[star]The American Mind[star]

May 31, 2006

Bookmobile vs. the Bad Guys

I know Reading is Fundamental but this is ridiculous.

"I Don't Know Where to Laugh or Cry"

Posted by Sean Hackbarth in Wisconsin at 11:45 PM | Comments (2)

Veteran Sues Michael Moore

Michael Moore is getting sued by an Iraq War vet Peter Damon who claims the rotund director used a video clip of him without permission.

I wondered why the $85 million lawsuit was filed now. Later on in the NY Post story I have my answer:

Lawyer Dennis Lynch said he took the case last year and they held off filing the lawsuit in a bid to settle the matter.

"We attempted to resolve the situation amicably with Mr. Moore [for a year] but he refused," he said.

Damon is asking for up to $75 million because of "loss of reputation, emotional distress, embarrassment, and personal humiliation."

In addition, his wife is suing for another $10 million because of the "mental distress and anguish suffered by her spouse."

"G.I.'s Big Fat Suit Vs. " [via Hot Air]

Posted by Sean Hackbarth in Politics at 02:33 PM | Comments (4)

Candidates Pounce on Inactive Lautenschlager

Attorney General candidate JB Van Hollen jumps on Peg Lautenschlager for being silent after Milwaukee's violent Memorial Day Weekend:

She's AWOL on fighting violent gun crime in Wisconsin's largest city.

Apparently, Peg Lautenschlager is too busy suing law abiding farmers in northern Wisconsin and fighting the EPA, Department of Education and FDA to actually focus on fighting crime in the highest crime area of the state.

We need more than a long-term action plan, though; we need to do something now.

Fellow GOP candidate Paul Bucher went after both Lautenschlager, Gov. Doyle, and dawdling local officials:

Doyle has been too busy to focus on the 28 shootings in Milwaukee over the past few days, I suppose, since he's been wasting time vetoing reasonable pieces of legislation (including one requiring verification of citizenship to get state benefits) and he's been too busy dodging questions about why the man he named Parole commissioner released two cop killers.

As for Lautenschlager? She's been too busy filing her frivolous lawsuits against legislators, cranberry growers, the FDA, you name it.

And on the local level, officials are convening task forces to "study" the issues rather than going after the criminal element in a serious and aggressive manner like they are down in Chicago right now. In Milwaukee, the locals are shooting down common sense gang loitering ordinances that would give police the tools they need to preserve the quality of life for the law-abiding citizen.

" Needs to Fight Real Crime"

" and Doyle AWOL on Gun Violence"

Posted by Sean Hackbarth in Wisconsin at 02:12 PM | Comments (0)

Charlie's Show Prep #106

  • No surprise from the Journal Sentinel editorial board. They think more gun laws and jobs for inner city kids will prevent murders. Suburban kids have all sorts of "connections." I guess they're connections if that's what you call going down to McDonalds and applying. They don't mention concealed carry, the culture of "stop snitchin'" and briefly mention the role of parents.

  • Congressman is on the wrong side of the Jefferson raid.

  • is cracking down on dissident webloggers.

  • AlGore calling anyone an "extremist" definitely brings to mind something about a kettle and the color black.

Posted by Sean Hackbarth in Wisconsin at 04:38 AM | Comments (15)

May 30, 2006

Other X-Men 3 Reviews

  • Steven Taylor liked it: "I thought the plot was less, well, nuanced than I would have liked, but it was enjoyable."

  • Will Collier: "one hell of a good movie."

  • Frequent TAM commenter DJ who didn't like it and really hates Halle Berry as Storm.

Posted by Sean Hackbarth in Culture at 09:40 PM | Comments (2)

Thomas on Zinmeister

Helen Thomas continued to prove she's too old and crotchety to be at White House briefings. Here's Thomas questioning Tony Snow about new domestic policy advisor Karl Zinsmeister:

Q Why did the President pick a man who is so contemptible of the public servants in Washington to be his Domestic Advisor -- saying, "People in Washington are morally repugnant, cheating, shifty human beings"? Why would he pick such a man to be a Domestic Advisor?

MR. SNOW: You meant contemptuous, as opposed to contemptible, I think.

Q Pure contempt.

MR. SNOW: Well, I'm not sure it's pure contempt. I know Karl Zinsmeister pretty well, and he is somebody who expresses himself with a certain amount of piquancy -- you're perhaps familiar with that, aren't you, Helen? And so, as a consequence, from time to time he's going to say -- he'll have some sharp elbows.

Q If this is his attitude toward public servants --

MR. SNOW: No, I don't think it's his attitude toward public servants -- it may have been toward the press. Just kidding. No, I -- look, if you look at the bulk of what Karl Zinsmeister has done at The American Enterprise and elsewhere, I think you're going to find somebody who's done some pretty meaty and interesting research on a variety of topics. The reason he's being brought in is that he's --

Q Do you agree with his assessment of Washington?

MR. SNOW: I'm not -- there's one sentence the guy wrote, and perhaps you may recall -- yes?

Q Arrogant, morally repugnant, cheating, shifty -- come on.

MR. SNOW: That's a lot in one sentence, isn't it? He just packed it right in.

Jim.

Q So what is the attitude toward --

MR. SNOW: The attitude is we're glad to have a guy on board who has breadth of knowledge, who has breadth of interest and of experience, and is going to bring --

Q No tolerance for other human beings.

MR. SNOW: Helen, tell you what, why don't you get to know Karl, because I think you're going to find out that to judge somebody --

Q Bring him on. (Laughter.)

MR. SNOW: -- on the basis of one sentence is probably a little unfair.

Q How could it be unfair?

MR. SNOW: He'll charm you.


In Old Woman Helen's world only those with the "proper respect" for Washington should be advising the President. Calling people in D.C. "morally repugnant, cheating, shifty human beings" fits when talking about Jack Abramoff, Congressman William Jefferson, Sen. Ted Kennedy, and convicted Congressman Duke Cunningham.

Heaven forbid someone at a distance from the capital's insularity could offer ideas to improve the government and think Washington isn't the Emerald City full of pure hearts and good intentions.

Wait until Old Woman Helen reads this Editor & Publisher article that quotes Zinsmeister calling embedded reporters in Iraq "whiny and appallingly soft."

[Added to OTB's Beltway Traffic Jam.]

Posted by Sean Hackbarth in Media at 07:16 PM | Comments (7)

Accused Milwaukee Cop Commits Suicide

Officer Alfonzo Glover who was charged with "first-degree intentional homicide in the March 2005 death of Wilbert Javier Prado" posted $25,000 bail, went home, then killed himself.

Patrick at Badger Blogger and Phelony Jones wonder if District Attorney E. Michael McCann charged him to improve his standing with some in the public. This is man who only charged one cop in a fatal shooting during his 37 years in office.

McCann has blood on his hands. He has some explaining to do.

