What We Learned Here and Across the State

The West Virginia state primary last Tuesday had dramatic and unanticipated moments both at home and statewide.

First of all, the governor obtained less than 75% of the votes of the Democratic Party. This number presents the perfect opportunity for spin. Gary Abernathy's Republican Gazette declared that one in four Democrats failed to support Manchin. Manchin's camp can claim a sizable victory. If one does the numbers, however, adding 25% of the Democratic Party's registered voters to 100% of the Republican Party's registered voters produces a very slim margin for Manchin in the general election. Russ Weeks must run up the same hill as every other GOP gubernatorial contender, convince every voter in his party while counting on disenchantment with the Democrat. As the West Virginia University scandal flowers into fruition, Manchin will find himself in a very competitive race.

The commissioner of agriculture race saw J. Michael Teets annihilate his adversary on the Republican side. Lawrence Berkerle garnered 36% of the vote statewide. Former Hardy County Commissioner Teets ran particularly well in Mineral, getting 2,440 of the 2,572 votes cast. That was a better percentage than in Hardy County itself. Grant, Pendleton, and Hampshire also gave Teets solid support. Interestingly, incumbent commissioner Democrat Gus Douglas lost in Mineral County to challenger Wayne Casto. He won in the rest of the Potomac Highlands counties by much narrower margins than his statewide tally. Casto got very strong victories in Jefferson, Berkeley, and Morgan as well. Certainly Gus Douglas has not endeared himself to Eastern Panhandle voters of his own party. Teets certainly has a strong foundation from which to mount a victorious campaign in November.

The 14th Senatorial District race produced a surprise on the Democratic side. Mineral County's David Webb picked up around 90% of the votes in his county and also fared very well in Grant. This allowed him to close upon, but not defeat Bob Williams. Williams led 68% to 32% (by at one point nearly 4,000 votes) with 75% of the precincts reporting Tuesday night, but the surge of late returns from the courthouse in Keyser closed the gap to 55-45 with Williams winning by around 1,700. Gary Howell consistently garnered less "undervote" (when voters fail to select an unopposed candidate) than the statewide candidates. Williams was the more conservative of the two Democrats. Certainly Mineral demonstrated a strong desire to elect one of its own while the entire district leaned conservative. This ought to give Howell an edge since a Democratic state legislature will never achieve the goals conservatives desire.

Mineral County's Republican nomination for county commissioner continues to produce drama. At this writing the race remains too close to call. Janice LaRue defeated Roger Leatherman 1102 to 1097 as of last night while Annette Favara placed third. Likely, voters did not reject LaRue personally as much as they showed disenchantment with the county commission as a whole. The Democrat dominated body generally opposes development and job creation so Republican voters focused their discontent upon the incumbent running in this election. Hopefully the loud and clear message sent Tuesday will resonate with the other commissioners.

The Mineral school board levy suffered defeat again. While supporters may be angered and believe that voters showed greed and short-sightedness, that is not the case. Mineral County residents do support their schools, but they also share concerns about how the money gets spent. I heard a few people complaining last night about the former Keyser High School. They wondered why it was considered unsafe for children, but not a wide variety of businesses. Legitimate answers to this and similar questions may exist, but if voters keep asking the questions, they have not heard or have been convinced by the answers. School officials need to continue working to try and understand the voters' perspective and increase their efforts to communicate. Of course the levy would not be necessary if economic development produced a larger property tax base.

One last interesting note. Before 2004, the state Republican Party rallying cry issued by then party chair Kris Warner was to fill every slot. The Republican Party did not fill every slot this time, but many Republican incumbents such as Keyser's Bob Schadler, Karen Facemyer (4th Senate), and Donna Boley (3rd Senate) saw no Democrats lining up to oppose them. This shows that the state GOP slowly has created strong points in the state. Now it is time to build upon these and move closer to a two party system.

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I'd like to congratulate our friend Assessor Terri Funk of Preston County on her well-earned primary victory on Tuesday. She has served her county well as its assessor and has remained one of the Republican Party's strongest friends in north central West Virginia. Funk works as hard as anyone else in the state holding that office. Congratulations Terri!

Wind Farm Windfall

Recently it was reported that Grant County earns over $500,000 per year in tax receipts from its wind energy operations. That number should skyrocket along with the number of turbines now in operation there. Last night, news reports out of Washington DC glowingly described how wind energy in Pennsylvania provided power for some suburban governments that want to gain the reputation of being environmentally friendly. Maryland's lieutenant governor spoke on television about the necessity of harnessing win, despite that state's recent decision to deny construction of new farms in western Maryland.

Some reports indicate that wind may help generate up to 20% of America's electric power needs in the future. This should not indicate that wind will replace coal. America's expanding energy market requires us to think beyond oil, especially since hybrid and electric car purchases will continue to skyrocket. Our electric power grid needs all the help it can get and coal will remain the backbone of that process. However, getting in on the ground floor of wind power will be like going back in time and buying a piece of Microsoft; it is an investment that will pay dividends for years.

Tuesday May 13th we voted on whether or not to pass an excess levy to supplement the tax money we get from our schools. Wouldn't it be better to increase the property tax base? Wind farms in Mineral County will help our environment, help create jobs, and help our schools.

The winds of change are blowing in counties around us. Time for Mineral to get on board.

Bond Levy Defeated Soundly, Fraley & Rotruck Win

Many races were tight, but in unofficial results here is the break down on contested races.

Williams takes Democratic nomination for 14th senate seat, but does it without help from Mineral County. Webb dominated the Mineral County vote.

Fraley picks up Democratic nomination for Sheriff

Craig Rotruck grabs School Board seat and Arnholt keeps hers.

School bond was defeated yet again.

In the county commission race LaRue leads Leatherman by 5 votes with all but challenged ballots counted. Outcome may not be known until Friday.

LaRue 1102
Leatherman 1097
Favara 834

West Virginia Democrats Hurt Themselves

Back in February on Super Tuesday, Doug McKinney and West Virginia's Republican Party took a lot of criticism for the decision to go ahead with a party convention instead of the customary primary vote. The party was accused of disenfranchising voters even though much of the problems lay in a misunderstanding of how the convention worked. In reality, active Republicans as never before got to join together, listen to the candidates, and choose. Huckabee's win of West Virginia served as the headline of the day. The state met its goals of garnering attention, getting people out to participate who had never been active before, and being a player in the campaigns.

West Virginia Democrats had to wait until May to make their choice. Hillary Clinton still has a chance to win the nomination, mathematically anyway. Obviously counts upon a huge win in West Virginia to rekindle momentum. It is true that superdelegate pledges mean as much as soft verbals in college football recruiting (they can always change their mind.) Also polls show that Clinton has a better chance at winning in November than Obama. Her supporters cling to an ever shrinking margin of hope.

It did not have to be this way. Imagine if Democrats had followed the Republican example and arranged to make their selection much earlier. A lopsided West Virginia win for Clinton certainly would have shown Obama's tenuous hold on rural and union Democrats. Right now if you ranked the preference of West Virginia Democrats, Clinton would come in first, then McCain, and Obama far behind these two. This would have changed the dynamic of the Democratic campaign.

Not that we want Clinton to win the presidency, far from it. However this example reflects the wisdom of state Republicans in moving back the date upon which they chose for the presidency.

Time to go to the polls

For over 200 years the United States has been fairly unique. We elect the officials of our Republic by voting. Unfortunately many of us take that for granted and don't bother to vote.

Maybe we are to far removed from a time when as colonist we didn't have the opportunity to vote. Consider that men took up arms fought and died to give us the right to vote some 200 years ago. I little over 150 years ago again men took up arms fought and died to preserve the Union and protect our right of self determination and give others the right vote that never had it. 60 plus years ago America's greatest generation fought to save Democracy for the world.

A few years ago Iraqi's risked bombs, snipers and death to vote for the first time and had an overwhelming turnout. They proudly displayed their purple thumb showing they voted.

Today very few that can will vote in the West Virginia election, but it is important that you vote. You have a voice each election day and if you don't use it you will not be heard. Honor those that fought and died to give you the right to vote by exercising that right.

Vote Today!

Joe Manchin and King George III

When the American colonies separated from Britain 232 years ago, we had a lot of grievances against our king. One of the biggest lay in the fact that the king's government and Parliament insisted on taxing the American colonies despite the fact that America had no direct representative in Parliament. Even worse, they attacked the power of the colonial assemblies that we did elect. They assured us that the king and Parliament would represent our important interests and that we needed no direct voice. America believed otherwise.

