Comrade Wilson a sore loser?

The Vindicator seems to think so.

Link here.

My biggest beef with Comrade Wilson was his spending / voting habits. He voted to spend money when he knew we did not have it....causing us to borrow (issue T-bills) against our children's income.

Normal citizens go to jail when they write bad checks, but not Congressmen.

3 points for future posts:

1. Kill the Federal Reserve!!!
2. We need to attach our money to some sort of standard (gold, silver, basket of commodities, etc). This way, the politicians, can't print their way out of debt......causing inflation. Decreasing the value of your money (inflation) while paying off debts with the same currency is stealing.
   
3. We need a balanced budget amendment to the Constitution. (this one has to be last, because it would be irrelevant if the Fed can just print more money.)

Cleveland Plain Dealer story on Stickland's conversion on gambling

Plain Dealer column here.

"I don't know whether the governor uses numbers books as he sets about running the state. But his approach to governing seems as ragged and helter-skelter as a degenerate lottery player clutching a dream book."

I do disagree with one comment Phillip Morris says: "When he reversed his principled -- but wrong -- stance on casinos in mid-June and announced that he has suddenly become a proponent and wants to place slot machines at Ohio's seven major race tracks, it became clear that our governor is an impulsive problem gambler."

Ted Strickland was not wrong to oppose gambling in the past. His problem is he didn't keep his word. He said he was against gambling, up to earlier this month, for crying out loud. Now he's all for it. It's unbelievable the changes in a supposed principled leader when faced when cutting spending.

Flip Flop Ted

He's against gambling, then he'd consider it, then he's against it (just 4 days ago) now he's going to increase it (without a vote) in Ohio by saying it's in his discretion to do so by calling it an expansion of the Lottery.

He must be under immense pressure from his union / liberal interest groups to not cut further spending that he'd do something that he knows is not healthy for a society. Increase gambling.

Ted apparently has strong convictions that he chooses not to follow. We need a leader that not only has strong convictions, but follows them.

"The proposal, officially an expansion of the Ohio Lottery, would not need a vote of the people, Strickland said.

The governor had said repeatedly that he opposed expanded gambling as a budget solution and didn't trust the revenue projections of gambling supporters. He also has noted that state voters have rejected gambling ballot issues four times since 1990, most recently in November.

"I think the people of our state have spoken on this issue clearly, multiple times, and until the people change their mind about the issue, then I am supporting what I believe to be the will of the people of Ohio," the governor told The Dispatch last month.

The governor said he wants to bypass a statewide vote because the state needs the revenue quickly."

Clearly Ohio needs a new Governor. Not a Bob Taft Republican, but a leader with convictions (yes, it's a pun). Ted needs to propose more spending cuts and forget more gambling, which will cost us more in the long run. He needs to tell his supporters NO. I don't think he can do it. One wonders if he's worried more about campaign contributions than he is for the cancer of gambling.

He's trying to lay a rotten egg in the Senate's lap by making them be (again) the adults and doing the hard work that needs to be done. That is, cutting additional spending.

A message to Bill Harris, you need to consider the will of the voters, who have time and time again voted down gambling schemes. Here is the Ohio GOP's chance to show a clear distinction between the two parties. The winning strategy would be to cut the necessary spending and leave the democrats on the record of supporting expanding gambling which the vast majority of Ohio's voters do not want.

Previous posts on gambling here, here, here, here and here.

What Governor Strickland has said about gambling in Ohio in the not so distant past.

Press release from the Ohio GOP:

Strickland Defies 'Will of the People'

"The people of Ohio have spoken with a clear voice on this issue time and time again. They do not want an expansion of gambling in their state."
- Ted Strickland, 10/25/07

(Columbus) - Ohio Republican Party Chairman Kevin DeWine accused Gov. Ted Strickland today of using the gambling issue as a political crutch to avoid making deeper cuts to Ohio's budget.

"This is another pathetic display of weak leadership by Gov. Strickland," said Ohio Republican Party Chairman Kevin DeWine. "The governor has already said gambling isn't the solution to Ohio's economic problems, and the lottery expansions he's already proposed have fallen dramatically short of projections. This so-called budget fix rings about as hollow as the elaborate economic development stunt he pulled in Piketon."

Strickland has called gambling "an insidious condition that can ruin lives" and a "false solution to Ohio's economic-development needs." Asked last month whether he would support an expansion of gambling as a solution to Ohio's budget crisis, Strickland said:

"I would tell (supporters) what I have told them several times in the past, that my position remains unchanged, and that I do not believe that this is the right way for Ohio to deal with our budget or to try to fund education," the governor said yesterday. "I think the people of our state have spoken on this issue clearly, multiple times, and until the people change their mind about the issue, then I am supporting what I believe to be the will of the people of Ohio." (The Columbus Dispatch, 6/19/09)

In March, Strickland told The Plain Dealer:

"I don't think it would be accurate to sell this as an answer to Ohio's economic challenges. ... I really don't envision anything that is likely to change my mind."

