Time to Reign In the Nanny State

Back in the days of sanity, legendary Boston Celtics coach Red Auerbach celebrated wins by lighting up the victory cigar. He didn't invent this, but it became part of his image and legacy.

Athletes who would never touch a cigarette have celebrated huge wins by emulating Auerbach. It is a symbol of victory and enjoying the moment. The Cincinnati Reds this year wanted to celebrate their long, hard, and arduous climb back into baseball relevance by lighting up victory cigars after their division clinching victory last night.

At least five people in Cincinnati were born in the wrong time and place. They should have been in Italy in the 1930s and would have felt right at home under the boot of Mussolini and his fascist regime. They actually lodged complaints that the Cincinnati reds violated the city's indoor smoking policy. Let's be clear. These people were not affected in person. They called after they saw someone smoking on television!!!

It's time to stop the insanity. Those who want fascism, go live in Venezuela. You'll love it. The rest of us will leave the Cincinnati Reds alone and let them enjoy the moment.

West Virginia's Red Lean In the U. S. Senate Race

From the John Raese for U. S. Senate website.


Cook Political Reports
September 30, 2010
http://www.cookpolitical.com/node/8561
This special election to fill the remainder of the late Sen. Robert Byrd’s term was supposed to be a walk in the park for Democratic Gov. Joe Manchin. The Democratic-controlled state legislature set the table for him with an advantageous schedule of filing deadlines, primaries and special election dates. But, recent polling indicates that this will be anything but an easy race.
A Rasmussen (IVR) poll (September 27 of 750 likely voters) gave Republican businessman John Raese a two-point lead over Manchin, 48 percent to 46 percent. A Public Policy Polling (IVR) survey taken a week earlier (September 18-19 of 1,397 likely voters) had Raese ahead, 46 percent to 43 percent. Among all general election ballot tests taken in the contest, Raese now leads Manchin by three points, 49 percent to 46 percent, according to the HuffPollster.com trend line.
Although Manchin remains popular – his job approval rating in a September 19 Rasmussen survey was 69 percent – he must make the transition from being the state’s chief executive to being a federal candidate in a hostile climate for his party. A case in point is President Obama whose approval ratings in West Virginia are some of his lowest nationally. According to the PPP survey, Obama’s job ratings were 30-percent approve to 64-percent disapprove. At the same time, Manchin is getting help from some unlikely sources. It’s not surprising that he’s been endorsed by the major labor unions, but he’s also gotten the endorsement of the Chamber of Commerce. Even more surprising is today’s endorsement from the West Virginia Coal Association, which is a very direct slap at Raese, who is in the coal business.
This race has gotten very competitive very fast. Republicans weren’t sure that they could make in-roads here, given Manchin’s popularity, and hadn’t planned to invest in the race. Raese is a wealthy businessman who can self-fund the race. He owns companies in the mining and media industries; he is the CEO of a newspaper publishing company and owns a network of radio stations. Like Manchin, national Democrats believed that the contest would not get close. Manchin has seemingly been preparing for a Senate bid for years and was just waiting for the opportunity to run. All that has now changed and both parties are playing here.
Like many races, the narrative of this contest is perhaps best told through the ads. If nothing else, the back and forth on television and radio attest to the fact that this has become a very close contest.
In one of his first attacks on Manchin, Raese invokes coal and national Democrats’ cap and trade proposal. In the spot, an announcer says, “We generate electricity through coal. But Joe Manchin passed a law that eliminates 25% of coal usage in our power plants. It’s Obama’s cap and trade bill, West Virginia style.”
RAESE: “Joe Manchin should know better. Cutting coal usage will cost West Virginia jobs. Joe Manchin has thrown us under the bus. So imagine the damage he’ll do in Washington with his friend, Barack Obama. I’m John Raese and I approve of this message because I won’t be a rubberstamp for Obama’s cap and trade bill. I’ll fight for you.”
Manchin has also brought up mining in his attacks on Raese. According to the script, Manchin says, “I’m Joe Manchin and I approve this message because I’ll always do what’s best for West Virginia.”
ROBERTS: “I’m Cecil Roberts. My job is to protect these miners. Joe Manchin worked with us to pass historic mine safety laws. He’s always been there for us.”
ANNOUNCER: “But John Raese is bad for mine workers. Almost $100,000 in fines, over 600 safety violations.”
ROBERTS: “John Raese puts profits before people and I don’t trust him to look after these miners. And neither should you.”
Both party committees are now heavily involved in the race. The Democratic Senatorial Campaign Committee went up this week with a spot that hits Raese’s record as a businessman. In the spot, an announcer says, “John Raese. He wants to eliminate the minimum wage. Failed to pay workers compensation for on the job injuries. But one thing John Raese does support? A pledge that protected tax breaks for corporations who ship our jobs overseas. It’s true. Protecting tax breaks that reward corporations for sending our jobs overseas. West Virginia working families, we can do better. And we have to.”
The National Republican Senatorial Committee is on the air with both television and radio ads, and have bought time in the expensive Washington, DC media market that reaches 12 percent of West Virginia voters. Both ads portray Manchin as another rubberstamp for President Obama’s agenda. The radio ad seeks to differentiate Manchin, the popular Governor, from Manchin, a potential Democratic U.S. Senator. According to the script:
MAN 1: “Hey did you hear about those folks getting laid off?”
MAN 2: “Oh yeah, federal government’s making it real hard to make a living these days, and it’s killing our economy.”
MAN 1: “Joe Manchin supports all that big Washington government.”
MAN 2: “Oh yeah, it’s like he’s a different person when it comes to Washington.”
MAN 1: “I know, I know…it’s like, there’s West Virginia Joe, who’s not bad as governor, then he becomes Washington Joe, a “yes man” for Barack Obama and the Washington liberals.”
MAN 2: “Yeah, Washington Joe supported Obama’s failed stimulus bill.”
MAN 1: “Yeah, and unemployment went up again last month.”
MAN 2: “ Yup. Washington Joe also supported Obama’s government takeover of health care that cut Medicare and increased costs.”
MAN 1: “You know, we better keep Joe Manchin in West Virginia and don’t let him near Washington.”
MAN 2: “Oh, that’s for sure.”
Judging by the polls, voters already seem to be making the distinction between Gov. Manchin and the Senator he might be. And, like voters nationally, they might be disgusted enough with the Democratic-controlled Congress not to want to add another Democrat to their ranks.
Raese makes no bones about the importance of this race, often referring to it as the 10th seat – the seat that would hand a majority to Senate Republicans. That might have been true before Christine O’Donnell became the GOP Senate nominee in Delaware, making it much more difficult for Republicans to win that race and gain the 10 seats they need. Still, winning this race would be a major coup for Republicans. West Virginia hasn’t had a Republican U.S. Senator since 1958.
The race that wasn’t supposed to be competitive is now the contest that is too close to call today. It moves to the Toss Up column.
Disclaimer: The National Republican Senatorial Committee provided the above article as a service to its employees and other selected individuals. Any opinions expressed therein are those of the article’s author and do not necessarily reflect the views and opinions of the NRSC.

Guess Who Else the Stimulus Bailed Out?

A friend of ours raising a child whose father has never paid much support in fifteen years got a letter this week. It had a substantial check inside from the United States Government.

The letter accompanying the check read that stimulus money was being distributed to single parents whose children's parents were not paying support. That's not too bad in itself. I can live with a little help for these mothers and fathers struggling to make it on their own.

My problem comes from the fact that the letter said that the amount given to the parents with the child had been deducted from the total amount of child support owed by the absent parent.

Say what? I can understand using stimulus money to help the parent with the child and then attaching any future federal tax returns. I cannot understand why that money was just wiped off of what they owed.

So yes, Joe Taxpayer. Apparently, you paid your taxes to bail out deadbeat parents.

Obama Tells Democrats That Their Apathy Is "Inexcusable"

This may be one of the most laughable statements that Obama has made on a variety of levels, chastising Democratic voters for apathy and warning that their entire agenda could be lost.

