Ninth District politics

While Delegate Morgan Griffith will pick up the Ninth District GOP nod to run against Rick Boucher and has extensive experience within the House of Delegates, I submit that politics as usual will not cut it in the Ninth this year. Need an example? This year is the first in recent memory that a true independent candidate is running. Jeremiah Heaton has already been on the stump in significant ways.

Traditionally, the Ninth has reelected Boucher on the strength of his efforts in the coalfield counties such as Buchanan, Wise and Dickenson. Why does Boucher perform well in coal country? He’s in the pocket of Cecil Roberts and the UMWA. Boucher will spend most of his time in District in Abingdon or in the coal counties. I can understand that, one has to keep his bread buttered. I submit that this year may present a different outcome.

Current dissatisfaction with Congress is not necessarily limited to just Democrats. Anger with incumbents reach across party lines. Mr. Morgan, Mr. Heaton and Mr. Boucher would all be well advised to remember this. The American people and the people of the Ninth District want real solutions. They want real, good paying jobs in the manufacturing sector. They want our coal jobs to remain where they are, in the Ninth District. The people of the Ninth District do not want politics as usual.

Washington County is in dire need of good manufacturing jobs to bolster a sagging economy. The new Lowe’s has provided much needed jobs, but we have several industrial parks sitting empty with infrastructure available to companies who would be willing to invest in the site and in the community. Companies rumored to have been interested are TRW, Toyota among others. Why is the Glade Highlands Industrial Park sitting empty? Where are the good paying jobs Mr. Boucher assured us would come.

Perhaps the most indicative indicator is Mr. Boucher’s support of the so-called Cap and Trade legislation. According to the Heritage Foundation, Virginia will lose 26,604 jobs while raising electricity prices by $532.18 per household. These numbers are for the timeframe 2012 – 2035, or 23 years.On average, Virginia will lose almost 1,200 jobs a year. Why did Boucher vote for Cap and Tax?

Last year, Crystal Clear Conservative asked if Boucher could kiss his seat goodbye. At the time, I was skeptical. Now, not so much.

Ron Paul: Right on the Money

This article from Ron Paul articulates the correct view of health care. In the market, health care is a good, not a right. Give this a read.

Obama Blame Game

If you are interested at all in what ideas are being put forth by House Conservatives, I highly recommend bookmarking the Republican Study Committee website. From legislative bulletins to Money Monitors, this caucus of House Conservatives will provide ammunition against liberals and their agenda.

 

Delusional?

Does Barack Obama really think that throwing away billions of American taxpayers’ hard earned dollars has done anything constructive? I suppose so according to this snippet. Coupled with the fact that the Waxman-Markey cap and tax regime that just passed the House, the question now becomes, does Barack Obama really know what he’s doing or is he just following George Soros’ instructions? (By the way, Move On believes the Waxman Markey bill does not go far enough.)

Senseless and Cowardly

UPDATE: More condemnation from the pro-life community continues to pour in after Dr. George Tiller was murdered Sunday in his church. Dr. Albert Mohler, one of the Southern Baptist Convention’s leading thinkers and ardent pro-lifer, had this to say:

We have no right to take the law into our own hands in an act of criminal violence.  We are not given the right to take this power into our own hands, for God has granted this power to governing authorities.  The horror of abortion cannot be rightly confronted, much less corrected, by means of violence and acts outside the law and lawful means of remedy.  This is not merely a legal technicality -- it is a vital test of the morality of the pro-life movement.

The Family Foundation today publicly denounced the murder of Dr. Tiller in Kansas. This act of senseless violence is in no way representative of the vast majority of pro-life Americans who seek the end of abortion. Below is the text of The Family Foundation’s release:

Victoria Cobb, President

Sunday, May 31, 2009

Information Alert: Statement on Murder of Dr. George Tiller

The Family Foundation of Virginia denounces the act of unimaginable cowardice perpetrated today in Kansas. Whatever person or persons involved in the seemingly premeditated murder of George Tiller at a church service should be prosecuted to the fullest extent of the law.