"Officer Charged in Murder Takes Own Life"

Posted by Sean Hackbarth in Wisconsin at 06:54 PM | Comments (9)

WSJ Wrong on Raid

Paul Gigot and the Wall Street Journal editorial board get it wrong for once. This time with regards to the FBI raiding Congressman William Jefferson's office. They oppose the raid mentioning the Speech and Debate Clause multiple times. Yet they don't explain their reasoning. They don't even bother to quote from the constitution. Here's the portion they referred to:

They shall in all Cases, except Treason, Felony and Breach of the Peace, be privileged from Arrest during their Attendance at the Session of their respective Houses, and in going to and returning from the same; and for any Speech or Debate in either House, they shall not be questioned in any other Place.

The WSJ editorial board are conservatives. It's safe to assume they're constitutional originalists. I see no where in the text about Congressmen's offices protected from search warrants. The raid of Congressman Jefferson's office had to do with a bribery investigation not preventing him from speaking in the House or casting a vote.

"Raiding Congress" [via Michelle Malkin]

UPDATE: McQ at QandO praises Sen. Frist for not opposing the raid.

Posted by Sean Hackbarth in Media at 11:00 AM | Comments (0)

Policy Advisor Doctors Text

Karl Zinsmeister, President Bush's new domestic policy advisor admits he fiddled around with an interview with a news weekly and posted the edited version on his magazine's website. Here is the original version from the Syracuse New Times, and here's the doctored version on The American Enterprise website.

Zinsmeister told the Washington Post he edited it to correct errors. However, he wrote this to the New Times reporter Justin Park,

I really appreciate your professionalism and kindness. You wrote it straight up, which is the best and hardest kind of journalism. Let me know when I can next help out your journalism.

If Zinsmeister felt there were errors with the interview he had a great opportunity to make them known.

Zinsmeister engaged in intellectual dishonesty. Obviously he was embarassed with some of his words. He could have not published the article on his magazine's website letting it sink into the information quicksand or he could have added his comments after the unedited version. Zinsmeister took the "foolish" route.

Still, Zinsmeister will be just a policy advisor. He will be offering policy suggestions to the President. He won't be running a bureaucracy or implementing regulations. This is a stain on his writing and editing reputation, nothing more.

"New Policy Adviser Admits Altering Text"

"Questions Arising Over Quotations Of "

Posted by Sean Hackbarth in Politics at 10:42 AM | Comments (0)

Paulson Nominated as Next Treasury Secretary

John Snow resigned and President Bush nominated Goldman Sachs CEO Henry Paulson as the new Treasury Secretary.

Snow has been the most quiet, least public Treasury Secretaries in modern times. Today, President Bush said, the Treasury Secretary is the "chief spokesman for my economic policies." Snow's lack of exposure (whether his fault or the White House's) made him a failure. The economy isn't in recession yet a malaise infest the public's attitude toward it.

Being a long-time Wall Street veteran Paulson will have the investment community's ear. Whether that will translate into getting President Bush more credit for the economy will have to be seen.

The AP has already jumped on Paulson's environmental work. He is chairman of The Nature Conservancy. Unlike most environmental groups it uses donated money to buy land and use rights for protection. They take advantage of the power of private property rights.

"President Bush Nominates as Treasury Secretary"

"Bush taps for Treasury Secretary"

" Chair Paulson Replacing Snow at Treasury"

UPDATE: Wonkette is occasionally funny. "Paulson: does he have a cold or does he always talk like “Macho Man” Randy Savage?"

Posted by Sean Hackbarth in Economics at 09:49 AM | Comments (0)

Charlie's Show Prep #105

  • UW officials used some hardball to try to get a sponsorship out of U.S. Bank.

  • Ricardo Pimentel and the gang think is a victim.

  • By jacking up taxes MATC is making it easier to require the board be filled with elected people.

  • There may be an lost manuscript of Jane Eyre floating around. Letters indicate Charlotte Bronte edited it because of a libel charge.

  • Perfectly grown men are beating each other up. It's a real life Fight Club.

Posted by Sean Hackbarth in Wisconsin at 12:56 AM | Comments (2)

May 29, 2006

Memorial Day 2006

flagday.jpg
In memoriam to all those who gave their lives to defend this nation. From the Revolutionary War to Iraq we are indebted to them.

"Bush Lays Wreath at Arlington Cemetery" [via Wizbang]

Posted by Sean Hackbarth in Miscellaneous at 12:46 PM | Comments (0)

May 28, 2006

Milwaukee's Parks Problems

The Milwaukee Journal Sentinel has an article about the fiscal troubles with the Milwaukee parks system. Blame Tom Ament for putting county employee pensions and benefits ahead of maintaining the parks. This is how bad it's gotten:

Consider: Though parks staffing has fallen by two-thirds since 1986, fringe benefit payments have nearly doubled the last 10 years and are now at $6.5 million of a $37 million parks budget. The hypergenerous pension and sick-leave deal of 2000-'01 and skyrocketing retiree health insurance costs factor in.

The problem isn't too few taxes. Milwaukee residents are taxed way too much. The problem is irresponsible past decisions that are hanging around the necks of County Executive Scott Walker and the County Board.

There's mention of closing down little-used pools, opening waterparks to increase revenue, renting out space to business and special events, and increasing private donations. I'd feel more sympathy with Parks Director Sue Black but Fox 6 news reported last night there was free admission yesterday to the Cool Waters waterpark in Greenfield Park. Yesterday was the warmest day of the year so far. There was no need to get people out to the park. That was a lost opportunity to get some much-needed revenue.

"County Parks Sinking Fast"

Posted by Sean Hackbarth in Wisconsin at 01:54 AM | Comments (3)

X-Men Has Great Box Office Opening

I did my part in making X-Men 3 the second-highest opening movie of all time. It was fun with it being full of action and wild scenes that make a comic book movie good. There were some surprises along with more heart than what I would have expected from a summer blockbuster.

"X Men 3 Hits History Books" [via Drudge]

"Movie Review: : The Last Stand"

Posted by Sean Hackbarth in Culture at 12:11 AM | Comments (5)

May 27, 2006

Happy Anniversaries

Those youngins at Power Line are four-years old. Boots & Sabers turned three. Keep it up. Someday you might get as old as TAM.

Posted by Sean Hackbarth in Weblogging at 11:43 PM | Comments (0)

FBI Investigates Illegal Access to Gossip Mags' Computers

Paparazzi competition may have reached a new low. The FBI confiscated the computer of a former Us Weekly editor to see if she used it to illegally access the magazine's computer systems. The NY Post's Page Six tosses ex-madam Heidi Fleiss' name in for good measure.

"FBI Probes Hacking Incident at Us Weekly"

"Former Us Staffer Especially Didn't Steal Info on Charlie Sheen"

Posted by Sean Hackbarth in Culture at 08:45 AM | Comments (1)

May 26, 2006

Desparate Housewives Reality Clone Set for CBS Summer

Somehow I don't think there will be much mention of books on CBS' summer reality show Tuesday Night Book Club. Kirin looks like Brie (and not 31) while Jamie is the show's version of Gabrielle.

It's sure to be "must-not-see-tv" for me.

"CBS Reveals the Identities of its Women"

Posted by Sean Hackbarth in Culture at 05:53 PM | Comments (2)

What Are You Doing Here?

