A recent article offers the start of a good debate among Republicans about the future of their Party. The GOP has historically relied almost exclusively on conservatives for grassroots campaign workers and financial support. However, the Republican Party seems to have a history of exploiting conservatives' efforts and misusing conservatives' financial contributions. In many ways, the situation is reminiscent of an abusive marriage. Is it time for conservatives to finally recognize the lies and abuse and move out of the house? Or is some sort of reconciliation still possible?
Read the article at this link and then tell us what you think:
www.americanthinker.com/2009/01/conservatisms_dilemma_to_be_or.html
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172 comments:
I think Angie Boynton purchased a new car with REC Kickback checks after this last Presidential election!
That's a very serious accusation to make, I hope you have proof!
Why would they do that and who is the treasurer of mcrec that would allow this to happen,,,I find it hard to believe that they would be that stupid!
This guy Obama is sounding more like a Republican than a Democrat. His move to freeze staff salaries is sure going to frost the liberals. Go Obama!!!
news.yahoo.com/s/ap/obama_executive_pay
Bush was more of a Dem than a Republican. Maybe Obama is the opposite of what we thought!!!
Good subject, unfortuntely they will do nothing! Just like the pubs are supporting that IRS crook
nominee! That's like putting the arcenist in charge of the Fire department!
That link to the article won't work.
Reported on Gretawire:
"President Obama (Harvard Law School) just moments ago re-took the Constitutional oath for the Office of President of the United States. The oath was administered by Chief Justice John Roberts (also Harvard Law School) in the White House.
Why did he re-take the oath? Because of yesterday’s screw up and an abundance of caution...he wanted to make sure it was done letter right...the exact words of the Constitution.
Incidentally, in fairness to the President — it was the Chief Justice who messed up yesterday and tripped up the President! Maybe it was payback? President Obama voted against Chief Justice Roberts when he was nominated to the Supreme Court by former President Bush.
Them Pubs just can't do anything right!!!!!
Right, you jerks are so 'perfect' are you not!
Pity you dont follow your Master Obamas lead and start trying to be a little more humble and kind towards Bush and others!
I hope John did screw up deliberately, I wouldn't blame him! pay back, right on, your Honor! I would have enjoyed seeing the Black Chief Justice sock it to Obamamama!
Hit a nerve there did we????
The Tax Poem
At first I thought this was funny...then I realized the awful truth of it. Make sure you read to the bottom of the page.
Tax his land,
Tax his bed,
Tax the table
At which he's fed.
Tax his tractor,
Tax his mule,
Teach him taxes
Are the rule.
Tax his work,
Tax his pay,
He works for peanuts anyway!
Tax his cow,
Tax his goat,
Tax his pants,
Tax his coat.
Tax his ties,
Tax his shirt,
Tax his work,
Tax his dirt.
Tax his tobacco,
Tax his drink,
Tax him if he
Tries to think.
Tax his cigars,
Tax his beers,
If he cries
Tax his tears.
Tax his car,
Tax his gas,
Find other ways
To tax his ass.
Tax all he has
Then let him know
That you won't be done
Till he has no dough.
When he screams and hollers;
Then tax him some more,
Tax him till
He's good and sore.
Then tax his coffin,
Tax his grave,
Tax the sod in
Which he's laid.
Put these words
Upon his tomb,
'Taxes drove me
to my doom...'
When he's gone,
Do not relax,
Its time to apply
The inheritance tax.
Accounts Receivable Tax
Building Permit Tax
CDL license Tax
Cigarette Tax
Corporate Income Tax
Dog License Tax
Excise Taxes
Federal Income Tax
Federal Unemployment Tax (FUTA)
Fishing License Tax
Food License Tax
Fuel Permit Tax
Gasoline Tax (44.75 cents per gallon)
Gross Receipts Tax
Hunting License Tax
Inheritance Tax
Inventory Tax
IRS Interest Charges IRS Penalties (tax on top of tax)
Liquor Tax
Luxury Taxes
Marriage License Tax
Medicare Tax
Personal Property Tax
Property Tax
Real Estate Tax
Service Charge T ax
Social Security Tax
Road Usage Tax
Sales Tax
Recreational Vehi cle Tax
School Tax
State Income Tax
State Unemployment Tax (SUTA)
Telephone Federal Excise Tax
Telephone Federal Universal Service Fee Tax
Telephone Federal, State and Local Surcharge Taxes
Telephone Minimum Usage Surcharge Tax
Telephone Recurring and Non-recurring Charges Tax
Telephone State and Local Tax
Telephone Usage Charge Tax
Utility Taxes
Vehicle License Registration Tax
Vehicle Sales Tax
Watercraft Registration Tax
Well Permit Tax
Workers Compensation Tax
STILL THINK THIS IS FUNNY?
Not one of these taxes existed 100 years ago, and our nation was the most
prosperous in the world.
We had absolutely no national debt, had the largest middleclass in the
world, and Mom stayed home to raise the kids.
What in the hell happened? Can you spell 'politicians?'
And I still have to 'press 1' for English ??!!
I hope this goes around THE USA at least 100 times!! YOU can help it
get there!!!!
GO AHEAD - - - BE AN AMERICAN!
How soon we forget the topic or in this case ignore the topic all together.
I hope and pray that conservatives continue to control the Marion County Republican party.
Oh, by the way, recent polling shows Governor Charlie Crist with a 65% approval rating.Why, I'm not certain. Never the less, Charlie is no conservative.
In Larrey Anderson's [ writer of the linked story ]opinion there is a "growing number of black and hispanic " conservatives. Can anybody name 10 in Marion County ?
Conservative Republicans are going to have to take their lumps just as liberal Democrats have had to do at times during the history of our nation.Indeed, still have to endure in Marion County.
Clayton Ellsworth
Can you come up with something of your own you jerk! Copy cat!
Btw, having listened to the swearing in again and again, IT WAS STUPID THAT INTERUPTED/BUTTED IN before Justice Roberts completed the sentence! Just like the liberals do all the time! That's why they can never get the story right! It's their cunning strategy! Stupid got it right the second time around at the White House!
I'll bet that really ticked the "chosen One" off! LOL!
Clayton,
Sadly we have to get our message out in whatever venue we can because the print media are still having the 'Love Fest' and will continue for ever unless we stop them!
Dod you all hear that the NYT is being bought out by 'a Mexican' millionaire! I have to wonder what will now happen to the Blunder! Maybe the new owner will be non-other than Presidente Vincente Fox/ the Bush supporter! What a hoot that would be!!!!
anonymous 9:47
One of the richist people in the world, Carlos Slim of Mexico, is loaning the New York Times 250 million dollars.
Mr. Slim already owns 6.9% of NYT common stock. He receives warrents for common stock, which if he were to excercise because of default, would give him control of the NYT.
Mr. Slim is getting a 14% return on his money.
I said ages ago that the Star Banner would not be around in 4 years, that there would be 4 or 5 regional papers in Florida. All newspapers with only a few exceptions are in trouble.
Clayton Ellsworth
Liberals and conservatives are going to be out of the picture in influencing political decisions for many years. This election and future ones will be determined by the votes of the Politically Homeless. That's the large, and growing larger group, that isn't subservient to any one political party. Crist and Obama supporters are in that group. They are not RINOs or DINOs---they are just citizens who want problems solved and don't give a hoot about party affiliation in solving them. You right and left leaners can cry and blame all you want--reality is reality. Your voices will be heard but you will no longer be able to dictate what we should think and do. We may listen to Patty, Bobby D, et al, but they sure as heck won't have the influence they may have once have. Silence will be golden among the party extremes!!!
Thanks for the info Clayton!
Would this be good news or not?
This Slim guy is he another socialist?
anon 11:41 said
"We may listen to Patty, Bobby D, et al, but they sure as heck won't have the influence they may have once have"
***********************************
Thanks for the compliment, I thought Bobby and Patty were insignificant participants without any credibility!!! Now we learn that they do/did!!! Amazing, which is it?
Dont know about Bobby, but I would say you deserve what you get!
What a show Bobby had this morning! Rev Jesse Lee Peterson for 2 hours across America! What an inspiration this black preacher is, (with his own radio talk show) who, like Bobby refuses to vote for a President because of the color of his skin! In fact, the Rev called Obama a weak man, an empty suit who never says much of anything, no substance!
Thank God for Bobby D who will never compromise his believes because 'you liberals and rinos/dinos say he should'
Keep doing what you do Bobby!
Look forward to the next simulcast across country! Maybe we could get Ward Connelly on live!
Patty
11:41
What a boring situation we will have with everyone on the same page, I believe they call that Socialism!
Rev. Peterson is a boring person and a racist. It was the worst show I've ever heard!!!!
Glenn Beck just came up with a great idea! If Gitmo must be closed according to Obama /Pelosi et al, send them to Alcatraz!
Glenn suggests that Pelosi would be able to keep a close eye on them given it would be in her back yard! She could watch them through her binoculars and make sure they are not being tortured!!!!!
You've got to love this guy! I hope Congressman Stearns will be a guest on his show soon!
Watch Glenn Beck on Fox weekdays @ 5:00 pm. he is great and has really excellent guests on his show!
Good show Glenn!
Anyone notice there was no Bible when Obama took the second oath in the White House because screwed up on the first day! Also, it was bought to my attention that in Obamas speech on Tuesday he actually said "we are a nation of Christians,Muslims,........and non believers(atheists) Never been heard of in the history of our nation! This man is really scary!!!
I will save you some time whoever you are: Glenn Beck must be 'a racists' LOL
Why are people avoiding talking about the subject of this column? Guess Republicans don't want to admit they are toast!!!!! When you see the comments on here you know why. Continue to attack each other and death to the Party will be here in 2009 elections. The Democrats are gonna kick butt!!! Especially the Blue Dogs!!!!
Another stake in the heart of the right wing. Looks like the President is about to sign the Freedom of Choice Act. Slowly but surely the right wing is being neutered!
really?
as ever, i am amazed that the left can take GLEE in a bill that means death to others. you can call it choice and you can stick the word freedom in there....doesn't make it good or right. so glad you're
happy.
What makes you think Pounder is a left winger? Not all supporting the Freedom of Choice Act are members of the left wing. So, are only the policies of the right the correct ones? Not anymore. Suck it up 90 Degrees!!
It is so easy to get a rise out of the right wingers!! What a bunch of misguided souls with solutions to nothing. That's why they are losing the battle and are becomng the laughing stock of American Politics. Much like the liberal Dems did many years ago before they reinvented themselves. Obama is to the Dems what Gingrich was to the Rs.
anonymous:
could you please tell me what solutions the left wingers have given us to any of the challenges the nation faces today. please, if you could, break them down into two categories, social and fiscal. two for each would be good. we could have a good debate on this if you take it serious. looking forward to the education.
