uvAggravator2.0

Or at least that’s what the Falls Church News Press is calling for in its editorial. I happen to partially agree with this editorial. The quote:

It is absurd for the Council to insist that further spending cuts should come equally from the schools as from the general government. Cutting the baby down the middle, King Solomon style, will only kill the baby. The Council needs to make qualitative, not merely quantitative, value judgments, and above all, that means to recognize the City's school system as its most valuable, and valued, asset.

What an absurd analogy!!! Cutting the baby down the middle? I dare any member of any school board in this great Commonwealth to show me where cuts are being made to harm any child in any regard whether physically or through loss of personnel. I submit that the Department of Education be dismantled and that control over education be returned to the states.

As for qualitative values judgments? (Yes, Northern Virginia, we know what that means.) When a school superintendent is facing budget cuts, his first reaction is not qualitative, it is almost assuredly a quantitative assessment. In other words, Where can we make these cuts with the least amount of disruption of our school system?

Sadly, I have to admit that arts programs are usually on the cutting block first. I say sadly because I am a beneficiary of arts in the schools. Particularly the performing arts.

Since I don’t have him in my blogrolls and since I haven’t mentioned him in a long time, go check out my friend Citizen Tom. He’s a breath of fresh air in a maelstrom of car exhaust and hot air in NOVA.

At least, that’s according to Sheriff Fred Newman in today’s BHC. Relatively simple to make and highly dangerous and addictive, Newman has renewed efforts to clamp down on mobile manufacturing of the substance.

At the risk of sounding like my father, it wasn’t that long ago that the worst parents had to fear was catching their kids sneaking a sip of hooch behind the barn. Then we see the use of marijuana increase, and now meth is the drug du jour. Of course, we can’t discount the abuse of prescription pain killers either.

I ramble through that to point out that even with on going law enforcement efforts, manufacturers are becoming harder to catch. I’m glad that Sheriff Newman places such a high priority on this. Let me give you some simple statistics:

• 26 meth labs were seized in Washington County alone in 2005
• Approximately 80 to 90 percent of Washington County’s crime is drug related
• We’re starting to see a large influx of meth from out of state.

They say there’s lies, danged lies, and statistics. I generally agree, but 26 meth labs in one year is a problem.

Now I know that my libertarian friends will argue with me about the use of marijuana and I respect their views, but meth isn’t marijuana and meth carries a higher danger in the production of it. I support Sheriff Newman, and I believe he is doing the best he can with the resources we have.

According to The Hill, Bart Stupak, Michigan Democrat, will retire at the end of this term. Considering his vote on the Health Care debacle, it should not surprise anyone.

Stupak duped pro-life activists AND legislators across the country with his and other “undecided” yea vote. Bart Stupak is the worse kind of politician. He bends with every political breeze that floats along the Potomac.

He may well be ready to quit, but his decision has deprived voters of his district of the opportunity to speak on his last term.

The old Southwest Virginia saying holds true here: “Don’t let the door hit you on the way out!!”

Good Sense has reached a milestone. We have reached 600 posts plus. Thank you to all the readers and friends.

H/T to Riley from Virginia Virtucon

“Dear Lord … this year you have taken away my favorite actor, Patrick Swayze, my favorite actress, Farrah Fawcett, my favorite singer, Michael Jackson, and my favorite salesman, Billy Mays. … I just wanted to let you know that Chris Christie is my favorite governor.”

Does it strike anyone else that union rhetoric is typically virulent and without any value whatsoever?

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.

I will not endeavor to synthesize this article from Campaign for Liberty, but liberty loving Americans should give it a read and then some serious though.

Bold preaching in public squares are becoming a thing of the past. I thank God for men like these who call our nation to repentance.

My prior post about disappearing occurrence has lit some fires among friends of mine. A good friend I’ve known since Little League called open air preaching “insanity.” That’s fine because I know America is made up of all kinds and that our Constitution guarantees my right to religious expression as well as his.

That said, I’ll leave you with this quote from G.K. Chesterton

"These are the days when the Christian is expected to praise every creed except his own."

No survivors. My heart breaks for the families of the Montcoal miners.

I want to put aside partisan politics for a moment and thank West Virginia Governor Joe Manchin. During his term as governor, he’s seen two deadly mine disasters. In my view, he has handled them both as well as can be hoped for considering the circumstances.

