Joke of the Day...

I get the Comedy Central Joke of the Day email.

This was yesterdays:

A man wearing a Democratic pin walks into a bar and sees a picture of President Bush hanging behind the bartender. He calls the bartender over and says, "You should take that picture down. George Bush is a blight upon this nation. He should be impeached."

The bartender, a life-long Republican, is completely offended. "Why you liberal piece of garbage. How dare you come into my bar and tell me how to run my business!"

"Listen, I'm the customer, so I'm always right." the man says. "That picture offends me, so I want you to take it down."

"That tears it," the bartender says, "How would you like it if I came into your bar and told you what to do?"

"Well, you'd be the customer, so you'd be right," the man says.

"Fine, then let's switch places," the bartender says.

So, they do. The man takes the bartender's place behind the bar, and the bartender walks outside, waits a moment, and then comes back inside. The bartender sits at the bar and says to the bar, "You should take that pin off. The Democrats are destroying our country with their liberal agenda."

"Sorry," the man says, "but we don't serve Republicans here."

Why Does Nate Hate Bob La Follette? (A History Lesson)

In a post on his blog, Nate of the Nate Report said:

There is no excuse for the amount of money spent locally and by political parties on unneeded primaries. Now, if the Democratic or Republican parties want a primary that’s just fine with me, but it should not be done on the public dole.

Nathan, Nathan, Nathan....

This is one of the lasting reforms ann legacies of La Follette and the Wiscosnin Idea. Why do you want to ruin our legacy?

From Fightin' Bob:

Declaring that "the spirit of democracy is abroad in the land," La Follette successfully pushed the legislature to double taxes on the railroads, to break up monopolies, to preserve the state's forests, to protect labor rights, to defend the interests of small farmers, to regulate lobbying, to end patronage politics, and to weaken the grip of political bosses by creating an open-primary system.

Wikipedia:

La Follette returned to Wisconsin where he refused a bribe offered by a powerful Wisconsin Republican, Philetus Sawyer, to influence a judge. Outraged by the bribery attempt, he became a vocal critic of machine politics and a leader of the "Progressive" faction of the Republican Party then vying for power with the "Stalwart" party establishment. He returned to office as Governor in 1900, after two unsuccessful attempts, by campaigning for direct election of nominees in party primaries.

From MIT:

Outside the South, primary elections were the cornerstone of progressive reforms. States that adopted the direct primary early, such as Wisconsin, California, and North Dakota, were strongholds of the Progressive movement within the Republican Party.11 (The package of political reforms called the "Wisconsin idea," including the direct primary, was the handiwork of progressive Republican senator Robert M. LaFollette.) The direct primary, its advocates argued, promised to turn out of o±ce politicians long out of touch with the typical voter and to renew the Republican Party with a healthy dose of competition. In the South too,
progressives called for direct primaries as a means of weakening the hold of particular factions or organizations over state politics. Where the target of reform in the North was the business plutocracy and immigrant machines, in the South the target was courthouse cliques and plantation bosses.

Come on, Nate. Don't ruin our legacy. Candidates should not be decided in back rooms, they should be decided in the light of election.

I know you love your IRV, but don't let that blind you.

This War Has Been Brought to You By...

I saw this press release linked to by the Wheeler Report:

Sergeant First Class (SFC) Todd M. Tilkens, of Bravo Company 2/127th in Green
Bay, Wisconsin, has been chosen as an honoree in the Jackson Hewitt
National Guard "Heroes of the Year" campaign. Sponsored by Jackson Hewitt Tax Service(R), an industry leader providing full service individual federal and
state income tax preparation, this year-long campaign recognized National Guard
soldiers, families and even employers around the country who have made a
difference in their states or on foreign shores.

On first thought, it seems nice. A company wants to honor a National Guard Member. But, let's keep reading...

Ten monthly honorees have been chosen, and Jackson Hewitt will soon announce
the grand prize winner, who will have the opportunity of a lifetime - to have
their image featured on a NASCAR race car that will be raced at a 2007 NASCAR
NEXTEL Cup Series Race in February. This is the first time that a non-
celebrity's image will be featured on a NASCAR racecar.

This is not the action of a company that wants to honor National Guard Troops. This is a tax preparation company that is using the image of our Armed Forces to get their name out in NASCAR in February.

This is war profiteering, pure and simple. As Americans, we should be insulted.

The release continues:

To view the soldiers, families and employers who have been nominated for
their dedication to and support of the National Guard's mission, visit http://www.supporttheguard.com.

