How Democracy Dies

Venezuelan strongman Hugo Chavez took another step towards the final strangulation of democracy in his country this week. He announced a proposal to eliminate presidential term limits and the rubber stamp National Assembly will undoubtedly approve enthusiastically. Venezuela's people will again suffer from Chavez's quest for absolute and permanent power.

Wealthy people, private enterprise, and the middle class definitely suffer. A business climate requires the rule of law and protection of private property. Without these guarantees, investment dwindles and people lose opportunities. The poor suffer as well. They may appreciate the crumbs thrown their way by the government, but the opportunity for real advancement (except through the government) disappears. Even though Venezuela sits atop a major oil pool, the state ownership of much of that resource means that the private sector must kowtow to Chavez. One wonders if Jimmy Carter received a gift basket for his certification of the rigged vote that assured Chavez of continued power.

Term limits have generally defined the limits of our presidential system. George Washington rejected pleas for a third term because he wanted to avoid the precedent of a man serving until he died. Washington died in 1799, two years before his possible third term would have ended. Franklin Roosevelt broke the third term barrier due to an unusual national emergency and served until his 1945 death. Since then a constitutional amendment bars third terms.

America benefits from this limitation. The strain of the job wears down the holder of the job mentally and physically. Few leaders have the kind of political and state responsibilities that the American president has. Early Roman Emperors who shared their authority with other bodies provide a parallel. However the immense power drove many of them mad within their first decade of rule. Being Caesar for too long can mentally unbalance a person, or physically destroy them (like FDR.)

Chavez has few political worries except for a bullet in the head. However he presents a danger to his people and to US influence in the region. Hopefully his murder of Venezuelan democracy will inspire other Latin Americans to hold even tighter to their freedoms. Conversely he has grown into an inspirational figure for loony leftists such as the mayor of Macon, Georgia who requested a partnership with him. Does he think he can inspire revolution here? Likely. His activities require watching.

Hardy County and Cell Phone Service

The lack of cell phone service in Hardy County comes down to one main reason, local government interference in the Free Market. With a population of 12,669 as of the 2000 census, Hardy is a rural county with low population density which makes it hard for companies to justify the cost of installing towers. The government adding additional cost only makes it less likely for a company to make the investment.

About one year ago the Mineral County Planning Commission was presented with a proposed ordinance to limit the installation of new cell towers in the county. The ordinance presented was a copy of Hardy County's, and it was quickly rejected by the planning commission. Mineral Count wants increased cell coverage in the county. Earlier this year Mineral County granted a $300 building permit to put a new cell tower in the Fort Ashby area, that is a far cry from the open ended $5,000 requirement of Hardy County.

It cost, a cell company, about the same amount of money to construct a tower no matter where it is located, but the permit cost varies. In Mineral County a $300 permit puts a tower in a county with over 27,000 persons that works out to just over $0.01 per possible customer. In Hardy County it is a $5,000 plus permit in a county with under 13,000 people, which works out to just over $0.38 per potential customer. It is simple economics keeping cell service out of Hardy County, the permit cost 38 times more than a neighboring counties. For a business or an individual you try to save money whenever you can, and businesses save money by not locating towers in Hardy County.

The answer for Hardy County is simple, if you want improved cell service stop interfering with the free market. You have the disadvantage of a small population, don't add a disadvantage of extremely high permit cost. Lower the permit cost to bring it in line with the neighboring counties. Everybody will benefit. Increased cell service will reduce response time to traffic accidents, increase flexibility for law enforcement and increase opportunity for business.

Interesting Information on Climate Change (Possibly)

The technology blog "Daily Tech" recently published a story that could be a huge blow to the hopes and dreams of anti-capitalist environmental ideologists.

According to this website, which publishes a wide variety of technology oriented stories, NASA's climate change information was faulty. It previously showed that the year 1998 was the hottest on record. Global warming supporters rely on NASA's relatively short term statistics to bolster their theories on climate change. The Daily Tech asserts that a bug associated with Y2K skewed the temperature records. 1934 now stands as the hottest year, with five of the ten warmest occuring before World War II.

The author of the article claims that NASA "quietly" re-released their climate figures and that the mainstream media will likely ignore the story. If true, this removes another pillar from the argument that mankind needs to place more economic decisions in the hands of anti-capitalist scientists and bureaucrats to save itself.

Most other "evidence" comes from correlations and models that get tweaked by their creators more often than video games. Questioning such methods will lead to the truth of the matter whatever that may be. Journalists need to follow up on the Daily Tech's story to see if it has legs, then communicate the results to the mainstream media market. John Stossel? Are you out there?

