A cute site that I ran across. Hope you enjoy and start people thinking.
http://famguardian.org/Subjects/FamilyIssues/Articles/DirtRoads/DirtRoads.htm
2/28/2008
Our poor man Mitch
God love him. He’s trying.
Indiana Governor Mitch Daniels has been spending a lot of time and effort trying to deliver the property tax reform Hoosiers have been pleading for. He’s convinced of the obvious: to cut property taxes, spending will have to be controlled.
In every article and opinion piece of the last week or two in which Daniels has been quoted in relation to property tax reform and spending, he comes across as frustrated. He’s understandably frustrated with the Indiana General Assembly, local governments and special interests.
Our state legislators have given every impression that property tax relief has been their primary focus this session, and that they, too, understand Indiana taxpayers want spending controlled.
It is also true that what are often referred to as economic incentives for a particular industry are generally discriminating tax breaks or subsidies. These either outright cost money or reduce the money available for basic services and other forms of tax relief.
So it clearly follows there is no way our Legislature had any time or excess funds to be handing out new industry incentives this session, right? Wrong.
The Indiana General Assembly, including many members of Daniels’ own party, spent Valentine’s Day overriding his veto of their bill to grant incentives to the film industry. He sent them a love message, too, in his widely-quoted press release, calling their decision irresponsible and admitting, “I can’t imagine what they were thinking.”
It appears that while strapped homeowners are to stomach the news that less property tax relief than Daniels’ proposed is actually on the way, and local governments and schools are crying about the cuts they’ll be facing, there is an extra $30 million lying around for media projects, including advertising productions. That is, assuming, of course, those making the productions have at least $50,000 of their own lying around to invest.
The public education and local government lobbies aren’t making life any easier for Daniels. They are telling anyone who will listen that property tax relief will be the end of teachers, zoos, parks and any number of jobs including fire and police.
If there is an award for quoted hyperbole, it belongs to Hammond Fire Chief Dave Hamm. “One thing that I can assure you is that our response time will worsen, and there will be deaths,” Hamm stated during a hearing of the House Ways and Means Committee in Indianapolis last week.
Deaths? Really? Maybe it is true that our names influence the people we become. This quote was so dramatic, I have yet to find coverage on the hearing that didn’t highlight it. It is also ridiculous.
Of all the services a city provides, of all the extra little events, agencies and properties it supports and all the expenses it incurs, would firefighters really be the first to go? This would happen if, and only if, the citizens of the city don’t value firefighters, and the city council has no sense of responsibility, and the firefighters don’t speak up at all, and there are absolutely no other ways to either cut spending or raise revenue.
Few, if any, of these are going to be the case, and as Daniels pointed out to columnist Brian Howey, the Hammond City Council is currently working to resurrect an entirely unnecessary health department previously eliminated because it duplicated the work of the county agency. There is surely some money to fight fires in a health department budget. Further, Hammond may actually have a few more firefighters than it needs since a full third were at the hearing.
The public schools are also offering their version of “there will be deaths” in the form of predicting mass teacher layoffs. It was recently reported that Indiana ranks particularly high in relation to other states in regards to teachers’ salaries, though it doesn’t rank exceptionally high in providing quality education.
Perhaps, if teachers need to feel these supposed cuts at all, it should be in the form of salaries more tightly bound to performance. We’ll either get better schools or save a few bucks. There is more likely no need for teachers to feel any pinch, as there is surely genuine waste that can be eliminated if needed.
http://www.news-tribune.net/archivesearch/local_story_056160128.html
Indiana Governor Mitch Daniels has been spending a lot of time and effort trying to deliver the property tax reform Hoosiers have been pleading for. He’s convinced of the obvious: to cut property taxes, spending will have to be controlled.
In every article and opinion piece of the last week or two in which Daniels has been quoted in relation to property tax reform and spending, he comes across as frustrated. He’s understandably frustrated with the Indiana General Assembly, local governments and special interests.
Our state legislators have given every impression that property tax relief has been their primary focus this session, and that they, too, understand Indiana taxpayers want spending controlled.
It is also true that what are often referred to as economic incentives for a particular industry are generally discriminating tax breaks or subsidies. These either outright cost money or reduce the money available for basic services and other forms of tax relief.
So it clearly follows there is no way our Legislature had any time or excess funds to be handing out new industry incentives this session, right? Wrong.
The Indiana General Assembly, including many members of Daniels’ own party, spent Valentine’s Day overriding his veto of their bill to grant incentives to the film industry. He sent them a love message, too, in his widely-quoted press release, calling their decision irresponsible and admitting, “I can’t imagine what they were thinking.”
It appears that while strapped homeowners are to stomach the news that less property tax relief than Daniels’ proposed is actually on the way, and local governments and schools are crying about the cuts they’ll be facing, there is an extra $30 million lying around for media projects, including advertising productions. That is, assuming, of course, those making the productions have at least $50,000 of their own lying around to invest.
The public education and local government lobbies aren’t making life any easier for Daniels. They are telling anyone who will listen that property tax relief will be the end of teachers, zoos, parks and any number of jobs including fire and police.
If there is an award for quoted hyperbole, it belongs to Hammond Fire Chief Dave Hamm. “One thing that I can assure you is that our response time will worsen, and there will be deaths,” Hamm stated during a hearing of the House Ways and Means Committee in Indianapolis last week.
Deaths? Really? Maybe it is true that our names influence the people we become. This quote was so dramatic, I have yet to find coverage on the hearing that didn’t highlight it. It is also ridiculous.
Of all the services a city provides, of all the extra little events, agencies and properties it supports and all the expenses it incurs, would firefighters really be the first to go? This would happen if, and only if, the citizens of the city don’t value firefighters, and the city council has no sense of responsibility, and the firefighters don’t speak up at all, and there are absolutely no other ways to either cut spending or raise revenue.
Few, if any, of these are going to be the case, and as Daniels pointed out to columnist Brian Howey, the Hammond City Council is currently working to resurrect an entirely unnecessary health department previously eliminated because it duplicated the work of the county agency. There is surely some money to fight fires in a health department budget. Further, Hammond may actually have a few more firefighters than it needs since a full third were at the hearing.
