Feingold Isn't Listening

Interesting post from Boots and Sabers today covering Senator Feingold's recent listening sessions up in Washington county.

Most telling, perhaps, is the news coming from Deekaman over at Beer, Bicycles and the VRWC:

...Deekawife 3.0 went to Senator Feingold's (I'm not) Listening Session at MATC today. The crowd was overwhelmingly against his stands on Obamacare and Cap & Tax.

He didn't care.

As mentioned in the comments over at Boots and Sabers, if the GOP can find a viable candidate, things could go very badly for Feingold come November.

In other news, I'm considering a name change for this blog, and (hopefully) will begin posting more regularly.

Bragging on Sen. Mary Lazich

Blowing the dust off this place to share a story with any of you that might actually still read my ramblings about a recent experience with the DMV, and the action taken by my state senator, Mary Lazich, to make things right.

Yesterday (Monday), I went to get my most recently purchased car titled in my name and to have the plates transferred so they would track back to the car. Not trusting the DMV any farther than I can throw them (after having to deal with the aftermath of their ineptitude many times in the past), I decided it would be best to take care of all this in person, in spite of the $5 counter service fee. When my number was called, I went up to the window to conduct my business and get the car titled and registered. Now, here's where things get interesting. I live in the city of Franklin, but because of the way the USPS handles things, the mail goes through Milwaukee, and so when my address is standardized by their computers, it comes up as Milwaukee. As a result, when I went to the DMV's website to put in my change of address after moving, I tried putting in Franklin just to see what would happen, and the site kicked it back out, and would only accept my address when I put in Milwaukee as the city. No big deal, except that the city of Milwaukee charges a $20 wheel tax, which I have no intention of paying, as I don't owe it. All of that to say, on my title application, I put in my city as Milwaukee, but filled in the line on the form specifying that the car is kept in the city of Franklin (and therefore not subject to the wheel tax). The clerk at the counter called this into question, which would have been fine had he not been so rude about it, even after I tried to explain to him that if he put my application into his computer and put in Franklin for the city, it would be kicked back out. He didn't care about that, insisted that it had to be one or the other, and put the city in as Milwaukee without entering in the information about the car being kept in the city of Franklin, and accused me of trying to avoid paying the wheel tax. He was right about that, but he thought I was trying to do something illegal. Needless to say, seeing as he ultimately works for me, I wasn't pleased about the treatment I received. When I got home, I emailed the DMV as well as Mary Lazich's office to tell them about my experience. Fast forward to today (Tuesday). I got a call from the state Department of Transportation. Sen. Lazich (or someone from her office) got in touch with the DOT, told them what happened, and the DOT called to let me know that they had entered into their system that my car is in fact kept in Franklin, and therefore not subject to the wheel tax, which they tell me will not be added to my renewal next year.

Long story short, I'm still not pleased with the way I was treated by the DMV (although the DOT tells me that my complaint was forwarded to the supervisor at the office I went to), but I'm very pleased that Sen. Lazich's office took action on my behalf to make things right. She has definitely won my vote for re-election.

I Will Not Buy Another Frommer's Travel Guide

Because Arthur Frommer thinks that people who legally carry guns are "thugs".

Hat tip Fox News

Political Triage

Verum Serum has a great post up on the current political salvos from the Obama administration; Justice Sotomayer, the energy bill, and health care reform. Boiled down, it looks like this:
-Sotomayer: let it go. We're not going to win this one, and it's not going to change the balance on the Supreme Court.
-Cap and Trade: make them wait. If Obama and the Democrats have to wait, we can focus on the most pressing matter (below), and the whole thing will (ideally) get the media attention it deserves, making people realize that it's a disaster.
-Health Care Bill: oppose the "public option." This thing is a huge disaster, not to mention a back door to government-run healthcare. This is the big one, and we need to make sure it doesn't happen.

This is just the bullet points; go read the whole thing. It's worth it.

Obamamania Has Officially Gone Overboard

As evidenced by the Chia Obama. That is, of course, to say nothing of the Barack Obama Action Figure.

H/T marko

House Joint Resolution 5

When I got on Facebook tonight upon getting home from work, I had a cause invitation from a friend to join a cause he had created, opposing House Joint Resolution 5. Being intrigued, I followed the link, and not wanting to be taken in by something that was not in fact real, I did some digging. Rest assured, this is very real, and very scary. Here's the breakdown, with a little constitutional history lesson thrown in for good measure:

The 22nd Amendment (link will take you to the Wikipedia article) states that a president may not serve more than two terms, consecutive or not, unless the president took over for someone else, and has served more than two years of that person's term as president, in which case the person that took over can only be elected to the presidency once, and cannot be re-elected. I highly recommend reading the Wikipedia article.

A search of the Library of Congress' aptly named Thomas site brings up House Joint Resolution 5, sponsored by Democratic Rep. Jose Serrano of New York, currently under consideration by the House Judiciary Committee. The purpose of this resolution is to repeal the 22nd amendment, thereby making it possible for a president to serve as many terms as he or she can be elected to, much the way FDR was, who, by the way, was elected to his fourth term in 1944 and died in office in 1945.

