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Merry Christmas!

Dec 23

Posted by Allie Jennings in Feature Post | 1 Comment

JenFam1

As much as I’ve enjoyed blogging about politics, pop culture, and anything else that pops into my head, I’ve come to realize that the demands of family life, my husband’s school schedule, and the fun but challenging task of raising a 3-year-old, don’t leave room for any additional projects.

All that to say, thanks so much for those of you who checked in once in a while! I had a great time putting my thoughts out there and I wanted to leave you with some of my sites and books:

Sites:
-Red State
-Gawker
-Hot Air
-Big Government
-Politico
-The Daily Beast
-Jezebel
-Radar Online
-Mark Steyn

Books:
-Sarah Palin: Going Rogue
-Paula Deen: It Aint All About the Cookin’
-Catherine Allgor: A Perfect Union: Dolley Madison and the Creation of the American Nation
-John Meachum: American Lion (about Andrew Jackson)
-Tom Brokaw: The Greatest Generation
-Michael Gates Gill: How Starbucks Saved My Life: A Son of Privilege Learns to Live Like Everyone Else

Thanks again and I hope you and your family have a Merry Christmas!

Ideas Will Matter Most in 2010

Dec 22

Posted by Allie Jennings in Feature Post | No Comments

greg ballard
On his radio show yesterday Rush Limbaugh made an interesting point. He said that while fundraising is important, it’s ideas that will drive the 2010 elections. To illustrate his point, he discussed the election of Indianapolis Mayor, Greg Ballard.

Many Republicans were intimidated by the idea of running against Democratic incumbent, Bart Peterson. When the race began Ballard had $300k in his war chest. Peterson had $2.9 million. Overall Peterson raised 30 times as much as Ballard.

But Peterson’s heavily funded campaign was, ultimately, no match for Ballard’s aggressive grassroots movement which capitalized on growing dissatisfaction with rapidly increasing taxes and crime.

It will be interesting to see if the same sort of scenario plays out in congressional districts all across the country in 2010. If the economy hasn’t rebounded in a big way; if health reform passes and we’re stuck with an increased tax burden; if the situation in Afghanistan shows no signs of improvement, heavily funded incumbents like Bart Peterson may be shown the door.

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“Cash for Cloture”

Dec 21

Posted by Allie Jennings in Feature Post | 1 Comment

mrmoneybags

If Mary Landrieu’s “Louisiana Purchase” made you mad, check out the laundry list (383 pages worth) of state provisions, aka pork, that some how made its way into the Senate Health Bill around midnight last night.

-Chris Dodd: This one’s my favorite. Although Chris Dodd doesn’t come right out and say that the money is for UConn, his provision says the $100 million is for:

“a health care facility that provides research, inpatient tertiary care, or outpatient clinical services.” It must be affiliated with an academic health center at a public research university in the United States “that contains a State’s sole public academic medical and dental school.”

that happens to be located in Mansfield, Ct…whose mascot is a huskie…whose basketball coach is Jim Calhoun…hmmm, may be too specific…

I’d love to see a Republican pick that $100 million off for a university in their state; but because of Dodd’s ultra-specific wording, only about a dozen qualify.

-Ben Nelson: The federal government will pick up the tab for the expansion of Medicaid benefits in Nebraska.

-Max Baucus: Medicare expansion in Libby, Montana

-Bill Nelson: Another Medicare expansion that will result in hundreds of thousands of Floridians being grand-fathered in.

Other goodies:

-Nebrasksa, Louisiana, Vermont, and Massachusetts will receive federal help with Medicaid.

-$10 billion, courtesy of Bernie Sanders, for community health centers.

Here’s how Mark Steyn summarized what’s going on:

You can’t even dignify this squalid racket as bribery: If I try to buy a cop, I have to use my own money. But, when Harry Reid buys a senator, he uses my money, too. It doesn’t “border on immoral”: it drives straight through the frontier post and heads for the dark heartland of immoral.

These expansions of Medicare & Medicaid as well as the goodies I’ve mentioned will cost somewhere between $1-1.6 trillion, which will be paid for by raising taxes and cutting $500 billion out of Medicare right around the time our baby boomers turn 65. Great plan.

Less money + more patients = rationing

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The Detroit Blame Game

Dec 18

Posted by Allie Jennings in Feature Post | No Comments

Parents blame teachers, teachers blame city officials and city officials blame…Shepard Smith?