The public schools are also offering their version of “there will be deaths” in the form of predicting mass teacher layoffs. It was recently reported that Indiana ranks particularly high in relation to other states in regards to teachers’ salaries, though it doesn’t rank exceptionally high in providing quality education.
Perhaps, if teachers need to feel these supposed cuts at all, it should be in the form of salaries more tightly bound to performance. We’ll either get better schools or save a few bucks. There is more likely no need for teachers to feel any pinch, as there is surely genuine waste that can be eliminated if needed.
http://www.news-tribune.net/archivesearch/local_story_056160128.html
Ballard begins shake-up at IMPD
Mayor Greg Ballard is shaking-up the police command structure as he prepares to take over control of the department on Friday.
Many Indianapolis Metropolitan Police Department officers may have new supervisors as Mayor Greg Ballard makes changes to the police administration. - Matt Kryger / Star 2008 file photo
Deputy chiefs Joseph Bart McAtee and Scott Robinett -- both former members of the Marion County Sheriff's Department -- will be stripped of their commands and reassigned to other areas within the department, according to several sources within the Indianapolis Metropolitan Police Department who are familiar with the plan.
http://www.indystar.com/apps/pbcs.dll/article?AID=/20080228/LOCAL/802280528
Many Indianapolis Metropolitan Police Department officers may have new supervisors as Mayor Greg Ballard makes changes to the police administration. - Matt Kryger / Star 2008 file photo
Deputy chiefs Joseph Bart McAtee and Scott Robinett -- both former members of the Marion County Sheriff's Department -- will be stripped of their commands and reassigned to other areas within the department, according to several sources within the Indianapolis Metropolitan Police Department who are familiar with the plan.
http://www.indystar.com/apps/pbcs.dll/article?AID=/20080228/LOCAL/802280528
2/27/2008
Another complaint filed against Carson
Although Andre Carson spent nearly ten years working as a law enforcement officer, he and his campaign seem unable to grasp the concept that government employees and government property simply cannot be appropriated for the purpose of promoting his political aspirations. Citizen activist Adam Longworth said enough is enough and filed a complaint with the Marion County Board of Elections. Longworth's complaint focuses on the active participation of several deputies in the office of Sheriff Frank Anderson in staging political events with Carson in full uniform and permitting Carson's campaign to film and photograph the uniformed officers on government property on the taxpayers' dime. Longworth's complaint reads as follows:
As we are all aware, the cornerstone of a free and democratic society is the election process whereby ordinary, everyday citizens are responsible for choosing the people who will represent them. It is of the utmost importance that the integrity of each and every election be maintained to prevent those that the people DO NOT elect from being put into office.I am not the person to sit back and simply refuse to speak up when there is a breach in said integrity. I have been perturbed lately to see several violations of election law which would typically have been picked up by the mainstream media go unchecked and indeed unmentioned.Therefore this will constitute a formal complaint against the Andre Carson campaign. Over the last week or so, Mr. Carsonʼs campaign has had two press conference in which Marion County Sheriffʼs deputies, dressed in their full uniform have been seen in plain view of the camera. This of course is illegal, not only for the Andre Carson campaign, but also for those deputies involved. There was also a press conference at Forest Manor Multi-Service involving Mr. Carson. Forest Manor Multi-Service center located at 5603 east 38th street. This center is a not for profit and having a political press conference at a not for profit is illegal as well. This could mean that the not-for-profit could have its tax exemption revoked.The question has also been raised in regards to the campaign ads that Mr. Carsonʼs campaign has released as of late. They depict three sheriffsʼ deputies, one of whom is Kerry Forrestal (the other two names escape me at the moment) listening to Mr. Carson while they pose for a photo, and while they are in their uniforms. While this in of itself is not illegal by state statute, the question has been raised as to the location of the photo shoot and whether or not these officers were on the clock. I believe this also requires investigation. It is believed, from reliable sources, that the photo shoot took place in the Marion county jail; possibly a conference room. Clearly city utilities including electricity and gas were used to illuminate and heat this space as the shoottook place.I believe most of the offenses can be covered by the following statute:IC 3-14-1-6 Solicitation, challenge, or performance of election function by state police department employee, police officer, or firefighterSec. 6. (a) A state police department employee or a police officer or firefighter (including a special duty, auxiliary, or volunteer police officer or firefighter) of a political subdivision who recklessly:(1) solicits votes or campaign funds;(2) challenges voters; or(3) performs any other election related function;while wearing any identifying insignia or article of clothing that is part of an official uniform or while on duty commits a Class A misdemeanor . . .If any officer is found to be in violation of this statute, they can be charged with a class A misdemeanor.As I stated before, I believe these issues need to be addressed immediately. The integrity of the electoral process depends on it. http://advanceindiana.blogspot.com/2008/02/citizen-complaint-filed-against-carson.html
As we are all aware, the cornerstone of a free and democratic society is the election process whereby ordinary, everyday citizens are responsible for choosing the people who will represent them. It is of the utmost importance that the integrity of each and every election be maintained to prevent those that the people DO NOT elect from being put into office.I am not the person to sit back and simply refuse to speak up when there is a breach in said integrity. I have been perturbed lately to see several violations of election law which would typically have been picked up by the mainstream media go unchecked and indeed unmentioned.Therefore this will constitute a formal complaint against the Andre Carson campaign. Over the last week or so, Mr. Carsonʼs campaign has had two press conference in which Marion County Sheriffʼs deputies, dressed in their full uniform have been seen in plain view of the camera. This of course is illegal, not only for the Andre Carson campaign, but also for those deputies involved. There was also a press conference at Forest Manor Multi-Service involving Mr. Carson. Forest Manor Multi-Service center located at 5603 east 38th street. This center is a not for profit and having a political press conference at a not for profit is illegal as well. This could mean that the not-for-profit could have its tax exemption revoked.The question has also been raised in regards to the campaign ads that Mr. Carsonʼs campaign has released as of late. They depict three sheriffsʼ deputies, one of whom is Kerry Forrestal (the other two names escape me at the moment) listening to Mr. Carson while they pose for a photo, and while they are in their uniforms. While this in of itself is not illegal by state statute, the question has been raised as to the location of the photo shoot and whether or not these officers were on the clock. I believe this also requires investigation. It is believed, from reliable sources, that the photo shoot took place in the Marion county jail; possibly a conference room. Clearly city utilities including electricity and gas were used to illuminate and heat this space as the shoottook place.I believe most of the offenses can be covered by the following statute:IC 3-14-1-6 Solicitation, challenge, or performance of election function by state police department employee, police officer, or firefighterSec. 6. (a) A state police department employee or a police officer or firefighter (including a special duty, auxiliary, or volunteer police officer or firefighter) of a political subdivision who recklessly:(1) solicits votes or campaign funds;(2) challenges voters; or(3) performs any other election related function;while wearing any identifying insignia or article of clothing that is part of an official uniform or while on duty commits a Class A misdemeanor . . .If any officer is found to be in violation of this statute, they can be charged with a class A misdemeanor.As I stated before, I believe these issues need to be addressed immediately. The integrity of the electoral process depends on it. http://advanceindiana.blogspot.com/2008/02/citizen-complaint-filed-against-carson.html
Note Picture is from http://www.digitalfarmers.org/2008/02/indianas-7th-andre-carson-campaign.html
One win for the people of Indiana.
