Gov. Kasich is leading. And leadership means making the tough calls. In the coming days, Gov. Kasich will unveil his reform agenda and his budget. The budget must trim over $8 billion to come into balance. Failed governor Ted Strickland left a terrible, terrible mess for us to clean up and it is not going to be easy. Already, we have seen the price our party takes for exhibiting leadership and for making some very difficult decisions. I have great faith in Gov. Kasich to turn around our state. Radical change is needed or our economic slide will continue. Gov. Kasich is just the man.And...
When I talk to Tea Party leaders, I typically ask for one thing: give our leaders the backing they need to make the tough calls. Don't get swayed by the public opinion that sways the traditional political parties who exist to maintain power. Stand with those elected officials who will make the unpopular choices to take things away from people. We are entering an era in American politics where government must take things away and oftentimes government will take things away from some who will vocally tell us we can't. These are very difficult political choices. But, if we want a government we can afford, we must ultimately make sweeping changes. Will we pay a price at the polls? Maybe. Will we save the state and the country? If we do what we must, I'm sure of it.
And...
The personal attacks and heated rhetoric were wrong when we did it at President Obama and Speaker Pelosi during the Obamacare debate. The public sector unions are doing it now and it is wrong now, too.
And...
Speaking of personal attacks, I have been disappointed by some of the petty, insulting name-calling that I've seen on social media and other places in this collective bargaining reform debate. Some people who I respect have lost that respect as they use vile personal attacks on political leaders with whom they disagree. Emotion clouds the judgment. It shouldn't. Dignity should always prevail--in victory and defeat. Some of my friends have forgotten that. Criticize us on policy all you want to. Name-calling and personal insults are useless and only stand to strengthen our resolve. Compromise and negotiation are made more difficult when it becomes personal.
And...
We unveiled our Cincinnati City Council slate for 2011. I'm proud that our Nominating Committee recommended the endorsement of Leslie Ghiz, Wayne Lippert, Catherine Smith Mills, Amy Murray, and Charlie Winburn. These five members can make a difference at City Hall.
And...
If you are not part of the process, don't complain. If your political involvement only includes sitting at your computer and complaining via the Internet, you're not contributing to the solution. If you don't like what's happening in your city, township, county, state, and nation, get off the sofa and get involved! Plato is famously quoted as saying, "[T]he punishment which the wise suffer who refuse to take part in the government is to live under the government of worse men." Are you a better man or woman? Get involved.
And...
ESPN is reporting the tragic death of 16 year old high school basketball player Wes Leonard. This young man, from Fennville High School in Michigan, tragically collapsed and died after a high school basketball game on Thursday evening. A star of the basketball and football team, Wes Leonard suffered a cardiac event suddenly causing his death. To learn more about this tragic story, click here. Why mention this on a political blog? Because it should remind all of us that life is fleeting and precious. The things we do in politics are meaningless and our differences petty when we consider how quickly life can end. If this young man's tragic death makes us all take one step back from the angst, then maybe one small good will come from this tragedy. Keep Wes Leonard and his family in your prayers.
And...
NAACP President Christopher Smitherman appears to be running for Cincinnati City Council. He'll have some work to do to earn my vote. He might start by telling his followers the truth about what has transpired at the Board of Elections. He might also educate Cecil Thomas on court procedure. Calling for the arrest of Board of Elections members for violating a non-existent court order is the type of false hyperbole that has thrust Mr. Smitherman into the spotlight, but leaves responsible leaders in our community with serious doubts about his ability to contribute to the greater good. Smitherman is a gifted and bright guy, but he needs to find a more adult voice as he attempts to re-enter government service.
And...
LaRosa's is the city's best pizza.
And...
The Bearcats are likely to return to the NCAA Tournament. That little progr'm on Victory also is headed there. It should be a fun March.
And...
The defending National League Central Division Champion Cincinnati Reds are a few short weeks from starting up the regular season. And I can't wait. As I've pointed out on this blog before, a good baseball team lifts the spirits of this city like nothing else. Baseball is played 162 times per year which means that a good team can entertain us in the spring, summer, and into the fall. Following the team on a daily basis is a wonderful sidelight to the daily grind of life. Go Redlegs!
And...
Those angry about SB5 call party headquarters. Those angry at the few Republicans not supporting SB5 also call party headquarters. Those angry at both call party headquarters. In the end, the party gets blamed by everybody for everything at some point. And I love it. Because we're in the middle of the public debate.
And...
I respect the position taken by BYU in dismissing Brandon Davies. Our modern society is too full of people lacking standards and lacking discipline. There was no "bait and switch" with him. He knew the rules, he broke them, and he's out. If you don't want to live by the rules, don't go there. A good lesson in 2011 for every kid: a rule is a rule. Even if it prohibits a cup of caffeinated coffee.
And...
The construction at the party HQ continues and is nearly completed. We will be having a grand reopening party when it is all finished.
And...
Have a great weekend.