I had the opportunity to speak with a member of the Taylor County Board of Education on Tuesday night and what he said astounded me. First, the influence of the Board of Education has declined to almost nothing. In this member's reckoning, the elected Board of Educations in West Virginia make 5% of the decisions. Federal guidelines and state mandates eroded some of that authority, but much of it also has been shifted to state appointed bureaucrats. Second, this school board member explained that Governor Manchin proposed to eliminate the school boards altogether.

This was shocking, not just because of the potential to eliminate elected officials, but also due to the fact that these moves are not widely known. Even in the address Governor Manchin mentioned the issue in a fairly off hand way, according to this board member. The West Virginia Constitution fails to guarantee the existence of these institutions. Of course their powers and duties are not strongly defined either. Bureaucrats appointed by the governor run our schools more than the people we vote for.

This represents yet another shifty power grab. Boards of Education are not always popular and do not always do a great job. However they are still the voice of the people when it comes to how our tax money is spent in our school system. It is time to constitutionally guarantee their existence and grant them more authority. This will balance off the power of superintendents and appointed bureaucrats. Sure this will be less efficient, but the people will have a stronger say. The people in turn must remain educated about their school system and make sure to vote in effective and qualified individuals. If the people choose poorly then so be it. That is democracy. Like Winston Churchill said, democracy is the worst form of government, except for all of the other ones. We should never turn over our school system to bureaucrats as long as our property taxes support these schools.

No taxation without representation!

The Second Amendment Explained

A comment recently argued that the Second Amendment was vague and therefore open to an interpretation that would prevent people from owning handguns. He likely got this interpretation from the writer Garry Wills who has made a good living attacking conservative ideals over the past couple of decades.

The reason for the language in the Second Amendment is that those at the time worked within an Anglo-American tradition that needed no explanation. Just as today, we would say "the dream of Dr. King" and no one would ask "what dream" or "who is Dr. King?" those of the 1790s were children of a centuries old tradition.

King Henry II helped to build this tradition with the Assize of Arms, requiring that every male citizen own some sort of weapon. Although Alfred the Great in his time had ordered the creation of a fyrd, or militia, Henry's assize was much more specific. This enabled him to get by without a standing army because all were required to help defend the realm. However, an armed citizenry meant that Henry also had to take steps to make sure those people were happy. He traveled his kingdom to make sure he was aware of the people's needs. Later it became more convenient for kings to call representatives to the capital. The partnership between ruler and ruled, cemented by an armed people, put England on the road towards democracy. A good government has nothing to fear from an armed population, but the armed population is the best insurance policy against tyranny. And don't bring up the argument about modern weapons. The experiences and/or writings of Giap, Che Guavara, Max Boot and others about guerilla warfare bely the notion that people with their own arms are powerless in modern warfare.

In the 1600s Britain knew tyranny from both power hungry kings and Oliver Cromell's dictatorship. The natural rights of life, liberty, and property were unsafe in the hands of such a government. By the 1700s British Whigs spoke openly about the need for an armed population to protect itself from tyranny. Our forefathers, according to noted American historian Bernard Bailyn, absorbed these principles like mother's milk. It was part of the justification for the Revolution itself. Meanwhile, the Indian chief King Phillip's war of genocide against New England spurred Americans on the frontier to understand that every good citizen must be armed to defend his community. Add to these historical antecedents the natural right of people to protect themselves and their property and you have the Second Amendment.

But let's imagine for a second that guns would magically vanish. Would we be safer? Maybe the strongest of us would be. I am 6'2, 250, and fairly young. I could handle a baseball bat pretty well to defend myself and my property. What if I were elderly and frail? My grandmother until she died at age eighty kept a handgun under her bed. Her husband who died in 1973 taught her how to use it and she kept it for security. She lived far from possible police protection. If there were no guns, home invaders could easily have harmed her with bats or axes. The possibility of getting shot deters a lot of these predators. Who is anyone to deny the right of the elderly or the disabled to defend themselves? How about the young woman trying to break away from a much stronger and abusive man who has promised to kill her if she ever leaves? Who is anyone to take away her right to protect herself? The intruder will think twice before entering a home if there is a possibility of the resident shooting him or her to death.

The Second Amendment's guarantee of gun rights is meant to help assist in the national defense, give property owners the ability to defend themselves and their families, and insure against a tyrannical government. Thomas Jefferson, who has been described as James Madison's collaborator to the point that one historian claimed they by the early 1790s almost shared the same mind, described the Second Amendment as his favorite because it helped protect against tyranny. This gives an important clue as to the mindset of the author, James Madison. No one at that time would have fathomed that people's right to defend their persons with deadly force would ever be questioned. It would be like questioning your right to eat whatever you wanted.

The violent will be violent, governments at some point will seek too much authority, and at some point we will face a serious attack on our territory. The first measure taken to prepare any nation for dictatorship is the removal of the citizens' guns. We must never allow ourselves to be in that position as a nation or as individuals, vulnerable to whatever strong force seeks to violate us.

How to Restore Faith in West Virginia University

Governor Joe Manchin faces desperate times in his quest for reelection as West Virginia's governor. His daughter who works for one of his biggest financial supporters received a faux MBA from a university run by his friend. Manchin also faces strong criticism over cuts to one of the state's most effective child development programs, Birth to Three. Russ Weeks has stepped up his campaigning and presents a serious challenge to the incumbent.

To restore confidence in West Virginia University and his own reputation, Manchin must turn to a man with experience that has no political ties to him. The best candidate to replace Garrison at West Virginia University (because right now everyone except Manchin seems to see the need for him to go) is Robin Capehart.

Capehart has the experience. He participated in a Fulbright exchange program with Romania and currently serves as president of West Liberty College near Wheeling. Almost as important, he has no political connections to Manchin or his friends. Capehart ran as a Republican candidate for governor in 2004, losing the nomination to Monty Warner. He also served briefly as Republican Party state chair. No stronger statement could be made concerning the de-politicization of West Virginia University than the appointment of the man who once sought to defeat him for governor. Capehart also has familiarity with West Virginia and its particular culture as well as familiarity with potential donors.

Make no mistake, our state university has developed a severe credibility problem and news outlets around the world have mentioned it. The appointment of a political adversary to the governor would go a long way towards restoring people's faith in WVU.

Mineral County Citizens see Wind Farm as Postive for County

Monday night US WindForce held a well attended informational meeting on their proposed wind farm to be located on Green Mountain in Mineral County. Not only were US WindForce officials in attendance to answer questions, but realtors, environmental scientist, turbine construction crews and engineers were also available to answer specific questions.

The proposed project will run the ridge line starting northeast of the Pinnacle and heading towards the Potomac River and contain some 50, 2.5 megawatt wind turbines. Electricity generated from wind generally is used to replace electricity generated from inefficient oil fired plants.

According to area realty statistics home values have steadily increased in the areas where wind generators are present. Recently the single most expensive home sale in Grant County was recorded within a ½ mile of the Mt. Storm wind farm. Also ridge property is increasing in value as a possible sites for wind generators and the income they generate for the land owner.

Other concerns centered on bird and bat kills. Most opponents point to bird kill studies done at Altamont Pass Wind Farm in California. When Altamont was constructed environmental groups requested that special “rock piles” be built to offset the habitat lost to the access road construction. The rock piles became good habitats for local ground squirrels which attracted birds of prey. The combination of the older high speed wind turbines and the artificially habitat basically created the unique kill conditions at Altamont. The large slow moving, higher turbines that the Green Mountain project will use, will have bird kill ratios well below those birds killed by cars and large windows in homes.

County Commission Janice LaRue said she was worried about the taxes generated by the wind farm, but the state had recently changed the laws governing the taxation of wind energy allowing the counties to get a bigger percentage. The combined effects of increase taxes for the county, the creation of high paying maintenance jobs, and generous lease revenue for land owners will greatly benefit the counties sluggish economy.

Generally people were impressed with the scope and detail of the project they were able to see. Most left with a positive attitude about the project and want to see it completed. The wind farm will be positive growth for Mineral County.

A Little Competition Doesn't Hurt

In 1938 a lot of Austrians pined for the good ol' days. Until twenty years before, they were part of a huge empire that was respected on the world stage. World War I made them smaller and seemingly irrelevant. Austria identified a great deal with their much larger neighbor, Germany because of tradition and ties. They looked askance at their new neighbors, Poland, Czechoslovakia, etc. because they did not have the money or the power of Germany. Many Austrians wanted to form a partnership with Germany, whether or nor a position of equality was possible. We all know what happened. Germany absorbed Austria and took her with it to her utter ruin and shame.