I honestly believe that the hatemonger Liberal who calls himself a 'journelist' actually is a regular on this blog!
BTW, how about Caroline Kennedy backing out because she thought she would get a 'free' pass and entitled, like many of her family have done over the years! Now I understand that a lady Kirsten Gillibrand is going to be the pick by Gov Patterson and this will really push you liberal idiots over the edge...Apparently Ms. Killibrand is a conservative democrat/100% voting record with the NRA and recently gave birth to a precious child!!! Is for hunters rights!!!
Yes!!!!!! I hope the lefties dont maufacture some lying scandels just to stop her! What a disgrace Kennedy was and really not too bright!
9:58 PM
Again, the topic of this column is the demise of the Republican Party not the Kennedy family---a family almost as useless as a Republican.
You just have to love the perception of Democrats by right wingers on the blog.
If I understand the stereotype concept they're putting forth, to wit:
...just because one is a Democrat, one must endeavor to “raise taxes”.
Then it would serve to reciprocate that stereotype concept in kind, to wit:
...just because one is a Republican, one must endeavor to hang around in public restrooms with a fist full of twenties, seeking to pay for the privilege of lipping a little ditty on the ol’ meat whistle. Several Florida Republicans are noted for that achievement!!!
Would this be correct, given the knee-level perspective of some of you?
BEWARE OBAMA’S TROJAN HORSE
By Dick Morris And Eileen McGann 01.22.2009
Now that Obama is the president, fasten your seat belts. During his first year in office, and particularly during his first hundred days, we are about to witness the most prodigious output of legislation since 1981-2 (under Reagan), 1964-5 (under Johnson), and 1933-36 (under Roosevelt). The combination of top heavy Democratic majorities in Congress and a mood of public fear bordering on panic over the financial crisis and the looming depression will speed his legislation through a compliant Senate and House.
We will enter his Administration as the United States, buoyed by an aggressive free market economy. We will exit his first year - and even the first hundred days - as France, burdened with massive government regulation, a vast public sector, and permanent middle class entitlements. And Obama will take care to arrange things so that massive and permanent political change accompanies his and protects his legislative achievements in the future.
He will call this radical change a stimulus package. He will dress up a generation of liberal priorities as necessary steps to fight the economic crisis. His programs and policies won’t do much to end the depression. It will end only after the massive burden of debt is lifted from the shoulders of American and foreign households and companies, a process which will take years. At most, his stimulus will act as methadone while we withdraw from our debt addiction, mitigating the pain, smoothing over the trauma, and soothing our system.
But Obama’s strategy is to hide inside the Trojan Horse of stimulus an army of radical measures to change America permanently.
The most pernicious of his proposals will be the massive Make Work Pay refundable tax credit. Dressed up as a tax cut, it will be a national welfare program, guaranteeing a majority of American households an annual check to “refund” taxes they never paid. And it will eliminate the need for about 20% of American households to pay income taxes, lifting the proportion that need not do so to a majority of the voting population. Unlike the Bush stimulus checks, this new program will be a permanent entitlement, a part of our budget that can only go up and never down. Politically, it will transform a majority of Americans from taxpayers, anxious to hold down government spending, into tax eaters, eager to reap new benefits.
The huge spending in his stimulus package will create a budget deficit topping one trillion dollars. Ronald Reagan cut taxes to raise the deficit to stop liberals in future years from increasing spending. Obama will raise spending to raise the deficit to stop conservatives in future years from cutting taxes. As he funds every liberal dream - from alternative energy production to infrastructure renovation to more federal revenue sharing - he will force a massive expansion in the size of government for a decade to come. If the proportion of our $14 trillion GDP absorbed by the public sector increases by $1 trillion dollars, it will mean that government’s share will rise from its current 33% to about 40%, bringing us close to the United Kingdom’s ratio. If Obama adds a major expansion of health care to the mix, the proportion could reach into the mid-forties, French and German territory.
And Obama will likely use the Trojan Horse of stimulus to make a down payment on health care reform, expanding public coverage of those now uninsured dramatically. Likely, he will initially use the State Children’s Health Insurance Program (SCHIP) as his vehicle. He will ask the same pool of doctors and nurses and the same amount of medical equipment to take on the care of almost 50 million more people, necessitating rationing of medical services. Those too old, too sick, or with bad habits like smoking, may find themselves fenced off from good medical care, even if they can pay for it themselves.
While he is making these major changes, Obama will permanently alter our politics by taking three steps designed to alter the political balance:
a) He will set illegal immigrants on a path to citizenship
b) He’ll pass the card check voting system for unionization, raising the unionized share of our economy
c) He will crack down on talk radio through requirements either for equal time or for local ownership and control - or both.
Most likely, Obama’s inability to tame the depression will erode his popularity during his first two years in office. But, by then, his proposals will be statutes. The fiscal parameters, the middle class’ expectations of no taxes and government handouts, and the demographics of our electorate will be changed forever.
10:05 AM
Mind your own business, this is all included in the topic whether you like it or not! You arragant piece of crap!
Stop your little 'hitler' like comments! We still have rights to discuss what we choose and if you dont like it get stuffed and go elsewhere!
AMEN Clayton! Wonder why the Republican Party is becoming as insignificant as the Whigs. Look no further than the idiotic comments of so-called conservatives on this blog. I'd call them facists before using the word conservative. Best thing this group could do would be to leave the Republican Party and form their own party. I'd call it the CAVE Party---correct PWF?????
Clayton:
Don't worry the license will come, if not in the next week I guess i will owe you lunch. As far as obama saying put aside all the childish things, what is he refering to, abortion, gay marriage, euthanasia, ..... if he thinks thats childish so be it. my church tells me its not. and correct me if i am wrong but wasnt the south mostly democrats during the civil rights movement. i dont have the stats at hand but isnt it the left that has these radical idea like, sex education for our young, abortion, socialized education, socialized medication, socialized endoctrination. as far as people taking lumps, thats what happens when you stand up for what you believe in, its part of life, you can withdraw or man up and take it. i dont know what to tell you. my father taught me to man up and stand up for what you believe is the truth. have a good weekend
peace
Bobby D
Part of the Republican Party platform preamble:
“Yet we stand united today because we are the one party that speaks to all Americans – conservatives, moderates, libertarians, independents, and even liberals. We welcome all to our deliberations in the firm belief that the principles embodied in this platform will prove to be as compelling and persuasive as they are vital and enduring. We do not fear disagreement, and we do not demand conformity, but we do fight for our principles with confidence that the best ideas will prevail in the end.”
Please read the Republican Party Platform at http://www.gop.com/2008Platform/.
If you read it all, God bless you.
If you stand for everything, than you stand for nothing.
Brevity is the only way to capture the American People.
KISS – “Lower Taxes, Smaller Government and Individual Freedom”.
Remember “Hope & Change”
Ray Strickland
Clayton and whoever! (btw couldn't find your name in the phone book) so I guess that makes you 'anon' also,
May I suggest you simply find another place to hang your hat! You put the biggest spin on any issue we try to discuss and then have the audacity to name call! Hello! Who's the hypocrite here????? There are more of us than you so just leave us alone,ok...we dont care for you or your buddy PWF and his cohort backstabbers anymore than you despice us! It's a 2 way street! Dont let the door hit you in the a.. on the way out! We can't win with you, you have your head in the sand and are probably too old and senile to change or listen to common sense! You and your sarcasm wont be missed!
Have great weekend!
Hello Ray!
Part of the Democrat party preamble.
And so, Democrats - through the most open platform process in history – are reaching out today to Republicans, Independents and all Americans who hunger for a new direction a reason to hope. Today, at a defining moment in our history, the Democratic (Democrat - there is nothing Democratic about the Democrat party, personal note) Party resolves to renew America’s promise.
At least they are smart enough not to reach out to conservatives.
Please read the Democrat party platform at http://www.democrats.org/a/party/platform.html.
“Lower Taxes, Smaller Government & Individual Freedom”
Ray Strickland
home school graduates have to meet higher sat standards than public school grads. public school children on field trips to state parks get in free, yet, private scholl kids have to pay. their parents still pay school mstu taxes. both groups are, for the most part, conservative. will the left please fix this will all of their fairness. they are always in tolerant of those who don't share their views.
Your Question was?
Is it time for conservatives to finally recognize the lies and abuse and move out of the house?
Or is some sort of reconciliation still possible?
What is the difference between the Conservative community and the African-American community?
We both vote 95% for our respective parties, and are controlled by a majority of other voters registered in the political party. We are both the redheaded stepchildren of our political parties, promoting a few individuals to receive financial rewards based on our beliefs but lacking the fulfillment of our aspirations and goals.
We have nowhere else to go…. so stick it out, quit complaining and change the party from within. Assimilation will become easier as the people become tired of big government controlling their lives over the next two years.
“Lower Taxes, Smaller Government & Individual Freedom.”
Ray Strickland
Dear Exceeding90degrees,
There is a simple solution to your situation. All taxpayers of home school children will receive an annual payment (refund) from the school board for the cost of an average student in our public school system, since they require no burden on the system. However, they will receive no other benefits currently provided to our home school students, i.e. extra curricular programs, libraries, etc.
My grandfather was pulled out of school in the 2nd grade, he was required to go to work in the fields of Southern Georgia to help feed the family, but he was an educated man.
Education is more about ones willingness or motivation to learn, than how much money it costs. The greatest teachers that I remember (Mrs. Lincoln 4th grade) were those that inspired me to learn
“Lower Taxes, Smaller Government & Individual Freedom.”
Ray Strickland
Dear Bloggers,
I am sure you guys are going to give me a bunch of crap tomorrow, but don’t worry I can take it.
I enjoyed sharing with you some of my ideas, may God bless you, your families, Marion County, Florida and the United States of America.
Ray Strickland
Ray,
you won't get any crap. Your crap was already judged by the voters in November. They rejected it. You ran agains the weakest candidate in the county and couldn't win. Why in the h... should we listen to you. You are as old school in the Republican Party as Ellsworth is in the Democrats. We need younger and more in touch candidates in our Party, not out of touch old rich guys who get their jollies seeing their commercials on TV.
Sounds like the Democrat Party is the place to be. Thanks for sharing this with us Mr. Strickland. Are you going to be switching parties? You might do better running as a Dem. You lost because you couldn't get those Dem votes in a Republican primary. By the way, weren't you in favor of bailing out E-One?