The murder of Dr. Tiller betrays not only the principle of God to value all human life but also the true purpose and intent of the vast majority of Americans who seek to end the destruction of unborn human life. We seek to protect all human life because we believe that all persons are created with the image of God. The sanctity of human life must be protected, but only through vigorous, legal efforts in state houses and court rooms.

We call on all Virginians to pray for the Tiller family and all those who will be affected by this tragedy.

I condemn this act of cowardice as murder and call on my fellow pro-life activists to do the same. My prayers and condolences to the Tiller family.

UVa – Wise to begin ROTC program

This is a great step for the Wise County college. Once known as Clinch Valley College, the Cavaliers will begin offering the ROTC program under the auspices of the current program at East Tennessee State University.

While at ETSU, I had the opportunity to tour the ROTC barracks and their training facilities. Both are impressive and will enable the UVa – Wise program to get a foothold into the ROTC world. Congratulations to the UVa – Wise Cavaliers for this positive step forward.

Boucher is protested

H/T to Article XI:

 

Looks like the Feckless One is getting hammered from both sides. I have no sympathy for these idiots who disrupt public business, but I find it amusing that our Congressman is protested by environmental groups when he supports Waxman’s horrible legislation.

As to the protesters, come to Buchanan or Dickenson Counties and try that. You’d be run out and tarred and feathered. These idiots don’t realize that coal drives the electricity they use to blog by, it drives the electricity that heats their water when they shower. Idiots!!!

These type of protests accomplish nothing but a criminal record and bad press for your cause. You want to protest? Fine. Find a place where no public proceedings will be interrupted. As to Congressman Boucher, I hope he realizes that coal UMWA is what is keeping him in office. He sells out again, he may be out of a job come 2010.

Obama at ND Round Up

Given the vast amount of posts out there in blogland… I thought I would take the time to link to a few of them.

 

Virginia Virtucon : Notre Dame: The Sell Out Irish

Washington Examiner :Obama tries spin moves to Dodge ND tacklers

The Right Wing Liberal : The importance of Obamas appearance at ND.

From on High : There is no middle ground here sir

 

And just to be fair minded:

Virginia Dem: Commencement Remarks “Fair Minded”

Blue Virginia: Highlights of Obama’s Speech at ND

Rick Warren on Larry King

 

NOTE: Read this article from the Baptist Banner which fills in gaps in the King interview

 

I know this has made the rounds. For those who stand for traditional marriage, this is an important segment to watch. This man is a pastor and marriage is “not even his agenda?” He even calls himself an evangelical? The Bible tells us that we will give an accounting of all our idle words. These words are not merely foolish things we’ve said, but also things that we shouldn’t have said that is contrary to the Word of God. Rick Warren, as will Charlie Fugate and everyone else for that matter, will give an accounting for his stance.

What is not mentioned here is that Warren did indeed meet with his congregation and express support for Prop 8. Which is it Pastor Warren? Yes or no. Do you support gay marriage or traditional marriage.

 

 

If you notice the crawler at the bottom, people come out for and against Mr. Warren’s stance. It’s a mixed bag.

Unusual

Ok, I know what the organizers had in mind when coming up with the title “GrassFest,” but knowing East Tennessee and Southwest Virginia, there will be those showing up expecting the “wacky tobaccy”.  That’s just how things go here in the Ninth.

Jonesborough traffic cameras: The other side’s take

I posted on the recent protests over the use of Redflex cameras at the three major intersections in Jonesborough, TN. I thought that while the protest group was generally respectful and well organized, I made the point that I thought removal of the cameras would be a hard sell to the citizens of Jonesborough. Turns out, I was right.

In spite of the more than 400 petition signatures collected at Saturdays rally to ban Redflex cameras in Jonesborough, several residents say they feel much safer driving through the intersections because of the traffic camera system.

John Browning is a resident of downtown Jonesborough and travels through the three intersections with the cameras several times a day.