In October of 2007, Strickland expressed his opposition to gambling when he signed legislation banning casino-style "amusement" machines:

"The people of Ohio have spoken with a clear voice on this issue time and time again," Strickland said. "They do not want an expansion of gambling in their state." (Office of the Governor, 10/25/07)

Despite his public opposition to an expansion of gambling in Ohio, Strickland had no problem taking contributions from the industry's major players, although he publicly assured voters that those contributors "are likely to be terribly disappointed."

According to campaign-finance reports, Strickland has received more than $50,000 from individuals and companies associated with gambling, including MTR Gaming Group Inc., which owns Scioto Downs, a harness-racing track near Columbus. Strickland also held two campaign fund- raisers at West Virginia racetracks. (Columbus Dispatch, 5/13/06)

Strickland acknowledged that he has gotten money at two fundraisers at West Virginia racetracks that operate electronic slots and has taken campaign contributions from gambling interests. But he said he has "received financial support and resources from a lot of people who, if they're giving me those resources because they expect a certain public policy out of me, are likely to be terribly disappointed." (Columbus Dispatch, 4/13/06)

Strickland on Gambling . . .

• Democratic Congressman Ted Strickland, a psychologist, warns of the social costs that accompany gambling addiction, which he called "an insidious condition that can ruin lives." (Cleveland Plain Dealer, 3/24/06)

• Although the proposal includes money to treat gambling addictions, Strickland said its inclusion "points to my biggest concern as a psychologist: This is a difficult addiction to treat." (Cleveland Plain Dealer, 3/24/06)

• "Quite frankly, if I'd been in the legislature when the Ohio lottery passed, I would have opposed it," [Strickland] said. "It amounts to a regressive tax. The benefits of casino gambling in my judgment are significantly outweighed by the negative consequences." (Toledo Blade, 4/10/06)

Strickland, the Democratic frontrunner, told The Plain Dealer's editorial board earlier this week that he is not supportive of expanding legalized gambling in the state. While he didn't bring up religion, his denomination's Social Principles, which are its guideposts of faith, are clear. They denounce gambling as "a menace to society, deadly to the best interests of moral, social, economic, and spiritual life, and destructive of good government." (Cleveland Plain Dealer, 3/25/06)

"I don't think an answer to Ohio's economic future is expanded gambling," [Strickland] said." (Columbus Dispatch, 4/13/06)

Strickland said he always has regarded gambling as a false solution to Ohio's economic-development needs. (Columbus Dispatch, 5/13/06)

Strickland ... opposes expanded state-sponsored gambling in Ohio as well as three proposed ballot issues this fall to allow casinos or slot machines at racetracks. Strickland, a six-term congressman from Lisbon and a Methodist minister, said his opposition isn't based on moral issues but on a belief that gambling isn't good for the state. (Columbus Dispatch, 4/13/06)

Rep. Wilson tries to defend his vote on the Porkulas bill

Below is his own statement on his shameful vote on raising our national debt $819 Billion. He'll have another chance to vote on this after the House and Senate "reconcile" their two versions of this travesty. Who wants to bet a Coke that it's higher after they're done "reconciling"?

I've added a few comments in blue.

Wilson on Economic Stimulus Bill

Posted: 2:51 PM Jan 29, 2009Last Updated: 2:51 PM Jan 29, 2009

THIS IS A PRESS RELEASE FROM THE OFFICE OF OHIO CONGRESSMAN CHARLIE WILSON.
WASHINGTON, D.C. - Today Congressman Charlie Wilson voted to put Americans back to work, create 3 to 4 million jobs and jumpstart our economy. The U.S. House passed the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act of 2009 with a vote of 244 to 188.

Developed with the Obama Administration (Karl Marx et al), this recovery and job creation package will rebuild America (you mean refinance the democrat supporters) , make us more globally competitive and energy independent, and transforming our economy for long-term growth; give 95 percent of American workers an immediate tax cut (what you mean is, take money from folks that pay taxes and give to folks that don't pay taxes via the "earned income tax credit" and call it a tax cut) ; and invest quickly in the economy.
“I was happy to see the American Recovery & Reinvestment Act pass the House today,” Wilson said. “I believe the plan will help us reverse the current economic meltdown. Some have complained that the plan is too big; others have complained that it isn’t big enough. (really, who? a false "compromise") ; As with all legislation, this represents a compromise and I believe we worked hard to develop a plan whose results will be felt in every community in this country. Ohio could receive billions of dollars in federal funds.(Put on the feed bag boys, we're printing money!) That’s huge, and I will do everything in my power to make sure working families and businesses in my district get their fair share of it. (fair share of a massive debt bill? No thanks) It is only fair that the communities that have been the most devastated by recent economic woes get the help they have needed for so long,” said Wilson. (and here he is with your "help", he's here to help you and buy your vote)
“I’m also pleased that the plan includes numerous tax credits that will directly benefit millions of Ohio’s working families and businesses,” Wilson added.
Some of the initial estimates for Ohio include:

Do any of these create jobs in the short term.......in the long term for that matter?