The Indiana Senate voted 42-5 today to slash the pay of sheriffs.
House Bill 1108 was not amended in the Senate, so now moves to Gov. Mitch Daniels to be signed into law.
The bill -- which passed with no debate in the Senate -- would limit the pay of Indiana sheriffs to what county prosecutors earn. Currently, that’s about $120,000 a year. The proposal would only affect sheriffs elected after November 2010.Sheriffs now are allowed to pocket some of the money from fees on overdue state taxes. That allowed Marion County Sheriff Frank Anderson to make more than $342,000 last year.
http://www.indystar.com/apps/pbcs.dll/article?AID=/20080227/LOCAL1901/80227038
House Bill 1108 was not amended in the Senate, so now moves to Gov. Mitch Daniels to be signed into law.
The bill -- which passed with no debate in the Senate -- would limit the pay of Indiana sheriffs to what county prosecutors earn. Currently, that’s about $120,000 a year. The proposal would only affect sheriffs elected after November 2010.Sheriffs now are allowed to pocket some of the money from fees on overdue state taxes. That allowed Marion County Sheriff Frank Anderson to make more than $342,000 last year.
http://www.indystar.com/apps/pbcs.dll/article?AID=/20080227/LOCAL1901/80227038
2/26/2008
To Stand or not to stand?
The Ryerson Rag brings forth an article of a Franklin Community Schools (are you listening Jacob Perry?) student that, along with the All Communists & Liberals United, is suing the school district for detention received for refusing to stand for the Pledge of Allegiance.Regardless of whether or not it is legal to give detention or whatever for his anti-American behavior, this teenager is showing himself as extremely ungrateful little twerp. Future Democrat in training, I say. We know Democrats are a bunch of ungrateful people looking for handouts also. When visiting a friend in Bloomington, I stopped in at a fast-food joint. While in line a couple IU Moonbats in training were complaining about how this country sucks and talking about countries that were better than the United States. Spain, France, and Holland were mentioned as countries "better than the US". I bit my tongue as long as I could and finally I said "If you think its so bad here, get the f**k out of the US and don't bother coming back!" The moonbats just stood there in stunned silence.Nobody is forced to live in the USA. You can leave at any time and once you get where you're going just report to an Embassy or Consulate and renounce your United States citizenship and turn in your passport. Perhaps this student upon reaching age 18 should consider such if he thinks the United States is so bad he'd disrespect it by not standing for the Pledge, or the National Anthem for that matter.
http://www.digitalfarmers.org/
http://www.digitalfarmers.org/
What are our democrats thinking?
The Indiana House voted this afternoon against a Republican effort to base a constitutional cap for homeowners' property-tax bills on assessed value rather than income.
Senate Joint Resolution 1, as passed by the Senate, would amend the state constitution to cap homeowners' property tax bills at 1 percent of a home's assessed value, 2 percent for rental properties and 3 percent for businesses. Those caps are a central part of the property-tax relief package proposed by Republican Gov. Mitch Daniels.
In the House Ways and Means Committee, Chairman Bill Crawford, D-Indianapolis, backed a proposal that would cap homeowners' bills at 1 percent of household income. The committee amended that change into SJR 1 while also excluding existing local goverment debt from the cap. Crawford argued that change made the caps more fair to low-income Hoosiers, basing the tax bills on the ability to pay rather than a home's value. This afternoon, House Republicans attempted to revert the constitutional cap for homeowners back to 1 percent of assessed value rather than 1 percent of a household's income. That attempt failed by a 50-49 vote along party lines. A House vote on SJR 1 is expected Thursday. If the measure passes as expected, it would move to a conference committee where members of the House and Senate would work to reconcile their differences on the legislation.
http://www.indystar.com/apps/pbcs.dll/article?AID=/20080226/LOCAL1901/80226039
Senate Joint Resolution 1, as passed by the Senate, would amend the state constitution to cap homeowners' property tax bills at 1 percent of a home's assessed value, 2 percent for rental properties and 3 percent for businesses. Those caps are a central part of the property-tax relief package proposed by Republican Gov. Mitch Daniels.
In the House Ways and Means Committee, Chairman Bill Crawford, D-Indianapolis, backed a proposal that would cap homeowners' bills at 1 percent of household income. The committee amended that change into SJR 1 while also excluding existing local goverment debt from the cap. Crawford argued that change made the caps more fair to low-income Hoosiers, basing the tax bills on the ability to pay rather than a home's value. This afternoon, House Republicans attempted to revert the constitutional cap for homeowners back to 1 percent of assessed value rather than 1 percent of a household's income. That attempt failed by a 50-49 vote along party lines. A House vote on SJR 1 is expected Thursday. If the measure passes as expected, it would move to a conference committee where members of the House and Senate would work to reconcile their differences on the legislation.
http://www.indystar.com/apps/pbcs.dll/article?AID=/20080226/LOCAL1901/80226039
2/20/2008
Ethics Complaint Filed against Carson.