Obama is supposed to be a smart man and you never want to fall into the trap of assuming a president is stupid because of statements or decisions. However, here is a guy who pushed his agenda through Congress despite the misgivings of a majority of the people including Democrats. It sparked major concerns about constitutional violations and a backlash against his party. Now he is lecturing them on how they should feel.

Obama and voters have a serious and growing disconnect. President Bush never lectured the people on his visions as if they were recalitrant ten year olds. He made tough choices and understood that he might end up unpopular. Bush never lost faith in the voters even though many of them lost faith in him.

If Obama wants to win voters, he must sell them instead of belittling them. This is a democracy and people will always vote their self-interest. They also see red flags when they are asked to do anything for a greater good. Voters have seen that Obama's policies steal from the productive to give to the unproductive. They understand that he means more, not less government interference. They even see his wife as a skinny woman trying to lecture people on their eating habits. Nothing about this man or his administration has been palatable once voters find out the whole story.

And now he tops it all off with belittlement. Good work, Obama. Thanks again for all the assistance that you have provided the Republican Party!

The Question of Year Round School and Obama's Education Visions

Obama has come out this week, as usual, making a generalized speech that echoes some conservative thoughts. Of course we now know that with Obama, the devil is in the details. Yes he says schools need reformed, not just money. Of course he is not mentioning that he would most certainly love to see the Department of Education get more authority at the expense of the states and the local systems.

One idea that Obama has discussed is the creation of a year round school calendar. Many agree with this idea, seeing it as a necessary modernization from an agricultural calendar. However, what would we give up if we adopted this plan, which would substitute regular vacations of a few weeks for the three month break.

I would hate it, personally. I love the extra time that I get to spend with my children during the summer. We take trips, go swimming or fishing, visit relatives, and just hang out around the house together. It's a time for families, if they choose, to reinforce their values and enjoy each other's company. Few people agree with all the values taught in school. Now, parents get three months to counteract those influences.

Second, the summer right now is a chance to broaden a child's experiences. That might come from sports camps, science camps, trips to historical sites, or something else. For many children, this is the education that they would never get in school.

Then comes the cost. Like all Obama ideas, this is extremely costly and ther eis no money to pay. Teachers and administrators would see all their salaries go up by 25%. There would be more wear and tear on school busses and facilities. Who pays for Obama's ideas? Not Obama. We do.

School failures boil down in large part to large classes and consolidation, not as much the "bad teachers" that Obama wants to get rid of. We need to put money into maintenance and not building shiny, glitzy new fangled buildings just so politicians can stand in front of them. The White House was built over two centuries ago and still functions. Schools built four decades ago are being torn down and replaced. Why? We also got away from teaching kids the basics so that we could somehow raise their self-esteem. We teach cultural geography now so that kids can know what Indians do in Peru even though they cannot find Ireland on a map. Fox News just reported that a teacher was using rap music to spur thinking. While it is nice that they want people to think, why not use something that in itself is also educational, such as real poetry, political speeches, or something from some point in history that will actually educate a child rather than degenerate their brain. Can I at least ask that this teacher find something written in the King's English? Of course the teacher him or herself probably never read The Federalist Papers, or even heard them mentioned. Teachers are not as well educated as they once were either. The system has beaten down good teachers and made them apathetic.

Schools need fixed. Obama is the last person that we want to impose his vision, though.

Shelley Moore Capito Joins Republicans In Announcing "A Pledge to America"

Sep 23 2010
Capito Presents A Pledge To America
Republicans Offer A New Governing Agenda For The American People
Today, Congresswoman Shelley Moore Capito, R-WV, joined House Republicans in unveiling A Pledge to America, a new governing agenda for the 111th Congress at the Tart Lumber Company, a family owned business in Sterling, VA. The Pledge is the end result of ongoing conversations with the American people through the America Speaking Out initiative.
“For too long, the voices of Americans have been ignored. I hear from West Virginians every day who are reaching out to Congress to express their concerns about the growth of government. West Virginians are hard-working, humble people who value accountability and transparency. It’s long-overdue that we take action to ensure the government lives up to these principles. I am proud to stand with my colleagues and the American People today as we unveil a governing pledge to restore us to the type of government that is responsible to the people,” stated Capito.
Some of the pledges made today by the House Republicans are:
to ensure transparency and accountability in Congress and throughout government
to fight to increase access to domestic energy sources and oppose attempts to impose a national “cap and trade” energy tax
to fight the growth of government and oppose new stimulus spending that only puts our nation further in debt
Background: The agenda offers concrete solutions that can be implemented immediately to tackle the issues that are most important to the nation, including job creation, spending restraint, national security, health care, and reform to Congress itself.

West Virginia, Not Open For Business

I went out the other afternoon to get my hair cut and ended up with an education on how difficult it is for a typical small business to operate in West Virginia.

I overheard a conversation about the licensing necessary to simply own a hair salon. Apparently the owner needs three separate licenses which require three separate fees and are due at three separate times. At one point, the state licensing bureaucracy, like the Division of Motor Vehicles, sent out a courtesy notice when the licenses were due to expire. This stopped under the Manchin Administration. New regulations were passed under Manchin's governorship that required yearly education credits and observance of additional regulations. All this to cut hair!

I suggested that a small business owner might be in better shape if they simply took their equipment to their basement and cut hair under the table for cash or barter. As a matter of fact, I used to know a local woman who did just that, but who has since moved out of state. The establishment owner insisted that following the law is always the right thing to do and it is always worth it to remain in compliance. And this is true.

The reality is that state, federal, and local government are always looking to add new taxes and regulations to burden business. During the conversation, I learned that Maryland has more rules than West Virginia, but they are sporadically enforced. West Virginia enforces its rules equally on all, so they do get credit for observing the concept of rule of law.

Ever increasing taxation and regulation will force a lot of formerly legitimate small business into the black market. They will work for cash or some other exchange and be more profitable, more efficient, and less burdened. Maybe it is not right or fair, but it will happen. We need all levels of government to make compliance more simple, not more difficult. Why do hair stylists and barbers need three separate licenses? Consolidate into one license. This is easier on the business. It is also easier on the taxpayer who now has to pay three bureaucracies to process three licenses.

We need business to be simple and easy. We want owners worrying about profits, not fines. Republicans need to make this a priority when they finally win state office.

Races Tightening In West Virginia

According to some polls, John Raese has pulled ahead of Governor Manchin for the U. S. Senate special election. David McKinley is also gaining momentum in his race to win the West Virginia First Congressional District. He has a fifteen point lead among those most concerned with that particular race.

Below is a message from David McKinley to his supporters.




With less than 60 days until the election, the race is in a dead heat!



Last week was incredibly positive for the McKinley for Congress campaign!
We kicked it off with an exciting rally in Parkersburg with FOX News commentator Dick Morris. Click HERE to view WTAP's coverage of the event. Thank you to the over 500 hundred people who braved the heat to come out and show us their support!
The following day, I met with leaders of the WV Chamber of Commerce at their summit conference. It was an honor to welcome Congressman Pete Sessions, the Chairman of the National Republican Congressional Committee, to the conference. Congresswoman Shelley Moore Capito also graciously co-hosted a successful fundraiser on my behalf.
Over the weekend, we received amazing news that we have made tremendous gains with the voters and are considered in a dead heat to win this election. For more details, read "McKinley Polls Shows Closing Gap with Oliverio."
This week we welcomed another nationally respected leader ("More Stumping for McKinley") to West Virginia for our campaign. Indiana Congressman Mike Pence joined us for the opening of our Wheeling headquarters.
Here are some additional political tidbits of particular interest:
Our internal polling shows that those paying the closest attention to the First District race for Congress give McKinley a 15-point edge.
A Wall Street Journal story coming into the weekend carried an analysis from the nonpartisan Cook Political Report of 76 seats in the U.S. House considered to be “at risk.” Fifty-one of those seats are “Democratic seats once considered safe” but “have gone from ‘solid’ or ‘likely’ Democratic to being competitive or favoring Republicans.” West Virginia One is among those 51 seats.
A front page Sunday’s New York Times story on “How Democrats Hope to Hold Their House Majority” included the newspaper’s own projection of “a best case scenario” under which “Democrats assume they could win eight of 16 competitive open seats currently held by Democrats.” The Times notes that Obama won eight of the 16, McCain the other eight, including W.Va. 1, which it rates as one of six “toss ups” among the 16.
So, a seat in Congress that has been in Democratic party hands for 42 years clearly seems poised to flip when internal McKinley polling showing a tightening ballot, The Wall Street Journal puts the seat “at risk” for Democrats and the New York Times rates it a “toss up.”
Keep working everyone! You are helping shape a historic election.
Sincerely,
David B. McKinley