Young Rep. has you pegged Mr. Strickland!!!!
Ray, if you’re still around, I have a couple of questions for you.
I assume you are still registered as a Republican. You sign with the slogan “Lower Taxes, Smaller Government & Individual Freedom.” What, if anything, distinguishes the principles of the Republican Party as you believe they should be from the principles of the Libertarian Party?
As of November 17, 2008, the party affiliations of registered Marion County voters were distributed as follows: 41% Republican, 40% Democrat, 7% Minor Parties, and 12% No Party Affiliation. About what percentage of the Marion County electorate do you estimate to be what you are calling “conservative?”
All this noise about its time to be a dem. in florida only 13 counties voted in the majority for obama. we have mostly rep. in the state house and senate, in marion we have only 2 dems, dean and fitos in office. our lives in florida are being governed by reps. so what is all this noise about dems running the show. this isn't n.y. as far as mr. stone being the weekest rep. i would have to disagree, mr. stone has took on 2 issues, e-one and the hospital, and stood strong, he could have folded easily because he has personal friends on both issues. ray should have listened to those who told him to run in the district he lived in and run in a primary where he had a chance to win. money isnt as big in marion county as one thinks. look at amsden 108,000 to butlers 5,550. and if 600 more people would have had a change of heart butler would be commissioner. ray where are you going to run next time around. district two in a primary against mosley or district 5 maybe no primary but against fitos. sorry but either way its a no win situation. sorry, you are a nice guy but you had your chance this year and picked the wrong race. People in marion county judge peoples success for how much money they make, if thats the case we wouldnt have in office who we have. ray dont spend too much money.
I agree with Bobby D and that's amazing! Ray Strickland is part of the Republican "problem" and does not have a platform that provides the solutions!!! Until the republican party addresses that issue, they are going to lose influence. Yes, Bobby D right here in what is becoming much less a Republican stronghold. Read Brian Creekbaum's breakdown of registrations and you'll see. As President Obama recently said to a group of Republicans who were suggesting changes to his stimulus plan more in line with so-called Republican "principles": we've tried that, the people have spoken and "I WON"! That says it all. Bobby D: don't get too compfortable with all this "conservatism" you think exists in Marion County---it doesn't. If it did, Amsden, Stone and McClain would have won in blow outs rather than pathetic close wins. Times are a changing!!!!
P.S.: Charlie Stone is toast next time he runs--if he does. Best thing for him would be to pack it in, take his nice state retirement and go back to his oil distribution business. Maybe his wife will run, she'd be a better commissioner than him!
Conservatism continues to have a stake driven into its heart. This week: (1) voters in Nashville REJECTED English only for business dealings in the city, (2) Obama reversed Bush’s policy forbidding foreign countries receiving U.S. aid from providing abortion counseling, (3) as someone said above, Obama reemphasized, “I Won and You Lost” to Republicans who think he is going to be bipartisan---get ready for an administration even more partisan than that of George Bush. All this in three days in office!!!
No kidding! what might he do or undo by the end of next week! This Country is in for a ride, everybody hold on tight!
Ray strickland is a good guy, successful insurance salesman, but not a good politician, unfortunatly for him! Then again Amsden and Stone both are not good Politicians both are wishy-washy, if Ray would have had better issues, not just rantings about the EDC he would have gotten 400 extra votes but, that's what happens when people percieve you as one issue tunnel vision.
Strickland, you have got to be joking!
What club did you say you belonged to? They really are brainwashing you all, I believe Hitler did the same thing many years ago! And here comes the master of all hate and sarcasm, The mindless Creekbaum, did you get back from your trip to Cuba? We missed you!
BTW, a couple were arrested for not returning a library book, how stupid is that? However, your new Mesiah's first order of business is to want to release murderous swines from Gitmo!!! Who are the crazies?
Hey Bobby, dont you just love the new bloggers coming out of the woodwork? I guess they finally realize your Talk show is more listened to 'across the nation' than the lefties would have one believe! "The Truth Shall Set You Free"
Did you hear about the couple who were arrested because they hadn't returned a 'Library Book'? How crazy is that and here we have Obama selecting an individual to to be Treasurey Secretary(IRS) who didn't pay his Taxes among other improprieties and this arrogant creep refuses to withdraw his nomination! What an embarrasment!
These people must have some dirt on many elected officials, that's the only answer? Why else would they allow this to happen over and over!!!
How many years is Wesley Snipes serving as we speak? I wonder why his attorneys didn't suggest it was 'just a hiccup'?
It’s too bad this thread is losing its purpose. I guess if more people had been able to access the link to the referenced article, there might be a more useful discussion. I was able to find the article and it is an excellent presentation of the major challenges facing my own Republican Party.
Unfortunately, with all respect to Ray Strickland, he or others on here, have not provided any new or meaningful answers to what the Republican Party (at all levels) needs to do to keep from being placed on the backburner of political importance. Ray is just presenting the same stuff that has us in a mess. Read Pat Buchanan’s recent article and some very important facts are highlighted:
--- The Republican pool of voters is aging, shrinking and dying. The Democrat pool is expanding, fed by immigration and a high birth rate among immigrants.
--- The country is turning away from the GOP creed of small government and low taxes because 90% of immigrants are poor working class and rely heavily on government services. Also, Republican tax cut policies have dropped 40% of wage earners from the tax rolls. So, why vote for the Party of small government and low taxes????
What are possible solutions to the trend away from “Republicanism”? I suggest we stop talking about small government and low taxes and shift the discussion to: (1) a more efficient and taxpayer-friendly government and (2) fairer taxes, not just lower taxes.
Concentrate on what government needs to do in response to what taxpayers judge are its priorities and require it to do those things better and more cost effective. For example, regulations under Bush’s administration have increased enormously; most all are ones he had veto power to stop, but didn’t. Take a look at the Federal Registry: 64,000 pages of regulation added in 2001 and 78,000 more in 2007. This annual growth in regulations creates bureaucracy. Shouldn’t the Republicans be going after this proliferation of regulations that is costing our economy hundreds of millions of dollars a year? I think so!
Spend more time on how to make tax decisions that are fair, not just trying to cut “everyone’s” taxes. Is it fair that our county’s only not-for-profit community hospital tax district serving the public has NO tax support while requirements to tax internet sales are ignored and substantial tax breaks are given to fertilizer manufacturers, horse farms and several other for-profit businesses? I don’t think so!
I voted for George Bush and gave him financial support each time he ran. Unfortunately, he has helped teach us that government can’t be trusted to be very effective or smart and that it can expand at every level. Bush and my Republican Party have given Barack Obama and the Democrats the opening to intervene more and more into the economy and every other aspect of our life. And this may well be the case for many years to come.
Just some thoughts from an old fart with little to no political influence but a lot of interest in the life and future of the Republican Party.
89,000 voted for mccain
70,000 voted for obama
thats 19,000 more for the rep.
75000 for mclain and amsden
73000 for sizemore and butler
it is an education problem. the republicans that move from out of town are just uneducated on who to vote for in local races. the retirement communities undervoted by over 25% on county races. the republicans solve that problem and it is blowouts as usual.
it is a party leadership problem in not educating the voters that is all it is
Dear Anonymous 11:39pm.
What makes you think I would switch parties?
In reference to E-One: I am in favor of reducing property taxes for any business that creates a business, provides jobs for our citizens, who then produce a product or service that is sold outside of Marion County, thus bring dollars, euro and yen back to our economy. This is how an economy expands or grows and raises the standard of living for all citizens of Marion County. The vote before the Marion County commission was a tax reduction, no Marion County tax dollars were to be given to E-One.
That being said the City of Ocala and the State of Florida were giving tax dollars to E-One, which I am opposed.
Ray Strickland
Stan Hanson:
You sir, are no more Republican than the Roy Abshiers, Townleys in this county! If you feel you must blame someone for the demise of the Republican Party as it was intended...you should look at the above individuals and how they have totally destroyed our local party! We should also take a strong hard look at Charlie Crist another absolute disaster in Florida! Governor Jeb Bush was the best Governor this State ever elected and I might add he disagreed with brother George on many occassions! This tells me he had the State of Florida's best interest at heart!
It strikes me that those of you on this blog who are looking for 'a different kind of Republican venue'
continue to want your own way or nothing at all!! What part of the Republican Platform are you wanting to change? That we take out the Choose Life issue?
Crist a disaster? What are you smoking? He has higher popularity among the ENTIRE Florida citizenry than Jeb or even Obama! You won't find a Democrat who can beat him. Get off your soapbox! You don't have to be a radical right winger to get a lot of votes in the Republican Party.
P.S.: I can remember when I heard from other Republicans how Jeb was destroying the Republican Party. Especially when he disagreed with the religious right several times--including our own Baxley.
Dear Stan,
As Republicans we can do it better, is not an ideological base to debate the opposing political party.
I totally reject that position, less government and more opportunity for the individual citizen to prosper is a better approach.
Our current situation was created by the unintended consequences of government. Government encouraged everyone to own a home, thus creating the housing bubble. Government required banks to lend to people that could not pay through the Community Redevelopment Act, thus creating our banking crisis. The Government allowed convicted criminals to become licensed mortgage brokers, thus destroying Freddie Mac and Fannie May. Government regulates and oversees the securities industry that no one is ever severely punished, thus creating the Madoff scandal.
Big Government is the problem and if we stand by and agree that Government can fix the problem, the Democrats will have won and bring everyone down to the lowest common denominator, instead of individual reaching for the stars.
The Republican controlled Congress, just showed us that Republicans are human also, and when given the opportunity to be corrupt some will be corrupted. That is the greatness of our founding fathers, they understood human nature and crafted a document that was to keep government as small as possible and out of the people’s lives.
Ray Strickland
bobby d:
party leadership my ass!!! it's not trusting the republicans who are already in office that's the problem. we need some new ones. some with better ideas.
Dear Brian,
The primary difference between the Republican Party and Libertarian Party is morality, based on Judeo/Christian belief system. I believe that 60-70% of the Marion County electorate is fiscally conservative, and that number maybe a little low.
Thank for the thoughtful question,
Ray Strickland
Agree on fiscally conservative. Where the numbers go astray is in socially conservative. That's the rub with the local, state and national party. Many Rs are fiscally conservative but moderate to liberal when it comes to social conservatism. Unfortunately, it is very hard to find ANY REPUBLICAN who is both. Even McClain, Stone and others are not true to what some define as social conservatives.
Dear Bobby D @ 7:35am.
The Hospital issue did not come up in the Republican primary election. I ran against Mr. Stone because he voted not to fund the Economic Development Corp. “EDC”, which is the non-governmental organization that searches for and retains jobs for the citizens of Marion County.
