ." Apparently, the Department of Justice might do the same. Personally, I think the government should back off. MTV's lawyers looked over this show with a fine toothed comb. They will either prove that they did not violate the letter of the law, or hide behind deniability, claiming they didn't know how far the show would go. I doubt that a costly investigation will reveal any technical wrongdoing by MTV. The market has spoken and rejected it. No need to go any further.
Monday, January 31, 2011
Democratic Delegates Deal Delay to Bill That Will Return Miners to Work
Delegate Stan Shaver has had an interesting week. He is sponsoring a bill to charge seniors $25 for hunting and fishing licenses (they are currently exempt) while also trying to keep West Virginia coal miners out of work.
The bill (HB 2854) to create the new class of license for the elderly (because we don't want to miss out on this lucrative source of fee income) will be first read on Monday and probably pass the House and be sent to the Senate by the end of the week, according to the Boone Examiner.
In all honesty, this is not a measure that I have too much of a problem with, so long as the money goes back into state supported outdoor recreation, or gun classes, or something else useful. If other citizens have to pay fees, people over sixty five should as well.
However it is interesting that Delegate Shaver's bill to raise these fees will probably sail through the House while he is helping to stall the Intrastate Coal and Use bill (HB 2554. See link http://www.legis.state.wv.us/Bill_Status/bills_text.cfm?billdoc=hb2554%20intr.htm&yr=2011&sesstype=RS&i=2554 ) Delegate Shaver (D-46) and Delegate Larry Barker (D-18) both represent areas that benefit from coal mining (Tucker, Preston, and Boone counties) yet have worked to keep HB 2554 off of the committee agenda. This will eventually prevent the bill from even being sent to the full House of Delegates for a vote.
The importance of HB 2554 is two fold. It would block mines that only sell to West Virginia customers from any federal oversight. Several mines whose operations have been prevented or suspended by the EPA can come back online with state permission. In the past, the EPA could be trusted to objectively make decisions solely based on environmental issues. The current administration has repeatedly stated its desire to end the coal industry and is using the EPA to further that end. When Congress refused to create limitations that will harm the coal industry, Obama's administration signalled its willingness to ignore Article 1 Sectioon 1 of the Constitution ( http://www.house.gov/house/Constitution/Constitution.html ) and write its own law.
The passage of the Intrastate Coal and Use Act would put West Virginia miners back to work and result in the collection of more tax revenues. Since our state needs to extra income gathered from elderly hunters and fishermen, it could certainly use the revenue from coal miner incomes and coal operations. Additionally, West Virginia and other states need to send a message to Obama and his federal cronies that they are violating the Constitution by overstepping legal limits on their power. States must defend their prerogatives under the Tenth Amendment.
HB 2554 has bipartisan support and will put West Virginians back to work if passed by both houses of the Legislature. If our state needs more revenue and jobs, let's push through a bill to create work and business as quickly as we push through a bill to charge seniors fees to hunt and fish. Miners and others who support jobs in this state need to ask their legislators a question. Do you support Barack Obama's War on Coal, or do you support West Virginia and its coal miners and operators?
Which side are you on?
The bill (HB 2854) to create the new class of license for the elderly (because we don't want to miss out on this lucrative source of fee income) will be first read on Monday and probably pass the House and be sent to the Senate by the end of the week, according to the Boone Examiner.
In all honesty, this is not a measure that I have too much of a problem with, so long as the money goes back into state supported outdoor recreation, or gun classes, or something else useful. If other citizens have to pay fees, people over sixty five should as well.
However it is interesting that Delegate Shaver's bill to raise these fees will probably sail through the House while he is helping to stall the Intrastate Coal and Use bill (HB 2554. See link http://www.legis.state.wv.us/Bill_Status/bills_text.cfm?billdoc=hb2554%20intr.htm&yr=2011&sesstype=RS&i=2554 ) Delegate Shaver (D-46) and Delegate Larry Barker (D-18) both represent areas that benefit from coal mining (Tucker, Preston, and Boone counties) yet have worked to keep HB 2554 off of the committee agenda. This will eventually prevent the bill from even being sent to the full House of Delegates for a vote.