It's Memorial Day Weekend. If you're reading this STOP. Go see a movie, find a bar, fire up the grill. It's the unofficial start of summer. That's a whopping three months here in Wisconsin. We have to take advantage of each precious moment.

If some big event happens in the next few days I'll be covering it. Other than that I'll doodling around with whatever catches my eye.

Have a great weekend.

Posted by Sean Hackbarth in Miscellaneous at 05:32 PM | Comments (1)

Charlie's Show Prep #104

  • Michael Jackson is headed for Tokyo. That's why he needed to get a passport. Wait...wrong .

  • Speaking of , he declared, "Given my recent arrest in civil court, I believe there is less than equal protection under the law for elected officials." I agree. Judging from Lee Holloway's slap on the wrist elected officials get treated less harshly.

    Then there's the record of a Michael I. Jackson involved in a car accident in 1996. That person never paid his $6000 judgement. McGee/Jackson says, "I don't have a record of consistently using that name" and "I don't recall that." Odd responses, but this is Alderman Thriller we're talking about.

  • Someone from sent some nasty hate mail to a weblogger. Yes, that media bias. [via In the Bullpen]

  • President Bush sealed Congressman 's files taken by the FBI last weekend. Congressman will hold hearings next week on the FBI raid.

  • Wacko British member of parliment George Galloway told GQ it would me "morally justified" for a suicide bomber to kill Tony Blair. Galloway happened to profit from the Iraq Oil-for-Food scandal.

  • A million people are expected at 's mass in Warsaw.

Posted by Sean Hackbarth in Wisconsin at 01:28 AM | Comments (17)

May 25, 2006

Two-Way Ron

Congressman Ron Kind's constituent service made a boo-boo. A banker sent him a letter on a bill taxing credit union and got two different responses. Joey at Wide White writes,

He holds small community banks "in the highest regard," but he is also "opposed to taxation of credit unions" because those same small banks are "focusing on maximizing profits."

Let's go play a game of politics with Ron Kind!

Something doesn't smell right.


Kind's GOP opponent is .

"Two Letters. Different Opinions. Same Consituent. Oops!"

Posted by Sean Hackbarth in Wisconsin at 10:54 PM | Comments (1)

"Off the Wall"

Alderman Thriller pumped out a press release. And I'm here to fisk it:

Although I know “Thriller” is considered the top-selling album of all time, I want to make it clear that I am not trying to change my legal name to “Michael Jackson” (as some people have been led to believe).

Only morons who can't read a newspaper article think McGee/Jackson wants the name of the disgraced pop star. The Journal Sentinel article was pretty clear in telling us what is going on.
I am trying to legally change my name to Michael Imanu McGee because I would like to obtain a U.S. Passport for international travel. However, I’ve had difficulties doing this because when I was born, my father was using his birth name, Michael Jackson, so the last name on my birth certificate is “Jackson.”

The reason for the name change makes sense. Too much sense for a race-baiting, rabble-rouser like McGee/Jackson. Where does he want to go? What does he plan to do? I'll take a flier: he'll soon announce he's converted to Islam and wants to go to Mecca.
I was born when my father was serving in the U.S. Army in Vietnam. After my father returned home from the war, he was adopted, and then started using “McGee” as his last name because it is the last name of his adoptive father. In turn, I was then given the McGee last name, as well, and have used it ever since.

Owen Robinson caught the whopper right away:
How did his dad “get adopted” after returning from Vietnam? Did his dad go into the Army at age 12, or did someone adopt a 25 year old man? Or, as is most likely the case, is McGee/Jackson lying again?

Let's continue:
Again, I have been told by federal authorities that because my last name does not match the last name on my birth certificate, I must have my name legally changed to McGee to meet the legal requirements that will allow me to get a U.S. Passport.

I wonder if a passport-seeking McGee/Jackson will be considered a flight risk in his upcoming hearing for threatening his ex-lover in court.

For more Patrick at Badger Blogger has a bad photoshop (but it feels so right) and McGee/Jackson admitting to a tryst he earlier denied.

Posted by Sean Hackbarth in Wisconsin at 10:19 PM | Comments (1)

A Question about Michael McGee/Jackson?

Whatever the alderman's name is I wonder if Michael McGee/Jackson really is Michael McGee, Sr.'s son. Who is his mother? The Jackson had to come from somewhere--maybe from "Thriller's" warped mind.

Posted by Sean Hackbarth in Wisconsin at 09:27 AM | Comments (1)

U.S. Government: "Best Judge" of State Secrets

A Justice Department lawyer said, "the United States government, not any court, is the best judge of whether to keep programs such as its controversial effort to eavesdrop on citizens a secret." In a filing to a San Francisco federal court Peter Keisler, an assistant attorney general, wrote,

In cases such as this one, where the national security of the United States is implicated, it is well established that the executive branch is best positioned to judge the potential effects of disclosure of sensitive information on the nation's security.

The case involves a lawsuit between the Electronic Freedom Foundation and AT&T over NSA spying.

The government has a good argument. Courts don't determine foreign and defense policy. That role is left for Congress and the President. But this issue involves fourth amendment protections. The courts should have some say seeing as their mission is to judge government actions as being in line with the constitution.

"US Says Government Should Judge Secrets"

Posted by Sean Hackbarth in Surveillance at 09:04 AM | Comments (0)

Charlie's Show Prep #103

  • Both Congressman Mark Green and Gov. Jim Doyle both voiced displeasure at the UW System's new admissions policy. There's goes that as a campaign issue. UW president David Walsh supports "holistic review" but wishes it was stated to the public better. It would be even better if it was called what it really is, race-based admissions.

  • The Michael McGee Jackson continues. He wants to legally change his name to . The name might explain the weirdness. There's something about people named Michael Jackson. And another thing, McGee/Jackson says he doesn't have a birth certificate. There are also rumors he came from a cabbage patch.

  • The of America has a cost. "Accidental overdoses and side effects from attention-deficit (hyperactivity) disorder drugs send about 3,100 Americans -- 80 percent of them children -- to hospital emergency rooms annually, a federal survey has found."

  • The Pentagon is scared of . To me it looks like a rising economic power building its military to protect its growing energy needs. The close economic linkages between the U.S and China mean the Dragon can't afford to go to war with us. Islamism is the most pressing national security threat.

  • became a rare IPO to go down. It may be a sign of bad economic times or the company went public too late. I'm betting the latter.

  • Two teens were arrested for trying to extort $150,000 from .

  • A Gary, IN student was barred from his prom.

Posted by Sean Hackbarth in Wisconsin at 02:13 AM | Comments (2)

May 24, 2006

Jeb Bush as NFL Commissioner

The possibilty of Jeb Bush replacing Paul Tagliabue as NFL commissioner "was broached during a recent meeting with Patrick Rooney Sr., owner of the Palm Beach Kennel Club." Rooney is the brother of Dan Rooney, Pittsburgh Steelers owner. Bush said, "I met with Mr. Rooney and I said I'm doing my job until I'm finished and then I'm going to consider other things. But I'm not going to do anything until I finish." Tagliabue intends to leave in July. Bush's term as Florida governor ends in January 2007. If Tagliabue stays past July then the Jeb Bush buzz will really strengthen. I have a feeling team owners won't want to wait until next year for a new leader. I also don't think they'll want someone who has the real potential to leave to run for President. Tagliabue has served about 16 years. Before him, Pete Rozelle served 29. They'll want someone with a long-term committment.