Update: apparently someone did. Fox News covered the story in their science section on August 11th.

Link to article http://www.dailytech.com/Blogger+Finds+Y2K+Bug+in+NASA+Climate+Data/article8383.htm

Governor Mitt Romney Announces West Virginia Statewide Steering Committee

Boston, MA – Today, Governor Mitt Romney announced the Romney for President West Virginia Statewide Steering Committee. The committee includes fifteen West Virginia Republican leaders from communities across the state. Chaired by State Delegate Bob Ashley, these West Virginians will help Governor Romney organize grassroots efforts and will communicate the Governor's message of conservative change in Washington.

Announcing his endorsement of Governor Romney, the Honorable Bob Ashley said, "I am proud to support Governor Romney's candidacy for President of the United States. We need to elect someone with conservative credentials who can take Washington apart and put it back together so that it works better for hardworking American families. Governor Romney does not run from problems, he faces them head on. He is a proven problem-solver and principled leader. I am pleased to chair his steering committee in West Virginia."

Governor Romney said, "With the help of the West Virginia Steering Committee, we will be able to take our message of a strong military, strong families and a strong economy to the voters throughout the Mountain state. As West Virginians know all too well, a strong economy is based on a sound national energy policy. Energy issues are important nationally but I know they're particularly important in West Virginia."

"I am honored to have the support of these West Virginia leaders. I look forward to working with them as the campaign moves forward," Governor Romney concluded.

Last week, the Romney for President Campaign announced its intent to participate in the West Virginia State Republican Convention on February 5, 2008.

John H. McCutcheon, II and Bill Phillips, Jr. are serving as Senior Advisers for Governor Romney's West Virginia statewide campaign.

Background On The Romney For President West Virginia Statewide Steering Committee:

The Honorable Bob Ashley (Spencer) – Delegate Ashley serves in the West Virginia House of Delegates, and is the former Minority Leader of the House. He is also a member of the West Virginia Republican State Committee. Mr. Ashley will serve as Chairman of the Steering Committee.

Patricia Adams (Buckhannon) – Adams is a member of the West Virginia Republican State Executive Committee. She also serves as Chair of the Upshur County Republican Executive Committee.

Mark Blankenship (Charleston) – Blankenship was a member of the senior staff for former Governor Cecil Underwood's Administration. He has also served as an adviser to various political campaigns.

Mark W. Browning (Charleston) – Browning is a member of the Kanawha County Republican Executive Committee. He is an attorney in Charleston and is the former President of the Kanawha County Bar Association.

John Golden (South Charleston) – Golden was the Communications Director for the Bush for President Campaign West Virginia in 2000. He also served on the campaign staff for Underwood for Governor in 1996.

Jeffrey N. Loudin (Elkins) – Loudin was the Director of Administration for the West Virginia Bush for President Committee in 2000. He also served on the campaign staff of Moore for Governor in 2004.

Jerry Mays (Martinsburg) – Mays served as Chairman of the Berkeley County Republican Executive Committee. He also has a prominent presence in Eastern West Virginia Republican activities.

James M. McCutcheon (Parkersburg) – McCutcheon is a former member of the West Virginia House of Delegates. He also served on the West Virginia committee for the George W. Bush campaign in 2000 and 2004.

Thomas J. O'Neill (Morgantown) – O'Neill is the Vice Chairman for the First Congressional District of the West Virginia Republican State Executive Committee.

Rick Rice (Buckhannon) – Rice served as a County Commissioner for Upshur County. He was also President and Chairman of the Association of County Officials.

Robert Ryan (Charleston) – Ryan is an attorney in Charleston. He also worked on the Victory Fund with the Republican National Committee.

Patrick Westerfeld (Elkins) – Westerfeld has served as adviser to various political campaigns.

Deborah Wolfe (Huntington) – Wolfe is a former Mrs. America. She also managed several local and regional Republican campaigns.

Kim Wolfe (Huntington) – Wolfe is the Sheriff of Cabell County. He also ran for Congress in 2006 in West Virginia's 3rd Congressional District.

Duane Zobrist II (Lewisburg) – Zobrist is a Greenbrier County businessman and civic leader.

Background on Governor Romney's Senior Advisers For West Virginia:

John H. McCutcheon, II (White Sulphur Springs) – McCutcheon served as the Executive Director for the Bush for President Campaign in West Virginia in 2000. He is also a former Vice Chairman of the West Virginia State Party. He served as the White House Liaison to the U.S. Department of Energy in the Bush Administration.