Republicans Once Again Demonstrate Support For Coal and its Miners

Capito Rallies For Coal On Capitol Hill
Today, Congresswoman Shelley Moore Capito, R-W.Va., spoke at the Pro-Coal Rally on Capitol Hill to support the coal industry and the American coal miner. The event was hosted by a coalition of pro-coal organizations from Kentucky, Ohio, Pennsylvania, Virginia and West Virginia.
“Current regulatory challenges and looming cap and trade legislation are threatening the viability of coal mining throughout Appalachia. Instead of hearing our cries to use this country’s great natural resources, we only see further regulation and the slow shutdown of the coal industry while we further increase our dependence on foreign sources of energy,” stated Capito who was the event’s MC.
Hundreds of miners and representatives from the Appalachian coal mining communities traveled to Washington to defend the economic viability of the coal industry which supports hundreds of thousands of jobs nationwide. The goal of the rally was to send a clear message to Congress that coal must be included in our energy future.
“Coal is affordable and abundant and mined right here in America. It supports thousands of jobs in West Virginia and across our country that we can’t afford to lose at a time of near double digit unemployment. I am proud to stand with the miners at today’s rally to remind Congress of the vital role this reliable American energy resource plays in our economic and energy portfolios,” concluded Capito, co-founder of the Congressional Coal Caucus.
Additional photos available on Facebook and www.capito.house.gov

**************************************************************

Meanwhile, Governor Joe Manchin continues to try and serve two masters. He claims to not be an anti-coal liberal, but he says that he can work with Obama. Remember in 2008 that Joe Biden while speaking in Ohio foresaw the end of coal as an American industry. The current administration is hostile to West Virginia, yet Manchin claims that he can work with them.

You cannot serve two masters. You cannot obey Obama and represent West Virginia.

No rubber stamps.

Time to Fire Coach!

No I am not talking about Bill Stewart. I know that the governor hired him and that many have found him disappointing in some ways. I like Bill Stewart and think he should stay on. He's done a good job and shows promise for an even better future.

Yes he is a nice guy, too. However, if he failed to deliver wins consistently, I would say he should be fired. If West Virginia University finished in the bottom half of the Big East the past few years, I'd be saying get rid of him. No matter how nice someone is, if they fail over and over, you must get someone else to run your program.

West Virginia fans are not completely satisfied with anything less than first place. They would be mortified with being in the bottom half of the conference. Rightfully, they expect very good, if not the best, from athletic leadership.

And then every November, most of them will dutifully go off and vote Democratic. Democratic leadership for the past eighty years has earned us not just bottom half results, but usually bottom fifth, if not dead last.

Yes, the Democratic Party's leadership and ideology in West Virginia has led to literally decades of failure. Republicans have only had a few governorships and have never controlled the Legislature. Our economic indicators and ratings of business friendliness hover near the bottom. Sometimes they do edge up, but that is like Syracuse getting excited because they scored more than ten points against a power team.

We need actual improvement. That only comes from a change of philosophy at the top. The Democratic Party's vision for West Virginia has been so bad, that we accept losing as inevitable, as being something that we all share a part in, for whatever reason. And we do. So long as we keep elected people who share the same failed vision, we will always be near the bottom.

The Democratic Party has coached this state for eight decades and has led us to last place. Time to fire the coach.

Sarah Palin Again

Admittedly there is something alluring about Sarah Palin. The former Alaska governor has tremendous charisma. Her speeches mystify intellectuals and electrify crowds. Those who witness her political performances often evoke images of Reagan. She certainly attracts attention and ire from many sides. The question is whether or not she is the right standard bearer in 2012.



Personally I am not completely sold on her. My main issue lies in her abandonment of the chief executiveship of her state. The voters put their trust in her and she left them for brighter lights and bigger cities before finishing the job she started. This does not leave a good taste in the mouths of rural folks. See Rich Rodriguez for an illustration.



On the other hand, I'm reading Lou Cannon's biography of Ronald Reagan from about 1982 or so. It reflects the doubts held about Reagan from figures in both parties. It also details the confidence that Jimmy Carter and his people had when Reagan won the nomination in 1980. They saw him as an intellectual lightweight and underestimated his hold on regular folks. Obamunists have that same cockiness about Sarah Palin.



Although Palin and Reagan share some attributes, Palin falls short in some respects. Reagan completed two terms as California governor, his second term besting his first in effectiveness. He also had three chances to hone his national campaign abilities. Few remark about his 1968 presidential run. Palin has never run her own national campaign.



Don't get me wrong, I admire her for what she has done and what she can potentialy do. I do think that she needed the seasoning and the added clout of finishing her term as governor. From what better position could she have attacked the anti-state measures of Congress and Obama while remaining relevant to national politics? Also a governor remains a little more immune from the sometimes demeaning "celebrity treatment" that has been meted out by the media to her family.



Is Sarah Palin prepared to win a presidential campaign. Likely, we'll soon see. That being said, I would be more comfortable with a figure that has more experience

Allen Evans, Ruth Rowan, and Robert Schadler Secure Funds For Camp Minco

Mineral County's three elected members of the House of Delegates presented a check to the county commission for $10,000 to help construct a new bath house for the facility. The camp is used by many groups, including the 6th grade camp program run by the Board of Education. Long time supporter and advocate for the facility Bob Harman joined the delegates and county commissioners for the official delivery of the funds.

History Day, Courtesy of the Detroit News

Three titans: From left, Edison, Ford and Firestone.
Henry Ford and Thomas Edison -- a friendship of giants
By Patricia Zacharias / The Detroit News
August 7, 1996

