“The power under the constitution will always be in the people. It is entrusted for certain defined purposes, and for a certain limited period, to representatives of their own choosing; and whenever it is executed contrary to their interest, or not agreeable to their wishes, their servants can and undoubtedly will, be recalled.”

~ George Washington (1787)

Wednesday, October 31, 2012

Why Optimism for Obama?

From Bob Krumm, his thoughts on the optimism surrounding President Obama, and his chances for success in the elections:

Kids don't like socialism!

 As they make abundantly clear on this video:

Redistributing Children's Halloween Candy: 
A Case Study in Coerced "Fairness"

Not true, but definitely intimidating

AFL-CIO Warns Oregon Voters: 'Your voting history is a matter of public record'

Quote of the day

The dons, the bashaws, the grandees, the patricians, the sachems, the nabobs, call them by what names you please, sigh and groan and fret, and sometimes stamp and foam and curse, but all in vain. The decree is gone forth, and it cannot be recalled, that a more equal liberty than has prevailed in other parts of the earth must be established in America.

John Adams, letter to Patrick Henry — 1776

Agenda

The full movie version of  AGENDA: Grinding America Down is available on line, for free, until the election. 

This is a must see if you think Communism is dead.  Full information on AGENDA is available here.

Wednesday Cartoons

Click to enlarge....including the ones below the fold!


Wednesday news and opinions

Media

It's the Economy

Politics, Elections (National)

Politics, Elections (State, local)

ObamaCareTax, Taxes

Liberal Mindset, Corruption, Socialism

Agenda 21

Big Government, EPA

The Constitution

Tuesday, October 30, 2012

County budget meeting

UPDATE: The County's 2013 preliminary budget may be seen here.  That link came from the County's home page.

I went to the County presentation of the budget tonight.  The goal was to describe the overall budget process for the county, on which they did a very good job.  Especially since the budget is complex, balancing dedicated fund requirements against needs while working with an inconsistent cash flow, and a legal requirement to balance the overall budget.

Having dealt with multiple -- but much smaller -- governmental budgets over the years, I can see that the County has a seriously hard time balancing the budget against projected revenue.  This is not an easy task, made harder by the economy, unfunded mandates from the Federal and state governments, rising fuel prices, labor union contracts, court decisions, unexpected expenses (like storm damage), Congressional actions, and other factors.  Further, Federal and state grant funds are shrinking every year, as do materials and supplies, and other operating expenses.  Cash flow and conservative fiscal planning can be and has been trumped by a judge on the other side of the state, or a bureaucrat in Washington, DC. 

Or a President utterly indifferent to the economic impacts of his policies.  Such as Obamacare, an impact which has not been assessed as yet.  No one really knows.  And there are three union contracts awaiting negotiation in 2013. 

On the plus side, Walla Walla County ranks very high nationally on their return of investment, although that's a rather small amount compared to the overall budget.  And the county is required by law to maintain a reserve equal to 25% of the annual budget.  That's used for unexpected expenses, such as failed equipment, storm damages, or increased operating costs.  So the commissioners are working hard to maintain a conservative fiscal approach while maintaining essential services and required services.

What appears to be the main misconception about the budget (aside from not understanding its complexity) is the thought that "They have all that money from property taxes!" 

Monday, October 29, 2012

Tuesday news cancelled

There will be no news or opinions on Tuesday.  While we are fortunate not to be in the path of Hurricane SANDY, many of our fellow Americans are, and this space is devoted to the request that you remember them in your thoughts and prayers.

By all reports, the impacts from the storm surge are severe, and things may get worse.  If you are able, please donate to your preferred charity.  For example, the American Red Cross, or the Salvation Army.

Thank you.

Update on why: Lights out in Manhattan.

Quote of the day

There! His Majesty can now read my name without glasses. And he can double the reward on my head!

