U. S. District Court Judge permits merit hiring case to proceed against Fletcher.

Today U. S. District Court Judge, Joseph M. Hood, has ruled in the merit hiring (or firing as was the case here) case that Michael Duncan, the former Deputy Inspector General at the state DOT, can proceed with some of his claims against Gov. Fletcher and others, though the court found "[t]here is scant evidence to suggest that Duncan's constitutional rights were violated [for his political association with the Democratic Party, considering that he worked for Fletcher for a year until fired]". Read the opinion here.

The Judge also ruled that discovery in the case may commence, which will keep the hiring investigation another "leg to walk", so to speak, during this fall election.

I wonder if there are settlement talks as I write?

Update: I do not know how many of you have had a chance to read the court's opinion, but the court found Miracle V. Gable, the case cited by other Bloggers (I won't mention names) and the state as DISPOSITIVE of Mike Duncan's case which I pointed out was NOT, as "UNRELIABLE AND NOT ON POINT" (READ page 14 of the opinion)

The opinion also vindicates my position in the case. I had opined that the merit system laws do NOT allow the firing of a state employee, who has NOT attained status -- AFTER 6 months of employment -- for POLITICAL reasons because the laws treat political discrimination as other types of discrimination, such as ethnic, race, gender, age and disability, upon which an appeal can be mounted anytime. (AGAIN read the court's opinion on page 15, and ALL my postings on the case).

The court concluded that to read the laws as providing otherwise "strains credibility", as it denied Gov. Fletcher, Transportation Cabinet Secretary, Bill Nighbert and his former deputy, Jim Adams, "qualified immunity" shielding them from the lawsuit.

I feel VERY GOOD (and I pat myself on the back) about my previous legal analysis, which the court has now accepted as the TRUE state of the law, both constitutional and statutory!

Any thoughts?

Person for the week: U. S. Senator Larry Craig.

Need I say more?

Update: Our Person for the week will resign tomorrow. Stay tuned for the news conference coverage.

Quotes for the week (U. S. and World special edition).

1) "I have lived the American dream. Even my worst days as Attorney General have been better than my father's best days."
- Attorney General ALBERTO GONZALES, announcing his resignation Monday morning.

2) "When they got very sick and people could not look after them, they buried them."
- MARGARET MARABE, an activist and health worker in Papua New Guinea, describing how people with HIV/AIDS are being buried alive by their relatives.

3) "The answer is there are too many bad girls and not enough cells."
- LAURIE LEVENSON, Loyola University Law School professor, on why celebrities Lindsay Lohan, Paris Hilton and Nicole Richie serve so little time in jail.

4) "They should come to their senses".
- Iraqi Prime Minister NOURI AL-MALIKI, addressing American officials like Hillary Clinton and Carl Levin, who he claims act as though Iraq "were one of their villages," while failing to give the advise to himself.

5) "I offer my deepest apologies to everyone. And I will redeem myself. I have to."
- MICHAEL VICK, in a public apology after pleading guilty to federal dogfighting charges.

6) "It's been a joy to watch him spar with you."
- PRESIDENT GEORGE W. BUSH, to the White House Press Corps as he accepted the resignation of Press Secretary Tony Snow.

7) " Our legs may have touched ... I do not do this kind of thing ... I'm not going to fight you in court. I reached down with my right hand to pick up the paper ... I am not gay. I never have been gay."
- Idaho Sen. LARRY CRAIG, in a newly released audiotape of his June arrest, in which he denies allegations of lewd contact at a Minneapolis airport.

8) "Unfortunately by almost every measure of progress, they have not only failed to make progress, but they have actually gone backwards."
- JASON ALTMIRE, U.S. Representative, on a leaked Pentagon report that describes the recent troop surge in Iraq as a failure.

9) "I suppose it could have been worse. He could have gotten a mention on 'John from Cincinnati.'"
- a MITT ROMNEY SPOKESMAN, after the Morman presidential candidate got a cameo mention on the season finale of HBO's polygamy drama, "Big Love".

10) "This is an individual who has had a very significant role in the history of our nation and the world."
- Navy Secretary DONALD WINTER, on Solomon Islander Aaron Kumana, A Black man, who rescued John F. Kennedy, then a young U.S. naval officer, from Japanese capture during WII and was finally recognized by the U.S. Navy last week for his heroism 60 years ago.

11) "Warning the students, faculty and staff might have made a difference."
- The report into the Virginia Tech shootings, which found that university officials should have alerted staff and students sooner to Seung-Hui Cho's first two killings; Cho went on to murder another 30 people.

12) "I direct that when my dog, Trouble, dies, her remains shall be buried next to my remains in the Helmsley mausoleum."
- LEONA HELMSLEY, in her will, which also leaves $12 million to her dog and nothing to two of her four grandchildren.

13) "You can't help but get a very detached perspective when you're not there and you're not witnessing things firsthand."
- KATIE COURIC, CBS Evening News anchor, who embarks on a reporting trip to Iraq and Syria Wednesday for her first trip to the war zone in anticipation of a U.S. report on the military's progress. She might as well be talking about Katrina, too.

14) "Government at all levels was forewarned of the catastrophic nature of the approaching storm and did painfully little to be ready to evacuate, search, rescue and relieve."
- Sen. JOSEPH LIEBERMAN, about a newly released CNN video showing President George W. Bush and then-FEMA director Michael Brown getting advance warning of New Orleans' vulnerable levees.

15) "The real question for Republicans in Washington is how low can you go, because we are approaching a level of ridiculousness."
- Republican strategist SCOTT REED, on the string of scandals that have rocked the G.O.P., the latest of which involves Idaho Sen. Larry Craig's lewd misconduct in an airport bathroom.

16) "I'm 60 years old, my wife's 29. Draw your own conclusions."
- Presidential hopeful DENNIS KUCINICH, joking at a cancer forum about the benefits of a vegan die.

17) "The pictures are what will stop the war."
- BRIAN DE PALMA, Director of Redacted, a new film about the real-life rape and killing of a 14-year-old Iraqi girl by U.S. soldiers who also murdered her family.

Appeals Court vindicates Fletcher in Murray State Regent Board dispute.

The state Court of Appeals, in a 2-1 decision, has ruled that the Governor can reject a list of nominees submitted to him by the Governor's Postsecondary Education Nominating
Committee and request another -- in this case, the appointment to the Murray State Board of Regents was eventually made on a third submission of names, and Court of Appeals Judge, Jeff Taylor.

I had predicted the Court will rule otherwise. Be sure to read the dissenting opinion of Judge Wine. She and I think ALIKE on this issue.

Breaking news: Republican U. S. Senator, John Warner of Virginia, decides to retire.

Republican U. S. Senator from Virginia, John Warner, has decided to retire after 30 years in the Senate.

We wish the Senator well. It appears that his seat will be picked up by another Warner -- a Democrat former Governor.

Meanwhile, in another unrelated story -- except for the fact that they are both Senators and retirement is in their immediate futures -- Senator "Toilet guy" Larry Craig of Idaho is expected to announce his resignation from the Senate anytime now. We will post his announcement when it happens.

Breaking news: Another Bush appointee QUITS ...

