I'm about to go off to Canada to commune with nature.
Once a year, I join my family at Christie Lake, near Perth, Ontario. While it is a lovely and peaceful place, and although my family loves it, I cannot honestly say that I look forward to the trip.
I am, after all, an urban outdoorsman. My idea of roughing it is no room service. Thank God we have a cabin with an indoor toilet (my absolute minimum requirement). I will spend the next week swatting bugs, listening for animals, and worrying about what I'm missing at work.
The saving grace is that my kids love the place and we will all remember our times at the lake quite fondly. I'm sure I'll never forget the look on my son's face when I took the hook out of a fish's mouth for the first time. I guess that's why I keep going back.
Saturday, June 23, 2007
Wednesday, June 20, 2007
Smile When You Say That
The Democrat and Chronicle reported a story today about a shooting on Kernwood Drive in Gates.The story quoted Gates Police Chief, David DiCaro, to the effect that the shooting may have been drug-related. It is difficult to accept the hard reality that such crimes are pervasive, even in Gates.
I was troubled by a quirky sidelight to the report. The article was accompanied by a small photo of DiCaro. It is the file photo the paper uses every time it quotes him. DiCaro is smiling and was obviously happy at the time that photo was taken. Unfortunately, the last two stories with which the picture appeared were tragic in nature and his demeanor in the picture is not appropriate to the stories.
The Chief should ask the D & C use a picture with a serious expression when the story calls for it.
I was troubled by a quirky sidelight to the report. The article was accompanied by a small photo of DiCaro. It is the file photo the paper uses every time it quotes him. DiCaro is smiling and was obviously happy at the time that photo was taken. Unfortunately, the last two stories with which the picture appeared were tragic in nature and his demeanor in the picture is not appropriate to the stories.
The Chief should ask the D & C use a picture with a serious expression when the story calls for it.
Times They Are A-Changin!
I guess we should shed a tear for formerly Great Britain. And, perhaps, think about what the future holds for societies that will not stand up to radical Islam.
Britain knighted Salman Rushdie of "The Satanic Verses" fame. (Why, I can't imagine.) The predictable result: outrage among Moslems world-wide as well as in Britain. What was far less predictable was a protest in England which included burning Queen Elizabeth in effigy! I would think that such an act would have been unthinkable in England in the not-so-distant past. Today, apparently, as with the abduction of British seaman, such acts are met with a meow rather than a roar from the British lion.
Sadly, formerly Great Britain was our only significant ally in the war aginst radical Islamic terror. I guess we will have to go it alone.
Climate Change Alert!
Don't look now but there is at least one scientist who thinks we need to worry about global cooling!
R. Timothy Patterson, a Canadian geologist and Professor at Carleton University, wrote an article based upon study of centuries worth of core samples from the bottom of deep-water Canadian fjords. His conclusion: we have much more to fear from global cooling than global warming.
While his study does not, on its own, prove anything, it does show that not all the scientific evidence supports the society-wide effort now ramping up to fight global warming. Perhaps we might want to take another look before we commit vast resources to the stop global warming stampede.
Hat-tip to PowerLine.
R. Timothy Patterson, a Canadian geologist and Professor at Carleton University, wrote an article based upon study of centuries worth of core samples from the bottom of deep-water Canadian fjords. His conclusion: we have much more to fear from global cooling than global warming.
While his study does not, on its own, prove anything, it does show that not all the scientific evidence supports the society-wide effort now ramping up to fight global warming. Perhaps we might want to take another look before we commit vast resources to the stop global warming stampede.
Hat-tip to PowerLine.
Monday, June 18, 2007
Bush Goes 0-for-5
As I was looking through my closet for a shirt yesterday, I came across my Hugh Hewitt tee-shirt and stared wistfully at the words written across it.
As you probably know, Hugh Hewitt is a very successful writer, commentator, blogger, and radio talk show host. He wrote a book a couple of years ago entitled "Painting The Map Red". The book contained his "recipe" for the GOP to take firm control of the country.
