U. S. Representative and STRONGEST Iraq critic, John Murtha, "mutters" the previously unthinkable, says "surge" is working!

Watch the video here, and read the story here.

Who would have thunk that, as the vernacular goes!?!

Maybe, that truth serum is working for John Murtha, too, after all.

Dick Morris: Trouble on Mitt Romney's Campaign Trail. Next up? Rudy Giuliani!

No matter what you think of Dick Morris, he has VERY GOOD political ears, eyes and mind.

He thinks Mitt Romney's campaign is in trouble.

I say GOOD.

Next up? Rudy Giuliani.

Breaking news: Hostage situation at Hillary Clinton's New Hampshire office ends peacefully.

The hostage situation at the campaign offices of Hillary Clinton has ended peacefully. The hostage taker, Leeland Eisenberg, surrendered to police and released ALL hostages.

We thank God no one was hurt.

It MUST be something in the water, as Knott County CJE, a Fletcher appointee, finds himself tied up in ... well ... in a legal "knot".

Read it here.

Like I said, it's got to be something in the water over there!

Like a bunch of Emperor Neros, Congress slumbers while immigration EXPLODES!

Read it here.

Utterly irresponsible on the part of our Congress.

What's on the menu and what's for after dinner conversation, as Fletchers invite Beshears to dinner?

Outgoing Governor and Mrs. Ernie Fletcher have invited Incoming Governor and Mrs. Steve Beshear to dinner tonight, prompting curious questions of: What's on the dinner menu -- and how will the after dinner conversation go?

Fletcher DOESN'T regret BLANKET pardons, promises more before he leaves office.

Outgoing Gov. Ernie Fletcher has indicated that he does NOT regret the BLANKET pardons he granted to his aides indicted with him, that helped DOOM his re-election chances this November.

In fact, he promises more before he leaves office on December 11.

Stay tuned.

Hillary Clinton plants another "mole", this time it's on the GOP CNN/YouTube debate last night.

If you watched the GOP CNN/YouTube debates last night -- I did -- you'll remember gay Retired Brig. Gen. Keith H. Kerr, who served 43 years in the military before revealing he is gay. He was the one who asked about gays serving in the military.

Now we learn that he is a Hillary Clinton "mole", who is currently serving as a co-chair of Hillary Clinton's National Military Veterans group.

Yet another instance of cheating -- there are many others -- from the Clinton camp.

Could this be one of the reasons for Senator Trent Lott's SUDDEN retirement?

Check out the indictment, and the news story.

Will the Senator be implicated in this or any other "embarrassing" matters? Only time will tell.

Update: Or is this the real reason?

Here's another reason to forget Rudy Giuliani; it's not as if you didn't have many already.

Here's another reason to forget supporting Rudy Giuliani; it's not as if you didn't have many already.

Anti-war Veteran speaks out, says Iraq war opponents are "more interested in bashing Republicans".

You can read it here.

This revelation might help explain why Democrats in Congress claim they want to end the Iraq war, but do NOT have the stomach (or the POLITICAL will) to bring their "wishes" to fruition.

If you believe John Bruhns, the issue is more of a political tool for them, to use to BASH Republicans, than reality.

Governor Steve Beshear appoints four to high posts.

Here they are:

Helen Mountjoy, 61 (pictured on your extreme left), of Utica will be secretary of the Education Cabinet; J. Michael Brown, 58, (pictured to your nearest left) of Louisville will be Justice and Public Safety Cabinet secretary; Edward W. Tonini, 61, (the only Republican of the group) of Louisville will be adjutant general; and Rodney Brewer, 50, of Ballardsville will be State Police commissioner.

Read more here.

I'll update by posting the release shortly.

Here's a more complete story.

Help us welcome our newest Contributor, from Paducah: Dr. Felix Akojie.

Here's some information on our newest Contributor, Dr. Felix Akojie, who is expected to concentrate on educational (education is VERY IMPORTANT in Kentucky) and other issues, including (political and other) happenings in Paducah:

Dr. Akojie has been a faculty member of the Biology Department at West Kentucky Community & Technical College since 1991. He earned his PhD in Biochemistry from the University of Ife in Nigeria, in 1985. Dr. Akojie then did his postdoctoral studies in Chemistry at Loyola University in Chicago, and Immunology at the University of Vienna in Austria. Prior to this, he taught Biochemistry at the medical schools of the University of Ife and later at the University of Benin.

Dr. Akojie's general area of research interest is Cell and Molecular Biology, and he has published many scientific papers in this area. Scientific projects include investigations of the mechanisms of antisickling agents in abnormal red blood cells. He belongs to various scientific organizations and is currently on the Human Anatomy and Physiology Society's Journal Editorial Board. He also serves as a faculty consultant to the Educational Testing Service.

Dr. Akojie was elected to serve on the Paducah Independent Schools board of education in 2003 and has served as vice chair since 2005. He also serves as the regional chairperson for the Kentucky School Boards Association (KSBA), where he represents Ballard, Caldwell, Calloway, Carlisle, Crittenden, Fulton, Fulton (Ind.), Graves, Hickman, Livingston, Lyon, Marshall, Mayfield, McCracken, Murray, Paducah, and Trigg school districts. He lives in Paducah with his wife (who is also an educator) and four children.

A new Contributor will be introduced tomorrow, from Paducah. We also need Contributors from Northern Kentucky and Pikeville.

A new Contributor will be introduced tomorrow, from Paducah.

A reminder that we also need Contributors from Northern Kentucky and Pikeville.

Governor Steve Beshear will make personnel announcements tomorrow.

Steve Beshear will make Personnel Announcements on Wednesday, November 28, 2007 at 10:30a.m., at the Capital Plaza Hotel in Frankfort, Ballroom II.

Community Service Opportunity in Old 5th- Open to Residents From Clay to Warren County

Do you or someone you know live in one of the following tobacco-dependent counties: Adair, Allen, Butler, Casey, Clay Clinton, Cumberland, Edmonson, Green, Hart, Laurel, Marion, Metcalfe, Monroe, McCreary, Pulaski Russell, Taylor, Warren, Washington, and Wayne? If so, do you/they have a passion for small business and community service?

If so, you may be interested in the University of Kentucky Entrepreneurial Coaches Institute:

In 2003, the State Board of Agriculture funded a new program entitled The Kentucky Entrepreneurial Coaches Institute (KECI), a leadership program of the College of Agriculture at the University of Kentucky. The objective of the Institute is to encourage diversification of the economies in rural Kentucky. The Institute identifies and trains community citizens from across the region who are willing to work with current and potential entrepreneurs to encourage the development of new business ideas and ventures. It provides participants from across the region the skills they need to be effective entrepreneurial coaches in their communities. This project is supported by research indicating that there is an inadequate entrepreneurial support structure at the local and regional levels. Although the state has made key investments in university and state-level organizations to support agricultural and rural entrepreneurship, there are significant gaps in the entrepreneurial support structure.

This is a great program. I went through it a few years ago and it really opened my eyes as to the potential entrepreneurship could play in economic development.

Here's more on how to become a coach:

The Institute's mission is to train and nurture entrepreneurial leaders, advocates and coaches through an intensive leadership program involving a series of seminars and a national educational tour. Each seminar lasts approximately 2-3 days. It involves meeting and working with some of the “best and brightest” in rural entrepreneurship from the region, nation and other parts of the world. Thirty applicants will be selected to receive a fellowship for both the 2008-2009 and 2009-2010 classes. Those chosen will receive an $18,000 Fellowship in the form of: instruction from key leaders in rural entrepreneurship, Institute materials, food and accommodations for seminars, and air travel for a national educational tour. (Costs for the coaches are for (occasinally) meals and travel... i.e. under $200 for the entire program.)

Links: http://www.uky.edu/Ag/CLD/KECI/apply.html and http://www.uky.edu/Ag/CLD/KECI/about.html

Deadline for submission of application is November 30th, 2007. If you or a friend is interested in this and would like to talk to me about its potential, please drop me an email at Johnathangay at hotmail or just comment through this blog. Better yet, just apply in person. It's worth your time and I'd really like to see some good folks get in this very valuable program.

A footnote: This program has received bi-partisan support. Governor Fletcher's Ag. Policy Bd supported its extension and Governor-elect Beshear expressed strong interest in this program on his campaign web site during the election campaign. Hopefully Gov. B's support will continue and this will translate into even great support for this teriffic program.

The nation's capital is also the nation's AIDS capital.

Read it here.

Another GRIM statistic from Washington, D. C., which also leads the nation in murders.

Jefferson School Board approves anti-bias protection for gay-lesbian and bi-sexual employees.

The Jefferson County Board of Education voted 4-3 to extend employment, discrimination and harassment protection to gay, lesbian and bisexual workers.

Read it here.

What are your thoughts -- if you have any?

Post election resignations start. First up is Health Cabinet's Mark D. Birdwhistell.

Read it here.

Democrats: Here is why President Bush and Karl Rove support Hillary Clinton's candidacy.

Here's why.

So go ahead and choose Hillary. Republicans will be able to say: It's Hillary, STUPID!