Bill Phillips, Jr. (Elkins) – Phillips served as Chairman of the Bush for President Campaign in West Virginia in 2000. He was the Co-Chairman of the Bush for President Campaign in 2004. He also served as Chief of Staff for Former Governor Cecil H. Underwood.

The Pursuit of Happyness

Panning the Hollywood stream of movies looking for little gold nuggets of American values presents a real challenge. Most films reflect the liberal, if not extremely left wing, element that tends to dominate the entertainment industry. Last night I watched on DVD a film that shocked me in its dedication to good old fashioned capitalism.

"Pursuit of Happyness" stars Will Smith as Chris Gardiner, a down on his luck entrepreneur trying to hold his family together. He invested all of his money into medical equipment that resembles much less expensive technology and naturally has difficulty selling the products. The backdrop of this film is San Francisco in 1981 during the deep recession that preceded the Reagan era prosperity. At his lowest moment his wife leaves him and he is evicted from his apartment for non payment of rent. However he takes a six month unpaid internship at Dean Witter. Twenty interns get a chance to compete for one position as a stockbroker.

The film runneth over with positive messages of hard work, sacrifice, and opportunity. Ronald Reagan himself appears during one of the low points, giving America a pep talk in some of the worst economic times of his presidency. Of course now we know that his policies helped to build twenty five years of prosperity. This definitely seems to be foreshadowing teh development of Gardiner's own life. The Dean Witter executives come across as real people, not cariciatures of evil capitalist monsters. Material reward for hard work is Gardiner's ultimate goal throughout the movie and never is he presented as "learning a lesson" that some things are more important than money. Gardiner could take a menial job and support himself, but he chooses to live in homeless shelters and on the street while making connections in the business world to help him succeed. His words to his son are to not let anyone ever tell him he can't do something. Even characters that are presented as positive in most other Hollywood films come off as negative here. Gardiner entrusts a hippy girl on the street with a valuable machine, which she steals as soon as he is out of sight.

This film teaches more about what capitalism is all about than any economics class I have ever seen. Chris Gardiner chose to sacrifice, to work hard, and to never make excuses. He risked a great deal for an uncertain shot at success. In the end he was rewarded, but even if he was not, the film suggests he would simply try something else.

"The Pursuit of Happyness" inspires not just because it is a great story. Chris Gardiner is a real human being who eventually founded his own firm. He is a modern day hero in that he endured hardship out of faith. Gardiner had faith in America and its capitalist values. We could all learn from his example.

Ideological Environmentalism Threatens Freedom

For decades Czechoslovakia, now broken into the Czech Republic and Slovakia, felt the boot heel of one of the most brutal regimes behind the Iron Curtain. People in this country know oppression and tyranny when they see it. The Soviet Union in 1947 prevented that nation from receiving Marshall Plan aid to relieve their hunger and suffering. They went to jails, mental hospitals, and execution chambers for their beliefs. Czechoslovakia endured an invasion in 1968 not for trying to leave the Soviet bloc, but only for trying to make Communism more free.

Vaclav Klaus currently serves as president of the Czech Republic. This summer he addressed a letter to Americans through the Cato Institute warning about threats to freedom in Europe and everywhere. Neostatism and the European Union affect individual rights on that side of the Atlantic. Environmentalism, according to the Czech President, threatens all freedom loving people.

Although concern about the environment is common to most people, Klaus identifies environmentalist ideology as a threat. He states "Environmentalism only pretends to deal with environmental protection. Behind their people and nature friendly terminology, the adherents of environmentalism make ambitious attempts to radically reorganize and change the world, human society, our behavior, and our values." First and foremost among the goals of environmentalists is "disbelief in the power of the invisible hand of the free market and a belief in the omnipotence (of the) state." Their major weapon, the global warming issue, comes from science based not on time honored techniques, but on intricate models based upon false assumptions.

Clearly old time Marxism has evolved into a stronger threat to individual freedom and the capitalist system. Al Gore looks a lot less threatening that Vladimir Lenin, but his ideas undermine individual freedoms just the same. At the end of the day, both want to curtail your freedom with the power of the state. Defenders of freedom must avoid being fooled by the rhetoric and see environmentalist ideology for what it is.