The shirt has the five basic prescriptions from the book emblazoned across its back:
Win the War
Cut the Taxes
Control the Spending
Confirm the Judges
Secure the Border
It is incredible to realize that had the President and the GOP Congressional majority taken those steps, they would still be the majority party today. Instead, the GOP, ineptly led by the President and his administration, failed on all five counts. As a result, the Democrat party was rescued from the wilderness and it is the Republicans who are in retreat.
As you probably know, Hugh Hewitt is a very successful writer, commentator, blogger, and radio talk show host. He wrote a book a couple of years ago entitled "Painting The Map Red". The book contained his "recipe" for the GOP to take firm control of the country.
The shirt has the five basic prescriptions from the book emblazoned across its back:
Win the War
Cut the Taxes
Control the Spending
Confirm the Judges
Secure the Border
It is incredible to realize that had the President and the GOP Congressional majority taken those steps, they would still be the majority party today. Instead, the GOP, ineptly led by the President and his administration, failed on all five counts. As a result, the Democrat party was rescued from the wilderness and it is the Republicans who are in retreat.
"Shocked, Shocked" Over Prayer at Greece Meeting
Today's Democrat and Chronicle carried a story about the complaint of "a Brighton resident" who was "shocked" to hear a prayer invoking the name of Jesus at a January 16th meeting of the Greece Town Board.
I had previously heard about this story back at the time it happened. I had never heard the reason why the "Brighton resident" was at the meeting. Today's story cleared it up.
The "shocked" Brightonian is one Nancy Braiman, who just happens to be co-coordinator of the Rochester Civil Liberties Coalition, which includes the local ACLU. Linda Stephens of Greece also complained. Ms. Stephens, coincidentally, is a member of Americans United for Separation of Church and State.
Thus, it would appear that the purpose for their being at the meeting was simply to be "shocked" and "offended". Funny how this offensive conduct didn't offend any persons with actual business before the Town Board during the 30+ years they had been having a prayer to start the meeting. Thank God (oh, no, sorry) thank goodness for the ACLU to point out the problem!
I had previously heard about this story back at the time it happened. I had never heard the reason why the "Brighton resident" was at the meeting. Today's story cleared it up.
The "shocked" Brightonian is one Nancy Braiman, who just happens to be co-coordinator of the Rochester Civil Liberties Coalition, which includes the local ACLU. Linda Stephens of Greece also complained. Ms. Stephens, coincidentally, is a member of Americans United for Separation of Church and State.
Thus, it would appear that the purpose for their being at the meeting was simply to be "shocked" and "offended". Funny how this offensive conduct didn't offend any persons with actual business before the Town Board during the 30+ years they had been having a prayer to start the meeting. Thank God (oh, no, sorry) thank goodness for the ACLU to point out the problem!
Saturday, June 16, 2007
Immigration Reform: It Ain't Dead Yet!
Incredibly, President Bush has lobbied hard among GOP Senators to bring the behemoth Immigration Bill back to life.
I find it incredible that George Bush has used up the precious little political capital he has left, to cajole Republicans to destroy their own party. And, apparently, they are willing to go along!
I have previously stated my objections to this bill, so I won't go over that ground again. I can only express my incredulity at the idea that the President, after 6+ years of partisan attack, back-stabbing, and hypocrisy, somehow believes that any of the positive parts of this bill (i.e., the tougher border security, employer enforcement, and, an end to chain migration) will survive legislative repeal once he is replaced by a Democrat .
His current actions on this bill confirm for me that being in Washington saps the judgment, morality, and good sense out of all but the strongest-willed. Obviously, George W. Bush is not one of the exceptions.
I find it incredible that George Bush has used up the precious little political capital he has left, to cajole Republicans to destroy their own party. And, apparently, they are willing to go along!
I have previously stated my objections to this bill, so I won't go over that ground again. I can only express my incredulity at the idea that the President, after 6+ years of partisan attack, back-stabbing, and hypocrisy, somehow believes that any of the positive parts of this bill (i.e., the tougher border security, employer enforcement, and, an end to chain migration) will survive legislative repeal once he is replaced by a Democrat .