... this time it's the President's spokesman, Tony Snow, whose resignation is effective September 14th. He will be replaced by his deputy, the beautiful Dana Perino, who will definitely cause some men (not me -- I'm married) to watch the press briefings.

I expect more resignations to come soon.

"Peabody bill" signed into law.

Gov. Fletcher has signed the so-called "Peabody bill" into law.

Here's the press release from his office:

"I believe coal’s full potential has never been realized. Through history, all we’ve one with coal is burn it. Now we know coal can be converted into alternative fuels, including liquid fuels and synthetic natural gas.

"I called the legislature into special session because I knew we needed to enact the legislation necessary to ensure that Kentucky is properly positioned in the battle for freedom from dependency on foreign oil.

"I want to commend all those members of the General Assembly who voted to make Kentucky a leader in energy production. House Bill 1 will give energy companies an incentive to build plants in Kentucky that will convert coal, corn and other products into clean-burning fuels."

Senator Fred Thompson is set to "step up to the plate" on September 6th.

Good news, as Senator Fred Thompson is set to step up to "bat" at the Presidential "plate" and announce his candidacy for the Presidency on September 6th.

Here's an excerpt from the announcement:

"On September 6, 2007, Fred Thompson will be announcing his intention to run for President of the United States with a webcast available to millions at www.imwithfred.com. The launch of the video will be followed by a five-day campaign tour through Iowa, New Hampshire and South Carolina. On the evening of the 6th, there will also be a National House Party, during which there will be a conference call with Fred."

...

"To view the dates and locations of Fred's bus tour, please click here, and check back soon for more information on attending one of these events."

Ad wars must have begun. Here's a new one from Steve Beshear.

What do you think about this one?

527 group targets Ernie Fletcher in ad. Are the allegations true ... or false?

A new 527 group, Bluegrass Freedom Fund, that wants to be involved in this fall's gubernatorial campaign has targeted Gov. Fletcher with a "180" campaign ad (watch the video above).

Are the allegations true ... or false politics?

U. S. Senator, Larry Craig, delays the inevitable, as calls for his ouster mount.

Listen to the conversation between Senator Larry Craig and his arresting officer by clicking above arrow.

Calls for U. S. Senator, Larry "the toilet guy" Craig, to resign continue to mount. Yesterday, fellow Congressional Republicans made the calls after he stepped down from his Senate Committee assignments and a report of a gay dalliance surfaces. Now, Idaho's largest newspaper, the Idaho Statesman, joins the call for his resignation.

Watch the Dragnet.

I suspect the Senator does NOT know any better; but, the longer he waits and tries to convince someone that "he's NOT gay", while trying to help us forget the seriousness of his attempted public tryst, the longer the publicity surrounding his toe tapping prowess will resemble "Chinese water torture"!

“Queen of Mean”, Leona Helmsley, MUST REALLY HATE Michael Vick!

"Queen of Mean" Leona Helmsley who famously quipped that only poor people pay taxes, and wo went to jail for tax evasion, and who recently passed away leaving a fortune of anywhere between $4 and 8 billion, MUST REALLY HATE Michael Vick.

Why? She left $12 million in her will for her dog "trouble" and now, with Michael Vick losing all of his endorsements and salary over his dog fighting -- and executing -- charges, trouble is probably worth more than him!

What irony!!

By the way, Ms. Helmsley "shafted" many members of her family. I guess since it's her money she can decide to flush it down the toilet, whether or not we like it!!

Anne Coulter: Alberto Gonzales may have been bad, but Janet Reno was much worse.

Paraphrasing Anne Coulter's piece this week, Reno 911: Alberto Gonzales may have been bad as Attorney General -- and "Right-wingers like me never trusted" him -- but Janet Reno was much worse.

Do you agree -- or not?

Today is the 2nd anniversary of the American debacle that is "KATRINA" ...

... our thoughts and concerns remain with the victims, and our hope is that the federal government, state government and insurance companies will do "the right thing" and STOP using those affected as political and capitalistic tools of trade.


Also, click here to read about another anniversary of another of America's SHAME! Want a hint? See picture and cartoon.

Steve Beshear unveils jobs and education plan, Fletcher follows with health care agenda.

Democratic Gubernatorial candidate, Steve Beshear, has unveiled his "jobs and education" plan for Kentucky.

Gov. Fletcher has followed and released his "health care" agenda for the 2008 legislative session.

Any thoughts?

Update: Beyond SHAMEFUL!

Update: Steve Beshear responds to Fletcher's release of "health care" legislative agenda with this release:

Steve Beshear On Ernie Fletcher's Release of Health Care Plan

Frankfort, KY (August 29, 2007) - In Ernie Fletcher’s latest attempt to use the Governor's Office for campaign purposes, today he released his 2008 legislative agenda for health care – a full four months before the legislative session is scheduled to begin.

His release contains no details on the cost or impact that his proposed legislation will have on reducing the cost of health care for our businesses and individuals or expanding health care coverage to more Kentuckians. These are two key issues that need to be addressed if we are going to make any progress on reforming our health care system.

Under Fletcher’s watch the cost of health care insurance continues to increase and more than 550,000 Kentuckians, 81,000 of which are children, are without health insurance coverage today.
Since Fletcher's took office, Kentucky families are paying more for their health insurance premiums – as much as 23% more. Unless action is taken to control rising costs, health insurance premiums will continue to go up and could double during his tenure.

Simply helping businesses pay a portion of their premiums does not go far enough. Measures need to be put in place to control the cost of health care coverage across the board to give all Kentucky families the financial relief they deserve.
On August 7, 2007, Steve Beshear, Democratic nominee for Governor released his comprehensive health care plan to make quality, affordable health care coverage available to all Kentuckians called, "Keeping Kentuckians Healthy." The plan, available online at www.SteveBeshear.com, provides a detailed roadmap to control the runaway costs of health care with a goal of providing affordable coverage to everyone.

Beshear’s plan begins by proposing a plan to cover all children. His plan ensures that every eligible child is enrolled in the state's Medicaid program or the Kentucky Children's Health Insurance Program (KCHIP). Second, it allows low-income families to buy into KCHIP with sliding scale premiums based on income. It also permits every Kentucky family to buy KCHIP coverage at full price so that all Kentuckians can find affordable coverage on the individual market.

"This plan speaks directly to the more than 550,000 Kentuckians with no health coverage at all and businesses and individuals who have coverage by fear of losing it each and every day due to ever-rising costs," said Beshear. "Every parent knows that when a child is sick, you want nothing more than to get them the medical attention they need right away. That is why, as Governor, I will take the first step toward providing affordable, quality health care coverage to every Kentuckian starting with covering every child in this state."

Furthermore, Beshear's "Keeping Kentuckians Healthy" plan allows dependants up to age 25 to remain on their parents' plans. "Keeping more young, healthy Kentuckians in the insurance pool will lower costs for all Kentuckians," Beshear explained.
The plan also ensures that more small businesses and their employees can afford coverage through a range of promising policy options used by other states that he will consider implementing in Kentucky, as Governor.
"It is also critical that we strengthen the Medicaid safety net, especially for those living in rural areas," Beshear added. "As Governor, I will increase outreach to those eligible for Medicaid but not enrolled, and consider increasing provider reimbursement rates to expand access."