Long story short, if this thing goes all the way, Obama (or anyone else, really), could keep being perpetually re-elected. I don't care who's in office; the 22nd Amendment serves a purpose and needs to stay. As Jefferson said (with apologies for my updated take), if that happens, POTUS could be for life, and would become an inheritance, not an elected position, which flies in the face of why we started this nation all those years ago. We elect a president, not a king.

As of right now, I've sent an email off to my representative (Paul Ryan), and I'm hoping to hear back from him soon. I've also joined the cause on Facebook; if you'd like to do the same, click the link below. I plan to fight this every step of the way and make sure this doesn't happen.

I guess now we know where Obama's "eight to ten years" statement comes into play, eh? (Assuming that one hasn't reached its expiration date)

UPDATE: Join the Cause "Americans Against H. J. Res. 5" on Facebook

The ACLU Has Officially Gone Off the Deep End

As evidenced by the news that they are opposing the I-94 Widening Project on the grounds that it is harmful to minorities and low-income groups. You really can't make this stuff up.

H/T Glenn at Badger Blogger

Romney on the Detroit Big Three

Excellent op-ed piece in the New York Times (of all places) by former Republican presidential nominee Mitt Romney on the bailout the Big Three are seeking. What I really appreciate about this is that he doesn't just say let them fail, he outlines what they can do to regain their footing, and what the government can do to help them. As he states in the article, his dad was brought on to run American Motors after the death of its president, and he learned a lot from that. His most important point, though, is that if Detroit wants help from the government, they need to create a win-win situation, which they haven't done yet. Go read the whole thing; it's not long, and I guarantee it's worth it.

Side Note: Post number 75! 100 here we come!

Big Three Bailout: Not So Fast

CNN is reporting this afternoon that while Congress intends to keep the Big Three afloat, they will need to show what it is they are going to do with the $25 Billion they are after. Said Pelosi: "This is an important industry in our country and we intend to save it. Until they show us a plan we cannot show them the money."

While I don't think a bailout of the Big Three is a great idea (they got themselves into this mess, let them go to bankruptcy court and get themselves out, not to mention the first bailout was supposed to get credit flowing again), there is no doubt in my mind that it will happen. I am at least encouraged that Congress is not going to simply throw good money after bad. But, here's the catch; most of the members of Congress are going to be leaving town on Thursday, and aren't expected back until next year. So, if this doesn't get done by Thursday... things will get interesting, fast.

Another Place where Photo ID Is Required

As I have mentioned before on this blog, I am currently enrolled part time at MATC, attending classes at the downtown campus. As I was walking back to my car after class today, I passed the Student Accounts window, where students can pick up financial aid checks. Prominently displayed is a sign stating that in order to do so, a student must present their valid MATC Student ID card and... a driver's license, state ID, or Milwaukee County ID.

And yet, MATC brings in Jim Doyle to speak to the student body. The same Jim Doyle who has opposed Voter ID at every turn. In order to pick up a financial aid check at MATC, I need a photo ID. But in order to vote, all I have to do is walk in and tell them my name.

What's wrong with this picture?

Milwaukee Labor's Obama Love Fest

As I've mentioned previously on the blog, my dear mother has worked for Milwaukee County for over 25 years, and as a member of the AFL-CIO/Milwaukee Area Labor Council (translation: union), she receives their Labor Press newspaper periodically. I've never paid much attention to it in the past (truth be told, neither did she), but lately I've taken to glancing over it, as much of the content has been political in nature. Previously, I covered Lt. Governor Barbara Lawton's foul mouth in regard to the County Executive race. Now, they've got a much bigger fish to fry; the White House, and getting Obama into it.

According to their front page article, "it seems that Republicans can only win November 4 by discouraging voter turnout, while the Democrats must strive for record turnout to guarantee a mandate for change." Yeah, change; the only thing we'll have left if BHO becomes POTUS. They talk about how he's raising more money than McCain; no mention of the fact he did this by bailing out of the public financing system he said he was going to use, and of course no mention of the fact that there are virtually NO safeguards in place to keep people from outside the US, or even people that don't exist, from donating to his campaign, which has been covered elsewhere.

Here's another fantastic quote: "Obama has been a balanced steady voice with practical ideas through the economic disaster." Practical? Like, say, allowing people to pull up to $10,000 out of their 401K plans, which will further depress the stock market? Like "spreading the wealth around," as he puts it? I could go on.

Go read the whole thing, if you can. I can't stomach it.

Hooters in Brookfield?

When pigs fly, maybe.

A post on JSOnline's Newswatch blog this evening informs us that Hooters of America has obtained the building that formerly housed Pedro's, along with their long-term lease. Mayor Jeff Speaker could not be reached for comment, but one alderman (not identified in the post) has already received an objection from a Brookfield resident.

Here's the best part:

Mike McNeil, Hooters' vice president of marketing, said he did not expect any controversy and believed the eatery would be well-received by patrons.