Henry Ford shouts in the ear of his friend, Thomas Edison, who was hard of hearing.
As a young man on his father's farm in Dearborn, Henry Ford had followed Thomas Edison's career.
Henry took a job at the Edison Illuminating Company, which later became Detroit Edison, and soon worked his way up to chief engineer.
In 1896, Ford and Alex Dow attended a company-sponsored convention in Manhattan Beach, New York. Edison was the guest of honor at the evening's banquet. Alex Dow pointed out Ford to Edison, telling him "There's a young fellow who has made a gas car." Edison asked young Henry Ford a host of questions and when the interview was over, Edison emphasized his satisfaction by banging his fist down on the table. "Young man," he said, "that's the thing! You have it! Your car is self contained and carries its own power plant."
Years later, Ford, reflecting on their first meeting, said in a newspaper interview, "That bang on the table was worth worlds to me. No man up to then had given me any encouragement. I had hoped that I was headed right. Sometimes I knew that I was, sometimes I only wondered, but here, all at once and out of a clear sky, the greatest inventive genius in the world had given me complete approval. The man who knew most about electricity in the world had said that for the purpose, my gas motor was better than any electric motor could be."
Ford never forgot those words of encouragement. After that initial meeting, Ford was always very close to Edison. When Ford became a wealthy industrialist, he cooperated with Edison in technical and scientific projects. He convinced Edison to devote significant research to finding a substitute for rubber.
Together with John Burroughs, naturalist Luther Burbank, Harvey Firestone and occasionally, President Harding, Ford and Edison participated in a series of camping trips. A major source of fun for Ford and Edison was building dams on small streams and examining old mills for a calculation of the power output.
Edison, left, and Ford on one of their camping trips.
"They think in terms of power," Firestone wrote. After his first experience with the Nature Club, President Harding joined the group whenever he could.
En route to a new campsite on a rainy day, the Lincoln touring car carrying Harding, Ford, Edison, Firestone and naturalist Luther Burbank bogged down in deep mud on a back road in West Virginia. Ford's chauffeur went for help and returned with a farmer driving an ancient Model T. After the Lincoln was yanked from the mire, Ford was the first to shake the farmer's hand.
"I guess you don't know me but I'm Henry Ford. I made the car you're driving."
A 1921 camping trip. From left, seated: Henry Ford, Thomas Edison, President Warren G. Harding, Harvey S. Firestone and George Christian. The man standing is unidentified.
Firestone chimed in, "I'm the man who made those tires." Then he introduced two of the campers: "Meet the man who invented the electric light -- and the President of the United States."
Luther Burbank was the last to shake hands. "I guess you don't know me either?" he asked.
"No," said the farmer, "but if you're the same kind of liar as these other darn fools, I wouldn't be surprised if you said you was Santa Claus."
The vagabond camping trips ended following the death of President Harding.
Edison, on the advice of his doctors, left his home in Menlo Park, N.J., for the warmer climate of Fort Myers, Fla. As would be expected of a man with 1,097 patented inventions, Edison outfitted the home with all kinds of novelties. There was an intercom system which he mischievously used to startle guests, and lights in the closet that blinked on automatically whenever the doors were opened. Edison also had the kitchen built in another building instead of the main house because he didn't like to smell food cooking.
Edison out front of his winter home in Fort Myers, Fla.
Ford was a regular visitor. In 1916, when the seven-bedroom home next door became available, Ford bought it. A wooden fence separated the two estates, but the gate always stood open and became known as the "friendship gate." When Edison's doctors ordered him into a wheelchair in the last years of his life, Ford, still brisk and active, bought one too so they could race around the grounds together.
In October 1929, on the 50th anniversary of the light bulb, Ford established the Edison Institute, which now operates Greenfield Village and Henry Ford Museum in Dearborn.
Even the rainy weather that October couldn't put a damper on the festivities. Crowds lined 30 miles of Detroit streets to cheer Edison, President Hoover and 500 nationally and internationally known guests as they drove to the museum.
The ceremonies featured the re-enactment of the invention of the first successful incandescent bulb in the original Menlo Park laboratory, which had been moved by Henry Ford with other significant buildings to the Village.
Ford had brought in seven railroad cars of New Jersey soil to place around the buildings for complete accuracy. He even tried to get an old elm tree that stood near the door of the lab, but had to settle for a cutting of the old tree planted in the same spot.
Edison signs his name in cement at the dedication ceremonies at Greenfield Village.
Edison was pleased with Ford's efforts, remarking that Ford got everything 99-9/10ths perfect. The inaccuracy, he told Ford, was that "our floor was never this clean."
Ford and Edison's assistant, Francis Jehl, who was with Edison when he developed his successful incandescent lamp, helped in the re-enactment.
Nationwide, people turned on their electric lights in honor of the historic event.
Later in the banquet hall, Edison stood up to speak, his snow-white hair disheveled, his hands and voice a bit shaky.
"I would be embarrassed at the honors that are being heaped upon me this unforgettable night were it not for the fact that in honoring me, you are also honoring that vast army of thinkers and workers of the past. If I have helped spur men to greater effort, if our work has widened the horizon of thousands of men and given a measure of happiness in the world, I am content."
His last words were for Henry Ford.
"I can only say that in the fullest meaning of the term, he is my friend."
Bibliographic Note: Edison As I Know Him, by Henry Ford; Edison, Inventing the Century, by Neil Baldwin; Detroit's Coming of Age, by Don Lochbiler and the clip and photo files of The Detroit News.
(This story was compiled using clip and photo files of The Detroit News.)
From The Detroit News: http://apps.detnews.com/apps/history/index.php?id=105#ixzz0znWlFaR1

Tea Parties On the March

The liberal media is enjoying the so-called upset Tea Party victory over the establishment Republican candidate in the Delaware Senate primaries. They obviously hope that this indicates a division in Republicans and conservative ranks that can be exploited in November to at least head off GOP control of the Senate. Almost every indicator shows that Republicans will oust Democrats from control there.

Liberals and leftists still have a stereotype of Tea Partiers as wild eyed extremists instead of principled libertarians and conservatives. Perhaps their main frame of reference lies in the aimless protest movements of the 1960s that simply sought to gather young white suburbanites into an area to show numerical support for whatever. Tea Partiers take off of work, bring their children, and travel hundreds of miles to jon in common cause. These are not knee jerk, professional revolutionaries. They are reasonable people in unreasonable times.

The Tea Party victories do not demonstrate divisiveness among the electorate as much as a resolve to actually alter the course of events. Voters have so far rejected individuals whom they fear will compromise the change that is to take place next year. They fear adding Olympia Snowes and Lindsay Grahams to the Congress. Compromising most of your principles is no longer acceptable to the voters.

Here in West Virginia we have an opportunity this fall to help bring our nation back to the right course and also take steps to resurrect our state. It will take time and effort, but it can be done. Please help your local and state Republicans parties and their candidates this fall. West Virginia, incidentally, has had for a long time one of the most Tea Party friendly GOPs. It's good to see people of principle working hard in the common cause of saving our state and nation.

Do You Support Zoning? This Is What You Get

There are some in Mineral County that support the idea that property rights should be traded in for the strict definitions set on property use by zoning laws. The story below shows where that kind of policy can lead. You can't even quietly grow vegetables on your own property!



County Sues Farmer, Cites Too Many Crops


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Posted: 5:20 pm EDT September 12, 2010Updated: 10:00 am EDT September 13, 2010
DEKALB COUNTY, Ga. -- DeKalb County is suing a local farmer for growing too many vegetables, but he said he will fight the charges in the ongoing battle neighbors call “Cabbagegate.”
Fig trees, broccoli and cabbages are among the many greens that line the soil on Steve Miller’s more than two acres in Clarkston, who said he has spent fifteen years growing crops to give away and sell at local farmers markets.
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“It's a way of life, like it's something in my blood,” said Miller.
In January, Dekalb County code enforcement officers began ticketing him for growing too many crops for the zoning and having unpermitted employees on site.
Miller stopped growing vegetables this summer and the charges were put on hold as he got the property rezoned.
WATCH: Farmer Sued For Excessive Veggies
Two weeks after approval, however, his attorney said the county began prosecuting the old charges, saying he was technically in violation before the rezoning.
“It should go away. I think it borders on harassment,” said Miller’s attorney Doug Dillard.
Miller faces nearly $5,000 in fines, but he said he plans to fight those citations in recorders court later this month.
A county spokesperson said officials can’t discuss the matter while it is in court, but neighbors were quick to come to his defense.
“When he moved here and I found out what he was doing I said, ‘Steve, you’re the best thing that ever happened to Cimarron Drive. And I still say that,” said neighbor Britt Fayssoux.
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Copyright 2010 by WSBTV.com. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten or redistributed.

An Explanation Is Long Overdue

Immediate Release Contact: Mike Stuart September 12, 2010 mike.stuart@wvgop.org 304.553.1084
304.768.0493
Time to Tell West Virginians the Facts
WVGOP Chair Calls on Governor & Democrat Chair to Share Truth with Public
CHARLESTON, WV. The Chairman of the West Virginia Republican Party today called on Governor Joe Manchin and Larry Puccio, Chairman of the Democrat Party, to come forward and end the speculation surrounding the confirmed issuance of subpoenas to the State of West Virginia.“It is far past time that Governor Manchin and Chairman Puccio come forward and inform the public of the facts surrounding the confirmed issuance of subpoenas and the rumors involving the Governor, members of the Governor’s administration, and the Chairman of the Democrat Party. We have been patient long enough.