"Gov. Bush Quietly Approached to Become Next Commissioner"

Posted by Sean Hackbarth in Sports at 11:52 PM | Comments (0)

Congressmen Concerned about FBI Raid

From a PR standpoint it's a bad idea for Congress to claim the FBI as part of the Executive Branch can't search a Congressman's office. There's a "speech and debate" clause protecting Congressman but it's not like diplomatic immunity which deals with questions of sovereignty. Appearing to protect a Congressman accused of bribery and others involved with Jack Abramoff's escapades won't help an already disliked Congress going into November's elections.

"F.B.I. Raid Divides G.O.P. Lawmakers and White House"

"Now They’re Worried about Sep of Powers?"

Posted by Sean Hackbarth in Politics at 01:38 PM | Comments (5)

Tim, Make a Decision

Tim Michels as a Tommy Thompson-like pol who likes his ego stroked? That's what Deb Jordahl thinks,

Having said all that, Tim Michels should realize that his fifteen minutes of fame are just about up, and he’d better use it or lose it. Michels needs to stop playing cat and mouse with the Republican Party just to keep his name in the press. If he wants a future in Republican politics, Michels should get off the sidelines and use his popularity to help Mark Green, Paul Bucher or any number of vulnerable legislative candidates throughout the state.

I'm still mad at him for how badly he ran his general election campaign against Sen. Feingold in 2004. Still, he could do much to build up his image with Republicans and conservatives. Deciding to run or not run against Sen. Kohl, regardless of what Tommy Thompson does, would be helpful.

"Tim Michels Should Use it or Lose it"

Posted by Sean Hackbarth in Wisconsin at 01:24 PM | Comments (2)

Charlie's Show Prep #102

  • No longer will good grades, test scores, or class rank assure you of a play in a UW school. It's all about "holistic review" which is a edu-crat buzz word that means race and ethnicity. The days of simply filling out a one-page college application are no more.

  • MATC thumbs its nose at by raising its tax levy 5%. Look for calls to make vocational school boards elected positions.

  • released its annual report and demonstrate they ignorance of a war going on around them.

  • Next month's Lefty convention YearlyKos has a commercial. Here's a deconstrution. I noticed a voice saying, "Politics concerns everything that you do. Everything that happens in your life is political." It's the "personal is political" for a new generation.

Posted by Sean Hackbarth in Wisconsin at 02:00 AM | Comments (1)

May 23, 2006

Getting My 24 Fix

The final two hours of 24 are safely on my computer. Yes, it's piracy but that's too bad. mininova is my friend. Thanks, Patrick.

BitTorrent has a long way to go to be a mainstream way to download content--even with a broadband connection it takes a while to download an entire show, but it got the job done.

Posted by Sean Hackbarth in Culture at 11:27 PM | Comments (5)

Lloyd Bentsen, R.I.P.

Former Texas Senator, Vice-Presidential candidate, and Treasury Secretary Lloyd Bentsen died. I remember him best for his dig at Dan Quayle:

In the Oct. 5, 1988, vice presidential debate, Quayle said: "I have as much experience in the Congress as Jack Kennedy did when he sought the presidency."

Bentsen's retort in the televised event caused a sensation. "Senator, I served with Jack Kennedy," he said. "I knew Jack Kennedy. Jack Kennedy was a friend of mine. Senator, you're no Jack Kennedy."


"Former Democratic Sen. Lloyd Bentsen Dies"

Posted by Sean Hackbarth in Politics at 01:45 PM | Comments (0)

Charlie's Show Prep #101

  • Wisconsin is the #1 -producing state for the 50th year in a row.

  • Big Labor is imploding. Another union ditches the .

  • Dick Morris sees as the key to President Bush's political revival.

  • Palestine creaks toward civil war. and Fatah forces battled it out in Gaza City.

Posted by Sean Hackbarth in Wisconsin at 03:27 AM | Comments (6)

Slightly Sad

My TiVo didn't talk very well with my cable box and failed to record the 24 season finale. I know it's sort of wrong but if anyone knows of a bittorrent for it I will give you a virtual peck on the cheek (a full smooch if you're female). Or else I just wait, buy it off iTunes and put up with the mediocre experience.

Posted by Sean Hackbarth in Culture at 12:32 AM | Comments (3)

May 22, 2006

A Political Butterfly Effect

The National Hurricane Center predicts 15 hurricanes this season. How much do they stand behind their prediction? Let's ask them how much money they want to bet. I'll bet you it wouldn't be much.

Then we have David Paulison, the guy temporarily running FEMA telling people, "We have to be able to take care of ourselves for the first 72 hours. What it does when we don't take care of ourselves is stop our first responders in the street from helping those really in need." If people had those expectation pre-Katrina there wouldn't have been such a loss of confidence in governmental leaders, especially the President. A better public attitude toward the federal government would mean better (but not great) poll numbers for Bush and the GOP Congress. Better poll numbers would mean a slightly better attitude among conservatives and not as much talk about a November electoral debacle.

In describing chaos theory it's been said a butterfly can cause a hurricane. Taking it to its absurdity that butterfly could cause the impeachment of a President.

"Experts: Hurricane Season Won't Match '05"

Posted by Sean Hackbarth in Politics at 11:56 PM | Comments (0)

SurvivaBalls

The evil geniuses at Haliburton are at it again. Expect the Bush administration to purchase $3 billion worth of SurvivaBalls in a no-bid contract.

[via Electric Venom]

Posted by Sean Hackbarth in Miscellaneous at 12:47 PM | Comments (3)

Smith-La Russa: Not on Each Other's Christmas Lists

There's bad blood in St. Louis. Cardinals manager Tony La Russa and Hall of Fame shortstop Ozzie Smith are taking it out on each other in the newspapers.

Ozzie is still bummed La Russa didn't play him enough in his last season. La Russa has publically disinvited him to spring training. La Russa went farther and said, "I won't ever be around when he's around. Cardinals fans can embrace him all they want to, and it won't be uncomfortable because I won't be there."

"Tony La Russa on : 'He's Not Welcome'"

Posted by Sean Hackbarth in Sports at 12:29 PM | Comments (1)

Tommy Distracted

While I was watching Mark Green accept the GOP endorsement Jenna at Right off the Shore was watching Tommy Thompson:

After his speech, he sat on the bleachers behind Green, and proceeded to ignore every word Green said. At one point, someone said he saw him check his Blackberry, and he slumped, holding his head in his hands. It looked a tad disrespectful. But whatever--he did want the job.

"My Day-Late Notes"

Posted by Sean Hackbarth in 2006 WI GOP Convention at 11:38 AM | Comments (2)

Charlie's Show Prep #100

  • Drudge reports Howard Dean, M.D. secretly tried to defeat New Orleans mayor . Chalk up another Dr. Dean failure.

  • A Louisiana Congressman got caught on videotape taking a $100,000 bribe. He then hid the loot in his freezer.

