Bush's Greatest Success in the War on Terror

Despite the outcry during the last campaign over the fact that Osama Bin Laden has not been captured yet, consider this.

What is the absolute best thing that could happen to that man right now?

Since 2001 American action and policy forced Bin Laden deep underground. New laws froze his assets and intelligence dogged him relentlessly for years. US action brought his organization into an Iraq war that sapped away its manpower and resources while breaking down its command structure.

Al Qua'ida, much like the Ku Klux Klan in the 20th century, went from being terrifying to near punch line status. Bin Laden's "I'm still alive guys!" tapes do not command the attention of anyone anymore. Basically the group has been reduced to firing tired old race insults at Obama.

So what is the best thing that could happen to Bin Laden?

Actually if he made his way into the United States and turned himself in at One Police Plaza, New York City, that would be about it. Imagine the attention he would bring to himself. Dying with his boots on, so to speak, would be the second best fate, capture the third.

Right now, Bush's War on Terror consigned Bin Laden to what he might consider hell. His hell is irrelevancy. No one cares what he says anymore. He has grown into another high profile fugitive who must spend more time hiding than planning his next great act of terror.

Should he turn himself in or get captured, he goes on public trial. Remember that putting Hitler on trial was one of the biggest jump starts Germany gave the National Socialist movement. Kill Bin Laden and he becomes a martyr.

Also, remember when the Democrats made a huge deal over the disbanding of the CIA unit dedicated to Bin Laden. In retrospect, this put Bin Laden on the public road to irrelevancy. Of course it also made good sense. The organization was the threat more than the man.

Let's hope that Bush's good work here does not get undone by the new administration.

Michael Steele is the new RNC Chair

The Potomac Highlands Conservative would like to congratulate Michael Steele on his election to head the RNC. We like puppies too!

Press Release

West Virginia YR Chair says “Stimulus Bill Bad for Nation”

Kenova, WV - Wednesday evening, the US House of Representatives passed an appropriations bill termed as a Stimulus Package to the tune of $819 Billion dollars.

"The Democrats on Capitol Hill who voted for this bill should explain to the American people how spending money on things like STD prevention, computers, upgrades to offices, etc will help the American people get jobs,” said Ashley Stinnett, Chairman of the West Virginia Young Republicans. “The overwhelming majority of Americans do not realize what all was in this bill that will be so bad for this nation.”

Even if the debt created will be paid on time, the additional interest alone will surpass $300 billion dollars - twice the amount spent on the war on Iraq .

“This is not a stimulus package, it’s a pork laden bill that amounts to nothing but a huge government expansion at the cost of taxpayers across America ,” said Gary Abernathy, Executive Director of the West Virginia Republican Party.

“It should be noted that not one Republican in the US House voted for this bill, and its negative effects on the US economy are placed squarely on the Democrats’ shoulders,” said Stinnett. “How can future generations be expected to succeed if they are being burdened by irresponsible government spending today?”

Republicans have been calling for tax cuts for employers and citizens in order to help businesses keep jobs and individuals return money back into the economy to turn our economy around rather than more government spending, which is being advocated by the Democrats in Congress.
“All this bill does is create an even bigger government bureaucracy,” added Stinnett.

The Young Republicans is the oldest youth political organization in the nation. Members include volunteers and political activists under the age of 40.

Those interested in joining can email: acscj1980@aol.com.

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Obama Gives the GOP a Nice Bright, Shining Gift of an Issue

Obama (and no, I have not brought myself to put the words "President" and "Obama" together in the same sentence. My mouth chokes on that word combination) just gave the GOP a gift to help us in the midterm elections.

Congratulations, taxpayers of the United States, your hard earned dollars meant for supporting basic services here and expanding democracy around the globe now go to pay for abortions . . . in other countries! Not satisfied with encouraging baby murder here, Obama insists that we pay for murder around the globe.

President Bush cut off funds to international organizations that deal in abortions, an entirely reasonable policy move since every poll shows that Americans on the whole disapprove of the practice. Look for this to be an opening move in a liberal campaign to restore abortion to a culturally acceptable choice. I can remember in movies where abortion was considered as casual as lighting up a cigarette. Thankfully, not anymore. If conservatism accomplished anything, it was pushing abortion into a near pariah category.

Obama does not just want to roll back tax cuts and close Gitmo. He wants to reinvigorate currently moribund liberal ideals. His ambition is to be the liberal version of Reagan, but in some parts of the country he looks more like Big Brother. In DC there are ( I kid you not) hundred foot tall banners of him in malls; his face is on subway tickets and almost anywhere else you can think of. It's a culture war launched against the values you and I hold dear. And I should not neglect to mention that entire subway stations in DC are covered from ceiling to floor in anti-coal propaganda (of course the subway, lights, and much of the rest of the region get their power from coal powered plants.)

As far as abortion is concerned, Obama tried to dampen the impact by using Obamaspeak. "In the coming weeks, my administration will initiate a fresh conversation on family planning, working to find areas of common ground to best meet the needs of women and families at home and around the world." If you don't know the buzzwords, you'll miss the point. "Family planning" always means "abortion."

Some culture war issues are, in my opinion, fading. Gay unions are increasingly accepted and it is ludicrous to fight the concept. Young voters just do not care. Abortion is always and will always be the brutal murder of innocents. Abortion groups need to get back behind the party that helped them the most, giving money and support. Thankfully Obama gave an issue to galvanize us.

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George Mason researchers claim that 800,000 fewer people attened the Obamaguration than originally thought. Satellite imagery helped bolster that claim.

It's like missing a crowd the size of the city of Atlanta.

Oops.

Brain Drain

A recent report by West Virginia University shows that under fifty percent of West Virginia college and university graduates find work in West Virginia. As one might expect, high numbers of law and health care graduates stay. This means that newly created experts in business, science, engineering, and other key fields leave in droves.

Right now, WVU, Marshall, Fairmont State, and the other colleges and universities are the stae's greatest resource. We have little trouble attracting smart kids from inside and outside this state. We need to make a priority out of keeping them here. Scenery, quiet small towns, a vital urban center such as Morgantown, and other factors could sell West Virginia IF the state had opportunities.

Why would a budding entrepreneur with the next great idea want to locate his business here? Modern technology means that a lot of businesses could locate almost anywhere there is wireless internet. Even in areas where business can access this, why would they want to pay higher taxes, slog through more regulatory burdens, and put themselves at risk doing business in a "judicial hellhole?" In such an environment, government investment is about all you can expect because it's tough to sue them and it does not pay taxes.

Getting a small branch of NASA is nice. Convincing the next Bill Gates that this is the perfect place to take a risk and launch a major private initiative is much better. Time for West Virginia to realize that sometimes the business of government must be business.

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Thank goodness someone, somewhere came to their senses and realized that Congress is a serious institution of government, not a three ring circus or social hour. Caroline Kennedy can safely return to the cocktail circuit and New Yorkers can rest easy. Now, hopefully, we can dispense with the clown that may or may not have been elected by Minnesota.

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Speaking of weird decisions . . .

Thank goodness we are about to have a US attorney general who helped the Clinton Administration pardon Puerto Rican terrorists to help solidify Hillary's election chances.

Potomac Highlands Blog featured in Second Life

Second Life is an Internet community and virtual world. Many real world people are taking advantage of it to communicate with the masses. Newt Gingrich routinely gives speeches in Second Life to crowds from all over the US. Each attending via their home computers.

Both McCain and Obama had campaign presences in Second Life to meet and great people. Now the Potomac Highlands Conservative has a presence in Second Life. You can click on this; Potomac Highlands in Second Life. If you have the Second Life software installed on your computer it will take you there, if not then just follow the instructions to download the free software.

Washington, District of Columbia

We decided a couple of days ago to take a family trip to Washington DC. My wife went online, got us an amazing deal on a hotel, and now here we are on a Saturday morning two blocks from the White House. As I look out my window I see a bunch of semi-modern buildings and the Washington Monument peeking out above.