Some of Mineral County's leaders seek to form a partnership with Maryland's Garrett and Allegheny Counties, claiming that it is the obvious move. Now no power mad dictator leads those governments to war, but they have a much stronger economic position than Mineral. In any regional cooperative gesture, the Maryland interest would absorb the Mineral every time.

Cooperation with Maryland counties would hurt Mineral County in the long run because any positives attracted to the region would end up in Maryland while Mineral received the scraps. Even worse, our leaders would be forced to trumpet such scraps as progress. It is not as if these counties will lower their competitive advantage to help us anyway. Will Maryland lower their teacher salaries and benefits so that Mineral can remain competitive for those experienced hands? Of course not, that would be ludicrous. Do not count on them to willingly send any economic development our way either unless it is something inconsequential or unwanted. Also, economic development in Maryland will increase their state and county tax base, enabling them to work on their schools and infrastructure. Will Maryland divert any road or school money to a West Virginia county in the interest of brotherhood and cooperation? Of course not, again that would be ludicrous.

Mineral County's natural partners are Hampshire, Hardy, Grant, and Pendleton. Our natural competitors are north of the Potomac. Mineral must abandon its infatuation with Maryland; sure that state is more wealthy and powerful. but that suitor will use Mineral up and throw her aside. Our sister counties in West Virginia have common goals to build up our road system, make our schools more competitive, and above all attract jobs to build up the West Virginia state and county tax base. Benefits accrued in Maryland will not cross the Potomac.

We should spend our time competing with Maryland for jobs and wealth creation, not helping that state improve its already predominant position. Cooperating with West Virginia counties confers benefits. The state of West Virginia will collect tax money and allocate it to where it is needed the most by our people. I promise that Maryland's legislature will not be using their tax money to do anything for our county.

The Wrong Way to do the Right Thing

To start with, our country, state, and localities absolutely need to address the problem of illegal immigration. All government benefits, including school, ought to be halted. Those who employ non citizens knowingly, or fail to obtain correct paperwork before hiring should face stiff federal charges and even jail time in many cases. Cut off the market for illegal labor and the problem will drop dramatically. When they come to hospitals for care, turn their names over to authorities so that they can be deported quickly. Illegal immigrants get benefits from breaking the law and this is unfair to the countless people who wait their turn and do the right thing.

Also it must be said that LEGAL immigrants are some of the hardest working believers in the promise of American capitalism that this world ever sees. They are to be commended for doing it the right way and also showing us what a work ethic really is.

That being said, there was an ugly downside to the raid recently at Pilgrim's Pride in Moorefield. According to Moorefield resident Rosie Mongold, authorities sent men to the Regional Jail while the women and children were placed under house arrest with no money and no means to get food. This shows a lack of planning and foresight.

First of all, I should hope that their Regional Jail costs get covered by the federal government. The Regional Jail system over the years has been shown to be a complete blunder on the part of a consolidation obsessed state and counties cannot meet their bills as it is. Regional jails also have a reputation as being tougher places than even the state penitentiary. Second, some provision for the feeding of these families must be made above and beyond schoolteachers collecting money and buying groceries for them.

These raids are absolutely necessary and the employers need to be punished at least as harshly as the illegal immigrants themselves. However, the workers and their families should be taken together to detention centers in preparation for deportation. Immigration enforcement should have buses prepared to take care of all these people at the same time. That way they are together in a traumatic time, and all can be fed and otherwise tended to. We must enforce the law, but in doing so we must remember that children sometimes get caught up in these situations and they willingly broke no laws.

Democrat Showdown Looming

We're not just talking about Clinton versus Obama either.

The West Virginia Young Democrats called for a complete halt on the assigning of permits for mountaintop removal mining in West Virginia. This certainly cannot sit well with traditional supporters of the West Virginia Democratic Party such as the United Mine Workers of America. It also shows that many liberal Democrats do choose to live in some sort of bubble world where reality strikes about as often as the tooth fairy.

Did they not watch the news last night? Shortages of energy around the world have helped spin off a rise in food prices. Coal is a vital part of America's energy solution and West Virginians are heading off to good paying jobs in coal related operations. In the long term, coal must replace oil entirely as an energy source for power plants. The explosion of electric car use will place even more strains on our grid. We need to use our coal, corn, wind, natural gas, and water resources.

That's where the West Virginia Young Democrats don't get it. Like most liberals they believe energy comes from some sort of magical place. In the real world that some Democrats and most Republicans inhabit, we realize that the needs of people must be balanced against our desire to preserve nature as it is. In the real world we need to mine more coal, we need to drill for natural gas, we need to build hydroelectric stations on some of our rivers, we need to put windmills on some of our ridges. You can put West Virginians to work and put a dent in our nation's oil demand at the same time. We can't leave all of nature unspoiled in the process, but we cannot ask Americans to sacrifice their standard of living either. Not only do we rely on energy, but the world relies on us to produce many of its necessities for it.

That is the solution that Republicans and real world oriented Democrats favor. The Young Democrats are completely out of touch. Their advocacy for a halt to coal permits pits them against their elders. It also shows locally the growing rift in the Democratic Party. Older voters and industrial workers who understand the world as it is have less and less in common with the young Obama supporting intellectuals who see the anti-American George Soros as their guru. We are seeing Democrats battle over the soul of their party nationally, and now at the state level as well.

Manchin-Bresch Scandal Cost WVU $2 million in donations

AP Article

Degree scandal costs WVU $2M donation of cash and art

The Greatness of Our Country

Sometimes in the midst of criticizing politicians and the leadership of our country it is easy to forget that we live in the greatest nation to have ever existed. There are many ways to see the greatness of our country. Traveling for example. This past weekend I traveled through 3 different states and a number of counties, townships, towns, and cities without any need for a passport or need to speak another language. When I needed to stop for a drink and a snack, I had a choice of not only what to drink, but also where to purchase that drink and snack. Only on rare stretches of road would I have had to wait more than 10 minutes to find the next store or rest stop. I never plan out where I need to fill up my gas tank because there are ample choices for gas stations in any direction that I drive. At all points in my drive I received a choice of radio stations that were coming to me for free and when needed I was able to stop and connect to the internet to check a few pending work related questions that I needed to answer.

Another example of the greatness of our country is the ability for Americans to constantly find new ways to create their own jobs and businesses. My wife and I are planning some remodeling. I always look for coupons and came across Lowes coupons being sold on auction websites. I never would have thought of this, but many Lowes stores are only a few miles from their major competitor Home Depot. Both stores offer promotions for 10-20% and run specials on their products. Someone figured out that even though these coupons are only good one time at either store, however, the other store will offer price matching plus an additional 10% off of whatever you are purchasing. So, after using their coupon at Home Depot, they sell the coupon to a Lowes customer who takes it to their local Lowes store and is given an equal discount off of their purchase. It's easily worth a couple of bucks to buy a coupon that will save up to $500 on a major purchase. It's entirely possible that an employee at one of the chains just collects these coupons during each shift and sells them on eBay. Doesn't sound like a lot but a person making $7 per hour can nearly double their income by collecting 1 coupon per hour and selling it for $5. 10 per day 5 days a week 10 weeks per year (coupons aren't available all year long at most stores) = an extra $2,500 per year or for a $7 per hour employee = 9 weeks worth of work.

Regardless of what the economy is doing there are always opportunities to earn extra money. It may take a little effort. It may take a little thought, but the opportunity is always there for Americans. We truly live in a great country.

There are countless ways to see the greatness of this country and I hope that all of us will remember that as we go through what is promising to be a rough election season.

It's Wrong in Either Case

Yesterday came the story that fifteen year old pop sensation Miley Cyrus may have some issues with her portrayal in a Vanity Fair photo shoot. The photographer took pictures of the minor child semi-nude in sexually provocative poses and facial expressions. What was shown on the news ranged from inappropriate to downright nauseating. Cyrus' popularity comes from a fan base among middle American children whose parents look to an ever shrinking pool of family friendly entertainers for role models. Some of it also comes from country fans who liked her father's music. Meanwhile others debate that the pictures do not reveal anything and that many are simply overreacting. Cyrus herself seemed to approve of the pictures prior to publication, but afterwards criticized the final product.