It is my belief that when a politician gets it right, we ought to give credit where it is due as well as criticism when they screw up. Joe Manchin has got it right and I’m thankful for that.

UPDATE: According to a Facebook post by Kilo, Governor McDonnell has called upon Virginians to join in a moment of silence in remembrance of the Montcoal miners. This will take place at 3:30 pm.

Kilo has the info here:  We should let our views be know to our Governor. Virginia does indeed share a rich mining heritage with WV, KY, and TN.

I love going to church, being with friends, coming home and watching NASCAR. I love where I live.

By one vote. The encouraging news(at least for me) is Ron Paul finished second. Granted, many were probably bused in, but still a strong showing for Paul.

Doug Mataconis from Below the Beltway,has a good snapshot analysis of the vote breakdown and points out:

It’s fascinating that these guys finished ahead of Palin and Gingrich, who get rock star treatment at these sorts of gatherings and, indeed, got rock star treatment at this particular gathering.

I find this interesting as well. I agree with Doug’s assessment that this is meaningless right now, I do believe that the GOP has a healthy sized field for this early in the process.

A few days after posting this regarding Abingdon’s town council race, I received visits from Rick Humphreys and Carl Mallory. In the interest of fairness, I cannot claim credit for causing their visits, but it was good to see some door to door stumping nonetheless.

Mr. Humphreys comes from a well known family in Washington County and I must admit, I cannot be totally impartial with my assessment. He is a sincere, well spoken man who seeks to preserve Abingdon’s historical atmosphere while attempting to draw more business to the downtown area.

Mr. Mallory is an interesting fellow. I feel that he is an up and comer in Abingdon politics and while I’m still as yet undecided, I feel more comfortable with him as a candidate.

In my previous post, I did not mention Cathy Castle Lowe is running for reelection. Mrs. Lowe is a business owner in Abingdon and is a first term council member.

That the Southern Baptist Convention has provided disaster relief in multiple areas of the world and in our own backyard, here are a few realities

2008 Activity Report

Recovery of the remaining 22 deceased miners will begin today according to CNN. Official estimates say that the recovery will take 2 days. Here are a few blurbs from the article:

"We are going to get to the bottom of this, because families should never have to pray, as they send their loved ones to work every day, that those loved ones will in fact return," Rockefeller said Sunday. "Our heroic coal miners have lost too many brothers and too many sisters, and now we must stop all of this." (emphasis mine)

While I’m certain Senator Rockefeller’s sentiments are well intentioned, it should be noted that mining coal is an inherently dangerous job. Realistically, there can be no way to remove all danger from coal mining. The best that can be hoped for is exactly what Governor Joe Manchin stated:

West Virginia Gov. Joe Manchin said Saturday that even though the cause of the explosion is unclear, there needs to be a focus on better ventilation and on sensors to alert mine personnel when gas levels become dangerous.

Better ventilation and new sensor technologies should be the prime focus. This focus will give miners a better chance before gas levels reach lethal levels. Thanks again to Governor Manchin for the manner in which he has handled this tragic situation.

Brian Kirwin, from Bearing Drift, has an interesting perspective on the 2012 GOP field. While I don’t disagree with his assessment entirely, I have to point out that Ron Paul can put boots to the ground when it’s needed. He does energize younger voters and in my view, still has somewhat of an outsider appeal, although he’s been in Washington for years. Brian asks the question, if not Romney or Palin or Paul, then who?

A credible alternative, in my estimation, would be Mike Pence. Well liked by most conservatives, Pence offers a sensible alternative to Romney and a more experienced alternative to Palin.  His work in the GOP Conference on energy and health care reform make him a natural conservative counterbalance to Obama. Maybe it’s just wishful thinking, but I’d be persuaded to vote GOP in 2012 instead of Constitution Party for Pence or for Ron Paul. That’s about it.

Before the claws come out, I’m a supporter of bluegrass and mountain music in every way possible. However, I have a few questions about this “music trail.”

1. Has this designation created one new manufacturing or farming job in each of the counties the road winds through?

2. Does this designation entitle Virginia’s Ninth District to a special place at the appropriations table in Congress? Do we benefit in some unseen way?