The "Keeping Kentuckians Healthy" plan also focuses on the outlandish cost of prescription drugs, particularly for elderly Kentuckians. "Unfortunately, Medicare Part D does not take care of 100% of the cost of all prescription drugs and when a senior reaches their plan’s financial limit they a forced to pay the full cost of their medications out of their own pocket until they reach the next threshold and their plan kicks back in. It is known as the coverage gap," Beshear said. "Many seniors must make decisions each day whether to pay for food or for the medication they desperately need. This must change."

In 2005, Beshear's running mate, Dr. Daniel Mongiardo co-sponsored legislation that created the "Kentucky Pharmaceutical Assistance Program" to help seniors in this coverage gap. The bill passed, but funds were never provided to assist senior citizens with this critical assistance. "I will provide the leadership to fund this program so eligible senior citizens get the prescription drugs they need without draining their bank accounts," Beshear added.
Beshear's health care plan calls for the development of a Prescription Drug Pricing Website that will allow consumers to find the best possible prices for their medications. It also proposes ways Kentucky can save millions of dollars each year by slowing the growth of prescription drug spending, including implementing e-prescribing, promoting evidence-based drug purchasing and expanding access to discounted drugs.
"Another area long championed by my running mate is patient safety," said Beshear. "Dr. Mongiardo and I will create an Academy for Health Care Improvement and Cost Reduction" to reduce medical errors, improve patient care and reduce health care costs."

Finally, a critical part of the Beshear health care plan is reducing the cost of care for all by promoting preventive care. Kentucky has some of the worst rates of obesity and smoking in the country which can lead to heart disease, cancer and diabetes. As Governor, Beshear will establish a Business Roundtable for prevention, partnering with leaders across the state to promote worksite wellness. Further, he will promote healthier communities by promoting walking paths and smoking cessation measures and create innovative preventative care centers.
"Providing coverage to every Kentuckian is not only the right thing to do morally, it is also necessary to make our workforce the most productive and our businesses the most competitive in the country," Beshear explained. "We need real leadership with detailed plans to make this happen. That's precisely what I offer you."

Any thoughts?

Memorable quote: Senator Larry Craig thanks audience "for coming out", video surfaces as he lambasts Bill Clinton and ethics charges are filed.

U. S. Senator Larry Craig's mugshot.


Idaho Senator, Larry Craig (in video above), to audience: Thank you for "coming out"! Then the Senator proceeds to deny his guilt, but read the incident report, the criminal complaint, the guilty plea, and the court's register of actions and make up your own mind.

For me, he should quit talking and trying to explain the UNEXPLAINABLY OBVIOUS. The more he talks the more he resembles former Kentucky Lt. Governor, Steve Henry, trying to explain his "Testing The Waters campaign".

And moreover, if he pleaded guilty in court when he wasn't, then he lied to the court! So, either way, by speaking, he keeps "digging his own (legal and political) grave".

Senator: Like I advised (for FREE) Steve Henry, it may be time to call a Lawyer.

And, check this out, as the Senator called former President Clinton a "bad boy - a naughty boy" for Clinton's part in the Monica Lewinsky affair(s).

Also, the Senator's troubles mount as CREW calls for an ethics investigation and the Senate Leaders concur.

His career is most likely O-V-E-R.

Cuban President, Fidel Castro, likes Clinton/Obama ticket.

... (read it here) he must read my blog since I opined that the ticket will be a very strong ticket for Democrats. I feel like I should be taking a shower after Fidel's concurrence!

Can you spell D-I-T-T-Z-Y!?!

Did a "Sniper" get away with murder in Kentucky?

Did "Sniper" Shane Ragland get away with murder in the sniper slaying of UK football player, Trent DiGiuro?

And who collects the $25,000.00 bounty for "the arrest and conviction of the real killer" -- O. J. and Scott Peterson style -- now that Shane Ragland has admitted to the killing contrary to his protestations of innocence?

Did the Prosecution "drop the ball" (no pun intended) on this case?

Have your say.

"Log cabin" fills up, as Idaho U. S. Republican Senator appears to check in.

"Log cabin" fills up, as Idaho Republican U. S. Senator, Larry Craig, appears to check in.

Remember these (below)?:



Update: Mitt Romney, having his own conservative credibility (and other presidential campaign) problems himself, quickly decides to throw the "bathroom challenged" Senator, who supports and works for Romney's campaign, "under his campaign bus"!

Update #2:

Fletcher's second casino ad.

BREAKING NEWS: US Attorney General, Alberto Gonzales, FINALLY does the "Gonzo shuffle".

United States Attorney General, Alberto Gonzales, has resigned effective September 17th, thereby doing the "Gonzo shuffle" that I, and many sensible non partisan folks, have been advocating for so long.

Now I can retire the "Gonzo shuffle" label!

Alberto Gonzales has been another "lightning rod" that I am glad to see go -- the other one, Veep Dick Cheney -- is elected and there's probably NOTHING we can do about him.

What is his problem that makes me ask for him to do the "Gonzo shuffle"?

Well, it is simply this: The man may be a GREAT justice; he may even be a GREAT adviser for Bush, but when he made the PHYSICAL transition from Bush's Counsel to be UNITED STATES (not Bush's) Attorney General he FAILED to make the legal, functional and other CONSTITUTIONALLY NECESSARY and MANDATORY transitions too.

And do we even need to mention the BUNGLING of "Prosecutorgate", the PROPER and LEGAL firing of U. S. Attorneys, which TIED the White House and Alberto Gonzales in political knots?

My pick as a replacement? This man will do just fine. If he declines, then former Deputy Attorney General, Larry Thompson, may do just fine, too.

PLEASE NO Michael Chertoff.

Me and Obama: a study in disappointment and frustration.

Yesterday, My wife and I drove 3 hours to Lexington to see, and hear Obama speak. Like many, we had to "cough up" a few of our meager hard earned "dead Presidents" to do so. The euphoria (or maybe bad gas) that we felt QUICKLY evaporated as his people told us we could NOT attend. The reason you ask? Well, the event was OVERBOOKED -- yep OVERBOOKED. We had to turn around and drive 3 hours back home.

But that was NOT the most frustrating part of it all. One of the volunteers was so nonchalant about our predicament that as far as she was concerned, our dropping dead on the floor before her, might not have elicited the slightest sympathy.
I have since requested a refund, and I'll do EVERYTHING in my power to get it back, too. I suppose with all the millions he receives, my ticket price is less than a "srop in the bucket", but it is my drop, darn it!

If this is what one can expect from his organization (volunteers or not), I will NOT bother making another trip. Disappointed and infuriated are NOT the proper terms to use to describe how I feel, but I'll keep it CIVIL!!

Words to live by.

"Religion and good morals are the only solid foundation of public liberty and happiness."

- Samuel Adams

Iraq PM, Al-Maliki, lashes out at US -- his critics --, ...

... but is his latest move NOT misplaced? Should he NOT save that "lashing out" for his country men and women who DESERT him and REFUSE to work with him to find a political solution in their homeland?

I think so, what about you?

Child Killer gets process that's due him.

No questions about this sentence.

After plea deal, NFL sacks Quarterback Michael Vick -- indefinitely.