“It has always been a danger because you can’t predict what people are going to do,” Browning said “People are frequently running the red lights and speeding.”
He said one situation that often affects him is when he wants to make a right turn at a red light. He said he could pull up to the light, stop and see that he has plenty of room to pull out, but if the opposite traffic light turns yellow people would often speed up.

“All of a sudden they are right on me,” Johnson said. “It’s kind of like being a target in a shooting gallery.”

Ok, I know I live in Virginia, but I can speak with some authority on this because I have travelled those intersections numerous times while at East Tennessee State University. It seems to me that in this case, public safety would trump whatever issues would arise. That was my point in my previous post. It is hard to argue, even when you are right, with quantifiable data.

Disrespect for authority

I believe that when authority is corrupt, there is no authority. However, this young man blatantly breached his “contract” with his school and I have no sympathy for him at all. He’s cashing in on a decision to break the rules. He knew going in that this was part of the school’s position. His parents could have disagreed and went elsewhere.

During an interview with Harry Smith, Frost explained that his private Christian school does have a contract stipulating "no dancing." However, he didn't believe it should include dancing outside of school. So, despite a stiff warning from his principal, he went to his girlfriend's prom at another school. He has since been suspended and won't be allowed to take his final exams on time or graduate with the rest of his class.

It’s not been so long ago that we had a president who did away with inaugural balls because his conscience forbade him to dance. I’m not saying dancing is bad, but when your school sets policy guidelines and then you intentionally break those guidelines, you get what you deserve(please note the bold sentence above.) This young Mr. Frost is paying the price for breaking the rules. Isn’t that what our society is predicated on? The rule of law? Sure, this isn’t public law. However, for this school, this rule was law.

Truck stop at Meadowview

UPDATE: The take from Washington County News on the split between residents.

 

The Washington County School Board passed a unanimous resolution opposing the construction of a Love’s Travel Center at Exit 24. This is the same exit at which the Meadowview Elementary School is located. While the jobs are needed in the community, there is tremendous cost associated with the construction of this truck stop.

1.) The road is very narrow and would require extensive reconstruction in order to accommodate the increased traffic. Will the developer pay for the renovation to the road?

2.) With the increase in traffic, what steps will be taken to ensure that Meadowview Elementary School will remain safe and relatively quiet for the students there?

3.) Comments have been made that eventually the school will close and move elsewhere. Has a feasibility study been made to that end?  What potential locations have been discussed along these lines?

 

Many supporters of the truck stop cite the need for jobs as the overriding factor in this equation. However, the potential impact on the school does need to be taken into consideration. Those who live in the Monroe District know that comparing this proposed truck stop and the one at Exit 29 is like comparing apples and oranges. The location of Meadowview Elementary is much closer to the interstate than is Glade Spring Middle School.  I believe this has been poorly thought out and the children in the school are going to pay the price for it.

Also, there is at least one individual who stands to personally gain from the construction of this truck stop. He owns a towing and repair business directly across from the proposed site and would see a dramatic increase in his personal business from it. That’s great. I have no problem with someone increasing their bottom line. Let’s just see that every angle has been covered

Relieved

Putting partisan politics aside for a moment I’m thankful that Senator Creigh Deeds was not injured and that the occupants in the other vehicle were released after observation. As partisans(unless you happen to think its ok to wish for someone to die), it is sometimes hard to remember that we’re dealing with human beings. My best wishes to Senator Deeds and the occupants of the other vehicle.

An example

Now, the New York Times is not exactly my favorite newspaper. In fact, I wouldn’t normally even use it to line a litter box for a cat. However, there is an article that illustrates my point that I made in “Obama’s Credit Adventure.”

 

But Eddie Ward, 32 and jobless, may be one reason that rule of thumb no longer holds. For many lenders, losses are now starting to outpace layoffs.