Community leaders from Detroit are incensed over a comment that Fox News’ Shepard Smith made in response to recent news that 69% of Detroit fourth-graders scored below basic math levels as did 77% of eigth-graders.

Here’s what Shep had to say:

To hear that 69 percent of the kids that took the test scored as if they just guessed on every one. And you’re talking about adequeate…adeqaute advancement, I don’t care. If my kid were in Detroit I’d try to burn the place down.

Detroit Public Schools Emergency Financial Manager Robert Bobb responded by saying this:

Yesterday, Shep fired back:

Shep’s right. The real story is that the scores on the progress test “were the lowest in its 40-year history.”
detroitbooks
As if that’s not bad enough, teachers are threatening to strike rather than accept a contract that would force them to give up $500 a month or $250 per paycheck to reinvest back into the school system. The money (if managed properly, which is a big “if”…this is Detroit we’re talking about) would be used to pay down the $219 million deficit and would supposedly be paid back to teachers upon retirement.

Parents led by Sharlonda Buckman, CEO of the Detroit Parent Network, are calling for civil lawsuits and jailling of anyone within the Detroit school system who is not doing their job to educate students. Their anger also extends to Mayor Dave Bing who failed to show up to the organization’s annual forum.

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THIS is Leadership

Dec 17

Posted by Allie Jennings in Feature Post | No Comments

“I’d go through Hell with a gasoline can . . . There is not a person in this room I would not sacrifice my life for.”

-Colonel Allen West

If you haven’t yet heard about the congressional candidate from Florida’s 22nd district, this video will give you a glimpse of what Col. West is all about.

Honors:

-Bronze Star
-3 Meritorious Service Medals
-3 Army Commendation Medals (one with Valor)
-Valorous Unit Award
-US Army ROTC Instructor of the Year
-Distinguished Honor Graduate III Corps Assault School
-Army Master parachutist badge
-Air Assault badge
-Italian parachutist wings
-German proficiency badge (Bronze award).

He’s an outspoken critic of the DC tax-and-spend model:

To stimulate our economy we must realize that Keynesian tax and spend economic theory does not work. The public sector shall never grow the economy, that comes from the private sector. When I hear our new President speak of building an economy from the bottom up, well, you just have to cringe.

If we are serious about restoring the American economy then suspend payroll taxes until the situation improves. I would begin with a 3 month suspension and willingly extend that to 6 months if necessary. In order to inspire investment, innovation, ingenuity, and real growth we must end capital gains, dividend, and death taxes, just abolish immediately.

He understands that our healthcare system is not perfect; but doesn’t believe in the single-payer overhaul that is currently being considered. Instead, Col. West believes that tort reform, buying across state lines, and HSA’s would fix many of the problems we are encountering.

In regards to our 2nd Ammendment rights, Col. West says:

An armed and informed law-abiding citizenry is the best defense against an unjust government and the criminal element created by irresponsible societal benevolence and activist judges

He was named Front Page Magazine’s “Man of the Year” for the valor he showed in Iraq in dealing with a thug Iraqi police officer who sought to harm his troops. Forced to use some degree of physicality, Col. West was able to get vital information from the cop–information that saved the lives of the 700 sodiers in his care. Col. West admitted to using aggressive tactics to attain this information and was stripped of his command and threatened with jail time. He escaped court martial and was ordered to pay a $5,000 fine but was able to return home to his wife, Angela, a cancer victim.
allenwest
Col. West’s life has been marked by many challenging experiences that have, undoubtedly, helped shape his views on policy.

Who better to make decisions about the war in Afghanistan than a man who served as an advisor to the Afghan army? Who better to vote on education funding than a man who holds two masters degrees and whose wife has both an MBA and PHD? Who better to discuss our health care system than a man who saw the impact of cancer on a family member firsthand?

Col. West would bring the combination of common sense conservatism and real world experience to a Congress that is desperately lacking both.

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Capitol Hill: What Recession?

Dec 16

Posted by Allie Jennings in Feature Post | 4 Comments


While the rest of us clip coupons, refurbish furniture, bargain shop, and opt for leftovers over pricey restaurant fare, our elected representatives are still enjoying the good life.

It’s as if the news of an American recession hasn’t yet reached Washington.

Check out these single-entry food and beverage expenditures for the third quarter of this year by members of the U.S. House, courtesy of watchdog.org.

