CPS Board of Education

In last Sunday's Forum section of the Enquire, the paper called for substantial change in the contract with the teachers' union. Despite this call for needed change, the Enquire ignored conservative pro-business candidates who will facilitated the change we need and instead endorsed a slate of three incumbents, whom the Enquirer is currently suing for holding improper closed door meetings, plus a pro-union candidate, Vanessa White. White, who pretends to be pro-business when talking with business leaders, had to be asked several times by Enquirer reporter Ben Fischer what her stance was on prevailing wage before she reluctantly confessed that she favors the current CPS pro-union policy of paying prevailing wage on building contracts.http://cincinnati.com/blogs/politics/2009/10/30/vanessa-white-on-prevailing-wage/ The Enquirer's endorsement of 16 year incumbent Catherine Ingram is also troubling as she is endorsed by the same teacher's union that the Enquirer wants the Board to take a tough stance with. When will the Enquirer learn that if we are to have true change, we must vote for change. The Republican Party has endorsed a pro-kids, pro-business, candidate in Christopher McDowell. When elected to the Board next Tuesday, McDowell will put the interests of children and taxpayers ahead of special interest groups. This is why the Republican Party strongly endorses Christopher McDowell.

Guest Blog Posting by Mark Miller

Mayor Mallory has been obsessed with population numbers. Midway through his term the Census Bureau estimated that Cincinnati was losing population faster than any other US city. The Enquirer profiled thousands of people leaving for the suburbs, and all the reasons Cincinnati wasn't cutting it for them. Mallory's answer? Challenge the estimates.

He hired a consultant to do a "drilldown study" which substitutes convoluted statistical analyses for actual counting. The study miraculously "found" another 69,000 people, erasing the decline to put Cincinnati back on the list of growing cities.

Problem is that monkeying with estimates eventually catches up with you. Every 10 years the Census Bureau does an actual count of each and every person which is both exhaustive and final. So what will the 2010 census show? Was Mallory's paper exercise real or illusory?

Population counters start with addresses and determine how many people live at each address. So has the number of addresses gone up or down in four years? The number of dwelling units built has lagged those demolished for Mallory's entire term. And the city continues to wreck residences with reckless abandon.

How about dwellers within dwelling units, is it up or down? In Over-the-Rhine alone, 3CDC has systematically vacated and barricaded over 100 multi-family residential buildings. Building vacancies have seen a dramatic rise in every other neighborhood as well.

Even the number of restaurants and other food-service places licensed by the city declined from 2,525 in 2005 to 2,509 in 2008. As of September, that number is down to 2,429. Cincinnati Public Schools has seen a decline in enrollment which resulted in permanent closure and consolidation of several school buildings.

When you get right down to it, the only thing suggesting any growth in Cincinnati is Mallory's questionable "study". Everything else indicates he shrunk the city.

But Mallory hasn't completed his con job. With a record budget deficit, and the entire city under a hiring freeze, he insisted on hiring a "Census Coordinator" to put his spin on the upcoming federal count.

Do we really want another four years of this? Let's end this fiasco now, and elect a real mayor.

*This guest blog posting was submitted by COAST member Mark Miller.

Inevitable Democratic Tax Increase, Etc.

Democratic city councilwoman Laketa Cole has returned to Cincinnati after a her world travels and now is leading the charge to raise your taxes. That's rich. Ms. Cole took two weeks away during the election season to travel to Hawaii and then to Asia. We've blogged about that before. The process of raising your taxes is a little complicated to understand making it easier on Ms. Cole and the "Furlough Five" to do it without being caught. Let me explain. Every year since 2000, the Cincinnati City Council sets the millage rate to collect taxes at a level that will result in $28.9 million of taxpayer money coming into the city's coffers. Because of changing property values and other such variables, that millage rate is adjusted every year so that taxpayers are not taxed for more than the $28.9 million. This year, Ms. Cole is proposing to set the millage rate at a place where it will cost taxpayers more than the $28.9 million. That, folks, is a tax increase no matter how you explain it! Of course, they want to delay the vote until after the election so as not to have to explain to the voters why they are raising your taxes. Just Democrats being Democrats.

And...

Brad Wenstrup said this to me last week: "We're going to steal home." I believe him. His campaign has been a thing of beauty and his gentlemanly approach to leadership will carry the day. The GOP is not "in the wilderness" in this city and Brad's strong campaign is proof that we will fight everywhere to bring our ideas to government.

