Makes her yes yes and her no no

Fellow Tennessee blogger Dan Cleary writes regarding Sarah Palin's recent activity on behalf of her former running mate AZ Senator John McCain. Dan lays it out very clearly why McCain doesn't deserve conservative support. He gives Palin credit for her loyalty and asks: "Does personal loyalty trump conservative principles for Sarah Palin?"

I'll bite and answer no. From way over here it looks like J.D.Hayworth is a strong candidate and I doubt Palin's support will result in a real numbers change. What Cleary doesn't mention is the importance of a person's word being their bond. I remember when Reagan was running for president and we had Americans being held hostage in Iran. I remember the strong words of Reagan about the situation. I remember that it was obvious the Iranians believed him and while Reagan was being sworn in as President the Iranians were finalizing their release of those hostages. I remember the world being afraid we were going to elect another cowboy in Bush #43. They poked the bear and got 'shock and awe'. What every American president must have in dealing with the world, with the issues here at home, is the reputation for making their yes yes and their no no. I'm  tired of politicians and their rhetoric. I'm tired of their slippery ways. I welcome leaders that will say X, mean X and actually do X.

The political payback is done. She's paid her debt and now Palin will move on with more wisdom about endorsements. Regardless, I will remember, as Cleary, implies, you make the best decisions you can based on what you know at that moment in time. I'm not looking for an all knowing God who'll meet all my needs...I've already got one. I'm hoping to find honest men and women who will protect my rights and freedoms and so my children's futures. I've no doubt Palin is one of those.

Charter poll

It's still early and this City Paper poll could flip but I'm encouraged to see this strong lead for charter proponents. The old way has failed for too many children. Way past time to free up educators to actually get the job done 'for the children'.

If you haven't read CM Jamie Hollin's "Structural Racism" post...take the time now. Here it is.

Tax dollars against tax payers

After viewing the video on HB3065 I'm wondering what the real objection is. I suspect the bill, which simply states:

Notwithstanding subsection (l), no public funds shall be allotted or expended
to support or oppose any referendum in this state.

is a problem for Chamber of Commerce's because they want that lobbying money. The question that seemed to derail the effort was about funds given by governments to support other Chamber work. Could taxpayer funds given to Chambers for one thing be deemed a violation of this law? We'll leave the discussion about the appropriateness of that action for another time. The fact is that other organizations and entities have no problem fulfilling the mandates they have to keep designated funds separate. Every law firm in town knows not to co-mingle funds. Every church in town understands that money's designated for specific purposes must be carefully accounted for. Even Planned Parenthood understands that in order to play their financial shell game they've got to keep the money they get from government separate from the money that actually performs abortions. Why is this separation of funds too hard for the businessmen at the Chamber of Commerce?

Rep. Campfield's bill makes sense. When the citizens of this county got together to force a vote on the Music City Center we had to fight against the city's use of our tax dollars to persuade fellow citizens to vote for it. The ability of the city to use OUR wallets to put us in debt and take more money from OUR wallets is a conflict of interest that must be eliminated.

If that inconveniences the Chamber of Commerces...well tough nuggies.

HB3065 is scheduled for the State and Local Government Committee's Election sub-committee on Tuesday. 

How much money?

So what's your system's real per-pupil cost? The CATO report doesn't mention any system in Tennessee but the video below sure makes you wonder how accurate the numbers are that are being reported to taxpayers.



(Hat tip: Red Hat Rob)

Congressional Calvinball

After viewing the video below (hat tip Sarah Palin) my children 'deemed' the effort Calvinball. I'm proud of those homeschooled kids.

Other kids' games are all such a bore!

They've gotta have rules and they gotta keep score!

Calvinball is better by far!

It's never the same! It's always bizarre!

You don't need a team or a referee!

You know that it's great, 'cause it's named after me!

—The Calvinball theme song