Madeline Z. Bordallo [Guam] Outrigger Guam Resort $6,090
Steny H Hoyer [D, MD-5] Middleton Hall $5,380
Jean Schmidt [R, OH-2] Capitol Host $4,657
Barbara Lee [D, CA-9] Capitol Host $4,066
Kevin McCarthy [R, CA-22] Vincent Fong $3,863

Here are some other notable expenditures. Because these expenses are so high, one would assume that they represent expenditures over a full year or a full term even. They don’t. Keep in mind that these figures represent only 3 months of expenses:

-Sanford D. Bishop Jr. spent $2,468 on new carpet.
-Linda T. Sanchez spent over $33k on computer hardware.
-Richard “Doc” Hastings spent $18,931 on furniture.
-Dave Camp spent over $23k on office equipment.
-Jesse L. Jackson Jr. spent $8,520 on janitorial services
-Chaka Fattah spent $3,475 on janitorial services
-Louise McIntosh Slaughter spent over $48k on web development / email.
-Tom Price and John B. Larson each spent over $1k on bottled water.
-Ed Pastor spent $16,758 on automobile leases.
-Candice S Miller spent over $9k on lodging

Clearly our elected representatives are spending our money with no regard for the people who actually put them in office.
steny-hoyer
What’s most tragic about these numbers is that, out in the real world where you and I live, the $16k that Ed Pastor spent on car leases could’ve been used to start a small business that would eventually create jobs and put people back to work. For many people the $1k that John Larson and Tom Price spent on bottled water is equivalent to one months rent. The $48k that Louise Mcintosh Slaughter spent on email (which is free) and “web development” could support a middle class family for a full year.

Our politicians aren’t good stewards of our money because we don’t force them to be. Paying over $2k for new carpet, $16k for car leases, and charging your dry cleaning to the tax payers should be a career-ender; but it’s not because we don’t force the issue.

This will continue to be an issue until the Washington establishment, a group who truly invented the entitlement mentality, are thrown out and more responsible officials who are more concerned with governing rather than working the DC cocktail party circuit are sworn in.

We need to send a clear message to the folks on Capitol Hill. They were not elected so that they could induldge in fancy meals; stay at luxury hotels; drive expensive cars; and pawn off their dry cleaning bills on the American people.

Give me a break.

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Where is Susan Powell?

Dec 15

Posted by Allie Jennings in Feature Post | 1 Comment


The Utah stockbroker and mother of two went missing from a Salt Lake suburb on December 6th.

Her husband says he took their boys, ages 2 and 4, on a camping trip. at midnight. in subfreezing weather. for two days.

Here’s what her father had to say:

Susan’s friend, Kiirsi Hallewell, spoke to Greta Van Susteren about Susan’s relationship with her husband:

Joining us by phone is Susan’s close friends, Kiirsi Hallewell. Kiirsi, naturally in every single case like this with a woman or a wife missing or a man or husband for that matter, is the focus is on the family. So do you know, what was the relationship like between this husband and wife?

KIIRSI HALLEWELL, FRIEND OF MISSING MOM, (Via Telephone): They have had their problems in the past, and some of them were somewhat more severe than some of the other couples I have known. But I also know that — I am sorry. Go ahead?

VAN SUSTEREN: I am sorry. I interrupted you.

HALLEWELL: But they both told me in the past couple of months that things are getting much better.

VAN SUSTEREN: When was the last time you saw your friend?

HALLEWELL: December 6.

Greta has also reported that there’s not much of a “boots on the ground” search going on, which may indicate that the police are turning their attention to her husband who has secured a high-powered Salt Lake defense attorney. Here’s the coverage from CNN.

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Missouri Shakedown

Dec 14

Posted by Allie Jennings in Feature Post | 1 Comment


Look up the word “nepotism” in the dictionary. You may find a picture of Congressman Russ Carnahan of Missouri.

His brother, Tom Carnahan, heads up Wind Capital Group–a wind energy development company.

The company announced last week that they have closed on a $240 million financing package which consists of a construction loan, term loan, and letter of credit.

and here’s where it gets incredibly shady…

-The group is also seeking $90 million in aid from the federal stimulus bill.
-They need cap-and-trade to pass in order for the project to survive.
-Russ Carnahan felt comfortable voting for cap-and-trade even though it directly impacted his brother.