First of all, her opinion either way is irrelevant. As a minor she has no capacity to consent. Not many fathers in the United States of America would approve of their children being portrayed in a sexually provocative manner. Why Billy Ray Cyrus approved the publication of racy photos of his daughter is beyond me. Vanity Fair is full of wacko liberals. He ought to know better, being raised a Kentucky boy. Some argue that this controversy will increase her marketability and it certainly will among sleazy men that paid discomforting amounts of attention to Brittany Spears when she was a minor.

This debate comes on the heels of the breakup of the fundamentalist Mormon ranch where a charismatic leader apparently established a culture that encouraged older men to regard teenage girls as sex and marriage possibilities. Women described being shown to older men in ways that resemble a meat market. While there are strong reasons to debate whether or not the government should interfere in polygamy when the participants are consenting adults, no one argues that teenage girls ought to have sex with older men forced upon them at so young an age.

Interestingly the media and society see the cultural sexualization of teenage girls differently depending upon who does it. If a liberal magazine portrays a girl provocatively, people defend it. After all, the girl will make money from it someday. Others see it as art. Fundamentalist Mormons are not part of mainstream culture, so they get no media defenders. They see it as their culture's way to create a strong family.

In BOTH CASES the sexualization of teenage girls is WRONG! The fundamentalist sect and the modern sleaze media industry now run on parallel paths, selling the sexuality of young women with no regard as to how it affects them and how they are viewed by others. Young girls get bombarded with sexually charged imagery even in magazines produced exclusively for them. (I have a teenage daughter and I have seen them. A parent should always know what they are up against when it comes to influences.) Most issues are devoted to giving tips on how to lose weight and look better. Some run articles that try to help the girls figure out their sexual orientation (I kid you not!)

This disturbing path in how the media views children has developed recently as the culture grows more and more youth obsessed. It's time for America to wake up and start pushing back. If nothing else, the parents of these celebrity girls need to put the media in check. It is just as wrong to sell your child's soul for money as it is to believe your soul can be saved by giving your minor pride and joy to an elderly man in marriage. Look at the results, broken and destroyed spirits whether they are nameless women who fled these compounds or Lindsay Lohan and Spears. They all lost their childhood and spend large parts of broken lives picking up the pieces.

Common Sense, Right?

Say you are living in a house on several acres of property many miles out a dirt road. You and your family are at home in the middle of the night. Suddenly you hear a window break and the sound of strange feet on your hardwood floors.

Say you are a single mother with a few kids. Some creepy guy has followed you home the last couple of nights. Now it is three AM and you hear your locked door being pried open.

Another single mother just got the courage to break up with her abusive boyfriend. He swears she will never live without him. Again in the middle of the night comes the sound of an intruder.

Americans find themselves in situations such as these every single day. Sounds of breaking and entering strike like lightning into the hearts of homeowners. People have the right to be secure in their homes. In recent times country after country has turned its back on the right of people to bear arms. Anti-gun activists claim that hunting is immoral and unfit for modern times. Although hunting is an ancient right as well as an effective tactic to manage wildlife, this is not the issue. Individuals have the right to defend their homes and their families with weapons that can neutralize any intruder.

It is the most vulnerable that need the guns and the knowledge of their use the most. Home invaders select the elderly and the single woman. Should these people trust to the mercies of people breaking into their homes? Absolutely not. If a person breaks into a home who does not belong there, they need to understand that they take their life in their hands. This is part of what the Second Amendment is all about. People have a natural right to defend their homes and their families.

The nonpartisan West Virginia Citizens' Defense League supports this ideal. It recently endorsed Gary Howell in the race for the 14th Senatorial District.

Blair urges WVU faculty, grads to call for Garrison’s resignation, full probe

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE Contact: Craig Blair

Monday, April 28, 2008 304-671-9363

Blair urges WVU faculty, grads to call

for Garrison’s resignation, full probe

MARTINSBURG — Delegate Craig Blair today called on West Virginia University graduates and faculty to demand the resignation of WVU President Mike Garrison, as well as a full investigation into the events surrounding the improper awarding of an eMBA degree to the daughter of Gov. Joe Manchin.

“The report from the independent panel did a good job of finding the internal factors at WVU that led to this decision,” said Blair. “But what we also need is an investigation into the external pressures from outside the campus that may have played a major role in this scandal.”

Blair said that whether or not Garrison directly ordered the degree to be awarded is not the point.

“As president of WVU, Mike Garrison has a responsibility to uphold the integrity of our state’s biggest institution of higher learning,” said Blair. “What is clear is that when he learned this degree was being awarded, he either failed to ask the proper questions, or he simply condoned the decision because he wanted the issue to go away. Either way, he is ultimately responsible for this travesty, no matter how many people under him resign.”

Blair said every West Virginian has a personal stake in the integrity and future of WVU, but donors, faculty and graduates must especially make their voices heard, and demand accountability from the top.

“Once President Garrision steps aside, we can begin to heal as a state,” said Blair. “But the questions won’t end there, and we cannot be satisfied until every last suspicion is laid to rest.”

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Obama in Pennsylvania

I spent this past weekend in Butler, PA. Every other commercial on TV and Radio came from one of the Democratic contenders for President.

B. Hussein Obama continued his message of blind hope and optimism. All of the bitter voters out there can relax because he will fix everything so that you don't have to cling to guns and religion. Upon visiting B. Hussein's website I see that he is asking us to believe in not just his ability to change Washington, but also to believe in our ability to change Washington. Then a statement about how there is nothing "elitist" about 1.371 million people donating to his campaign. Surely this is the campaign of the common man...of course, viewed another way this represents contributions by roughly 0.45% of the population. Less than half of 1% of the population, if that isn't an overwhelming statistic in support of B. Hussein being a common man, I don't know what is...

According to his website, the Obama Health Care plan saves the average American $2500 per year. I would be more impressed with a total cost figure, not a theoretical savings of Up To $2500. After all, if you know that you are saving the average American $2500 per year, shouldn't you be able to tell us what it will cost? Surely there must be a statistic on the average cost of health care for Americans. Just take that number and subtract the savings. How else could you figure that you are going to save $2500? According to the website we spend 2 trillion on health care. With the number of "insured" Americans approximately 250 million, we would average $8000 per person. That means his plan should cost $5500 per person. A family of 4 would be $22,000.

The Health plans are extremely interesting to me as an insurance agent and small business owner. Since Obama's is to be the least expensive, after all he said it so it must be true, I am only looking at the summary of his plan, not Hillary's. The summary brings a lot of promise of better coverage with lower premiums without much guidance as to where the money to fund the vast increases will come from. I did come across one excerpt that indicates a source of revenue

Employer Contribution: Employers that do not offer or make a meaningful contribution to the cost of quality health coverage for their employees will be required to contribute a percentage of payroll toward the costs of the national plan. Small employers that meet certain revenue thresholds will be exempt. -http://www.barackobama.com/issues/healthcare/

What is considered a meaningful contribution? I also find it interesting that you can be exempt if you meet revenue thresholds not payroll thresholds. What if you have a large gross revenue but small payroll like a retail shop owner with a part time employee to fill in on weekends?

The plan also calls for the government to use it's masterful efficiency templates to reduce administrative and overhead costs. Just look at all of the government programs that show a strong track record for the government improving efficiency and reducing costs. I'm sold.

I also found it interesting that within the Obama health plan is a provision to fund a world wide campaign against HIV/AIDS. Shouldn't this be in the foreign policy section? Why is this being added to the US Health Care plan?

Betty Ireland's mother Virginia passes at age 94

Mrs. Virginia Hawkins Ireland, 94, of Charleston, died on April 24, 2008, at The Haven in Cedar Grove.

In lieu of flowers, the family requests donations be sent to Kanawha HospiceCare, or a charity of your choice.

Our thoughts and prayers are with the Ireland family at this time.

Capito as Congressional Innovator

Second District Congresswoman Shelley Moore Capito recently proposed an interesting idea to address the issue of funding border defense. She stated that on every tax return that Americans should have the option of checking a box that would take a small amount of money and apply it towards border control efforts. This would both provide extra money to patrol the border and show how many Americans have concerns about the issue.

Capito's plan of voluntary taxation deserves attention. People can choose the issues they wish to support. Those concerned about the issue can market their ideas and try to sell Americans on making a choice to support certain initiatives. So long as ironclad guarantees remain in place that the money will go directly to the issue listed and nowhere else, this looks like a reasonable plan. Congress could approve a short list of issues that people can choose to support or not support. Choice is always an easier sell than imposition of taxes across the board.