John Hancock, upon signing the Declaration of Independence — 1776

Monday Cartoons

Enjoy!  More are below the fold:


Monday opinions and news

Patriotism

Politics, Elections

Media

Foreign Policy

Liberal Mindset

Special

Sunday, October 28, 2012

Quotes of the day

As riches increase and accumulate in few hands, as luxury prevails in society, virtue will be in a greater degree considered as only a graceful appendage of wealth, and the tendency of things will be to depart from the republican standard. This is the real disposition of human nature; it is what neither the honorable member nor myself can correct. It is a common misfortune that awaits our State constitution, as well as all others.

Alexander Hamilton, speech to the New York Ratifying Convention — 1788

A glimpse of things to come? (Updated, bumped to top)

Should Obama loose the election this year, this may be a small taste of the response to that possibility:
Don't expect the organizations who worked to get elected in 2008, and again this year, to quietly go away.

There will be plenty of work left to save America.

UPDATE:  As if on cue......

Judge Jeanine Speaks The Truth

Justice with Judge Jeanine Opening Statement 10/27/12 regarding Benghazi coverup.

A "Face Palm" moment for American Politics


Sunday Cartoons

Enjoy!


Sunday news and opinions

Financial, It's The Economy, Core Values

Socialism, Liberal Mindset

Media

Big Government

Elections, Politics

Terrorism

Foreign Policy



State news and opinions for a Sunday morning

Politics: Federal

Politics: State

Taxes:

Elections

Education

Friday, October 26, 2012

"The Worst Political Ad of the Cycle?"

Copied from the "Morning Jolt" Newsletter, by Jim Geraghty, for October 26th, 2012:
The Right Scoop summarizes a mind-bogglingly bad get-out-the-vote video from the Obama campaign:
Talk about desperation. They've finally sunken to a new low trying to get the youth vote by comparing voting for the first time to having sex for the first time. "Your first time shouldn't be with just anybody. You wanna do it with a great guy . . ."
Amanda Carpenter: "This ad, suggesting women should want to sleep with Obama, is disgusting."
Dana Perino: "Who approved that new Obama campaign message? AND who pushed the video?"
Michelle Ray: "Between Julia and this new freaking ad, @BarackObama portrays women as giddy, helpless, impressionable morons."
Biased Girl: "Is that what this administration thinks Real women are like?"
Kathryn Lopez: "It's as if every day the Obama campaign gives me another reason to see how clearly we a new president - for the sake of our politics and our culture."
Adrian Gray: "That Lena Dunham ad was a very risky move for any campaign. And even more surprising it was approved by the father of two girls."
Liz Mair: "So voting for Obama is like losing your virginity? A dude cooked that one up, right? Because for us girls, that means you're saying it's painful."
Stacy Washington: "The #MyFirstTime ad is the height of vulgarity. Tell me #Democrat Moms: Is this how you want the president talking to your daughters?"
Andrea Chapman: "You don't want your first time to be with #Obama because his stimulus package didn't deliver as promised."

Quote of the day

[T]he Constitution ought to be the standard of construction for the laws, and that wherever there is an evident opposition, the laws ought to give place to the Constitution. But this doctrine is not deducible from any circumstance peculiar to the plan of convention, but from the general theory of a limited Constitution.

Alexander Hamilton -- 1788

Friday Cartoons

Click to enjoy.  More below the fold!


Thursday, October 25, 2012

Quote of the day

But a Constitution of Government once changed from Freedom, can never be restored. Liberty, once lost, is lost forever.

John Adams, letter to Abigail Adams — 1775

Lightworker oddly out of tune

After 4 years in office, innumerable campaign speechs, multiple media interviews, and when the 3 debates are over, President Obama finally publishes his agenda for the next 4 years.  Two weeks before the elections.

And what do other people think of this blatant manipulation by President Obama?  Here's one example:

Less than two weeks before Americans finally have a chance to vote him out of office, President Obama has begun shouting at campaign rallies: "I've got a plan!"