My main platform focus was on jobs, and that began in August 2007 when Mr. Stone voted not to fund the EDC.
I have not decided to run for district 2 or 5 as of this date, we will have to see what type of Republican candidates emerge. For me this is an ideological debate, that elected politicians are servants of the people and not employees. If someone takes the position of lowering their salary to the average Marion County citizen’s income, not taking employee benefits and not taking a pension plan; I can be persuaded to support them.
“Covet wealth, and want it - don’t, and luck will grant it”
Chinese Proverb
Peace to you,
Ray Strickland
Ray.....What is a conservative?
Are we talking about a fiscal conservative? Fine. My view is fiscal conservatives need to get some serious updating of their economic models. The free market works, sort of, but not without a lot of opportunity for charlatans and cheats, and not immediately. So the fiscal conservatives need to drop their oversimplifying and start distinguishing between worthwhile government interventions and rules versus wasteful or harmful ones. Madoff and the credit defaults prove that Libertarians, and many conservatives are dreamers.
Are we talking about religious conservatives, sometimes called evangelicals? My perception is that the inclusion of the religious right in the Republican tent is a turn-off to many who would otherwise agree with fiscal conservatives. There has to be an effort toward better clarifying the importance of family values and pro-Life views as essential to the success of America, so that people under the tent are more comfortable with each other. Evangelicals need to go on record as saying they may believe in Jesus, but they also believe in a government free from religious domination—as most of them do but won’t admit.
Are we talking about environmentally minded conservatives? Huh? What group is that? My point is that there are a significant number of people who care about environmental protection, but are not ready to be dictated to by global warming alarmist bamboozlers or other command and control freaks who really hate free enterprise. We need to build the welcome booth for these environmentally minded people. Many of them get “screened out” by the Republican Party.
Are we talking about business conservatives? These are the people who are happy to get subsidies, write-offs and tax breaks for their profit-making businesses while looking down their noses at beneficial social programs like job-training and workfare.
Dear Anonymous 9:14am,
“Ray Strickland is part of the Republican "problem" and does not have a platform that provides the solutions!!! Until the Republican Party addresses that issue, they are going to lose influence.”
What platform or issue are we not addressing?
Please educate me,
Ray Strickland
Yo Stanley,
Why did so many of your parties Christian Evangelicals vote for Obama? Could it be because he overall represents what they believe in more so than does the Republican Party? Think about it. I know many people who are religious conservatives but not fiscal conservative. Seems to me your Party has a big identity problem.
Dear Stan,
You changed the discussion from Government efficiency; Republicans can do it better than the Democrats vs. Smaller Government to defining what is a conservative?
I will address what is a conservative, but would like to hear you views on my original response.
The markets work perfect with a sound legal system that protects the individual and prosecutes the law equally. The markets become dysfunctional when certain interests are give preferential treatment above the law, and this is normally done for political purposes. There will always be cheats, that is human nature and again I revert back to the genius of our founding fathers, make government small to reduce the impact of the cheats on the society. The cheats are being protected through an inequitable legal system by their political allies and that is what distorts a free market. Using the phrases like “conservatives need to drop their oversimplifying”, implies that conservatives are stupid or intellectually lacking. Human nature and life is really simple to conservatives, we understand right from wrong.
Ray Strickland
Dog Tag @ 12:23 PM
How about telling us your real name so that we can determine if you have any credibility to assume the official role of Republican Party God in determining whether Mr. Stan is or is not a Republican? How do we even know if you are one of those Real Republicans? From the tone of your comments, I’d have to say we doubt it. You sound like someone who has been drummed out of the Party and has a real bad case of sour grapes.
Tell us who you are and let us determine if you do or do not have any right to claim your duties as the Godly Party Determiner. Otherwise, we will have to say your accusation of Mr. Stan is of no significance.
Dear Stan,
“Evangelicals need to go on record as saying they may believe in Jesus, but they also believe in a government free from religious domination—as most of them do but won’t admit.”
May believe in Jesus? I do not know any Evangelicals that may believe in Jesus, everyone that I know believes with all of their heart and soul in Jesus. When exactly do you feel religious domination from your government? Where do you think family values, pro-life views and our work ethic originate? Why do you fell Christianity scares people more than Judaism or the Islamic faith?
Ray Strickland
Ray Strickland,
I know a lot of people who understand right from wrong and it has nothing to do with them being conservative or liberal. So what's your point? You claim to be a conservative, can we assume you have never done anything wrong? I doubt it, at least not based on your political campaign!
P.S. Ray:
Are you a Christian??
Again, based on your campaign, many would question whether you are!!!!
Dear Oakrunner,
Using the phrases like “conservatives need to drop their oversimplifying”, implies that conservatives are stupid or intellectually lacking. Human nature and life is really simple to conservatives, we understand right from wrong.
Maybe I should have used the phrase black from white or night from day. By no means am I insinuating that liberals do not understand right from wrong. It was meant as a metaphor for the simplicity of human nature or life.
I have done many things wrong in my life, but am curious what I did in my political campaign that you found offensive?
Thank you,
Ray Strickland
Dear Stan,
There is a huge group of religious based environmental conservatives that believe it is their responsibility to steward God’s gifts. I do not think that the Republican Party is screening out these individuals from becoming members.
Stan profits are what pay taxes. If business did not make a profit and pay there employees a salary, the government would have no income to tax. As to tax-breaks, I can never understand why they upset people. If you took away the tax break, business would not produce what the government was giving them the tax break for thus generating no taxes.
For the size of our business community, we contribute more to social programs than most communities. You need to redirect this issue to the retirement community of Marion County.
Ry Strickland
Dear Oakrunner,
What did I do in my campaign that would have you question if I was a Christian?
Please explain,
Ray Strickland
hey stan:
1sr things first, you might be an old fart but do to the fact that you participate in our process you have influence. so dont be so hard on yourself.
2nd: pat buchanan's book state of emergency has some interesting facts in it and if all high school kids, seniors, were required to read "death of the west and state or emergency" we would be able to start getting more young people in the party.
maybe the party should have a contest with our seniors and give scholarship money for those who read and enter a writing contest about the books, the 50,0000 the party spent on the mel tillis, over the hill, shindig might make some kids become reps. if not at least better educated on the nation.
3rd: we need to start worrying more about our local goverment than national. most of our daily, day to day life issues have to do with us here locally, which i know you are involved in, but based on the number of under votes 14,000 in the republican party its not that our party is getting older, but less educated on local issues. everyone gets fired up for the gov. and pres. race but put little to no attention to local stuff.
stan: if we can get the local, retired voters, to start to keep up with local issues, read the local paper, even though i think its avg at best, stop wasting time getting the scranton gazette or new york daily news mailed to thier florida home, we would be better off.
peace
Bobby D
ray;
we dont vote on politicians because they make a lot of money. our society isnt based on how much money we make but who we are. i think that you think its important that politicians that are here locally shouldnt get paid for their work. that would leave only rich people able to run for office and possibly get elected. it is bad enough what we do with qualifing fees and other things to make running for office based on money. financial success doesnt mean that you would be a good legislator, commissioner or whatever. that is one of the problems with our country today. wealth equals success, it only equals financial success. plus running against stone because of the edc was the wrong reason and that is why you lost. money isnt everything and people with money arent the end all and be all of the universe. for me i was more turned off that you said you didnt want the money. next time you run if you want a political consultant i would more than happy to help you so you can become more connected with the comman man. remember the regular guy making $30,000 a year gets one vote and the guy making your money gets one vote. plus the guy making $30,000 probably knows more people because they are more of us little guys so he probably is worth more at election time.
hey ray come on into the show and lets chat together. the last time you were in it was great. you were a good guest.
peace
bobby d
Ray.....First, I hope you weren’t trying to imply that I have no sensitivity to the relationship of government and religion. I do. I’m Christian and pro-life. I’m not sure about your pro-life stance since I understand you did not sign the Party candidate card as being pro-life. However, that’s neither here nor there in this discussion. Religion is a long and separate personal discussion for another day and not on this blog.
Small vs. big government? Both of us will never, never see small government again in our lifetimes! Maybe a government a little less large, but never small.
Religion has a very, very important place in the development of our society and nation. But that place is not integral with our government-IMO. Many of today’s religious institutions are letting us down in fulfilling their obligations to humanity. That’s why the government is stepping in to do what I think churches, synagogues, etc. should be doing on their own. Churches have defacto “invited” the government to get involved in what should be religious function/duties when government should be kept out. I have minister friends and they in private tell me “keep the government out of my church and I’ll keep my church out of the government.”
I’m also a free market proponent. At least I was until the past few years. Now, I’m much less that way. There are too many cheats and charlatans--especially in the business community--taking advantage of people. So, someone needs to step in when self-regulation does not work. And it is not working! Who is that someone? Unfortunately, it’s the government. We would never have needed Equal Employment legislation and the resulting bureaucracy if the business community had been forward thinking enough in the 60’s to recognize the business value of hiring women and minorities without being told to do so. There are many other similar examples.
Disagree with me if you want. But I DO NOT think our local business community is doing enough to address the economic/jobs/growth problems of our county, and to a certain extent of our state. The number of uninsured employees in this county (i.e. health insurance) is horrendous and a drain on the taxpayers! You know that from the line of work you are in. The quality of jobs and educational preparation we have to offer is equally pathetic. And our unemployment figure—well that’s another topic. I had one of my former client companies ask me about relocating to Ocala and I told them frankly I wouldn’t recommend it at this time.
I believe I have answered the questions for me you had spread out at various places on the blog.
Dear Stan,
Your previous blog - “I’m Christian and pro-life. I’m not sure about your pro-life stance since I understand you did not sign the Party candidate card as being pro-life. However, that’s neither here nor there in this discussion.”
Obviously it is important to you or you would not have said it, or you are getting erroneous information from you political friends, or you are just trying to mislead the people that read this blog. I am not aware of any Party candidate card that asks the question if you are pro-life. If there were one, I would have answered yes. I have always been pro-life from inception to natural death with the exception of state executions for convicted murders.
Who told you this nonsense?
Ray Strickland
Dear Stan,
Your previous blog – “The quality of jobs and educational preparation we have to offer is equally pathetic. And our unemployment figure—well that’s another topic. I had one of my former client companies ask me about relocating to Ocala and I told them frankly I wouldn’t recommend it at this time.”
So your solution to the unemployment problem is to tell your business contacts not to move here and create jobs for our citizens. Stan, I hope you do not plan on running for political office, because that would go over great with the 12,000 unemployed citizens of Marion County.