Tuesday, February 19, 2008
http://advanceindiana.blogspot.com/2008/02/citizen-ethics-complaint-filed-against.html
A frequent citizen attendee at Indianapolis City-County Council meetings has filed an ethics complaint with Council President Robert Cockrum against Councilor Andre Carson (D). Ernie Shearer claims in his complaint that Carson became angry with him when he questioned him after the last council meeting about his vote against transferring control of IMPD from the sheriff's department to the mayor. He says Carson started shouting at him and ordered him out of the City-County Building. Shearer believes Carson's demeanor towards him was threatening and intimidating. The allegations laid out in Shearer's complaint are as follows:
Immediately following the City Country meeting on Monday Feb. 11, 2008 I asked Councilman Andre Carson a question about his vote in the transfer of IMPD back to the Mayor. I asked in general why his votes were along party line and not based on what was best for the public safety of Indianapolis. I followed that question with another. “If elected to Congress are you going to represent the citizens of the 7th or are you going to vote party line and follow the lead of the democrat caucus?”Councilman Carson at this time became very aggressive and with a raised voice he told me that I wasn't going to ask “bating” questions at every City-Council meeting. Councilman Carson then stated that I was “grandstanding” and was only “craving attention“.Councilman Carson then loudly told me to “get out!” referring to the city-county building. I asked what authority he had to expel me and he became more aggressive and began shouting at me. Councilmen Gray and Bateman had to get him to calm down.I then, politely and calmly, reminded Councilman Carson that as a citizen of Indianapolis I have a right to be in the city-county building and that I was at a public assembly in a public building and asking questions of a city councilman. At this time Councilman Carson loudly shouted at me with the threat that “he would take measures to see that I wouldn't do it again” (ask question of a councilman again).I never became aggressive or disrespectful to Councilman Carson. I never raised my voice. I simply asked Councilman Carson why he voted along party lines and he took exception.Councilman Carson is under the assumption that his seat on the city-county council comes with authority to expel citizens from public buildings. I believe that Councilman Carson intentionally and with malice tried to intimidate and silence me at a public assembly. Councilman Carson through intimidation tried to force me into exiting the city-county building.Councilman Carson’s shouting and threats reek of intimidation and were very unprofessional and unethical.Councilman Carson was elected to Represent the citizens of Indianapolis, making threats and ordering citizens to leave a public building is not representation.I’m requesting a full investigation of this matter and request that Councilman Carson be charged with ethics violations if warranted.Perhaps an even more serious matter for the council to consider is Carson's use of local law enforcement officers at a staged campaign event last Friday. Carson used Chief Deputy Kerry Forestal and other local law enforcement officers as stage props at a press conference he conducted for his congressional campaign last Friday to tout his credentials on homeland security. This clearly was improper. Uniformed police officers have no business participating in Carson's political events.
http://advanceindiana.blogspot.com/2008/02/citizen-ethics-complaint-filed-against.html
A frequent citizen attendee at Indianapolis City-County Council meetings has filed an ethics complaint with Council President Robert Cockrum against Councilor Andre Carson (D). Ernie Shearer claims in his complaint that Carson became angry with him when he questioned him after the last council meeting about his vote against transferring control of IMPD from the sheriff's department to the mayor. He says Carson started shouting at him and ordered him out of the City-County Building. Shearer believes Carson's demeanor towards him was threatening and intimidating. The allegations laid out in Shearer's complaint are as follows:
Immediately following the City Country meeting on Monday Feb. 11, 2008 I asked Councilman Andre Carson a question about his vote in the transfer of IMPD back to the Mayor. I asked in general why his votes were along party line and not based on what was best for the public safety of Indianapolis. I followed that question with another. “If elected to Congress are you going to represent the citizens of the 7th or are you going to vote party line and follow the lead of the democrat caucus?”Councilman Carson at this time became very aggressive and with a raised voice he told me that I wasn't going to ask “bating” questions at every City-Council meeting. Councilman Carson then stated that I was “grandstanding” and was only “craving attention“.Councilman Carson then loudly told me to “get out!” referring to the city-county building. I asked what authority he had to expel me and he became more aggressive and began shouting at me. Councilmen Gray and Bateman had to get him to calm down.I then, politely and calmly, reminded Councilman Carson that as a citizen of Indianapolis I have a right to be in the city-county building and that I was at a public assembly in a public building and asking questions of a city councilman. At this time Councilman Carson loudly shouted at me with the threat that “he would take measures to see that I wouldn't do it again” (ask question of a councilman again).I never became aggressive or disrespectful to Councilman Carson. I never raised my voice. I simply asked Councilman Carson why he voted along party lines and he took exception.Councilman Carson is under the assumption that his seat on the city-county council comes with authority to expel citizens from public buildings. I believe that Councilman Carson intentionally and with malice tried to intimidate and silence me at a public assembly. Councilman Carson through intimidation tried to force me into exiting the city-county building.Councilman Carson’s shouting and threats reek of intimidation and were very unprofessional and unethical.Councilman Carson was elected to Represent the citizens of Indianapolis, making threats and ordering citizens to leave a public building is not representation.I’m requesting a full investigation of this matter and request that Councilman Carson be charged with ethics violations if warranted.Perhaps an even more serious matter for the council to consider is Carson's use of local law enforcement officers at a staged campaign event last Friday. Carson used Chief Deputy Kerry Forestal and other local law enforcement officers as stage props at a press conference he conducted for his congressional campaign last Friday to tout his credentials on homeland security. This clearly was improper. Uniformed police officers have no business participating in Carson's political events.
Is the Libertarian Party the answer?
I, like the rest of you gets tired of the same old politics that comes out of the Republican and or democrat parties. But my question is this. Is the Libertarian party the answer?
Lets take a look at the Libertarian party then I will let you decide on your own.
On the National libertarian party website it states : “Libertarian: A person who upholds the principles of individual liberty especially of thought and action. Capitalized: a member of a political party advocating libertarian principles.
Libertarians believe in, and pursue, personal freedom while maintaining personal responsibility. The Libertarian Party itself serves a much larger pro-liberty community with the specific mission of electing Libertarians to public office.