3. What happens if the Crooked Road becomes straight?

I challenge anyone to name one job that’s been created or attracted here because of the “Crooked Road.”  There is however, a place in the upper end of Washington County that could attract a medium or large capital company to create jobs. It is called “The Glade Highlands Industrial Park.” Where are the jobs that were promised? The almost $1 million dollars in low or no interest loans have done little to nothing to draw companies willing to invest in the community or the county instead we keep drawing in transitory cash from the truck stop. Our capital is being send north with the truckers.

Never mind the almost 1,200 jobs a year that Virginia stands to lose if Cap and Tax is enacted.Instead, Washington County is becoming the Meth capital of Southwest Virginia and Rick Boucher and his union cronies are smiling all the way to re-election each term. Kilo sparks things up with his observation about the Feckless One’s inability to deliver on good paying, permanent jobs.

It’s not about trying to chase a pot of gold, it’s not even about trying to get the finer things in life, in some instances, one of these jobs could be the difference between standing in line at the free clinic in Meadowview or being seen by a specialist at The Campus for the kids. A job that a man can hang his hat on and feel secure at. Come on Rick, give us something better than the Crooked Road.

SWAC Girl has this about the Southern Republican Leadership Conference and Mike Pence’s appearance there. Pence is starting to get noticed as a darkhorse candidate for 2012.  My like for Pence is pretty well known.  This video demonstrates why:

Rep. Mike Pence: Administration Solutions: Spend, Tax, Repeat from RNC New Media on Vimeo.

If you want to understand Jeremiah Heaton, you need to go check out his website. There is a video on the front page of his site that voters in the Ninth District need to see. It is entitled “Coal Mining and Leadership.”

While I have respect for other candidates running against Boucher, Jeremiah Heaton talks plain and talks straight. I’ve not had the opportunity to meet Mr. Heaton as yet, but I look forward to having that opportunity to speak with him.

Aside from the snide remarks that J. Todd and the Gang on Morrison had about Mr. Heaton having coal mining on his business card, it is important to understand that Mr. Heaton is a card carrying coal miner.

The more I hear, the more I like this guy. Darkhorse for 2012? Let me know what you think? Seriously, give me your input on Mike Pence in my comments section. I’ll post the other parts of his speech later.

While I appreciate the motivation behind this and can certainly condemn the abject corruption that this White House is known for, I must wait before I entertain any thoughts concerning the appropriateness about “special prosecutors.” It is my view that government does few things well, at least the things that matter. That said, any quid pro quo that has occurred should be brought to light.

(Yes, I am aware of the circular nature of my statement above. At this point, I simply don’t have a better alternative to the special prosecutor.)

HOW ‘BOUT THEM COWBOYS?!?!?!

I trust you and yours will have a MERRY CHRISTMAS!!! Just wanted to share this friendly reminder from last year’s campaign that our constitutional rights are still under attack by this administration.

I’m a pro-gun, pro-life, pro- small business constitutionalist. I also understand the American heritage of outdoor management. Instead of passing job destroying legislation like cap and tax, we should remove the death tax and all capital gains taxes to remove barriers of land ownership and conservation within a family. Want to know the key to true “green” living?  Let the hunters and fishermen manage our wildlife and preserves. Get the government out of the land ownership business. To you and yours, MERRY CHRISTMAS!!!!

Ok, maybe I’m old fashioned, but isn’t foreclosure a way that banks protect themselves from defaulted loans? Like a quack doctor, Barry insists on treating the symptom rather than the underlying disease. In this case, the disease is unqualified, high risk borrowers who have no means nor the intentions of paying their mortgage on time.

Does the government desire to increase home ownership in America?

1. Cease and desist from any further bailout packages in ANY form.The government needs to quit robbing Peter to subsidize Paul’s irresponsible consumer behavior.

2. Discontinue efforts to fleece legitimate lending institutions from protecting its assets. Allow foreclosures on those who habitually default on their mortgage.

3. We need to end efforts by a fringe minority to redefine marriage based upon their mistaken and sinful norms. (31 out of 50 states rejected a voter organized referendum)

4. We need to discontinue the income tax deduction (if it hasn’t already ) for interest on mortgage payments. Many borrowers use the first year to boost their already inflated refund (children, Earned Income Tax Credit, etc.) and afterward, cease payment on mortgage.