It's really a slogan, not a plan, referring to a 20-page pamphlet that is about as plausible as Obama's notorious June 2008 boast that his election would mark "the moment when the rise of the oceans began to slow and our planet began to heal." Difficult as it may now be to recall, there were once "spiritually advanced people" who looked at this Chicago machine politician and saw "a Lightworker, that rare kind of attuned being… who can actually help usher in a new way of being on the planet." Obviously, none of these "advanced" people read The American Spectator, but many of them are still out there awaiting this "new way of being," which is the only possible explanation for the crowds who show up to cheer their hero as he reads his lines from the teleprompter screens.
As they say, read the rest.

Thursday Cartoons

Enjoy!  Including those below the fold:


Wednesday, October 24, 2012

Quote of the day

Human nature itself is evermore an advocate for liberty. There is also in human nature a resentment of injury, and indignation against wrong. A love of truth and a veneration of virtue. These amiable passions, are the "latent spark"... If the people are capable of understanding, seeing and feeling the differences between true and false, right and wrong, virtue and vice, to what better principle can the friends of mankind apply than to the sense of this difference?

John Adams, the Novanglus — 1775

Less than 2 weeks until elections....

....and Obama is getting desperate:  Obama Sics His Freaks On Romney: Allred, Sullivan, Wright…

Here is, possibly, Gloris Allred's "October Surprise":  Mitt Romney Court Battle Over His Involvement in Bitter Divorce (a twenty five year old divorce).

And here's a good analysis of the "October Surprise":  The Stemberg Settlement Saga Celebrates Its Silver Anniversary, By The Usual Custom of Dragging Mitt Romney Into It

Wednesday Cartoons

More below the fold.  Enjoy!


Monday, October 22, 2012

Quote of the day

The first and governing maxim in the interpretation of a statute is to discover the meaning of those who made it.

James Wilson, Of the Study of Law in the United States — 1790

2013 Walla Walla County Budget Hearing

There will be a public meeting on the 2013 County budget on 30 October2012, at 6 PM, at the Public Health and Legislative Building, 314 West Main Street, in Walla Walla.  The meeting is open to the public.

The topics include the preliminary budget and requests from elected officials and department heads, as well as the process to balance the budget.

Currently, there is a $1.9 million gap between projected revenues and expenditure requests. This is a great place to get some fiscal responsibility in the government. If nothing else, you'll get insight on how the County operates.


The original news release from the county is here, in Adobe format.   Click here for the 2013 Preliminary Budget, with comparisons 


Monday Cartoons

Enjoy!


Monday news and opinions (UPDATED)

Admin note:  posting will be intermittent Tuesday through Friday.

(Updates noted by *)

Politics, Elections
 
Media

Foreign Policy

Big Government, EPA, Socialism, Liberal Mindset, Education
ObamaCareTax

* First Amendment

And now for something a bit different......

The combined service Academy Choirs and the US Army Herald Trumpet Corps.

Sunday, October 21, 2012

Quote of the day

A constitution founded on these principles introduces knowledge among the people, and inspires them with a conscious dignity becoming freemen; a general emulation takes place, which causes good humor, sociability, good manners, and good morals to be general. That elevation of sentiment inspired by such a government, makes the common people brave and enterprising. That ambition which is inspired by it makes them sober, industrious, and frugal.

John Adams, Thoughts on Government — 1776

Sunday Cartoons

Enjoy!  Click to enlarge.


Sunday thoughts and news

Politics, Elections


ObamaCareTax

Second Amendment

Media

Saturday, October 20, 2012

Saturday Cartoons!

Enjoy!  Click to enlarge.


Saturday opinions and news

Terrorism

Foreign Policy

First Amendment

Media

Liberal mindset, Socialism, Corruption

It's the Economy

Politics, Elections -- state

Politics, Elections -- national

Thursday, October 18, 2012

UNITED WE STAND (Bumped to top)

Welcome to an Evening of “UNITED WE STAND”

Guest Speaker: Gil Alden

A veteran submariner of the US Navy, Member of the Presidential Honor Guard during the inauguration of President Ronald Reagan and ceremony welcoming home 52 American hostages from Iran, Graduate from Portland State University and Western Baptist Seminary.