LOUISVILLE'S TOWERING INFERNO

It hasn't even been built yet and Louisville's Museum Tower complex is in flames. Taxpayers were promised two years ago this was a privately funded project, but the Metro government would be "giving" the developers the valuable riverfront land.

Then it transpired the project needed an especially one-sided TIF agreement and tens of millions in public improvements for the area. Then last week the mayor revealed the Metro needed to chip in $45 million to "get things started", money the government must bond and assume the debt for.

Even in the face of declining Metro revenues, Mayor Abramson is apparently committed to ramming through the additional funding, which will only exacerbate the ongoing fight over funding things suburbanites want, such as new libraries.

The deal itself looks worse with every turn. The developers, mostly the liberal side of the billionaire "whiskey Browns", have never done any project remotely like this and I think they are in way over their heads. With a national downturn in the real estate market, this project may get nixed anyway if the banks pull the plug.

I would hope if there are any more delays, the Metro Council has the courage to take back the property and open up the land to all comers, presumably some group not intent on feeding at the public trough.

For too long Louisville's elite politico/business leadership has wanted to take short cuts to building a great city, ignoring the hard work of attracting solid businesses to the county and instead wasted time and money on glittery ornaments for downtown. Now it looks like we lose on both counts. It's sad to realize this, but Louisville may be in for some really hard times if there is any sort of national recession.

On the bright side, that means lots of folks here will have the time to take in our great museums.

Morgan Brooke Wilkins: "But I've discovered that there's no difference between the Republican and Democratic parties."

An advice Conservative Republicans should heed, particularly these ones:

Fellow conservatives, ... We cannot allow a neo-con-controlled GOP to deceive us into thinking that they stand for what we stand for. ...

The GOP today is not conservative.Thus, true conservatives have but two options: reform our party or leave it. ...

Ron Paul and Tom Tancredo are the only GOP presidential hopefuls who haven't sold out. And Paul is the only candidate who is pro-life, a strict constitutionalist who is a proven advocate of slashing the size of government. He's also against the Iraq war, and has been since the beginning. But if genuine conservatives fail to succeed in electing Ron Paul, our only option will be to leave the GOP and form our own party, one that will truly stand by our conservative principles.

Home Of The Brave

"Wars begin where you will, but they do not end where you please."

From the film "Home of the Brave"

Comment: I watched the film "Home of the Brave" over the long weekend.The movie revolves around the lives of 4 Americans returning from the war in Iraq and the emotional and physical trauma of that experience.

President George Bush and all members of Congress
should be required to watch this film!

I am a Republican and a Conservative who has come to the realization that this war is the wrong war,in the wrong place, at the wrong time and for the wrong reasons!

It is time for the President to admit the war is a mistake and bring all of our troops home as quickly as can be done. There should not be another single American injured or killed in this futile effort to bring democracy to a nation that does not understand it or appreciate the sacrifices made by our young men and women.

Iraq is a nation artificially created at the end of WWI by Britain from the remnants of the Ottoman Turk empire that put three diverse ethnic and religious groups into a nation whose hatred and enmity for one another goes back centuries!

No matter when America pulls out its forces there will be continued secular violence and civil war for generations to come.End this war now and let's concentrate on restoring freedom ,constitutional rights and defending America from all enemies,foreign and domestic!

God bless America and all of those who fight for us and defend our nation!

Breaking news: Republican U. S. Senator from Mississippi, Trent Lott, is set to retire before year's end.

Read it here.

Lott's retirement would become the sixth for Republican Senators this election cycle.

With Republican Haley Barbour as Governor, the Republican Party is in a good favored position to keep the seat in what should be a HOTLY contested seat, with the "usual suspects" lining up to run for the seat.

Stay tuned.

Update: Arizona's Republican U. S. Senator, Jon Kyl, is the "first out of the gate" to run to replace Trent Lott as Minority Whip.

We wonder if our Mitch McConnell has a preference for the position.

Words to live by.

"It is the duty of all Nations to acknowledge the providence of Almighty God, to obey his will, to be grateful for his benefits, and humbly to implore his protection and favors."

-- George Washington (Thanksgiving Proclamation, 3 October 1789)

Reference: George Washington: A Collection, W.B. Allen, ed. (543)

Kentucky Board of Education names NKY State Republican Representative, Jon Draud, Education Commissioner.

Read it here.

After bungled attempts to choose a Commissioner and rebuffing Steve Beshear's call to re-open the search and make it nationwide, was this selection the right one?

***** Kentucky needs "UNBRIDLED" and "UNVARNISHED" men of INTEGRITY like STEVE PENCE. *****

It is WITHOUT a shadow of any REASONABLE doubt that Kentucky needs "UNBRIDLED" and "UNVARNISHED" men of INTEGRITY like our current Lt. Governor, STEVE PENCE. That is why we pray that he will re-consider this decision, and stay on as our Secretary of the Justice Cabinet.

We urge him to do so, NOT because he needs any political headache -- like the one he has been through the past 3 years or so -- or the pay -- which is low compared to what he will make in private practice -- but our Commonwealth will benefit GREATLY from his service.

And if he decides NOT to do so, we will understand, but at least we can try to keep him serving us.

So won't you join me in praying that he continues in public service, en route to a federal judgeship?

WWF's "HULK HOGAN" gets the "SMACKDOWN", as wife files for divorce.

If you sometimes watch the "reality" show, Hogan knows best, you know about the "real" life of former WWF Wrestler, Hulk Hogan. If you have also being paying close attention, you will be able to tell that not only does Hogan not know best, but you'll be able to observe that the marriage is on shaky grounds and that his wife Linda had other plans that did not include the "Hulk".

Well..., obviously the "Hulk" was "in the dark" on this one, as a reporter had to break the news to him that his wife has filed for divorce from him.

Read it here.

Nebraska FIRES Head Football Coach, Bill Callahan. What took so long to fire him, and why was he hired in the first place?

Those are the two VERY pressing questions, the what and the why?

But we, Nebraska fans, thank former Coach and now Athletic Director, Tom Osborne, for having the guts -- or the common sense -- to step up and save us from the SHAME of Coach Bill Callahan's DISASTROUS ride, and do what was needed to be have been done -- get rid of Callahan so that Nebraska Cornhuskers will reign SUPREME -- again.

Update: Read the print update, and also here.

Let the "Black Friday" MADNESS commence!

Today is considered "Black Friday" -- the start of the season's shopping extravaganza (read madness). Many of our fellow citizens would have camped out all night, as others will be out in force pushing, shoving and (physically, mentally and verbally) fighting their way through the MASSIVE crowds this morning (maybe, that's why they call it "Black Friday" -- because of the "Black Eyes" people will get from the "fisticuffs"), in their GLUTINOUS quest for "bargains".

If you are out there observing (or partaking in) the ritual, please let us know what horror stories you have to report. Thanks.

Great Thanksgiving for Natalee Holloway's family, as Aruban authorities arrest suspects in her disappearance.

This one hits home for me, as I met Mrs. Holloway and talked at length with her regarding the case (I will update this post later with pictures).

Also as a parent of a little girl, I am thus very thankful for this GREAT Thanksgiving gift for Natalee Holloway's family, as Aruban authorities have arrested suspects, brothers Deepak and Satish Kalpoe, now 24 and 21 respectively, and are in the process of arresting Joran Van der Sloot, 20, for the parts they played in Natalee 's disappearance.

I am also glad to hear that Natalie's dad has hired his own private investigators to pursue the case.

My heart goes out to the Holloways and I pray that these latest developments will bring them closure, and most of all JUSTICE.

Another movie review: American Gangster.

I went to see the premier of the Danzel Washington/Russell Crowe movie American Gangster two weeks ago. If you have nothing else to do and you want to catch a movie today or this weekend or whenever, I highly recommend American Gangster -- especially if you ignore the subject matter, drugs and exploitation of the drug addicted by a RUTHLESS drug dealer.

If you want to know what the LUST (this is beyond the love of) for money can do to a man (or group of men actually) and how drugs can devastate a community -- with great acting to boot --, then you CANNOT go wrong with American Gangster.

I gave the movie an A minus, for whatever my grading is worth to you.

Bob Hill's Tom foolery for Thanksgiving is hilarious.

Here it is. Enjoy on this Thanksgiving day.

Happy Thanksgiving to ALL, friend and foe alike.

Happy Thanksgiving to ALL, friend and foe alike. I have NO foes, but if there is ANY of you idea who consider me a foe, Happy Thanksgiving to you and may God bless you, too.

Please remember the reason for this day -- the season is NOT a kick off to a season of PURE GLUTTONY, which begins today and ends when we click the champagne (or for me and my family -- since we do NOT drink alcohol --non alcoholic drinks) glasses on New Year's day, after which many of us swear NOT to do it again and promise (which will NOT be kept) to go on a diet --, as articulated by my hero, Abraham "Honest Abe" Lincoln:

By the President of the United States of America.

A Proclamation.