His current actions on this bill confirm for me that being in Washington saps the judgment, morality, and good sense out of all but the strongest-willed. Obviously, George W. Bush is not one of the exceptions.
Danger Lurks in Shadows of Fantasy School Tax Plan
The NY State Senate voted this week (by a 60-1 margin) to have the State government fund state-wide school spending to the tune of $9.5 billion. The result would be to eliminate the tax burden on property owners,which, for most taxpayers locally, represents more than 50% of their real property tax bill.
Jay Gallagher, writing in the Democrat & Chronicle correctly characterized the vote and plan as a fantasy. The theory under which State revenues would grow (and outstrip new spending) by an amount sufficient to produce the needed $9.5 billion (without new State taxes), is, at best, flawed and, at worst, utter nonsense. Although it is possible that revenue growth will continue, the past five years have seen spending increases in Albany that, if continued, would eat up any money slated to go to school tax relief.
There is another problem with the idea of the State paying the entire bill that Gallagher did not mention, but which I consider even more important than the financial issues. If the State funded all school activities, would not the State control what activities were permitted? How would school funds be allocated? Would we be able to guarantee that our kids got their fair share of the funds?
The good news is that this idea remains in the realm of Albany fun and fiction. The Assembly has no intention of passing such a bill. The bad news is that, sooner or later, Sheldon Silver and his cohorts will realize what a great way this would be to divert even more money away from "rich" suburban schools to the "poor, down-trodden kids" in inner-city school districts. The lure of a "magic bullet" that will eliminate school taxes will be just the ticket to blind many suburban voters to the fact that they will be losing yet another aspect of local control over their lives.
Jay Gallagher, writing in the Democrat & Chronicle correctly characterized the vote and plan as a fantasy. The theory under which State revenues would grow (and outstrip new spending) by an amount sufficient to produce the needed $9.5 billion (without new State taxes), is, at best, flawed and, at worst, utter nonsense. Although it is possible that revenue growth will continue, the past five years have seen spending increases in Albany that, if continued, would eat up any money slated to go to school tax relief.
There is another problem with the idea of the State paying the entire bill that Gallagher did not mention, but which I consider even more important than the financial issues. If the State funded all school activities, would not the State control what activities were permitted? How would school funds be allocated? Would we be able to guarantee that our kids got their fair share of the funds?
The good news is that this idea remains in the realm of Albany fun and fiction. The Assembly has no intention of passing such a bill. The bad news is that, sooner or later, Sheldon Silver and his cohorts will realize what a great way this would be to divert even more money away from "rich" suburban schools to the "poor, down-trodden kids" in inner-city school districts. The lure of a "magic bullet" that will eliminate school taxes will be just the ticket to blind many suburban voters to the fact that they will be losing yet another aspect of local control over their lives.
Thursday, June 7, 2007
Gates Democrats Bereft of Ideas
I've been involved in a bit of a "battle" with the Gates Blogger and a couple of his readers regarding some local issues.
One of the "correspondents" goes by the name of "Concerned for Gates". Concerned is a strident opponent of Ralph Esposito and the Gates GOP. While he has never identified himself, I'm pretty sure that he is Doug Ross, the Democrat Treasurer. His writing is very similar to Ross' letters to the editor of the Gates-Chili Post.
Concerned is one of those guys who use statistics to prove their points. As we know, you can manipulate statistics to "prove" almost anything. The Democrats, with Ross as their "idea guy" tried to use "statistics" in the 2006 campaign to support their claims that Ralph was leading the Town to ruin.
Their mailouts contained a number of distortions or mis-statements to lead people to erroneous conclusions. These efforts included using inapt graphs regarding tax increases. among other things. The most egregious example was their flyer depicting Town tax revenue vs. expenditures. The graph appeared to show an enormous shortfall. The problem was that the revenue side only included property tax revenue. If you added in non-property tax revenues, the budget balanced.