  • Many illegal aliens caught are released due to lack of funds.

Posted by Sean Hackbarth in Wisconsin at 04:57 AM | Comments (1)

May 21, 2006

Recuperating

Running around a political convention for a day and a half is exhausting. A 28-hour pause from the computer was a good thing. Seeing the MSM working the same beat always impresses me. They've got better stamina than me.

Posted by Sean Hackbarth in 2006 WI GOP Convention at 11:00 PM | Comments (0)

May 20, 2006

Straw Poll Results

WisPolitics.com held a straw poll at the GOP convention:

GOP activists voting in the annual WisPolitics.com Straw Poll this weekend favored JB Van Hollen for attorney general, Tommy Thompson for U.S. Senate and George Allen for president.

Van Hollen and Thompson were heavily favored by official convention attendees as the picks to represent Republicans on the November ballot, while Allen, with 61 votes, narrowly edged Rudy Giuliani (60), Newt Gingrich (53) and Condi Rice (50) as the current choice for the GOP presidential nomination in 2008.


Van Hollen continues to do well among activists. However his opponent Waukesha District Attorney Paul Bucher should do well in populous Southeast Wisconsin. I'm still neutral in the race (despite the Van Hollen ad you see to the left). Both appear to be good replacements for Peg Lautenschlager.

Tommy winning hands down means he still has tremendous Republican support. But the convention would have been an ideal time to annouce he was challenging Sen. Kohl. Tommy likes to be the man in charge instead of one voice among 100. I don't see him running.

Sen. George Allen edging out Rudy Giuliani shows the GOP Presidential race is wide open. No one has an edge or seems to be getting activists to support them early. I'm not surprised the top two have executive experience. In war time people will want someone who they feel has experience making tough decisions.

Sen. McCain was a distant sixth. He can try all he wants by speaking at Jerry Fallwell's Liberty University he's burn too many bridges to have conservatives support him in the primary season. Now, in a general election against say Hillary Clinton? That's a different story.

"Allen, Thompson & Van Hollen Favored in WisPolitics GOP Convo Straw Poll"

Posted by Sean Hackbarth in 2006 WI GOP Convention at 09:11 PM | Comments (1)

Green Sits Down With Webloggers

After accepting his party's endorsement for governor Congressman Mark Green sat down with Boots & Sabers, Lakeshore Laments, and The American Mind. We talked about the conservative divide, stem cells, and the UW System.

On mending the wounds from the Taxpayers Protection Amendment debacle Green acknowledges the problem. "They're clearly has been a fracture" in the Republican Party. "We've got to pull it together" in order to have a "governing conservative majority." He told us, "The legislature is missing a Republican governor. They need someone who can carry the message to every part of the state. The one person who has the big megaphone, the bully pulpit." He wants to make Republicans comfortable to know "they are running with a guy who supports lowering the tax burden" and limiting government. Green's solution to uniting conservatives is to hammer on taxes. "You would think that lowering the tax burden is about the best issue to unite the party."

On stem cells Green finds it "terrible that the governor would take an issue that is pretty sensitive" and use it as a "political sledgehammer." Green doesn't "believe that any research should be persued without some idea of there being ethics and morality to it." In contrast Gov. Doyle "apparently believes that any research is fair game." Green is "thrilled about the biotech explosion down in Madison" but doesn't think we "have to leave our moral compass behind."

I asked Green about what could be done to make UW-Milwaukee a regional center for economic growth. I mentioned the possibility of a name change. While not offering an opinion about a name change he did stress the importance of the university. Because graduates of that university are likely to remain in the Milwaukee area Green sees investment there as very important. "Everything that we invest in UW-Milwaukee... is going to pay off so much for our state. Because we know these folks are staying," said Green.

A second question I asked Green was whether he thought there were too many UW campuses. Should some be closed? I mentioned the three schools so close to each other in Western Wisconsin. Green doesn't want to close any schools. He joked that while going to college in Eau Claire there were three colleges within one hour of his apartment. Each school had its own "deputy vice-assistant chancellor." He offered the idea of "regionalize administrative services." The savings "would go back into access, back into affordability."

My questions allowed Green to go off on how disaffected he was with the UW System. He called it "burearucratically out of control." "Too much of the money that is getting spent in my estimation is getting eaten up in that bureaucracy, and that has to change." As a product of the UW System he remains loyal to it. He just wants reforms. "They're great. I just don't think they've been led very well."

Here's the audio.

Posted by Sean Hackbarth in 2006 WI GOP Convention at 06:24 PM | Comments (2)

Perking Up Petri

The Milwaukee Journal Sentinel's Craig Gilbert made Congressman Tom Petri's valium-like droning seem like something semi-exciting. That, my friends, takes talent.

"Sleeping With the Enemy"

Posted by Sean Hackbarth in 2006 WI GOP Convention at 04:39 PM | Comments (1)

Up Coming

Paul Bucher's whistle-blowing supporters (I'm blaming Jessica McBride for the idea) chased me out of the convention hall. Since neither Bucher nor J.B. Van Hollen will get the party's endorsement there's no need for me to be in the ballroom.

I recorded both Tommy Thompson's and Mark Green's speeches. Both were pretty good. I was impressed with Green's. I also recorded Green's press conference. As a bonus Green gave webloggers a few minutes to ask him questions. I'm working on writing those up and will try to get some audio posted.

Posted by Sean Hackbarth in 2006 WI GOP Convention at 04:34 PM | Comments (1)

Tommy Was Here

The rumor of Tommy Thompson ditching the convention was false. He showed up, delivered the ra-ra speech he's good at, beat up Gov. Doyle, told everyone to support Mark Green, then promptly left town. Greg Bump guesses Tommy was in Appleton all of two hours.

Posted by Sean Hackbarth in 2006 WI GOP Convention at 04:29 PM | Comments (0)

Mark Green on Ethics

A big issue in the governor's race will be ethics. Here are excerpts from Mark Green's upcoming speech:

Excerpts from Green's acceptance speech:
"Jim Doyle is so addicted . he's so addicted . to special interest cash that
when I asked him to agree to run a clean campaign and limit spending to $1
per Wisconsinite - that's five and a half million dollars - he wanted no
part of it.

"He's selling the soul of our state, and we're not going to stand for it
anymore!

"Jim Doyle and his crew say they want to keep Wisconsin moving forward, but
they just can't seem to grasp the fundamentals of what makes us different .
what makes us special . what makes us Wisconsin.

"They're stuck in the Madison mindset of minutiae and maneuvering.

"You are going to hear a lot from me in the coming months about what I think
is wrong about the Doyle administration . but it comes directly from a
deep-seated belief in what is right about Wisconsin.

"I believe we need to respect and fight for the values that made us what we
are. Values like faith and family, hard work, love of country, devotion to
the outdoor life.

"My friends, we will run with an agenda this is not only worthy of election,
but worthy of Wisconsin.

"I want to tap into the strength and character and ingenuity of our people.

"I want us thinking big again - not big government - but big ideas, big
dreams."