The year that is drawing towards its close, has been filled with the blessings of fruitful fields and healthful skies. To these bounties, which are so constantly enjoyed that we are prone to forget the source from which they come, others have been added, which are of so extraordinary a nature, that they cannot fail to penetrate and soften even the heart which is habitually insensible to the ever watchful providence of Almighty God. In the midst of a civil war of unequaled magnitude and severity, which has sometimes seemed to foreign States to invite and to provoke their aggression, peace has been preserved with all nations, order has been maintained, the laws have been respected and obeyed, and harmony has prevailed everywhere except in the theatre of military conflict; while that theatre has been greatly contracted by the advancing armies and navies of the Union. Needful diversions of wealth and of strength from the fields of peaceful industry to the national defence, have not arrested the plough, the shuttle or the ship; the axe has enlarged the borders of our settlements, and the mines, as well of iron and coal as of the precious metals, have yielded even more abundantly than heretofore. Population has steadily increased, notwithstanding the waste that has been made in the camp, the siege and the battle-field; and the country, rejoicing in the consiousness of augmented strength and vigor, is permitted to expect continuance of years with large increase of freedom. No human counsel hath devised nor hath any mortal hand worked out these great things. They are the gracious gifts of the Most High God, who, while dealing with us in anger for our sins, hath nevertheless remembered mercy. It has seemed to me fit and proper that they should be solemnly, reverently and gratefully acknowledged as with one heart and one voice by the whole American People. I do therefore invite my fellow citizens in every part of the United States, and also those who are at sea and those who are sojourning in foreign lands, to set apart and observe the last Thursday of November next, as a day of Thanksgiving and Praise to our beneficent Father who dwelleth in the Heavens. And I recommend to them that while offering up the ascriptions justly due to Him for such singular deliverances and blessings, they do also, with humble penitence for our national perverseness and disobedience, commend to His tender care all those who have become widows, orphans, mourners or sufferers in the lamentable civil strife in which we are unavoidably engaged, and fervently implore the interposition of the Almighty Hand to heal the wounds of the nation and to restore it as soon as may be consistent with the Divine purposes to the full enjoyment of peace, harmony, tranquility and Union.

In testimony whereof, I have hereunto set my hand and caused the Seal of the United States to be affixed.

Done at the City of Washington, this Third day of October, in the year of our Lord one thousand eight hundred and sixty-three, and of the Independence of the Unites States the Eighty-eighth.

By the President: Abraham Lincoln

William H. Seward,
Secretary of State

Source: Collected Works of Abraham Lincoln, edited by Roy P. Basler.

Related Link
Manuscript from the National Archives

FYI: Here's the schedule for the "early" presidential primaries.

Here is the schedule for the month of January, when the fun gets underway:

Jan. 3 — Iowa caucuses

Jan. 5 — Wyoming GOP caucuses

Jan. 8 — New Hampshire primary

Jan. 15 — Michigan primary

Jan. 19 — Nevada caucuses

Jan. 19 — South Carolina Republican primary

Jan. 26 — South Carolina Democratic primary

Jan. 29 — Florida primary

Greg Stumbo's office ends probe because possible violations concern "time-barred misdemeanors".

The investigations into the Transportation Cabinet have closed because only "time-barred misdemeanors" remain.

Another end to another SORDID state corruption affair.

Is the Valerie Plame CIA leak "chicken coming home to roost" for Bush and company?

That's the issue that's brewing, as what sounds strangely like "clucking sounds" may be heard in the distant horizon, though I do NOT believe President Bush and Veep Dick Cheney will be dumb enough to leave the equivalent of Richard "Tricky Dick" Nixon's incriminating White House tapes.

Update: Well, it turns out, according to Former White House press secretary Scott McClellan, President Bush was only repeating what he was told, which ended up being a lie.

The question that remains is: if Bush did NOT tell a lie himself but repeated a lie told him, who then told Bush the repeated lie -- Veep Dick Cheney, his former Chief of Staff, "Scooter" Libby, or someone else in the White House?

Inquiry minds may want to know!

Ashland State Rep. John Vincent Retiring in 08

As initially reported on Cyberhillbilly last night, reliable sources report Rep. John Vincent (R-Ashland) has made the decision to retire following the conclusion of this term. The 6 term veteran represented a decidedly blue constituency that Republicans will be hard pressed to keep. This would mean a net loss of three seats for Republicans since the elections in 06- where they also lost seats. With Brandon Smith looking at a bid for State Senate in a race where he'd have to file for one or the other race, it's possible House Republicans could slip even further.

WELCOME TO FRANKFORT STEVERINO!

That chuckling sound coming out of Frankfort this week wasn't Santa dropping off some early presents, it was a tradition almost as old. A departing administration hanging stockings with care for the new guys, filled with budget coal. That includes the big hole in Medicaid, which could run almost $400 million just this year.

(The old hands in the Nunn administration can tell you this is all very bi-partisan. The mess they inherited led to old Louis breaking his sales tax pledge and the Kentucky GOP left in tatters for years)

The Medicaid situation really typifies the promise and the problems of the Fletcher administration. Kentucky was the first state to take advantage of changes in federal law to turn our Medicaid program into managed care, or an HMO. We certainly needed to do something, our state has almost 18% of its population enrolled in this program compared to just 14% nationally.

A move to managed care can mean big cost savings provided, 1) you get some people who know what they are doing to run the program and 2) really draw a tough line on paying out benefits, as HMOs are supposed to do.

That last part I don't think the Fletcherites had the stomach to try, not after getting pole-axed on the relatively minor teacher benefits fiasco in 2004. Can Beshear be the one to turn it around, as Only Nixon Could Go to China, perhaps Beshear can keep the entitlements gang quiet while reforms (cuts) are made? I 'm not betting on it.

Other than dreams of casinos on every street corner and putting David Williams in the private sector full time, I don't think this new administration has engaged in any actual thinking about what it means to administer the modern state government. They will be swimming in the deep water soon enough though. Their buddies in the House have the unpleasant constitutional task of originating all revenue bills. That means the Democrats have to go first and stick their necks out if they even want to suggest a tax increase. With no guarantees in the Senate. Given the volatility of the tax issue in Kentucky (reference the worthy Mayor Abramson and his library tax) I doubt we're even going to see a tax laden budget bill come to the House floor.

Oh sure, for three or four months there can howls and protests that it's all Ernie Fletcher's fault and oh the unfairness of it all. But in the end, maybe after a symbolic budget showdown and government shutdown, it will be time to cut a deal. Meaning some faction of the Kentucky Democracy will be left out in the cold, screaming bloody murder.

But that comes next year. For now Beshearites, enjoy the festivities and the parties. Frankfort has some excellent caterers. And if you happen to run into Brad Cowgill and he mumbles something to you in French, it was probably- Apres moi, le deluge.

Frank Friday

Words to live by (Special edition).

I have traditionally posted "Words to live by" on Monday mornings, but the occassion of Thanksgiving requires that I post a special edition one:

"Tomorrow being the day set apart by the Honorable Congress for public Thanksgiving and Praise; and duty calling us devoutly to express our grateful acknowledgments to God for the manifold blessings he has granted us, the General... earnestly exhorts, all officers and soldiers, whose absence is not indispensably necessary, to attend with reverence the solemnities of the day."

- George Washington (December 17, 1777)

**** "We will NEVER survive unless WE put a lid on CRAZY"! ****

Here's why.

Otherwise, we will pay a HORRIBLE price once these folks are released from prison, and they come back into society where they can practice their NEWLY acquired CRIMINAL skills from prison on us.

This is common sense, by the way. One, like myself, can be VERY STRONG on law enforcement and STILL be able to recognize that we do NOT need to incarcerate EVERYONE to solve our crime problems.

Alternatives to incarceration need to be explored and implemented QUICKLY in order, as my fellow Country man and world renowned Singer SEAL will sing while WARNING that, "WE WILL NEVER SURVIVE UNLESS WE PUT A LID ON CRAZY".

For the interest of JUSTICE, the FBI needs to "bite the bullet".

Here's why.

So SAD the FBI is STILL dragging its feet on JUSTICE.

The AYEs have it!

The AYEs have it!

The FALSE "Prophet", Warren Jeffs, fails to see this one coming. It's good riddance to him.

The FALSE "prophet" that is Warren Jeffs fails to see this one coming.

We say good riddance to him.

We hope he spends a lot of time in PURGATORY re-living his crimes against humanity.

One would think the "Sheikh" would make them pay to have abortions, but instead he bills us. That makes me MAD. How about you?

One would think the "Sheikh" would make them pay to have abortions, but instead he bills us.

That makes me mad, how about you?

More County (and city) officials get "Clay" on their faces for racketeering. It's got to be the water.

Read it here.

It's that water; it's got to be!

Political shocker in Nebraska's Senate race as Attorney General Jon Bruning QUITS, leaving Former Governor Mike Johanns as the CLEAR odds on favorite.

Political shocker in Nebraska's Senate race as Attorney General Jon Bruning QUITS, leaving Former Governor and Agriculture Secretary, Mike Johanns, the CLEAR odds on favorite to be Nebraska's nest Senator.

Read about it here.

That's one Senate seat that Republicans can count on retaining.

U. S. Supreme Court has agreed to let us know what the Second Amendment to our Constitution means, ...

... (read it here), but I can save them time, money and energy and tell them what it means.

The Second Amendment, as written by the Constitutional Convention of 1787, states:

"A well-regulated Militia being necessary to the security of a free state, the right of the people to keep and bear arms shall not be infringed."