Libertarians strongly oppose any government interfering in their personal, family and business decisions. Essentially, we believe all Americans should be free to live their lives and pursue their interests as they see fit as long as they do no harm to another.
In a nutshell, we are advocates for a smaller government, lower taxes and more freedom.
Libertarians are neither. Unlike liberals or conservatives, Libertarians advocate a high degree of both personal and economic liberty. For example, Libertarians advocate freedom in economic matters, so we're in favor of lowering taxes, slashing bureaucratic regulation of business, and charitable -- rather than government -- welfare. But Libertarians are also socially tolerant. We won't demand laws or restrictions on other people who we may not agree because of personal actions or lifestyles.
Think of us as a group of people with a "live and let live" mentality and a balanced checkbook.”
I only have a few question about the Libertarians. If the statement “Libertarians strongly oppose any government interfering in their personal, family and business decisions.”
Does this mean that one is free to do anything they want in their personal lives? Does this mean I have a right to do all the drugs I want? Should drugs of all types be legal. Should we set up a government agency for those who want to do this where they do not have to steal off you and me to support their habits?
Does this mean that we should not have any zoning laws? Its ok for me to put my twenty year old trailer on the lot next to your $200,000 house?
Family? What does this include? Is it ok with them if I have five wives and three husbands? Maybe throw in a couple of animals into this group.
“ Principled: The Libertarian way is a logically consistent approach to politics based on the moral principle of self-ownership. Each individual has the right to control his or her own body, action, speech, and property. Government's only role is to help individuals defend themselves from force and fraud.”
So by controlling one own body and action, you can do just about anything you want to do. Of course in a perfect world this might work but as we all know that there will always be those in a society like ours that will be standing at the door to take advantage of you at any cost.
So I ask, What is the libertarian really about. You can read more at:
http://www.lp.org/issues/introduction.shtml
Lets take a look at the Libertarian party then I will let you decide on your own.
On the National libertarian party website it states : “Libertarian: A person who upholds the principles of individual liberty especially of thought and action. Capitalized: a member of a political party advocating libertarian principles.
Libertarians believe in, and pursue, personal freedom while maintaining personal responsibility. The Libertarian Party itself serves a much larger pro-liberty community with the specific mission of electing Libertarians to public office.
Libertarians strongly oppose any government interfering in their personal, family and business decisions. Essentially, we believe all Americans should be free to live their lives and pursue their interests as they see fit as long as they do no harm to another.
In a nutshell, we are advocates for a smaller government, lower taxes and more freedom.
Libertarians are neither. Unlike liberals or conservatives, Libertarians advocate a high degree of both personal and economic liberty. For example, Libertarians advocate freedom in economic matters, so we're in favor of lowering taxes, slashing bureaucratic regulation of business, and charitable -- rather than government -- welfare. But Libertarians are also socially tolerant. We won't demand laws or restrictions on other people who we may not agree because of personal actions or lifestyles.
Think of us as a group of people with a "live and let live" mentality and a balanced checkbook.”
I only have a few question about the Libertarians. If the statement “Libertarians strongly oppose any government interfering in their personal, family and business decisions.”
Does this mean that one is free to do anything they want in their personal lives? Does this mean I have a right to do all the drugs I want? Should drugs of all types be legal. Should we set up a government agency for those who want to do this where they do not have to steal off you and me to support their habits?
Does this mean that we should not have any zoning laws? Its ok for me to put my twenty year old trailer on the lot next to your $200,000 house?
Family? What does this include? Is it ok with them if I have five wives and three husbands? Maybe throw in a couple of animals into this group.
“ Principled: The Libertarian way is a logically consistent approach to politics based on the moral principle of self-ownership. Each individual has the right to control his or her own body, action, speech, and property. Government's only role is to help individuals defend themselves from force and fraud.”
So by controlling one own body and action, you can do just about anything you want to do. Of course in a perfect world this might work but as we all know that there will always be those in a society like ours that will be standing at the door to take advantage of you at any cost.
So I ask, What is the libertarian really about. You can read more at:
http://www.lp.org/issues/introduction.shtml
2/19/2008
Investigative Committee on Ethics
R. Virginia Cain Co-Chair
D. William Oliver Co-Chair
D. Paul Bateman
R. Marilyn Pfesterer
Here we are almost into March of 2008 and yet I have heard nothing about this investigative committee action, or should I say non-action into the allegations against Councilor Monroe Gray.
How many more months is going to go by without any actions from our city council on this matter?
I have been emailing Virginia Crain on this matter since this committee was formed. The last information I got from her was that she was getting with William Oliver for a date for the first committee hearing. That was over ONE MONTH ago and I have let heard anything to the fact that this committee is moving forward on this important election issue.
D. William Oliver Co-Chair
D. Paul Bateman
R. Marilyn Pfesterer
Here we are almost into March of 2008 and yet I have heard nothing about this investigative committee action, or should I say non-action into the allegations against Councilor Monroe Gray.
How many more months is going to go by without any actions from our city council on this matter?
I have been emailing Virginia Crain on this matter since this committee was formed. The last information I got from her was that she was getting with William Oliver for a date for the first committee hearing. That was over ONE MONTH ago and I have let heard anything to the fact that this committee is moving forward on this important election issue.
2/17/2008
It seems that we have trouble. Yes trouble right here in Indianapolis.
It now seems that our former Mayor (that has left town) has left this city in such a financial mess that we will be in the red in just three short years. “Whether they send their children to its schools, use its libraries and stadiums or ride on its buses, the people who live and pay taxes in Marion County are about to enter an era of cuts in government service.” In other words we will have a first class city who is broke.
Here are a few cost cutting that was mention in the star. I am sure that we could come up with more that would save more money.
BUS SERVICEIndyGo might have to look at reduced hours, how often buses run a route and whether it can keep providing weekend service (how many times have you seen an empty bus going down that route?)
IPSThe district has identified $12 million in cuts so it can give teachers raises next year. (With our current economical situation how many of you are getting raises?)
LIBRARIESThe Library Board has dipped into reserves to avoid service cuts. One that has been mentioned: closing some branches on Sundays.