And...

Our west side fundraiser is set for tomorrow at the Western Hills Country Club at 5:30 p.m. It is not too late to participate and we hope to have you there. For more information, call Maggie at 513-381-5454 or e-mail her at maggien@hc-gop.org.

And...

I've been around the court system and in trial work long enough to spot a lie. The two pilots who overshot their destination city by 150 miles and who went silent on the radios for over an hour are lying about what was happening in that cockpit. The cover-up is always worse than the crime. Admit the wrongdoing and mitigate the damage. When will people learn?

And...

I went lit-dropping with Charlie Winburn over the weekend. Charlie's campaign is very organized, targeted, and scientific. Charlie has a political machine that is highly impressive. Charlie's team worked me--hard! It was great to be out on a crisp fall day going door-to-door. We were in a targeted precinct in Madisonville. Charlie is a super-high-energy campaigner and he left me in the dust. It was great to be out with our candidates and I intend to do it again.

And...

My response to the Enquirer editorial endorsement of the current Mayor was met with great support. Thanks to the many people who called, e-mailed, or otherwise got word to me with your positive thoughts.

And..

I voted yesterday. Betting my votes are not hard to guess. You can vote, too, at the Board of Elections right now.

And...

As much as I would like to think that next Tuesday, November 3, is the end of the campaign season--I know better. Most politicos know that Tuesday really marks the beginning of the 2010 campaign. We feel it every day. By the end of 2009, every major candidate for 2010 will have been to Cincinnati for a fundraiser and other events. Of course, Josh Mandel practically lives here!

And...

Cincinnati has two good football teams.

And...

Have a great Wednesday.

Wenstrup for Mayor

Vote 5 + Wenstrup

Election Day is only 8 days away. For those Republicans in the city of Cincinnati who wish to bring some sanity back to city government, we want to urge you to NOT dilute your vote by voting for non-Republicans.

How does this work? Every vote you cast for a non-Republican HURTS our Republican candidates in a field race by helping the non-Republicans finish as one of the top nine candidates. That's right, your vote for some of the non-Republicans (who sometimes sound like Republicans--but not often enough to receive our endorsement) dilutes your vote for Republicans and actually hurts our candidates. Every vote for a non-Republican is one more vote they get to finish in the top 9 and these candidates are all competing with our candidates for those top 9 spots. Don't dilute our limited Republican vote in the city.

Mayor -- Brad Wenstrup

Five Council Candidates:

Leslie Ghiz

Chris Monzel

Amy Murray

Charlie Winburn

George Zamary

So, we are urging every Republican in the city to:

Vote Wenstrup, then VOTE 5 AND STOP!

Enquirer Endorsements

The Cincinnati Enquirer published its endorsements yesterday. Congratulations to Amy Murray, Leslie Ghiz, and Charlie Winburn for receiving that recognition.

The Enquirer chose to endorse our current Mayor for a second term. That decision has drawn a response from the Hamilton County Republican Party. The letter I submitted via e-mail this morning is printed below.

Enquirer Made Wrong Choice in Mayoral Endorsement

The Cincinnati Enquirer did our community a disservice on Sunday with its endorsement in the Mayor’s race. As the GOP leader in this city, I am disappointed in the decision for obvious reasons. But the editorial board's basing its decision on criticism of the Republican candidate for his “gentlemanly” attitude does a disservice to the public and to our community for three reasons. First, it apparently advocates for a negative campaign from Dr. Wenstrup aimed at the Mayor. Second, it will certainly have a chilling effect on any person who wants to enter public service without what the Enquirer deems the requisite amount of “political” experience. Third, it demeans the public service of a Major in the United States Army who received commendations for his courageous and meritorious service.

Time and again, pundits and critics of politics take issue with the negative tone of political campaigns. When Dr. Wenstrup, a man of core decency, intellect, and integrity, decides to manage his campaign in a manner consistent with his professionalism--the Enquirer criticizes him for an “inability or unwillingness to sharply attack.” If politics is to ever change from “sharp attacks” and focus on the key issues, the Enquirer’s criticism of Dr. Wenstrup is nothing short of irresponsible.

Second, many fine people in the private sector look at politics and cringe at what they see. These successful, bright, and committed citizens see a political culture where “sharp attacks” and a failure to truly lead is rewarded. The criticism of Dr. Wenstrup for being “gentlemanly” will discourage any talented person who wishes to enter public life and do it professionally and respectfully.