After this plea deal was reached in the Michael Vick case, the NFL wasted no time to sack -- and pin the QB down on the ground --, suspending him indefinitely (read excerpts from the NFL Commissioner's letter).

I guess, the NFL's move represents an ominous sign of bad things to come his way (like a lifetime or other lengthy suspension), though I believe a short suspension -- but NOT a ban -- is in order!

Vick will learn his judicial fate when the Judge sentences him soon. I do hope the sentence DOESN'T include jail term, but very long probation, HUGE fine, LONG hours of community service at an animal shelter and many hours of doing public service announcements against ALL forms of abuse (both animal and human) -- and coaching little league football.

What do you think?

Update: Looks like Michael Vick will catch a break with the Falcons!

Kentucky Senate joins House in passing energy bill, measure now goes to Fletcher ending special session.

The Senate has passed the new energy bill designed to lure Peabody (and others) to Kentucky, joining the House which previously passed the same. The measure now goes to Gov. Fletcher for his signature. With this bill passage, the special called session is practically over.

Update: Press release from Fletcher's office:

STATEMENT FROM GOVERNOR FLETCHER ON THE PASSAGE OF HOUSE BILL 1

"The idea of an energy incentive package began three years ago with our energy forums across the state and was part of our comprehensive energy strategy.

In addition to potentially bringing thousands of jobs and billions of dollars of investment, this Energy Bill will place Kentucky at the forefront of the national movement to develop alternative energy sources.

I want to thank members of the House and Senate who voted for the Energy Bill. I am extremely pleased."

A bill signing is being planned for next week.

*** The Apple I-Phone is HACKED! ***

One of the selling points about the Apple I-Phone is its security. And the ONLY way to get the I-Phone is to subscribe to AT $ T, because the phone is LOCKED to that company's network. Well ... NOT anymore. An obviously computer smart and savvy New Jersey teenager, George Hotz, 17, (on the YouTube video above) has Hacked into it, breaking its security and UNLOCKING it so that one does NOT have to subscribe SOLELY to AT & T -- he uses his with T-Mobile --, and is selling the HACKED phone on EBAY. I will NOT post the HACKING procedure on this site, but you can go to the site for instructions.

I wonder if it's legal? I suspect it is (other than some issues that MAY implicate copyright and/or patent infringement(s)), since he's NOT stealing services with the HACKED phone, though he may be violating his contractual agreement with AT$T -- which requires him to commit to a PAINFUL and exclusive 2 year service agreement -- a MINOR monetary penalty.

What do you think?

Update: Actually a Russian deserves credit for the software hacking and many outfits are now springing up (like this and this), to assist in unlocking phones -- whose idea was it to begin locking phones anyway?.

URGENT UPDATE #2: I HAVE REMOVED THE LINK FOR THE EBAY AUCTION BECAUSE I SUSPECT SOMETHING SUSPICIOUS IS HAPPENING WITH IT. DO NOT GO THERE TO PLACE A BID. CONTACT THE SELLER ON HIS site DIRECTLY!!

Update #3: I-Phone Hacker offered consulting job by Louisville company.

Update #4: Threats mount, but like I said here already, I SERIOUSLY doubt if they a lawsuit will survive a challenge. Read this.

*** Trouble in Paradise. ***

Fiery national TV Evangelist, Juanita Bynum (second picture)), whose sermons empower women to walk away from dead-end relationships, was allegedly struck by her husband, Bishop Thomas Weeks (first picture), who was charged with felony aggravated assault and making terrorist threats, on Tuesday in a hotel parking lot (The hotel, Renaissance Concourse Hotel near Atlanta's Hartsfield-Jackson International Airport, in ATL. is the same hotel we visited last week, but I was NOT a witness -- honest).

Both are co-founders of Global Destiny Church in Duluth, Georgia, and Juanita is a regular on the Christian Broadcasting Network (CBN). We wish them ALL the BEST in their efforts to resolving their "Trouble in Paradise".

Is General Pace, on his way out as JCOS Chair, singing a different Iraq tune?

Soon to be former Chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff, General Peter Pace, a STRONG supporter of the Iraq war, is now gearing to sing a different tune, by urging President Bush to DRASTICALLY cut troop strength in Iraq.

What is it with these folks? Why can't they tell the Commander in Chief the REAL truth while they have his ear, instead of speaking the truth while on their way out or already out -- REMEMBER CIA Director, George Tenet?

Justice McAnulty passes away. May his soul Rest In Peace.

Justice William E. McNaulty, Jr., "who was born to be a judge" and "who served nearly 30 years on the bench and made history as the first African American to sit on the Kentucky Supreme Court, died last night, only two weeks after a battle with cancer that forced him to step down. He was 59." May his soul Rest In Peace.

Update: Here is a press release from Gov. Fletcher's office:

GOVERNOR FLETCHER EXPRESSES SADNESS AT PASSING OF JUSTICE WILLIAM MCANULTY
Orders flags lowered to half-staff

FRANKFORT, Ky. – Governor Ernie Fletcher today expressed his sadness at the passing of Justice William E. McAnulty Jr. and has ordered flags at all state office buildings lowered to half-staff in his honor.

Governor Fletcher issued the following statement:

"I am truly saddened to learn of the passing of Justice William McAnulty. He was a great Kentuckian, and also a historic figure – the first African-American justice of the Kentucky Supreme Court. He distinguished himself throughout a long and exemplary career as a trial and appellate judge. During his recent illness, he continued to inspire all who knew him with his great courage and dignity. My and the First Lady’s prayers are with the McAnulty family."

Flags will remain at half-staff until sunset on the day of Justice McAnulty’s funeral, which has not yet been determined.

Individuals, businesses, organizations and government agencies are encouraged to join in this tribute by lowering flags in honor of Justice McAnulty.

As soon as funeral arrangements are made, I will post them here.

Update #2: Go here for updates, or to leave comments.

Update: More on the Justice.

GOP uses "Rightroots" to counter Dems.' "Netroots".

The Democratic Party (and other Liberal groups) has used the web to out-raise the Republican Party under the fund raising arm called Netroots, which includes such Liberal groups as Moveon.org and Actblue (see Actblue's Netroots project). Now the Republican Party, which has traditionally relied on direct mail solicitation as a successful fund-raising tool, is playing catch up, with an eye to matching (or surpassing) the successes of Netroots, by launching Rightroots.

Whether or not the GOP finds this new territory a fund-raising "gold mine", like the Democratic Party (and other Liberal groups) have, will depend on whether the voters can trust modern day Republicans (AGAIN) to ABIDE by the ORIGINAL principles upon which the GRAND OL' PARTY was founded, by VERY HONORABLE folks like Abraham Lincoln and William H. Seward, and other like minded folks!

Intelligence Report: Progress in Iraq but no political stability.

A new intelligence report on Iraq concludes "that the Iraqi Government will become more precarious over the next six to 12 months" and "that Iraq’s neighbors will continue to focus on improving their leverage in Iraq in anticipation of a Coalition drawdown."

For us in the U. S., it's a "darned if you do, and darned if you don't" picture presented by the report!

But the picture that WILL ULTIMATELY count is the one to be presented to the world by General Petreaus, on September 15th.