Of course that choice already exists to an extent. Most social issues have some kind of private charity or church group that helps with fundraising. Government action is not always required, or even desirable in some instances. However, Capito's idea deserves serious consideration because it could change the way the government funds certain initiatives and policies. Even on the state level, certain programs could be helped in this manner.

Capito, like most Republicans, is conservative in ideals. Conservatism emphasizes the value of individual choices and freedoms over government imposed policies. Change in support of freedom of choice is almost always a positive step forward.

Dark Day For West Virginia University

A university's credibility, like many institutions, relies upon perception. Institutions and people have credibility when what they produce carries a substance that society considers to be worthy. A West Virginia University degree within this state has almost always carried substance; the real fight for this institution has been to convince those outside the state of that fact.

West Virginia University faculty, and I know this through personal experience, work very hard to teach and produce solid research. They do not receive the same pay as many of their peers, but they carry a sense of pride. Unlike other institutions, the faculty love their school and cheer on its sports teams. The school has always proved worthy of that kind of devotion.

Positive perception can be fragile. This truth applies to businesses, politicians, and universities. Questions of credibility and honesty can destroy a well earned reputation in an instant. Efforts to cover up a small problem can lead to huge messes. Just ask Richard Nixon.

The independent panel ruled on Tuesday that Governor Joe Manchin's daughter Heather Bresch was improperly awarded an M. B. A. despite her protests to the contrary. When last year the story broke in the Pittsburgh media that she did not earn the degree she claimed to have, the university scrambled and granted one to her. To make the story more complex, she is an executive for Mylan, a major donor to WVU and supporter of Manchin.

Now that it is clear that her degree was improperly granted, an investigation must begin into why the university did this and who, if anyone, played a role in influencing this poor decision. As for those who have worked so hard to build up the university's credibility whether they be distinguished faculty or alumni, who will end up apologizing to them when a WVU degree becomes a target not for respect, but ridicule?

West Virginia Citizens Defense League Inc Endorses Gary Howell

Morgantown, W.Va. — WVCDL-PAC, the political action committee of the West Virginia Citizens Defense League, Inc. (WVCDL), is pleased to announce that it has endorsed Gary Howell candidate seeking election to the West Virginia Senate 14th District.

WVCDL is a nonpartisan, nonprofit, all-volunteer, grassroots organization of concerned West Virginians who support an individual’s right to keep and bear arms for defense of self, family, home and state, and for lawful hunting and recreational use. During the 2008 legislative session, WVCDL was instrumental in defeating proposed legislation that would have substantially increased concealed handgun license fees and prohibited law-abiding citizens from carrying any weapon in the casino area of the state’s four racetracks.

In its endorsement process, WVCDL-PAC evaluated the records of incumbent legislators and asked all legislative candidates to complete a questionnaire on their views concerning several legislative issues important to gun owners.

WVCDL-PAC Chairman Jim Mullins said: We have received a tremendous response to our questionnaires. There are many quality candidates of both political parties, challengers and incumbents alike, who have demonstrated their firm commitment to protecting the rights of West Virginia gun owners. We made very difficult decisions in a couple of races where several candidates were equally good choices. I would encourage every candidate seeking the support of gun owners to respond to our questionnaire, as our endorsement process will continue through the general election.

The Power to be Offensive

The West Virginia Public Service Commission and Allegheny Power recently brokered a deal that will allow the utility to run new lines through West Virginia. The project will add up to 150 new high paying jobs to Preston County and nearby areas. The line will run from Monongalia County's Pennsylvania line to the Mount Storm station in Grant County. The deal still awaits final approval from the PSC.

Originally the PSC opposed this project, known as the Trans Allegheny Interstate Line. It will boost the ability of the region to export power, but the lines originally ran through uncleared land. The PSC objections were answered by a new, more environmentally friendly route combined with savings for West Virginia consumers. Since the new line uses existing rights of way, there will be much less of an impact on state property owners and the landscape.

The West Virginia Sierra Club wins the prize for the most obnoxious statement on the whole affair, comparing Allegheny Power's proposal to the distribution of "shiny beads" from the Dutch to the Indians that owned Manhattan Island. Apparently state officials and the people of Preston and other counties who might benefit from the jobs are simply too ignorant to understand in the same manner as the Sierra Club. It is unclear why the Sierra Club considers this a "bad bargain" since it uses rights of way already established.

Sounds to me like the PSC created a bargain that will benefit some very economically depressed areas.

A Word on Behalf of Charles Minimah

Despite the constant attacks from the liberal media and professional America bashers like Michael Moore, the United States continues to serve as a beacon around the world to those seeking freedom and opportunity. The American system rewards anyone who is willing to follow our laws and work hard. Charles Minimah, Republican nominee for secretary of state, is one such individual.

Minimah served his native country of Nigeria during its civil war in the 1970s, then sought opportunity in the United States. Our country and state was built in no small way by immigrants such as Minimah. German born Carl Schurz emigrated to Missouri and served as a Union general and United States Senator. Closer to home, my great-grandfather came to Barbour County from Italy. He quickly learned the language, sent his children to public school (then later on Alderson-Broaddus College), and established his own businesses. Almost everyone in West Virginia has family or friendship ties to individuals who have arrived in the past hundred years.

Once in West Virginia, Minimah established a business and worked earnestly to make it a success. Like so many other immigrants he gave back to the community. Minimah helped to establish black heritage museums and tours in the Kanawha Valley. This region was home to civil rights activist and Republican orator Booker T. Washington. Minimah certainly has helped to carry on Washington's legacy.

Minimah's vision lies in making voting more accessible and secure. The state must continue enforcing the reforms enacted by current secretary Betty Ireland while continuing to reinvigorate voter confidence in the system. Coming from a region that sometimes struggles with democratic ideals, Minimah insists that he has "an appreciation of our democracy that is often taken for granted." Like many who come to the United States, including so many of our ancestors, he understands how special this country is.

Charles Minimah will continue the current secretary's fight for clean democracy.

WV GOP Summer Meeting Scheduled for June 21st

Former Maryland Lt. Gov. Michael Steele will be the keynote speaker at the West Virginia Republican Party's summer convention June 21 in Flatwoods. Details can be found in the graphic at left.

Steele is the chairman of GOPAC and a former Lieutenant Governor of Maryland, having been elected on the same ticket as Governor Robert L. Ehrlich in 2002. He is the first African American to serve in a Maryland state-wide office and the first Republican lieutenant governor in the state since the position was created.

Steele was, at the time he held the lieutenant governor position, the highest-ranking elected African American Republican in the United States.

Expenditures Public and Private

At a recent meet the candidates meeting, a question was raised about the use of a county vehicle. The questioner asked why a county employee was permitted to drive it at taxpayer's expense to and from his home in Hardy County. County Commissioner Cindy Pyles responded that it was a "smart" question. Hopefully she meant well-informed since some interpreted it negatively. Commissioner and candidate for re-election Janice LaRue promised to address the issue and get it resolved.

We are entering an age when every household is looking to find ways to cut expenses. Rising costs at the gas pump and the grocery store have hit many people hard. Of course our tax bill is not getting any easier either. The county must do as the rest of us have done and look for any way to maximize the revenue they bring in. Little bills add up to big costs and if we can slice away some of the waste, we should definitely start passing those savings on to the taxpayers. Commissioner LaRue is in a difficult position as the only Republican member of a three person county commission. She holds Republican beliefs no doubt, but must also at times compromise with the majority. County Republicans need to work after this election to groom a strong candidate to give Mineral County what it deserves, a Republican county commission dedicated to providing jobs and saving the people's money.

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While the Democrats are arguing over Hillary's new found identity as the driver of the Vast Right Wing Conspiracy, John McCain is trying to come up with solutions to help Americans even before he is elected. McCain proposed a gas tax holiday starting on Memorial Day and ending on Labor Day. He proposes this with an eye towards the states that will suffer from the drop in tourism dollars this summer.

McCain will not handle this hot potato yet but public pressure is mounting towards responsible drilling in the Alaska National Wildlife Refuge. George W. Bush proposed this years ago and warned of shortages if we failed to start drilling. The shortages have arrived. John Raese campaigned on this issue when running for the US Senate in 2006. It's amazing how we fail to listen to the warnings until the crisis is upon us.

Birds, Bats, and Bears

As a country we need to stop our foolishness. Really. We cannot afford it anymore.

I am talking about our foolish insistence of holding ourselves hostage to not the survival, but the convenience of animals. Ten years ago we could afford to be concerned that Alaskan polar bears might not want to live next to oil rigs. We could debate the problem of birds and bats possibly or not possibly hitting windmills. Power was cheap and the economy was strong. No more.