Third, and bordering on being offensive, is the Enquirer’s assertion that Major Wenstrup may not be prepared for the “bare knuckles politics of City Hall.” On this point, one is left laughing. Dr. Brad Wenstrup won the Bronze Star Medal given to members of the armed services for bravery, acts of merit, and meritorious service in a war zone. He also was awarded the Combat Action Badge for his service in an area where there is hostile fire. Dr. Wenstrup served in an area where mortar fire would occasionally cause him to hit-the-deck and he routinely wore full body armor for protection. Yet, the Enquirer asks, “What could happen to him in the bare knuckles environment of city hall politics?” Is the Enquirer serious? Perhaps Brad will receive a paper cut from a sharply worded memo from a political foe. I think he’s up to the challenge.

What will Brad Wenstrup do when the “bare knuckles” of the childish backbiting begins at City Hall? He will draw on his real-life experience of persevering through much greater challenges to lead and to get the job done.

The current Mayor’s “get out of the way” style of leadership is recognized by many, but praised by none. Nevertheless, the Enquirer sees fit to offer him a second term at a time where our city faces enormous deficits and real challenges, and a vacuum of true leadership. The fact that it chose to do so while criticizing a man of valor, integrity and character for being a “neophyte” and a gentleman is regrettable.

The Enquirer missed a chance to encourage people to enter politics based on skills they bring from the private sector. I am concerned about the long term impact of getting good people into government as a result.

Alex M. Triantafilou
Chairman
Hamilton County Republican Party

Hawaii, etc.

Cincinnati City Council member Laketa Cole will spend the next couple of weeks in Hawaii and then South Korea and Vietnam. The Enquirer reports that here. Some people just make my job fun. Ms. Cole just did. First, let's be fair. This junket is not paid for by taxpayers. Surprisingly. Nevertheless, it is irresponsible and a little arrogant. It is irresponsible to be making a two-week journey halfway around the world when our city faces a growing deficit and looming job layoffs. Especially when you have been appointed to the most powerful chairmanship on the city council--the Finance Committee chairmanship. The trip is a little arrogant because this is the election season. Is Ms. Cole so comfortable in her position on the council that she doesn't feel the need to connect with the voters for two weeks during the final stretch of the campaign season? I'll concede that Ms. Cole is well positioned to win re-election. But, campaigns are important to the function of our democracy because they make our elected leaders go into the community and hear from the voters. My friends in this campaign tell me that the voters are deeply concerned about public safety and the financial state of the city. Ms. Cole should have stayed in the United States and listened to the voters. She's not consulting me on her travel schedule these days. Had she done that, I would've told her to go to Greece!

And...

Rob Portman had a great event at the Western Hills Country Club. The west side showed up big for Rob and that was great to see.

And...

Several GOP candidates received the ever-important Fraternal Order of Police imprimatur yesterday. Brad Wenstrup, Leslie Ghiz, Chris Monzel, Charlie Winburn, and Amy Murray all were recommended by the FOP for election to the council. Good work!

And...

The Hamilton County GOP is hosting two critical fundraisers in the coming weeks. Save these dates:

October 20, 2009 -- 5:00p - 7:00p -- Embers Restaurant

October 29, 2009 -- 5:00p - 7:00p -- Western Hills Country Club

We are having an Eastside-Westside challenge to see which part of Hamilton County can support the GOP the best. More information will follow on this blog. For more information on how to get in on the fun, contact Maggie Wuellner at maggien@hc-gop.org or 513-381-5454.

And...

President Obama is a rookie. Politically, we've seen it time and again. He's too smart to be this bad for long. The GOP needs to offer great ideas and great candidates. Counting on his continued stumbles is not an agenda for the future. We have these candidates and these ideas and I'm excited to see them emerge.

And...

Chris McDowell is running a great campaign for the Cincinnati Public Schools Board of Education. He's a great man and a great candidate. The kids who attend city schools would be well-served by Chris McDowell on that board.

And...

We are actively seeking a speaker for our Lincoln-Reagan dinner for February. Finding a great speaker is always a challenge. We try to reach every major contender for President. We also try and get other GOP "celebrities." That process is ongoing.

And...

The Bengals are 3-1. A team can play well and lose. A team can play poorly and win. I'll take the latter.

And...