5. To encourage homeownership within families, we need to eliminate the Capital Gains Tax.

6. Finally, we as Americans, need to understand that the problem begins with us. Yes, that’s right. We need to own up to the out of control habits we have let consume our lives and we need to start living within our means. That means, if you don’t have the cash, you don’t need to use the credit card. Or, PAY AS YOU GO. How can we expect our government to do it if we’re not willing to do it ourselves.

UPDATE: I forgot to mention that a heavily favored Democrat incumbent was defeated by a transplanted Republican in the Washington County Board of Supervisors race. A large reason? A No vote on a proposed truck stop which would have brought jobs to an area of the county that needs them. Joe Straten defeated Jack McCrady by a scant 17 votes.  Straten, originally from Ohio, campaigned on the need for more industrial jobs in the county.

Well, we all know the results. We’ve all heard the analysis.

In my very humble opinion,  the GOP had the stronger ticket top to bottom and the Dems had a particularly weak ticket, particularly for Lt. Governor and AG. I honestly thought Creigh Deeds would wage a better and more effective campaign than what he did. While this could serve as a template for future elections for the GOP, I believe that we should take it for what it is, an election. Sure, the base is energized right now, but I believe that we’re seeing a repudiation of the Obama administration right now in 2009. Could this carry over into 2010? Sure, if the economy continues to tank and Obama and Pelosi continue to insist upon governing from the left.

The fact remains that Obama and his cronies can’t be happy about last nights results. Two Democrat controlled Governor’s Mansions went red. Shoot, a Republican even picked up a House of Delegates seat in an extremely safe Democrat district in Southwest Virginia so safe that former UMWA boss Jackie Stump held the 3rd district seat before Dan Bowling. It wasn’t just a victory, but Will Morefield beat Bowling with almost 58 percent of the vote. While McDonnell’s victory was not unforeseen, a GOP victory in a heavily union district is almost unheard of, especially since the man who won is only 25 years old. At least in Southwest Virginia, there is significant indication that not only did the GOP have the stronger ticket, but in fact, this election WAS a referendum on the Obama administration and its socialist policy aims.

The campaign is over. The work begins in earnest now as the transition teams begin to put the pieces together for the inauguration in January. I sincerely hope that the GOP ticket will govern with an eye toward a renewed sense of reclaiming what rightfully belongs at the state and local level. The BHC has this about Morefield:

As delegate, Morefield said his top priority will be standing up for his constituents’ 10th Amendment rights and making sure both the federal and state governments stay out the way of private business owners.

Much love and prayers going out for Fort Hood and the community of Killeen, TX after the horrific shootings that took place there today. I’m stunned and this hits particularly close to home because I’m an associate member of the 1st Cavalry Division Association. Please pray for the members of the First Team and all other units stationed at Fort Hood.

I think President Obama said the right things right now, although there’s not much to say. Too early for any easy conclusions.

I’m watching a live feed from Ft. Hood. I’ll post as I hear what comes out.

For all my friends at the ODBA, I’ve always enjoyed our dialogue, even when the subject matter was pretty confrontational. I’ve never been one to back away when my principles are at stake. I have been extremely busy with matters not related to the blog, politics, or even blogging in general.

I’m currently on a sort of sabbatical right now. Attending to things that are important even before this election and current events. I’m NOT quitting, and probably will be back soon. I’ve discovered as much as I am passionate about Constitutional government, I’m even more passionate for my Lord and Savior Jesus Christ and my call to vocational ministry. To this end, I’m my pastor’s ministry intern at church.

I will return and I will have definite opinions about new goings on.

According to this snippet posted on Jayski.com

Morgan-McClure and Wimmer to run Bristol: Morgan-McClure Motorsports and Alpha Natural Resources, Inc., a leading U.S. coal producer, will join forces with driver Scott Wimmer for this year's Sharpie 500 at Bristol Motor Speedway. The one-race sponsorship announcement marks the beginning of a new chapter for both Abingdon, Va.-based organizations. Attempting to qualify the #4 entry for the Aug. 22 night race at the "World's Fastest Half-Mile" signals a possible rebirth for MMM, which has been on an approximate two-year hiatus from the NASCAR Sprint Cup Series. Meanwhile, it caps off a monumental week for Alpha, one in which the company completed a merger with Foundation Coal Holdings to become the nation's third-largest coal producer. MMM, founded in 1983, is a three-time winner of the season-opening Daytona 500 and boasts a successful history that includes 14 wins, 63 top-fives, 146 top-10s and 13 poles. "Our team, much like Alpha's owners, was born in coal country; and the first few years we were funded by dealerships that make their income by serving coal miners," says Tim Morgan, MMM's co-owner and president. "We couldn't be prouder to represent a progressive company like Alpha a recognized leader in producing coal to meet the nation's energy needs, with an outstanding reputation for being good stewards of the environment while taking care of their customers and employees." With the Foundation Coal merger, Alpha now operates more than 60 coal mines and 14 preparation plants, maintains one of the most expansive geographic footprints in the industry, and controls reserves of more than 2.3 billion tons of coal.