About eleven last night my son and I stepped out to walk around and see what sights we could within walking distance. We walked over towards the Executive Mansion, but found all the good picture angles blocked by the remaining flotsam and jetsam of the inauguration. Washington, in the right areas, has an amazing, maybe deceptively safe feel about it. Of course more police patrol the periphery of the White House than are on duty at any one time in our Potomac Highlands towns.

We walked around to the front and looked at the usual view. The lights had been turned off, bringing a shroud of darkness over the building. A young urban intellectual looking couple walked behind us. The guy pulled out a twenty dollar bill to see if it looked like the building sitting a hundred and fifty yards or so away. They walked on and we remained, looking.

One light burned in the top floor. We speculated, is that the President's light on? It makes you wonder about the person sitting in that lone light. Is he still enjoying the afterglow of being elected president? Has the actual burden of office set in yet? We saw it in President Bush's face these last few weeks. He owned the weight of the world and looked glad to hand it off to another. Sooner or later, Obama will understand the man he bashed for so many months, the same man who treated him with such grace and class since November.

Then we walked to the Mall. At the Washington Monument a few kids stood in front of the harsh lights using their bodies to make shadow puppets. My ten year old son asked what the job of Congress was. I responded by telling him how they made the laws and the president's part in vetoing or allowing legislation to pass, explaining that Dave Sypolt (who Jared has met many times) did the same thing in West Virginia.

Our next stop on the walking tour was the amazing World War II Memorial. It has its own grandeur, especially at night with the soft lights. My son begged to walk to the Lincoln Memorial and so we trudged westward. Along the way we passed a huge group of high school kids belting out "Don't Stop Believin'" which is as good an anthem for this generation to adopt as any.

Well, it's morning. We should be heading over to the Capitol this afternoon for a tour, hitting the Holocaust Museum as well as the Smithsonian.

Washington DC is far from a perfect place and the most important man here is not the guy I voted for. That all being said, this is to Americans what Mecca is to Muslims, Jerusalem is to Jews, and Rome is to Catholics. This is the center of freedom for our nation and the world. The ideals behind this town have revolutionized the planet since the days when this was a swampy and usually uncomfortably hot forest. The standard of humanity is not if people should be free, it is how to get them to that condition. For that we can thank a long line of great men from Washington to George W. Bush. We also hope and pray that the current administration cherishes freedom here and abroad in the same manner as most of his predecessors.

Coronation

Tuesday January 20th will see the costliest and most extensive presidential inauguration in history.

It is easy to forget that we will witness the swearing in of a new president instead of a King or Tsar. Thorough media coverage, the presence of tens of thousands, concerts and who knows what else will accompany the ritual agreement to preserve and protect the Constitution. Presidents are supposed to be something like a temporary version of the original Roman ideal of princeps, or First Citizen. This celebration is more like that to mark the rise of a dominus, the imperial title claimed by the autocratic Emperor Diocletian. This word means "master" or "owner."

All this over exuberance is over one of forty four men who have held the position of president as of tomorrow, not a demigod despite the desire of some to continually portray him as The One.

To his credit, Obama had the grace to look displeased at the inauguration concert when U2 insisted on politicizing the event.

We all must remember that this is a President of the United States, not a ruler of the people, but their servant.

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Hopefully Governor Manchin, with his inauguration behind him, can forge ahead with cutting West Virginia's bloated state government. With anemic population growth and the amazing capabilities of modern technology, surely we can find ways to shrink and make more efficient our state government.

Cutting the size of our bureaucracy should be a priority over the next four years. This will contribute to our continued fiscal strength.

Mexican Standoff?

One of the last warnings of the Bush presidency told us about the dire situation south of the border.

According to a recent national security statement, Mexico's government is in danger of collapse. The drug cartels have sucked at the Mexican body politic like massive parasites. In nature, parasites usually take enough to live, but do not threaten the host. In the case of Mexico, corruption, assassination, the undermining of democratic government have all sapped the ability of the state to function.

Prime evidence of Mexico's possible collapse has come in the form of private militia groups rising to defend the people in cities such as Ciudad Juarez. A government has two basic functions, protect innocent life and protect property. Mexico's government has lost the capability to do either.

They need help. In some form, American intelligence must step in. National security means that we must address problems before they become a threat. Mexican collapse constitutes a threat to our national security. Do we want twenty-first century Pancho Villas attacking US cities, provoking armed responses?

The FBI has experience infiltrating and destroying dangerous organizations such as the Ku Klux Klan and various Mafia groups. If we are to lend a hand to protect Mexican authority, much less democracy, this is not the time to take rough measures off of the table. Mexican drug gangs are among the most ruthless criminal groups on earth. It is time to target and eliminate them.

Energy Supplies and Robert Redford's "Racism"

Robert Redford's decision to attack President Bush's plan to open over a hundred thousand acres of the West to energy development drew fire recently from East Coast based black advocacy groups.

Redford described the sale of leases as "morally criminal." CORE spokesman Niger Innis shot back by arguing that increasing supply brings down prices. Innis asked that Redford relinquish his wealth and try "living like a poor person." He went on to say that high prices were functionally discriminatory and praised efforts to increase supply and reduce the burden.

This is another example of traditionally left wing groups battling over energy policy. Some left wing groups emphasize the condition of people, others want to de-emphasize the importance of people. Black advocacy groups worry about the poor heating their homes. Environmentalists have warm homes and ask what about the caribou who might have to pass by an oil well once a year.

Closer to home the debate over windmills pits clean energy advocates against those that value the preservation of every mountain view. One suggestion argued that individual homeowners ought to be encouraged to purchase their own windmills instead of allowing large windfarms.

Environmentally speaking the impact made by massive numbers of small windmills versus moderate numbers of large ones would be significant. It takes more energy to produce and transport smaller windmills. Those that fear the occasional bird death have much more to be concerned about when it comes to a vast multitude of windmills with smaller, harder to see blades.

More importantly, wind farms mean more property tax receipts. Wind farms mean better funded schools with less reliance on fundraising. Wind farms mean that the rest of us do not have to carry as high a burden to keep schools and local government running. Wind farms mean that more money comes from outside of the state directly into the pockets of locals who will turn around and buy more stuff, eat in local restaraunts more often, and deposit more money into local banks. We are historically used to an outflow of cash. An influx would be nice to see for a change.

An Open Letter to Obama

Mr. Obama today you will become the 44th President of the United States. I wish you and your family well on this day. It is yours and you earned it.

I would like to remind you as you move forward. You will be a leader of a nation that has diverse views and many of those views you do not share, but you must respect those views.

I want you to be a leader and a true leader leads. He understands that sometimes his views are the minority view and the nation may be best served by yielding to the majority. There will be times when the opposite is true. You must try to identify those and make the right decision. You will not always be right and when your wrong we will let you know.

You must respect our military and their sacrifice to freedom. Many have paid the ultimate price to allow you to become president. They fought wars past and present that you may not have agreed with, but they fought them for all of us. Do not forget their sacrifice when you make your decisions.

Some 200 years ago very wise men wrote the US Constitution. Use it when you make your decisions. Don't go by what some historian tells you about it, read it yourself and the papers of the founding fathers. See the nation through their eyes when you make your decisions.

While they will call you the leader of the Free World, the reality you are the leader of the United States of America. Always put the interest of the nation first.

I wish you good luck over the next 4 years. I never voted for you, but you will be my President. I will support you in that role, but I will also disagree with you from time to time. You are my president and you will have the respect from me that your office deserves.

"I now know what -47 feels like"

I got this message from my cousin in Chicago this week. I wonder if Obama plans to give any major speeches on global warming in the Midwest anytime soon. If anyone anywhere still believes in that tripe, they may be tempted at this point to gas up the SUVs and drive around in circles. It was only fifteen years ago that temperatures dipped well below zero in West Virginia. I lived in Huntington at the time and remember my car freezing up for almost a week. Even if I could get out, my little rear wheel drive sports car would simply flail on the snow and ice covered roads until it got hung up somewhere.