Sue Swanton and the Democrats have been campaigning against the GOP for 5 years. Yet, in that time, they have never offered any serious alternative operational plan. Ms. Swanton comes to every meeting and she pores over our budget. She has obtained all manner of information through FOIL requests. She and her Democrat colleagues have virtually all of the information Ralph and the Town Board have.
So what are they waiting for? Why have they done nothing but complain (and, go after the Supervisor's car)? It is becoming increasingly obvious that they don't have any better alternatives. They don't have any bold, new ideas which will capture Gates residents' attention. No, bereft of ideas, the Democrats resort to negative campaigning and statistical distortions.
Most people in Gates have figured this out. Politicians who don't offer any alternatives during their campaigns, usually don't have any.
One of the "correspondents" goes by the name of "Concerned for Gates". Concerned is a strident opponent of Ralph Esposito and the Gates GOP. While he has never identified himself, I'm pretty sure that he is Doug Ross, the Democrat Treasurer. His writing is very similar to Ross' letters to the editor of the Gates-Chili Post.
Concerned is one of those guys who use statistics to prove their points. As we know, you can manipulate statistics to "prove" almost anything. The Democrats, with Ross as their "idea guy" tried to use "statistics" in the 2006 campaign to support their claims that Ralph was leading the Town to ruin.
Their mailouts contained a number of distortions or mis-statements to lead people to erroneous conclusions. These efforts included using inapt graphs regarding tax increases. among other things. The most egregious example was their flyer depicting Town tax revenue vs. expenditures. The graph appeared to show an enormous shortfall. The problem was that the revenue side only included property tax revenue. If you added in non-property tax revenues, the budget balanced.
Sue Swanton and the Democrats have been campaigning against the GOP for 5 years. Yet, in that time, they have never offered any serious alternative operational plan. Ms. Swanton comes to every meeting and she pores over our budget. She has obtained all manner of information through FOIL requests. She and her Democrat colleagues have virtually all of the information Ralph and the Town Board have.
So what are they waiting for? Why have they done nothing but complain (and, go after the Supervisor's car)? It is becoming increasingly obvious that they don't have any better alternatives. They don't have any bold, new ideas which will capture Gates residents' attention. No, bereft of ideas, the Democrats resort to negative campaigning and statistical distortions.
Most people in Gates have figured this out. Politicians who don't offer any alternatives during their campaigns, usually don't have any.
No Immigration Bill in 2007? (Hallelujah)
Its possible that the Immigration Bill is dead, at least for this year.
The bill failed a crucial cloture vote today. Democrat majority leader Reid moved on to other business and many analysts think the bill is finished.
Thankfully, a majority of Republicans came to their senses in time to save the country from a true disaster. Clearly, lawmakers had to have taken note of the fact that the grass roots did not support this plan. Recent polls showed less than 25% support for the bill when those polled knew all of the facts. Perhaps even Lindsay Graham had to rethink his position after having been booed at events during the Memorial Day recess.
This shows why the bill's supporters, like John McCain, wanted a quick vote without a chance for amendments, during the week before the recess. They feared, quite accurately, it appears, that the American people would loudly express their displeasure with the plan, once they got to see what was in it. It appears (at least for now) that many GOP Senators got the message.
The bill failed a crucial cloture vote today. Democrat majority leader Reid moved on to other business and many analysts think the bill is finished.
Thankfully, a majority of Republicans came to their senses in time to save the country from a true disaster. Clearly, lawmakers had to have taken note of the fact that the grass roots did not support this plan. Recent polls showed less than 25% support for the bill when those polled knew all of the facts. Perhaps even Lindsay Graham had to rethink his position after having been booed at events during the Memorial Day recess.
This shows why the bill's supporters, like John McCain, wanted a quick vote without a chance for amendments, during the week before the recess. They feared, quite accurately, it appears, that the American people would loudly express their displeasure with the plan, once they got to see what was in it. It appears (at least for now) that many GOP Senators got the message.
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)