Posted by Sean Hackbarth in 2006 WI GOP Convention at 02:07 PM | Comments (0)

Walker Nominates Green

Scott Walker nominated Mark Green and received a standing ovation. The rank-and-file love Scott for bowing out of the Governor's race. Walker told the convention, "Jim Doyle is fundamentaly wrong for Wisconsin." "Jim Doyle doesn't beleive in anything except getting re-elected." Mark Green has an "uncommon level of common sense" and "has a plan to move our state forward."

Posted by Sean Hackbarth in 2006 WI GOP Convention at 02:05 PM | Comments (1)

Tommy Rumor

The current rumor floating around the convention is "Will Tommy Thompson will show up?" A Green staffer told me Tommy would be introducing Mark Green then they would do a joint press conference after Mark's speech. An hour later the rumor was Tommy wasn't in Appleton and wouldn't be coming. Tommy not showing up would be the first surprise at the convention, and it would be a big one with political watchers wondering. If Tommy shows up I wonder how fast he will leave. Word has it he has a flight scheduled late this afternoon.

Posted by Sean Hackbarth in 2006 WI GOP Convention at 01:34 PM | Comments (0)

Mark Green on Taxes

Along with education taxes will play a prominent part in Mark Green's acceptance speech:

"We must stand strong for lowering the tax burden - because it's robbing families of their dreams and sapping this state of her strength.

"Wisconsin's tax burden is the 7th highest in the country. Our state and local taxes are nearly 10% more than the national average.

"Jim Doyle had his chance to help our taxpayers, and he failed.

"He failed by vetoing a property tax freeze three times in just three years, and now those taxes have risen another $600 million.

"He failed because our state's tax burden is tying an anchor to every entrepreneur, every senior, every graduate, every family. When they find the ladder of opportunity, big government is right there to hold them back and hold them down.

"But you and I are going to toss that weight aside - we won't stand for it any more.

"I support constitutional limits on taxes and spending on all levels of government; it's time we empower taxpayers with the right to simply say,
"no more!"

"It all boils down to this: I began this campaign with this simple pledge: Elect me as your governor, and Wisconsin's tax burden will improve, or I won't run for re-election. I'll keep my promise or step aside for someone who will."

Posted by Sean Hackbarth in 2006 WI GOP Convention at 12:05 PM | Comments (0)

Excerpts from Mark Green's Acceptance Speech

Around 2:30 p.m today, Tommy Thompson will introduce Mark Green. After the speech both will do a press conference.

Before that is the endorsement process. Scott Walker will nominate Green.

The Green campaign has released some excerpts from is acceptance speech. Mark will be pushing hard on education:

Excerpts from Green's acceptance speech:

"Under Governor Green, our schools will serve the needs of our families, not just the wish list of WEAC.

"Some of you know that Sue and I spent a year as volunteer teachers in Africa just after finishing college. Where we taught, education wasn't compulsory and it wasn't free.

"In our village, families had to pay a school fee for their children to attend. From time to time, the headmaster would appear in our classrooms and call out the names of the kids who hadn't paid, and they would have to leave. It was a heartbreaking thing to watch, but then something inspiring would happen . the same children who were removed from the classroom actually would quietly sneak back in.

"They were desperate to learn . all of our kids want to learn. I believe there is an innate desire in young people to learn. Unleashing their potential should be the goal of our schools - not just protecting tenure and fringe benefits for employees.

"Education funding will always be a top priority, but we'll also demand accountability. Good teachers, and there are lots of them, should have their pay based on merit - not on how long they occupy a chair.

"And our education dollars should actually reach our classrooms - not get lost in the bureaucracy.

"I know there are some out there who would wish away our education challenges, or sweep them under the rug. That won't happen on my watch.

"In Milwaukee Public Schools, only about one of out three African American children will graduate. And Wisconsin's achievement gap between white and minority students is among the worst in the nation.

"Jim Doyle is standing in the schoolhouse door, blocking thousands of families from their dreams. But you and I are going to kick the door in.

"We'll support charters, we'll support choice and we'll support home schooling . and we'll never settle for second best when it comes to our kids' education.

Posted by Sean Hackbarth in 2006 WI GOP Convention at 11:51 AM | Comments (0)

Congressmen Speak

Elected officials get their moment to speak before the convention. Here are a few thoughts from the Congressmen.

Congressman Paul Ryan divided politicians into "doers" and "be-ers." The doers get elected because they want to push ideas and policies. The be-ers just like the power, perks, and privileges of power. Ryan admitted there were be-ers in the Republican Party. The 1st district Congressman went on to chide members of his party for their big-spending, pork barrel ways.

Congressman James Sensenbrenner received warm applause for his illegal immigration efforts. He gave the audience a little history lesson about a previous attempt to deal with illegal immigrants and warned Republicans who wanted to deal with Massachusetts' senior Senator. "When you go to bed with Ted Kennedy you get more than a good night's sleep." Sensenbrenner reiterated his illegal immigration points: demanding a secure border with a 700-mile fence; give local law enforcement in border states money to fight crime resulting from illegal immigrants and be well-armed to combat coyote smugglers. Sensenbrenner eagerly awaits the Senate to pass an immigration bill and considers the future conference to be the toughtest thing he's done in Congress.

Congressman Tom Petri: Zzzzzz.

Posted by Sean Hackbarth in 2006 WI GOP Convention at 11:44 AM | Comments (0)

NRA Takes on Doyle

It sounds like there was a little more political passion in Milwaukee at the NRA meetings than at the state GOP convention in Appleton. In Milwaukee "Dump Doyle" signs were everywhere. In Appleton we got stuck with Tim Michels doing bad comedy.

"'Dump Doyle' Resounding Cry as Convention Opens"

Posted by Sean Hackbarth in Wisconsin at 03:18 AM | Comments (1)

Judging the Hospitality Suites

Campaign hospitality suites are about offering food, drink (hard and soft), entertainment, and well hospitality. Some suites accomplished their mission better than others. Here are the first (and possibly only) TAM Hospitality Suite Awards.

greenteamsign.jpg

Congressman Mark Green gets the overall award. It was called a "Tailgate Party" playing off the Green Bay Packers in Green's backyard and his "Green Team" of supporters. There was beer and soda but only some cheese, crackers, and pretzels. Hey, the guy needs to save his cash to beat the tar out of Gov. Jim Doyle. Charcoal grills filled with Green Team footballs were consistent with the tailgate theme. Bonus points were given for having a television on showing the Milwaukee Brewers game.

paulryanfoodspread.jpg

Congressman Paul Ryan claims the best food award. His spread had veggies, cheese, mini egg rolls, meatballs, and full cans of soda. When you don't have much competition in the fall you can afford some good eats at the convention.

jackvoightfountain.jpg

Honorable mention goes to State Treasurer Jack Voight who was "sweet" enough to offer his guests a chocolate fountain. Chocolate-covered pineapple. Yum! Yum!

paulbucherband.jpg
Paul Bucher takes the award for best entertainment. He had a three piece band jamming in his suite.
hundertmarksinatra.jpg
Jean Hundertmark gets an honorable mention for having a Frank Sinatra impersonator. She also gets major props for serving Leinie's Honey Weiss.
mccormickkaraoke.jpg

I'm sorry to say Terri McCormick lost major points for having karaoke.