Stan, I am being sarcastic. Surely you have some ideas on how we can stimulate our economy to grow and become a prosperous community.
Ray Strickland
Regarding Stan Hanson's last post :
After eliminating Stan's first paragraph directed to Ray Stricland, I find myself in agreement with the points he raises in the remaining content.
His observations of the failure of the local business community to deal with "economic/jobs/growth " are spot on.Indeed these are observations I have made repeatedly in the past.
I am pleased to see that Stan injected badly needed rational dialogue that carefully disects the elements of conservatism.
Although conservative, Stan brings thoughtful respectful moderation in expressing his views. Unfortunately, some others describing themselves as conservative on this blog do not.
Clayton E
Dear Booby D,
The common man was what my whole campaign was about. Remember I started this conversation in August of 2007 when everyone was fat, happy, and afraid of growth in Marion County. Increasing the standard of living for the common man, by creating quality jobs was the core of my campaign. 1,000 Wal-mart warehousemen, truck drivers, fork lift operators and management jobs look pretty good to the 12,000 unemployed right now.
Please give me your solutions to stimulating our economy.
I am always avaible to talk on your radio show, just give me the date and time.
Peace be with you,
Ray Strickland
Ray:
"Its easier for a camel to go through the eye of a needle than a rich man to enter the kingdom of heaven". GOD
Hey Stan and Ray:
I would love to have you 2 guys on my show together. would you guys consider it, we could talk about a range of topics. i think it would be great.
please let me know
peace
bobby d
Ray: As I stated previously and noboby listens to those of us who go back many, many years in the GOP Mr. Hanson is not a pro-lifer unless it's suits him to be so and I guess it suits him and his buddy Larry Cretul to be pro-life when it's suits their political agenda!
I will agree Stan is a fiscal conservative! I know of about 3 truly fiscal and social conservative Repubs in this area!
Sad, but true!
Don't be fooled by these rinos, we know who they are and to those who think I am the REP party GOD, yes, I am...so keep guessing! Mr. Hanson, the big baby who now turns his back on his longtime friend, Charlie Stone because he didn't go along with the MRMC crap!
Nice to see you all getting involved on the only blog worth while!
I agree Bobby, let's get them both on the show! I know both gents and I'm sure they will conduct themselves accordingly!
Clay, who made you judge and jury and who cares what you think? Your liberal stupidity leaves much to be desired!
Such arragance, where were you educated btw?
Dear Clayton,
You and Stan are way to negative about Marion County. I have only been here 22 years, but it is a lot better today even with this economic downturn that it was back in the good-ol-days. I guess it is all about perspective, but I can remember when the business community was not for creating quality jobs, but only low wage jobs to protect wage cost for existing businesses.
Our education system is far better today than it was back in the good-ol-days. Of course improvement is still needed and I am sure that most education professionals feel the same way.
Come on guys; give me some solutions for making it better.
Ray Strickland
There you go Bobby, you have a committment from Ray! Go for it!!
Have not heard Stan agree, we shall see if he wants to satnd up to big guys and the hardball questions instead of his softball cronies at the SB!
Peace also!
Hey Dog Tag,,,Sir, Mam or Shemale,,,You sure do run off the mouth quite a bit. I thought Republicans were fearful of nothing. Why are you such a coward and wimp about telling us who you are? Stan, Ray, Bobby and Clayton aren't afraid to share their identities, why not you? You are quick to criticize. I would say you won't tell us because everyone will then know you for the a.. hole you are!!!!
Strickland says "can remember when the business community was not for creating quality jobs, but only low wage jobs to protect wage cost for existing businesses."
And what has changed Mr. Strickland? It's still the same!
Hey folks it's no mystery who Dog Tag is!!! Why it's that great Republican Patty Strait!!! Now you know.
i didnt see anywhere where ray said he would come on. i hope so.
peace
bobby d
Dear Unemployed and Looking,
First and foremost, I hope that you find a job and your personal situation improves.
The focus of the EDC, Marion County Commission and the City of Ocala is to increase the average income of working Marion County residents, by only providing incentives to businesses that create jobs that pay 115% or more of the average income. In the past this has no been the case, but if you know of a way to better stimulate our economy please share with me.
I personally, would like to see the County Commission reduce property taxes to the agricultural rate on any business that moves to Marion County, hires our people to create a product or service that is sold outside of the county. This will encourage the creation of jobs.
Best wishes to you,
Ray Strickland
Marion County is going through the update of its Comprehensive Plan via public input meetings. County staff has done quite a bit of work on this. If Bobby D is correct about the interest level of our citizens in politics and functioning of county government, then we can probably expect a reaction similar to that of Paula Wheeler, one of our neighbors in Alachua County. Read this letter to the editor in the Gainesville Sun. I’d bet someone will be able to write the same letter for Marion County.
“Stop Complaining and Start Doing”
"This county has a lot of complainers, and I admit, I'm one of them.
We complain about traffic congestion, over-development, taxes, lack of recreation facilities, pollution of our water resources (Newnan's is the worst in the state), and the list goes on and on.
The county commission is currently in the process of updating the comprehensive plan which governs the direction in which our community will head for the near future. On Thursday a public meeting was held (one of three) by county staff to receive input on the issues and strategies relevant to updating the plan. I attended this meeting, as did nine other citizens.
The staff had obviously gone to a lot of trouble to organize this thing, and after an overview, we broke into 7 groups, with appropriate staff, to discuss the elements of the plan; i.e., land use, transportation, resource protection, etc.
The meeting was very productive, the staff highly informed and enthusiastic, and our concerns were duly noted on flip charts. I'm sure we all walked away with a sense that we had contributed our input and with a lot of additional reading material about the plan.
The point of my letter though, is that out of a county of 247,000 who would have guessed that the number of staff in attendance would have exceeded the number of interested citizens?
I suppose that most people simply like to whine and aren't really interested in improving conditions, or at least staving off the further degradation, of our community.
If any of the remaining 246,990 county residents are interested in these issues, there is one more meeting; Thursday at 5:30 p.m., at Kanapaha Middle School."
Paula Wheeler,
Gainesville
the last post said enough. who has read the plan of either alachua or marion. i would contend ...none,
but lets complain, lets debate, no no no lets accuse. Doug said it best when he lied.
where is the fairness when it is said "I WON"
Who is Doug?
This report just in from Fox News. Next it will be Bob Rose and Chip and PC’s show!!!!!
{President Obama warned Republicans on Capitol Hill today that they need to quit listening to radio king Rush Limbaugh if they want to get along with Democrats and the new administration.
"You can't just listen to Rush Limbaugh and get things done," he told top GOP leaders, whom he had invited to the White House to discuss his nearly $1 trillion stimulus package.
One White House official confirmed the comment but said he was simply trying to make a larger point about bipartisan efforts.
"There are big things that unify Republicans and Democrats," the official said. "We shouldn't let partisan politics derail what are very important things that need to get done."
That wasn't Obama's only jab at Republicans.
While discussing the stimulus package with top lawmakers in the White House's Roosevelt Room, President Obama shot down a critic with a simple message.
"I won," he said, according to aides who were briefed on the meeting. "I will trump you on that."
The response was to the objection by Rep. Eric Cantor (R-Va.) to the president's proposal to increase benefits for low-income workers who don't owe federal income taxes.}
Me thinks it would be good to get that lady Patty on Booby D's show. She sure seems to know something about everything. I heard she has a degree from Oxford University and has run several major corporations including 2-3 overseas. She was a board member of several international firms and is sought after as a speaker on foreign affairs and international politics. What a resume!
With respect to the letter above about citizen input in comp plan development, one of the problems with getting citizen input into development of Marion County’s plans and policies is that it requires one to believe that the county commission has plans and policies. Sure, the county produces documents to show state and federal regulators and lawyers and judges that it labels "plans" and "policies" in order to meet statutory or other requirements, but do those form the basis of county commission decisions or does the county commission make a series of disjointed, situation specific decisions based on the political calculation of the moment?
I was personally present in the county commission auditorium several years ago when Janet Tutt, who was either assistant or deputy county administrator at the time, remarked to a few of us that a politically connected attorney she named could get ANYTHING approved by the county commission. Have things changed? Well, look at the Star-Banner’s article “County told to cut down revisions to land plans” published on October 22, 2008 in which state regulators take Marion County to task for lacking an overall growth strategy and adopting a piecemeal, ad hoc approach and for excessively relying on developers for data and analysis on comp plan amendments. One of the symptoms of not really having a plan is revising “the plan” a lot.
Several years ago, toward the end of Gordon Johnston’s tenure as county attorney, a local attorney experienced in dealing with the county commission and other local bodies on administrative law matters remarked to me matter-of factly: “I think Gordon gave up years ago trying to get the Commission to operate legally.” Has that situation changed? It was just last year that Ocala Lumber successfully sued the county commission in circuit court after the county commission acted contrary to the county attorney’s advice and the plain meaning of the county’s land development code by depriving this property owner of due process in considering a politically unpopular request for a special use permit. I was present in the courtroom along with one other observer (a reporter) when county attorney Tom Wright had the unenviable task of trying to convince a judge that when the code says the county commission “shall” do something it actually means they’ll do it unless it’s politically unpopular to do it. The county commission’s position was DOA.
We have some ironic commissioners. They're lawmakers who don’t respect the rule of law. They're planners who don’t like committing to plans. They're policymakers who don’t like having policies. I don’t put much stock in the county commission’s plans, policies, and rules or whatever because they don’t. If they want to have a community visioning session in which we discuss whether the people governing the county should respect the rule of law and maintain plans and policies that honestly communicate to the citizenry how the government is operating on the lives of the citizens, I’ll go to that one. In the meantime, I’m not wasting my time on a charade.
Ray Strickland :
On several occassions I have publicaly made suggestions about local Economic Developement based on my past experiences.
Suggest you review archives of Politically Homeless as well as the blog site previous to this one run by the same blogmaster.
Economic developement in Marion County is not going to happen until there is a genuine sense of urgentcy and leadership becomes doers not talkers.
Clayton Ellsworth
WOW!!! That Patty has some background! I thought she had trouble passing her A-Levels and was a clerk at a local Motel. For sure Bobby D should get her to appear on his show, she would be one of the best he's ever had on there.
Perhaps Bobby d could host some sort of Commuinty Forum, starring
Hanson,
Elsworth,
Ceekbaum &
Patty?
Good idea. Let's add in Harris, Lund, Glass, Stone, McClain and PWF and we would have a 'Misfits Gathering'. LOL!!!