Well received? No controversy? In the city that wanted McDonald's to not use their trademark Golden Arches on the rebuild of their Moorland Road location, going so far as to say that they couldn't be so much as etched in glass in more than two windows? The city that pitched a proper fit over the La Quinta's two-tone paint job? Not to mention the outcry over the trim (yes, the TRIM) on The Fresh Market? He seriously thinks Brookfield is just going to let them set up shop?

Mr. McNeil, whatever it is you're smoking, please remember that it's polite to share.

JS Editorial: "Nope, No Media Filtering Here"

Yeah, right. The JS, in an editorial in today's paper, denies that there is any media filtering going on with Sarah Palin. Unfortunately, that's just not true.

As shown elsewhere in the blogosphere, the MSM has been making edits that have either hurt Palin, helped Obama, or both.

Nope, nothing to see here, move along, these aren't the droids you're looking for.

H/T to Verum Serum and The Mark Levin Show

Understatement of the Week Award

In the Student Center at MATC, relaxing and surfing between classes while watching MSNBC. They had on a newscaster from Anchorage, who said that Joe Biden has a "tendency" toward gaffes.

Understatement of the week? That might be the understatement of the campaign so far...

The Real Culprit Behind the Fannie/Freddie Meltdown

From an editorial in Investors Business Daily:

Obama in a statement yesterday blamed the shocking new round of subprime-related bankruptcies on the free-market system, and specifically the "trickle-down" economics of the Bush administration, which he tried to gig opponent John McCain for wanting to extend.

But it was the Clinton administration, obsessed with multiculturalism, that dictated where mortgage lenders could lend, and originally helped create the market for the high-risk subprime loans now infecting like a retrovirus the balance sheets of many of Wall Street's most revered institutions.

Go read the rest.

H/T Verum Serum

Where Were You

when the world stopped turning on that September day?



I was working at Pizzeria Uno in Elm Grove at the time. I started work at 8AM, like I usually did. I was a prep cook at the time, working in the back of the house. We had a feed of the jukebox, so I didn't hear anything that was going on.

Around 10AM, when the servers started arriving, I'd go out to the front drink station to get something to drink. The servers were all at the bar, as they usually were. Today, though, something was very different. Usually, they were watching The Price is Right; kind of a goofy tradition, but it was fun. Not today, though. Today, I walked out to the bar to find CNN on the TV. When I asked what was going on, they told me; somebody flew a plane into the side of the World Trade Center.

I had to get back to work, but we had a TV in the back of the house, near the mananger's office, which was tuned in to the news for the rest of the day. I would stop back for updates as I could. That night, I went down to First Assembly of God in Kenosha, WI, to hear Steve Hill of the Brownsville Revival speak. We had been planning the trip for a few weeks, and decided that in light of the events of the day, there was no place else we'd rather be than in a church, praying for our country. To this day, I remember one of the men in our church telling us that his brother was a manager of a floor of an office building near the WTC, who had gotten one of the last calls going out, only to tell them he was OK. It had been hours since anyone had heard from him. Hours that seemed like eternity.

In the days that followed, I got on with the business of life; going to work, going to church, that sort of thing. But I knew that our country would never be the same. Some time after the attacks, I was going through some pictures I had taken on a trip to New York in February of that year. In among them was a picture of the Twin Towers with the sun setting between them, that I had taken from New York Harbor. We had gone on a dinner and dancing cruise, and took plenty of pictures. In light of what had happened, it was poignant, for lack of a better word.

Seven years later, I sit at my desk at home, having come home from two classes at MATC today, getting ready to go to work tonight. In some ways, it seems like a long time ago, and in others, it seems like only yesterday. I hope to make it back to New York City someday, and see where the towers once stood.

I will always remember, the eleventh of September, when our world stopped, and our country changed forever. Tomorrow, we can get back to the elections, the political issues we debate so often, all of that. For today, let us remember what happened that day, and remember those who lost their lives. Let us remember those who gave their lives in defense of our country, and pray for those who are still defending us at home and abroad. And let us pray, and work, and hope, so that such a tragedy never befalls us again.

Round Four (Five?) for Ralph Nader

Ralph Nader was on CNN today, talking about McCain/Palin, Obama/Biden, and why he's running for president again. Here's a CNN article from February, pointing out that this is his fourth attempt at the White House, fifth if you count his write-in campaign. As I recall (and as CNN pointed out), Nader cost Gore the election in 2000. Of course, Nader went on about how unfair the system is, how it is set up to keep him down, blah blah blah.

Please, please PLEASE let this be true. If it is, Nader may have just handed McCain the White House on a platter.

RIP Don LaFontaine

Deadline Hollywood is reporting at this hour that Don LaFontaine, voice of over 5,000 movie trailers and more than 750,000 TV commercials (featured recently in a Geico insurance commercial) has died at the age of 68, apparently of complications related to a blood clot in the lungs. This story is still developing, so details may change as time goes on.

RIP, Don. This is truly a sad day, not only for Hollywood, but for all of us who are or were professional voices. You gave us something to aspire to, and from what I read, you were a class act.

Hat tip: Pete Republic

A Thought About the Brett Favre Fiasco

It's not Ted Thompson's fault Favre decided to get a diva transplant.

Obama: "Words"