Wins and Losses

Well, we made it through another Election Day, this time without wondering whether the vote would be close like in 2000. It was anything but that. Obama's landslide victory surprises even me. I know a lot of people are concerned whether he will do well or not. I think he will. It will take time, but we will find out. If not, then we'll look for another President. At least he can't be worse than Bush :)

I would like to thank John McCain for his effort, and for his service to the country. He has served his country honorably, in both peace and war. Here's a suggestion: If Obama wants to truly create a bipartisan cabinet, why not select John McCain for Secretary of Defense? His military experience alone qualifies him in my book. I have a lot of respect for John McCain, I just don't like his party. He would be a tough cookie in that position.

Congrats to Baron Hill for his win over Mike Sodrel. Baron ran a good campaign against a tough opponent. Baron's win means that we still have a voice in the House, a voice that will work for us, not for a party. Again, congratulations Baron.

On the loss side, I was terribly disheartened to hear that Jill Long Thompson lost to Daniels. That is really a shame. Jill did not have enough money to push back against Daniels' massive sign blitz and television ads. She would have made a good Governor. Now we face four more years of watching our state get sold off piece by piece. In a few months, those that believed his ads will wake up to realize they made a mistake, once he starts back in on his privatization kick. Just wait and see. The only good thing is that the Democrats control the Statehouse. This will help to keep Daniels in check, and stop him from running roughshod over the state. Maybe someone in the Statehouse can get enough support to push a measure to end DST, or at least a referendum. It will have to have a lot of support in order to override any possible veto by Daniels. I can only hope.

Low Blows and Slick Tricks from the GOP Slime Machine

Just when you thought that the GOP couldn't dig any lower in the slime pit, here's the latest examples. For the first example, the Washington Post, in their campaign diary, The Trail, reports that when Obama's Grandmother was dying, Obama made a trip to Hawaii (on October 24th) to visit her. According to the article, the California GOP filed a complaint with the Federal Election Commission about the Obama Campaign using campaign funds to make the trip. Here is the complaint:

"Obama for America violated federal law by converting its campaign funds to Senator Obama's personal use," the release stated. "Senator Obama recently traveled to Hawaii to visit his sick grandmother. This was the right thing for any grandson to do -- at his own expense -- but it was not travel that his campaign may fund."

According to the article,

At issue was whether the trip should have been paid for with campaign funds, based on the law that forbids candidates from using such funds to pay for personal travel. The Obama campaign said the trip had been vetted with lawyers beforehand and was allowable. The Republicans argued that, because Obama did not campaign during the quick journey to Hawaii, it should not have been a campaign expense.

The Republicans released the statement about 1:30 pm on Monday. Obama's Grandmother died the same day. Talk about bad timing...releasing a statement condemning someone visiting his dying Grandmother on the day that she dies. That's low. Ok, maybe there might be an issue about what funds were used. If so, Obama can pay them back. The real issue here is a heartless, desperate GOP that continues to find new ways to stoop lower and lower into the muck. If the shoe had been on the other foot, I'm sure the GOP would have said it was ok, and would have thrown a fit if anyone says anything. As far as not campaigning while he was there, well, if he had, they would have twisted that, too.

Here's another one. Here in Indiana, two Republican poll workers were removed for challenging voters improperly. According to another article in The Trail, the workers challenged "voters on the basis of their party affiliation". Read on:

Voters in the battleground state can be challenged on the validity of their address, age or if they lack an ID, but not based on their party affiliation. The two poll workers -- a Republican vote challenger and a clerk -- forced at least three voters to file provisional ballots, said Angie Nussmeyer, spokeswoman for the Marion County Election Board.

The county's bipartisan elections board voted unanimously to remove the two. The Marion County Republican Party reacted with a statement this afternoon saying it was unaware of the improper challenges and had not instructed party workers to do so. "We wish to see all qualified voters vote and find it reprehensible to ever deter a proper voter from voting," read the statement.

Um, yeah, sure they didn't know...yeah, right. Just another GOP tactic to keep people from voting, and keep themselves in power. At least they were stopped before they did much damage.

There have been countless reports across the country about tactics such as these and worse in the last few days. Maybe by people hearing about it, people will be prepared if they are challenged.

If you still are able to vote, and are challenged, call your local election board, call the media, whatever it takes. If you are told that you can't vote because of parking tickets or voting for Democrats is tomorrow, don't believe it because it is a lie. You can't be stopped from voting or arrested for parking tickets, and the only day for elections is today. You have a right to vote. Don't let them stop you.

Time To Vote!