Free market capitalism not only has shown itself to be the best way to improve the lives of people, but also the most effective way to develop environmentally friendly policies. Russia and Eastern Europe still suffer from the damage done under Communism. Environmentalist ideology's end result would see the state once again commanding the economy, bringing forth the same terrible results.

Shelley Moore Capito Gives as Good as She Gets

The latest political stunt orchestrated by the Democratic Congress came in the form of a bill that would have caused hardships and complications for our military. Few people understand the difficulties faced by the military as they struggle to deploy troops in different theatres around the world from a 100% voluntary force. Congressional Democrats proposed legislation that, if it passes the Senate, will make the process almost impossible by mandating much longer periods of leave for soldiers serving in Iraq.

Everyone would like to see soldiers able to spend more time at home, but this places severe constraints on the military's ability to operate. As the daughter of a man who served his country with distinction in World War II, Ms. Capito understands the strains that combat places on individual soldiers. She also understands that our commanders need flexibility in making deployment decisions. Some have accused the Democrats of trying to force a withdraw from Iraq by making the conduct of the war much more difficult. In any event Democrats know that President Bush will veto the bill. This is more of a statement than a well thought out bill. It is a ploy to create an issue to use against responsible Republican congressmen and women in 2008.

Shelley Moore Capito represents a district that has a higher than average rate of men and women in the service and knew the Democrats would target her if she voted against it. Six Republicans broke ranks to side with the Democrats and others merely signified "present." She had the courage to vote against the bill, preserving the flexibility of the military. Will this vote appear in a commercial next year? You can bet on it. Did Capito's vote represent political courage? Absolutely.

Once again Shelley Moore Capito shows strength, backbone, and responsibility.

The Gate Test

A few years ago I had the opportunity to hear a speech by Chuck Kinder of the States Auditors Office. During his speech he spoke about the “Gate test.” Basically the test is, if you want to see how your government and economy is doing, you open the gate and see which way the people go.

As a nation, the US is doing quite well on the gate test. In fact they don’t even bother to use the gate on the southern border to get into the nation, any hole in the fence will do. This is a direct reflection on the economic opportunity available in the US. It is people’s nature to want to go where they have greater opportunity to make a better life for themselves and for a large portion of the world that place is the US. The grade for the gate test can be found in the census data. In 1950 the US population was 150 million persons and last year the US population passed the 300 million mark. In a little less than 60 years the nation has doubled. The US has earned stellar grade in the gate test.

West Virginia on the other hand has failed the gate test. In 1950 the population of West Virginia was 2 million. In 1950 we made up 1.3% of the US population. Today there are about 1.8 million West Virginians, 200,000 less than there were in 1950. That number is deceiving. On the surface it appears to be a loss of only 200,000, but today West Virginia only makes up 0.6% of the US population. If West Virginia maintained 1.3% of the US population as we did in 1950, then today there would be around 3.9 million of us. That means in less than 60 years 2.1 million “would be” West Virginian’s went missing. West Virginia’s gates are open and over half left for better economic opportunity elsewhere. That goes far beyond a failing grade.

The loss of population is more than just numbers. We all have family and friends that have had to leave to find opportunity for a better life elsewhere, breaking up the extended family structure that is a corner stone of Appalachian life. The states power in Washington has been cut in half as we only send 3 people to the US House of Representatives every two years, where in 1950 we sent 6. The burden of taxes has increased on all of us and the load is spread over fewer and fewer people. We are all feeling the effects.

We have two options as I see it. The first is to expand the West Virginia government to build a wall like the former East Germany and close the gate to prevent the people from leaving for better economic opportunity. History tells us how that will turn out. The East German government collapsed and Germany reunified. Now with Virginia being ranked at the top in economic opportunity, some may consider reunification a good thing for West Virginia.

I prefer the second option; let’s make the changes necessary to bring economic opportunity back to West Virginia. We need to make our side of the gate more attractive than the other side of the gate. Russell Sobel and his group have developed a blueprint to make that happen if we choose to make the changes. It is human nature to resist change, because change is uncomfortable and there is a fear of the unknown. I once heard insanity defined as doing the same thing over and over and expecting a different result. We must overcome that fear and make the changes or we will continue to get the same result.

Over the gate to West Virginia hangs a sign that reads “Open for Business,” but when you are going through the gate for better opportunity you only see the blank backside. It is time for a change.

Will Wakim Run?

That's a good question. Chris Wakim may have suffered a disappointing result in his first shot at the United States Congress, but a 2008 run may be the best choice for the state Republican Party.