Our national security depends upon our national economy. Our national economy runs on accessible energy and transportation. Without these things, our economy would adjust, but only after a painful transition.

George W. Bush saw this coming and proposed an energy plan some years ago. This plan would research a variety of energy sources while opening up the Alaska National Wildlife Refuge to drilling for oil. The Republican Congress did not approve it due to skittishness over the upcoming election. Most of those don't have to worry about campaigning this year.

Had we listened to the foresight of Bush, we would not be experiencing many of the shortage problems we have now and Alaskan wildlife would be fine. White tailed deer and black bears thrive in the eastern United States. I doubt a few oil wells and pipelines would hurt wildlife in that area. ANWAR is the size of our smallest states. There is plenty of room for animals and oil production. I would predict that if it is possible, President Bush will open at least part of it to oil drilling near the end of his term via executive order.

Some propose that we lessen our dependency upon oil by driving hybrid cars. Not a bad idea and it is also a logical market reaction. The more we depend upon hybrid vehicles, the more we will need to expand production of coal while harnessing wind and water. As I pointed out recently, West Virginia has ample clean energy potential to supplement our coal. Our country needs it all. However there are some out there who would place the welfare of bats and birds above restoring sanity to the energy market. I'm sorry. When we and our neighbors struggle to pay our bills because the energy supply is constricting, we must expand the supply. Bring on the windmills! Start drilling for and using the natural gas resources that lie under our state.

People are more important than bears, birds, and bats. It is time to put some energy into finding solutions before we reach a full blown national crisis.

Olympic Flaming Idiots

I see that both Hillary and BO have now called on President Bush to boycott the opening ceremony of the Olympics. I guess they can't spare the time from their campaigns to go there, and would have to pay the going price, or get some lobbyist to pony up for them, so they don't want the President to go either. Whether or not the President chooses to go is his business, not the business of Hillary or BO.

No other senators have called on the President to boycott. I wonder why not? Could it be that only Democratic Senators who happen to be vying for any headline of any sort while they are still locked in a primary battle see this as a battle cry with any valence whatsoever. Look for them to run out the battle cry for Armenian independence next week, and make a ceremonial visit to the Little Bighorn the following one, while stocking up on Absolut Vodka in a play for the Hispanic vote.

So far the White House has dismissed Hillary and BO beautifully, deeming it to be merely a Presidential scheduling issue. For the Repulicans, it certainly isn't much of a campaign issue. There was not much the United States could do when a substantially less formidable Communist China took over Tibet and sent the Dalai Lama scampering with little more than a simple little orange dress to his name. To give him credit, that worthy has made a good living from his status as whatever it is that he is. However, despite his best efforts, and the protestations of Hillary, BO, or many another bleeding heart, there is still nothing much we can do about China's handling of the Tibet issue. Boycotting the opening ceremony would insult the Chinese, of course, but I suppose that the television contracts have long been signed, the coverage will be there, and the people here will mostly be watching what probably will be a magnificent show. If Hillary and BO don't watch any of it, I'd be surprised. On the other hand, they will be busy trying to flip superdelegates, which may prove difficult at that particular time, because the superdelegates will probably be busy eating, drinking and merrily watching the opening ceremonies on really big-screen TV's just like most people around the world will be.

The decision by President Bush to attend or not attend the Olympic Opening Ceremonies is an important one. Fortunately, he is not running for re-election, so he gets to make the decision under circumstances quite different from Hillary's or BO's. His decision is unlikely to have any particular impact on the campaign one way or the other, so he doesn't have to decide before the Pennsylvania primary election, either, not that the Tibet issue is likely to be a big one anywhere but Haverford.

There is actually something to be said for not insulting China over an issue as non-momentous as Tibet, regardless of what the Dalai Lama might say. We do a lot of business with China. We have strategic interests to consider. Do we want to risk worsening Taiwan's situation by some theatrical gesture in favor of Tibet's situation? Do we want to annoy the Chinese, who have sometimes been helpful in trying to get a lid on North Korea and may be needed in that situation in the future?

Hillary speaks of her foreign policy expertise. Yeah, right, she played dress-up in India. BO has played dress up in Africa and he went to madrasa in Indonesia, and possibly he has eaten in a Chinese restaurant or two, but he's no expert on foreign policy by a long shot either. George W. Bush has quite an edge over BO and Hillary in foreign policy, and he has a highly educated and competent Secretary of State to advise him. Fortunately for Hillary and BO, the President is not a cruel man. If he were, he could make a mockery of Hillary and BO's stupid call for him to do as they are telling him in this instance, or for that matter in just about any instance.

Green Grass

I saw a commercial the other day for a grass that grows with substantially less water than standard grass. This new, environmentally friendly, grass seed from Pennington made me laugh. The commercial ends with a statement that this grass is better for the environment. Better? Better than, say, normal grass? I always thought of grass as environmentally friendly just because it's...well, grass.

I am in favor of environmentally aware actions and living. Like most people, I want my children to appreciate nature and enjoy the mountains that we live in and around. But this new environmental movement seems a little phony to me. I am overwhelmed with organic, green, and Fair trade products, but nobody really knows what these labels mean. Is there a traceable impact in purchasing a few organic or green products, but continuing one's normal lifestyle?

My office is about 1 mile from my home. If I walk to work, people think I am either crazy or lost my car and I get offered rides to work or church by everyone who sees me walking. The streets of Keyser are full of people like me who could easily walk to work each day if they really wanted to make an impact. In this area, people have a different sense of the environment. It surrounds us and as West Virginians, we identify with the natural beauty of the state. Just ask the Governor about his experience trying to change our state motto.

Now we have to listen to Hollywood stars and big city power players and politicians tell us how we are destroying the world because our cars use too much gas on our 1 mile commute, or because we use bad grass, or leave the lights on when we leave a room. Afterall, the Neo-Environmentalists that are emerging around us care more, just look at their shopping carts. But is this really an effort to make an impact, or does everyone just want to look like tehy are trying? Take the grass example. The goal of course is a lush, green, better than the Jones', lawn that requires less manual watering from the property owner who is trying to conserve water. Afterall, the property owner is economically aware and wants to conserve water. Then again, if the property owner really wanted to conserve water, couldn't they just forego having the greenest lawn on the block? Afterall, they are saving water but probably using gas powered lawn maintenance equipment that is filling the air with toxic vapor and increasing our demand for foreign oil...Clearly this is the Presiden'ts fault. A spotty, untreated, unwatered, natural lawn should be a badge of honor to a true environmentalist. Mow your spotty lawn with a rotary, self-powered mower that uses no gas or electricity and I will applaud that you are trying to make an impact. Otherwise, create a beautiful landscape with non-native plants and I will applaud your creativity and commitment to creating an aestheticly beautiful place to live.

Rockefeller Insults Veterans

A big thank you to Vic Sprouse for bringing this to our attention.

Our United States Senator, Jay Rockefeller, in an attempt to defend his backing of Barrack Obama, lashed out at John McCain's service. He belittled McCain's role as a combat pilot. Rockefeller criticized McCain's role as simply being a guy that dropped laser guided bombs on people, then he flew away never for a moment considering the fate of the people he bombed.

You know that the state media will never publicize these comments. That is why it is so important to supplement the traditional news by reading these conservative blogs. Rockefeller gave us a clue as to his entire elitist mindset about the military and those who serve. He thinks nothing of the danger those pilots faced. He thinks nothing of the fact that McCain was eliminating threats to soldiers on the ground fighting for their lives. No, Rockefeller is an elitist guy from an elitist school who will never understand the sense of duty and honor that John McCain represents.

I am going to cut and paste Vic Sprouse's blog entry in its entirety and send it to my friends and relatives who served. Here is a link.

http://www.changewv.com/2008/should-jrock-continue-as-head-of-intelligence

Spread the word and donate to Jay's Republican opponent. We need to get this information over the television and radio airwaves next fall.

US ROUTE 50 IN FREDERICK COUNTY VIRGINIA WILL HAVE MAJOR CLOSURE April 18 to 21.

ROUTE 50 IN FREDERICK COUNTY WILL HAVE MAJOR CLOSURE

Closure will be April 18-21

STAUNTON – Motorists traveling on Route 50 near the Virginia border with West Virginia should be alert for an upcoming temporary but major traffic pattern change. The Route 50 westbound lanes will be closed due to railroad work in Gore.