If you listened to the global warming people at the height of their movement, this winter was not something we were ever supposed to see again. The uncommonly warm winters we saw there for a few years were supposed to be permanent. Interestingly enough, when the earth showed signs of cooling, some scientists rushed out to claim that colder temperatures resulted from global warming. That just does not meet the smell test.

Fact is that Arctic ice has extended back to the levels of the supercold late 1970s (when Newsweekinsisted that carbon emissions were causing an ice age.) Polar bear populations have grown in larger numbers than expected. All is right with the Great White North.

Global warming has been exposed for what it always has been, a front for neo-Marxists to curb capitalist development. Unfortunately the tide of Democratic success swept some of these people into the Congress and Executive Branch. The so-called climate czar supports taxing American prosperity heavily and redistributing it to Third World nations. This individual feels Americans live too well.

Now more than ever America needs the GOP to stay strong.

Democracy Attacked By Democrats on Capitol Hill

Complaints have piled up against the conduct of the congressional Democratic leadership and some have come from a surprising source.

The Washington Post stated "Democrats brought more measures to the House floor under closed rules - permitting no amendments - than any of the six previous Republican-controlled congresses." This means that Democrats have shut down one of the main ways that the minority party members can help their constituents or even perform their jobs. Senator Tom Coburn (R) of Oklahoma referred to the ability to add amendments as a "right." That may be up for debate, but it at least was a privilege that Republicans did not deny to their opposition.

Democrats have controlled Congress now for two years and now that an election commission in Minnesota has handed a Senate election to Bozo the Comedian, the atmosphere does not promise to improve anytime soon. Their arrogance is bipartisan, relishing conflict with not only Republican colleagues, but also The One himself.

Republicans can and should respond with filibusters to reassert their power to influence events and help their constituents. The voters from Republican districts do not deserve to have all of their needs blotted out by a dictatorial majority.

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Too bad a president can't just order up a high quality Cabinet from American Woodmark. Obama has had a difficult time assembling one on his own. First Bill Richardson withdrew his name under a cloud. Now we see that a nominee for Treasury Secretary, Timothy Geithner, could not figure out how to prepare his own tax return and got into trouble with teh IRS.

Even Senate Republicans say that the Treasury nomination will be approved. He made a mistake. With our overcomplicated tax system, only H and R Block and their competitors benefit.

I wonder if Geithner ever wishes that the Bush plan to simplify the tax code and reduce the burden on workign Americans had been passed a few years back.

WV GOP unvails Think Tank

CHARLESTON – The West Virginia Republican Party today unveiled a new website featuring commentary from Republicans around the state offering their perspectives on the future of the Republican Party.

The new website, www.wvgopthinktank.org, kicks off with articles from Republicans ranging from state lawmakers to county chairs to state committee members and activists. Also featured is a WVGOP Speakers Bureau.

Dr. Doug McKinney, chairman of the WVGOP, said the new site will be an evolving entity updated frequently with new columns and other information. “This is a starting point for the conversation about our purpose and our future,” said McKinney. “The Republican Party is having similar discussions all across the country. By creating new ways for their voices to be heard, we’ll make sure that Republicans everywhere will be able to offer their thoughts and advice on the direction of our party, and how best to achieve victory in future elections.”

McKinney said the state party will also initiate a series of regional roundtable discussions across West Virginia seeking input from Republicans in all parts of the state.

“We know Republicans face different challenges in different regions,” said McKinney. “By encouraging input and holding face to face roundtable meetings, we’ll determine how the state party can best meet the needs of our GOP officeholders, officials, candidates and activists. Communication is the first key toward building a roadmap for victory.”

To Buy or Not to Buy

With recent changes to help the National Housing Market to bounce back from the bubble burst, it is bringing some benefits to housing markets that were not affected in the same manner, such as our local market.

Regionally in Cabell, Wayne and Putman counties especially, our housing market is remaining stable. Averages for days on market and the average home prices are not fluctuating greatly, it still remains a great time to sell and buy homes.

There is no doubt there is a solid inventory of homes available for buyers searching either for their starter homes for first time home buyers, larger homes for growing families, and homes ideal for folks looking to down size due to retirement or just not requiring the amount of space they once did.

Nationally, This never ending cycle is what keeps our market afloat, but with our local market remaining strong now may be the time to benefit from the changes that are taking place.
With interest rates plummeting to their lowest levels in U.S. history, speculation leads us to believe that there will be an influx of people returning to the market to purchase homes.

Lowered rates also give buyers in some cases the opportunity to purchase a higher priced home than before. In other cases, it will allow people to purchase who could not afford a home because the monthly payment would have been too high once the rate was factored into the monthly payment.

This is also a good time in the market for those interested in investment properties that are available on the market. Homes exist that can be renovated and re-listed for a profit or in other cases, homes that can be purchased to be rented to tenants.

Just think – owning a tangible asset that someone else pays for. Over the life of a rental property, theoretically, it can be paid for time and time again. Additionally, investment property can serve as a wonderful source of income currently or in retirement.

Whether you are in the market as a first time home owner, selling and purchasing a new home or interested in investment properties, it is a great time to get involved in the real estate market and reap the benefits.

Lisa Peana is a Realtor with Great American Realty. She can be reached at lisa_peana@yahoo.com

The Nanny State Strikes in Nigeria

Perhaps Joe can help these guys.

Nigeria's largest cities have descended into near chaos due to the strict enforcement of motorcycle helmet laws. Nigeria's poor tend to use motorcycles for personal transport due to the fact that they are not only inexpensive, but often just given away in large numbers. Cyclists argue that the high cost and limited supply of helmets prevents them from complying with the law. Some rent hard hats from construction workers. Others use gourds, pieces of tire, or other objects with string tied to them. Using these or no helmet at all results in arrest.

Nigerians complain that the helmets, which will undoubtedly be shared, pose a health risk. Skin diseases and hair parasites run rampant in this nation. Others fear that helmets put riders at risk for black magic spells that could cause accidents.

This sounds like a strange story from half way around the world, but it reflects a serious problem. Is Nigeria's biggest social, health, and public order problem helmetless motorcycle riders? Isn't Nigeria the home of a multitude of corrupt criminal organizations? Don't they suffer from terror attacks on oil facilities? Do police really have time to contend with such nonsense?

We have the same issue in the United States. Whenever I see several police gathered around a "click it or ticket" checkpoint, I wonder whose home has been left vulnerable or what domestic assault will go on for ten or fifteen more minutes because we have to make sure every good citizen wears their safety belts. Enforcing the nanny state takes time and resources that could go to stopping real crimes.

Moving Right Along to a Story of Political Courage

During a recent Brit Hume interview the nation got a glimpse of the man who will soon retire from the presidency.

George W. Bush in this interview exudes a sense of right and strength that US presidents do not often have the opportunity to demonstrate. Abraham Lincoln in the darkest days of the Civil War seemed to stand almost alone with the military fighting for what he saw as right. Ulysses S. Grant while president stood almost alone in his insistence that the United States would stand for justice against the terror of the Ku Klux Klan.

Bush revealed this week that many of his strongest opponents on the War in Iraq came from within his own party. They tried to exert powerful pressure on the president to "cut and run" from Iraq, fearing more for Republican defeats than the collapse of an eventually successful American policy. Bush remembered "The biggest disappointment in the political process, that's been this kind of bitterness by a few people to the point where they don't want to have a logical discussion or a civil discussion about policy," he said. "They just want to tear you down."

George W. Bush will be vindicated by history. Winning in Iraq will help to sway the future to his side, but so will the resiliency he showed in the face of "offensive" critics. We all can learn from an example of a man who made tough decisions and stuck by them. President Bush never cared for popularity, only for doing right. We may disagree with him on some issues, but as time passes, we and most Americans will grow to respect his toughness and courage in the face of critics at home and terror around the world.

When asked how well he was doing as he exits the presidency, he responded,

"I'm better than fine -- I am proud of the accomplishments of this administration," he said. "I know I gave it my all for eight years, and I did not sell my soul for the sake of popularity. And so when I get back home and look in the mirror, I will be proud of what I see."