Why, one might ask. He lost by a margin of about 65-35. Numbers can deceive, however. By all accounts, Republican voters lost confidence in their Congress in the midterm elections. Few people acknowledge this fact, but choosing to stay home is just another form of voting. Unfortunately Chris Wakim suffered from the malaise afflicting the GOP nationwide.

Look at 2008. Next year looks to be different, especially if the Democrats run You Know Who. It does not take a village to figure out that conservatives could potentially swamp the polls to keep their worst nightmare from becoming reality. Nancy Pelosi was a Johnny come lately horror for conservatives. Hillary Clinton is considered only slightly less palatable as a national leader than the Four Horsemen of the Apocalypse. Chris Wakim will benefit from a very strong turnout of conservatives in West Virginia determined to keep the state out of the "Hillary" column.

Why Wakim? He has established himself as a known quantity among state Republicans and now can broaden that base. Wakim continues to work hard for the state party and that means something to the faithful. To be frank, he also has a great issue brewing in the northern panhandle custom made for him. Like many other West Virginians, Wakim comes from a family of recent immigrants. Like many of us, his family came here legally and became citizens the right way. Through hard work, obedience to the law, and determination, they became strong productive citizens. That story resonates with so many West Virginians tired of illegal aliens draining our resources.

If Wakim takes his positive program to the people again in 2008, it will pose a serious challenge to Representative Mollohan. If anyone doubts his ability to win a race after losing before, all they need do is look at the example of State Senator Sypolt of the 14th district. Or look at Ronald Reagan who lost the 1976 primary to an uninspiring incumbent, but won the presidency in the very next election.

Running a new candidate in the 1st district means starting over from scratch. Chris Wakim is the strongest candidate for 2008.

Zoning Is a Class Issue

Proponents of zoning often try to sell the idea of community planning as a concept that benefits everyone. However a recent article by Forbes.com writer Matt Woolsey demonstrates that average people stand to lose when local governments embrace more restrictive practices.

According to Woolsey, Texas shows the strongest economic growth for suburban areas. More importantly "as a result, these areas have some of the most affordable homes in the nation since there is plenty of supply to meet demand." This means that the average family will have less problems purchasing for themselves a piece of the American dream.

Conversely metropolitan Boston has some of the highest housing costs in the United States. Woolsey cites a Brooking Institute study that shows that communities with growth exclusion policies tend to have sharply higher housing costs. This forces those looking for affordable housing to seek out ever more remote areas, creating more of the very sprawl that planners wanted to avoid.

This hits close to home because Mineral County has the potential to catch some of metropolitan D. C.'s growth. If economic development comes, we need growth that will ensure that the children of families that have been here for sometimes hundreds of years will have the opportunity to stay home. Zoning helps to cement a status quo from which only the most elite will benefit. If the county develops and also zones while continuing to drive away manufacturing jobs, this means that it will grow into a more and more exclusive area for upper middle class and rich professionals.

Growth ought to benefit as many of Mineral County's families as possible. This study makes clear that zoning produces higher housing costs by restricting the choice available to buyers. Mineral County families for the most part pay too high a cost already. Zoning under any name will lessen the chance for the average person to get a job while forcing up the cost of living because it pares down choices and opportunities.

Governor Mitt Romney To Participate In West Virginia Republican Convention

Boston, MA – Today, Romney for President announced that the campaign will participate in the West Virginia State Republican Convention on February 5, 2008. Governor Romney's Political Director, Carl Forti, released the following statement on the campaign's commitment to West Virginia:

"The Romney for President campaign is proud to announce our intention to participate in the West Virginia State Republican Convention. We are committed to the state and have been encouraged by the Governor's energized and growing number of supporters. Our campaign has an organization, and a number of volunteers, who are working very hard to communicate Governor Romney's message of conservative change. His message of strengthening the American military, economy and family is resonating across the country, and it's time to bring that message to West Virginia. The Romney campaign looks forward to the state Republican convention in February."

Governor Romney visited West Virginia in March when he addressed the Kanawha County Republican Lincoln Day Dinner. He also campaigned for Republican candidates in West Virginia in October 2006.

What Did He Say?

Isn't it sad when a former president has descended to the level of Rosie O'Donnell?

Jimmy Carter at one point had a fairly strong reputation among not only liberals, but also moderates. Not in 1981, mind you, when he exited office as one of the least effective presidents ever, but later. Throughout the 1980s he led causes such as "Habitat For Humanity" and endeavored to promote peace around the world. Sure he seemed misguided in some of his efforts, but even some conservatives gave him credit for having his heart in the right place.