Well, we've finally made it to Election Day. This has been the longest and most arduous campaign I've ever seen. I'm not going to get into any history about this campaign, because you probably already know about most of it. What is important here is that no matter who you support, get out and vote. We in Indiana only have two hours left, but the rest of the nation will not stop until late tonight. The media networks, thankfully, have put a moratorium on releasing any information about the election until after 5 pm EST. Personally, I wish that they would wait until after the last poll closes in Alaska at 1 am, but that is probably not going to happen. Hopefully, if you are on the West Coast and reading this, you have already voted, or are preparing to vote. Don't let the media outlets sway you with projections, or give up because you think you may have lost. Get out and vote, and make your voice heard.

The Coattail Effect

Doing a little late-night blogging, and found something interesting in the Indianapolis Star . The Star is a Republican newspaper, so they will do anything they can to help their side. Latest article is about ticket splitting, telling how that many will vote for a Democrat for President, and a Republican for Governor (got to back their great Mitch!). Anyway, buried in this is this quote:

Among voters supporting Obama, 28 percent also are backing Daniels for governor. Among those voting for McCain, 13 percent are supporting Long Thompson for governor.

Hmm, that means that if Obama takes a large chunk of the vote, 72% of those voters will vote for Jill Long Thompson. If McCain takes a majority, then 87% will vote for Daniels. The way things are looking right now for Obama, he could take this state, and bring Jill Long Thompson in with him, thus the coattail effect of riding to victory due to someone elses good political fortune and popularity (not that it's a bad thing). That is not good news for Daniels, because a Democratic wave could sweep him out of office.

Let's hope for a Democratic tsunami on Election Day! Get out there and vote Democrat, and let the waves sweep the Repubs out of office!

DST - Just In Case You Forgot

Well, we're back on Eastern Standard Time again. Just in case you forgot, DST ended at 2:00 am this morning. If you forgot, and are late for church, or just aggravated at having to switch times, just remember who caused all this...our wonderful Governor, Mitch Daniels. Just in case you forgot about it, remember that he didn't ask us if we wanted it, he rammed it down our throats, and the vote passed by one vote. I don't call that a mandate. In case you are upset about it, just keep that in mind for Tuesday, when you can VOTE HIM OUT, and vote in a Governor who will let the people decide whether to continue this mess. Jill Long Thompson will call for a statewide referendum on the issue, and let US decide whether to continue with DST or end the mess once and for all. Jill will give the people a voice in government, one that has been silenced for the last four years under Daniels.

Over the last four years, I have watched this Governor slowly sap the life out of this state. First by de-certifying the teachers union, then closing license branches, forcing DST on us, selling off the Indiana Toll Road, and on and on. His signs say he has courage and vision...baloney! His tactics are not courageous or visionary...they are from the viewpoint of a corporate CEO who views this state like his company. I for one am tired of watching my state slowly die under him. It is time for a change, and not a minute too soon.

I urge you, when you go into the booth on Tuesday, to think about what happened over the last four years. Remember the issues, remember the problems. Ask yourself if you want four more years of this. If you don't, vote for Jill Long Thompson for Governor. She will give us our voice back in government.

Nervousness in the Republican Camp

With just 3 weeks to go till the election, Repubs are starting to get nervous about McCain's chances at winning the Presidency. Check out the article here. Looks like the Dems might actually have a chance to win this thing. Enjoy!

Tight Race for Governor - Jill is Gaining!

Hi folks! Doing a little late night blogging, and thought I'd pass some info on the race for Indiana Governor. The race is tightening up! According to a poll from WISH-TV 8 in Indianapolis, Daniels is leading only by a very slim margin, 49% to 45%, and his approval rating is even closer to Jill Long Thompson, 49% to 45%. This is very tight, considering Daniels had a wide lead at one time, and just a few weeks ago, was up 49% to 41%. Daniels paints a rosy picture, but in reality, he is in trouble. Check out his approval rating here...very low indeed.

Jill is gaining on Daniels, and fast. Read this article from WISH-TV 8 on how the race is tightening. At the pace she's going, and the way the economy is causing trouble for the repubs, Jill will be our next Governor, and not a moment too soon. Just remember, if your on the fence, remember some of the things Daniels has done:

1. De-certified the Teacher's Union as his first official act in office.
2. Brought us the DST mess.
3. Closed license branches all over the state.
4. Sold off the Indiana Toll Road to an Australian consortium.
5. When asked about what he considered to be a good wage, he replied that "$9 or $10 an hour is a good wage. Pretty good considering he is a multimillionaire. I'd like to see him live on that.
6. Privatization of welfare and a host of other formerly state-run departments.

I could list more, but you get the point. Daniels has been a disaster for this state. Just ask anyone who has been thrown out of work because of his cuts. This must stop! Daniels cannot be allowed to have another 4 years to further ruin this great state.