We hoped that those with direct knowledge of the investigations would come forward and provide essential information to the public. Clearly, the Governor and Chairman Puccio believe information concerning federal probes, subpoenas, and the legality of the conduct of elected officials is on a ‘need to know basis.’ The people of West Virginia deserve the complete truth and they deserve it now,” Stuart stated. Stuart continued, “Piece by piece, information leaks to the public through the media from ‘unnamed sources.’ It is time for the Governor and Chairman Puccio to tell us the facts about the subpoenas and federal investigation. Any issue of public corruption is serious business. I am concerned that facts are being withheld.” “At a minimum, we need to know if Governor Manchin or Larry Puccio received a subpoena, whether either is a target of a federal investigation, and the subject matter concerning any issued subpoenas or federal investigations,” said Stuart. “Facts are stubborn things. These are facts for which the public needs and deserves answers,” concluded Stuart. ·

Who received subpoenas? ·
What is being investigated? ·
Is the Governor or Chairman of the Democrat Party the target of any federal investigation or probe? ·
Has the Governor or Chairman Puccio been named the target of any federal investigation or probe? ·
Has any member of the Governor’s administration received a subpoena or been named the target of any federal investigation or federal probe? ·
What state vendors have been notified that they may be targets of a federal probe or investigation?
PAID FOR BY THE WEST VIRGINIA REPUBLICAN PARTY
Thank you,
Mike
Chairman Mike Stuart
West Virginia Republican Party
P.O. Box 2711Charleston, WV 25330
304.768.0493 (office)
304.553.1084 (cell)
304.768.6083 (facsimile)
mike.stuart@wvgop.org

Two Timeless Economic Truths From Wealth of Nations

Adam Smith in Wealth of Nations made significant points about labor and money that we desperately need to remember today.

First, Smith differentiated between labor that produces a good or commodity of some sort versus labor that does not. He said that an economy is in trouble when it relies more on "unproductive" (meaning not producing goods) versus productive labor. Productive labor creates tools, refrigerators, software, anything of value that can be sold in the market place, sometimes more than once. Unproductive labor includes lawyers, doctors, bureaucrats, domestic servants, and others. It is not that he has no respect for their work, but his point is that once that work is done, it disappears into thin air and cannot be resold in the marketplace. There is a place for these laborers, but your economy should not rely too heavily upon them or it risks having a bad foundation.

Federal environmental policies, union contracts, and other issues have created a significant competitive disadvantage for this country when it comes to expanding what Smith would call the "productive" labor force. He would argue that this puts our economy in peril.

Second, Smith argues about assets and money. If your economy has most economic assets tied up in capital, it has a strong foundation. Capital is money in your savings account, CDs, stocks, etc. Capital is improvements you make on your home or business to increase its value. An economy based upon spending is weak and vulnerable. We have relied way too heavily on the consumer sector for way too long as an economic jolt. In the past few years, public spending has increased considerably with an eye towards stimulating the economy. Adam Smith explains that an economy cannot thrive on spending. Public spending is even worse because it confiscates capital.

So according to Adam Smith we are headed in the wrong direction. It will take a fundamental shift in policy and prioities to get us back on track. Do we have the courage to set things right again?

Joe Manchin Supports Obama and Government Run Healthcare

McKinley Tightening Up Congressional Race in West Virginia 1st

From the Parkersburg News and Sentinel . . .

McKinley poll shows gap closing with Oliverio
September 7, 2010 - By JESS MANCINI, jmancini@newsandsentinel.com
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PARKERSBURG - Democrat Mike Oliverio's lead over opponent David McKinley is dwindling, according to the latest poll taken for McKinley.
The poll by Public Opinion Strategies for release today shows McKinley trailing the Morgantown insurance agent 41 percent to 36 percent in the election for the U.S. House of Representatives 1st Congressional District in West Virginia.
Oliverio released a poll by Hamilton Campaigns immediately after the Aug. 28 special primary election that said he was ahead 52 percent to 36 percent over McKinley, a Wheeling businessman and former state Republican Party chairman.
"These numbers reflect what I am hearing from voters throughout the district, that they have had enough of Obama's War on Coal and Nancy Pelosi's job-killing Capitol Hill agenda," McKinley said in a release from the campaign. "Voters have had enough of the attack from Washington on West Virginia jobs."
In response, the Oliverio campaign said McKinley has been lying about Oliverio.
"David McKinley's been lying about Mike Oliverio since May, and he's spent hundreds of thousands of dollars of his own money doing this," Randy Coleman, an Oliverio spokesman, said Monday. "Now, according to his own poll, he's still stuck in the mud at 36 percent. The lying and buying doesn't seem to be working."
Results also showed Oliverio's "favorables" have sharply fallen, the campaign said.
McKinley's "intensity quotient," the opinion of those paying attention to the race, is 5 points higher than Oliverio's among voters with a "high interest" and 15 percent higher than Oliverio's among voters with an "extremely high interest," the campaign said.
McKinley's lead among voters who have an opinion of both candidates is 53 percent to Oliverio's 40 percent, Rob Autry, McKinley's polling strategist, said.
The survey by Public Opinion Strategies was conducted Sept. 1 and 2 and polled 500 likely voters. The company's clients are primarily Republicans, including Rep. Shelley Capito of West Virginia and Sen. John McCain of Arizona.
"They are the premiere polling firm on the U.S. political scene," said Steve Cohen, a McKinley spokesman.

Shelley Moore Capito Initiates Student Advisory Committee

Sep 07 2010
Capito Invites Local Students To Apply To Inaugural “Student Advisory Committee”
Today, Congresswoman Shelley Moore Captio, R.-W. Va., announced that she is seeking applications from high school students for the 2010-2011 Student Advisory Committee.
The goal of the Committee is two-fold. First, Capito seeks to give interested students the opportunity to learn more about national issues, current events and the legislative process. Second, she hopes that selected students will serve as their generation’s ambassadors by sharing their views and insights on important issues being discussed in Congress.
“I truly believe that while young people only make up a fraction of the population, they are 100% of the future. I’m seeking motivated and eager students to take part in what I believe will be an educational but fun academic program,” stated Capito.
The Committee will be comprised of approximately 30 high-school students from across the 2nd District of West Virginia. Students will be selected based on leadership ability, academic success and extracurricular actives. A student may only serve on the Committee for one academic year.
Students will attend quarterly meetings planned and hosted by Capito’s office and will be required to complete a final project in order to graduate from Capito’s program. Through meetings and assignments, students will explore the role of citizens, lawmakers and non-governmental organizations and their impact on the development of public policy.
To apply, students must submit an application form (available under the “student” section at www.capito.house.gov), a parental permission slip, as well as one letter of recommendation to the address below by September 30, 2010:
Congresswoman Shelley Moore Capito
C/O Mary Elisabeth Eckerson
4815 MacCorkle Ave., SECharleston, WV 25304Phone: 304.925.5964Fax: 304.926.8912

Upcoming Tea Party and GOP Events

Monday September 20th, 7 PM: Meeting to plan events

Monday October 4th, 7 PM: Meeting to plan rally

Saturday October 16th: Tea Party Rally in Keyser 1 PM

All meetings and rally to be held at Grand Central Center in Keyser.

Mineral County Republican Headquarters Grand Opening TBA, but it is already open for business.

A Tempest In a Teapot: Manchin's Desperate Ploy Against John Raese

It's all the Democrats have got at this point. Photogate.








The photo to the left was taken at the Byrd memorial service in Charleston. Predictably the Byrd family expresses howls of outrage. Of course it's only obvious that this was at the Byrd memorial because that is almost the only time that Obama has visited this state. That is part of the story that the media is conveniently missing.

Democrats cannot counter the accusations that Manchin has grown increasingly servile to a president that over 70% of this state dislikes, so they have hung their hats on photogate. I could see if there was actually a picture of Byrd involved in this, but again, it's not obvious to most people where this picture was taken.

It's a desperate ploy, completely ignoring the issues while undermining the message. Manchin's victory parade has taken an untimely detour into falling poll numbers. He wants the story to be anything except his buddying up to Obama as the election draws near. And that is a legitimate position to attack. West Virginians do not like the War on Coal, escalating debt, Obamacare, or other features of Obama policy.

If Manchin cannot distance himself from these policies that have proven destructive to West Virginia and the nation as a whole, he ought not go to the Senate.

Joe Manchin Accuses John Raese of Trying to "Buy" Senate Seat

A certain candidate has $1.5 million in his coffers to spend over the next two months and recently sent out an e mail beating the bushes to come up with more. Looking at the title of this piece, you might think I am talking about John Raese, right?