$2,826,874 for Ohio’s Medicaid program. NO
$756 million in Food Stamps to help 1,209,000 Ohio families. NO
$147.2 million to help 257,900 Ohioans who receive Supplemental Security Income NO
$66.1 million to help an additional 16,000 Ohio families take advantage of the Emergency Shelter Grant Program NO
666,416 Ohio workers who’ve lost their jobs will be able to collect additional Unemployment Insurance in 2009. NO
$2,385,026,000 for Ohio’s State Fiscal Stabilization Fund. NO, what this does is let Ohio get around it's balanced budget requirement, just have the federal government invent more money out of thin air and add it to the federal budget deficit.
$472,182,000 for Ohio’s Title I (Disadvantaged Students) NO
$510,428,000 for Ohio’s Individuals with Disabilities Act (Special Education) NO
$36,074,608 for Education Technology State Grants in Ohio NO
$740,000,000 for Education Modernization, Renovation & Repair (both K-12 and Higher Education) in Ohio; NO
$75 million of that would be specifically headed to school districts in Ohio’s Sixth Congressional District. Which will result in massive kickbacks to the dems from the OEA via campaign contributions...using your tax money, of course.
$969,083,888 in Pell Grants to benefit approximately 268,804 college students in Ohio NO
$27,337,915 to for Ohio Head Start NO
$68,140,840 for Ohio’s Child Care & Development Block Grant NO
$155,039,850 for Employment and Training in Ohio NO
$39,979,274 for Ohio’s Community Services Block Grant NO
$49,915,665 for Low-Income Home Energy Assistance (LIHEAP) in Ohio NO
$7,276,756 for Elderly Nutrition Services in Ohio NO
$14,358,180 for Preventive Health and Health Services Block Grant in Ohio NO
$93,043,833 for Byrne Justice Assistance Grants (JAG) NO
$1,036,086,707 for Ohio’s Highways and Bridges Maybe, depends on how much the wages are artificially inflated due to union hiring requirements, which costs the tax payers more.
$150,853,656 for Ohio’s Transit Capital Grants Maybe, see previous.
$24,069,335 for Fixed Guideway Modernization in Ohio NO
$326,786,229 for Ohio’s Clean Water State Revolving Grant NO

Where are the jobs promised from this socialist bill? There are very few. A few highway and bridge jobs. All of these programs might sound well intentioned (sounding like a liberal, I know), but if there is no money, is it fair to our kids and grand kids to put them into debt?

Ted Strickland was well known for voting for the largest tax increase in history when he was our US Representative in 1993....now Charlie Wilson (who replaced Strickland) will be known for voting for the largest deficit spending bill in history.

This is a conservative district and needs to have a conservative representative. We need a Frank Cremeans, someone that is not afraid to be a conservative.

SOOEEE, HERE PIG!

Governor Strickland has found a way to get around that tricky balanced budget requirement in Ohio..... beg the Obama Administration for money from the federal government (taxpayers).

A few thoughts on this (Dispatch story)

Ohio requires a balanced budget. Instead of making the tough decisions (like cutting more spending!), we beg the feds to give us money. So, Ohio doesn't go into debt, the federal government does. How does this help the taxpayers?

Obama tells us not to worry about the size of government, just if it does it's job effectively. If spending our money is doing it's job, it's doing it well enough.

"$67 million for child care" so you now have to pay for your neighbor's child care. Even though you take care of your kids.

Here's another story about this "rescue package", (yes, they phrase these unconstitutional measures in such ways one has to hesitate saying anything against it. Who can be against a "rescue package"?

Why is it that Republicans sound like Republicans only after they have achieved the minority?

""We can't spend our way to prosperity," said Rep. Dave Camp, R-Mich."

""Our plan offers fast-acting tax relief, not slow-moving and wasteful government spending," said House Republican Leader John Boehner."

democrats have no issues sounding like democrats regardless if they are in the majority or minority:

""These funds must be applied for, so my message is, 'Wake up, Ohio,' " Kaptur (D-Toledo) said. "If people in our communities and universities and agencies don't apply for this money, we won't get it. It will go to other states and cities. There's a great urgency for mayors and county commissioners to look at this pool of discretionary funds that must be applied for.""

Here Pig, Sooeee!!!

Smaller government, less layers (No not hens)

This makes sense. How many layers of government do we need?

This story made my day. We need to cut spending and here is the low hanging fruit.

Start with eliminating Townships. Townships made sense 206 years ago. Not now. Massive waste of money through duplicative work that the counties or state could take over.