My interpretation? Check out my GLOCK 45.

What is yours?

Many suggest SURVEYUSA poll spells doom for Senator Mitch McConnell, but who wants to be first to receive "a boulder"?

Many in the media point to the latest SURVEYUSA poll and suggest that the poll spells doom for Senator Mitch McConnell, but who is first in line to oppose him and to receive "a boulder"?

Former Perry Circuit Judge sentenced to federal prison, ...

... (read it here).

There goes -- AGAIN -- that water "in 'em hills".

Tethered Rudy?

Is Rudy tethered to FOX News? That is the question, and the answer seems rather obvious.

Judge rules man can see state emails between wife and paramour. Cheaters BEWARE.

Judge Phillip J. Shepherd, of the Franklin Circuit Court (I was in his court yesterday), has ruled that the state must turn over to a husband emails his wife exchanged with her paramour. The judge WISELY saw to it that personal emails (that have nothing to do with state business) are NOT protected by any exceptions to the Open Records Act.

Good for judge Shepherd. Now there is a WARNING to state employees who want to conduct illicit affairs by using state computers to facilitate them: THE LAW DOES NOT PROTECT YOU.

Here is judge Shepherd's decision.

What is puzzling to me is why the state did NOT discipline the employees involved -- if for nothing, then at least for using state (public) resources for private.

County official to have "Clay" on his face -- no "Bath" this time.

Another county official is set to plead guilty to vote buying charges and have "Clay" on his face -- not taking a "Bath" this time.

It must be something in the water in "them neck of the woods".

Talking turkey with the boys of Blackwater.

Talking turkey this Thanksgiving with the boys of Blackwater.

Whatever you may have heard to the contrary, rumors of Mtch McConnel backing Rudy (or anyone else) are just that: RUMORS that are UNFOUNDED!

Need I say more.

Senator Mitch McConnell is NOT backing any of the presidential candidates. End of story (rumor).

Words to live by.

"The Constitution shall never be construed... to prevent the people of the United States who are peaceable citizens from keeping their own arms."
- Samuel Adams

Why did the MSM ignore this endorsement?

Does the MSM dislike Ron Paul so much that they ignored this endorsement -- or does the endorsement not matter?

And if the endorsement does not matter, who decides which ones matter, the MSM or the voters?

As I promised, I have left Ernie Fletcher alone, but this posting is about his latest approval rating -- at 32% -- (and disapproval rating -- at 66%).

Read the SURVEYUSA poll here, including cross tabs and demographic sub groups.

Kentucky "blows" another one, loses chance at 1300 new jobs.

Read it here.

You go figure.

Well ..., that did NOT take long.

This is what did NOT take long; it did NOT even make it to the President's desk as I supposed this morning.

Senator Mitch McConnell MASTERFULLY out maneuvered Senator Harry Reid -- AGAIN.

Former Democratic Governor, John Y. Brown, "disses" newly elected Democratic Governor, Steve Beshear. What gives?

Former Democratic Governor, John Y. Brown, "disses" newly elected Democratic Governor, Steve Beshear.

What gives?

Anne Northup will chair Rudy Giuliani's Kentucky campaign. So SAD to hear that.

Anne Northup will chair Rudy Giuliani's Kentucky campaign. So sad to hear that.

Once the light shines on Rudy (hey, where have I heard that before?), he'll be finished .

Update (for Anne Northup and other Giuliani supporters), first read it and then watch the pie chart below:

Steve Beshear appoints Transportation Cabinet Secretary: Joseph W. "Joe" Prather.

Sorry about the s-l-o-w day -- again. Duty called. Anyway, here is the press release:

Beshear Announces Secretary of Transportation

FRANKFORT, KY (November 16, 2007) - Governor-elect Steve Beshear today announced that Joseph W. "Joe" Prather, of Elizabethtown, will serve as Secretary of the Transportation Cabinet in the Beshear/Mongiardo Administration.
Prather, age 67, served three terms in the Kentucky House of Representatives, beginning in 1967. He was elected to the Kentucky State Senate in 1973, elected President Pro Tempore in 1976 and served 11 years through the end of 1986. Prather also served as Chair of the Kentucky Democratic Party and was a member of the Democratic National Committee from 1983-1984. During the first year of Brereton Jones Administration, from December of 1991 to December of 1992, Prather served as Secretary of the Finance and Administration Cabinet.
In the private sector, Prather has been a realtor, auctioneer and is former Chairman of the Board of the Hardin County Bank and Trust and Farmers Deposit Bank.

"The Transportation Cabinet has had its share of difficulties over the past few years," said Beshear. "Joe's wealth of experience in both the public and private sectors and his high moral and ethical standards will assure that the Cabinet will be operated in an efficient, businesslike and principled manner which will serve the people of Kentucky well."
Joe Prather attended the University of Louisville, is married to the former Jennie Brown of Hodgenville and has five children.

Energy dependency vs. energy policy; a SERIOUS disconnect.

American energy dependency vs. energy policy; a SERIOUS disconnect.

So much for tax incentives -- bribes --, as Ford factory would have closed without a new UAW contract.

So much HOOPLA surrounded the HUGE tax incentives that was eventually handed over to Ford Motor to keep its manufacturing plant here in Louisville, but it now turns out that Ford would have closed the plant anyway, if it did NOT get the UAW to sign its new contract.

So much for those incentives, that are REALLY bribes in disguise!

Economic Development: A Top Priority for Beshear-Mongiardo?

Judging by the transition team, the answer might be yes. In addition to Dave Armstrong of Louisville, Beshear taps Jonathan Miller for this team as well as incoming Chief of Staff Jim Cauley. The ED team will be the only transition work for Cauley and Miller, two of the top Beshear officials. A sign of things to come?

House passes Iraq funding bill -- with December '08 troop withdrawal date attached; Bush promises a veto, showdown set.

You can say: here we go again.

Today the U. S. House Pased an Iraq funding bill -- but this time the "AYE" members attached a deadline of December '08 for troop withdrawal.

We know President Bush won't stand for it. In fact, he has promised a veto, so now we can expect a BIG showdown.

Read it here.

Stay tuned to see which branch of government -- Bush or the House -- backs down, at this the continuing sequel of the political version of the "Gunfight at the OK Coral".

Former U. S. Attorney General, Alberto "Gonzo shuffle" Gonzales, has set up a legal defense fund. So why would someone need a legal defense fund?

(Read it here. By the way I received an email asking for my donation).

Former U. S. Attorney General, Alberto "Gonzo shuffle" Gonzales, has set up a legal defense fund. Now why would someone need a legal defense fund?

Let me think?

Oh yes, maybe it's because they expect legal trouble(s) ahead -- like, maybe, an indictment or two!

Stay tuned, folks.

For all you Baseball fans: Barry Bonds has been indicted. The idea is to him "send him to the showers".

Barry Bonds has just been indicted by a Federal Grand Jury -- a kind of "sending him to the showers".

They NEVER learn, do they, that IT'S NOT THE ORIGINAL CRIME BUT THE LYING THAT GETS YOU easily IN TROUBLE?

I wonder if this means that the asterisk beside his record setting home run this year, is for REAL and will stay PERMANENTLY now?

Steve Beshear announces transition teams.

Here is the press release:

Governor-Elect Beshear Announces Transition Teams
FRANKFORT, KY (November 15, 2007) - Governor-elect Beshear today announced members of his Transition Teams for each state government Cabinet and the Office of the Governor.
"I am confident that I have put together a strong, talented and focused group of individuals to head the Transition Teams for each Cabinet of state government," said Beshear. "We only have a few weeks before I take office and a lot to accomplish as we determine the needs of each Cabinet."
The teams will be working in coming weeks to provide Governor-elect Beshear with information regarding the status and issues facing each Cabinet.
Governor's Office Transition Team
Chair: Ed Holmes - Lexington
• Alice Baesler - Lexington
• Fontaine Banks - Frankfort
• Patsy Blevins - Frankfort
• Rev. John Dunaway - Henderson
• Eric Duncan - Lexington
• Courtney French –Warsaw
• Heather French Henry - Louisville
• Vicki Glass - Louisville
• Ellen Hesen - Louisville
• Kevin Hockensmith - Versailles
• Hollie Hopkins - Louisville
• Phil Huddleston - Frankfort
• Mike Libs - Owensboro
• Max Maxwell - Louisville
• Irv Maze – Louisville
• Kerry Morgan - Bowling Green
• Lee Murphy - Richmond
• Rev. Albert M. Pennybacker - Lexington
• Dick Prelopski - Frankfort
• John Sterner - Louisville
• Marsha Weinstein - Louisville
• Denise White - Burgin
• Dennis Williams - Covington

Personnel Cabinet Transition Team
Chair: Carol Palmore - Frankfort
• Angie Dixon Cain - Walton
• Margaret Daniel - Frankfort
• Glenn Denton - Paducah
• Laura Douglas - Louisville
• Cecil Dunn - Lexington
• Mike Fields - Louisville
• Jerry Graves - Frankfort
• Shelia Hawkins- Shelbyville
• Lisa Higgins-Hord - Lexington
• Lennie House - Lexington
• Steve Huddleston - Warsaw
• Tim Mauntel - Villa Hills
• Leesa Moorman - Lexington
• Don Offut - Lexington
• Elissa Plattner - Camp Springs
• Fred Sutterlin - Louisville
• Denise Vazquez Troutman - Louisville