Wrong. Governor Manchin is the candidate with $1.5 million to spend and hundreds of thousands more coming in.

In 2008, the governor did not hesitate to deploy staggering amounts of money against the poorly funded gubernatorial campaign of State Senator Russ Weeks. Now, when facing an opponent with money of his own, Manchin suddenly cries out that someone is buying the election.

No one complained on the Democratic side when John Rockefeller spent $10 million of his private funds in the mid 1980s to narrowly defeat Raese.

A self-funded campaign has certain benefits, namely that the man or woman has no special interests to consider if they win election. Who will Manchin owe after this go-round? Lots of folks ponied up and lots of folks will expect something. If John Raese's campaign remains largely self funded, he will only be beholden to those that cast ballots for him.

The money that John Raese spends will be to educate and inform people about the issues. No one "buys" a campaign unless they are illegally paying voters. That's not a crime that you generally see Republicans accused of here. Raese will spend money to inform the public that he supports the free market American economic system and that Manchin, if elected, will be increasingly beholden to Obama's plans for European style socialism.

Tennessee Teacher and Coach Fired For Criticizing Obama

In Tennessee a middle school teacher and football coach got his pink slip for composing and circulating a song he wrote about Obama. The principal said the song had "racial overtones" and he was backed by the superintendent of schools. Can you find the racial overtones here? I can't. Read and decide for yourself. I guess that teachers can sing his praises, but just can't dissent. Right?

He was a little man, just turned three
Took the present from his daddy’s hand
A genuine toy hammer
He started beatin’ to beat the band
He hit the floors and the wall, broke a lamp in the hall,
Started swinging at the puppy’s tail
When you’re holding a hammer
Everything looks like a nail.

He was the president, number 44
He says, “Trust me, I’m here to help you
I have got some big big plans
You’re gonna love what I’m gonna do.”
There’s no problem too big or small
He thinks he’s got an answer that just can’t fail
When you’re holding a hammer
Everything looks like a nail.

He thinks big thoughts and he dreams big dreams
But it’s another man’s sweat that pays for those schemes
He don’t care how the little people feel
‘Cause saving the world is a big freaking deal
So he does his business behind closed doors
And pretends that the world is just begging for more
When the stuff hits the fan he says, “Don’t look at me
If you got trouble, blame 43.”

Now Congress is saving Wall Street
While they’re watching Main Street fall
They got health care all figured out
But it don’t seem to care much at all
As soon as they save the planet
They’ll put the fire out in hell
When you’re holding a hammer.
Everything looks like a nail.

He thinks big thoughts and he dreams big dreams
But it’s another man’s sweat that pays for those schemes
He don’t care how the little people feel
‘Cause saving the world is a big freaking deal
So he does his business behind closed doors
And pretends that the world is just begging for more
When the stuff hits the fan he says, “Don’t look at me
If you got trouble, blame 43.”

There’ll be a party come this November
When we’re gonna set things straight
All good people gonna gather ‘round
Gonna show what made this country great
We’ll run off the schemers and backroom dealers
So the Red, White and Blue will prevail
When we’re holding the hammer
When we’re holding the hammer
Everyone of them looks like a nail.

Keep Manchin In the Mansion

It has to be admitted here. Joe Manchin has not been a bad governor of West Virginia.

Sure there is a lot to pick apart. He forced West Virginia University into a series with Marshall, entering into a field where he had no business. His daughter was discovered to have claimed an unearned degree. Manchin has not been nearly aggressive enough in defending West Virginia from an administration bent on destroying our industry.

That all being said, as far as West Virginia governors go, he has not done a bad job.

Part of Manchin's effectiveness comes from a style that irritates legislators. He has the ability to wield authority and shove through measures because of his personal popularity, which now hovers at about 75%. But what would happen to Manchin in the United States Senate, were he to win?

Probably something similar to Bob Wise when he moved from the House of Representatives to the Governor's Mansion. Wise abandoned a place of comfort and familiarity for a job that challenged him in different ways. His learning curve harmed the state at a vital time. Manchin would struggle initially in the Senate trying to recast his role. He would not be able to get things done through popularity and personality as he does in Charleston.

Now more than ever, West Virginia needs defenders in the halls of Congress. We know we have Capito, but Manchin has been coy lately, edging towards the left wing Obama line rather than standing up for us. As a popular governor, Manchin can defy Obama and Democratic leadership in the Senate (even though lately he has been less eager to do so0. Can he do the same as a United States Senator? No.

Add this to the fact that the Senate might be under Republican control in a year. Manchin would then be tossed to the back of the line for every consideration.

West Virginia is entering a tough transition economically. Manchin has had a steady hand on the wheel of the ship of state. We need change in the Senate, putting it back under Republican control. We do not need change at this point in Charleston.

Keep Manchin where he is. Send a stalwart defender of our interests to Washington. Vote for John Raese.

Rasmussen Moves West Virginia to Leaning Democratic in Senate Race

West Virginia may be able to duplicate Scott Brown's achievement. Brown won a special election to fill the seat of Democratic icon Ted Kennedy in Massachusetts. Now John Raese has scored surprisingly high poll results in the latest Rasmussen Poll. Joe Manchin leads by a relatively slender 48-42% margin.

Clearly West Virginians understand that Democratic control of Congress is potentially destructive to the state and nation at large. Manchin remains personally popular and a high percentage approve of his job as governor.

This race should attract a great deal of attention, especially since this is expected to be a high Republican turnout year. Raese's principles and business experience have helped him rise in polls and public esteem.

David McKinley Coming to Mountaineer Cafe In New Creek

A joint Mineral and Grant County Fundraising Coffee and Meet and Greet For Congressional Nominee David McKinley

Hosted by Beverly Evans, Bob Harman and Dr. Harry Boggs

Monday August 30th12:30 to 1:30 PMMountaneer All Star Café1.5 miles south of Keyser, WVSouth on U.S. 220

Please come visit with and support David McKinley in his race for Congress. If you can't make the event, please use the enclosed envelope and mail a generous check to David's campaign. Or go to his website www.McKinley2010.com and make an online donation. We haven't had conservative representation in Congress for over 40 years - its time for a change. Mail checks to McKinley for Congress, P.O. Box 6861, Wheeling WV 26003 RSVP to 304.813.6665 or 304.257.1426

Mountaineer All-Star Cafe
RR 4 Box 70a
Keyser, WV 26726

It is located on US 220 south of Keyser between the Hospital entrance and Walmart.

Vacation, All I Ever Wanted! Vacation, Had to Get Away!

The gifts just keep on coming.

First the White House either ventured into excessive spin or fantasyland by calling the last three months "the summer of recovery." If someone is recovering somewhere, we must have missed it. The stimulus has not improved unemployment. We have seen home buying at its lowest point in, well, ever. Durable goods orders are also way down. Politically it was a tremendous gaffe. Unfortunately it comes during a time of real tribulation in this nation. We don't know how long this will last. All we know is that the White House has run up our debt in a time when we need to be cutting back.

Then comes Obama's idiotic backing of the Monster Mosque project at Ground Zero. He did not have to say anything, but could not resist weighing in on a local issue. This took the heat off of Mayor Bloomberg of New York City while harming every Democratic candidate everywhere. Congressional candidates in Iowa are having to answer whether or not they support the mosque. Some Democrats have started bashing Obama and Pelosi out of sheer desperation.

Best of all, we are once again seeing Obama on vacation, this time in Martha's Vineyard. While most Americans struggle to afford to go on a weekend trip, Obama has taken six vacations in two years. This doesn't count Michelle Antoinette's excursion to Spain where she toured much as a queen, closing beaches, etc.

His political handlers are either foolish or being ignored. Surely they know that all these trips with the ever present coverage of Obama's golf game alienate millions of voters. At least when President Bush left Washington, he generally went to his actual house in Texas. Unfortunately with Obama, we get a president who spends half of his time like the indolent and uninterested Warren G. Harding and the rest trying to put in place plans that look more like Mussolini than any American. I guess we should be grateful that he only works part time. Imagine how bad things would be if he actually worked as hard as a normal person.