You 'Pubs want to increase the Hispanic vote for Rs? ead this:
www.politico.com/news/stories/0109/17868.html
Dear Anonymous 11:30am,
The Republican Party can attract more Hispanic voters by creating Real Immigration Reform with a Temporary Worker Program. Read this: http://www.heritage.org/Research/Immigration/bg2229.cfm
Ray Strickland
http://www.heritage.org/Research/
Immigration/bg2229.cfm
creekbaum, You should have stooped meddling in county politics many years ago instead of attempting to get dirty books in the library! Along with your cohort Tutt and Seig!
Now look at the stupidity that a woman was arrested because she kept a stupid library book (value about $15.00) longer than she should have!! What in the hell has this country become?
Stupidity continues in Marion County unfortunately!!!
Again, this county gets what it deserves! I dont know why the Creekbaums dont migrate to San Francespool, they would really fit in beautifully!
In 2002, the County Commission hired an Orlando consulting firm for $870,000 to conduct corridor studies to help plot growth strategies in three fast-growing areas - South U.S. 441, State Road 200 and U.S. 27. Those were finished in 2003. Subsequently, county planners took two years, at a cost of $300,000, to perform similar in-house studies covering SR 326, U.S. 41, SR 40 and the Shady area.
What a waste of money!!!!
Hey tell us who you are:
Sounds to me like the pot alling the kettle balck, who are you you piece of trash? You show me yours and I'll show you mine!!! Maybe???
Really pisses you off doesn't it!Dont dish it out if you cant take A..Hole back at you! I guess the truth hurts! Liberals love to dish it out!!!!
consultants are a waste of money! But, politicians feel better using them so they can "blame the Consultant" or the "consultant said"!
anon 6:50
Looks like we have the 'Parrot' back! Polly want a cracker?
name finder.
Guess again dogs breath? You may be getting closer however!!
Yo Patty (aka Dogtag)
Did you go to Church today? If so, your preacher won't be proud of your Sunday language!
Republican Ed Rollins just said his party is irrelevant on CNN.
He says the Republicans can squawk all they want, but they don't have any ideas, and they don't have the votes. They're SOL.
He adds that Obama could be "better than Reagan"!
Booby D tells us not to worry about National politics. SURE! Wait until that Federal money starts flowing to all the Florida places that supported Obama. Marion County will get screwed and South Florida wins the jumpstart money! Just a little reminder to the voters in 2010.
Hey Bobby, Good idea, let's get all the brains together and flush out this creep from the UK and see if (it) is in the USA legally!
I'll bet not! How you doing Cary?
Patty does use her name if you would only check out the blog more thoroughly!
Please know that I use my name 'Patty' if you would check back on this blog!
Now as for Patty going to church, I don't and until I can find a church that is not using the pulpit to get certain individuals elected to office, I will continue to listen to Dr. Charles Stanley, televised every Sunday!
I will affiliate with the Queen of Peace even though I am not a Catholic! I think Father Patrick O'Doherty is the most sincere of all in this community!
So, to those who continue to attack me for standing up and doing the right thing, you don't bother me one bit, I have only one person I have to answer to and that is God Almighty! How about you?
Have a great day and God Bless.
The real 'Patty'
anonymous:
only 13 of the counties in florida supported obama so we arent the only ones here. all national politicians come from local politics. if we are more informed locally and are more diligent with our local guys we will ultimately have better guys moving up the food chain. political parties have more to do with promoting social agendas then fiscal ones. both parties are held hostage by the banks and federal reserve. notice obamas first act as president to lift the ban on federal funding of abortion oversees, next the freedom of choice act, about abortion again. he will do nothing in 4 years except promote an extreme left social agenda.
did anyone read brad rogers piece, anyone who didnt vote for obama is a raceist.
peace
bobby d
Bobby,
Does anyone even care about this deviant 'Mr. Rodgers' who uses his pen to espouse hate and mistruths!
He is a disgrace to his profession!
What can one expect from a paper that is all but finished?
Quite honestly, it's really sad that he thinks he is a 'journalist' and is unable to separate fact from fiction! This individual lives in his own little insignificant dreamworld!!
What happens to these poisonous pen pushers after they fall from grace? I never here where they go following their demise from the local puppy 'house trainer' paper!
Anyone who would suggest that if you didn't vote for Obama is a racist speaks volumes about the caliber of his character and reminds me of another little dictator who came to power by the indoctination of the children!
Patty
Why hasn't the issue of Obama vs. Rush been brought up yet?
Why is the Mesiah so afraid of a big Fat white Guy? What harm can he do? After all Obama Won! Fair and Square, right, maybe not?
Ray....When you get a chance take a look at the linked article. It’s a further explanation of what I meant when I said talking about “small government” is not the answer.
www.outsidethebeltway.com/archives/would_reagan_recognize_todays_republican_party/
P.S. to Dogtag, whoever that poor misguided soul might be, I’m still very good friends with Charlie Stone. I remain loyal to my long-time friends, even those I disagree with.
If all you people don't care for that 'deviant' Brad Rogers, why the hell do you keep reading his articles and then have a mental seizure talking about them?
Dear Stan,
Republicans have an agenda; it is just harder to explain than the message of the Democrat Party of you can have everything you want and someone else will pay for it.
Do you think that President Obama is going to lift the poor out of poverty? Is President Obama going to make the sick well and healthy again? Is President Obama going to reduce teen violence and the drop out rate? The answer is no, because these issues can only be resolved by individuals with the will, and morale character to change themselves.
Republicans have an agenda of individual opportunity and the more government takes out of the economy the less opportunity for individuals.
Now is the time to revisit Ronald Regan’s famous quote “In the present crisis, government is not the solution to our problem; government is the problem.” John McCain could have won the presidential election by just saying no to the $700,000,000,000 bailout of the banks. President Obama is going to add $1,000,000,000,000 more in (welfare) stimulus spending. The people will be back to the Republican Party in droves when they find out that the 400,000,000,000 in tax cuts, go to people that pay no income taxes and the Democrat Congress passes the largest spending bill in history. We will be back to double-digit inflation by the end of 2011, or surely on our way to it because of the cost of borrowing all of this money.
For those that believe building roads will stimulate our economy, I direct you to this article - The Fallacy of Stimulus Spending at http://blog.heritage.org/2009/01/23/the-fallacy-of-stimulus-spending/.
Elections run in cycles,
Ray Strickland
Sorry, I spelt President Reagan's name wrong.
I heard you like mudkipz?
ANON
Ray...I’ve been pretty consistent in saying Obama will more than likely duplicate the Carter years. Remember that? Weakened national security, high inflation, long gas lines, unemployment up the ying yang, and mortgage interest so high no one could afford a home.
Obama will have the advantage of a media so intent on being sure he doesn’t fail that they will just “fail to report” many problems. However, if things get really bad, the media will not be able to hide failed policies from the public. Then, they will turn on Obama in a fast food minute! Time will tell.
In the meantime, Republicans better start offering meaningful alternatives or they are going to be run over by the Obama train called "Euphoria." Sitting on the sidelines and waiting for him to screw up ain’t good political strategy.
Ray...Also, don't forget the voting demographics are not at all in favor of the Republicans and getting worse. The policies of the Democrats appeal to the majority of our electorate and trending even more so that way.
Just asking:
We read his articles just like Thomas Jeffersons read the Koran before he went to war with the Muslims in Africa, to see what our enemy is thinking.
Peace
Bobby D
ps. stan and ray how about a show together about the issues, it would be fun
What's the deal with Yancy discussing setting up a Muslim Charter School?
Ray, you’re quoting President Reagan and questioning the value of government spending. Here’s what economist Martin Feldstein, the Chairman of the Council of Economic Advisers under Reagan and an economic adviser to the McCain campaign wrote in an October op-ed in the Washington Post entitled “The Stimulus We Need Now:”
“The only way to prevent a deepening recession will be a temporary program of increased government spending. Previous attempts to use government spending to stimulate an economic recovery, particularly spending on infrastructure, have not been successful because of long legislative lags that delayed the spending until a recovery was well underway. But while past recessions lasted an average of only about 12 months, this downturn is likely to last much longer, providing the scope for successful countercyclical spending.”
Feldstein’s comments on the need for temporary government stimulus reflect the beliefs of a wide range of economists.
It’s ironic that Stan is predicting Obama will turn out to be another stagflation president since one of Obama’s backers and advisers is Paul Volcker, the Fed Chairman known chiefly for slaying inflation. Whatever the economy does going forward will, fairly or unfairly, eventually be attributed to Obama, but a fair minded judge will evaluate the results in light of what was baked into the cake the day he took office. He’s inheriting what Alan Greenspan, the Fed Chairman first appointment by Reagan and kept in that position by three subsequent presidents (two Republicans, one Democrat), has called a once or twice in a century financial disaster.
Here is a little something to lighten up all this high powered discussion about politics. Whether or not you like Sarah Palin, play with this:
www.nydailynews.com/news/politics/election2008/shopwithpalin/index.html
Copy and paste the link.
Honestly, I never knew so many crack-heads could type. Reading all the comments leads me to believe that with so many Republicans looking for work these days they could only find jobs trying to fill blogs with more horse **** than a ranch.
That gun in the Palin wardrobe is neat!!!!!
I don’t think that webpage with Palin in her underwear and clothes on hangers is working. I tried to get the underwear off of her and onto the hangers, but it won’t come off :-)
Brian:
That's a good one!!!!!!! LMAO!!!!
Hey Ray,
You seem to be going against the tide concerning the economic stimulus. Here is a quote from the most popular Republican in Florida:
"I'm not a big-government fan, but there are times when government needs to help," said Crist, who has co-signed a letter to congressional leaders asking them to quickly pass a stimulus package that could exceed $800 billion.
Maybe your principles aren't the same as Charlies. But he won and you didn't!!!!
creepbalmy:
We all knew you were a freeky piece of crap and now you have reiterated our suspicions! You have actually been trying to undress a piece of paper of Sarah Palin? Wonder what your Mother would think if she finds out what you do after dark? I dont think you have ever been married have you? Guess no gal could put up with your stupidity!
Charlie Crist is a liberal and that's why you leftys on this blog continue to support this phony with his pretty boy hairdo!
Stan, We know you are still friends with those who voted down your MRMC plan! You were still not too happy with the vote! You sure sounded off in the paper and came across like a spoilt little brat who thinks he should get his way and nobody else has a brain!
When are you going to run for office?
On Fox this morning, they had Alan Coombs on as a guest and even he admitted that for Obamarama to make stupid statements and bring a talkshow host into the fray was not too smart! It only confirms that Rush is getting to him and the pelosi /reed idiots!