Sound and Fury

"Do you want to turn this State over to the Democrats for the next ten years to get even with men who share your principles?" Governor William Glasscock (R) at a Republican unity meeting in Fall 1910.

In 1908 West Virginia Republicans enjoyed twelve years of success by any political standards. They controlled the Legislature, Governor's Mansion, and the congressional delegation. Despite this success, some Republicans grew bitter at their leaders. In 1908 they launched an iunsurgency, even creating a second Republican Party with a full slate. A few weeks before the general election the two sides patched up the quarrel and won. State party leaders offered concessions that did not satisfy the insurgents. By 1910 the constant fighting fatigued the GOP. Democratic candidates captured elections despite getting less votes than Democrats running for the same office two years before. Republicans, disgusted with the infighting, simply stayed home.

History sometimes tries to repeat itself. Earlier tonight (Thursday) was the much ballyhooed "secret meeting." Speculation leading up to the Salem gathering seemed to indicate that opponents of Doug McKinney and his new Executive Director Gary Abernathy could finally launch a removal campaign. Those that expected the organizers of the event to let slip the dogs of war against the two party leaders were disappointed.

The forty or so attendees of the meeting were a mixed bag. A few expressed some dislike of Abernathy and McKinney. Some came to speak on behalf of them. Some had problems with the way Abernathy was hired; others did not like the fact that he was hired at all. Many simply came because they knew there was a GOP assemblage. In short, no overwhelming consensus existed to recommend any kind of action against the two.

If the organizers had ever planned to attempt to remove McKinney, and that is not a given, they altered their plans prior to the meeting. Michael Stuart spoke first, insisting that he did not seek the chairman's position. He then offered his own ideas. During this talk, he discussed the importance of maintaining an elevated tone and not tearing down individuals. When asked what the "game plan" was, Stuart responded that he simply wanted to collect ideas, not stage a coup.

Organizer Jack Adams invited others to the podium as well. Greg Thomas discussed involving more active Republicans. Donna Gosney discussed the role of the Finance Committee and the bylaws. Tom O'Niell emphasized unity and stated that throughout the party, people had stopped truly listening to each other. Delegate Woody Ireland discussed the value of grassroots involvement.

The main issue of the night was the hiring of Gary Abernathy. The ugliness displayed on anonymous blogs did not show itself this evening. Most speakers professed that their main problem lay in the potential violation of bylaws. The party is not permitted to engage in a contract that will cause it to go into debt, but it is not clear that Abernathy's contract will result in that end. In the discussion, it was revealed that his contract was set up in three month increments. This means that if the executive director does not perform his job to the satisfaction of the chair, he can be released.

No one attacked Abernathy personally, but former candidate and client Bob Adams responded to the smear campaign leveled by others against his former consultant. Adams passionately defended Abernathy. His statements condemning anonymous mudslinging drew massive cheers. The most heated discussion involved the question of payments made to Doug McKinney. It was finally established by State Executive Committee Member Tom O'Neill that not only did McKinney not receive a stipend, he had also passed on asking the party for reimbursements of expenses.

The role of county executive committees and their chairs came up for discussion. One suggested that only county chairs should have votes on the executive committee. Others at different points bemoaned the lack of activity among many county committees and chairs. Kanawha County Chair Melody Potter asserted that McKinney and Abernathy were not perfect, but most everyone involved with the party had failed it in some respect.

At the end of the night it was decided that an ad hoc committee would form to take ideas to Dr. McKinney at the February 21 Winter Meeting in Charleston. The committee was formed from volunteers.

For all the expected fireworks, it turned out to be a relatively tame affair with a few minor blowups. A real attempt to unseat Doug McKinney over the hiring of Gary Abernathy would have absolutely devastated the state Republican Party. However, the possibility of removing McKinney was always slim. Some probably mistaken discontent or complaints with the desire to remove.

The question remains. Was this meeting ever conceived at any point as a "get rid of Doug" event? Either the organizers never truly considered it, or they created a strategic retreat from a very exposed position. All the Cain raised in the days before this meeting ended up signifying nothing too serious at the end of the day.

Democrats Outperform Republicans Again

The Party of the Common Man looks really impressive these days.

Remember the bad old days for the Republican Party? In 2006 the war had taken a bad turn, seemed like half of the Republicans in Congress were under investigation, and the donkeys were on the march. Democrats and their media friends trumpeted the "culture of corruption" that they claimed dominated the GOP. They ignored Representative "Cashbox" Jefferson in Louisiana who took the concept of cold, hard, cash way too literally and fell over themselves to report about an Idaho Republican who may or may not have flashed signs to an undercover gay prostitute.

What a difference a few years have made? The Democrats have certainly worked hard to regain the top spot in the corruption ratings.

The Illinois governor tries to sell Obama's Senate seat. His nomination, by all accounts a good guy, will not be seated so long as he is the current governor's nominee. The Black Congressional Caucus is not pleased.

The nominee for Commerce Secretary must step aside because he is under investigation

The nominee for education secretary is a former Chicago city official. Nuff said there.

Caroline Kennedy has shoved her way to the forefront of much more experienced candidates for New York's Senate seat vacated by Hillary Clinton who may be opposed in her quest to be Secretary of State by Robert Byrd who is citing constitutional issues. Kennedy has the lukewarm blessing of Obama who has a major political favor to repay to a family that craves to remain relevant. Hillary Clinton also intends to repay her campaign debt through money raised by her husband abroad. There's a great way to start your tenure in that office!

Minnesota may or may not have elected a comedian to their senate seat. Fox News showed conclusively that ballots cast for Republican Norm Coleman were counted for Franken.

At least in Logan County they have the sense to make up colorful nicknames for themselves so we can easily identify the shady characters. I mean geesh, I thought Bill Richardson was the best guy they had for the presidency or failing that Secretary of State.

Meanwhile Obama's surprising choices of moderates for many positions have the Left fuming. One Leftist group is actually suing to get God removed from the inauguration. The Left thought they elected Leon Trotsky, not Bill Clinton. Hopefully Obama's moderate course is a sign for the future.

Ain't it a little fun to be a Republican right now? At least watching the national scene.

The Party of Business

The party of business should look to business as a model in building its efforts over the next two years.

Money is the lifeblood of a political party. Grass roots volunteers may be the most important asset a candidate or party has, but money is vital. Last summer even getting from point A to point B posed a challenge to many good candidates. The West Virginia Republican Party took a giant step by retiring its debt last year. Now it must move forward from that foundation.

Fund raising simply cannot boil down to "We're Republicans, you are Republicans, you should donate because we all believe the same thing and have the same goals." When you purchase a product for $1,000 or even $100, you put thought into that purchase. Is it good for me? Will it work? Will I get the most for my money? Businesses sell to self-interest. Charities appeal to the heart and sense of duty. Political parties often fall somewhere in between. State Republicans should move farther in the direction of the business model when trying to convince donors to give.

It's not so much the ideology that needs sold. We are "Republicans for a Reason." Certainly we need to continually reshape and refine our message as the times change and generations reprioritize, but there are guiding principles that remain the same. To get people to believe in the party, they must be sold on the people and the potential for action. What will the GOP do differently in two or four years? What vision is being shaped this year to carry us forward and win elections? How are we going to close the registration gap? Before most people write a meaningful check, they want answers to those questions. The February winter meetings should be a strong indicator of what the party's vision will be going ahead towards 2010.

Bill Stewart and Century Aluminum Update

Certainly it was not a football season that Mountaineer fans hoped for, but 9-4 was not a bad showing. As a matter of fact, many experts picked that very result.

The circumstances of Stewart's hiring led to him and his offensive coordinator Jeff Mullen receiving the bulk of the blame for WVU not returning to the BCS. The emotional post bowl hiring last year, the possible involvement of the Governor, and the losses led to a lot of anger being expressed towards the coach.

Let's look at the facts. Mullen and Stewart sought to bring in a new offense to replace the system that had sputtered against Pitt and South Florida. College football offenses and defenses constantly adjust and evolve. Rich Rodriguez never tweaked his offense when the defenses caught up to his scheme. Michigan's offense this year looked like a Model T in a NASCAR race compared to Florida, Arkansas, or even WVU.

