tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-102166932011-12-14T21:54:52.855-05:00::: Progressive Political Commentary :::<br>A nickel's worth of news plus my two cents.CRKhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07175039367016723400noreply@blogger.comBlogger691100tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-10216693.post-1119888414839484322005-06-27T11:04:00.000-05:002005-06-27T11:06:54.856-05:00

The Seven Cent Nickel can now be found at: www.SevenCentNickel.com The new Nickel features more tools to help the Northeast Ohio Progressive community to grow including an even calendar and journals a-la dKos. I hope to see you all there. Best, CRK

CRKhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07175039367016723400noreply@blogger.com15tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-10216693.post-1116602995133563602005-05-20T10:28:00.000-05:002005-05-20T10:29:55.136-05:00

Dear Senator Santorum, I am writing to to you to express my disgust at your comments on the floor of the Senate, comparing Senate Democrats to Hitler. Your comments do nothing to bridge the gap on this issue and sows divisivness within the country during a time of war. You've done a grave diservice to the veterans of WWII, your party, our country and the world. You should be ashamed of

CRKhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07175039367016723400noreply@blogger.com11tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-10216693.post-1114007943386826292005-04-20T09:36:00.000-05:002005-04-20T09:43:11.306-05:00

In honor of the new pope, whatever your views on him, here are some Papal Facts. There's nothing earth shattering here, just some items I found interesting. Firsts:First Pope:St. Peter, d. ca. 64. The first disciple called by Jesus; he is also credited with writing two Letters that appear in the New Testament. The first pope to be martyred and the first pope to be named a saint.First African Pope

CRKhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07175039367016723400noreply@blogger.com36tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-10216693.post-1112800403162735152005-04-06T10:11:00.000-05:002005-04-06T10:14:29.940-05:00

A friend of mine has begun a new blog, Unbossed. What we tell our employers, parents, spouses, lovers, and conservative friends about Unbossed: Unbossed is a group of writers with a wide variety of perspectives and experience engaged in truth-telling. We examine political issues through news, culture, the arts, satire, and, when we have to, politics. We are dedicated to telling it like it is,

CRKhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07175039367016723400noreply@blogger.com5tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-10216693.post-1112199773652222942005-03-30T00:31:00.000-05:002005-03-30T15:00:15.653-05:00

I was first turned on to The Ohio Restoration Project when a friend sent me a NYTimes article on the group. (Hat tip, Marina) Christian conservative leaders from scores of Ohio's fastest growing churches are mounting a campaign to win control of local government posts and Republican organizations, starting with the 2006 governor's race.In a manifesto that is being circulated among church leaders

CRKhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07175039367016723400noreply@blogger.com10tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-10216693.post-1112105247115830502005-03-29T09:05:00.000-05:002005-03-29T09:08:20.563-05:00

The rumor mill just doesn't stop. Now it's looking as though Sherrod Brown will stay put and simply run for Congress again. That's too bad and somewhat disappointing if true. However, I can't begrudge the man for not wanting to throw himself and his wife into the teeth of Bill Bennett's noise machine.There is still time for him to decide whether or not to look for another seat, but the clock is

CRKhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07175039367016723400noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-10216693.post-1112036924953002552005-03-28T14:12:00.000-05:002005-03-28T14:19:31.896-05:00

The Republican led Michigan State House has penned an incredibly misguided piece of divisive legislation that will allow medical personnel to refuse to treat you based on "moral, ethical or religious grounds."Imagine getting a form letter from your doctor saying something like this:It has come to my attention that you are a Baptist. I believe Baptists to be an immoral, unethical sect of

CRKhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07175039367016723400noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-10216693.post-1111677001690110052005-03-24T10:08:00.000-05:002005-03-24T10:10:01.690-05:00

I'm back from other projects, back from vacation, and back from a funeral. Thanks to everyone who kept checking in while I was away. There's a lot to talk about and I'll be posting again very soon including the balance of the response to the Luntz Report.

CRKhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07175039367016723400noreply@blogger.com24tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-10216693.post-1110219528073649602005-03-07T13:16:00.000-05:002005-03-07T13:36:31.330-05:00

I wanted to start this post with a snappy little quip about hell freezing over. But it's hard to make that joke stick when you're talking about global warming. Regardless, it looks like hell really is freezing over. BushCo Senior Partner James Baker III, is saying we need to do something about global warming. And he said it to a room full of oil company executives. This calls to attention the

CRKhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07175039367016723400noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-10216693.post-1110124622205586332005-03-06T10:55:00.000-05:002005-03-06T10:57:02.206-05:00

Szollosi Toledo is reporting that Martin Sheen may be considering a run for U.S. Senate from Ohio.I need a little time to roll this around in my brain, but at first glance, I like the idea. It would create a legitimate threat to DeWine and free up Sherrod Brown for a run at the governor's mansion.

CRKhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07175039367016723400noreply@blogger.com6tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-10216693.post-1109882959234523972005-03-03T15:45:00.000-05:002005-03-03T15:49:19.236-05:00

For the baseball fans out there, here's another project I've been working on.It's finally done: www.mlblog.com

CRKhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07175039367016723400noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-10216693.post-1109281290411111602005-02-24T16:58:00.000-05:002005-02-24T17:18:31.190-05:00

The promo spot for the Ohio Hub project has been posted at OARP. It's bit cheesy if you ask me, but it lays out the basic argument: Fast, travel, Ohio, business. I'm a big fan of Ohio Hub for a number of reasons, but primary is this: It puts Cleveland at the middle of high-speed rail network between the East Coast and Midwest. This isn't a euphemistic "middle," it's geographical one. Cleveland

CRKhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07175039367016723400noreply@blogger.com60tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-10216693.post-1109257839386809752005-02-24T14:03:00.000-05:002005-02-24T14:48:37.040-05:00

I've decided to work on the Luntz memo and toss out some talking points so Dems & progressives can defend themselves against the noise machine.I'm going to focus Luntz's, The 14 Words Never To Use, from his recently leaked report.Here's the List:Never Say --- Instead SayGovernment --- WashingtonPrivatization/Private Accounts --- Personalization/Personal AccountsTax Reform ---

CRKhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07175039367016723400noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-10216693.post-1109171039495393062005-02-23T10:02:00.000-05:002005-02-23T10:06:00.753-05:00

Matt desinged some of the campaign materials we used in the Seemann campaign last year. Check his site out...the comics are great. Click on the image to visit his site.

CRKhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07175039367016723400noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-10216693.post-1109167790576382892005-02-23T09:08:00.000-05:002005-02-23T09:09:50.576-05:00

Since we've had a great discussion on organizing in another post, I thought it a good idea to start and open thread for the topic. DKOS has posted (on the main page) Frank Luntz's strategy report. It deals with 2004 and previews 2005-06. I've already dloaded and will start pouring over it soon. Wail away...

CRKhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07175039367016723400noreply@blogger.com20tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-10216693.post-1109078723708281422005-02-22T12:48:00.000-05:002005-02-22T12:54:28.510-05:00

A dirty little secret about the GOP was revealed today. The boo-hooers of the Washington State GOP have come up with a solution to their problem of the close gubernatorial election. (Yes, they're still fighting that battle.) Their solution is strikingly simple: Start a new state. Rather than sitting down and discussing their issues with the Democrats in power, several state senators would rather

CRKhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07175039367016723400noreply@blogger.com7tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-10216693.post-1109085029840568672005-02-22T10:12:00.000-05:002005-02-22T12:53:05.460-05:00

I just spoke with Joanna Kuebler at Sherrod Brown's office to confirm what I wrote here. The official word is this: Sherrod Brown is still undecided about his plans for 2006. According to Kuebler, "he's looking for the place where he can do the most good for the people of Ohio." That would mean that all offices are still on the table: Governor, Senate, and House. While in it's strictest sense

CRKhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07175039367016723400noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-10216693.post-1109019544061638332005-02-21T15:56:00.000-05:002005-02-21T15:59:04.063-05:00

I contacted Sherrod Brown's office today looking for confirmation on the Senate story. It being President's day, no one was in and I left a message. Stay tuned...

CRKhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07175039367016723400noreply@blogger.com16tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-10216693.post-1109001647277147502005-02-21T11:09:00.000-05:002005-02-21T11:18:43.120-05:00

The right just doesn't get it. They don't understand why we on the left are up in arms about Jeff Gannon. Check out this choice quote from World Net Daily.In the last week, reports in New York's Gay City News and 365Gay.com and other homosexual-friendly publications and blogs have made specific allegations about individuals based exclusively on unnamed sources and rumors and playing off the

CRKhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07175039367016723400noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-10216693.post-1108994153960619012005-02-21T08:54:00.000-05:002005-02-21T09:52:56.556-05:00

We have become a Nazi monster in the eyes of the whole world - a nation of bullies and bastards who would rather kill than live peacefully. We are not just whores for power and oil, but killer whores with hate and fear in our hearts. We are human scum, and that is how history will judge us. George W. Bush does not speak for me or my son or my mother or my friends or the people I respect in this

CRKhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07175039367016723400noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-10216693.post-1108921679329045982005-02-20T12:46:00.000-05:002005-02-20T12:47:59.333-05:00

My sources are telling me that Sherrod Brown will not run for Senate. While Sherrod loves his job in Washington, he'd rather not be forced to run a statewide campaign to return. The only way he'll run a statewide campaign is for the governor's mansion and that decision is still forthcoming. Right now it looks like Ted Strickland is the front-runner to go against Mike DeWine. At least that's

CRKhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07175039367016723400noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-10216693.post-1108757896075232462005-02-18T15:15:00.000-05:002005-02-18T15:18:16.080-05:00

Many are dead from a rare form of the plague in the Congo. International health officials warned on Friday that 61 miners in eastern Congo have died and hundreds have become ill from what appears to be the largest outbreak in several decades of a highly virulent, airborne version of plague. [Emphasis mine. -CRK]My question is this: Is this an issue that the U.S. should look in to? I think it is

CRKhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07175039367016723400noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-10216693.post-1108586441637979152005-02-16T16:27:00.000-05:002005-02-16T17:09:59.250-05:00

Porter Goss sticks his head up long enough to restate the obvious. ...the threat of al Qaeda or other terrorist groups attacking the United States was still imminent and likely would be in the form of a car bomb or other low-tech weapon.[...snip...]"It may be only a matter of time before al Qaeda or other groups attempt to use chemical, biological, radiological or nuclear weapons.[...snip...]In

CRKhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07175039367016723400noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-10216693.post-1108480068078818542005-02-15T10:29:00.000-05:002005-02-15T10:34:14.426-05:00

The Bush administration does not support our troops.Let me say it again, THE BUSH ADMINISTRATION DOES NOT SUPPORT OUR TROOPS.They sent them to war ill-equipped. They tried to cut combat pay. They tried to fight a war on the cheap. They are doubling the cost of prescription drugs for former service members. Now comes the latest insult to our troops from Donald Rumsfeld.Several U.S. service members

CRKhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07175039367016723400noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-10216693.post-1108426720954805052005-02-14T19:07:00.000-05:002005-02-14T19:22:20.673-05:00

(I had major formatting problems with v.1 of this post so I'm reposting. The content has not been changed.)I must admit that I approached the story of Iraqi contractors being paid in cash with little enthusiasm. For me, the story was old news. Being a railroad buff, I read Trains magazine on a regular basis. The July 2004 issue featured an article entitled, American Railroader with the Iraqi

CRKhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07175039367016723400noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-10216693.post-1108416271938697172005-02-14T16:22:00.000-05:002005-02-14T16:24:31.940-05:00

Help get Americablog's Gannon Prostitution story on Google by linking. http://americablog.blogspot.com/2005/02/man-called-jeff.htm Link 'em up, Cowboy!

CRKhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07175039367016723400noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-10216693.post-1108390068029782552005-02-14T09:06:00.000-05:002005-02-14T09:11:31.970-05:00

Americablog is going to break more news about Gannon today.They say it's big.More liberal crack. I can't wait.

CRKhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07175039367016723400noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-10216693.post-1108145490945265892005-02-11T13:10:00.000-05:002005-02-11T13:11:30.996-05:00

I may not have a chance to post anything of substance today. My apologizes to all. Stay Tuned.

CRKhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07175039367016723400noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-10216693.post-1108051691520223622005-02-10T11:06:00.000-05:002005-02-10T16:29:54.283-05:00

The Hill is reporting that: Sens. Olympia Snowe (R-Maine), Byron Dorgan (D-N.D.) and Edward Kennedy (D-Mass.) will be reintroducing legislation on prescription-drug reimportation this afternoon. Like the original bill unveiled in the last Congress, the measure would allow for the importation of lower-priced prescription medication from Canada and other countries.I'll keep an eye on this. I

CRKhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07175039367016723400noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-10216693.post-1108048328537177502005-02-10T10:10:00.000-05:002005-02-10T16:29:17.803-05:00

Via Raw Story and just about every progressive blog on the net. Al Franken is going to run for the Senate. Frankenly, I think he'll stomp the opposition. Where do I send my check? ***UPDATE*** Al is waiting for 2008. I'll post-date my check.

CRKhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07175039367016723400noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-10216693.post-1108046858378491422005-02-10T09:45:00.000-05:002005-02-10T09:47:38.380-05:00

If true, this is a disaster. The Russian foreign ministry gave no credence to the story. Chechen rebels could have an atomic bomb, Boris Berezovsky, Russian tycoon currently living in self-imposed exile in Great Britain, told the Komsomolskaya Pravda daily on the phone. Russian security officials refused to comment on Berezovsky’s statement. [...] “It is a small portable device which had not

CRKhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07175039367016723400noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-10216693.post-1108044338612313362005-02-10T09:24:00.000-05:002005-02-10T16:31:20.273-05:00

There's a new MTV on the horizon. I remember my first experience with MTV. It was big deal. For weeks ahead of it's local debut my friends and talked about it constantly. We couldn't wait. It was early in the morning of a school day. I was getting ready for school when I turned on the TV to see what wonderful videos would burst forth from my television. Would it be Asia? Fleetwood Mac?

CRKhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07175039367016723400noreply@blogger.com6tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-10216693.post-1107973482950714692005-02-09T13:23:00.000-05:002005-02-09T13:24:42.950-05:00

From his website: Because of the attention being paid to me I find it is no longer possible to effectively be a reporter for Talon News. In consideration of the welfare of me and my family I have decided to return to private life. Thank you to all those who supported me. And don't let the door hit you on the way out...

CRKhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07175039367016723400noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-10216693.post-1107901140116614762005-02-08T17:16:00.000-05:002005-02-08T17:19:25.676-05:00

...and it's about damn time. Allen Raymond, a GOP consultant in NH plead guilty to jamming "Democratic telephone lines in several New Hampshire cities during the 2002 election." He was sentenced to five months and fined $15,600.

CRKhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07175039367016723400noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-10216693.post-1107896869239714652005-02-08T16:56:00.000-05:002005-02-08T16:58:13.196-05:00

The Jeff Gannon/Talon News story gets better by the day. For those of you who haven't been following the story you can read a few of his items. Here's a sample of his writing prowess: Social Security reform has long been regarded as the “third rail” of American politics, a comparison of an attempt to change FDR’s retirement program to making contact with a subway car’s electrical source. The

CRKhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07175039367016723400noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-10216693.post-1107882245617411552005-02-08T12:01:00.000-05:002005-02-08T12:38:32.516-05:00

A little live blogging here...and a quick warning. I'm feeling snarky today. Just looking at him makes me think, "how did we elect this man?" 12.03 - "We face great economic challenges" but Taft is optimistic. This coming from a man who Grover Norquist, said was running the state in to the ground. 12.05 - "50,000 volunteer reading tutors," but our schools still suck. Is this the answer? To

CRKhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07175039367016723400noreply@blogger.com5tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-10216693.post-1107875433563977772005-02-08T10:09:00.000-05:002005-02-08T10:10:33.563-05:00

It's today at noon. I'll sum it up in one word: bad.

CRKhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07175039367016723400noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-10216693.post-1107813191985010952005-02-07T16:51:00.000-05:002005-02-07T16:53:11.986-05:00

Chris Bowers has a great post at MyDD about progressives using the word "deficit." I recommend it highly. As soon as I get a chance to wrap my brain around it I'll comment at length.

CRKhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07175039367016723400noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-10216693.post-1107795239404299042005-02-07T13:43:00.000-05:002005-02-07T12:45:49.360-05:00

Howard Dean loved to talk about how Bush and the Republicans were responsible for increasing taxes through their tax cut. The logic was simple enough: Cut taxes at the federal level, decrease spending to states and municipalities who must make up the shortfall by raising taxes. Thus, a tax increase. Where I live in Ohio, we saw a state-wide sales tax increase of 1% and local property taxes went

CRKhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07175039367016723400noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-10216693.post-1107790244680562592005-02-07T10:57:00.000-05:002005-02-07T11:12:35.706-05:00

Michelle Malkin is making noise about the audacity of Dems to fight back. First, the background. This all arises from the NYTimes article, Bush Budget Raises Drug Prices for Many Veterans. President Bush's budget would more than double the co-payment charged to many veterans for prescription drugs and would require some to pay a new fee of $250 a year for the privilege of using government

CRKhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07175039367016723400noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-10216693.post-1107639629283909952005-02-05T16:40:00.000-05:002005-02-05T16:41:47.873-05:00

Here's what I consider to be more evidence that Sherrod Brown will run for Senate, and leave the Governor's race to others. From Taiwan's Central News Agency: U.S. House Representative Sherrod Brown has warned the European Union against lifting its arms embargo against mainland China, saying the move will upset the military balance across the Taiwan Strait. ...snip... "Lifting the embargo

CRKhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07175039367016723400noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-10216693.post-1107544263322043352005-02-04T15:15:00.000-05:002005-02-04T15:30:30.176-05:00

I was doing some background research when I ran in to this gem from Mike Rosen about Ward Churchill's "Eichmann" comment. Apparently, firing Ward Churchill isn't enough. Rosen would rather see more of a scorched earth policy, punishing as many people as possible. As an Indian activist, he's so blinded by his hatred for America and the white man that he can't think straight, much less objectively

CRKhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07175039367016723400noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-10216693.post-1107524570234546852005-02-04T08:36:00.000-05:002005-02-04T08:42:50.233-05:00

BushCo has trotted out Condi saying, attacking Iran is not on the agenda for now. Given this administration's pention for distorting the truth and using Orwellian language, beware. Iran is next.

CRKhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07175039367016723400noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-10216693.post-1107460176682544612005-02-03T14:48:00.000-05:002005-02-03T14:52:02.576-05:00

Via Raw Story A Cookeville (Tenn.) High School administrator said Veterans for Peace and a Quaker group can't come back into his school with materials considered ''anti-American'' and ''anti-military.'' ...snip... ''The information was brought to the attention of administrators because of the influence it may have had,'' said [Principal Wayne] Shank, who restricted future visits by the groups

CRKhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07175039367016723400noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-10216693.post-1107444800345845422005-02-03T10:30:00.000-05:002005-02-03T10:34:23.570-05:00

There's a great article from AP today on the Social Security Privatization scheme and how GWB is only telling half the story. Here. Recommend it highly and bump it up on Yahoo's ratings. The right does this routinely and we can play the same game. We can help control what news is read most often.

CRKhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07175039367016723400noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-10216693.post-1107444092679498262005-02-03T10:20:00.000-05:002005-02-03T10:21:32.690-05:00

Dear Mayor Coleman, I was reading an article in the Akron Beacon-Journal where you're quoted as saying: "Our state is in crisis and we are duty-bound to make Ohio great again," Coleman told about 200 supporters. "Rather than standing by, it is time for us to stand up for Ohio."Please continue using the phrase, "Stand Up for Ohio." It sounds like a winner to me.

CRKhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07175039367016723400noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-10216693.post-1107442525786411272005-02-03T09:54:00.000-05:002005-02-03T09:55:45.503-05:00

I was surprised to find an article the Cleveland Plain Dealer today that discusses the war of words over Social Security. It gives us some important clues as to reasoning behind the GOP's choice of words in this debate. A spokesman for Rep. Deborah Pryce of Columbus, who coordinates her colleagues' public message as chair of the House Republican Conference, explained that the verboten "

CRKhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07175039367016723400noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-10216693.post-1107440984457826002005-02-03T09:28:00.000-05:002005-02-03T09:31:31.743-05:00

From the SOTU address: Because a society is measured by how it treats the weak and vulnerable, we must strive to build a culture of life. ...snip... To build a culture of life, we must also ensure that scientific advances always serve human dignity, not take advantage of some lives for the benefit of others. ...snip... I will work with Congress to ensure that human embryos are not created

CRKhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07175039367016723400noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-10216693.post-1107352292349064142005-02-02T09:44:00.000-05:002005-02-02T15:35:01.536-05:00

Last year I worked for congressional candidate, Jeff Seemann, in OH-16. Jeff had a compelling story about why he was running. A few years earlier, he had been working on his home when he fell off a ladder and shattered his elbow. The result was bankruptcy from the combination of being unable to work and the accrued medical bills. Jeff realized that since it happened to him, it could happen to

CRKhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07175039367016723400noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-10216693.post-1107294708238435552005-02-01T16:50:00.000-05:002005-02-01T16:55:28.796-05:00

Leland and Frost both dropped out of the DNC Chairman race today. It's all but wrapped up for Gov. Dean. From the Guardian UK via Raw Story: The former congressman [Frost] said he called Dean and ``congratulated him for running a strong campaign.'' And the party will be all the better for it. For the ABD folks I say, give him a chance. After the last ten years can we really do worse?

CRKhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07175039367016723400noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-10216693.post-1107279341765889752005-02-01T13:58:00.000-05:002005-02-01T16:18:33.473-05:00

It's official. Michael Coleman declares his candidacy for Ohio Governor today. That should mean that Don Plusquellic will drop. A move I favor if only because I can never remember how to spell his name. Akron loves the guy and will probably continue to elect him until he dies. Cleveland Mayor Jane Campbell also supports Coleman. Campbell is going to face a very tough re-election fight and I'm

CRKhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07175039367016723400noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-10216693.post-1107180825270867382005-01-31T09:12:00.000-05:002005-01-31T16:14:48.403-05:00

Why would someone running for governor write a book about NAFTA and free trade? My guess is he wouldn't. But someone running for Senate would. Rep. Sherrod Brown, who's on the short list of Democratic candidates for Ohio governor, was recently published a book called, Myths of Free Trade: Why American Trade Policy Has Failed. Writing a book on free trade assumes that this is Sherrod's domestic

CRKhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07175039367016723400noreply@blogger.com5tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-10216693.post-1107179507480154732005-01-31T08:50:00.000-05:002005-01-31T10:51:22.216-05:00

I've talked about the weaknesses of Kerry and his campaign adnauseum to my family and friends. Frankly, I don't feel like rehashing it here, but this article is worth a read. From Bloomberg: Billionaire investor George Soros, the biggest financial contributor to the failed effort to defeat President George W. Bush in November's election, said Democratic challenger John Kerry was a flawed

CRKhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07175039367016723400noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-10216693.post-1107176298055836502005-01-31T08:36:00.000-05:002005-01-31T08:40:15.033-05:00

The GOP's seventy-year march against Social Security made a stop in White Sulphur Springs, WV, for a retreat to hash out new strategies in selling the privatization scheme, Reuters reports. Bush attended the event to boost the moral of GOP lawmakers that have been stymied by the Dems so far. While the GOP is having problems getting traction on the issue, Bush pledged to help by: "...providing

CRKhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07175039367016723400noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-10216693.post-1107174449711193712005-01-31T07:54:00.000-05:002005-01-31T07:59:07.133-05:00

Bush and GOP continue to push their "ownership society" but the longer they are in power, the less you get to own. From Reuters: U.S. worker salaries are growing much more slowly than inflation, raising concerns about consumers' ability to repay loans and credit cards bills at a time when borrowing is near all-time highs. Just as Americans have begun receiving hefty statements for their holiday

CRKhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07175039367016723400noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-10216693.post-1106925979469134432005-01-28T10:25:00.000-05:002005-01-28T10:27:47.730-05:00

A third commentator has been caught with his hand in the till without disclosing the payment, according to Salon. Here's the best part: Michael McManus writes a column called "Ethics & Religion." Salon has confirmed that Michael McManus, a marriage advocate whose syndicated column, "Ethics & Religion," appears in 50 newspapers, was hired as a subcontractor by the Department of Health and Human

CRKhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07175039367016723400noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-10216693.post-1106924948967223672005-01-28T09:22:00.000-05:002005-01-28T10:09:08.966-05:00

Someone is hitting back on the Social security, but no one is sure just who that is, The Hill is reporting: Automated callers are phoning seniors in at least a dozen Republican congressional districts across the country telling them their representative favors “privatizing Social Security.” The unidentified calls, which began earlier this week, are targeting Republican members with high

CRKhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07175039367016723400noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-10216693.post-1106843368021462612005-01-27T11:54:00.000-05:002005-01-27T11:55:40.223-05:00

From Bloomberg: Eight U.S. representatives and senators, including five Republicans, introduced a bill that would allow Americans to import cheaper drugs from Canada and other countries.Sherrod Brown was one of the co-sponsors. He continues to prove that he can work across the aisle when the other side is willing to listen. Or is forced to listen: "If we don't establish this with good law,

CRKhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07175039367016723400noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-10216693.post-1106760291395998532005-01-26T13:30:00.000-05:002005-01-26T13:30:55.030-05:00

Tim Tagaris at Swing State Project has written about what we'll see from blogs and the internet in the '06 & '08 elections. And fundraising is the least of it. Certainly, candidates will use more video as bandwidth continues to increase and becomes less expensive. Blogger networks will serve as micro-media outlets that reach individuals rather than a demographic. And candidates will continue to

CRKhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07175039367016723400noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-10216693.post-1106751490771778762005-01-26T10:12:00.000-05:002005-01-26T10:15:20.536-05:00

Two possible candidates for Ohio governor in 2006, Sherrod Brown and Don Plusquellic are saying, "Thanks, but no thanks," to a possible run at the governor's mansion by TV talk show host Jerry Springer. The reasons couldn't be summed up better than this: "I don't think Jerry is the nominee we want," [Sherrod] Brown said in an interview. "Jerry is very smart, he's right on the issues, he's as

CRKhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07175039367016723400noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-10216693.post-1106748453696921492005-01-26T09:08:00.000-05:002005-01-26T09:10:35.036-05:00

Our tax dollars are being used to tell us what to think. Howard Kurtz, is reporting that columnist, Maggie Gallagher has accepted HHS money to promote "marriage as a way of strengthening families." From WaPo: "The Bush marriage initiative would emphasize the importance of marriage to poor couples" and "educate teens on the value of delaying childbearing until marriage," she wrote in National

CRKhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07175039367016723400noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-10216693.post-1106679382810651862005-01-25T13:56:00.000-05:002005-01-25T13:58:12.246-05:00

Some last minute advice for the Iraqi candidate (via Juan Cole): In a darkened hall, candidates for Iraq's main Shia party sit listening to a turbaned cleric speaking into a microphone. They are being told how to campaign for the election without getting killed. The instructions are simple - avoid public places and do not reveal your identity, the cleric advised. Most candidates should stay at

CRKhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07175039367016723400noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-10216693.post-1106592828623196142005-01-24T14:28:00.000-05:002005-01-25T09:38:21.273-05:00

I news-googled "Global Warming" and was stunned to be referred to ESPN.com! This is from their Outdoors section, an article from the Nov. 2004 Bass Times, a publication of B.A.S.S. (Bass Anglers Sportsman Society). Water Wars The risk of an actual military war being fought over water is increasing because of an explosive global population growth and widespread complacency, according to

CRKhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07175039367016723400noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-10216693.post-1106573506652927192005-01-24T08:21:00.000-05:002005-01-24T08:32:09.720-05:00

From the San Jose Mercury News: - U.S. military fatalities from hostile acts have risen from an average of about 17 per month just after President Bush declared an end to major combat operations on May 1, 2003, to an average of 71 per month. - The average number of U.S. soldiers wounded by hostile acts per month has spiraled from 142 to 708 during the same period. Iraqi civilians have

CRKhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07175039367016723400noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-10216693.post-1106408031556735802005-01-22T11:44:00.000-05:002005-01-22T12:30:25.500-05:00

Ohio's Issue 1, which many credit as pushing GWB over the top in Ohio, may have undone years worth of law to protect women against abuse. Article XV Section 11. Only a union between one man and one woman may be a marriage valid in or recognized by this state and its political subdivisions. This state and its political subdivisions shall not create or recognize a legal status for relationships of

CRKhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07175039367016723400noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-10216693.post-1106326932701786502005-01-22T09:25:00.000-05:002005-01-22T12:29:40.026-05:00

Merck has enlisted in the war on drugs, by cutting the supply to Canadian pharmacies that sell Merck products to Americans. Being a drug company, the welfare of its customers came first. Sort of... "There should be no need for patients to put themselves at risk by purchasing potentially counterfeit medicines over the Internet when free Merck medicines are available from Merck's patient

CRKhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07175039367016723400noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-10216693.post-1106231435392946292005-01-20T11:41:00.000-05:002005-01-20T11:42:49.476-05:00

What's wrong with this picture? From today's NYTimes (subscription) Convinced that they need Democratic support to overhaul Social Security, leading House Republicans have begun urging the White House to consider tax increases as part of any deal. "We want Democrats on board," Representative Jim McCrery, the Louisiana Republican who is chairman of the House subcommittee on Social Security, said

CRKhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07175039367016723400noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-10216693.post-1106077564064985972005-01-18T15:10:00.000-05:002005-01-18T15:38:12.726-05:00

Let’s face facts. There is no Social Security crisis. A “crisis” implies an immediate threat. With the exception of the President’s plan to “save” Social Security, there is no immediate threat. That being said, those of us who understand there is no crisis, need to get our story straight. Stop using the word “crisis.” Every time you say “there is no crisis,” or “the so-called crisis,” or “those

CRKhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07175039367016723400noreply@blogger.com5tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-10216693.post-1105994645847137932005-01-17T18:43:00.000-05:002005-01-19T09:59:24.006-05:00

Welcome to the Seven Cent Nickel! "What we need most is a 7 cent nickel. You could buy a 2 cent gumball and get the same nickel in change. One nickel, carefully used, could last a family a lifetime" -with apologizes to Groucho Marx.

CRKhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07175039367016723400noreply@blogger.com4