Economic Development Cabinet Transition Team
Chair: JoEtta Wickliffe - Harrodsburg
• Carey Anderson - Louisville
• Dave Armstrong - Louisville
• C.V. Bennett - Harlan
• Neville Blakemore - Louisville
• Ron Carmicle - Louisville
• Jim Cauley - Pikeville
• Danny Koon - Slaughters
• Eddie Dunn - Louisville
• Betty Fox - Louisville
• Sandra Frazier - Louisville
• Anthony French - Louisville
• Larry Hayes - Louisville
• Wil Hodgkin - Winchester
• Bernie Lovely - Lexington
• John Merchant - Cincinnati
• Jonathan Miller - Lexington
• J. Bruce Miller - Louisville
• Peyton Morton - Hazard
• Rita Phillips - Louisville
• Michael Pitino - Louisville
• Paul Schwartz - Lexington
• Maurice Sweeney - Louisville
• Greg Wells - Hazard

Justice Cabinet Transition Team
Chair, Steve Pence - Louisville
• Lois Baker - Whitesburg
• Anthany Beatty - Lexington
• Leonard Brashear - Hyden
• Sue Cassidy - Covington
• Chris Cohron - Bowling Green
• Cleve Gambill - Louisville
• Charles Geveden – Frankfort
• Dan Goyette - Louisville
• Michael Hance - Louisville
• Debra Hensley - Lexington
• William E. Herron - Louisville
• Priscilla Johnson - Lexington
• Lee Jones - Pikeville
• Joe Justice - Pikeville
• Bob Kellerman - Frankfort
• Brucie Moore - Waverly
• Nelson O'Donnell - Richmond
• Lacey Smith - Louisville
• Doug Sapp - Columbia
• Brenda Sweatt - Louisville
• Lynda Thomas – Lexington
• Burr Travis - Ft. Mitchell
• Eddie Woods - Louisville

Finance & Administration Cabinet Transition Team
Chair, Mark Guilfoyle - Crestview Hills
• Benny Ray Bailey - Hindman
• Jerry Bailey - Frankfort
• Ron Carson - Frankfort
• Mark Carter – Louisville
• Joe Craft - Lexington
• Stacey Epperson – Morehead
• Jim Fugite - Elizabethtown
• L.D. Gorman - Hazard
• Joe Graviss - Versailles
• Jean Hale - Pikeville
• Diane Hancock - Lexington
• Ed Hatchett - Frankfort
• Jim King - Louisville
• Sally Meigs - Frankfort
• Tom Meng - Lexington
• Mitchell Payne - Louisville
• John Ridley - Dawson Springs
• Brett T. Scott - Louisville
• Carla Wallace – Louisville
• Aubrey Williams - Louisville

Transportation Cabinet Transition Team
Chair, Ernesto Scorsone - Lexington
• Glenda Berry - Louisville
• J. Michael Brown - Louisville
• Bill Cox - Madisonville
• Eric McPeek - Pikeville
• Zee Enix – Murray
• Phil Hazle - Murray
• Pam Miller - Lexington
• Ron Morgan - Paducah
• Phil Osborne - Lexington
• Stacey Peyton - Dawson Springs
• Joe Prather - Vine Grove
• Bobby Russell - Richmond
• Richie Sanders - Glasgow
• Betty Seay - Bardstown
• Howard Walker - Paducah
• BD Wilson - Mt. Sterling

Health & Family Services Cabinet Transition Team
Chair: Eleanor Jordan - Louisville
• Jack Burch - Lexington
• Delquan Dorsey - Louisville
• Bonnie Freeman - Louisville
• Ann Garrity - Lexington
• Jonathan Goldberg - Louisville
• Kerry Harvey - Benton
• Charles Housley - Hazard
• Beth Jurich - Frankfort
• Edgardo Mansilla - Louisville
• Joyce Merritt - Lexington
• Lil Press - Lexington
• Jack Razor - Lexington
• Robert Slaton - Louisville
• Susan Turner - Frankfort

Commerce Cabinet Transition Team
Chair: Helen Mountjoy - Owensboro
• Edith Asher - Pineville
• Tom Baker - Bowling Green
• Charles Buddeke - Prospect
• Dr. Rodney Casada - Somerset
• Lindy Casebier - Louisville
• Mike Cooper - Lexington
• Colmon Elridge - Cynthiana
• Steve Glenn - Frankfort
• Kathy Groob - Covington (previously Ft. Mitchell)
• Ron Hill – Ft. Mitchell
• June Hudson - Benton
• Larry Kelley - Wickliffe
• Shannon Knight - Cadiz
• Jamie Link - Versailles
• Chuck Matthews - Louisville
• George Mills - Lexington
• Jeff Morgan - Emmalena
• Cissy Musselman - Louisville
• Brian Patton - Lexington
• Duncan Pitchford - Paducah
• Genie Potter - Louisville
• Bobby Scruggs - Frankfort
• Benham Sims – Louisville
• Doug Taylor - Cadiz
• Clifford Turner - Louisville
• Shannon White - Louisville

Education Cabinet Transition Team
Chair, Donna Moore - Lexington
• David Allen – Louisville
• John Paul Amis - Hazard
• Walter Baker - Glasgow
• Rachel Belin - Lexington
• Margie Bradford - Bardstown
• Tim Crawford - Corbin
• Harold Doran - Murray
• Adam Edelen - Lexington
• Paul Friedlander - Paducah
• Ernest Matt House - London
• Brenda Jackson - Shelbyville
• Bill Lile - Louisville
• Nancy Lovett - Murray
• Happy Mobelini - Hazard
• Linda Nesbitt - Highland Heights
• Donald Pace – Winchester
• Sam Reddy – Hazard
• Gerry Roll - Hazard
• Jack Rose - Murray
• Warren Rosenthal - Lexington
• Lacey Smith - Louisville
• Frances Steenbergen - Glasgow
• Susan Stokes - Louisville


Environmental & Public Protection Cabinet
Chair, Steve Nunn - Glasgow
• Scott Audus - Henderson
• Nina Bonnie - Louisville
• Jyotin Chandarana - Hazard
• Sharon Clark - Harrodsburg
• William Gorton III - Lexington
• Jim Hays - London
• Terry Hockensmith - Lexington
• Bill Jones - Ashland
• Ken Lucas - Union
• Barry Martin - Hazard
• Greg May - Pikeville
• Ken Mullikin - Fort Thomas
• Sue Orth - Cold Springs
• Josephine Richardson - Whitesburg
• Ben Richmond - Louisville
• Mike Sparrow - Lawrenceburg
• Sandy Watkins - Henderson
• Virginia Woodward - Louisville
• Bob Vance - Maysville
• Isabel Yates - Lexington
*Transition teams are subject to transfers or additions.

"D. C. Madam" subpeona's Senator David Vitter, Republican of Lousiana, in prostitution case.

While we are on the something Stinky that refuses to go away, how about Senator David Vitter of Louisiana's prostitution capers. Now he has been subpoenaed by the "D. C. Madam" in her prostitution case.

Yep, the above picture of David Vitter and his wife says it all.

It looks like this one will STINK, and stay, for a while!

It looks like this one will STINK, and stay, for a while!

One of the many reasons why Rudy Giuliani should NOT be the nominee for Republicans: Bernie Kerik.

One of the MANY reasons why Rudy Giuliani should NOT be the nominee for the Republican Party.

His name? Bernie Kerik.

I'm telling you, something is rotten here! You feel me?

Yes, here.

Give me a break: John Stossel on global warming.

A Kentucky State Rep. friend of mine, who serves on the House Agriculture and Natural Resources committee, sent me this video, which was used at their meeting today.

It might have something to do with my earlier post on the subject, particularly with Al Gore's Nobel Peace prize.

Well enjoy, and thanks to my tipster, serving us well, in the state Legislature:


Update:

Another reason NOT to vote for Hillary Clinton, she's been planting "moles" to ask questions at her conferences. Talk about DISHONESTY.

Another reason NOT to vote for Hillary Clinton, she's been planting "moles" to ask questions at her press conferences.

Talk about another instance of her DISHONESTY.

Person for the year 2006: Doug Doerting.

I have been informed that I failed to choose the Person of the year for 2006. I did, but forgot to post it. Sorry. But here he is: Doug Doerting.

If you have too ask who Doug Doerting is, you have NOT lived in Kentucky for the past 3 years, or have chosen to live in a politically incommunicado hole somewhere.

Well, let me help you.