I'm proud of our candidates and our campaigns all across the county. We have great people running in places like Delhi, Springfield Township, Green, Colerain, Anderson, Symmes, Sycamore, Blue Ash, Sharonville and all over. People who care about their communities subject themselves to the rigors of a campaign and there is something noble about that. Many of these jobs are not glamorous, but they make up the fabric of our democracy and I'm always happy to see people willing to serve.

And...

Have a great Tuesday.

Sunday Funny

The "Furlough Five," etc.

The dysfunction created by the Democrats who control city government was the topic of a scathing Enquirer editorial over the weekend. The left-wingers who run city government have made a mess of things. Check out the editorial here.

And...

John Kasich is well on his way to unseating the highly unpopular Democratic governor of Ohio. The most recent Rasmussen Poll shows Kasich winning by 1 point (a "dead heat" race). Strickland's failure to lead on the critical issues facing Ohio has caused him to drop out of favor with voters. For those of us working with John Kasich, we know he is just the man to be governor during these difficult times. John has the personality, intellect, and independence to be a transformative force for the state. He has a tremendous campaign team and the momentum to win. I can't wait. Read the latest poll data here.

And...

Early voting started yesterday. Go vote today! For information about voting, click here. To see Republicans running in the city, click here. To see Republican officials in suburban offices, click here.

And...

Roman Polanski allegedly used drugs to seduce and then have sex with a 13 year old girl. Read his original grand jury indictment here. After a plea bargain, he was found guilty of unlawful sexual conduct with a minor. Before being sentenced, Roman Polanski fled the country and has remained a fugitive from justice. Every American who respects the law and our legal system should applaud the arrest of this CONVICTED criminal. Nobody is above the law in America. Mr. Polanski should have faced the Judge after his criminal conviction and his decision to flee the country should not be rewarded by our judicial system. Justice should be blind and I hope Mr. Polanski gets treated as any other convicted criminal would be treated. The penalty is up to the courts in California. A respect for the law is not a partisan issue and it concerns me that some are publicly criticizing this arrest. Mr. Polanski's decision to flee is reason enough to arrest him. The merits of the case against him and the events of the late 1970s are not the issue at this moment. His failure to appear in a courtroom is the issue. His abject failure to respect the legal process is the issue. For that failure, he deserves what he gets.

And...

Local restaurateur Jeff Ruby is a hero. Remember this when you spend your entertainment dollars. His recent criticism of the "furlough five" city council members who fail to make public safety our first priority is one reason to support him. His constant activism including fundraising for victims of crime is another reason.

And...

A very nice Bengals win on Sunday. Do you follow me on Facebook? I predicted the score within 1 point. I've made enough boneheaded sports predictions on this blog to justify my bragging a little today on me getting it right over the weekend on this call.

And...

I'm currently reading the George Stephanapoulos memoir, "All Too Human." The book is about Mr. Stephanapoulos' years working with President Clinton both on his campaign and in the White House. It is a great read for any political junkie. Although a little dated, the observations about politics and human frailty are timeless. I continue to believe that Stephanapoulos has made the transition from liberal political operative to fair-minded journalist. I may not be joined in that view by many in the GOP. I still believe it. Did I mention that he's Greek?

And...

Michael Moore is threatening Democrats who don't push for a complete government takeover of health care. Go Michael go!

And...

Things are quite busy at Republican HQ with the election approaching. We need your help! Get involved.

And...

Have a great Wednesday.

Greg Harris Must Go

I urge everyone who watches this video to watch the first 10 seconds a couple of times. This is the fundamental problem with the Democratic Party and with people like Greg Harris. His political DNA causes him to want to "spend, spend, spend." Of course, there are times government must and should spend money. However, people in public service should first ask "how do I NOT spend?" Greg Harris is incapable of this kind of thinking.

Sunday Spotlight: Christopher McDowell

Chris McDowell is our GOP endorsed candidate for Cincinnati Public Schools Board of Education. Chris is a veteran, a father, and an accomplished lawyer in Cincinnati's finest law firm. He is exactly the type of person we want in public service. Learn more about Chris by clicking here.

The future of the GOP can be found in great candidates like Chris McDowell.

Along with independent John Banner, the citizens of Cincinnati have a chance to make a real change in the public schools in Hamilton County.