How times have changed. The election of George W. Bush either threw a bolt loose in his gourd, or maybe it unleashed the real character of the man already there. All the world knows Hugo Chavez for what he is, a brutal dictator in Venezuela. Democracies shy away from him; dictators cuddle up to him. Only Jimmy Carter would certify one of his "elections" as valid. He did so in an effort to embarass Condoleeza Rice who criticized Chavez for election violations that would have made Don Chafin blush.

Recently Carter condemned the United States and Israel for not treating Fatah and Hamas as equals. Say what? In the emerging Palestinian state two factions exist. The Fatah Party comes closest to committing to democracy and peaceful engagement with Israel. Hamas makes its political statements by sending suicide bombers into places where Israeli teenagers congregate. Of course you encourage the peacemakers and try to discourage those bent on killing Jewish kids and destroying Israel.

Either Carter is confused in his mind, or once again he wants to try to embarass President Bush. Whatever his true intentions, the former President has lost most of his credibility. Now, like O'Donnell, people just wait for the next crazy thing to pop out of his mouth.

Commencing Chaos

John Leo of Rudolph Giuliani's Manhattan Institute recently wrote an article about UCLA's graduation problems. Apparently every ethnic group and its uncle plus different gay groups have their own graduation ceremonies, all paid for by the university. This seems like typical California lunacy but take note. Local companies in the Potomac Highlands have already started requiring their employees to learn Spanish. To some, ethnic pluralism means not just respecting differences, but also having the right to have government and other services provided to them in their own language.

Lets look at two nations from around a century ago. Both contained large numbers of ethnic groups with different cultures than the dominant one. The first nation, we'll call it country A, required its groups to assimilate into society, at least to the point of learning the language and functioning in the dominant culture. Country B recognized each of its fifteen major ethnic groups as a unique and viable culture.

The vast majority of country A's ethnic peoples learned to speak the dominant language, but they still retained some of the aspects of their original culture. The groups grew patriotic to the point where they took pride in fighting for it when the time came. Country B saw its ethnic groups demand more and more concessions. When it went to war many of its ethnic peoples turned against it despite the extreme concessions and toleration shown them. That country no longer exists.

Country A is the United States but we have not learned from the positive policies used a century ago. In that case ethnic groups strengthened our nation for a new century of prosperity. Country B, Austria-Hungary, was torn apart because the ethnic groups within it did not assimilate to the dominant culture.

Now Austria-Hungary's fate is not necessarily ours. Many other differences exist that separate the two systems. However it does demonstrate that maintaining strong separation of cultures leads to severe problems. We need to return to the policy of not coddling those that do not speak English. It is not fair to native born citizens, nor is it fair to those that came here and worked hard to learn how to livehere. The more incentive they have to learn how to speak and function in the United States, the faster they will learn.

Coming to America (legally) ought to be the start of opportunities for them and us to benefit each other, but by the standards of this country not the one they just left. It should not be the commencement of cultural chaos.

Poll Results: What is the cause of lack of Economic Development in Mineral County?

In an unscientific week long poll readers of the blog were asked, "What is the cause of lack of Economic Development in Mineral County?" The reader could select multiple answers so each answer is out of 100% polled. Below are the results.

County Officials Actively Keeping Business Out	66%
County Officials Not Understanding Business Needs	44%
The States Business Climate	33%
I disagree Mineral County has an expanding economy	0%

The Party of 50th Place: WV Democratic Party

Chris Stirewalt made an interesting observation in a recent editorial in the State Journal when he called the WV Democratic Party, the party of the 50th place. The party in charge is the one that sets the agenda, and should suffer the consequences. In the last congressional election we saw the Republican Party taken from power for the War in Iraq. So with West Virginia now at the bottom, do the Democrats have a similar fate in store for 2008?

Chris also made another observation that the Republican Party in West Virginia was not able to follow the lead of mid-west Republicans or southern Republicans in advancing the party in this state. West Virginia as a state doesn't like to be pigeon holed. We don't fit neatly where others wish us to be.

In Joel Garreau's book The Nine Nations of North America he lays out 9 distinct regions across North America that share cultural and economic connections. Again West Virginia defied description. In good economic times he stated we are part of the industrial north, and in bad times we belong to Dixie.

We have been very successful in not allowing others to define us. However under the Democratic leadership of the past 50 plus years we have managed to define ourselves economically as 50th. While we used to say, "Hey, at least we are not Mississippi" now Mississippians are saying, "Hey, at least we are not West Virginia."