Friday, October 19, 2012, 5:00-7 pm
343 S. 2nd, GOP Victory HQ, Walla Walla WA

Refreshments Provided

Donations of non perishable items to the “Care & Share Food Drive” Are Appreciated

Contact WW Romney/Ryan Chair Lisa Wagner for more information:  
(509) 200-9014, or  wagnerdl3@msn.com

Union-Bulletin Poll

Who do you prefer?  Cathy McMorris-Rodgers, or Rich Cowan?  Tell the Walla Walla Union-Bulletin.

"Civil Discourse"

This is offered for your information. This does NOT come through the Walla Walla TEA Party Patriots, although I sent it to the steering committee. I found it on my own:

Click to enlarge

If you attend, please send your observation to w2teaparty@gmail.com

If you want an explanation of "civil discourse", try viewing this segment from "The Daily Show".

How many times did Obama blame the economy on Bush?


First lady Michelle Obama said Wednesday that President Obama did not look to blame others for the challenges he faced as president, an apparent rebuke to Republican accusations that the White House continues to point the finger at President George W. Bush for the lagging economy.

"See, but your president, he didn't point fingers," Mrs. Obama said, at a campaign fundraiser in New York. "He didn't place blame. Instead, he got to work, because he was thinking about folks like my dad and like his grandmother. See, and that's why he cut taxes for small businesses and for working families because he believes that in America, teachers and firefighters should not pay higher tax rates than millionaires and billionaires."
 Two examples:
Stay classy, First Lady Of The United States.

United Nations Supported By Hate Group

The UN agency that promotes education wants a say in how future textbooks are written, and Saudi Arabia -- a nation whose own school books have been criticized for promoting hatred of Christians and Jews -- is helping to bankroll the effort.

The United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization (UNESCO) is currently working with member states to revise its strategy for the publication of textbooks and learning materials. According to UNESCO's website, experts from 21 countries met in Paris last month at a meeting financed by a $29,000 Saudi donation and focused in part on "ways to ensure that content aimed at students systematically reflects cultural and religious diversity, and avoids gender stereotypes."

Then, last week, Saudi Arabia's King Abdullah cut a $20 million check to UNESCO's emergency fund.

Read the rest.  And ask yourself:  "Why are we still in the United Nations?"

Thursday Cartoons!

Click and enjoy!


"Dangerous nonsense" indeed

BIDEN: I want to make this clear so there no misunderstanding anybody. I got a daughter, lost a daughter, got four granddaughters, and Barack has two daughters. We are absolutely — this is to our core — my daughter, and my granddaughters and Barack’s daughters are entitled to every single solitary operation! EVERY SINGLE SOLITARY OPERATION!
Obama.  Must.  Go.

Wednesday news and opinions (Updated)

Media

Terrorism

Politics, Elections - National

 Politics, Elections - State

Foreign Policy

Big Government

Liberal mindset, socialism

Wednesday, October 17, 2012

More post-debate roll-up! (Updated)

No wonder "Climate Change" is considered a joke

 The "scientists" pushing it keep on finding out how much they don't know....and don't know how ignorant they are:  Scientists have 'limited knowledge' of how climate change causes extinction

Have we become a nation of plunder?

No society can exist unless the laws are respected to a certain degree. The safest way to make laws respected is to make them respectable. When law and morality contradict each other, the citizen has the cruel alternative of either losing his moral sense or losing his respect for the law. These two evils are of equal consequence, and it would be difficult for a person to choose between them.
 This is a quotation cited by the linked article, and is why you should read the whole thing.