In the all-important campaign knick-knack category we have a tie between Mark Green's little footballs


markgreenfootballs.jpg

and Jean Hundertmark's plastic beer mugs

hundertmarkmugs.jpg

Mark and Jean are running on the same ticket so it's fitting.

Congratulations, winners. For the rest of you better luck next year...if you still have political careers that require hospitality suites.

Posted by Sean Hackbarth in 2006 WI GOP Convention at 02:38 AM | Comments (3)

May 19, 2006

Michels Doesn't Announce Senate Run

Tim Michels gave a few remarks during Friday night's GOP convention banquet. After offering a few jokes he mentioned the "elephant in the living room" i.e. the possibility of Michels challenging Sen. Herb Kohl. Instead of announcing he was running he wanted convention goers to focus and appreciate all the hard work the state-wide candidates are doing. It appears he isn't running. The state GOP's search continues.

Posted by Sean Hackbarth in 2006 WI GOP Convention at 07:37 PM | Comments (2)

USA Today Reporter Exposed

Leslie Cauley is the USA Today reporter who reported last week that the NSA was in cahoots with telephone companies to build a phone call database. She has also been very silent and has written nothing since BellSouth and Verizon claim her story is false. NewsBusters did a little research into her background:

A search found a listing for "writer and journalist" Leslie Cauley, indicating she gave $2,000 to Gephardt on June 30, 2003, when Gephardt was running for the Democratic presidential nomination. And that seems not to be her only tie to Democratic politics.

She also helped a Democratic big-wig write a book. That's more than can be said for Editor & Publisher's few paragraphs about her.

Before my right-wing knee-jerk readers shout, "See! See! She's biased! The story has to be fake!" realize this information doesn't mean the story's false. If the story is on par with RatherGate it tell us why Cauley ran so hard with a story based on anonymous sources that is being strongly denied by BellSouth and Verizon.

"USA Today Reporter a Democratic Donor; Phone Company Demands Retraction"

"Stop Me If You've Heard This One Before..."

Posted by Sean Hackbarth in Surveillance at 03:10 PM | Comments (2)

Iraq Has a New Government...Sort Of

From Reuters:

Iraqi leaders have agreed on a national unity government to be presented to parliament on Saturday, negotiators said on Friday, adding that the key interior and defense ministries would be filled later.

"The government will be announced tomorrow," a senior aide to Prime Minister-designate Nuri al-Maliki told Reuters.

The aide said Maliki, a Shi'ite Islamist, would temporarily fill the post of interior minister for one week and that Vice-President Tareq al-Hashemi, a Sunni, would take over defense, also for a week.

Parliament is scheduled to meet on Saturday to approve the government, ending months of political deadlock that followed elections in December.


No word on how long it will take to fill the defense and interior ministries. Baby steps forward are better than steps backward.

"Iraqis Agree on Government"

Posted by Sean Hackbarth in War at 02:21 PM | Comments (0)

Quoting Tupac

Once upon a time Congressmen and Senators stood before their respective bodies and quoted from great thinkers like Cicero, Montesquieu, Washington, and Jefferson. My how have times changed. Behold the Capitol Police's favorite Congressman, Cynthia McKinney:

Ms. McKINNEY. Mr. Chairman, the Congressional Black Caucus budget is a better statement for our country’s values. Educators are asking for a fully funded No Child Left Behind because America’s children are being left behind; seniors deserve accessible health care, but Medicare part D is leaving everyone confused; and veterans are only asking to receive the health care that recruiters promised them and that they deserve. But, you know, Tupac observed a long time ago that there’s money for war, but we can’t feed the poor.

"Come Back To Us, "

Posted by Sean Hackbarth in Politics at 12:58 PM | Comments (1)

Kos Jumps Shark

It's really, really weird (even "surreal") seeing Markos Moulitsas AKA "Daily Kos" peeking (stalking) into someone's house then charging in with a few of his cult followers friends. People in Connecticut after seeing the ad will we wondering, "When did Jon Cryer care about our state's politics?"

Allahpundit is right. Ned Lamont, unintentionally, made a Mentos ad.

Posted by Sean Hackbarth in Weblogging at 12:40 PM | Comments (1)

Tim Michels Considering Senate Run

The Wisconsin GOP needs someone, anyone to run against Sen. Herb Kohl. When no one, not even Tommy Thompson who has the Badger State's biggest ego, will jump at the challenge go for a past loser. Tim Michels who ran a miserable general election against Sen. Russ Feingold two years ago is considering running again. WisPolitics interviewed State GOP chairman Rick Graber:

Ross: Have you talked to Tim lately, you know, about running for U.S. Senate?

Graber: Sure.

Ross: How are those conversations going?

Graber: Tim is very interested in the prospect. Certainly, as long as Tommy Thompson’s in the picture, it’s going to stall any final decisions. He knows the challenge. But, I think he’s interested. I think he’s interested. But it would have to be a different sort of campaign, a much shorter campaign, a more intense campaign. But, I like the political environment in the state of Wisconsin, notwithstanding all that’s going on nationally and all that you hear about problems for the Republican Party. I think things look very good in the state of Wisconsin for a very good year.

Ross: What kind of things would Tim have to do differently? What kind of campaign would Tim have to run against Herb Kohl? It’s now the middle of May, We’re talking six months.

Graber: A much shorter campaign. There obviously would be far less of a primary situation like we had a couple of years ago. I think the fact that it’s not a presidential year is an advantage for a challenger. If you think back a couple of years, this state was so dominated by the presidential election with all the ads and the presence of the candidates seemingly every single day. I think that the United States Senate race got in fact overshadowed. I think Russ Feingold ran perhaps his best campaign last time. But I think that whole Senate race got lost in the presidential domination.


Later, Graber goes goofy:
Ross: A big-time campaign and big-time money; does Tim Michels have that right now? Does he have the capability to do that?

Graber: I think he’s got the capability, sure, sure. And certainly a lot of that would have to come from personal resources. And certainly the national senatorial committee is interested in both Tommy Thompson and Tim Michels, as they are both well known. If either one of them were to jump into this race, I think that all of a sudden Wisconsin would become a very targeted state.

But the national folks, the national committee is very focused on retaining Republican control of both the Senate and the House. You get a big-name candidate like that, I think they’d pay attention.


With the GOP potentially losing both the House and Senate the "national folks" won't be wasting money on either Michels or Thompson against Kohl's fat wallet. Graber's living in la-la land.

"Interview with State GOP Chair "

Posted by Sean Hackbarth in Wisconsin at 12:06 PM | Comments (2)

Offshore Oil Drilling Vote Count

Kudos go to Representatives Mark Green, Jim Sensenbrenner, and Paul Ryan for voting to open up more of the U.S. coast to oil drilling. To the rest of Wisconsin's House delegation: you have no integrity when talking about high gas prices.

UPDATE: Aaron @ Subject to Change humorously asks when drilling begins off Chicago. It won't happen because Great Lakes oil drilling was banned last year.