The closure will take place beginning at 7 p.m. on April 18 and lasting until 5 a.m. on April 21. The westbound lanes of Route 50 (Northwestern Pike) in the Gore area of Frederick County will be closed. This location is approximately .1 mile west of Route 752 (Knob Road) and is near the Virginia and West Virginia state line.

The closure is due to railroad work being performed by the Winchester and Western Railroad in the Gore area. All work is weather permitting.

The detour for the Route 50 westbound closure from April 18 -21 is as follows:

For trucks:

From the Winchester area take Route 37 to Route 522 northbound to Route 127 westbound to Route 29 southbound to Route 50.

For passenger vehicles:

From the Winchester area take Route 37 to Route 50 westbound to Route 600 north, to Route 684 east, to Route 522 northbound, to Route 701 to Route 703 to Route 50.

Traffic alerts and traveler information can be obtained by dialing 511. In areas where 511 is unavailable, dial 1-800-578-4111. (TTY/TDD users, call 711). Traffic alerts and traveler information also are available at 511Virginia.org.

Highway safety is everyone’s responsibility. Virginia’s highway safety partnership — the Virginia Department of Transportation, Virginia Department of Motor Vehicles and Virginia State Police — challenges you to help prevent highway fatalities. Buckle up. Avoid distractions. Share the road. Drive drug- and alcohol-free. Obey speed limits. For more information on the Highway Safety Challenge and things you can do to avoid becoming Virginia’s next traffic fatality, visit www.safeVAhighways.org.

Guns Make Citizens

Last week I came home to find the Washington DC local news on. The local station was doing a story about a gun search. That's right. Without warrants, people's homes were being searched for guns that are currently illegal in Washington DC. Presumably this is because they fear that their law will be found in violation of the Second Amendment. Of course these are likely the homes of law abiding citizens because no one would just barge into a drug lord's home to demand guns. My daughter said that it sounded like something that the British might do shortly before the Revolution.

The first thing that dictatorships seize is people's guns. Other countries, such as Japan, hesitated to directly invade the US due to widespread gun ownership. Thomas Jefferson saw them as key to a free people protecting their freedoms from a tyrannical government. The right goes back to the Middle Ages when King Henry II of England required people to arm themselves to protect the nation. He as a result understood that he needed to be better acquainted with the people's needs and traveled widely to keep in touch with their wishes. Later kings found it more convenient to call assemblies later known as Parliamant into session. An armed population is one that the government goes to greater lengths to keep happy.

Certainly the biggest threat on the horizon, besides the current case before the US Supreme Court, is Barrack Obama. According to many, his actual views as he wrote in his book are far to the left of the mainstream. He is the stalking horse for George Soros and MoveOn.org who continue their quest to revolutionize the United States and transform it into something quite alien from the original dreams of the Founding Fathers. Their guiding star is not George Washington, but Karl Marx. Of course the people must be rendered impotent first.

The American definition of rights is freedoms granted by God or nature. The American definition of citizen describes a person who not only enjoys, but fights for these rights. Gun ownership ensures our rights now and forever, or at least until we elect governments that obliterate their enjoyment.

Gary Howell Fundraiser Last Friday

Last Friday night, Gary Howell held his first fundraiser of the campaign season. This event was organized by Christy Barnett with help from Gloria Howell and the good folks of the Old School Cafe. Campaign consultant Gary Abernathy hosted the event.

Gary was supported by a roomful of people who came to show their support and donate money. Included among Gary's local friends were State Senator Dave Sypolt and Republican nominee for governor Russ Weeks. Gary gave a tremendous speech that explained his priorities, namely economic reform in West Virginia to ensure a prosperous future.

Many items were donated for the silent auction. Included was some truly "fabulous fudge" as it was called. Let me tell you, that was truth in advertising! Others baked some delicious looking pies. West Virginia University professor Russ Sobel, Abernathy, and Weeks also donated autographed copies of their books. Barnett donated Washington Senators tickets and Cheri Gannon donated a gift basket from the Keyser sandwich and coffee shop On Common Grounds. Many other donations (I wish I could remember from whom) helped Gary raise a substantial amount to help his senate bid.

The Republican Party has a vision for the state's future that involves a drastically different course than we are following now. We need to put the development of state business first and create a solid foundation for growth. Only through a GOP Legislature will this ever be achieved. Gary Howell can be a big part of the solution that West Virginia needs. A whole lot of his friends that showed last Friday agree with that idea.

Press Release: Lynn Staton Seeks National Committeewoman Seat

Dear Potomac Highlands Conservative,

On June 21, 2008 the West Virginia Republican State Executive Committee will meet in Flatwoods for our State Committee Summer meeting and West Virginia Convention. I am a candidate for National Committeewoman. The election for this office will be held during the state Committee meeting portion of our gathering. I would be honored to have your support.

Because of the nature of our government affairs consulting business, my husband, former Congressman Mick Staton, and I are frequently in Washington. Over the years, I have become acquainted with our national Republican leaders. Additionally, our proximity to the nation’s capitol and frequent trips into DC make it easy for me to be in touch with the Republican National Committee.

As a lifelong Republican, I have worked hard for the election of our candidates on the local, state and national level. We have been involved in a number of successful campaigns in West Virginia including State Senator Sarah Minear, the late State Senator Harry Dugan, Governor Cecil Underwood and the 2004 Bush campaign, just to name a few.

In 2004 I was appointed to fill a vacancy on the State Committee from the 16^th Senatorial District. In 2006, I ran for, was elected, and presently serve in that capacity as well as my position as Associate Chairwoman of the Republican State Executive Committee. In years past I served as Assistant Treasurer of the State Committee. Most recently I served as the General Chairman of the West Virginia Republican Presidential Nominating Convention – a very rewarding position.

As you know, the national party will be formulating a new system for presidential primaries. I believe my experience working with and understanding other states’ processes will aid me in helping the party arrive at a new system that works.

Now I am asking for your vote to become the next National Committeewoman from West Virginia. I believe my experience on the national scene, my work on behalf of Republican candidates and my service to the party equip me well for this position. I am confident that I can help West Virginia Republicans on the national level as well as here at home. I will do my best to keep West Virginia “Red” and carry our message of small government, lower taxes and individual freedom to the national party. I hope I can count on your support. I look forward to discussing this with you and will call you soon to see if you have any questions for me.

Until then, if you would like to talk with me, you can reach me at (304) 229-5890 or by email at lynn@caplink.com.

Thank you for your consideration.

Sincerely,

Lynn S. Staton

368 Jaguar Drive * Inwood, WV * 25428

Barbour County Lincoln Day Dinner

The Barbour County Lincoln Day Dinner had a good crowd and lots of candidates. Hiram Lewis was the keynote speaker talking about what the flag meant to him.

Beth Walker talked about the need for a supreme court justice that can follow the law. Numerous other candidates spoke both state wide and local. A lot of credit goes to the Barbour County executive committee for putting on a good show. Annette Santelli made a good MC for the event.

What Are Mineral County's Priorities?

One of the biggest follies of government at any level lies in the fact that public officials often do not balance ends and means. This is a common mistake. Voters often demand changes that government cannot afford. Every small city needs more police to enforce traffic laws and curtail the drug traffic, but very few have the means to work towards that end. In an ideal world we can always find the money to do what we want. However government, business, and individuals often have to try and separate what they want from what they need.

This means setting priorities. What is most important to the people of Mineral County? Certainly a large rural county struggles to provide police protection. With only a limited number of state troopers, the county sheriff's department has a vast responsibility to serve the court and enforce the law. Mineral County's sheriff recently requested two new deputies. The county told them that only one could be funded. This occurred despite the fact that stolen property values in Mineral County jumped 158% between 2006 and 2007 to an amount well over $200,000. Education of local children remains a strong need. Outside of the schools, the county library system provides an alternative center for children and adults alike to broaden their minds. Relatively little money exists to support this important community institution.

However the county now proposes to hire new enforcement officers for the new decrepit building ordinance. There was some community demand to create an ordinance to address unsafe and unsightly conditions on various properties, although certainly it did not receive a groundswell of popular support. A law was created utilizing community input. Currently the two humane officers will be used to investigate complaints. However the decision to hire a new officer to enforce the law is an expense our county cannot afford. It seems to anticipate an extraordinary number of complaints. Do that many people seek to inconvenience their neighbors in this county? I doubt it. The county should start with the resources it has. If the complaints rise above a certain level, then by all means hire someone else. Just wait and see if it is necessary.