How would you like to be him just about now, in preparation to give Congress HIS report!!

Quick update: U. S. Republican Senator from Virginia, John Warner, will tell Bush to "bring the soldiers home by Christmas!"

Update: The case of Marco Chapman: "Suicide by Court" or Constitutional right to die?

In an earlier blog post entitled "The case of Marco Chapman: "Suicide by Court" or Constitutional right to die?", I commented on a novel Kentucky Supreme Court, case will decide whether a defendant has a right to refuse appeals on his behalf and ask to be executed.

The case pitted a convicted murderer, Marco Chapman, who wanted to exercise his "constitutional right to die", and his Attorneys, who wanted to spare his life, arguing that Kentucky courts would be committing "suicide by court" if his wish was granted.

Well, the state Supreme Court, in an opinion CORRECTLY written by Justice John Minton, found for Marco Chapman holding that "a competent criminal defendant is entitled to seek to plead guilty to a capital offense and, furthermore, to seek to receive the death penalty", without the courts being accused of "assisting suicide by court".

On casino gambling: Is Fletcher "barking up against the wrong tree" or "educating the people ... [that] everyone loses with casinos?"

On casino gambling: Is Fletcher "barking up against the wrong tree" or "educating the people ... [that] everyone loses with casinos"? You read Ryan Alessi, Tom Loftus, Zambo and judge for yourself.

Hat tip to a reader (you know who you are) who emailed me the link.

Vigilant Freedom group: "No time to quit, no time for politics".

A disabled Iraq war veteran speaks (watch the video above, and the group's other videos) for a Vigilant Freedom group and urges that "it's not time to quit, and not time for politics" on Iraq, while making a case for staying.

What say ye?

Anne Coulter: 1 Down, 11,999,999 to Go!

Another winning column from Anne Coulter. I'm CERTAINLY with her on the URGENT NEED to CURTAIL illegal immigration and I, like hundreds of millions of other Americans, DETEST ANY political games aimed at DECEIVING us into buying another AMNESTY!

New York City Mayor, Michael Bloomberg, suggests he is not running for President.

New York City Mayor, Michael Bloomberg, suggests he is not running for President. It must be seen as good news for ALL of the other presidential candidates who feared his "endless" money and independent streak!

"Totally electable", courtesy of Joel Pett.

"Totally electable", courtesy of Joel Pett.

Democrats sink to new lows in Governor's race.

Read how.

CIA report blames George Tenet for pre-9/11 intelligence failures.

The CIA has released a report that puts the blame for pre-9/11 intelligence failure squarely on the shoulders of its former Director George Tenet. And the man thought he could escape criticisms by appearing on CBS 60 minutes. He thought WRONG alright!

Update:

Kentucky House panel passes energy bill, entire House approval expected.

The House Energy Committee has passed House Bill 1 of the special session. The whole House is expected to approve of the measure, which will then go to the Senate where its prospects for approval appear certain.

Update: Whole House has passed the "Peabody" bill. It now goes to the Senate.

Alos, Gov. Fletcher's office just released the following press statement, posted here in its entirety:

"I am glad that the House is working with us to make Kentucky a leader in energy," said Governor Fletcher. "As we have said from the start, this legislation isn’t just important for a single company – it is important for the future of Kentucky. This legislation is a continuation of the energy strategy my administration initiated three years ago. I look forward to the passage of House Bill 1."

Karl Rove humor.

Karl Rove humor.

Calls start to mount for Maliki's ouster. Too late?

Calls have started to intensify to replace Iraq Prime Minister, Nouri Al-Maliki. The calls have a new lease on life, so to speak, since two additional Iraq Governors have been assassinated in the past few days and as more chaos continues and as we look forward to the "surge" report in less than 30 days.

It is hard not to blame Maliki for all the malarkey in Iraq. His inability to get a united coalition -- and to keep it -- is one of the main reasons Iraq is in chaos, so the calls for his ouster appear to be justified. One wonders, though, if those calls do not come too late!

Update: Bush says Iraqi government must do more, but should he not second calls for Al-Maliki's ouster, parliamentarily speaking?

Breaking news: Michael Vick cops a plea, will serve time for dogfighting charges.

There is breaking news in the Michael Vick dogfighting charges. The news has it that Michael Vick will accept a plea deal and will spend some time behind bars for his part in the dogfighting scandal. I will update you as soon as I hear more. But the question of how one goes from being a $100 million NFL Quarterback to jail for dog fighting gambling has got to puzzle many.

For a reminder of the original charges against him click here.

Update: Canada says NIMBY to Michael Vick, should he get thrown out of the NFL.

Update #2: Here's Vick's plea. Meanwhile, his dad doesn't help the situation.

"Queen of mean" Leona "only the little people pay taxes" Helmsley has died.

Who can forget "Queen of mean" Leona "only the poor pay taxes" Helmsley, the real estate billionaire mogul, who is known for saying that "the rich do not pay taxes ... only the little people pay taxes," and who spent time in prison for tax evasion, has died of heart complications.

I guess it should be obvious to her by now that not only do the rich get to pay a price for not paying taxes, but like the "little people" the rich die too (and can't take their money with them either)!

Off they go: Beshear airs first ad, Fletcher to follow.

The Kentucky campaign season has started in earnest as Steve Beshear airs first TV ad (above).

I'll update this post tomorrow with Fletcher's ad. Meanwhile, you can comment away.


Update: Above is Fletcher's first campaign ad.

Angry Astronauts are not the only ones to wear diapers!

Angry (love spurned) Astronauts are not the only ones to wear diapers! Some of these addicted folks do, too. Weird.

Beshear wants to "promote and protect Kentucky families".

Here's a news release from the Beshear camp:

Steve Beshear Details His Plan for Putting Kentucky Families First
The Beshear Mongiardo Plan to Promote and Protect Kentucky Families

Lexington, KY (August 20, 2007) – Steve Beshear, Democratic nominee for Governor today released details of his comprehensive plan for "Promoting and Protecting Kentucky Families." The plan includes proposals on: respecting marriages; valuing families; keeping families safe; and promoting good citizenship among our children.

"I want every man, woman, boy and girl in this state to have the same opportunity I had – the chance to be successful, to have good jobs and to stay here in Kentucky," said Beshear. "I know that that opportunity starts with the same values I learned as a boy and lived all my life. That is what this plan is about."

I. Respecting Marriages "I've been blessed to be married to my wife Jane for 38 years," said Beshear. "To us, marriage is the most sacred bond we can share with another person and, for that reason, it is something that should be valued and respected."

As Governor, Beshear will:

* Support healthy, happy marriage initiatives sponsored by local faith-based and community organizations and fund marriage promotion programs to illustrate and promote the benefits associated with healthy marriage.
* Take steps to minimize child support default rates and increase payment rates.
* Improve the identification of serial batterers and prosecute them to the fullest extent of the law.
* Form "Domestic Crisis Teams" within law enforcement agencies.
* Promote anti-child abuse and anti-violence programs to help school officials and co-workers learn how to spot signs of child and domestic violence.
* Encourage schools to develop anti-violence curricula.