Stewart understood that in the long term, WVU needed to change. That meant a more pass oriented offense designed to attract the best receiving talent. We had to take our lumps this year with players not suited to that style of play. The wide receivers were mostly converted from other positions and many were brought in mostly for their blocking ability. How many times this year did a first down or a touchdown fall from the receiver's hands? This resulted in a sputtering offense at times, but also the successful recruiting of some of the best wide receiver and quarterback talent in the nation.

Another problem was the lack of a big running back to grind out tough yards. Stewart removed Ed Collington from the team for a drug arrest. A fullback recruit that could have played the role was injured for the season. As an emergency measure, they even tried big, fast backup quarterback Jarrett Brown. After all, it worked in Florida with Tim Tebow. The injury bug bit there as well.

From the beginning to the end of the year, the team improved from the head coach down to the last player on the bench. Injuries could have decimated the defense, but this was never an excuse to lose. Reed Williams, a potential All American, missed the season. His replacement, Anthony Leonard, another great talent, became injured as well. By the bowl game, some hard hitting defensive backs had fallen to injury and illness as well.

The final product hit the field in Charlotte. Receivers caught deep touchdown passes, Noel Devine ran well, the defense had problems at first as North Carolina picked on inexperienced freshmen, but then clamped down. All in all the high scoring in the first half combined with the big plays of those very same inexperienced freshmen and sophomores on defense brought WVU an improbable one point victory.

Stewart is now 2-0 in bowls, is bringing in great talent, and should have a great season next year. One issue is one he will never overcome. Stewart is a West Virginian. He looks, acts, and talks like a laid back one in public, although he showed some steel in dealing with players and officials. His colloquialisms touch on the inferiority complex some West Virginians feel. Rodriguez talked like a generic urban southerner while Stewart is like a congenial uncle from the country. Should Stewart win, this will be seen as acceptable eccentricity. Losses will bring more vitriol.

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An update from Ravenswood, Jackson County. Congresswoman Shelley Moore Capito has stepped in along with Governor Joe Manchin to find ways to keep Century Aluminum open. Six hundred jobs are on the line there. With the attention of the Governor and West Virginia's most active member of Congress, those jobs are much closer to remaining in place.

Coming Soon! The Cult of The One

BRUTUS.Ay, Casca, tell us what hath chanced today,That Caesar looks so sad.

CASCA.Why, you were with him, were you not?

BRUTUS.I should not then ask Casca what had chanced.

CASCA.Why, there was a crown offer'd him; and being offer'd him,he put it by with the back of his hand, thus; and then the people fell a-shouting.

BRUTUS.What was the second noise for?

CASCA.Why, for that too.

CASSIUS.They shouted thrice: what was the last cry for?

CASCA.Why, for that too.

BRUTUS.Was the crown offer'd him thrice?

CASCA.Ay, marry, was't, and he put it by thrice, every time gentler than other; and at every putting-by mine honest neighbors shouted.

This is a piece that I've been rolling over in my mind for a few weeks now. I did not know whether or not I would join the minority chorus of doubt leading up to the inauguration. What have we as conservatives got to say now that we did not say in the past year?

There is something deeper going on than a man's political ideas, something scarier than the inauguration of a president. We do not see it manifest where we are because folks here are by nature political sceptics. If George Washington himself, much less Ronald Reagan, came back we in this region may approve of him, but we would never raise him above us. We have seen and understood too much of politics to entirely give over our faith to someone who simply says "Trust me" and has no track record to back him (or her) up.

It started last year when the mighty Lord Oprah conferred her favor upon The One. Lord Oprah delights in passing out presents to the peasants, but for the first time in an election she poured out the oil upon the head of The One and anointed him with her favor. The people and campaign managers rejoiced and the all too human Hillary was swept aside.

Then came the Democratic National Convention. In a scene more reminiscent of a Saturday Night Live sketch than an actual political event, The One actually appeared under a Greek temple facade. Although he did not go so far as to wear some sort of toga and wreath on his head, it was clear that the Democratic Party aimed to set The One up as beyond mere politicians and other rabble.

Most disturbing have been some of the utterances and sights since the election. A friend told me of a liberal speaking on the radio about the qualities he liked in a president that ruled over him. Such language in the 1790s would have probably gotten the man a stern lecture on the spot. The President of the United States does not "rule over" anyone. He serves the people. That is why we do not call him "Your Highness" or "Your Excellency," but simply "Mister President."

Then I went to Atlanta last Monday. The Atlanta Underground was filled to the brim with Obamysteria. A T shirt with his face proclaimed "The Greatest Dream Has Come True!" A fifteen foot tall poster with his air brushed name and visage was available for anyone willing to pay $2 for the privilege of having their picture taken with it. probably the final straw came when I walked into a room where my kids were watching a video show. One of the people wore a T shirt with Obama's face and a golden crown atop his head.

The phrase "cult of personality" means that a person is trying to create for themselves a transcendent aura to gain power when they have done little or nothing significant to gain influence. Usually when we use this phrase, we apply it to Robespierre, Lenin, Stalin, Hitler, or Mussolini. It could also be applied to Huey Long (dictatorial governor of Louisiana in the 1930s) or John F. Kennedy. Americans tend to reject transcendent auras around their politicians, but on rare occasions it does work. Cults of personality are dangerous to democracies because they convince the person around whom they are centered of their own flawlessness while discouraging dissent. In the passage from Shakespeare's Julius Caesar above, Caesar rejects the crown, but aims for more power than even the people can imagine.

The One's cult of personality is understandable in some quarters, but not others. News media outlets have fallen over each other fawning over him, not subjecting him to even a tenth of the investigative coverage George W. Bush faced. A few voices of reporters on the ground actually create a disturbing image. Dean Reynolds of CBS wrote of his overwhelming arrogance, certainly a negative trait in an anointed one.

For the good of democracy it is important to maintain the pressure. It demands that we remain vigilant over his actions and also try to deflate the bubble of his personality cult. Democracy is better served when we openly debate a presidents positive and negative attributes.

It is never served by annointing a "One" and following him blindly. Usually following The One brings a people the following disaster:

8:10 And Samuel told all the words of the LORD unto the people that asked of him a king.
8:11 And he said, This will be the manner of the king that shall reign over you: He will take your sons, and appoint them for himself, for his chariots, and to be his horsemen; and some shall run before his chariots.
8:12 And he will appoint him captains over thousands, and captains over fifties; and will set them to ear his ground, and to reap his harvest, and to make his instruments of war, and instruments of his chariots.
8:13 And he will take your daughters to be confectionaries, and to be cooks, and to be bakers.
8:14 And he will take your fields, and your vineyards, and your oliveyards, even the best of them, and give them to his servants.
8:15 And he will take the tenth of your seed, and of your vineyards, and give to his officers, and to his servants.
8:16 And he will take your menservants, and your maidservants, and your goodliest young men, and your asses, and put them to his work.
8:17 He will take the tenth of your sheep: and ye shall be his servants.
8:18 And ye shall cry out in that day because of your king which ye shall have chosen you; and the LORD will not hear you in that day.
8:19 Nevertheless the people refused to obey the voice of Samuel; and they said, Nay; but we will have a king over us;

Maybe He Didn't Win, But He Got the Job Done

Russ Weeks fought a valiant campaign last fall. Underfunded, under covered, and under appreciated, Weeks put his all into the herculean task of dethroning Governor Manchin. The voters of the state chose to keep the incumbent.

However, eleven people and their families can thank Russ Weeks. For twice as long as he pursued the governor's mansion, Weeks fought for these people who tested positive for tuberculosis. These people contracted the disease at Pinecrest Hospital. Some worked there, some were patients, some simply visited the facility. Weeks exposed defective machinery and alleged other abuses. His campaign brought the spotlight of the state onto the hospital.

Those eleven people received half a million dollars in compensation due to the efforts of their lawyers and the publicity brought by Weeks. After his victory, Governor Manchin met with his former opponent to hear Weeks' concerns. Although they strenuously deny that there is an official investigation, the state has looked into some of the issues raised.