We ought to all be concerned about these added expenses. Folks, it is our money they are spending. Tens of thousands of dollars for a special school levy election that failed is another example. They could have piggy-backed it on the regular elections this year. Last fall it was proposed that an extremely expensive study be undertaken to explore whether or not the county has almost run out of water. Luckily Mother Nature has undertaken in the last few months to even out her dry weather with wet. Hopefully this idea has been forgotten.

Government all too often allows its ends to outstrip its means. This usually results in important issues, such as police protection, taking a backseat to issues that should be less of a priority. I would much rather have more deputies patrolling the dangerous roads of Mineral County, deterring reckless driving. I would also love to see our library be able to expand its programs to reach more children. I just don't see how various half-collapsed barns and front porches full of odds and ends warrant such a high expenditure of the people's money. The growing problem of stolen property hurts Mineral County worse than decrepit or messy structures.

Start small and work your way up. The worst case scenario is hiring additional enforcement officers and have them collecting paychecks with nothing to do while we pay higher and higher taxes.

Questions That I Cannot Answer

The specter of $4 a gallon gas is nearly upon us and there is no reason to believe that the climb will stop there. The obstacles placed in the path of getting inexpensive gasoline from the ground into your gas tank push us towards a tipping point. OPEC, the international association designed to regulate oil production, is only one aspect of the problem. Regulated supply combined with ever escalating demand has made the price of oil skyrocket. That is combined with the domestic obstacles of not tapping our own vital supplies, while relying ever increasingly upon foreign refining since we have regulated new refineries out of any possibility in this country.

In other words market pressures on oil are making it more difficult to rationalize our dependence upon this particular product. Meanwhile all energy prices rise along with oil. This produces pressures that can hurt, but also provide opportunities. This leads to my questions.

Why haven't we seen more private interest in coal liquefaction? Governor Manchin is interested and pushing for federal help. One would think that the coal companies would be interested enough to help make it happen. Are they heavily involved? If not, why?

Why are liberals so dead set against wind energy? We can put wind farms on the ridges over towns like Keyser and not ruin any natural, pristine views. If the county commission does not like it, the city ought to annex the land and reap the economic and tax benefits. The city needs money and it lacks industry. This could be a big part of a revitalized Keyser or Petersburg, or any other economically distressed town in the region near a high wind area.

Why have we as a state not looked into hydroelectric power? Tennessee gets most of their electricity from dams on small to moderate sized rivers. How many dams do we have on the Kanawha and Ohio Rivers (which we own!) Why can't we adapt Summersville and Sutton Dam for hydroelectric capabilities? Union Carbide constructed a hydroelectric plant decades ago off of the New River, which is a fairly small stream.

Why hasn't West Virginia tapped into its massive gas reserves more effectively?

At what point will market pressures eliminate the internal combustion engine? To me, we should start seeing these pressures hit a tipping point soon. The beauty of capitalism is that it rewards the forward thinking, the least expensive, and the most efficient. I'd say in ten years or maybe less we'll either see the market pressures subside drastically, or we will (more likely) witness technological revolutions that the oil companies will either be a big part of, or be destroyed by. Same with auto makers.

The best way to see development is to let the market work without excessive intervention. Push and prod, don't tax and regulate. That is how we'll see our energy questions solved most effectively.

Greear Endorsed by West Virginians for Life PAC

For Immediate Release
April 2, 2008
Contact:
Greear for AG Committee
Suzette Raines, 304-437-1306

Dan Greear endorsed by West Virginians for Life

Charleston, WV – Charleston attorney and former member of the House of Delegates, Dan Greear, proudly announces West Virginians for Life Political Action Committee has endorsed his candidacy for Attorney General.

Greear was honored and humbled by their endorsement. “This is a personal conviction rather than a political statement for me,” said Greear. “I believe we have a moral obligation to protect human life. This controversial issue is very simple for me and those who I surround myself with, abortion is wrong,” Greear said.

“When I ran for the House of Delegates I was endorsed by West Virginians for Life and I have always encompassed the same position on abortion issues. I am proud to again receive their endorsement as I seek the Office of Attorney General,” Greear added. “This endorsement sends a strong signal to Republican primary voters that I am the better candidate to represent our party against Darrell McGraw.”

Greear believes West Virginia voters take a strong stance against abortion. Greear stated, “Your position on this vital issue tells a great deal about the type of person you are and I believe most West Virginians would agree.”

Greear noted the state’s public policy on abortion issues is crafted by the Legislature and not the Attorney General. “I strongly believe that it is the duty of the Attorney General to uphold and enforce the laws passed by the Legislature,” Greear noted. Greear added his own pro-life views mirrored the views of the vast majority of both houses of the West Virginia Legislature. Melissa Adkins, Executive Director of West Virginians for Life commented, "We commend Dan Greear for his record of support for the legal protection of the unborn. As a legislator, Greear was dedicated to protecting the sanctity of life. We look forward to Greear bringing that same level of dedication to the office of Attorney General.”

Greear is a lifelong resident of Kanawha County, graduating from South Charleston High School in 1986 as a National Merit Scholar. He graduated from the WVU School of Law in the spring of 1992 where he also served as associate manuscript editor for the West Virginia Law Review. He served in the West Virginia House of Delegates representing Kanawha County’s 30th District in 1995 and 1996. Dan currently resides in South Charleston with his wife Amy, a social worker for Kanawha Hospice Care, and their two children, Joshua, 8 and Ben, 6.

Contact:Greear for AG CommitteeSuzette Raines (304) 437-1306

Mississippi showing the way for West Virgina?

In 2004 Mississippi elected Republican Governor Haley Barbour and began implementing many of the reforms that Russ Sobel calls for in his book, "Unleashing Capitalism." Mississippi is showing that the very reforms that the Democrat controlled legislature has been blocking in West Virginia can turn the economy around.

Since 2004 Mississippi's per capita income has risen by 19.5 percent while the while the national average rose only 5.2% and West Virginia only rose by 4.7%. Mississippi has managed to take the worse economy in the nation and turn the corner by enacting tax and tort reform. Those reforms have been attracting business to the Gulf state.

Now is the time for West Virginia to make the necessary changes outlined by Sobel and turn our economy around.

WVL PAC Endorses Mr. Gary Howell

MORGANTOWN -The West Virginians for Life Political Action committee (WVL PAC) is pleased to announce the endorsement of Mr. Gary Howell for the 2008 primary election for State Senate.

WVL PAC is the internal PAC for West Virginians for Life (WVFL), the state pro-life organization. WVFL is affiliated with the National Right to Life Committee and through both education and legislation is working to build a society where all human life is respected, from conception until natural death.

Melissa Adkins., WVFL Executive Director, stated, "WE commend Mr. Gary Howell for expressing commitment to the unborn."

A Comment on National Stability

This was addressed earlier in the week, but I really cannot help commenting more upon the study that rated the United States as growing more unstable.

The twentieth century saw regimes that were much more stable than the United States at that time or now. Stalin's Soviet Union in peacetime and Saddam Hussein's Iraq had little crime (outside of those committed by the government.) People did not act out or make waves. In large countries, such stability comes with a heavy price.

Smaller countries have an easier time maintaining social stability. Switzerland is also one of the most stable nations of the twentieth century and managed to avoid involvement in both world wars. The key to their stability and survival lay in the fact that they have a heavily armed population. Like the United States and Britain in an older day, an armed citizenry was seen as crucial to national defense against invaders and internal tyranny.

Speaking of stability, probably one of the most politically and socially stable regions of the United States is the Appalachian region. Crime rates remain extremely low despite other social problems. Violent crime is rare compared to other areas such as Washington DC. DC has experienced destructive riots as well as gang rule over entire neighborhoods. DC has the most restrictive gun laws anywhere while West Virginia has the most permissive. I meet young people from these urban areas all the time who come from law abiding families. They are often as strident in their defense of Second Amendment rights as we are. Who is going to protect them if a crazed crack addict tries to break into their house? An overworked police force? Suburban liberals who live behind walls and bars? Nope, just the individual and his or her weapon.

Stability is not always a good concept. Our nation is experiencing a less than stable political cycle. Poll questions constantly ask "who will best unite the country?" The fact is that we are at our most free when we are not united (except in extreme emergencies.) The sign of a healthy body politic and a free society is a little instability. Hard fought political debates over issues between knowledgable individuals is positive, not negative. Crime is something we must live with unless we want unrestrained government power monitoring and guiding our lives (parents of schoolchildren are enduring this more and more every year.) A little instability is a positive sign that we still enjoy the freest society on earth.