Paul Ryan

WE NEED PROACTIVE, PRO-GROWTH SOLUTIONS TO GET OUR ECONOMY TURNED


Experts Discuss the 2012 Washington Initiatives

From the Freedom Foundation:


Timestamps:
  • I-1185: Making it harder to raise taxes - 1:48
  • I-1240: Allowing public charter schools - 7:45
  • I-502: Legalizing marijuana - 12:43
  • R-74: Same-sex marriage - 18:28
  • ESJR 8221: Lowering the state debt limit & SJR 8223: Allowing UW and WSU to invest funds - 19:48
  • HB 2590 & SB 6635: Advisory Votes - 24:08

A thought on last night's debate

The constituency for the real Obama is a minority in America, no bigger than the minority that votes for Democrats in every election cycle, and perhaps not that big.  Much of Obama’s 2008 support has peeled away, precisely because there’s no consistency between his actions, his rhetoric, and blunt reality.  Romney came off last night as he did in the first debate:  as someone with experience who does operate on the basis of reality.  For my part, I think the world in which Obama’s oratorical flourishes carried the day exists only inside the heads of MSM pundits.  Reality is giving the rest of us a big-time check.
 Do read the whole thing.  The author makes a compelling case that Romney won.

More Consequences of Failed Foreign Policies

The 2012 Electoral College

Battle for White House: Courtesy of Real Clear Politics.  Click to enlarge.



Wednesday Cartoons!

Click and enjoy, including those beneath the fold!


Wednesday news and opinions

Big Government, EPA

It's the Economy

ObamaCareTax

Politics, Election

Media

Liberal mindset, Socialism

Tuesday, October 16, 2012

2nd Presidential Debate roundup.....

Global Warming....

....is an extension of Agenda 21.  Which is why this is all the more ironic and unsurprising: 

Great news: Global warming ended ... sixteen years ago

Tuesday Cartoons

More below the fold!  Click and enjoy:


Continued: Failures of Foreign Policies....

....and their consequences:

Tuesday news and thoughts

Politics, Elections

Media, Liberal mindset

Big Government, EPA

It's the Economy

Sunday, October 14, 2012

Local elections and news

As in, I don't have any.

I haven't visited the Walla Walla Union Bulletin web site for a while, but they have revised their web site.  Unless you have a subscription, you get 5 free articles per month, and then it's pay per article. 

I have a print subscription, but I apparently missed the e-mail about resetting my password.  So I get to call the office this week, and see what bureaucratic hoops I need to jump through.  For now, I have no access.

The point being, I was going to post links to articles there, on our blog, as election resources.  There are a number of editorial endorsement of candidates, but even those are behind the firewall.  Which is a pity, as there a couple articles on the budget meetings with the County Commissioners, going around the $1.9 million shortfall, that were useful.

Under "fair use" doctrine, I can quote parts of the articles, as commentary, but copying them completely is not allowed.  So, until I can get my access back, and if I have the time to write suitable articles, all I can say is:  if you want county news, you'll have to read the Walla Walla Union Bulletin yourself, in print or on line

You do have those 5 free views per month, after all.

Sunday Cartoons

Click to see a bigger version.  More below the fold!


Quote of the day

But with respect to future debt; would it not be wise and just for that nation to declare in the constitution they are forming that neither the legislature, nor the nation itself can validly contract more debt, than they may pay within their own age, or within the term of 19 years.

Thomas Jefferson, letter to James Madison — 1789

Sunday news & opinions

ObamaCareTax

The Constitution

Media

Politics, Elections

Liberal mindset, The TEA Party

Big Government

Unions, Education

Saturday, October 13, 2012

Are the Democrats getting nervous.....

....the closer we get to the election?  Possibly because there's a chance that they may get a repeat of 2010?  If so, expect to see more of this:

Saturday Cartoons

Plenty more beneath the fold!  Click to see a larger image.


Quote of the day

The dons, the bashaws, the grandees, the patricians, the sachems, the nabobs, call them by what names you please, sigh and groan and fret, and sometimes stamp and foam and curse, but all in vain. The decree is gone forth, and it cannot be recalled, that a more equal liberty than has prevailed in other parts of the earth must be established in America.

John Adams, letter to Patrick Henry — 1776

Saturday news and opinions

Admin note:  blogging will be light for a day or two.

Politic, Election

 Media

Foreign Policy

Liberal mindset, Socialism

It's the Economy, Big Government