So much for the rules, right?
russ carnahan
Here’s how 24thState.com put it:

“So let me get this straight. The brother of a Congressman, son of an appointed Senator, and brother to a Senate wannabe, and son of a deceased governor managed to qualify for a big fat loan that is based on the government building new transmission lines out in Dekalb County? Funny how that works.”

Without a cap-and-trade bill the power generated by the wind farm is more expensive than coal and about as expensive as natural gas.

This is Kennedy-style politics at its absolute worst. When will we get fed up with our elected officials using their votes as a tool for securing tremendous wealth for their friends and families?

According to 24thstate.com, the political back-scratching isn’t anything new in Missouri:

“The Wind Capital Group spokesman is Tony Wyche. Tony is married to Sara Howard, who is no Russ Carnahan’s communications director for this election campaign. Tony was Robin Carnahan’s spokesman for her Secretary of State reelection run, in addition to his duties for Tom.

Sometimes I wonder if there are only like five Democrats in Missouri, but they all belong to 30 coalitions and have 40 jobs apiece. The same names keep popping up – and they’re always getting government money for something.

That’s what is most offensive. The Carnahan’s may not be shaking down investors in backrooms individually, but the policies they support are that mix of public/private investing that always seems to make the family of politicians rich.

All for your own good, of course.”

More:
-RedState.com: “Doing Well By Being a Congressman’s Brother”
-Here is the complete report from 24thstate.com
-Dana Loesch argues that the government needs to get out of the way on wind energy and let the market determine its trajectory.

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Tough As Nails

Dec 11

Posted by Allie Jennings in Feature Post | 3 Comments

nikki-haley-black-dress

Kathleen Parker describes in a recent Washington Post article what happend to Nikki Haley, Republican candidate for Governor of South Carolina, after speaking at the state Republican Convention this year.

“Haley reached to shake hands with Chairman Katon Dawson. He placed a rusty nail in the palm of her hand and said:

‘Do you see what this is? Get ready. . . . because this is what you are going to have to be to get through it.”‘

Haley, a first generation American, is reaching superstar status in a state in which GOP leaders desperately need redemption.

Although she is best known for fiscal conservatism, Haley is unapologetically pro-life; committed to fighting any infringement upon 2nd Amendment rights; an aggressive tax-cutter; and a believer in the importance of government transparency.

When I say that she is a believer in transparency, I don’t mean that she preaches accountability, while loading bills with pork or fighting measures to introduce a roll-call vote. Haley is refreshingly committed to transparency–a belief that has already resulted in her removal as chair of the banking subcommittee.

Haley observed that fewer than 10% of all votes were on the record and took action by drafting a bill aimed at correcting the situation. House leadership warned her that such actions could cost her, and it did; but by sticking to her guns, Haley showed South Carolinians that she would fight for integrity in government–even at great personal expense.

She has even made this issue a cornerstone of her campaign. On her website she says:

“As Governor, I will push for every single vote on the record, for all taxpayer dollars being listed online, for real income disclosures by all legislators, and for term limits. When our elected officials know that the people can see what they are doing it will change the way they conduct business and the policy in this state will begin to move in a direction that we can all be proud of. I have fought and worked to bring accountability and transparency to government, and I won’t stop until sunlight shines on every part of the government process.

How refreshing is that?

More:

-Citizens Against Government Waste blows the whistle on pork barrel spending.
-Erick Erickson supports Haley because she’s committed to smaller government.
-Jenny Sanford, penned a letter of support for Haley.

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The Alan Grayson Comedy Tour

Dec 10

Posted by Allie Jennings in Feature Post | 1 Comment

alan-grayson-with-the-new-democratic-mascot

Alan Grayson continued his one man crusade to embarass constituents in Florida’s 8th congressional district (Orlando) yesterday as a guest on Hardball with Chris Matthews.

Listen as he channels his inner 15-year-old–employing a vulgar internet abbreviation; implying that President George Bush Sr. insulted the Japanese; and claiming that George W. Bush held Prince Abdullah’s hand too long.

But this is Grayson’s real claim to fame:

And just yesterday Grayson called Sentor Tom Coburn “delusional.”

Central Florida residents are in the middle of a devestating housing crisis. Combine that with the same unemployment issues that the rest of the country is facing and a disproportionate number of elderly citizens who are concerned about proposed cuts to Medicare and you’ve got all the makings of a disgruntled populace.

Floridians need a leader, not a comedian.

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