Now is the time for West Virginia to redefine its economic self. We must do this from the inside with changes in leadership. We have allowed the party of 50th define us, now it is time for a change. We have no place to go but up. We need leadership that understands economic freedom brings prosperity. If the WV Republican Party can get out the message they are that party the future may begin to get brighter.

The Memory of Johnny Reb

On a business trip to Richmond last week I decided in the little free time I had to try and poke around to see some of the city's history. Whoever kept up the John Marshall House did an outstanding job. The gardens are beautiful and the whole property is a fitting memorial to this influential, but unprententious great American.

The memory of Richmond's temporary status as a national capital (at least according to some folks) has not survived nearly as well. Jefferson Davis while chief executive of the Confederate States lived in that country's own version of the White House. The rear of that building has fallen into disrepair as the gigantic Virginia Commonwealth University hospital has grown up on three sides of it. Behind the Confederate White House sits the Museum of the Confederacy, a typically ugly 1970s looking structure more reminiscent of the Soviet Union than the Old Dominion. The effect created by the position under the towers of the surrounding hospital is not unlike the shoving of unwanted items into a closet.

Richmond has grown into a vibrant community striving to portray a new face of ethnic diversity and a dynamism fit for the 21st century. It obviously has tensions regarding its past role as leading city of the Confederate States of America. This need not be the case.

The memory of the Confederacy has suffered over the years from an oversimplified approach. People want conflicts painted in a "good guys versus bad guys" manner and the Civil War belies that. Although slavery played a role in the coming of the Civil War it was not the main cause. The rights of the states and defense of one's homeland mobilized many hearts to fight for the South. Thomas "Stonewall" Jackson was considered a campus radical in Virginia for constantly breaking the laws concerning the education of slaves. He opposed the institution as did Robert E. Lee. At the close of the war, a regiment of black troops in Confederate gray marched through Richmond. Slavery was a tremendous injustice and contributed to the Southern defeat, but it did not make Southerners "bad guys."

Northern heroism deserves just as much mention. Thomas Carskadon of New Creek among many others risked his life for the dual principles of the State of West Virginia and the Republican Party. It is fitting that both Confederates and Unionists receive respect and admiration for defending their countries and standing by their principles even when it meant sometimes sacrificing all.

Finish It Already!

Representative Steven King (R) Iowa has a point, although he did bring it forth in a very melodramatic fashion.

In a committee meeting concerning the budget of the FBI, King proposed that $1 million be allocated to finish the federal investigation of Representative Alan Mollohan (D) 1st district. Although he did not mention Mollohan by name, his description left no illusion to whom he referred.

In a sense it was a cheap political ploy to return Mollohan's name to the news to counter the investigation of Republican Senator Ted Stevens, but it does raise a real problem. West Virginia's voters need to know the truth about their congressman. Mollohan himself would probably sleep better with closure, if he is indeed not guilty. Long drawn out investigations of public officials either destroy the reputation of the innocent or perpetuate mistrust of a government system that allows criminals to keep office. Although Mollohan acted correctly in recusing himself from deliberations concerning the Department of Justice, the cloud remains in place until the investigation reaches a conclusion.

The next congressional elections are coming up quickly. Voters, potential candidates, and the incumbent himself need to know where this investigation is going. The First District deserves nothing less than the truth on this matter as quickly as possible.

Michael Garrison Visits Potomac State College

Potomac State College welcomed incoming West Virginia University president Michael Garrison today. In front of perhaps sixty faculty, administrators, staff, alumni, and other locals, Garrison held a question and answer session that lasted around an hour and a half.


Many questioned the process that led to Garrison's hiring. He held a post in the administration of Governor Bob Wise and had strong connections with state higher education officials. Garrison came under fire even before his hiring. West Virginia University faculty argued that his law degree and state government experience failed to meet the standard of credentials that a university president should have. Garrison's supporters reasoned that political experience and connections would be an asset to a university president trying to fight for a proper share of the state budget.


In any event, Garrison was chosen to lead West Virginia University and by extension Potomac State College. His visit to Keyser formed part of a tour of all the university's branch campuses to hear the comments and concerns people have with WVU leadership. Most comments centered around the expansion undertaken in the past two years under outgoing president David Hardesty. Enrollment and capital expenditures increased dramatically in that period.


Garrison gave a few clues about his vision for the future of the school. He repeatedly emphasized "managed growth." This indicates a conservative outlook about making sure the school has resources before more expansion occurs. Resources not only include the budget, but also faculty, staff, and infrastructure.