So, let's visit their website. The first thing you see is the logo of the company. The second is a picture of the car that will race in NASCAR, also with a large logo for the company.

I will gladly be the first in line to honor SFC Tilkens. I can not and will not (and will urge anyone I can not to) support a company that uses the sacrifice and honor of our armed forces to sell their tax service.

We in America have a way of honoring members of our military. The commendation system is as old as our country. Here is the Army's Medal of Honor page. Here is the official site from Congress. And look, they accept donations. They are even tax deductible.

There is even a veteran's clinic in Green Bay. I am sure they would love your money.

Jackson Hewitt, put your money there and keep your logo off our troops.

And, until they apologize and turn their NASCAR money to a better cause, get your taxes done elsewhere.

This place is even in my County Board District.

Oshkosh Youth Soccer Club's Statement on Fees

Click here for the statement.

Something to remember:

This year alone, Oshkosh Youth Soccer Club spent $8,000 for goals and nets for this complex. Also, Oshkosh United Soccer Club and Oshkosh Youth Soccer Club members donated hundreds of hours of volunteer time to repaint the shelter in the soccer complex; remove rocks from fields and fill holes in fields (for safety reasons); and plant grass seed, to name just a few projects - all for the betterment of the soccer complex at Winnebago County Park.

Do the Winnebagan's Love Their Children, Too?

I have a discussion of 2 resolutions before the Winnebago County Board here.

Can Someone Help Me...?

... care even less about Donald Trump and Rosie O'Donnel?

It kinda reminds me of that one time when we went to war with Iraq when all of our news channels were discussing Scott Peterson.

Whatever happened there? I'm sure it all turned out all right...

Benefits of a Democratic Congress....

Friday, the House of Representatives will meet on:

H. R. 4

To amend part D of title XVIII of the Social Security Act to require the Secretary of Health and Human Services to negotiate lower covered part D drug prices on behalf of Medicare beneficiaries.

A BILL

To amend part D of title XVIII of the Social Security Act to require the Secretary of Health and Human Services to negotiate lower covered part D drug prices on behalf of Medicare beneficiaries.

Be it enacted by the Senate and House of Representatives of the United States of America in Congress assembled,

SECTION 1. SHORT TITLE.

This Act may be cited as the `Medicare Prescription Drug Price Negotiation Act of 2007'.

Read the rest here!

The Soccer Fees are Back!

MOBILIZE THE SOCCER MOM'S!

The County Board will be voting on soccer fees again, put some pressure on them.

Details here.

Today in History...

Interesting one today...

1964
President Lyndon B. Johnson declared a war on poverty.

1992
President George H.W. Bush, suffering from stomach flu, collapsed during a state dinner in Tokyo.

For those that don't remember, Bush the first actually vomitted on the person next to him.

Seems like a history of 'trickle-down' economics to me.

And, sharing a birthday with Elvis today is...

65 - Stephen Hawking - Scientist
61 - Robby Krieger - Musician, the Doors
60 - David Bowie - Rock singer
40 - R. Kelly - R&B singer

Strange company...

Update on Services for the Weber's

SHOWING AND SERVICES FOR FORREST AND DALE WEBER

The first showing of Forrest and Dale Weber will be this Thursday January 11, 2007 from 3-7 PM at St. Timothy's Church in Menasha located across the street from Menasha High School.

Then on Friday January 12, 2007 a showing for the public will be held from 2-4 PM with funeral services at 4 PM.

Instead of flowers a memorial has been established with funds to be administrated at a later date.

If anyone would like to pay tribute to Woody Weber, stop by his residence in Menasha to display a Weber yard sign in your yard.

Their obituaries appeared in today’s paper:

Dale K. Weber:

Dale K. Weber, Menasha, age 62, died tragically in a car accident with her husband Woody on Sunday, December 31, 2006 in Missouri. Dale was born March 15, 1944, daughter of the late Clarence and Alice (Dutcher) Zuchel. Dale met Forrest Weber at Northeastern Illinois University, Chicago Teachers College. They were married March 21, 1964. She was active in her church and community. At St. Timothy Lutheran Church she served on the Altar Guild, Counting Committee and other activities throughout St. Timothy Church. Active in politics, she was a long time poll worker and poll site coordinator. Former member of the Menasha Police and Fire Commission and current member of the joint Fire Commissions with the merger with Neenah. She served as Chair of the Winnebago County Democratic Party. She was also behind the scenes in many capacities. She enjoyed crafts, traveling, bowling, and square dancing. Her greatest joy was spending time with her grandchildren. Survivors include two children, Jacquelynn (Clark) Miller, Oconto Falls, Rev. Robert (Nancy) Norris-Weber. Minneapolis; four grandchildren, SPC Benjamin Miller, Nicole Miller, Ethan and Eli Norris-Weber; a step-granddaughter Stephanie DeWilde; sister, Barbara (Jim Pekny) Zuchel, IL; and numerous other family and friends. She was preceded in death by her father Clarence Zuchel, step-father, Harve Nathanson and a half sister, Laura Nathanson. A Celebration of Dale and Woody's lives will be held at 4:00 p.m. on Friday, January 12, 2007, at St. Timothy Lutheran Church, 473 7th Street, Menasha, with Rev. David Skarsten officiating. Relatives and friends may call AT THE CHURCH on Thursday, from 3 to 7 p.m. and again on Friday from 2:00 p.m. until the time of services. In lieu of flowers a memorial is being established in their names. A guest book is available to sign at www.chicagotribune.com.

Forrest E. A. Weber Jr.:

Forrest "Woody" Weber, Menasha, age 65, died tragically with his wife Dale in a car accident on Sunday, December 31, 2006 in Missouri. He was born November 13, 1941 in Chicago, son of Forrest E.A.Weber Sr and Ladell Mae (Mueller) Weilbacher. Woody met Dale Zuchel at Northeastern Illinois University, Chicago Teachers College. They were married March 21, 1964. A graduate of University of Loyola, Woody began teaching in 1963 in Illinois. He served as an elementary school teacher and guidance counselor for 36 years, spending his last 25 years in the Appleton School District. He continued to be a substitute teacher throughout his retirement. He was a proponent of school reading programs. He was active in his church and community. At St. Timothy Lutheran Church he served as President of the Church Council, Usher, and Lector. Active in politics, he served on the Menasha School Board, City Council, Chair of the Winnebago County Democratic Party and as a Winnebago County Supervisor. Woody was a diehard Chicago Cub and Bear fan in Brewer/Packer Country. Survivors include two children, Jacquelynn (Clark) Miller, Oconto Falls, Rev. Robert (Nancy) Norris-Weber. Minneapolis; four grandchildren, Spc. Benjamin Miller, Nicole Miller, Ethan and Eli Norris-Weber; step-daughter, Stephanie DeWilde, his mother, Ladell Weilbacher, IL; a brother, Wayne (Denise) Weber, IL; two half brothers, Ward (Sandra) Weber, Washington, Robert Weilbacher Jr., IL; two half sisters, Darlene Weber, New Mexico, Elizabeth (Frank) Hemingway, Washington; and numerous other relatives and dear friends. He was preceded in death by his father, Forrest Weber Sr., and his step-father, Robert Weilbacher Sr. Funeral services for Woody and his wife Dale will be held at 4:00 p.m. on Friday, January 12, 2007, at St. Timothy Lutheran Church, 473 7th Street, Menasha, with Rev. David Skarsten officiating. Relatives and friends may call AT THE CHURCH on Thursday, from 3 to 7 p.m. and again on Friday from 2:00 p.m. until the time of services. In lieu of flowers a memorial is being established in their names. A guest book is available to sign at www.chicagotribune.com.

The Pleasures of Majority

I get the House Whip's email of scheduled business. I like the look of it:

TUESDAY, JANUARY 9, 2007
On Tuesday, the House will meet at 10:30 a.m. for morning hour and 12:00 p.m. for legislative business. There will be no votes earlier than 3:00 p.m.

Suspensions (1 bill):

1) H.Res. 15 - Mourning the passing of President Gerald Rudolph Ford and celebrating his leadership and service to the people of the U.S. (Sponsored by Rep. Ehlers / Oversight and Government Reform Committee)

H.Res. 35 - Select Intelligence Oversight Panel (Martial Law Rule) (Sponsored by Rep. Obey)

H.R. 1 - Not Fully Implementing the 9/11 Commission Recommendations (Martial Law Rule) (Sponsored by Rep. Thompson (MS))

WEDNESDAY, JANUARY 10, 2007
On Wednesday, the House will meet at 10:00 a.m. for legislative business.

H.R. 2 - Minimum Wage Increase Without Assistance for Small Businesses (Martial Law Rule) (Sponsored by Rep. George Miller)

THURSDAY, JANUARY 11, 2007
On Thursday, the House will meet at 10:00 a.m. for legislative business.