This man (OBAMA) is totally unprepared for the Presidency and it shows everytime he opens his mouth! Personally, I think he is being led on by the Pelosi/Reed/Murtha/Biden brady bunch and he will be made to look like the failure leaving the door open for 'Billary' in 2012!
In other words, nobody is going to fall for the 'strategy' that it is still Bush fault.
Who in their right mind would ask the taxpayers to cough up millions of dollars and send them overseas and fund abortions?
The USA is in a financial crisis and we are going to put at the top of the list that we have money to send overseas! Hello/where in Gods name is all this money coming from?
Brian....Will inflation-fighter Paul Volcker’s advice help Obama keep inflation low? Maybe. He might be able to help keep inflation and interest rates at the 10%-13% levels instead of 15%-18% as they were under Carter. As you imply, the economic cake has already been baked and with some bad ingredients!
BTW, for you bloggers who have made such “nice” comments about me and Munroe Regional’s taxation/financing situation: It ain’t over until the fat lady sings and she’s not yet anywhere near the stage!
Stan: 7:56
I can also be objective when the facts present! I agree with you 100% regarding the 7:56 comments! If only the rest of you could follow suit! Unfortunately, you don't and will continue to attack those in this community who have tried to do the right thing regardless! The circle of friends and associates I surround myself with have always had the best interest at heart for the citizens and we do care about the future of the USA!
Do we want this country to become a socialist nation? I don't!
How about you?
Stan,
Again, when are you going to run for office?
We realize you wont stop re the MRMC issue...however, I can only hope that you have enough common sense to not ask we the people to fit the bill given the financial climate! If you continue down this path of national health care socialism, you wont stand a chance on a Republican ticket! Just an opinion, if I'm still allowed!!!!
BTW, I dont hate you, I simply disagree with some of your ideas for a better economy!
The proposed federal stimulus plan would send a big check to state governments in order to "save the public sector jobs of teachers, police officers, firefighters, and others who provide vital services." But the states aren't innocent victims. Their revenues have collapsed of late, but the main reason so many states are broke today is because lawmakers, like many citizens, thought the days of living well would last forever.
The state spending binge of the last five years has been almost unprecedented in American history. Since 1998 state and local budgets have nearly doubled to $2 trillion, according to the Census Bureau. State and local expenditures rose 34% from 2003-2007 compared to inflation of 19% and population growth of 5%. They also loaded up on debt, which doubled to $2.23 trillion in 2008 from $1.14 trillion a decade earlier. This doesn't include nearly $1.5 trillion in unfunded health and pension liabilities.
The states with the biggest deficits tend to be the most wasteful. California has by far the biggest gap -- $40 billion -- thanks in part to a 40% increase in spending over the last five years. Arizona, Florida and Nevada also have deficits of roughly 20% of their operating budget; each of these states allowed their expenditures to grow by more than 50% faster than the average state budget over the last decade.
Get busy Florida State Legislators. You have a lot of work to do to make up for the overspending. Let’s see if you have the balls to put aside all the crying from the special interests (including teachers) that have benefited from your outlandish spending.
See more details from the Wall Street Journal here:
online.wsj.com/article/SB123292993332813959.html
Brad Rodgers et al must be racist he suggests we must be if we didn't vote for Obama!!!! This creep lives in an all white community I believe and has the nerve to make such asinine remarks!
He receives his salary from a paper that apparently has an all white editorial/reporter staff!
NAACP where are you now? You should be checking this atrocity out big time!!!! Sounds like discrimination to me!
Austim Miller is not African American, I believe he hails from Jamaica and I might add is a very nice man! Whoops! Hope this doesn't get you fired Austin!
He is not wasting any time.
With one stroke of his pen, President Barack Obama acted Friday to fund organizations that do abortions overseas. His action means tax dollars will now go to groups which promote and use abortion as a means of population control in underdeveloped nations.
President Obama’s executive order will increase the number of unborn children killed overseas by abortion as federal grants totaling $441 million start flowing to groups like the International Planned Parenthood Federation.
President Obama’s order rescinds the “Mexico City” policy, first established by President Ronald Reagan in 1984. The policy, in effect during both Bush administrations but revoked under President Clinton, limited federal “population assistance” program dollars to groups that agreed not to "perform or actively promote abortion as a method of family planning."
As a candidate, Obama said he was interested in seeking “common ground” on the abortion issue and finding ways to “reduce the number of abortions.” His executive order does the opposite and is only the first in a series of attacks on the unborn child.
The President wants to force taxpayers to pay for abortions by repealing the “Hyde Amendment,” a measure in force since 1976. The National Right to Life Committee estimates that more than one million Americans have been spared from abortion as a result of this law, which is now targeted for repeal.
The president also wants to mandate abortion as one of the “services” required to be insured under a new federal standard of health care. And he has loudly announced his support for the Freedom of Choice Act, legislation that will invalidate all state and federal limitations on abortion. FOCA will increase the number of children who die from abortion annually by about 125,000, according to one estimate.
You can respectfully tell the President what you think about his executive order and his pro-abortion agenda with a letter, email, or phone call. For contact information, please click here.
Coral Ridge Ministries has produced a powerful new documentary about the threat posed by the Freedom of Choice Act. Freedom to Kill: Unlimited Abortion at Your Expense explains why this bill is a clear and present danger to America's unborn children--and your wallet.
And to learn more about the abortion issue, request Ten Truths About Abortion, a book and DVD set that delivers insightful, factual, and compelling information about the unborn child, abortion, and its devastating impact on women
Subject: Just a billion?
Some startlingly basic math for all of us to remember.
As they say, perspective is everything.
How many zeros in a billion???
This is too true to be funny...
> The next time you hear a politician use the word 'billion' in a casual manner, think about whether you want the 'politicians spending YOUR tax money.
> A billion is a difficult number to comprehend, but one advertising agency did a good job of putting that figure into some perspective in one of it's releases.
A billion seconds ago it was 1959
B A billion minutes ago Jesus was alive.
C A billion hours ago our ancestors were living in the Stone Age.
D A billion days ago no-one walked on the earth on two feet.
E A billion dollars ago was only
8 hours and 20 minutes,at the rate our government is spending it.
While this thought is still fresh in our brain.../let's take a look at New Orleans ..../>
It's amazing what you can learn with some simple division.
Louisiana Senator, Mary Landrieu is presently asking Congress for
250 BILLION DOLLARS to rebuild New Orleans .. Interesting number...
what does it mean?
A Well... if you are one of the 484,674 residents of New Orleans
every man, woman, and child)you each_get $516,528.
B Or... if you have one of the 188,251 homes in New Orleans, your home gets $1,329,787.
C Or... if you are a family of four...your family gets $2,066,012Imagine, now $700 billion bailing out banks in the US . That's
enough to fund complete medical care for every man, woman and
child currently alive in the US for 11 years!!
50 billion to bail out the auto industry???
Washington, D.C.
Ottawa ON.
HELLO!!!**
Are all your calculators broken??*
Accounts Receivable Tax*
Building Permit Tax*
CDL License Tax*
Cigarette Tax*
Corporate Income Tax*
Dog License Tax*
Federal Income Tax*
Federal Unemployment Tax (FUTA)*
Fishing License Tax*
Food License Tax*
Fuel Permit Tax*
Gasoline Tax*
Hunting License Tax*
Inheritance Tax*
Inventory Tax*
IRS Interest Charges (tax on top of tax)
IRS Penalties (tax on top of tax)
Liquor Tax*
Luxury Tax*
Marriage License Tax*
Medicare Tax*
Property y Tax*
Real Estate Tax*
Service charge taxes*
Social Security Tax*
Road Usage Tax (Truckers)*
Sales Taxes*
Recreational Vehicle Tax*
School Tax*
State Income Tax*
State Unemployment Tax (SUTA)*
Telephone Federal Excise Tax*
Telephone Federal Universal Service Fee Tax upon Tax*
Telephone Federal, State and Local Surcharge Tax*
Telephone Minimum Usage Surcharge Tax*
Telephone Recurring and Non-recurring Charges Tax*
Telephone State and Local Tax*
Telephone Usage Charge Tax*
Utility Tax*
Vehicle License Registration Tax*
Vehicle Sales Tax*
Watercraft Registration Tax*
Well Permit Tax*
Workers Compensation Tax*
Income Tax*
Everything Tax*
STILL THINK THIS IS FUNNY???*
Not one of these taxes existed 100 years ago...and our nation was the most prosperous in the world. We had absolutely no national debt...
We had the largest middle class in the world..and Mom stayed home to raise the kids./
What happened?*
Can you spell 'politicians!'*>
And I still have to press '1' for English.
I hope this goes around the US & CANADA at least 1 billion times
What the heck happened???
Enjoy the rest of your day!!!
During the presidential campaign there were reports of men flocking to Palin’s campaign rallies. Shortly after the Palin rally in Marion County, one of the attendees struck up a conversation with me about it while I was waiting for someone at Publix. This geezer spent most of his time gushing about her looks. Anybody who thinks much of her appeal isn’t based on her usefulness as a Viagra substitute many men would like to see wearing a string bikini, high heels, and a bottle of vegetable oil is kidding themselves.
Mooselini’s best hope for her presidential aspirations is if the economy dives into a full-fledged depression. A nation desperate for relief might then turn to this confection of fascist eye candy, forgetting that her overweening ambition drove her to seek the second highest office in the land while about as prepared as the average supervisor of a Wal-Mart sporting goods department. In economic terms, her ascent to the presidency surely would stimulate sales of Kleenex.
So patty says "Does anyone even care about this deviant 'Mr. Rodgers' who uses his pen to espouse hate and mistruths!
He is a disgrace to his profession!"
This comes from the english product who espouses real hatred and wouldn't knmow truth at any level. She has done more to tear apart our REC than antyone I know til she got tossed out. i know cause I was there. ex rec'er
Dear Stan - 01/25/09 7:56pm,
I agree with you on the meaningful alternatives. It is important that Republicans push for real stimulus and real job creation that is why I am back in this discussion.
There is nothing better than a job to bring dignity to the human spirit. Being able to take care of one’s own family, or create jobs that help others take care of their families is one of the noblest characteristics of human nature. Business has been so demonized for so long that people forget that Government must take from someone else to create a job. Government has never created a job and will never create a job. Government should create the environment for individuals to take risk, invest their capital and create jobs.
I am back from the sidelines, after I read the (welfare) stimulus bill.
Ray Strickland
Dear Bobby D, – 01/25/09 9:37pm
I will make myself available; just get back with me on the date, time and topic.