(How much did that new library cost in the end? And was this not a bond issue that is still unpaid? )
LUCAS OIL STADIUMThe new stadium will cost $10 million more a year to run than the RCA Dome did, money that wasn't built into the financing package.
“Now here I call on the colts and stadium fans to come to the aid of the new stadium. You know who you are, you that defends this deal every time its on the Star forum. You, the one who does not mind sending your money to Mr. Irsay and pro-sports. We will be watching for your idea’s on this one”
Here are a few cost cutting that was mention in the star. I am sure that we could come up with more that would save more money.
BUS SERVICEIndyGo might have to look at reduced hours, how often buses run a route and whether it can keep providing weekend service (how many times have you seen an empty bus going down that route?)
IPSThe district has identified $12 million in cuts so it can give teachers raises next year. (With our current economical situation how many of you are getting raises?)
LIBRARIESThe Library Board has dipped into reserves to avoid service cuts. One that has been mentioned: closing some branches on Sundays.
(How much did that new library cost in the end? And was this not a bond issue that is still unpaid? )
LUCAS OIL STADIUMThe new stadium will cost $10 million more a year to run than the RCA Dome did, money that wasn't built into the financing package.
“Now here I call on the colts and stadium fans to come to the aid of the new stadium. You know who you are, you that defends this deal every time its on the Star forum. You, the one who does not mind sending your money to Mr. Irsay and pro-sports. We will be watching for your idea’s on this one”
2/16/2008
Sorry.
Sorry but I have been under the flu bug now for a week. Hope to get back to my real work starting next week then start with the blog again. I hope no one here gets what I got because it takes some time to get over and come back from.
David
David
2/10/2008
Some of my personal views.
I think its time to explain where I personally stand on some points that I have put on here as comments.
Gay marriage:
I believe that we the people should have the right to vote on issues that concerns us and the way we live. To have a body that will not let the citizens who elected them vote our opinions by holding up any bill year after year to silent the voters is unbelievable. The people seem to want to vote on public and school projects but when it comes to issues like gay marriage, these same people will not endorse your right to vote. Even to the fact that it’s against Indiana law today that two people can not get married unless they are one man and one woman. I am for the vote of the people on every issue that we can vote on. If you are for it, work in that direction, if you are against it, and then work to defeat it.
Crime:
When you do the crime you should be accountable and pay the price. When a person is sentence to twenty years and only serve 5 of that sentence it makes a joke out of our criminal system. Why not sentence that person to ten years and see that he or she serves that time. In talking this point to Councilor Brown his only comment was “everyone gets out of jail sometime” Well, I for one have had enough of baby killings in this town. Its time to see that these people, usually ex-offenders that do most of the crime in this city stand up and be made to take responsibility for their actions. I am for giving those same ex-offenders a chance in Indianapolis with jobs and education. But as we know you can not make someone work or learn. I am in hope that we will see more crime enforcement in this town. We have waited too long for drug sweeps and prostitution crack down in our city. Did you know that there are 25,000 active warrants in this city? What a joke. Did you know that we have one hundred and fifty six unsolved murders on the book dating back to the year of 2000? Here is the list: http://www.indygov.org/eGov/IMPD/Enforcement/Investigations/Homicide/home.htm
Mayor Ballard:
I think our new Mayor is heading in the right direction for the city of Indianapolis. I see nothing wrong with the appointments he has made so far as long as they keep a close watch on conflict of interest. He has only been Mayor now for forty one days and has many issues to deal with from the former administration. Given time I think he will do the right thing for the taxpayers
Your comments are welcome.
Gay marriage:
I believe that we the people should have the right to vote on issues that concerns us and the way we live. To have a body that will not let the citizens who elected them vote our opinions by holding up any bill year after year to silent the voters is unbelievable. The people seem to want to vote on public and school projects but when it comes to issues like gay marriage, these same people will not endorse your right to vote. Even to the fact that it’s against Indiana law today that two people can not get married unless they are one man and one woman. I am for the vote of the people on every issue that we can vote on. If you are for it, work in that direction, if you are against it, and then work to defeat it.
Crime:
When you do the crime you should be accountable and pay the price. When a person is sentence to twenty years and only serve 5 of that sentence it makes a joke out of our criminal system. Why not sentence that person to ten years and see that he or she serves that time. In talking this point to Councilor Brown his only comment was “everyone gets out of jail sometime” Well, I for one have had enough of baby killings in this town. Its time to see that these people, usually ex-offenders that do most of the crime in this city stand up and be made to take responsibility for their actions. I am for giving those same ex-offenders a chance in Indianapolis with jobs and education. But as we know you can not make someone work or learn. I am in hope that we will see more crime enforcement in this town. We have waited too long for drug sweeps and prostitution crack down in our city. Did you know that there are 25,000 active warrants in this city? What a joke. Did you know that we have one hundred and fifty six unsolved murders on the book dating back to the year of 2000? Here is the list: http://www.indygov.org/eGov/IMPD/Enforcement/Investigations/Homicide/home.htm
Mayor Ballard:
I think our new Mayor is heading in the right direction for the city of Indianapolis. I see nothing wrong with the appointments he has made so far as long as they keep a close watch on conflict of interest. He has only been Mayor now for forty one days and has many issues to deal with from the former administration. Given time I think he will do the right thing for the taxpayers
Your comments are welcome.
2/09/2008
Another child killed in our city.
An 8-year-old girl was shot in the head late Friday on Indianapolis' Near Northside and died a short time later, police said.
Police said they were searching for a man they want to question in the case.
The girl, whose name was not immediately available, is the fourth preteen child to be shot to death in Indianapolis this year.
She was pronounced dead after being rushed to Riley Hospital for Children.
Residents in the neighborhood of the shooting, which occurred shortly before 10 p.m. in the 2300 block of White Avenue, told police they heard a series of gunshots fired outdoors.
Police said they were searching for a man they want to question in the case.
The girl, whose name was not immediately available, is the fourth preteen child to be shot to death in Indianapolis this year.
She was pronounced dead after being rushed to Riley Hospital for Children.
Residents in the neighborhood of the shooting, which occurred shortly before 10 p.m. in the 2300 block of White Avenue, told police they heard a series of gunshots fired outdoors.
Mayor to speak on property taxes.