Some criticism centered around Garrison's youth, but he handled a few difficult questions well and with assurance. His comments about West Virginia University and Potomac State leave a lot of room for optimism. Garrison is not the empty political suit that some made him out to be. However time will tell whether his vision unfolds successfully or not. Other clues to that vision can be found in statements to the Charleston Daily Mail that he considers athletic success to play a prominent role in the university's image.


Garrison's youth and quick rise to prominence as captain of the state's flagship institution most certainly begs the question about his future. Likely if his presidency proves successful, Garrison will become one more Democratic Party name with whom Republicans will have to contend.

The Fine Art of Persuasion

Persuasion is less a science and more of an art form. However this art, like many, has maxims that hold truth. For instance, say you generate a message. This year it sounds preposterous, right on the edge of believability. However get some money, celebrities, and experts to sign on and you have a fringe movement. Repeat the message often enough and it creeps onto the edge of respectability. From there it becomes accepted. Left wingers specialize in manipulations like this and we have seen it. Mountaintop removal will destroy every mountain in West Virginia. Global warming exists and it will destroy mankind.

Why does the Left not advance arguments that they can more firmly ground in fact? For example, every global warming story relies on correlations. You can draw correlations between the drop in popularity of baseball and the dubious climate change numbers they offer. These messages rely on their very extremism, not facts. They assume that people may not swallow the whole idea at once, but act on the principle of "where there's smoke, there's fire."

The more extreme the message, the more you can shift people's attitudes in the long run, potentially anyway. We can argue that mountaintop removal mining has benefits and drawbacks and that coal companies ought to respect as much as possible the environment they affect. Also we can argue that reducing pollution through technology and other means is a commendable goal. However since those ideas are not that far from people's mainstream points of view, they do not cause major shifts in popular belief. It's easier for liberal leftists to say that all the mountains will be gone someday or that the world will end up uninhabitable. Some may balk at what I am saying, but think of the pro-abortion and animal rights movements over history. Look at how messages currently undermine the idea that a person has the right to eat what he or she wants and the responsibility to deal with the consequences.

What is the point in the Left's messages? It is anti-capitalism and anti-freedom plain and simple. Some of the messages show some coordination, others are merely inspired. An element in the United States wants to fundamentally change how people in general view economics and society. They want to move the country farther away from individual rights and responsibilities towards a collective mentality where government acts as parent. Or perhaps as Big Brother.

They cannot do it directly through revolution so they attack on the fringes using proxy issues. The base messages are always the same. Capitalism is evil. People are not smart enough to take care of themselves or their environment. Authority needs to do it for them. Perhaps if more people become aware of how the messages try to manipulate them, they will know to resist them. They are counting on you to not think about what they say, but to accept it even just partially. Don't do them the favor of unconditionally accepting it.

How Powerful Is the Liberal Media?

From time to time people like to question the real power that the liberal media has over public perception. Consider these facts and then think about all the recent stories citing polls that say Americans think the country is going in the wrong direction.

The Dow Jones Industrial Average just topped 14,000 for the first time ever. Our economy has expanded constantly since 2001 despite attack, war, and natural disaster.

The United States has not been attacked since 2001. Sure Al Quaida was just called the most dangerous terror threat to the United States, but that has been the case since the 1990s.

Iraq currently has a government with over a million civil servants. They also have 55,000 police officers with 3,500 graduating into the force every two months. A stock exchange has operated there for almost three years. According to Lieutenant General Graeme Lamb of the British Army, coalition forces now work in various areas to construct economic and political structures that thrive even when they leave. Terrorists have fewer and fewer places to operate as a result.

Thirty years ago the liberal media called attention to starving children in Appalachia. Now it blasts the government for callously letting poor children get too fat.

In what other country at any other time did every individual have so much opportunity to better themselves through education? Well, name a country that did not tax the individual at over 50% once they did make something of themselves.

The people of France and Germany (who we have been told despise the United States) both elected governments in the last few years determined to not only have better relations with America, but reform their economies to be more like the US!

This country is going in the right direction in many ways. The groundwork started with President Reagan who created a foundation of power and prosperity that makes us the envy of the world. Every responsible person should look at our country and the blessings of liberty and opportunity it bestows upon us all and thank the leaders who helped bring us to this point in history. Next year voters need to remember which party has consistently worked for the strengthening of our nation as opposed to condemning basic American values and choose accordingly.