Doug Doerting was the Transportation Cabinet Personnel guy, who "trekked" over to Attorney General, Greg Stumbo's office and dumped a mother lode of evidence on his desk, thereby setting in motion a series of political and legal chain of events that aired out -- as well as peeled back the facade regarding Fletcher's -- dirty laundry surrounding the merit system hire mess (and other events), which culminated in the tsunami that prevented Republican candidates (other than Try Grayson and Richie Farmer) from mounting ANY credible election efforts, and torpedoing Ernie Fletcher's plans for re-election (and handing the Governor's mansion over to the Democrats), after a grand and pomp inuguration in 2003, with all attendant revelry, such as surrounded the virgin voyage of the Titanic -- and we know what happened to the Titanic's maiden voyage and Fletcher's re-election efforts.

Maybe, the imagery and result of both incidents were all too fitting and appropo'.

So it is appropriate for us to select Doug Doerting (whoever you are -- I have yet to see your picture anyway. If anyone knows you, please send us a picture for posting) -- as our FIRST Person for the year 2006.

Stay tuned for the Person for the year 2007, to be announced before the year ends.

One week AFTER the election, my last posts on the subject will occur today -- unless prompted by events and circumstances beyond my control.

With the elections over one week ago, my last posts about the election will occur today, unless I am prompted by events and circumstances beyond my control.

Judge who lost his pants and sued for millions has lost his job. Good riddance.

The Federal Administration Law Judge in Maryland, Roy Pearson, who sued Korean citizens for $54 million for losing his pants at their dry cleaning business, has lost his job (and his pants -- since they were never found).

Read it here.

I say good riddance to the judge. Maybe, he can find someone else to SCAM.

Mitch McConnell draws (yawn) first challenger (yawn, again).

Senator Mitch McConnell has drawn his first Democratic challenger (BIG YAWN). Read it here.

I do not know what it is, I seem to have the YAWNities this morning. (YAWN, again).

New York State Governor, Eliot Spitzer, drops "bone headed" idea to give drivers' licenses to illegal aliens. Guess who is the remaining "Bone Head"?

Yep, you guessed it -- Hillary Clinton. Read about it here.

Just another reason to vote for someone else, other than her!

Some welcome news for Fred Thompson. More such good news need to come -- SOON and QUICKLY.

Here is a press release from Fred Thompson's campaign. No need to say that Fred needs some more of these kinds of good news, like from the NRA, Christian groups, etc. -- and he needs these SOON and QUICKLY -- so we can torpedo Mitt Romney and Rudy Giuliani (remember this word for later):

Dear Friend,

Today is a big day for Fred and our campaign. The National Right to Life Committee PAC endorsed Fred in the 2008 Republican Presidential Primary. NRLC is the nation's largest pro-life organization representing over 3,000 local chapters in all 50 states.
Can you help us spread the word of this endorsement by making a $25 contribution today?
From the NRLC press release:

"As the first major grassroots organization to enter the Republican presidential race, National Right to Life is proud to endorse Fred Thompson," stated Wanda Franz, Ph.D., president of National Right to Life. "Our endorsement is a testament to Senator Thompson's long-standing pro-life record, his commitment to unborn children, and our belief in his ability to win."
"Unlike endorsements by single individuals, this endorsement was made by representatives of statewide pro-life organizations across America which themselves are comprised of local community chapters and grassroots activists," said Dr. Franz.
Fred responded to news of the endorsement by saying:
"I'm deeply appreciative for the past support by the National Right to Life Committee-PAC in my Senate campaigns, and today I am blessed and grateful to have received their endorsement for President of the United States.
"In supporting me, those who have worked tirelessly to defend life are supporting a consistent conservative who has stood with them yesterday, who stands with them today, and will stand with them tomorrow."
This is a major endorsement and will help our campaign continue our momentum going forward into the Iowa Caucus and the other early Primaries. You can do your part by signing up 10 friends on our website or by making an $25 investment in the campaign to continue to build our momentum.

Fred's "Four Pillars of a Revitalized National Defense"
Fred today unveiled his "Four Pillars of a Revitalized National Defense" at The Citadel, where he called for increasing defense spending, building a "million-member" Army and Marine Corps, modernizing our Armed Forces, and ensuring better treatment for our soldiers, sailors, airmen, Marines, and veterans.

Fred Thompson's "Four Pillars of a Revitalized National Defense":
• First, the U.S. must increase spending on defense. The U.S. must be prepared to increase defense spending to at least 4.5 percent of GDP, not including what it takes to fund operations in Iraq and Afghanistan.
• Second, the U.S. must increase the size of our military and build a "Million-Member" ground force.
o Increase Army end strength to 775,000 organized into 64 brigade combat teams.
o Increase active duty Marine Corps forces by 50,000 to 225,000.
• Third, the U.S. must modernize its Armed Forces. We must fully field and fund the next generation of military systems to ensure U.S. forces retain dominance in the full battle space: On the battlefield, in the skies above it, and in the waters surrounding it. The investments we make today provide the means to defend our nation tomorrow.
• Fourth, the U.S. must take better care of our soldiers, sailors, airmen, and Marines. Whether they are active duty, Guard or Reserve, they are entitled, as well, to expect the best pay and benefits our country can afford. They also deserve the best healthcare, education benefits, and support possible for their families.
o We must also take care of our veterans by fixing the VA system and implementing many of the recommendations of the Dole-Shalala Commission and the Veteran's Disability Benefits Commission report.

Sorry for the s-l-o-w postings, but here we go: Governor Steve Beshear announces inaugural chairs.

Sorry for the s-l-o-w day for postings. I have been in Whitley County all day -- since early this a. m. until about 7 p. m. Here goes, with a press release from Governor Steve Beshear:

Governor-Elect Beshear Announces Inaugural Chairs

FRANKFORT, KY (November 13, 2007) - Governor-elect Steve Beshear today announced his Inaugural Committee with Michael Cooper serving as Executive Director, and Carol and Tracy Farmer and Wade and Alice Houston serving as Co-Chairs. He also announced Lindy Karns as Budget Director for the Inaugural Committee.
• Michael Cooper of Lexington served in the Kentucky Tourism Cabinet's Department of Parks and Department of Tourism from 1983 to 2004. An experienced event planner, Cooper assisted with the inaugurations of Governors Martha Layne Collins, Wallace Wilkinson, Brereton Jones, Paul Patton and Ernie Fletcher. In this role, he also planned other high-profile events, including many Governor's Kentucky Derby festivities, the Kentucky Bicentennial and the 2001 Southern Governor's Association Convention. Most recently, Cooper coordinated the Kentucky Democratic Tour to Victory rallies and bus tour, as well as the "Let's Work Together" victory night celebration. Cooper is a graduate of Georgetown College.
• Tracy and Carol Farmer reside near Midway, Kentucky. Tracy is a former state Democratic Party Chairman and Secretary of Public Protection and established the Tracy Farmer Center for the Environment at the University of Kentucky. Farmer is a thoroughbred horse owner and breeder, has investments in automotive, banking, and real estate and is Chairman of the Board of the American Founders Bank. Carol is a member of the Executive Development Council of the Kentucky Children's Hospital and is on the Board of the National Committee for the Performing Arts at the Kennedy Center in Washington, D.C.
• Wade and Alice Houston live in Louisville. Wade is the former head basketball coach for the University of Tennessee Volunteers and is serving as Executive Vice President of Houston Johnson, Inc. in Louisville, Kentucky. Alice is President and CEO of Houston-Johnson, Inc. a Louisville based logistics, distribution, material management and order fulfillment company.
• Lindy Karns of Lexington served as treasurer of the Beshear/Mongiardo campaign. Since 1981, Karns has worked at Arthur Young (now Ernst and Young), Deloitte Haskins & Sells (now Deloitte & Touche) and in 1989 was a founding partner of Dulworth, Breeding and Karns, LLP of Lexington. She currently serves as Treasurer of United Way of the Bluegrass, is a member of the Kentucky Society of of CPA's Tax Committee and the Salvation Army Board of Directors. Karns has taught tax and accounting classes at the University of Kentucky, University of South Carolina and Eastern Kentucky University.

Why the HURRY?

The search for Education Commissioner have been BUNGLED so many times, that one has to SERIOUSLY worry when, a few days before the new Governor takes office, there is a RUSH to coronate a new Commish.

Why the HURRY?

I join the C-J in asking for "All [not to be] aboard" that express train.

Let's start the search process all over again, and move with "deliberate speed", while allowing our new Governor, Steve Beshear, to have a hand in who will act as Education Commissioner while he is Governor.

Isn't this REALLY a NO BRAINER?

America's THUG in Pakistan.

It is time America took more positive steps to rein in Pakistan's president (for life?), forcing him towards a Democracy.

And I'm almost certain this is neither the way to go, nor is she (in the story) the way to go.

FREE and FAIR elections, with many candidates running for the office, un-intimidated by the military and police goons, is the way to go.

Governor Steve Beshear announces Senior Advisor: Thomas L. Preston.

Here is the press release:

Beshear Announces Senior Advisor Position

FRANKFORT, KY (November 12, 2007) - Governor-elect Steve Beshear today announced that Thomas L. Preston, veteran businessman with considerable political and public affairs experience, is named Senior Advisor to the Governor.
Preston, a close friend and confidant for more than three decades will also serve as liaison between the governor and various state agencies in the event of emergencies
and disasters. In addition, Preston will be responsible for initiatives designed to achieve stronger relationships and synergies between the public and private sectors on matters affecting the Commonwealth's future progress.
"I called upon Tom for advice many times during my campaign and am pleased he is taking on this new role," said Beshear. "He will report directly to me."