I urge you to support Jill Long Thompson for Governor. She will work to rebuild this state, and undo the damage that Daniels has done. It will take time, but Jill will get the job done. Vote for Jill on November 4th!

DST

One of the issues that will come up with a new governor will be Daylight Savings Time. This has caused much controversy over the years. Here is a history of time in Indiana, that will give you some idea how controversial it is. Personally, I think we should go back to the old way. DST doesn't save any money - it actually costs more. Read this article from U.S. News about the increase in energy consumption.

I asked Jill Long Thompson's office about their stand on the issue. This is their statement:

Thank you for your email. As Governor, Jill will call for a nonbinding referendum that would let the public have more input into this issue. The referendum would address both time zones and Daylight Savings Time. With input from Hoosiers across the state, she believes a better policy for everyone can be implemented.

I think that is a good idea. The governor should listen to the public on this issue, unlike what Daniels did. He asked no one but his own party, then rammed it down our throats. I personally would like to see it banned immediately, but if it takes a referendum, so be it. I have had enough people tell me how much they hate DST, that I think it would be overwhelmingly in favor of repeal.

If you want to have a chance to repeal DST, please support Jill Long Thompson. She will give the people their voice in state government back.

Time for a new Governor - Daniels Must Go!

I've been pretty busy this summer, and have kept quiet about the elections, at least on here. However, I heard something today that really surprised and shocked me. I heard Daniels was up by 17 points in the polls. Now, honestly, I don't know how he found that many people to support him, unless they polled his campaign. The last time I saw the numbers, he had a 37% approval rating. Somehow, he has managed to pull ahead in the polls. This is very disturbing. Let me remind you of some of the things this clown did (not in any particular order):

!. Sold off the Indiana Toll Road.
2. Closed license branches across the state.
3. Shoved DST down our throats.
4. De-certified the teacher's union (that was the first thing he did)
5. Privatized welfare, and anything else he could sell off.
6. Lied through his teeth about the state being in the red..the state constitution forbids that, and no, we weren't.
7. Made the comment that "$9 - $10 hr is good money". Quite a comment from someone who is a multimillionaire. I don't know about you, but I can't live on that anymore.

There are more things, but I don't have the time to go into more. I think you get the point. Daniels must go. He is the worst Governor since Governor Morton...that's another story. I am fully supporting Jill Long Thompson for Governor, and encourage everyone who reads this to do the same. Just think back to the mess we've had here, and think whether you want another 4 years of this clown. Personally, not me. Send him back to Washington, or wherever he came from.

No Time to Panic

Hi, folks. It's been a busy summer here. Not much time for blogging. Recent events, however, warrant a post. The crisis on Wall Street is one of them. I'm sure you have all read the news and heard about how jittery the market is. I don't think I need to explain that. What I do want to do is to give you some reassurance. Now, granted, we know that the reason for this happening is because many of these firms investing in things that were not good ideas in the first place, like insuring against bond defaults. Along with that, the current administration has done little to discourage practices such as these. Throw in the fact that oil is still running high, consumers don't have enough money to spend, businesses lose because no one is spending money...oh, wait, I think I had a topic about that before...anyway, no, it is not a good situation, and blame can be placed in many places, but that can come later.

The worst thing one could do right now is panic. Keep your money in the bank. Banks depend on cash assets from individuals. If people were to start pulling money out, that would cause a run...one leads to two, and so on. Give the market time to straighten itself out. After all, it took 8 years of the Bush administration to ruin it, and it will not be fixed overnight. Let cooler heads prevail. We will get through this.

The Indiana Primary - Time to make a choice

Well, looks like the primary is almost here. We've spent months listening to pundits and pollsters, and now, for the first time in years, our primary can make a difference. Although I still think the choices aren't great, we still have to make a choice. I am leaning towards Obama, because I don't think Hillary can beat McCain. McCain seems like a decent guy, but it's the baggage that he would bring with him that worries me (read the current Repub establishment that caused this mess in the first place...those people have resumes stretching all the way back to Nixon). We have to get them out of power before anything will change, including the price of gas.

As far as the Governors race, I favor Jill Long Thompson. I think she can do a good job, and should have no problem beating Daniels in the fall (for that matter, I don't think it will take much, considering that he's made most of the state mad at him). You know you're in trouble when your first ad is full of apologies for mistakes made, but, oh yeah, we'll do better next time...yeah, right!

If you want to make a change, get out and vote tomorrow. Let your voice be heard.

"Gas Shortage" Exposed

Here's an interesting article about the so-called "gas shortage". Titled "There Is No Gas Shortage", and written by Ed Wallace for an article in "Business Week", it is a good expose' of what the current administration is doing to prolong the ever-increasing cost of oil. As Wallace asks in the article,

Why is Washington doing everything it can to convince us there is a shortage when there isn't one? After all, the only people they're protecting are those heavily invested in oil futures—and that's to the detriment of all other Americans.