Indianapolis Mayor Greg Ballard has accepted an invitation by House Democrats to testify Monday before the House Ways and Means Committee on the impact of Senate Joint Resolution One about the potential impact of property tax reform on the city. The meeting is scheduled to begin at 10 a.m. in Room 404. It will be interesting to see what our new Mayor has to say on this iusse.
2/06/2008
I want to take this time to remember these murder victims.
2008-15
Bartley Sheldon, Jr.
3525 N Shadeland Ave
02/06/2008
Unknown
2008-14
Nalley Robert
4400 Lickridge CT
Blunt Force
2008-13
Woods Rodney
2053 Overlook CT
02/01/2008
Knife
2008-12
Johnson Jordan
3928 Fletcher Ave
01/30/2008
Firearm
2008-11
Coleman Deontae
7035 Mcintosh Ln, Lawrence IN
01/19/2008
Firearm
2008-10
Lee Allen B
2400 N Parker Ave
01/14/2008
IMPD
Beating
2008-9
Hunt Jordan
3283 Hovey Ave
01/14/2008
22 mo
IMPD
Firearm
2008-8
Yarrell Charlii
3283 Hovey Ave
01/14/2008
4 mo
Firearm
2008-7
Hunt Gina
3283 Hovey Ave
01/14/2008
24
Firearm
2008-6
Yarrell Andrea
3283 Hovey Ave
01/14/2008
Firearm
2008-5
Morris Brenton
7259 Pendleton Pike
01/12/2008
26
Firearm
2008-4
Jenkins Emmanuel
4015 Mallway Dr
01/07/2008
22
Firearm
2008-3
Batts Roderick
851 W 29th St
01/07/2008
30
Firearm
2008-2
Johnson Anthony
5918 Devington Rd
01/03/2008
39
Firearm
2008-1
Croom Ronnie Jr.
2805 N Franklin Rd
01/01/2008
30
Firearm
http://bartlies.com/homicide.php
Bartley Sheldon, Jr.
3525 N Shadeland Ave
02/06/2008
Unknown
2008-14
Nalley Robert
4400 Lickridge CT
Blunt Force
2008-13
Woods Rodney
2053 Overlook CT
02/01/2008
Knife
2008-12
Johnson Jordan
3928 Fletcher Ave
01/30/2008
Firearm
2008-11
Coleman Deontae
7035 Mcintosh Ln, Lawrence IN
01/19/2008
Firearm
2008-10
Lee Allen B
2400 N Parker Ave
01/14/2008
IMPD
Beating
2008-9
Hunt Jordan
3283 Hovey Ave
01/14/2008
22 mo
IMPD
Firearm
2008-8
Yarrell Charlii
3283 Hovey Ave
01/14/2008
4 mo
Firearm
2008-7
Hunt Gina
3283 Hovey Ave
01/14/2008
24
Firearm
2008-6
Yarrell Andrea
3283 Hovey Ave
01/14/2008
Firearm
2008-5
Morris Brenton
7259 Pendleton Pike
01/12/2008
26
Firearm
2008-4
Jenkins Emmanuel
4015 Mallway Dr
01/07/2008
22
Firearm
2008-3
Batts Roderick
851 W 29th St
01/07/2008
30
Firearm
2008-2
Johnson Anthony
5918 Devington Rd
01/03/2008
39
Firearm
2008-1
Croom Ronnie Jr.
2805 N Franklin Rd
01/01/2008
30
Firearm
http://bartlies.com/homicide.php
2/05/2008
What is is all about.
It seems that Melyssa Donaghy and the group of Hoosiers for fair taxation is attacking Advance America for their stand on Gay marriage. Or they just feel left out of the tax and media coverage over citizens protesting at the state house.
“Ed Angleton on 'the enemy of my enemy'
John Price, a close friend and ally of Eric Miller, refuses to acknowledge requests from Hoosiers For Fair Taxation to join the statewide property tax repeal alliance inspite of the fact that the group's founder, Melyssa Donaghy, led the tax revolts in Indianapolis. Melyssa is a heterosexual member of Indy Pride, a local GLBT organization. She joined them in 2005 because she fervently believes that a healthy society embraces diversity, is tolerant of others self-expression, and that judgment of others impedes self-actualization of individuals and society.In the essay below, Ed Angleton, a former democrat turned Libertarian, weighs in on Eric Miller's divisive February 1st rally that hijacked property tax anger to the issue of gay marriage.”
http://hoosiersforfairtaxation.blogspot.com/2008/02/ed-angleton-on-enemy-of-my-enemy.html
Come on folks its not a fight for popularity, its not about gay rights or gay marriage, its about property taxes. I will support whoever gets the job done, not who is standing against the rights of the citizens to vote on a referendum.
“Ed Angleton on 'the enemy of my enemy'
John Price, a close friend and ally of Eric Miller, refuses to acknowledge requests from Hoosiers For Fair Taxation to join the statewide property tax repeal alliance inspite of the fact that the group's founder, Melyssa Donaghy, led the tax revolts in Indianapolis. Melyssa is a heterosexual member of Indy Pride, a local GLBT organization. She joined them in 2005 because she fervently believes that a healthy society embraces diversity, is tolerant of others self-expression, and that judgment of others impedes self-actualization of individuals and society.In the essay below, Ed Angleton, a former democrat turned Libertarian, weighs in on Eric Miller's divisive February 1st rally that hijacked property tax anger to the issue of gay marriage.”
http://hoosiersforfairtaxation.blogspot.com/2008/02/ed-angleton-on-enemy-of-my-enemy.html
Come on folks its not a fight for popularity, its not about gay rights or gay marriage, its about property taxes. I will support whoever gets the job done, not who is standing against the rights of the citizens to vote on a referendum.
2/03/2008
City council on Feb 11th
The city council will meet on Feb 11th to vote on proposal 6 that puts the public safety back under the office of the Mayor of Indianapolis.
As I followed Mayor Ballard campaign in 2007, one thing came to light. At every tax protest, debate or meeting that I attended Ballard stated that his number one issue was public safety and having a chain of command put back into our police department. One of his favorite statement at the time was “ask anyone in city government who is in charge of public safety and you will get five different answers to the question.”