From the Land of Busted Budgets and State Bankruptcy . . . A $578 million High School

You heard me right. A half billion dollar high school. It's more expensive than China's Olympic Stadium. It has fine art, a faculty dining room finer than most restaurants, and countless other luxuries that equal about $250,000 per child. This happened when the school system had a $640 million shortfall that caused the layoffs of 3,000 teachers.

People ask why we are so tough on government. Why is it that conservatives and libertarians do not trust government to do anything. Right here is the answer. This school district laid off teachers so that a high school could have avant garde architecture and fine art. It got rid of experienced educators so it could have a school more expensive than almost any professional football stadium in the United States. This money was not even invested in instructional and educational needs, but swimming pools and fine art.

On top of all that, this school was built by the worst school district in the entire country, L. A. Unified. This district has a 35% dropout rate. Maybe a state of the art swimming pool can convince kids to not drop out? I have my doubts.

The current superintendent cannot even defend the project, saying it was planned before his time. He has the good sense to plan to not attend the ribbon cutting of this monstrous insult to the taxpayers.

Okay, I'm not very socially conservative. I believe in live and let live, freedom of choice, etc. Sexuality is something for the individual consenting adult to make choices about. However, this blog post from Chicks on the Right really bothered me.

http://chicksontheright.com/2010/08/23/im-not-a-prude-but-this-is-totally-wack/

Why would any parent want to sexualize their child before their time? When my son played for the Mini-Tornadoes, we'd travel to towns in Maryland where their cheerleaders danced to sexually explicit music. You have to wonder why.

Nine year old girls pole dancing is just plain sickening. They have to spin on a pole to workout? They can't play soccer, basketball, or tennis, or just run around in a park? They have to pole dance? This sounds more like mothers trying to look hip on sexuality more than trying to keep their kids in shape. They want to shock their friends and look cool. Meanwhile their daughters will be exposed to the cultural perceptions of pole dancing, and may try to live up to them as time goes on.

My question is, why do so many parents want sexualized children? It's not cute. It's downright creepy and almost an open invitation for sexual predators. It also teaches girls that their sexuality is more important than brains or accomplishments. Parents need to wake up. Prudently guiding children does not make one prudish. Be open about sex when kids ask questions, but guide them towards appropriate behavior while they are growing up.

An Omission Or a Plan?

In the map to the right, and it may be too small a scale to see clearly, there is a startling omission.

This map comes from the Mineral County Comprehensive Plan draft. The county commission is trying to push the draft into law. On the other hand, some local businessmen have cried foul and claimed that the public hearings on the draft were more of a facade than a true input session. Some have claimed that the current plan violates the law and that court action will be taken.

This map's omission could open a Pandora's box of questions about the plan. It lists every school in the county save one, Fountain Elementary. Although the public has been reassured for years that this small but effective school will remain open, Fountain has no presence on the map made for the Comprehensive Plan.

Is this an oversight, or is closing Fountain Elementary part of their plan for the county?

Is Recovery Impossible?

With an out of control debt combined with the government willing to only raise taxes to address it, many Americans ask "can we ever get out of this mess? Is recovery even possible?"

You can see why people ask that question. We are getting close to seeing over 50% of the country on some form of government assistance. Our debt approaches 90% of our GDP. Business are holding back $2 trillion in investment capital because they fear that it will just get confiscated in taxes. The stimulus spending has only driven the private sector into hiding, like John Galt in Atlas Shrugged.Things do look bad. Even worse.....they are bad. Meanwhile China just surpassed Japan as the second wealthiest world economy.

The answer is this. America can always bounce back. This country went from a military of a little over a hundred thousand to many millions in World War II. Then, as now, faith in what we accomplish if we do what is right will see us to victory.

This time the enemy is the basic human urge to let others take responsibility and provide guidance. Freedom is hard, slavery is easy. Free people have to make choices and live with the results. Brave people relish the risk. America has always been the land of the free and the home of the brave. When we get people into office who trust free markets and individuals, we will once again unleash the potential of this country.

This November we will see voters take back the country from those who think they know better. We will see an America with elected oficials that work with what the people want, not try to rule over them.

For Appearances Sake At Least . . .

For the record, I will say this. I like John Raese. I like his principles and I think he is a good man. This writing is meant in no way to disparage him or his campaign. I also like Metro News, seeing it as the premiere source for state political news. However, someone at Metro News, I believe, goofed in this instance.

Yesterday, Metro News ran a story called "Gas Pedal Down on Senate Campaigns." It featured only the schedule and quotations of John Raese without even mentioning his primary opposition. At the end, the story did include the disclaimer that Raese himself operates Metro News.

It would have been far more appropriate for the writer to have included at least some details from other campaigns, like say the names of the other people running. Even if you want to angle the piece in favor of Raese, a much more subtle approach would pay dividends, such as including some detail from other campaigns, but giving Raese the final quote in the piece. Simply writing about Raese and ignoring the others only leads the reader to wonder about the opposition and why they were not mentioned.

Like I said, I like John Raese, and if he is the eventual primary winner I will be more than happy to do what I can to help him win the Senate seat this November. All the candidates in the field have strong principles. I believe that Raese, like Mac Warner and a few others, can bring lengthy experience and determination to the job and not be overawed by Washington. However, stories like this can only undermine somewhat John Raese's campaign and the integrity of Metro News itself.

Mosque? Sure! Greek Orthodox Church? Nope.

Various elements of the government of the City of New York have in recent weeks expressed support, or at least neutrality, when it comes to the building of a gigantic mosque near Ground Zero. Defenses of the building from the president on down have centered on religious and property rights. Even though the building is certainly meant to be an insult, if you believe in these rights, you have to let it go forward.

Then comes the story about the small St. Nicholas Greek Orthodox Church. This was the only Christian structure destroyed by the 9/11 attacks.

New York's Port Authority, according to Fox News, has ended the congregation's eight year odyssey to rebuild their church. This comes despite community support and the active assistance of former New York Governor George Pataki.

Why is New York City Mayor Michael Bloomberg so enthusiastic about this mosque while his administration has blocked the reconstruction of a church?

Shelley Moore Capito Garners More Endorsements

The Save America's Free Enterprise Trust, a political arm of the National Federation of Small Business has endorsed Shelley Moore Capito's re-election bid.

The group proclaimed that Ms. Capito's retention in office would help to protect small business within her district and free enterprise across the nation.

The NFIB has 350,000 small business members across the nation and 1,500 in West Virginia.

Is Obama Destroying the Democratic Party?

Interesting question. I highly doubt it, but you have to wonder what is going on in the White House some days.

Obama gets involved in a lot of issues that do not require his direct attention. Case in point, the Ground Zero mosque. I am torn on this. On one hand it is about as appropriate to build that there as it would have been to build a Shinto Temple near Pearl Harbor in 1950. Then again, I am a firm believer in property rights. Build it, but don't complain if a gay bar or a pork restaurant show up next door. And don't violate noise ordinances by blaring a call to prayer at 5 AM.

Obama didn't have to say anything except that it was a New York City issue and none of the business of the President, which it certainly is not. Then again, Obama thinks your kids' waistline is his business too. 70% of Americans are against the construction of this mosque. So Obama holds a Moslem dinner at the White House and voices his support.

Really? Do you honestly think that this will help your party win elections this fall? This is not the only time that Obama has undercut the diminishing support of his party with elections coming up.

So let's speculate. Why would Obama want to destroy the Democratic Party? Where would he gain? Will Rodgers once said "I belong to no organized party. I am a Democrat." That holds true in every era. Democrats have grown like an onion since the 1790s, with fully functioning and distinct layers from a Jeffersonian core to the New Left. These prevent any kind of real ideological unity such as you see in a European political party. Obama would love to have that kind of control and has exhibited a Messiah complex at times. He would love to have an obedient, compliant, and efficient party at his command. Instead, he has the Democrats.

If the Democrats lose in large numbers this fall, they could conceivably evict Obama in the primary season in 2012. If he foresees that, he might try to split his supporters off, a la Theodore Roosevelt to the GOP in 1912. Obama could create his own organization, own party, and try to campaign on personal appeal again against the GOP and a weakened Democratic organization.