Just what I've been saying all along, that this whole thing is made up by this administration, and driven by speculators. It's about time someone exposed this for the lie that it is. Thank you Mr. Wallace! Read the article here.

Muddied Waters

Hi, folks! Primary time is nearing, and the race is getting more heated by the day. I don't think I've ever seen a time when the choices were so difficult. All the candidates have some good qualities, but also have enough bad qualities to make me stop and think about who I would want. Obviously, voting for McCain just doesn't seem like a good idea. McCain by himself would probably be ok, but with all the other baggage that would come with him (read the current Repub establishment that got us in this mess to start with, and have been lurking around Washington since Nixon), I just can't see that as a good idea. Obama keeps talking about change, but doesn't say what kind of change. I don't know enough about him to feel comfortable. Clinton has come out in support of groups that I cannot support, and ideas that I cannot condone.

As far as electability, many people would vote against Obama just because of the name (I'm not saying it's a bad name, just that some people feel it sounds too close to another infamous person). Clinton also has an electability problem with the name, because every right-wing extremist in the country will vote against her because of her husband. Her stance on certain groups will also hurt her with the conservative base in this country.

When will the Democratic Party wake up and realize that the way to gain the White House is not by electing liberals, but by reaching out to the conservative base in this country? There are far more of us than they realize, but our voices are not heard. We need a Truman or Kennedy...someone who is tough, and can take us back to the place that we once were, with higher moral standards, and compassion for the working man.

DST Returns

Hi, folks. It's been awhile since I posted. It's been a long and rough winter. Thanks to all who have visited the site in my absence. Got a subject for today that must be addressed.

Daylight Savings Time (DST). To many of you, it's a normal thing each spring and fall. To us in Indiana, it is a strange adjustment, as we have only been doing this for a few years. It is a major adjustment. Let me explain our situation.

Because of a bad experience with DST in the 1960's, Indiana went back to Eastern Standard Time in all but a few counties. That's what I grew up under. No time change. Folks knew where the sun would be at a certain time of year, such as in summer, the sun being down before 9:00 PM. Normal.

Fast forward to 2005. Our beloved (?) governor, Mitch Daniels, decided that he knew what was best for all of us. Daniels, against popular opinion, pushed to get a DST bill approved by the legislature. The vote was very close, and by Daniels and his bunch twisting arms, managed to get the law passed by one vote. This vote was by a man who had originally said he would vote against the bill. DST, against the will of the people, became law.

To a state that is used to doing things the old-fashioned way, DST is a nightmare. The summer days are longer, which means increased energy use from running air conditioning. Hmmm, increased energy use, increased cost, Repub in office...sound familiar?

Now we have evidence that DST does not work. According to the Lincoln, Nebraska, JournalStar, DST led to increased energy use. The study was done in Indiana, and compared electricity consumption before DST and after DST. There was also a control group made up of households from counties that had already been on DST. Read on:

Their finding: Having the entire state switch to daylight-saving time each year, rather than stay on standard time, costs Indiana households an additional $8.6 million in electricity bills. They conclude that the reduced cost of lighting in afternoons during daylight-saving time is more than offset by the higher air-conditioning costs on hot afternoons and increased heating costs on cool mornings.

“I’ve never had a paper with such a clear and unambiguous finding as this,” says Kotchen, who presented the paper at a National Bureau of Economic Research conference.

DST can also lead to increased risk of drowsy driving. According to an article in Yahoo Finance from the National Road Safety foundation, DST increased the risk of drowsy driving.

"The change throws off our internal clock, and it can take as long as two weeks for our bodies to adjust," says Adele Kristiansson, director of marketing and legislative affairs at the National Road Safety Foundation.

"Drowsiness is a condition most drivers fail to recognize, and it can be as dangerous as drinking and driving," she adds. "Studies show 60 percent of us have driven while feeling fatigued, and more than a third admit to having fallen asleep at the wheel in the past year. Drowsiness is a factor in a substantial number of traffic crashes."

There we have it, folks. The evidence is in. DST does not save energy, it only increases its use. At a time when people are struggling to make ends meet, we don't need an increase in energy usage.

DST is also very dangerous, and can cost lives. Two weeks to adjust to the change could mean the loss of a loved one. That should not happen.

DST must go. It doesn't save anything except votes and money for the politicians and their corporate buddies. They like to think this is New York. Well, it isn't. The new governor (and there will be a new one - Daniels doesn't have enough support from his own party, let alone the Democrats), must make this a high priority in the new administration.

Enough is enough. Put us back on Eastern Standard Time and leave it there. As we say here, if it ain't broke, don't fix it.