Weeks may not have achieved victory, but to eleven people he brought justice.

Anonymous Posting, Vic Sprouse, and Gary Abernathy

What once was old is new again.

Look back at the newspapers from the 1790s. Few of them actually reported much news. For the most part they hurled accusations back and forth between the dominant parties and personalities of their times. Occasionally they produced some literary gems, such as the Federalist Papers, but more often they gave to posterity some really fun scandal and insult filled stuff.

In those days no one gave their actual name. Alexander Hamilton, James Madison, and John Jay wrote the Federalist Papers under the pseudonym "Publius." Most who paid attention could discern through the writing style and ideas who was who. Certainly this was fine in the 1790s, but how about today?

This subject has come up in the debate over the State Republican Party and its hiring of Gary Abernathy as executive director. An anonymous blog called Not Gary Abernathy.com appeared almost immediately to blast the selection and hiring process. State Senator Vic Sprouse on his own blog, Change West Virginia, fired back on Abernathy's behalf. Both of these blogs allow reader commentary. The opinions stated have ranged from thoughtful to vicious.

The question is, how legitimate in this day and age is a blog or a comment from a person that refuses to reveal their name? The author of Not Gary Abernathy.com has cryptically promised that his identity will be known in good time, kind of like a B movie super villain. Why not now?

Others have taken the opportunity to level anonymous cheap shots at Vic Sprouse and Gary Abernathy. When a person does put their name to something, they take a risk and open themselves to attack. That certainly takes some guts when there are so many waiting in the dark simply wanting to tear down. No name posting does not help the case of anyone indulging in it.

Should Republicans with complaints stifle their concerns? Of course not. We are a big tent party and will always have disagreements. It is obvious why those with solely a personal axe to grind do not show themselves. They will always lurk in the shadows. Should "Not Gary Abernathy" reveal him or herself? That is for that individual to decide. Except in the case of Lisa Peana, he or she has not often descended to the level of personal attack. Regardless, credibility will always be more favorably conferred upon those that take their political battle into the light of day rather than hide behind fake names or no name at all.

The Future Is Now

The University of Delaware has just developed a prototype vehicle that may be the answer to rising fuel costs for small cities, businesses, and college campuses.

The V2G, or vehicle to grid, propulsion system for automobiles was created by Willett Kempton who has been refining this technology for over a decade. Kempton actually powers a Scion with this engine. The Scion is a hideous vehicle, but it is the size of a small SUV. This means that such an engine could probably run a moderately sized pickup truck, minivan, or SUV if the conventional engine and gas tank are removed. It runs on a battery that works as an energy sponge. It absorbs power from the grid when plugged in. If the battery contains excess power, it flows back into the power grid. This reduces strain upon the power system which from time to time sees its own fluctuations.

Right now the battery requires two hours to charge and has a range of 150 miles. This means that families cannot yet rely on it for vacations. However automobile fleets maintained by small towns, local busineses, or college campuses could utilize this type of engine and save money on fuel. Families can also benefit by purchasing an electric car for local use and a gasoline powered one for longer trips.

Over time, these types of vehicles will gain more power and range. Owners have already started turning to hybrids. The current electric power system cannot handle a massive demand surge for electric power that a jump in the number of electric vehicles will create. Expansion of coal, wind, and hydroelectric power now is essential to anticipate this demand. If electric vehicles are an answer to large segments of the market, then we must start preparing for it.

Conservatives are not anti-environment. We simple prefer that market solutions be allowed to occur instead of governmnet imposed ones. Conservatives also favor balancing the needs of the environment against the needs of people, rather than denying human beings what they need to prosper. The market will demand alternate energy sources as the price of oil moves more and more out of reach. This prototype developed by the University of Delaware could be a market solution to this market problem.

People are mad

I have been talking to a lot of my clients about the economy and their concerns. People are mad. To make it worse, noone seems to know who to blame. People who went along with blaming big tobacco for cigarettes, big oil for gas prices.

You Get What You Vote For

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

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

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

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

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

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

Jimmy Carter: Middle Eastern Terror's Bestest Buddy

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

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

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

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

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

Time For State Leadership on the Drug Issue

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

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

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

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

Press Release: Mineral County Office of Emergency Management

Hi All:

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

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

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

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

Marc

Carol Smith For US Senate!

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

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

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

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

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

The Slow Death of Century Aluminum

This may not fly on the radar of many around here, but it means a lot to my home county. Century Aluminum in Ravenswood, Jackson County, may shut down.

Consider the shock to this region if the paper mill shut down. Job losses, the cut in income to local businesses and other ripple effects would be crippling. Jackson County has to deal with that plus the loss of tax receipts that their schools and local government need.

This facility originally was Kaiser Aluminum, run by the business titan Henry J. Kaiser. Two decades ago, Kaiser ran out of steam and it became Ravenswood Aluminum. I honestly have no idea when it became Century.

This plant faced serious problems in the 1980s that stemmed largely from the steelworkers' union. I remember my stepfather had to travel there several times in one week to perform a simple computer repair. This may sound like a joke, but it is true. The light over the computer burned out and he could not see to do his job. Union rules specified that a certain combination of people must change the light. They could not get that combination for days. My stepfather showed up every day, feeling a little guilty that the company had to pay so much for time that he could not use to do his job. Eventually he offered to fix the light, but it was against union rules.

A few years later the union went on strike and the company hired replacement workers. I was in high school then and the tension was horrible. The same school that made a bold stand against Joe Camel could not bring itself to outlaw union made shirts that portrayed the corpse of a replacement worker with the motto "Scab Hunter" above it. The bedroom window of our quarterback was shot through in the mistaken belief that his brother, a replacement worker was staying there. Unpunished beatings of replacement workers happened over and over while jackrocks made the state highways dangerous to travel.

This foolishness is not over. A union facility in Maryland reprimanded a supervisor for helping employees to clean up a dangerous substance.

The point of this is that American industry is priced out of the competitive advantage it long enjoyed. Archaic and byzantine regulations have made it difficult for plants to keep costs down. Unions do have a role in the 21st century in terms of being safety and quality watchdogs while making sure workers get treated fairly, but it is time for them to decide whether or not it is more important to keep time honored, but bizarre, rules or jobs.

Frustration With President Bush: Party of the New York Common Man Update

This is not a critical piece about the policies of the Bush Administration. For pretty much the past eight years I have found myself in agreement with him about 60-70% of the time, which is pretty good.

My frustration stems from another source. Watching how the President handled the entire weird shoe throwing incident the other day really bothered me. Here was a very strange situation. An Iraqi journalist, obviously crazed, tosses shoes at the President while cursing him. Here we see President Bush acting on instinct. His secret service want to tackle him and get him out of danger; Bush waves them off. Every mannerism showed grace and personal courage in the face of the unexpected. These things look good to a Middle Eastern audience. The embarassed Iraqi leaders wanted to end the press conference and throw away the tape if possible. Bush turns the incident on its head and explains how democracy and freedom of speech work. We saw and heard Bush as he is, acting on instinct, commanding the situation. The network news even admitted that he won over the Iraqi press corps with his demeanor.

He handled it perfectly. That leads me to wonder, where has this guy been? In his own understated fashion, George W. Bush is a pretty good communicator. The president has charm, wit, and honest common sense as well as a deep conviction. If more of this man's warmth and human concern had emerged over the past several years, people's perceptions would be widely different right now. For whatever reason, President Bush has been bottled up.

That is frustrating!

First and last impressions are always the ones that stick with us the most. One of the world's last impressions of this man as president will be his artful dodging of shoes and his graceful handling of a tough situation. History will remember the good things this man did as we move forward.

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Another Party of the Common Man Update

New York State has spent itself into worse trouble than General Motors, so it has come up with a solvency plan.

First of all, the Democrats in new York think the people that live there are too fat, so they are going to tax non diet soft drinks. That'll learn you fat slobs sucking down your root beers and Coca Cola. At least you have health insurance, right? Well New York State may start taxing that, too. The other whammy comes when hospitals, yes hospitals, will start facing higher taxes.