A former owner of community newspapers and other commercial ventures, Preston, age 73, founded the Preston Group, Inc. in 1968, remaining as Board Chairman until 1997. In 1996, he created Preston Global for specialization in severe business and economic crisis prevention and response including terrorism and workplace violence.
Taking a leave of absence from his businesses in 1971, Preston was a top assistant to Governor Wendell Ford, as well as Commissioner of the Kentucky Department of Public Information. He spent a year in Washington, D.C. when Ford became U.S. Senator.
Preston is a past member of the Kentucky Council on Public Higher Education, the Kentucky Emergency Response Commission and the Kentucky Travel and Tourism Advisory Council.

He has been an adjunct professor and visiting lecturer at three universities and is the first Kentuckian elected to the Public Relations Society of America's College of Fellows. A former armored officer, he twice served on active duty.
Preston and his wife have one son, Matt, a special agent with the United States Secret Service, and three grandchildren.

The Governor will also announce his Inauguration Committee, tomorrow, at 3 PM, at the
Capital Plaza Hotel in Frankfort, Ballroom 1.

Stay informed.

Words to live by.

"I've said it before: If they throw a pebble at me, I'm going to throw a boulder back." "It's my job to run the kind of campaign that gets you excited."
- U. S. Senator, Mitch McConnell, sending a DIRECT message to his would-be-challenger(s), warning them of what they can expect of the campaign. I have NO reason to doubt that the Senator is SERIOUS about this message.

The Face of Liberalism in Kentucky

Here is an example of the level of discourse the Left believes in utilizing to reach its ends. It's smut. It's emotional. It's uneducated. It's bizarre. It's insane.

It is what Cyberhillbilly has been writing about (and here, and here).

There is no discussion - only guilt infliction, unusual behavior, and attempts to shame the ignorant and the weak into submission with misinformation and unrealistically small answers to big questions. It is where one believes what one wants to believe regardless of reality.

It's a shame that Representative John Yarmuth (D - KY / San Francisco) was actually seen at the event where the photo was taken jubilantly embracing one of these short-sighted, nasty individuals. It's a shame for the people of Yarmuth's district and, in fact, embarrassing to Louisville's many sensible people. It is up to these sensible people to speak out their opinions on Yarmuth's behavior.

It reminds me of how The Federalist Papers, written over two centuries ago, still apply to our society today.

For in politics, as in religion, it is equally absurd to aim at making proselytes by fire and sword. Heresies in either can rarely be cured by persecution.
. . .
An enlightened zeal for the energy and efficiency of government will be stigmatized as the offspring of a temper fond of despotic power and hostile to the principles of liberty.
. . .
a dangerous ambition more often lurks behind the specious mask of zeal for the rights of the people than under the forbidding appearance of zeal for the firmness and efficiency of government. History will teach us that the former has been found a much more certain road to the introduction of despotism than the latter, and that of those men who have overturned the liberties of republics, the greatest number have begun their career by paying an obsequious court to the people, commencing demagogues and ending tyrants.

Yarmuth's Big Dreams Collide With Reality

I told you about a month ago about how Yarmuth made a fool of himself in Congress recently by treating the nation's Capitol like a protesting grounds.

John Yarmuth (D- KY / San Francisco made and distributed stupid buttons to some of his colleagues on Capitol Hill which succintly declared "Article 1."

This was supposed to remind everyone of how everything is supposed to be done by Congress, according to the Constitution, and how the President isn't supposed to do anything.

Page One Kentucky is now reporting that Yarmuth and his protesting buddies are no longer allowed to wear the buttons because "the pins violate House rules that forbid the 'wearing of badges by members to communicate a message.'"

I guess this is one of those scenarios where the notion of unlimited freedom to say whatever you want, wherever you want, is scaled back a bit for the sake of propriety and order.

It's a big blow for the 60s generation. Maybe Hillary Clinton will wear the button on the campaign trail now, as a show of solidarity with her fellow oppressed liberal John Yarmuth.

Yarmuth's dreams colliding with the reality of House rules may cause a whole 'nother round of protests and hearings if the Washington Post's account of Yarmuth's reaction to having his buttons taken away is accurate:

A ticked-off Yarmuth whipped off a letter this week to House Parliamentarian John Sullivan challenging the ruling and asking close to (but maybe not quite) a million questions as to why his button has been banned.

Grown-up teenager. Man, I wish John Yarmuth would fly away. He is just not serious about his job.

We salute ALL of our Veterans.

We salute ALL of our Veterans. Without you, we will NOT enjoy the FREEDOMS that we now enjoy -- and many of us UNFORTUNATELY take for granted.

Personally, I would NOT be a PROUD Naturalized American, if you had NOT fought to keep the Germans, Koreans, Japanese, and ALL the other malcontents, who sought to DESTROY our country, from doing so.

WE SALUTE YOU, AND WE THANK YOU.

Note: Read Senator Mitch McConnell's "Thank a Veteran for serving our country".

Which is the REAL Ernie Fletcher?

Which is the REAL Ernie Fletcher -- the one who spoke here or the one whose ARROGANCE and political INEPTITUDE we've known for nearly ALL of the 4 years of his administration (which prompted several opinions for Steve Beshear to avoid being like Fletcher, such as this one, and the one I posted earlier on this site, teens even got in some advice, too) -- an administration which ended IGNOMINIOUSLY with Pat BOOne?

I'll vote for the Ernie Fletcher of the past 4 years, what about you?

State senate is where "fight" for gaming will be, it looks like Beshear will win that "fight". Let's help him make sure that is the result.

Meaning NO disrespect to anyone, I predict the state house of Representatives will be behind (and back) Beshear's idea to put a constitutional amendment on the ballot so that voters can decide if Kentucky should allow gaming. I also predict the state senate is where the REAL "fight" for gaming will shape up, but according to a study done by the Courier-Journal, it looks like Beshear will win that "fight", as Beshear ONLY needs 23 votes.

LET'S HELP HIM MAKE SURE THAT WILL BE THE RESULT.

Here is a list of the state Senators, who are for allowing the issue on the ballot, neutral at this point, or outright against it:

SENATE ON CASINO GAMBLING

Where members of the Senate stand on a proposed constitutional amendment that would let voters decide on legalizing casino gambling. Twenty-three of the Senate's 38 members -- three-fifths -- must vote yes for an amendment to pass.

FOR or LEANING FOR: 15

Walter Blevins, D-West Liberty: "It's not like gambling is something foreign to Kentucky."

David Boswell, D-Owensboro: "Chances are much better today."

Julian Carroll, D-Frankfort: "I plan to vote for putting the issue on the ballot."

Perry Clark, D-Louisville: "No matter how it's written, probably … I'm going to vote to place the ballot initiative before the people."

Carroll Gibson, R-Leitchfield: "I think the people should make a decision one way or the other."

Denise Harper Angel, D-Louisville: "I definitely will support that issue."

Ray Jones, D-Pikeville: "I certainly don't see a problem with allowing all the people of Kentucky to decide the issue."

Gerald Neal, D-Louisville: "I think it's unacceptable to continue to let money drain out of Kentucky, particularly our border cities like Louisville."

R.J. Palmer, D-Winchester: "Voters of Kentucky have made it very clear they want a chance to vote on this issue."

Joey Pendleton, D-Hopkinsville: "Let's put it on the ballot and give everybody a shot at voting for it or against it."

Dorsey Ridley, D-Henderson: "I was looking for quality leadership in Kentucky. I found it in Steve Beshear."

Ernesto Scorsone, D-Lexington: "I think overwhelmingly people are saying, 'Put it on the ballot.' "

Dan Seum, R-Louisville: "If a reasonable amendment comes to the Senate, I'll vote to put it on the ballot."

Tim Shaughnessy, D-Louisville: "I'm going to be very supportive of what the administration wants to accomplish."

Ed Worley, D-Richmond: "There's no denying the people want to vote on this issue."

AGAINST OR LEANING AGAINST: 13

Charlie Borders, R-Russell: "I'm willing to look at the language, but at this point I would be a firm no."

Julie Denton, R-Louisville: "I have concerns that if we were to have expanded gambling in the state what the impact would be."

Brett Guthrie, R-Bowling Green: "I'm not for approving the expansion of gambling in Kentucky."

Ernie Harris, R-Crestwood: "I'd have to see the bill for sure, but I do not intend on voting for the bill."

Tom Jensen, R-London: "I'm leaning toward voting no, but I will listen to my constituents."

Dan Kelly, R-Springfield: "I wouldn't expect to be for it."

Alice Forgy Kerr, R-Lexington: "It will happen over my dead body."

Bob Leeper, I-Paducah: "I don't think expanded gambling is positive for Kentucky."

Vernie McGaha, R-Russell Springs: "I would be adamantly against it."

Gary Tapp, R-Waddy: "I am against it"

Jack Westwood, R-Crescent Springs: "I don't support it and I would not vote for it."

David Williams, R-Burkesville: "I'm not going to vote for a bill that will put the casino gaming issue on the ballot."