II. Valuing Families "I value my family tremendously," said Beshear. "It's wonderful to return home after a long day's work to see my wife, or to enjoy dinner out with my two grown sons, their lovely wives and my grandson. I recognize that many parents or guardians have to work one, two or more jobs just to provide their families the basic needs like food, clothing and health care. Parents should be able to support their families and nurture them - there shouldn't be a trade-off."

As Governor, Beshear will:

* Promote pay equity for working women.
* Foster family time each day to balance the needs of work and family.
* Provide health care for Kentucky families as previously discussed in the "Keeping Kentuckians Healthy" plan (available at www.SteveBeshear.com; and
* Support expectant, new mothers and their newborns by expanding outreach programs to educated women on healthy behaviors.
* Work to reduce unwanted pregnancies and encourage adoption.

III. Keeping Families Safe "Keeping our families and citizens safe is one of the most important roles of government, and it’s one I take very seriously," said Beshear. "During my tenure as Attorney General, I had a record of being tough on crime and it is a record that I will continue as Governor."

As Governor, Beshear will:

* Institute a comprehensive "Safe from the Start" program.
* Institute tougher penalties for sex offenders who lie about their age on the Internet with the purpose of committing a sex crime and make it a felony.
* Expand regional Drug Task Forces so there is one in every county.
* Work with our Congressional Delegation to create a National All Schedule Prescription Electronic Reporting System to track controlled prescriptions from out-of-state pharmacies, not just those within Kentucky’s borders.
* Create an Electronic Drug Registry to enable law enforcement, medical providers and community organizations to view names of convicted drug users and traffickers in a searchable database.
* Fund media and public awareness campaigns to combat the spread of meth use and manufacturing.
* Fully implement and fund a system of coerced drug abstinence within the probation and parole system.

IV. Promoting Good Citizenship among Our Children "I was like most kids growing up," said Beshear. "For the most part I stayed out of trouble. My parents and teachers taught me well. I don’t think kids today are fundamentally any different. But the world around us has changed – and today’s kids need to be taught socially positive behavior, just like we did, from the right role models. I think that starts at the top. Only by playing by the rules and practicing what we preach can we expect kids to respect the law and for our common values to flourish in every schoolhouse and community in Kentucky."

As Governor, Beshear will:

* Encourage greater civic involvement in middle and high schools.
* Encourage all high schools to adopt a policy to require students to complete a minimum of 24 hours of community service as a requirement for graduation.
* Pass anti-bullying legislation for our schools.
* Foster school discipline through establishing a Bill of Rights and Responsibilities in the classroom.

Any thoughts?

Words to live by.

"When they call the roll in the Senate, the senators do not know whether to answer ‘present’ or ‘guilty’." — Theodore Roosevelt

"Now I know what a statesman is; he’s a dead politician. We need more statesmen." — Bob Edwards

"Politics is the art of looking for trouble, finding it, misdiagnosing it, and then misapplying the wrong remedies." — Groucho Marx

Fletcher calls General Assembly back into special session.

Gov. Fletcher has signed a proclamation calling the General Assembly back into session today in order for the members to consider an energy bill dealing with
"providing incentives for energy companies looking to build alternative fuels facilities in Kentucky".

According to the Governor's office: "This legislation will help establish Kentucky as a national leader in the field of alternative fuel production. Once the first facility locates in Kentucky, other companies are expected to follow. In addition to providing a positive economic impact to the Commonwealth and thousands of jobs, this legislation will pave the way for the development of alternative markets for Kentucky coal."

The details of the planned bill will be discussed here in an update, as soon as they are made available.

Update: Energy incentives package includes up-front payments, and Gov. Fletcher hs released a status report on energy. Read it here.

Interpol seeks Saddam Hussein's daughter.

I was gone to ATL. since Friday and just made it home tonight. That's why my posting has been sparse, but not anymore -- so here goes.

The International Police (INTERPOL) is seeking Saddam Hussein's eldest daughter, Raghad Saddam Hussein, and have put her (and her mother, Saddam's first wife, Sajida), on its most wanted list for funding and supporting the Iraqi insurgency. You can read more here.

Catching them could be what the US needs to gravely affect the money that is funding the insurgency, but that may not happen before September 15th when the "surge" report is expected to decide the fate of Iraq -- at least as far as our troops "surging" there are concerned.

Update: Jordan has no plans of handing over any member of Saddam Hussein's family.

SURVEYUSA poll is out: Fletcher's approval rating reaches 40%.

Tghe new SURVEYUSA poll is out, measuring Gov. Fletcher's approval rating. The poll has it at 40% -- and increase of 1% from last polling that came from undecideds -- and the disapproval rating still stands stagnant at 57%. You can view the poll here and feel free to do your own analysis. The poll that matches the two candidates for governor will be out soon and I will analyze that one, so stay tuned.

FYI: President Bush's approval rating is at 38%.

Kentucky GOP ad portrays Beshear as a gambler, ...

... (click on the picture to enlarge it. Please note: the face is Beshear's but the rest of the body is someone else's and Beshear was NOT at the casino!), (read more), but will the the political message sell or backfire?

You be the judge.


Update: On your left is the original (un-doctored) picture, courtesy of Polwatchers' report.

No matter what you may think of Anne Coulter, ...

... you MUST admit she gets this right!

NOT so fast, Rudy Giuliani.

GOP Presidential candidate and former New York Mayor, Rudy Giuliani, claims that he spent more time at the 9/11 site than most of the rescue workers there and that he's "one of them".

REAL story, according to this report, is that he spent a total of 29 hours in 3 months at or near the site.

Does it matter? You be the judge, but if it didn't matter, Rudy wouldn't be "fudging" the facts now, will he?

Another mine disaster; Our prayers are with the victims and their families.

Adding to the Crandall Canyon mine disaster in Utah, which has rescuers STILL looking for survivors all week, is another mine collapse, which has killed 3 rescuers and injured 6.

Our thoughts and prayers are with the victims and their families.

But we have to start asking questions why so many of these mine disasters are happening. Some blame mine officials; others blame greedy owners who pursue profit at the expense of safety. What's your take on all this?

Negotiators reach Peabody deal, special session call imminent.

It appears House and Senate Leaders, who were negotiating the Peabody deal, have reached an and want to be called back into session on Monday. The terms of the deal that will form a bill to be introduced in the special session have not been made public. As soon as they are made available, I will update this post. So stay tuned.

Bush doesn't want Petraeus to give his "surge" report in public. What gives?

President Bush doesn't want General David Petraeus to give his "surge" report in public thereby setting a clash of sorts between him and some Congressional Leaders. Could the administration's stance possibly portend what is coming on September 15th?

Great news for Obama as Warren Buffett holds fundraiser for him.

It is great news for Barack Obama as he gets "the Oracle of Omaha", Multi Billionaire Warren Buffett, to host a fund raiser for him.

In a sign of things to come in the future -- and possibly helping confirm my continuing hunch that Hillary and Obama will team up as the Democratic nominees for President and Vice President -- Warren Buffett also supports Hillary!

And, oh yea, Warren Buffett is a Democrat!!

Robert Novak leans Democrat in Kentucky's Governor's race -- but with a caveat.

Syndicated Columnist and respected political pundict is predicting that Kentucky will lean Democrat this fall in favor of the Beshear/Mongiardo ticket, but he does so with a BIG caveat.