The importance of HB 2554 is two fold. It would block mines that only sell to West Virginia customers from any federal oversight. Several mines whose operations have been prevented or suspended by the EPA can come back online with state permission. In the past, the EPA could be trusted to objectively make decisions solely based on environmental issues. The current administration has repeatedly stated its desire to end the coal industry and is using the EPA to further that end. When Congress refused to create limitations that will harm the coal industry, Obama's administration signalled its willingness to ignore Article 1 Sectioon 1 of the Constitution ( http://www.house.gov/house/Constitution/Constitution.html ) and write its own law.
The passage of the Intrastate Coal and Use Act would put West Virginia miners back to work and result in the collection of more tax revenues. Since our state needs to extra income gathered from elderly hunters and fishermen, it could certainly use the revenue from coal miner incomes and coal operations. Additionally, West Virginia and other states need to send a message to Obama and his federal cronies that they are violating the Constitution by overstepping legal limits on their power. States must defend their prerogatives under the Tenth Amendment.
HB 2554 has bipartisan support and will put West Virginians back to work if passed by both houses of the Legislature. If our state needs more revenue and jobs, let's push through a bill to create work and business as quickly as we push through a bill to charge seniors fees to hunt and fish. Miners and others who support jobs in this state need to ask their legislators a question. Do you support Barack Obama's War on Coal, or do you support West Virginia and its coal miners and operators?
Which side are you on?
Friday, January 28, 2011
West Virginia Needs a Primary Election
Kanawha County Republican Executive Committee Chair Melody Potter on Facebook Tuesday endorsed a primary election to determine party nominees for governor before the special election.
I agree 100%.
Two alternatives exist. One would just be a wide open election where every contender was on the ballot at once. This opens the door for false candidates to try and siphon votes from actual ones. More likely would be a party convention where each of the three parties that generally run candidates for governor would select their nominees and put them on the ballot. However, this might reinforce the perception that West Virginia politics is basically a good ol' boy show.
A primary election is good for Republicans for a few reasons.
First, it is the more democratic way to operate. Candidacies are open and the people get to vote. That is the expectation of the voters in the 21st Century. They want to choose. Second, the race between the various GOP candidates will bring media attention to these individuals that will create name recognition for the general election. Some major candidates are better known west of the mountains and in southern West Virginia, some are better known to the east. It is important that registered Republicans and other voters across the entire state get to know all of the potential Republican candidates so that they can make an informed Republican vote in the fall.
The Republican Party is advancing a very experienced and capable set of candidates this time, most notably State Senator Clark Barnes and former Secretary of State Betty Ireland. Both of these candidates are exceptional campaigners, so a primary election plays to both of their strengths.
A primary election can help our party build a case for its nominee in the general election.
I agree 100%.
Two alternatives exist. One would just be a wide open election where every contender was on the ballot at once. This opens the door for false candidates to try and siphon votes from actual ones. More likely would be a party convention where each of the three parties that generally run candidates for governor would select their nominees and put them on the ballot. However, this might reinforce the perception that West Virginia politics is basically a good ol' boy show.
A primary election is good for Republicans for a few reasons.
First, it is the more democratic way to operate. Candidacies are open and the people get to vote. That is the expectation of the voters in the 21st Century. They want to choose. Second, the race between the various GOP candidates will bring media attention to these individuals that will create name recognition for the general election. Some major candidates are better known west of the mountains and in southern West Virginia, some are better known to the east. It is important that registered Republicans and other voters across the entire state get to know all of the potential Republican candidates so that they can make an informed Republican vote in the fall.
The Republican Party is advancing a very experienced and capable set of candidates this time, most notably State Senator Clark Barnes and former Secretary of State Betty Ireland. Both of these candidates are exceptional campaigners, so a primary election plays to both of their strengths.
A primary election can help our party build a case for its nominee in the general election.
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