Mallory Pays Cleveland Consultant $2500 To Write State of City Address

Local television station WLWT-TV is conducting an investigation into the spending at the Mayor's office. Among other things cited in the News 5 report, Mayor Mallory paid $2,500 to an agency to help him write his State of the City address. (www.wlwt.com/video/20956458/index.html)

Never mind the fact that the Mayor has a staff of nine people and an office budget of as much as $500,000 and still had to look outside for help. And never mind the fact that the Mayor has to pay anyone at all to tell him the state of his city. The firm he hired was in Cleveland. CLEVELAND. The Mayor of Cincinnati had to pay a Cleveland agency to help write the speech detailing his "successes" in Cincinnati!

This is symptomatic of the problems that infest City Hall. It is just another example of the arrogance that we do not need, and the mismanagement that we can no longer afford. This city does not deserve a Mayor who is creating jobs everywhere but in Cincinnati.

Investigate for yourself by visiting the Mayor's re-election website. (www.electmallory.com) There are only two buttons to click on: Donate and Volunteer. In other words, two ways YOU can serve HIM. No message, no plan. Just filling the coffers.

Something must be done, and only you can do it. First, pass the Channel 5 link on to all your friends and contacts so that this message gets out. Second, you can support Brad financially. Visit Brad's donation page here (www.wenstrupformayor.com/?page=contribute) and give what you can.

This city deserves a Mayor who is a public servant. With your help, now and in November, we will get that man elected.

Sunday Spotlight: Trustee Al Duebber

Delhi Township continues to be a great place to live, work, and raise a family. One lifelong resident of Delhi Township decided to enter public service to keep it that way. That person is Delhi Township Trustee Al Duebber.

Most west-siders are familiar with Duebbers Automotive and Duebbers Carry-out. These landmark businesses have served those from Delhi and surrounding communities for a long time. After building these successful businesses and working in the community in many other respects, Al Duebber continued his commitment to public service by running for Delhi Township Trustee.

Al's work for the community has been recognized by the Community Press newspapers when he was named one of "Ten Who Care" in Delhi Township. He is active in his Kiwanis club and with the Oak Hills schools. Al is making a difference in Delhi Township and across the west side with his work in government and the community.

Al Duebber is also a conservative Republican who has governed true to his principles. Our party remains strong in Hamilton County's suburban communities because of great Republicans like Al Duebber.

To learn more about Al's business, click here.

To learn more about Al's civic involvement and his political career, click here.

Democratic Fight Club

The County Commissioner's meeting yesterday made for interesting television. The highlight had to be the fight that erupted between Democrats David Pepper and O'Dell Owens regarding the Coroner's budget requests for travel. The Enquirer reported it on their blog here. I rarely complain about the local media, but you will find no mention of the fact that this squabble was an intra-party squabble between Democrats. Several months ago, we had one of our elected officials and one of our commissioners disagree and it was, certainly, reported that they were both Republicans. The level of anger directed at Commissioner Pepper by Dr. Owens was far more serious than anything we've seen during this budget battle thus far. Here is part of what happened:

• Dr. Owens accused Commissioner Pepper of asking him to "break the law."

• Dr. Owens accused Commissioner Pepper of "disrespecting him."

• Dr. Owens pointed out that Commissioner Pepper "wouldn't be here next year"--a clear reference to Mr. Pepper's attempt to climb the political ladder by running for statewide office.

• During one testy exchange, Dr. Owens told Commissioner Pepper, "Go to medical school, become a doctor, and run for Coroner."
  

It was ugly.

These are very difficult times with the county budget. I watched the county commissioner's special meeting and I watched person after person (most of whom I know personally) come before the commissioners and discuss the serious impact this budget crisis is having on their offices. It is a tough time to be in government and it seems the county is running out of money to offer the most basic services. Setting priorities will be very important and it is my hope that the Democrats who run the county budget set those priorities better than their Democratic counterparts in the city have.

President Obama Wrong to Comment On Kanye West

The President of the United States has apparently added to the public outcry about Kanye West's heinous interruption of the important message being delivered to the universe by 19 year old country music sensation and national spokeswoman Taylor Swift. The President has allegedly called Mr. West a "jackass." For once, the President might be right.

But the President is wrong. He should not be part of the public dialogue on this silliness. I believe that the President does not have the proper respect for the dignity of the office. I like a president who doesn't know or care what Kanye West did. The country is going broke, losing a war in Afghanistan, and our president is now a pop culture critic. It is a change--for sure. An unwelcome one.