Way to attack the rising cost of health care by taxing insurance and hospitals. Apparently they will also require new license plates that, of course, will cost.

Why do people drink cola? Because it is cheaper than the healthy alternatives, except Kool Aid. Why is it cheaper? Because federal policy keeps the price of farm products artificially high.

Every tax proposed here will hit the poor and the middle class hard. Add to that the fact that they are trying to shape public habits through taxation.

Yup, common people of New York, the Democrats love you guys!

Wvjohn and our First Amendment Rights

The internet is a great tool of receiving and providing information. This blog which has been a quite successful example of how the internet can be used effectively to provide information and opinion. The News Tribune allows people to follow up to stories that have been printed, which is a great service that they offer.

What I find funny is the lefts use of it to attack those on the right personally. People usually attack people personally when they are unable to attack the message. On the News Tribunes website I have a personal attacker that goes by the screen name of “wvjohn.”

Now when I write on News Tribune website, the Potomac Highlands Conservative or for various news papers I always use my own name. I don’t have a problem with people knowing exactly who I am when I’m stating my opinion. I want to be challenged. Through challenging my ideas you maybe able to change my opinion, but some people believe in the personal attack as a way to make their point.

Now I’m not sure what they are trying to accomplish through the personal attack. Take my follower wvjohn; he takes issue with me using my real name when I write letters to the editor. I find that strange, because when people know who you are it leads to discovery. A follow up by letter by Gerald Frantz on my comments on the water studies wasting taxpayer money, led to and invitation to speak with him personally on the subject. I want to take him up on that offer because it will further my education on the water systems in the county.

If a person chooses to hide their identity, then they are unsecure in their own opinions. They do not get to follow up on opportunities like the one presented by Mr. Frantz. Now it is clear to me that wvjohn is one of these people that believe government should control our lives. In a recent follow up on the News Tribune website he states, “Some people just want to pettition their government and get their name out there in the public eye.” He is absolutely right, I want to petition government! After all the First Amendment of the US Constitution says I have that right; Congress shall make no law abridging my right to petition the government for a redress of grievances. Yet, wvjohn thinks it’s awful that exercise my First Amendment right, which speaks volumes. Maybe wvjohn only believes I should have the right of free speech if it is something he wants to hear?

Wvjohn, I invite you to write for the Potomac Highlands Conservative. Only rules are no personal attacks and you have to use your real name. You will have a state wide audience of over 13,000 to here your opinion and see what kind of follow commentary they have for you.

Free Market Forces vs Central Planning

Right now the Mineral County Planning Commission is in the mist of developing its Comprehensive Plan under Section §8A-3 of the West Virginia code. The county is spending $20,000 with the WVU Extension office to prepare the plan, a bargain compared to what other counties have spent. Knowing the complexity of the economy, I have to ask the question, beyond planning what government will do as far as libraries, parks, water, etc; can government effectively plan Economic Development and Land Use in the private sector as outlined in the state code?

Governments have tried to plan economies and land use for hundreds of years, and I can think of none that ever found success. Starting in 1607 over the course of 2-years 604 people were sent to the centrally planned Jamestown settlement in Virginia, all but 98 died of starvation 6 months after their arrival. In 1611 Sir Thomas Dale took charge of the Virginia Colony, eliminated central planning, instituted private property and within a few years the colony that lost 80% of its population to starvation was trading excess food to the Native Americans. Central economic planning and loss of property rights in the Soviet Union led to the starvation deaths of millions in 1932 and 1933, in China 20 to 30 million starved between 1959 and 1962. The Soviet Union collapsed under a centrally planned economy, and China survives by restoring private property rights and switching to a free market system.

Economic Development and Land Use are linked to prosperity, yet they are two separate sections of the state code on developing a comprehensive plan. That alone speaks volumes of the government’s ability to effectively plan that which it doesn’t understand. While local WV governments do not have the power to centrally plan production, they can restrict the economy through removal of property owner rights more commonly called Zoning. Let’s make no mistake zoning is only a restriction; it can never enhance the economy. A free market needs choices to operate, remove those choices through zoning and you create inefficiencies that slow or reverse economic growth.

The first looser is the entrepreneur, which create most of the jobs in the state and usually start those businesses at home. A good example is Thermo Gauge located in Fort Ashby, WV, which is currently operating out of a home while they finalize plans to move into the Fort Ashby industrial park and expand. Residential zoning would have killed this West Virginia success story before it got started. Removing the choice of starting a business in the home through government imposed land use restrictions raises the barrier to entry. It forces an entrepreneur to rent elsewhere or give up. The free market will also give the homeowner that does not want to live next to a business an option, an another entrepreneur will fill the need with a subdivision with deed covenants restricting home businesses. The free market will restrict itself on sound economic principles. Wal-Mart is not going to build a super center 6 miles down a county road that has little traffic just because land is cheap, and unrestricted. Wal-Mart knows they need to locate on a major thoroughfare to be competitive. Industry will locate were it can get is goods to market easily usually where rail, interstate or barge shipping is an option.

The dark sides of zoning are they create a class of public officials with the power to restrict the self-determination of land owners with no consequences for themselves. This power favors those with political and monetary clout at the expense of the original land owners and less affluent. Land use restrictions also create regulatory takings, this happens when a governing body restricts the use of private property so that the value is lessened. The victim of a regulatory taking still holds deed to the property, but much of its value will have been removed without compensation.

The answer to my question is government should stay out of central planning as much as possible. While not perfect, the free market will always be smarter and fairer than the bureaucrats when deciding economic and land use issues.

Whither Caperton? Also, Another Party of the Common Man Update

Before Mojo there was another highly popular two term gubernatorial juggernaut in Charleston. Caperton exploded onto the scene in 1988. The extremely wealthy insurance man toppled a vulnerable, but still formidable legend in Arch Moore. His business experience combined with a downhome, but politically connected Jackson County wife helped him storm into office. After a few missteps, such as his aborted scheme that would have both consolidated power in his hands and increased the size of government during tough economic times (for West Virginia anyway) Caperton settled in and steered the ship of state for eight years. After that he ventured off into the fog of the outside world outside of politics. Currently he heads the College Board.

Politically the roads closed to Caperton when his second term ended in 1997. Shut out of the Governor's Mansion, seeing the House of Representatives as a demotion, and understanding that Byrd and Rockefeller were not moving on any time soon, Caperton turned to the field of education to pad his resume and do something substantial, but in preparation for what?

A little speculation has centered around Caperton being considered for Secretary of Education. His lack of direct contact with Bill Clinton might work against him, but he would seem to be a reasonable choice. However, his reputation as a relatively conservative Democrat will not help Obama in his current disputes with minorities and Leftists.

I have always wondered if Caperton's eye was not on the US Senate. Certainly before Manchin, he was a strong possibility to succeed Byrd. His speech to the West Virginia Education Alliance might signal that his toe may be reemerging into the pool of state politics.

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Party of the Common Man Update: Bad Medicine

Probably the most stunning allegation involving Illinois governor Rod Mytzlplyk, or whatever his name is, involves the allegation that he was prepared to rescind support for Children's Memorial Hospital because an executive refused to contribute to his campaign. Sorry kids, pony up the f-ing money or no f-ing medicine for you f-ing brats (if you don't get the last line, take a gander at the transcripts of his wiretaps. He is very fond of a certain word and uses it "liberally".)

Is it not fascinating that Obama has rarely even had contact with this man?

Capital Punishment For 9/11 and the Greeks

The 9/11 conspirators ought to not receive the death penalty. Why? It is what they want.

This week the 9/11 criminals agreed to end the trial process and give full confessions to their crimes. They professed a lack of faith in the judge, prosecutors, defense attorneys, and President George W. Bush. All their actions seem to lead towards a quick application of the death penalty.

Why now? They may feel that Barack Obama's administration may instruct prosecutors to not seek capital punishment. Bush does not care about international pressure when it comes to capital punishment, and they feel an execution would be more likely under the current administration.