According to him, "Beshear leads in nearly all polls and is the favorite. But with three months to go and the advantages of incumbency, a comeback is not out of the question. Leaning Democratic Takeover".

Feel free to comment.

Breaking news: State ethics panel ends Gov. Fletcher's merit hire probe.

The State Executive Branch Ethics Commission has decided that Gov. Fletcher did not violate any state ethics laws stemming from an investigation of his administration’s hiring practices, which Fletcher and Greg Stumbo settled. You can read more on the news and the Ethics Commission's letter.

Update: An allegation of partisanship surfaces.

Senator Mitch McConnell heaps praises on Democratic Senate Leader, Alben Barkley.

U. S. Senate Majority Leader, Republican Senator Mitch McConnell is a great admirer of former U. S. Senate Leader from Kentucky, Democrat Senator Alben Barkley. In this video (I did not want to embed the video because it has a "live connect" code built into it!), McConnell discusses the Senator and shares the qualities of Senator Barkley that made him admirable.

In another unrelated development, Bill Bryant is reporting that U. S. Congressman, Ben Chandler, has not ruled out a run against McConnell. Like I said in an earlier post, I expect Ben Chandler to wait and challenge Senator Jim Bunning, instead. (Note, the same report also stated that Larry Forgy may challenge McConnell.)

Update: Some anti-war groups have started running ads like this and this against McConnell, who has launched a new Kentucky Heroes website, with an introductory video.

Don Imus settles CBS suit, then gets sued himself; Former Speaker Dennis Hastert has had enough; and, Giuliani and Romney face off on Immigration.

Days after shock jock, Don Imus, settled his $120 million lawsuit against CBS (probably paving the way for his return to the radio -- he should NOT have been fired to begin with!), he was today sued by one of the Rutgers' womens' basketball players, Kia Vaughn, star center for the team.

Meanwhile, record setting Speaker of the U. S. House of representatives, Dennis Hastert, has decided that he has had enough and won't run for another term.

And Rudy Giuliani and Mitt Romney duel on immigration.

My question for Rudy is this: where were you when the Senate was trying to "SHOVE" the recently defeated immigration AMNESTY bill "DOWN OUR THROATS"?

NBA Ref. plays ball and pleads guilty, will Michael Vick follow?

Former National Basketball Association referee, Tim "whistle for sale" Donaghy, implicated last month in an FBI investigation into illegal betting on games, pleaded guilty to fraud and conspiracy (with the MAFIA) in a federal court, admitting during a plea hearing that "I received cash payments for successful bets, "by having nonpublic information, I was in a unique position."

Meanwhile, we learn that Michael "the dogs of war" Vick has been offered a plea deal and he has until Friday to accept or reject it. This plea deal comes on the heels of news that Vick's other (one has already pleaded guilty and will testify against him) co-defendants are planning to accept pleas on Friday and will testify against him, too.

We will learn more about Vick on Friday.

My suggestion for punishment? In addition to any other punishment, Donaghy needs to first refund the ill-gotten gains and then be further sentenced to volunteer to referee little league games for 5 years or so.

As for Michael Vick, he needs to be made to volunteer at a Humane Society, attending to dogs, WITHOUT access to electricity or anything that can be used to kill the dogs by hanging or otherwise.

What say ye?

More Chinese products recalled, can we expect more Chinese deaths?

It was recently that I reported on the execution of the Chinese head of the Food and drug administration for public corruption surrounding the tainted food from ther. Then last week the head of a toy company committed suicide. Now that Mattel has recalled several of its Chinese made toys because they were tainted with lead, can we expect another Chinese execution -- or maybe a suicide?

It is ironic that in China heads of companies die (voluntarily or involuntarily) for these kinds of fraudulent behavior, but in America the heads or CEOs of corporations involved in the same shady deals build mansions, walk around with pretty women and drive exotic cars!

Iraq massacre continues as more innocent victims are slaughtered.

The carnage continues in Iraq as a series of truck bombs kill 175 innocent civilians and injure more than a 100. With September 15th around the corner, it is possible the "terrorists" are trying to write General Petraeus' report for him by committing these atrocious acts.

How long it can endure and whether Patraeus can present any good news about Iraq are two questions that we have to start SERIOUSLY asking ourselves.

We are in a catch-22: If we leave WORSE anarchy will ensure, and if we do NOT the terrorists will use us as an excuse to continue to wreck HAVOC on the Iraqi people.

No EASY choices there!

Judge is still not wearing the pants, and fights on!

The D. C. administrative Law Judge, Roy Pearson, a District of Columbia administrative law judge, who "ruthlessly abused the legal system" and then went on to lose a $54 million lawsuit against a dry cleaner over a missing pair of pants continues to show he's not the one wearing the pants and fights on. Today, he filed a notice of appeal Tuesday with the D.C. Court of Appeals. Stay tuned, as he could get fined for filing a frivolous lawsuit.

Wall Street, chased by defaults in the mortgage markets, continues its "running of the Bulls"!

The "hurting" continues on Wall Street as mortgage defaults continue to prove too much for the Bulls!

Update: Feds lower discount rate to 5.75%. Will it be enough to stop the "running of the bulls?

***** What changed Cheney's mind from 1994? *****

Inquiring minds want to know!

Facebook hacked, your "secret" personal information may have been compromised!

If you have some secret personal information on the social internet network site Facebook, you may want to be aware of the news story that the operational code has been hacked and posted on the internet. This means that your information may have been compromised.

Kentucky candidates differ on executive pardon power.

Kentucky candidates for Governor, Ernie Fletcher and Steve Beshear, GREATLY differ on the extent of the Governor's pardon power -- a topic that could become an issue in the upcoming general election because of Fletcher's pardon of members of his administration indicted in the merit system investigation.

Fletcher doesn't see anything wrong with the law that is "the last stop for justice" in "instances of prosecutorial abuse where the interest of justice would be truly served."

His opponent, Steve Beshear, will, if elected, move for a constitutional amendment to prevent "a power that was never meant to allow a governor to hide criminal acts by his political friends from the public."

What are your thoughts?

And in Kentucky, special session won't start today ... and the Lane Report is issued.

Well, the Kentucky General Assembly will not re-convene today as originally planned, while its Leaders meet to iron out their differences on the Peabody deal. Meanwhile, Gov. Fletcher has stated that he won't call them into session without them first agreeing to pass the bill. This is welcome news and a VERY WISE move on his part. No need to call the Legislature back into session when it appears NOTHING will be accomplished by doing so.

On another political note, the Lane Report is out with a poll for the general election candidates. As many of you know, I am partial to the SURVEYUSA poll as I deem it VERY accurate. I am ONLY mentioning the Lane Report here because, unlike it, the SURVEYUSA poll does NOT yet have a poll for the "down ticket" candidates. So until we get one from SURVEYUSA, here's the Lane Reports' poll summary, and an analysis. You can use it for whatever suits you!

***** Political BOMBSHELL: KARL ROVE has resigned! *****

The political BOMBSHELL of the year is that political strategist, presidential adviser and the so-called "architect of the Bush revolution" and "Bush's brains", Karl Rove, has resigned his position effective at the of this month.