I would like to discuss one topic at a time, so that we can get into a more in-depth conversation.
P.S. What does BTW mean?
Ray Strickland
01/25/09 10:52pm - Dear Brian,
You, Feldstein and McCain are correct. The key words would be temporary and quick. The current proposed package is neither and will only prolong the recession. My primary concern is the excessive borrowing and government taking a greater portion of the GDP.
I would however disagree with you about who created this mess. The Republicans are surely not off the hook because they over spent, but the Freddie Mac and Fannie May debacle has the sole ownership of the Democrat Congress. President Bush tried to move the institutions to the private sector because he saw the morale hazard of the government guarantee, but was stopped at every turn by the Democrat Congress.
Brian, you seem to be a fiscal conservative and want the government to follow the laws that they create. Be vigilant; keep an eye on government no matter who is in charge or has the power.
Ray Strickland
01/26/09 8:25am - Dear Money is Good,
I agree with you, I do not hold the same positions as Governor Crist. I have taken many unpopular positions in the past and am sure to do so in the future, it doesn’t bother me, as long as you can defend your position in a logical manner.
What principals do Commissioner Stone and I differ?
Ray Strickland
Dear Thrifty 2,
You are right on target. Couldn’t have said it better.
Ray Strickland
Dear Bloggers,
A Great Video about economic history: Go to youtube.com and search for "Keynesian Economics Is Wrong"
Stimulus or Welfare?
Ray Strickland
Ray,
BTW means 'by the way'
Computerspeak short cut!!!
Ray----I meant Charlie Crist not Stone!!!
Ray,
Democrats in Congress may have enabled continuation of a dysfunctional combination of private capital and de facto government guarantees at Fannie Mae and Freddie Mac, but Democrats in Congress didn’t force American consumers to overleverage or Wall Street institutions to overlerage or to use complex financial instruments based on fatally faulty assumptions about market behavior. Democrats in Congress didn’t force the Fed to provide the liquidity that inflated asset prices or that led to lousy credits getting loans. The repeal of Glass-Steagall that permitted the universal bank model that is now being questioned had bi-partisan support in Congress.
I’ve been a big believer in free markets for a long time, but even a free market proponent like Greenspan has been given pause. I think he believed the people running the private financial sector were more able to protect the interests of their shareholders than they’ve turned out to be. I heard Goldman came out with a report today calling the banks the new utilities because of the increased regulation they will face.
I haven’t read the stimulus package but the array of economic advisers Obama has put together is far, far from what you would expect in the sort of “socialist” government you can read about in some blog rhetoric, and he strikes me as someone sincerely interested in the advice of the people he surrounds himself with. He says he’s interested in what works, not in hewing to ideology. We’ll see.
Hey Webmaster!
How about a new topic on the economic bailout? This column is getting pretty filled up.
hey (ex-rec) Did we get too close to the truth about your buddy Mr' Rodger'? Maybe he needs some of his own medicine and see how he likes being judged and scrutinized unfairly!
What happened to you, did they kick you out! Patty was not kicked out of the MCREC ever! I doubt she would get kicked out of anything! Maybe she resigned because she couldn't tolerate creeps like you taking over our once great and noble Republican Party! Strange how the party started it's self destruct somwhere around 2004-2005
Harvey Klein would be turning in his grave if he could see the destruction you all created!
Harvey Klien had his faults, but he would never hjave allowed this to happen to loyal party members!
Please give more details if you can! This is probably coming from one of the OakRun creeps spreading gossip! Some things never change!
Strait wasn’t kicked off the library board, either. She just chose not to seek a second term when it was clear she was such a pariah there was no point in her coming to the meetings. In several years of observing her on the library board, I saw no evidence that she had any purpose in being there other than to draw attention to herself by harassing the staff, insulting her fellow board members (including Republicans), and otherwise trying to sabotage the public library. She accomplished nothing for children. Harris may have delighted in watching her antics, but he might still be a county commission had he not appointed her to that board and supported her continued presence on it in spite of overwhelming evidence of her unfitness to serve. Her return to Marion County will make it markedly more difficult for Harris to revive his political career.
AMEN BROTHER!! THE WOMAN IS A MENACE TO THE REPUBLICAN. BEST THING FOR THE PARTY WOULD BE FOR HER TO LEAVE AND TAKE OUT A FULL PAGE AD STATING THAT. THE PARTY WOULD BE OVERCOME WITH NEW REPUBLICANS NO LONGER EMBARRASSED TO BE CALLED REPUBLICANS!!
LEAVE THE PARTY, I MEANT. SHE CAN STAY IN OCALA. WOULDN'T GO SO FAR AS TO RUN HER OUT OF TOWN. BUT THEN AGAIN!!!
You right wingers look at the picture. It's what you have caused for our Party. Shame, Shame.
http://www.gainesville.com/article/20090126/OPINION04/901260982/1089/OPINION?Title=Back_of_the_bus
9:20 PM
What's a loyal party member? Sure would be a stretch to put Patty or Booby on that list.
WOW!!! Guys and gals, I never realized until now how influential I was and obviously must be today!! Thanks for all the compliments!
I guess your claim to fame Creekybalmy is trying to teach our little boys 'it's ok to have sex with other little boys given how you appear to 'hold such a grudge' over the Public Library issue and because you were not successful in your disgusting endeavour to have porno in our libraries where our little ones could reach!
I am curious to know what your claim to fame has been in the community! Dont see your name up front with any good deeds! You insignificant lout!
I dont know why I bother to respond to your lying diatribe other than to stop you from pushing flaming liberal lies and innuendos! People know the truth around here and I guess 'birds of a feather flock together' so go and enjoy your crazy idiotic 'good buddies'
We still pray for your kind every day in the hope that you will find peace before you meet your Maker.
BTW, how about reading the minutes of the Library Advisory Board meetings and see if you can find any of the innuendos you stated up front about my so-called behaviour and desrepect! I admit I didn't sit back and take your diatribe and that really ticked you off, didn't it, sweetheart???
Sleep well! Dont forget your pacifier!
Well, I guess it's hate Patty and booby week! That's ok by me, next week it will be someone else and that's how the overgrown school kids behave! Especially, when we get to the truth about slime bag Rodgers et al!
My theory is, that while they are attacking me, they are giving some other poor innocent a break! So much hate!!! Bring it on you snakes! Bet you wouldn't say what you say about Bill Glass to his face! Bill would probably knock you from here to kingdom come! Oh that's right, you are a bunch of 'girlymen' who can only verbally attack women!!!
I repeat there is no Republican Party in Marion County! Cant for the life of me understand why some on this blog think and talk like they are repubs! I dont think they fit in with the dems either, wonder what that makes them? Ummmm!!!!!!!!1
Creekybalm
"In several years of observing her on the library board"
hey Brianne, If as you say, I was only on the LB for one year, how could you possibly have been observing me for several years?
You just put your big foot in your lying mouth buster! Oh, btw, I doubt anyone would give you a second glance, let alone spend so much time observing you!! On second thoughts probably someone in the mental health dept would want to check you out and see what caused so much pain and suffering!
What happened to your friend the Wiz of Oz who thought it was ok to destroy and literally rip the Bible in two, at the County Commission meeting! You sure know how to pick them!!!!
Hey Patty---Old Brian really hit your hot button. Why so defensive if you are so damn perfect as a Republican and a Christian?? Those who know you would say you are neither. We pray you will have forgiveness extended to you, since you are not willing to forgive those who don't agree with your diatribe. btw you were absolutely useless as a board member and there were commissioners who would have liked to throw you off the LAB.
hey made my day jerk:
FYI, I know I am not perfect and have never proclaimed to be! Obviously, you dont know me! I care about people and especially those who suffer and have given much to those less fortunate than I am (btw, many are really hurting these days) My time is my way of giving love and help to others!
It's pretty evident that you are unable to read! You really are one sick puppy! Please try and get a life...nobody gets to me in this community! I can assure you anyone with common sense and a brain can see that the shoe is on the other foot! FYI, I'm as calm as I can be and whoever keeps screaming (using capitals in computer speak) is known to be out of control!!
We will continue with our prayers and again, check the LAB records, dont take my word for it! We were subjected to an individual who ripped the Bible in two and the likes of creekybalm sat there and enjoyed every minute of it! Btw, you are right about some Libs on the County Commission were not too happy with me along with most on the LAB Libs who had their wind knocked out of them by someone who wasn't willing to take their 'anything goes, porno' at the expense of the taxpayers in the public library! Julie Seig is a great lady and I know she was pressured by some nuts on the left!
I was very proud to have been a part of the destruction of your leftwing nutcases! BTW, I wasn't alone on the LAB and wouldn't begin to take all the credit! (Nice compliment from you all,however and it is greatly appreciated!) I know I can go to my Maker with a great heart, soul and clear conscience! How about you? Maybe you are not a Believer! You would really have a happier existance if you believed in something!
God Bless, have a nice day Brianne, Brad et al! Have fun talking to yourself from now on!!! Nobody else gives a hoot about your leftwing perception of who,what or where we stand on the social issues! I'm moving on, hope you will do likewise!
Hey fella, If Ms.Patty was so useless on the lab, why are you in such a tizzy about her...Speaks for itself dont you think?
Dear Money is Good,
I believe we need a stimulus package that will create jobs, and we need it quickly. Because if history teaches us anything, some of the most negative societal consequences have occurred when the government has allowed the economy to be weakened to the point where people couldn’t take care of their own families.
Governor Crist is a transitional Governor. This often occurs after a very successful politician (Governor Bush) has completed a lengthy term of service. Gov. Bush vetoed the legislative pork of his own party in good times; Gov. Crist is vetoing the legislature’s cuts in spending as they try to balance the budget in hard economic times.
I still would like to know what principles Governor Crist and I differ?
Ray Strickland
Ray,
If you and Governor Queer Pot Crist have the same principles, you better an end to any hopes of getting into ANY office in this community. Maybe you should run as a Democrat, that's what Crist is!!!
Dear Anonymous,
Did you read all of my responses to Money is Good? I am trying to find out why people post stuff or just make derogatory comments, but do not respond to questions. I thought the purpose of a blog was to stimulate intellectual collaboration or debate issues with hope of winning over people to your position. If that is not the purpose it seems to be a waste of time.
What makes you think that I agree with Governor Crist’s policies?
Ray Strickland
Hey Strickland--you're talking out of both sides of your mouth. If you don't agree with Crist then I guess you differ with him. DUH!!!!!
You have the attributes to be a good politician--double talker.
regading the tax poem -
In China they have a saying that there are more taxes in America than there are hairs on a cow.
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