Ken Winters, R-Murray: "I'm pretty solidly against it."

UNDECIDED: 8

Tom Buford, R-Nicholasville: "I'm not saying no, but I'm not a poster child for it."

Jerry Rhoads, D-Madisonville: "I want to see what the governor submits to us."

Dick Roeding, R-Lakeside Park: "I never speculate on my votes until I see the bill."

Katie Stine, R-Southgate: "I think we really need to see what the House does with it before we talk about what we will or won't do."

Robert Stivers, R-Manchester: "I would try to sit back and listen to the discussions and be objective."

Damon Thayer, R-Georgetown: "The onus for the gambling issue falls squarely on the shoulders of Steve Beshear and Speaker of the House Jody Richards."

Elizabeth Tori, R-Radcliff: "I'm just at this point neutral."

Johnny Ray Turner, D-Drift: "I'll have to look at where the money is going to go."

COULDN'T BE REACHED: 1

Richie Sanders, R-Franklin

Note: Sen. Dan Mongiardo, D-Hazard, will resign from the Senate shortly before he is inaugurated as lieutenant governor on Dec. 11. An election will be held early during the legislative session to fill his vacant seat.

If your Senator is NOT on the list in support of putting gaming on the ballot for the voters to decide it, call him or her to support it.

Those who do NOT support putting the issue on the ballot for us to vote on, act like that they are our BIG brothers, who know what's BEST for us because they see us as being INCAPABLE of making an INTELLIGENT decision regarding what is GOOD (or bad) for us.

In case if you have ANY more questions on this issue, please bear in mind that THIS IS THE WAY TOTALITARIAN REGIMES, LIKE COMMUNIST CHINA, NORTH KOREA, and others like IRAQ, SADDAM HUSSEIN'S IRAQ and other OPPRESSIVE REGIMES ACT TOWARDS THEIR PEOPLE.

SO GET ON THE PHONE, WRITE OR EMAIL AND LET YOUR SENATOR KNOW THAT YOU WANT TO CAST YOUR VOTE for or against GAMING. TELL THEM YOU ARE SMART ENOUGH TO DECIDE THIS ISSUE YOURSELF!

SEMPER FI.

SEMPER FI, to the BRAVE men and Women of the Marine Corps (I have a sort of kindred ship with the Corp, as I always wanted to be a Marine -- but never made it.)

SEMPER FI, guys and gals.

Persons for the week: Governor Steve Beshear and Lt. Governor Dan Mongiardo.

Is there any doubt who our persons for the week should be? I do NOT think there is any doubt.

(ILL)Quote for the week.

This week, I have intentionally NOT posted any quotes for the week because of our Kentucky elections, but I CANNOT resist posting this blog's FIRST (ILL)Quote for the week.

Here it is:

"The only difference between that and cannibals is that cannibals normally don’t eat their friends."
- Larry Forgy, attempting to "diss" Kentucky U. S. Senator, Mitch McConnell, while blaming him (instead of Ernie Fletcher) for Fletcher's election loss on Tuesday. The BIG question is: how does Larry Forgy know how Cannibals act?

SAD to say, but Rudy Giuliani's mistakes will turn out to be ours, if we nominate him.

Rudy Giuliani's mistakes may turn out to be ours, if we nominate him. His latest mistake concerns his buddy buddy, Bernard Kerik, who has just being indicted.

This is just one of many FAUX PAS that makes Rudy notorious we won't even begin to go into details about how he CONSISTENTLY profits from the tragedy of 9/11. Heck his campaign is all about -- yes, you guessed it -- 9/11).

For Republicans to nominate Rudy Giuliani for President -- and for him to ACTUALLY win -- will be a DISASTER IN THE MAKING for ALL of us.

You think and say Hillary Clinton is BAD? Well, don't miss Rudy, either!!

NOTE: Incidenttly, both Rudy Giuliani and Hillary Clinton want to give ILLEGAL immigrants drivers licenses! You go figure. Maybe, the two of them can run on the same PRO illegal immigration, pro abortion, pro gay rights, pro marital infidelity ticket.

More promised announcements from Governor Steve Beshear.

Sorry I have NOT done much posting today. Duty called all day -- again --, but here's the promised press release from Governor Steve Beshear's office:

Governor-Elect Beshear Announces Finance &Communications Teams
FRANKFORT, KY (November 9, 2007) - Governor-elect Steve Beshear today announced that his Finance Team will be made up of Jonathan Miller, as Secretary of the Finance and Administration Cabinet and Mary Lassiter as Budget Director; his Communications Team will be made up of Phil Osborne as Chief Communications Officer and Vicki Glass as Deputy Communications Officer and Spokesperson.
• Jonathan Miller of Lexington has served as Chair of the Kentucky Democratic Party and two terms as the Kentucky State Treasurer. Miller is a graduate of Harvard College and Law School. As a long-time advocate of education, in 2000, Miller helped implement the Kentucky Affordable Prepaid Tuition program (KAPT). Along with many initiatives aimed at making education accessible and affordable for Kentucky's students, Miller has also turned his focus to helping military families, women and state employees.
• Mary Lassiter of Midway has served in the office of the State Budget Director since 1998. Most recently she has served as Deputy Executive Director/Governor's Office for Policy Research. In 2002-2003 she served as Acting State Budget Director for Governor Paul Patton. Prior to that, from 1999-2002, Lassiter served as Deputy Executive Director/Governor's Office of Policy Research. From 1998-1999 she served as Special Assistant to the State Budget Director.
• Phil Osborne of Lexington has been the owner and CEO of the public relations firm Preston-Osborne since 1997. In the two decades that he has been with the firm, Osborne has consulted numerous health care organizations, utility companies, government agencies, political candidates and grassroots organizations on strategic marketing initiatives, research studies, management re-organization and dealing with the media. Largely due to his efforts, the firm's survey research division has evolved into a stand-alone center to accommodate projects throughout the United States.
• Vicki Glass of Louisville has more than seventeen years experience in marketing, media and public relations. Most recently she served as the Director of Communications for the Beshear/Mongiardo campaign. From 2004-2007 she served as Director of Communications and Executive Advisor for State Attorney General Greg Stumbo. Previously, Glass served as Director of Communications for Mayor David Armstrong, holding the role of spokesperson and media liaison for the City of Louisville. She was a television news reporter in Nashville, Buffalo and Louisville. Glass has a MA degree in Corporate Communication with emphasis in crisis management, image development and organizational dynamics.

***** Kentucky's rear view mirror. We thank God. *****

Look in Kentucky's review mirror. Thank the Lord, ya'll.

Grandpa Gatewood

Gatewood Galbraith made news yesterday in Wolfe Cirucit Court where he was representing a client charged with cultivation of marijuana. Yes, I know there's no news in that. The news was in Gatewood's announcement that his daughter is in labor and he’ll soon be known as Grandpa Gatewood. Galbraith quipped that this was a far better excuse than the ones his fellow lawyers were working on to get in and out of court quickly.

Of all the pols I know, I think it’s fair to say that no one is as interesting to talk to or as much fun to be around as Gatewood. He’s one of the only lawyers I know who brightens up a courtroom by dint of his presence alone. And of course he’s a first class raconteur who’s always armed with lots of great stories and anecdotes.

With Willie Nelson for a Godfather and Gatewood Galbraith as its Papaw, that oughta be one cool kid! Here's hoping all goes well.

Congrats Gatewood!

A footnote: Gatewood was in Court for a sentencing. In a great speech where Gatewood ranged on everything from the clarity of the man's eyes to the fact that he'd been drug free for months, Gatewood asked that his client receive probation. Naturally, Judge Fletcher wasn't going for it, but was clearly impressed by Gatewood's efforts. After the long speech the Judge said to the Defendant: "Your lawyer has made a great speech about why you should be probated, do you have anything to say for yourself." The man wisely yet succinctly replied: "I agree." That got a great round of laughs from the bar.

Originally Posted at Cyberhillbilly.blogpost.com

Ellen Williams on Forgy

Ellen Williams' take on opposition to Sen. McConnell:

...Sen. McConnell will stand on his own record...he'll run on what's he's done for Kentucky and what he's done for this country. And if anyone wants to run against him, you know, I wish 'em luck. I wouldn't wanna run against him. He's a formidable opponent, he's always well funded... he's always strategically superior...you know, I think Larry Forgy has been talking about possibly running tonight, and I would say to Larry, ya know, let's stop. I know you're mad, you've never won a race but, ya know, let's don't run against him -- and leave it go, just leave it go!

Ditch Mitch on Bestiality (No, I'm Not Making This Up)

Matt Gunterman speculates on… well… uh… not sure how to say this… bestiality and acts like touching one's self. Where's Joe Gerth when you need him? Surely, this is more newsworthy than some of the stories he ran this year on conservative blogs.

Remember, Gunterman is the head of the anti-McConnell web movement in KY and he’s talking about subjects like bestiality. Can it get any weirder for the vulgar vanguard?

Will Crit spend any time with these guys? Here's betting she won't get near this bunch of wierdos.

BTW, speaking of Crit, here’s a must see video of her best imitation of Scotty Baesler in 98. All that’s missing is ol’ Wendell Ford’s shoes.