I suspect he will resurface as an adviser to one of the GOP candidates (Romney, Giuliani or Thompson (Fred)), but in the meantime what will the Democrats do, as the man they love to hate and "kick around" will no longer be there with a "bull's eye" fastened on his back!?!

On a local political note, I wonder if Senator Mitch McConnell will now be able to lure back Karl Rove's assistant, Kentucky's own Scott Jennings, to work on his re-election campaign.

HE SHOULD!!

What are your thoughts?

GOP presidential candidate, Tommy Thompson, FINALLY bows out of race.

GOP presidential candidate and former Wisconsin Governor, Tommy Thompson, has FINALLY bowed out of the race. A month ago, on June 13th to be exact, I CORRECTLY predicted that he will quit the race.

Stay tuned for another upcoming prediction, as more presidential hopefuls will soon also bow out. My first hunch is that the next one will be "Brownback"ing it!

TV and game show Mogul, Merv Griffin, has died.

TV and game show Mogul, Merv Griffin, has died at the age of 82 from complications from prostate cancer. He gave us Jeopardy, Wheel of Fortune, etc. . We mourn his passing.

Words to live by.

"The aim of every political constitution is, or ought to be,
first to obtain for rulers men who possess most wisdom to discern,
and most virtue to pursue, the common good of the society; and in
the next place, to take the most effectual precautions for keeping
them virtuous whilst they continue to hold their public trust."

-- James Madison (Federalist No. 57, 19 February 1788)

Reference: Madison, Federalist No. 57.

Now we know where the missing Iraqi cache of weapons ended up!

I guess now we know where the missing Iraqi cache of weapons ended up, as Iraqi officials are implicated in the "black" market arms deals!

What a CRUEL SHAME for everyone involved!!

Barack Obama plans a visit to Lexington on August 26th.

Democratic presidential candidate and Senator from Illinois will visit Lexington on Sunday, August 26th, at 5:30 p. m. . He plans to hold a themed "bring the family and spend Sunday afternoon with Barack Obama" event that is tentatively planned for the Lexington Civic Center. Ticket prices range from a low of $25.00 each to a high of $4600.00 each, with photo-op and reception privileges.

GOP holds "STRAW POLL" in Iowa, should anyone else outside of Iowa REALLY care?

Much has been made about the GOP "STRAW POLL" today in Iowa. My question is why should the rest of us non Iowans care -- especially since it's obvious that the candidate who gives away the most FREEBIES usually wins the poll but fades later in the political season (remember Steve Forbes in 2003?), which suggests to me that "money man" Mitt Romney will most likely "rig" it by buying all the "straws" in the poll, but eventually NOT the GOP presidential nomination?

Am I missing something here?

Update: Here are results of the poll, just in case you care, and the poll was bought as expected.

Are you expecting an AUDIT ...

... like this one? If so, then good luck to you as you CLEAR up the irregularities!

Interstate #75 highway sign in Fayette County honors Tuskegee Airmen.

Here is a press release accompanying the unveiling of a highway sign on Interstate #75 in Fayette County honoring the Tuskegee Airman. We thank the General Assembly and Gov. Fletcher (his Chief of Staff, Stan Cave, who gave very appropriate remarks) for making it all possible.

Designation of Interstate 75 in Fayette County as a lasting memorial to a group of military pioneers – the famed Tuskegee Airmen.

Governor Fletcher’s chief of staff, Stan Cave, represented the Governor in unveiling a highway sign for the “Tuskegee Airmen Memorial Trail” during a ceremony at the Aviation Museum of Kentucky in Lexington.

The African-American aviators, who derived their name from their training at Tuskegee Army Airfield in Alabama in World War II, had to overcome the institutionalized racism of a segregated American military, Cave noted.

"The original group of Tuskegee Airmen cadets was brave on two fronts: while putting themselves in harm’s way to defend this country, they also were overcoming race barriers," said Cave. "It is therefore both appropriate and long overdue for us to honor these men for their courage and gallantry during a truly perilous time.

"We not only pay tribute to their patriotism, but to their resolve to overcome the racism of that period. The determination of the Tuskegee Airmen resulted in one of the most impressive combat records in U.S. military history. Their commitment also paved the way for subsequent efforts to ensure equal opportunity for all Americans," Cave said.

Senate Joint Resolution 93, passed by the 2007 General Assembly, directed the memorial designation. Kentucky is the first state to install signs naming a portion of its interstate system in honor of the Tuskegee Airmen. Colorado has passed similar legislation.

"The proud legacy of the Tuskegee Airmen and the pivotal role played by Kentuckians in that distinguished organization, from base personnel to air crewmen to pilots, speaks volumes on what the human spirit can overcome and achieve," said Rep. Reginald Meeks (D-Louisville), who sponsored a Tuskegee Airmen resolution in the House. "We would do well to listen to the voices of these brave men. I am humbled to be able to play a small role in ensuring that all Kentuckians – and indeed all Americans – recognize the great body of work these men did. Not only in war, but also in peace, these men broke barriers they were not supposed to be able to break, inspired a nation they were not supposed to be able to inspire, and led the way to a better way of life for all of us."

The original group of Tuskegee Airmen included 11 Kentucky cadets. In addition, the commandant of the cadet pilot training program at Tuskegee, Col. Noel Parrish, was a native of Versailles.

Willa Beatrice Brown, an aviation pioneer who was born in Glasgow, had a significant influence on the Tuskegee program by supplying many of its early cadets from her school of aviation in Chicago.

There was another Kentucky connection in the naming of one of the airmen’s P51-D Mustangs – the “Miss Kentucky State.” Its crew chief, Staff Sgt. Marcellus Smith, named the fighter in honor of a love interest from Kentucky State University.

"It is an honor to commemorate these courageous individuals by designating I-75 in Fayette County as the Tuskegee Airmen Memorial Trail,” said Commissioner of Aviation Paul Steely. “The unyielding determination and skill demonstrated by these airmen should serve as a lesson to all that our unbridled spirit cannot and should not be bound by preconceived ideas and falsehoods.”

The saga of the Tuskegee Airmen began in July, 1941, when 13 cadets entered training at Tuskegee Army Air Field. After nine months of training, five were commissioned as officers and received Army Air Corps silver pilot wings.

From 1942 to 1946 nearly 1,000 pilots graduated from the Tuskegee program and received commissions and pilot wings. Four hundred fifty Tuskegee aviators served overseas. One of their units, the 99th Pursuit Squadron, saw combat in North Africa, Italy and Sicily.

The Tuskegee Airmen also created opportunities for African-Americans who trained in an array of support specialties. The sign unveiling today recognized not only the air crew but also the invaluable contributions of nearly 14,000 ground support personnel.

Person for the week: Barry Bonds.

Skinny Pirate, Barry Bonds then (on your left), and Giant (literally) now (next picture).

For all sports fans, particularly baseball fans, the anticipation of someone breaking Hank Aaron's all time home runs record generated a lot of buzz and angst because of who that someone is: Barry Bonds. This was because of suspicions and accusations of Barry Bonds illegal use of steroid to boost his performance. Despite his denials, the rumors persist. So for his buzz creation all week, we name Barry Bonds our person for the week.