This kind of stuff reminds me of why I am a Republican (as if I needed that in the face of what is happening to the country at the moment). I am a "traditionalist" and that is almost as important a word as "conservative." I believe in the sacred traditions of the country and our democracy and our Constitution. Respecting those traditions and foundations of our government is critical to continuing the model of our democracy that is so important to our future. President Obama is just a new rock-star phenom.

Does anyone remember when President Obama went on the Tonight Show and made a derogatory comment about Special Olympians? How quickly that got off the front page, huh? That type of juvenile and unprofessional behavior is not presidential.

President Obama has the intellect and the gravitas to avoid this silliness. He has not done that, yet.

Thoughts on Democrats Ousting Jeff Berding

The Hamilton County Democratic Party ousted Jeff Berding this morning. They pulled his endorsement for this fall's city council election. This was not a surprise to local political observers or to anyone who read my blog last Friday.

First, Jeff Berding is a Democrat and this blog isn't designed to defend him. There is much with which we do not agree on with Jeff Berding. In fact, his quote this morning should assure Republicans that he is not one of us. He said, [y]ou can take away my endorsement, but you can not take away the fact I am a Democrat...I take a backseat to no one in my commitment to Democratic values.” I am not in the business of defending Democrats--even when ousted from one Democratic group.

Nevertheless, Jeff Berding has sided with the "common-sense" city council members--two of whom are Republicans--in the latest issues to confront city government. He has defied the Mayor and fellow Democrats by seeking to make public safety a budget priority. For this perceived slight to the Mayor, Jeff Berding finds himself a man without a party.

What happened? The Democratic Party of Hamilton County took one gigantic leap to the LEFT today. I wasn't sure there was much room to move left, but they found a way. The Party voted to be intolerant of anyone not supporting their big-spending, pet project agenda at City Hall. There is little doubt that this vote will certainly have a chilling effect on any Democrat who wishes to take an independent approach from the Mayor and the other Democrats who pass things like the Environmental Justice Ordinance or who vote for expensive hi-tech recycling bins. It is unfortunate.

I give Chairman Burke credit for trying to keep it together.

One final thought...can one imagine if our Party ousted a member perceived as more "centrist?" God knows we have a few. Imagine the city's chattering class bashing us for our intolerance. Let's follow the reaction to this story.

September 11, 2001

Today is a solemn and sad day in American history and one that will never be forgotten for those of us that experienced that awful day.

Where were you on 9/11/01?

I can remember exactly where I was. My son was a little over 2 years old and I was home with him on that day. Normally, my son stayed with his grandparents (my parents), but they were in Greece on this day. I had my toddler in his high-chair and I was feeding him breakfast. I was watching the Today show in the living room and was listening to Katie Couric and Matt Lauer as I always did. The news came abruptly and inexplicably. I was glued to the television until after midnight that day never leaving the house. In my west-side neighborhood, the flags starting appearing on every porch and stoop and by the end of the next day, I think every single person in the neighborhood had out a flag or some other symbol of our patriotism displayed outside their home.

I had trouble calling overseas to talk to my parents. After a day, I finally got through to them in Athens and they were, obviously, stunned. They gave me first-hand accounts of how the Greeks were reacting and what the mood was in Europe. We were international victims and we had the sympathy and prayers of the whole world. It was an interesting and sad time.

Since 9/11/01, some say that this day has been politicized. They allege that President Bush and others used 9/11 to further certain political aims. I couldn't disagree more. President Bush's presidency was transformed only 8+ months into his administration. The President acted decisively and with strength. It was the right thing to do to protect Americans.

Many have ignored the history of 9/11 and President Bush's role. Do you remember the presidential campaign of 2000? President Bush ran on a platform of education, compassionate conservatism, anti-nation building, tax cuts, and energy reform. President Bush was not a hawk bent on invading Iraq or any other country. The 9/11 murders were planned and financed during the 8 years that President Clinton was in the White House. Many people have revised history and have made President Bush the poster-boy for America haters. The America haters existed long before he became President and they planned a massive attack on our country long before he showed up. President Bush was left to react. And react he did. Our country is safer today because he did react.

But today is not a day for political debate. It is a day to remember the thousands of innocent men, women, children, sons, daughters, brothers, sisters, mothers, and fathers, who lost their lives doing nothing out of their ordinary routine. It is a sad day.