Mr. Ward, of Arkansas, lost his job at a retail warehouse in April and so far has managed to make minimum payments on his credit card debt, which he estimates at $15,000 to $20,000. Asked whether he thinks he will be able to pay off his balance, he said, “Not unless I win the lottery.”

In the meantime, he said, “I’m just doing what I can.”

I am truly sorry that Mr. Ward lost his job. Many Americans are going through that right now. However, there are two points I’d like to make about his situation.

1.) He ESTIMATES his debt – People, unless you are absolutely destitute and have no home address at all, you should know EXACTLY what your credit card debt is. There should be no reason at all to have to estimate anything regarding your debt. My father taught me that if I had to use credit at all, that I should be able to pay what I owe at one time. That’s it. Know what you owe and when you owe it.

2.) Debt between $15,000 to $20,000. This is the lack of consumer responsibility I mentioned in the earlier post. Why in the world would you run up that much debt just on credit cards when you know it will come due. Oh, that’s right, let the banks just write it off. Please. A responsible consumer would use the credit cards at a minimum and even then would pay off every red cent that was due. I’m sorry, but if you don’t have enough foresight to understand that job loss could happen to you, you deserve what you get.  Should Mr. Ward continue to pay the minimum payments, he’ll be paying on that debt the rest of his life. The problem is not a lack of disclosures, but irresponsible consumers. Sometimes, the customer is NOT always right.

Dr. Webb?

Jim “Foot-in-Mouth” Webb, Virginia’s senior Senator, delivered the keynote address at Emory and Henry College’s commencement yesterday. I attended EHC and this doesn’t surprise me. I realize that it is customary to award honorary degrees to noteworthy speakers, but I just can’t seem to be able to call him Dr. Webb. Personally, the campus and its people are among the most friendly I’ve encountered. However, the conservative viewpoint is an endangered species at Emory and Henry and is generally drown out by the liberal activists.  My advisor and I spoke at great length during “advising” sessions about my personal politics. Dr. Lane, if you ever read this, I appreciate your drive to make me say “why” I believe what I do.

O is for Obfuscator

At least that’s my take on this article from today’s The Hill online. Calling for credit card reform, the Spender-in-Chief is coming up with creative means to bilk the hard working Americans who pay their credit cards ON TIME!!! Just when you think the talk coming out of Washington is the murkiest it can be, the Chief Obfuscator takes it to a whole new level with this:

Obama called for stronger consumer protections from credit card companies, including credit card statements with cleared language and stronger penalties for companies that "take advantage of ordinary Americans."

Credit card reform? How about encouraging the American people to reform their credit behavior? That would be true credit card reform. If you can’t pay cash for it, don’t use a credit card. It’s that simple.

“Take advantage of ordinary Americans.” Typical boilerplate response but the Chief Obfuscator appears to be trying to take a populist approach because he knows that a straight up liberal strategy will not work.

My question is what avenue of private life will the Obfuscator invade next?

Abingdon National Day of Prayer Ceremony

I’ve just returned from the National Day of Prayer ceremony in downtown Abingdon. The attendance was about average for an event at midday during the week. That said, here are a few observations:

 

1.) President Obama and the Congress were tops on the prayer lists of almost everyone there. Sure, there were those who asked for policies to be reversed but the prayers reflected a genuine concern for our nation

 

2.) Each prayer began with a request that the individual(giving the prayer) be revived and rejuvenated to participate in the public life of our nation. There are matters where compromise is amenable, but on matters relating to core beliefs, there can be no room for compromise. (emphasis mine, not the event)

3.) There was ONLY ONE elected official who accepted the invitation to be a part of the event. Delegate Joe P. Johnson of the 4th HOD district. Boucher? Nope. None of the county BOS bothered to show up. I respect Delegate Johnson and appreciate his attendance.

4.) There were no partisan comments directed at a particular party. This event was organized, presented and attended by concerned Christians in our community and county.

5.) A genuine attitude of fellowship and friendship exists in the religious life of Washington County.

If you had a chance to attend an event near you, I trust that your experience was as humbling and moving as mine was.