It seems that Councilor Adams thinks it is now the time to have a referendum vote by the people of who should be in charge of the police department. My question is this to Ms. Adams. Why did the democratic lead council not give us the right to vote on this at the time of the consolidation? I look for this to come up in the discussion of this proposals.
This will be the time when our council can put party politics aside and come together for what the voters are for, the leadership of Mayor Greg Ballard. The citizens will be watching. One thing I want to point out here that many did not even notice. The city government has changed. If you notice that the place had been changed for the last public safety meeting? Meetings of this type is usually held in room 260 but Counselor Vaughn knew that there would be many people at the last meeting and that room 260 would be to small to hold those in attendance. They moved the meeting to the city council room so that everyone could get in and not to be locked out as the former administration seem to do.
Discord Has hit already
As I have looked at many of our blogs on Indiana and Indianapolis government, it seems it does not take our troops to turn on the Governor, state legislators and Mayor of Indianapolis. I do know that we are all concerned with property taxes and the goings on at the state level. But for blogs to turn on their own people just because of their beliefs, are not doing the grass root effort any good.
It seems that almost every blog I read is reacting to Eric Miller and John Price to the point of saying Eric Miller's state house antics as similar to the KKK. In my opinion , this is loosing site of our main propose of doing something about property tax situation. We must remember that we knew of Miller’s stand before we joined in the fight of the issues of property tax. Was it a big surprise that they would link the bills to relieve the burden of property taxes by giving the people of Indiana the RIGHT to vote on the issue of gay marriage? It seems that people want a right to vote on referendums in Indiana except those that does not involve money.
As for Mayor Ballard, he has been in office only on month and the blogs are pointing their fingers as fast as they can. Mostly at the appointments that he has made. The biggest one is his promise to keep conflict of interest from his administration. The first blast that I read was from our very own Hoosiers for fair Tax Blog because they did not like Ice Miller handling the applications for the city of Indianapolis employment: http://hoosiersforfairtaxation.blogspot.com/2007_12_01_archive.html
With the steps taken by Scott Newman by owning part in the DNA company, I see no conflict of interest. Now comes the appointment of Robert T. Grand to the Capital Improvement Board. It seems that Advance Indiana is not happy with this appointment because they have been posting stories of conflict of interest in this choice. And steps have been put in place to avoid this conflict.
http://advanceindiana.blogspot.com/2008/02/ballard-mired-in-ethics-dilemma-of-his.html
What do these people expect from Mayor Ballard. We choose him to lead this city and appoint people that he thought would get the job done and are qualified for those jobs. I feel some are feeling “left out” of city government appointments. Just because you work on a campaign for a office holding do not make you qualified to lead in office of government.
Lets join hands and keep in focus our goals for this State and City government. If we pick at every little detail that ‘might’ happen in appointments for the city and bills that is put thru our State government, we will lose that fight.
It seems that almost every blog I read is reacting to Eric Miller and John Price to the point of saying Eric Miller's state house antics as similar to the KKK. In my opinion , this is loosing site of our main propose of doing something about property tax situation. We must remember that we knew of Miller’s stand before we joined in the fight of the issues of property tax. Was it a big surprise that they would link the bills to relieve the burden of property taxes by giving the people of Indiana the RIGHT to vote on the issue of gay marriage? It seems that people want a right to vote on referendums in Indiana except those that does not involve money.
As for Mayor Ballard, he has been in office only on month and the blogs are pointing their fingers as fast as they can. Mostly at the appointments that he has made. The biggest one is his promise to keep conflict of interest from his administration. The first blast that I read was from our very own Hoosiers for fair Tax Blog because they did not like Ice Miller handling the applications for the city of Indianapolis employment: http://hoosiersforfairtaxation.blogspot.com/2007_12_01_archive.html
With the steps taken by Scott Newman by owning part in the DNA company, I see no conflict of interest. Now comes the appointment of Robert T. Grand to the Capital Improvement Board. It seems that Advance Indiana is not happy with this appointment because they have been posting stories of conflict of interest in this choice. And steps have been put in place to avoid this conflict.
http://advanceindiana.blogspot.com/2008/02/ballard-mired-in-ethics-dilemma-of-his.html
What do these people expect from Mayor Ballard. We choose him to lead this city and appoint people that he thought would get the job done and are qualified for those jobs. I feel some are feeling “left out” of city government appointments. Just because you work on a campaign for a office holding do not make you qualified to lead in office of government.
Lets join hands and keep in focus our goals for this State and City government. If we pick at every little detail that ‘might’ happen in appointments for the city and bills that is put thru our State government, we will lose that fight.
2/01/2008
Baby dies in Ohio.
DAYTON, Ohio — A woman who shared a jail cell with a mother accused of killing her baby by burning her in a microwave oven told a jury Thursday that the mom confessed to the crime, saying the month-old girl "fit right in" the oven.
Linda Williams testified that she developed a sexual relationship with defendant China Arnold when the two were cellmates in the Montgomery County Jail in March and that Arnold confided in her about what happened to her baby.
She said Arnold feared her boyfriend believed he wasn't the father of the child and was going to leave her.
"She said she put the baby into the microwave and started it and left the house," Williams said.
Williams said she asked Arnold how she got the child into the oven.
"She said she fit right in," Williams said.
http://www.foxnews.com/story/0,2933,327385,00.html
The reason I posted this here is I question what this country is coming to when babies in Indiana and now Ohio are being murdered. It seems an everyday thing today. Its time to throw away some jail cell keys.
Linda Williams testified that she developed a sexual relationship with defendant China Arnold when the two were cellmates in the Montgomery County Jail in March and that Arnold confided in her about what happened to her baby.
She said Arnold feared her boyfriend believed he wasn't the father of the child and was going to leave her.
"She said she put the baby into the microwave and started it and left the house," Williams said.
Williams said she asked Arnold how she got the child into the oven.
"She said she fit right in," Williams said.
http://www.foxnews.com/story/0,2933,327385,00.html
The reason I posted this here is I question what this country is coming to when babies in Indiana and now Ohio are being murdered. It seems an everyday thing today. Its time to throw away some jail cell keys.
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