Posted by Sean Hackbarth in Wisconsin at 11:41 AM | Comments (2)

Parsing Phone Company Statements

In a comment DJ left a link to The Technology Liberation Front which quotes from a subscription website that parses the BellSouth and Verizon denials that they help the NSA build a phone call database. Since we live in the Age of Clinton where we have to deeply examine the meaning of the word "is" it's no surprise the analysis depends are what terms the phone companies use.

The biggest weakness for the baby bells' denials was the amount of time it took for them to boldly declare they didn't assist the NSA. But that's just the cynic in me.

What I want to see is who is USA Today's anoynmous source. Does this person have any more information to help us get to the bottom of this? Does this source have an agenda with the Bush administration? Is this person even in a position to leak such sensitive information?

Posted by Sean Hackbarth in Surveillance at 11:19 AM | Comments (2)

Mayor Barrett, Read the Damn Bill

Yesterday, instead of welcoming the NRA and its thousands of supporters to Milwaukee Mayor Tom "I am a Freedom Fighter" Barrett complained the civil rights organization--which the NRA is--opposes the government sharing gun trace information with among law enforcement by supporting H.R. 5005. Too bad that's not true. Read page 8, section 9.

"Lies from the Other Side"

Posted by Sean Hackbarth in Wisconsin at 10:17 AM | Comments (0)

Charlie's Show Prep #99

  • Any Congressman who voted to continue the ban on offshore drilling should never, ever complain about gas prices.

  • The Senate voted to let collect Social Security from their illegal jobs.

  • Spivak & Bice dig into a local Islamic leader.

  • is using riot police to quell protesters who are defending an independent judiciary.

  • What would do?

Posted by Sean Hackbarth in Wisconsin at 01:57 AM | Comments (4)

May 18, 2006

Romney Cancels Wisconsin Trip

Possible GOP Presidential candidate Gov. Mitt Romney canceled his keynote address at the Wisconsin GOP convention Friday night. Flooding in Massachusettes prevents him from attending. GOP national chairman Ken Mehlman will replace him Friday night.

"Romney Cancels State GOP Visit to Appleton"

Posted by Sean Hackbarth in 2006 WI GOP Convention at 11:42 PM | Comments (0)

USA Today Retraction Demanded

BellSouth now wants USA Today to retract that it took part in a NSA phone database:

BellSouth Corp., the No. 3 U.S. local telephone company, on Thursday demanded USA Today retract claims in a story that said the company had a contract with a U.S. spy agency and turned over customers' telephone records.

BellSouth spokesman Jeff Battcher denied the company had a contract with the National Security Agency and did not give access or provide call records to the spy agency as part of an effort to thwart any terrorist plots.

USA Today reported last week that the NSA has had access to records of billions of domestic calls and collected tens of millions of telephone records from data provided by BellSouth, Verizon and AT&T Inc.


" Demands USA Today Retract NSA Claims"

Posted by Sean Hackbarth in Surveillance at 11:00 PM | Comments (1)

Photo ID for Federal Elections

Sen. Mitch McConnell has an amendment to the immigration bill that would require voters to show photo ID before casting a ballot in a federal election. Since I don't think showing an ID is such a burden I have no problem with it.

Of course you will soon hear Democrats scream "disenfranchisement."

"Photo ID Required For Federal Elections?" [via Instapundit]

Posted by Sean Hackbarth in Politics at 09:44 PM | Comments (0)

McGee, Sr. Opens His Big Mouth Again

Michael McGee, Sr. is the most paranoid man I've ever heard on the radio. Patrick at Badger Blogger caught him rambling on about how his son Alderman Michael McGee, Jr. was cheated in athletic competitions and given bad grades just because he was a McGee. With all that oppression how did junior ever become an alderman? The Man must have let his guard down.

In response to his son being arrested for violating a restraining order McGee, Sr. rambled, "Vietnam Syndrome is going to take over and I'm going to go down there and mess up a bunch of them, that’s for sure." I'm still waiting for him to fulfill his threat to--paraphrasing Jonathan Coleman--roll burning tires down the freeways.

"McGee Sr. Blames Everyone Else"

Posted by Sean Hackbarth in Wisconsin at 09:12 PM | Comments (0)

Pay to Play, Journal Sentinel Style

Charlie Sykes asked Milwaukee Journal Sentinel publisher Betsy Brenner if there would be a special section in the newspaper similar to the one when the NAACP came into town last year. Here's Brenner's response:

Charlie:

Journal Sentinel agrees to publish a special section around regional conventions when the convention organizers commit (in advance) to produce or underwrite at least three pages of advertising to support it.

Last year, the NAACP organizers did so well before the national meeting in Milwaukee. Their endorsement to their sponsors enabled us to publish a 22-page section, with 13+ pages of advertising. Total revenue generated by that section was over $60,000.

This year, the NRA organizers considered purchasing one full page – but as of today’s deadline for Friday’s paper, they’re not certain whether to proceed with it. One page isn’t enough to generate a section on our end, so we didn’t plan to publish one.

We will, of course, cover the NRA convention in the news columns of the paper.

-Betsy Brenner


I don't want to accuse the newspaper of being unethical, but to this layman's ears it sounds like an organization can buy a section of the newspaper. Publishing a daily newspaper costs a lot of money and the Journal Sentinel is part of a public company beholden to its stockholders--which probably haven't been too happy. Many magazines today have special advertising sections filled with articles that don't look like ads. Usually along the top of the pages it mentions it's a paid ad. The Journal Sentinel does something similar in its Sunday automotive section which is sponsored by local car dealers. Did the newspaper point out to its readers that the special section only existed because the NAACP funneled advertising their way? If the section on their website devoted to last year's convention is any indication the answer is no.

Posted by Sean Hackbarth in Wisconsin at 08:49 PM | Comments (1)

NRA's Gun Pledge

Before their meetings have really begun the has made news in Milwaukee:

The National Rifle Association said today it will ask all of the nation's mayors and police chiefs to sign a pledge stating they would never confiscate weapons from law-abiding citizens, such as in periods of emergency.

At a news conference, NRA officials said the initiative was prompted by what happened in New Orleans in the wake of Hurricane Katrina where they said leaders ordered police to collect the guns amid the flooding and chaos.

In addition to the pledge request, unveiled this morning in an ad in USA Today, the group said it will seek state and federal legislation that would make it a crime for those in authority to take the guns.

It's no surprise the City of Milwaukee didn't take too kindly to the pledge:

"The rhetoric to say we are going to disarm law-abiding citizens is a little over the top," Deputy Police Chief Brian O'Keefe said at a City Hall news conference. Police have neither the time nor the legal authority to raid innocent citizens' homes and grab their guns, O'Keefe said.

As for New Orleans, O'Keefe said, he wasn't "aware of any widespread confiscations," but police did take guns from people who were threatening public safety, and Milwaukee police would do the same thing in the same circumstances.


Mr. O'Keefe needs to read Boots & Sabers who found this NY Times story that begins:
Waters were receding across this flood-beaten city today as police officers began confiscating weapons, including legally registered firearms, from civilians in preparation for a mass forced evacuation of the residents still living here.

No civilians in New Orleans will be allowed to carry pistols,