It wouldn't work and this is all speculation. That being said, Obama seems rather uninterested in his own party's chances of success this year.

Harry Reid Does Not Believe that "Hispanic-Americans" Can Think For Themselves

Harry Reid once again tried to haul out race as an issue and once again it backfired.

Reid found himself under fire in the 2008 election by referring to Obama's light skin and "lack of . . . dialect." Now he has come out and said that he can't see why any Hispanic-American would be conservative.

Is this not racism? They expect blacks and Hispanics to all follow the same party, same leaders, and same principles. Does anyone suggest that all whites need to follow the same party? How about Asians? Are they expected to all mindlessly follow one leader? Nope, just blacks and Hispanics are expected to stay on the left wing plantation.

Were I a member of these groups, I would take serious offense even if I was already liberal. It echoes the old pre Civil War assertions that blacks have to be guided like children by their betters because they cannot decide for themselves. Republicans preached differently then and differently now.

People of all races, religions, sexual orientations, and anything else you might think of choose the Republican Party because they usually believe in less government, less taxes, and more freedom. When Republicans concentrate on core economic, national security, and freedom issues, they attract supporters from all groups. Republicans increasingly tend to look at individuals more than groups. That leads to less offensive stereotyping than you see from the other side.

Reid publicly stuck his foot in his mouth, but he only said what a lot of liberal/leftists believe.

You Won't Have Alan Mollohan to Kick Around Anymore

Alan Mollohan, twenty-eight year congressman from West Virginia's First Dictrict, has decided to not go quietly into that electoral good night.

In a season littered with the carcasses of Democratic politicians done in by ethics issues, Congressman Mollohan has decided to go onto the offensive with a letter. He states that he is trying to explain, but ends up describing that old "vast right wing conspiracy" that Hillary Clinton loved to cite. Of course this vast right wing conspiracy includes the New York Times. He lashes out at Chris Wakim and Mike Oliverio merely for doing what aspiring politicians always do, use their opponents' weaknesses. Mollohan certainly did not hesitate to go on the attack against them. According to Hoppy Kercheval, he only left out "the Trilateral Commission" and " the Easter Bunny."

Guilty or not guilty, this is not how a gazillion term congressman wants to end his career. Were I a Mollohan supporter, I would tell him to look at the story of George Washington and his Farewell Address. Washington initially wrote a frustrated essay on his enemies and their conspiracies against him. Old friend Alexander Hamilton encouraged him to lose the anger and write a statesmanlike piece that dwelt on themes of hope and constructive criticism. Mollohan could have gone this route and sealed his legacy. Instead he wrote a piece that Republicans and Oliverio supporters could shrug off as daft and defensive.

Think You're a Liberal? Not So Fast. You Might Be a Libertarian!

I have noticed that people will often say they are Republicans or conservative Democrats, but that they are liberal in some areas. Fair enough. But when you ask them what they mean by "liberal," you often see that they are not that at all.

Liberal in today's political parlance comes very close to what it meant in the 1500s when it was used as a political term by Nicolo Machiavelli. To him, "liberal" meant first and foremost that you doled out a lot of the public treasury to a lot of the people. The leader did that to look generous and to gain the support of the multitudes. Of course, Machiavelli warned that you have to tax others to get that money and you risk alienating them from your system.

When I ask self-identified "liberal Republicans" what they mean, they usually respond with similar issues. They generally want to legalize some drugs, some are uncomfortable over outlawing abortion, and most have no problem with gay marriage. This does not necessarily mean that you are liberal, but probably libertarian.

Libertarians believe in maximum freedom of choice for each individual. They adhere most closely to the Jeffersonian maxim "the government that governs best, governs least." Here is how you can tell if you are a libertarian instead of a liberal.

Drugs:

Libertarians want to legalize drugs, at least the ones that grow out of the ground and need no manufacturing. They believe that the drugs should be used or sold with a minimum of government interference. One of their arguments is that marijuana sales would boost the legitimate economy of states like West Virginia.

Liberals believe that if drugs are legalized, they ought to be taxed to the point that the producers receive little or no profit. They pretty much feel the same about pharmaceuticals.

Gay Marriage:

Libertarians tend to want to government to get away from marriage period. Many want marriage to be a sacrament or social institution separated from government control, authority, and definition. Civil unions for all couples make more sense.

Many liberals would love to see controls exerted to force clerics to perform marriages that go against their belief system.

Polygamy:

A libertarian says if they are consenting aduts, leave them alone. Why should the government dictate to anyone what their living arrangements are? As long as they are not committing fraud or expecting extra welfare benefits because of their arrangement, who cares?

A liberal wants to outlaw polygamy if their is a Mormon basis for it and they call it "marriage." They have no problem with it if it is a group of people in San Francisco doing the same thing with no religious overtones.

As far as abortion is concerned, many libertarians are uncomfortable with the issue. They see it as a personal rights issue. I consider myself somewhat libertarian, but see it this way. When you choose to engage in sex, you have to live with whatever consequences come from that. Also, what are the individual rights of the child? The right of the innocent to live is one of the primary natural rights; their defense is the main job of the government.

Basically you can see that the main difference between the two lies in the fact that libertarians want to government to butt out because it screws up almost any situation. Liberals believe that the answer to any issue is more government. Where do your principles lead you?

How Can Republican Victories This Fall Help Kill Obamacare?

This question came up in a Facebook discussion yesterday. I made a casual comment that Republican victories could help kill Obamacare and got a fair question. How?

First of all we have the court cases challenging the notion that the federal government can force you to purchase a commodity because you are alive. This runs counter to any principles or ideals Americans generally hold, as well as the Constitution, but without this part, Obamacare does not work. The Virginia case has gone farthest. This case will end up in the United States Supreme Court. Only five justices have consistently shown a dedication to restrained government and the Constitution. If one gets sick or dies, a Republican Senate can ensure that we keep socialists off the bench. It can also prevent any attempt by Obama to enlarge the court to get what he wants.

Second comes the matter of funding. All money bills start in the House of Representatives. The best way to kill a bad policy is to either vote it out or simply defund it until it dies of its own accord.

Finally there is the matter of states' rights. Missouri voters by an overwhelming margin (71% of the vote, more than Manchin got in West Virginia in 2008!) put into law a proposition that nullifies the federal government's power to compel anyone to purchase health insurance. This high percentage shows that mainstream Democrats do not even support this mandate. Other state legislatures have voted to opt out of and resist other facets of Obamacare. A leftist Congress can punish states by witholding highways funds. A Republican Congress will sympathize and work with them to get rid of this bad law.

Republican gains will help destroy Obamacare. Even if they cannot overturn it in one fell swoop, they can kill it with the death of a thousand cuts. Since 60% of the people still hate Obamacare and only 40% approve of Obama at all, this looks increasingly likely.

Oh and we hope everyone enjoys the fact that the First Lady is vacationing in Spain with seventy-seven secret service and forty of her best friends on your dime. And no, she is not in the Holiday Inn, either.

An Open Letter to Doug and Sue McKinney

Dear Doug and Sue,

As a West Virginia Republican I want to thank you for your leadership in difficult times. Around the nation, our party saw declining influence, electoral defeats, and falling contributions. Despite those obstacles you cleaned up party finances, put us in a new headquarters, and brought in professional help to build an organization. It may be easy for some to forget those dark days, but I remember the discouragement of 2006 and 2008. We lost Congress and the presidency because many of the Republicans elected around the country tended to do what was expedient and not what was right. Hopefully we have found our way again as a national party. Our recent victories seem to indicate that. We may be seeing sunny days right now, but the storm clouds just passed for us. Your leadership kept us viable, active, and moving forward during those trying times.

On a personal note, I want to thank you for all your help, advice, and support. I cannot remember one major event that we planned where we invited you to come and you declined. Any questions I had got your response quickly. I appreciate that because I am not on the state committee, I am just a regular voting Republican who likes to help out when he can. You were accessible to people and that is important.

To close, I want to express my respect and my appreciation for all the hard work you put in during very difficult times. You kept us going despite all odds.

Thank you,

Stephen Smoot