Today, I have Dad-duty again. My son, now 10, has a bug that has him laid out with a high fever. No, I don't think it's H1N1. But the irony of being home caring for him today isn't lost on me. We'll talk about 9/11 today because he is at the age where things are starting to make sense and he can be thoughtful about what is happening in the world. It will be the job of his generation to help Americans remember today so that history never repeats itself.

Take a minute to remember those we lost.

Have a great weekend.

The Criddle Chronicles

Have you read the Criddle Chronicles? Do you get them? You should.

State Central Committeewoman and GOP uber-operative, Christa Criddle publishes her updates and thoughts via e-mail. I'll re-produce them today for your reading enjoyment.

Thanks, Christa, for all you do for the GOP!

--->>> the CRIDDLE CHRONICLES <<<---

"News and Views from the Conservative Voice of SW Ohio"

Volume 2, Issue 24

Monday, September 07, 2009

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“I believe there are more instances of the abridgement of freedom of the people by gradual and silent encroachments by those in power than by violent and sudden usurpations.” James Madison

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Hi Everyone!

Happy Labor Day … OR as the Dems see it… Happy Celebration Day for all the Workers the Obama Administration can tax to death for their liberal agenda!

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THE INDOCTRINATION OF OUR YOUTH

I got several calls/e-mails from folks asking me about Obama’s address to the School Students which happens Tuesday. Now, in general, I would have no problem with a President or any public figure giving a message of “stay in school”, “work hard” etc. My concern comes with THIS administration and the fact that there always seems to be an underlying agenda. When I first heard that he was doing this address, my “spidey sense” was peaked. I then found the sheet which gave the suggested activities for teachers. Many of the items on the list seemed very innocuous. HOWEVER there were a few things that did bother me.

• Teachers were asked to have kids read books about Obama. What kind of books? Who picks the books?

• “Students could discuss their responses to the following questions: What do you think the President wants us to do? Does the speech make you want to do anything? Are we able to do what President Obama is asking of us?” – Are we able to do what he is asking of us? What if I don’t like what he is asking of them? What if I, as a parent, don’t like it?

• This was the MOST disturbing to me: Write letters to themselves about what they can do to help the president. These would be collected and redistributed at an appropriate later date by the teacher to make students accountable to their goals. – What they can do to help the president?? AND MAKE THE STUDENTS ACCOUNTABLE TO THEIR GOALS??? So, if he asks them to follow his left-wing agenda and they choose NOT to, are they punished? Students have to respect the OFFICE but I do NOT have to respect the agenda.

The biggest issue is that I do not TRUST this administration. With their repeated attempts to gain government control of all aspects of our lives, it only goes to reason that they may want to gain control of our youth and their impressionable minds. I had visions of the “Obama Jungend Bund”, especially with so many of the teachers being part of the Union and followers of Obama. With all the attention, I presume that the speech will be very bland now and without controversy so they can say “I told you so” however, my concern was always with how the teachers will take it to that next level. How will the liberal teachers handle it? I am proud to say that my kids’ school is NOT going to show this speech.

If I am to look at the GOOD that came out of the last election, it is that the people finally see they need to pay attention to the government and speak up and they are doing so. The people are now paying attention and speaking up. He is NOT going to get a pass to indoctrinate our kids.

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TEA PARTY RALLY!

Congratulations to the Tea Party and Cincinnati 9/12 group for an incredibly successful event this past Saturday. The official crowd estimate was 18,000 patriots- that makes it the biggest Tea Party event in the MidWest! Kudos to all coordinators.

A BIG thanks to all the folks who came out to volunteer for Rob Portman. It was a great success and Rob also expressed his appreciation for all of your help! Rob Portman attended and spoke with and listened to the people at the event for a couple of hours.

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CHAIRMAN STEELE & Health Care

RNC Chairman Michael Steele had a press conference this past Thursday at JTM. He did a great job discussing what the Republicans have been TRYING to put forward. ALL REPUBLICAN AMENDMENTS AND BILLS, over 800 in fact, have been rejected by the Democrats. The Dems will not allow ANYTHING we present to go forward. Our team has been pushing for portability, tort reform and seniors bill of rights. It was nice to actually meet and see him in person. He is very impressive and did a great job answering press questions. Too bad hardly anyone covered it. You could be sure that if Howard “the scream” Dean came to town it would have been top story everywhere.