Wimmer, who has experience in all of NASCAR's top three divisions the Sprint Cup Series, Nationwide Series and the Camping World Truck Series has collected 30 top-fives, 73 top-10s and one pole in his career. The 33-year-old Wausau, Wisc., native is currently 16th in the Nationwide Series point standings. For more info about Alpha Natural Resources see alphanr.com.(Morgan-McClure Motorsports)(8-6-2009)

First of all, I’m glad to see a coal company sponsor a team. Second, I’m glad that team is Morgan-McClure. MMM was born in coal country and I’m glad to see that Scott Wimmer and MMM did not burn any bridges.

Milwaukee Brewers’ Prince Fielder storms the Dodgers’ clubhouse? Gimme a break. Because he was hit by a pitch in retaliation?  I’ll remind readers of a quote by Tyrus Raymond Cobb:

Baseball is a red-blooded sport for red-blooded men. It's no pink tea, and mollycoddles had better stay out. It's a struggle for supremacy, a survival of the fittest.

Baseball is a man’s sport. The fact is if you’re going to stand over the inside of the plate, you better be ready to take a few for the team… and when you do, you handle it on the field and leave it on the field. These guys playing today are pansies…

Doug at Below the Beltway, has been on target on the Obamacare but I had to laugh at these logos

Doug, at Below the Beltway, has this insightful piece as to why most of us oppose Obamacare. I want to emphasize one particular portion:

It’s all about giving the state control over biggest part of our lives. That may not be the intent of the people who are advocating ObamaCare. In fact, for the most part, I think they have good intentions, but we know where that leads in the end.

Indeed.

Apparently Jerry at From on High believes it only has one use.  I’ve already proposed that NASA be eliminated or else establish a quantifiable and justifiable goal to achieve in the next 10 – 20 years. An example?  How about a manned mission to Mars within the next 15 years? Barring something such as that, scrap NASA and get out of the space game.

Ok, while I don’t consider myself to be a “birther” I believe that it was key to be certain in order to maintain constitutional integrity. However, now that Obama’s citizenship has been confirmed, let’s move on and make this about ideas. Conservatives should know that we have the superior ideas and there is no need to bring gimmicks into the fray.

First, we know that government interference in health care will only lead to lesser quality  and rationing of care. Bureaucrats have less interest in our personal health than in their ability to “streamline” the process. This is ironic because there is no such thing when dealing with the federal government.

Second, we know that bailouts, in any form, are destructive and subsidize failure. The bailouts give no incentive for improved production and ethical management. To the contrary, bailouts do nothing but incentivize poor management. Solution: repay every red cent of the multi-billion dollar corporate welfare program to the taxpayer and slash entitlements.

Third, we know that Obama’s judicial philosophy is predicated upon race. Judge Sotomayor’s well publicized “wise Latina” remark is proof positive that racial discord will be hallmarks of the Obama judicial appointments. The rule of law has been replaced by La Raza… return our government to its constitutional mandated limits which starts with Judges who are dedicated to an originalist interpretation of the Constitution.

These are but three areas where conservatives have the superior ideas. Oh, wait, nothing is superior anymore, we don’t want the poor politicians to have low self esteem.  I say, throw the bums out.

Former Alaska Governor Sarah Palin is just that, former Governor of Alaska. While I did not view her as a candidate for 2012, it is evident that some in the mainstream media did. Considering the inordinate amount of coverage the Palin family received in the months AFTER the election, surely some in the media and other talking heads viewed her as a threat. Otherwise, why go after a flash in the pan? Perhaps it is because she represented a departure from politics as usual? That’s yet to be seen. Should be interesting to see what she does from here on out.