This is exactly why we ought not do it. The death penalty is a strong punishment for our culture. For some it creates a high amount of fear and anxiety because it puts the criminal in the unnatural state of knowing the time and place of his or her death. Additionally those that truly repent of their crimes in a religious way can demonstrate the strength of their faith in their last hours.

For terrorists, martyrdom is the goal. They believe that endless banquets and seventy virgins await them should they die cleanly at the hands of the infidel. Execution at the hands of the government only rewards them in their own minds.

We would be better off to let them rot, forgotten, in a supermax cell. There, cut off from other zealots, they would slowly go madder in complete isolation.

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Whatever is going on in Athens, it is Greek to me.

A Greek police officer shot and killed a teenager about a week ago. From that point, violence has rocked Athens and the surrounding area. The rioters, mostly high school students, burned districts in the capital, invaded the campus of the University of Athens, and have attacked authorities. Government ministers have asked to be allowed to resign and have threatened to prosecute the police. Even the chief executive of the University of Athens has stepped aside.

Is this a world gone mad? Screaming children throwing a tantrum en masse threaten to topple a government. Do the Greeks not have rubber bullets, tasers, or water cannons? Maybe the shooting was justified, maybe it was not. Greece is a democracy and such nations are usually pretty good at answering such questions.

Democracy has two meanings, though. In our time it means government for the people but by the people. In the time of Aristotle it meant tyranny of the majority and violent mob rule. Aristotle's version seems to be what is guiding the Greeks today.

Who Dares to Question the Great and Powerful One?

Liberals, that is who.

Liberals have grown increasingly critical of Obama and he has not even assumed the presidency yet. He selected the Clinton Administration for his Cabinet and stacked the Executive Branch with Harvard grads. Charitable critics compared it to John F. Kennedy's administration, which was surprisingly described as blundering. I thought John F. Kennedy was the man chosen to lead us to Zion until his untimely death. Now he is blundering. Maybe because he advocated tax cuts and higher defense spending to confront enemies.

Obama has shown thus far a pragmatic streak, understanding that social engineering is bad for the economy. Ever since speaking with President Bush, he has shown a much more reasonable approach on foreign policy. Leftists are not pragmatic. It is their way or the highway and they turned against many of their own over time. We still don't know what a President Obama will be like, so we need to remain vigilant, but the more the Leftists fret, the better I feel.

Of course his deputy campaign manager promises that he will still bring peace to Iraq, end climate change, fix health care, cure cancer, walk on water, and resurrect dead pets, but this statement had a curious tiredness and surrealistic quality to it. The idea that a president can alter the laws of God and/or nature is awfully stupid on the surface. But he is The One after all.

I still would not be surprised if, behind the curtain sits Hillary Clinton pulling the levers and speaking into the microphone. Hopefully the GOP won't act like a cowardly lion over the next four years.

William Seward and Hillary Clinton

Remember when there was a prohibitive favorite for the party nomination who breezed into the primary season thinking they had it and the presidency in the bag. Then from out of nowhere came this guy from Illinois who changed history at the last minute. Then he graciously appointed his former rival as Secretary of State.

I remember that situation. It was Abraham Lincoln and William Seward.

When Lincoln assumed office, Seward assumed he was the real president. He compared himself to a Prime Minister or a power behind the throne. Seward had the experience and the connections while Lincoln was a nobody from Illinois. When Seward started making deals behind Lincoln's back, the president called him to the carpet in private.

Lincoln used a folksy down home style to mask a precise legal mind and a sometimes ruthless mentality. Opponents and even friends underestimated him because of the is purposeful front he built. Dwight D. Eisenhower operated in the same manner and people fell for his facade as well.

The question here is, when Hillary asserts herself how will Obama respond? And how many friends does he have? He has surrounded himself with Clintonites as opposed to bringing in new blood. A liberal friend asked me the other day who else I expected him to choose since the Democrats have so little government experience. (Duh! This is why we voted for John McCain!)My response was that in domestic policy, certainly there are some governors, big city mayors, or former congressmen that could be helpful. Honestly how do you claim to be for change, then appoint virtually the entire Clinton Administration?

I am sure that more than a few Obama supporters have quietly asked teh same questions.

This means Hillary has more friends than Barack and Bill is still out there playing the free agent. A situation such as this could turn decisively ugly if not handled correctly. Let us hope it does not endanger the nation in the process.

Plaxico Burress

Plaxico Burress may be one of the most naturally talented receivers in the National Football League. No one has ever questioned that ability. A few have questioned his toughness, some when he was in Pittsburgh called him "Plexiglass." Of course next to Hines Ward an Abrams tank looks weak in comparison. This weekend his current team and the NFL had reason to question his judgment.

From what has been said so far, Burress walked into a nightclub in New York and exited with a gunshot wound in the leg. The bullet came from his own gun. Supposedly he had already been nursing a hamstring injury and was not playing this weekend anyway. (By the way, doctors suggest that those suffering from leg injuries stay home to heal instead of going out in public and shooting themselves.)

Now in this country we have the natural right to bear arms. That right lies enshrined in our Constitution. However there are so many just itching to infringe upon that right, especially when it comes to people protecting themselves. On the face of it, all Burress did was offer those people more ammunition.

One has to wonder why a person needs a gun in a nightclub. To me, a nightclub is a place I would go to have fun. If I felt so uncomfortable that I needed a gun, I would find somewhere else to go because feeling uncomfortable and anxious is simply not fun. I have lived around guns all my life and have grown up in a gun culture, but have never felt compelled to wear one into a bar. I imagine that if you go to any given bar or club in the Potomac Highlands you probably would find very few people carrying guns.

Perhaps Burress feared for his life and vowed to not change his lifestyle. If this is the case and there is a direct threat to his person, that would make this understandable. If he did it to simply look tough and gangsterish, then that is the mentality of a ten year old.

The problem is that there are people with legitimate reasons to conceal and carry. Social workers risk their lives going into homes. Females especially may need to carry a gun. Women breaking away from psychopathic boyfriends or husbands need personal protection everywhere they go. Every time some professional athlete trying to look gangster shoots himself or someone else in a public place, it places the rights of those that need personal protection in danger.

So West Virginia University Faculty Like Capitalism After All

West Virginia University's administration blasted the PEIA premium structure in a November 28th front page article in the Charleston Daily Mail. They complained that the fee structure madde it difficult to attract and retain quality faculty. PEIA officials blasted back that the fee structure is in place because higher salary earners subsidize the health care of lower earners. Perry Bryant, head of West Virginians for Affordable Health Care claims "it's not clear what (WVU's) position is. Would they support their faculty paying less while their classified staff pay more and more?"

In other words, Bryant is calling WVU faculty a pack of greedy running dog capitalists only looking out for their own interests. They do sound an awful lot like capitalists when they complain that they do not get to keep enough of the income that they earned because the state takes an unfair share (liberals would call it a "progressive" share.)

Okay, here's what ought to be done. Take the seven or eight people in the WVU system that voted for John McCain, assess them what their real payment should be, and let them go on their merry way. The Obama and Nader voters, well, sorry about your luck. You all are keeping too much as it is. We are going to assess you more because this is the change that you believed in.

That's right. The PEIA fee structure is a small taste of what socialized health care would bring to the entire country. The harder you work, the less you deserve to keep. That's the Obamunism that you all voted in for the entire country and now you have the gall to complain about those same standards being applied to your personal situation. Well if you have changed your mind about Obamacare, you'd better get to Georgia and campaign for Saxby Chambliss so the GOP can save your hard earned dollars.

The article is somewhat misleading. It says that high salary earners have seen their raises over the past two years negated by PEIA increases. That is not by accident, but by result of careful calibration. The misleading comes in when the writer says "high salary earners." Those that make $30-35,000 per year have seen the same problem. Only in the poorest counties in West Virginia could they be considered "high wage earners."

Capitalism happens. WVU faculty take off for states with more faculty friendly policies just like jobs will go to China and India if the liberals get their way and strangle out of existence the rest of American industrialism. Those that deny its effects and pretend like they do not exist will lose out every time.