The Dems want nothing to do with REAL solutions. They want to just push forward the far Left-Wing agenda.

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This week’s BIZ-CZAR News!

Well, with Obama’s growing list of Czars from everything to the AIDS Czar to the Information Czar to our latest favorite Green Czar Van Jones, 9/11 Truther, known communist and apparent racist. It finally came out, after a lot of pressure and thanks to conservative talk show hosts, he resigned this past weekend. You can tell a man by the friends he keeps… and appoints to a position WITH NO OVERSIGHT. Cabinet positions have to at least get the approval of the Senate. Czars are not subject to that oversight, which can make them extremely dangerous to push forward their agenda with no accountability to the people.

Just today, Barak Hussein Obama, with his little buddy Steve Driehaus (aka Nancy Pelosi’s Little Sock Puppet) standing by his side, will announce Ron Bloom as his Manufacturing Czar, today at the AFSCME Picnic at Coney Island. Why does that name sound familiar? Ron Bloom has been the Car Czar. He is the one who has been running “Government Motors” (GM) and Chrysler.

What I read into that is that now he has the limited experience of controlling the Auto Industry, BHO wants him to plot the takeover of the rest of the Manufacturing Industry—and he is doing it with the backing of the Unions.

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NANCY PELOSI’S LITTLE SOCK PUPPET (NPLSP) UPDATE

A.K.A. Steve Driehaus found the time TODAY to hang out with BFF B.H.O. at the AFSCME picnic. Too bad he couldn’t be bothered to face his votes and his constituents at the TEA PARTY this past Saturday. NPLSP was invited to answer questions at the forum part of the event but didn’t have the guts to show his face. Former (and Future) Congressman Steve Chabot was PROUD to attend and mix and mingle with the TRUE patriots of this area.

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STATE CENTRAL COMMITTEE

We have a meeting coming up on THIS FRIDAY, September 11 where some endorsements will be made. I will keep you updated on what happens. I encourage each of you to attend some of the upcoming events so you can meet and get to know our 2010 candidates.

Did You Know?

I fully admit that I saw this video at Leadership Cincinnati today and found it so incredibly interesting that I wanted to share it. Assuming the video contains factual information, it is an incredible commentary on how science and technology have changed the world. It is a message that every person hoping to enter public service ought to appreciate because the "exponential" nature of our world challenges government officials in ways not foreseeable to most. I hope readers enjoy it as much as I did.

Reaction to the President's Remarks in Hamilton County

President Obama delivered remarks today to a ticketed event at the AFL-CIO Labor Day Picnic at Coney Island. The campaign-style event was designed to influence voters during a period where his popularity is sinking as fast as any President in modern memory.

I listened to the President’s remarks today and have several reactions. The President is a fine speaker, but it is the words that he speaks that are so contrary to what people in Ohio and Hamilton County want to hear. Many in the labor movement have been misguided by the Democratic Party and by this President. The President’s policies are bankrupting America and leaving a legacy of debt that will hamper the ability of future generations to thrive as we have. His fix for our economic woes is to print money at a dizzying pace so as to prop up the economy on deficit spending. His solution on health care offers no answer to the key question: “How do we pay for this?”

As the product of a union household, I was disappointed by some of the class warfare and populist rhetoric from the President of the United States. A growing and thriving business sector is not the enemy to working people. It is how jobs are created and how citizens everywhere find their way to the American dream. Our national leadership should work to create an environment where business can succeed and create jobs for everyone. Instead, our President opted for the same old Democratic rhetoric that pits worker against management and the wage payer against the wage earner. This is not the way to incentivize job creation and wealth creation.

The President challenged Republicans about our plans on health care. Obviously, he hasn’t been listening. Republicans have offered over 800 bills or amendments to bills in the recent months and have been stymied by Democrats at every turn. Perhaps the President can hear about the GOP plan from us in Hamilton County. The GOP stands for portability in health care. We stand for protecting those with pre-existing conditions. We support the pooling of health care to allow small business owners and individuals to get lower rates in the free marketplace by buying in bulk. We favor tort reform that protects doctors from costly and frivolous litigation that drives up the cost of care and leaves doctors practicing defensive medicine. We are for health care reform. We are against a big government bureaucracy that we cant’ afford.

One final thought about all of this. Doesn't the President always speak in a way that makes America sound broken? It is not broken. Not yet. His spending will leave us broke if it continues, but America is not broken.