H.R. 3 - Expanding Stem Cell Research (Martial Law Rule) (Sponsored by Rep. DeGette)

FRIDAY, JANUARY 12, 2007
On Friday, the House will meet at 10:00 a.m. for legislative business.

H.R. 4 - Democrat Drug Price Control (Martial Law Rule) (Sponsored by Rep. Dingell)

Oh Where, Oh Where Has Our Little Tommy Gone...

Oh Where, Oh Where Does He Live?

As I detailed in 2 previous posts (here and here) Tommy may or may not still consider the Dairy State home.

Well, Tommy the T has a new website out for his (soon to be failed) run for President.

Where is his committee located?

Paid For By Thompson Presidential Exploratory Committee - 2008

PO Box 15191 Alexandria, VA 22320

www.tommy2008.com

For those following along at home, that is 2 votes for a VA address, and one each for WI and DC.

Just remember that when he is in IA speaking about being a neighbor. He is not one of us.

And is not missed.

Longtime Democratic Activists Killed

This is the text of an email that I had to regretfully had to send to membership:

Longtime Democratic Activists Killed

I am sad to report that longtime Democratic activists Forrest "Woody" and Dale Weber were killed in an automobile accident in Missouri.

Woody served as Winnebago County Chair, 6th CD Chair, Administrative Committee Rep and as a member of the Menasha City Council. He presently was serving on the Winnebago County Board.

Dale organized poll workers, served on the Board of Canvass and was a long-time activist.

They will both be greatly missed.

I will let you know when services will be held.

Click the link below for the Post-Crescent’s coverage.

http://www.postcrescent.com/apps/pbcs.dll/article?AID=/20070101/APC0101/70101021/1979

In sympathy,

-jef-

Winnebago Dems Inaugural Events

Winnebago County Dems Inaugural Events

Hello Members and Friends of the Winnebago County Democratic Party!

Below you will find an overview of events in Madison around the inauguration on Wednesday, January 3rd.

First and foremost is:

Rep Elect Gordon Hintz’s Inaugural Ceremony!
When: 2:00 PM
Where: the Capitol, Madison
Each member has been given a limited number of tickets (5). After 1:50 pm, any “open seats” in guest seating areas will be made available to the general public on a first come, first served basis. The ceremony will be televised at: http://www.legis.state.wi.us/insession/assembly/indexvideo.htm

From Gordon’s announcement:

My office is located in Room 420 North of the State Capitol and will be open throughout the day. You are encouraged to stop by and store your coat and/or other belongings when you are in the Capitol. A small reception will take place during and immediately after the ceremony.

Tours of the State Capitol will be available on January 3, starting at 9am, 10am, 11am, and during the afternoon. Tours begin at the Information Desk, which is located on the ground floor, and last approximately 45 minutes.

After Gordon’s ceremony, we will host a reception:
Winnebago County Democratic Party Inaugural Reception
When: 4:00-6:00PM
Where: the Signature Lounge at the Best Western Inn on the Park - 22 South Carroll (across from the capitol), Madison
We will host friends, supporters and great conversation over snacks. We hope to see you there!

Some other events going on in Madison that day:

Governor’s Inaugural Breakfast
When: 8:00-10:00 AM
Where: the Madison Ballroom, 1 John Nolan Dr, Madison
This is open to the public and free of charge, but you must RSVP at 608-250-5083 or http://madison.inauguration2007.com/

Governor’s Inaugural Ball
When: 8:00 PM
Where: Monona Terrace Community Center
Tickets are $25 and can be purchased at: http://www.ticketmaster.com/event/07003D8F9EA99033?artistid=853208&majorcatid=10001&minorcatid=107
The celebrations will feature blues legend Taj Mahal!

If you can’t make it to Madison, there will be an event in with Lt Gov Barbara Lawton in Green Bay as well:
Lieutenant Governor Lawton in Green Bay for an Community Inauguration Celebration
When: 9:30 AM Tues, Jan 2nd
Where: Boys and Girls Club, 1451 University Avenue, Green Bay, WI

Also, do not forget this month’s:
Winnebago County Democratic Party Meeting
When: 7:00 PM Wed, Jan 10th
Where: The Delta, 515 N Sawyer St, Oshkosh WI

Also, if you are thinking of ever running for office, or want to learn a lot about campaigning:
Camp Wellstone Madison
When: Jan 26-28th
Click this link for details: http://www.wellstone.org/camp/events_detail.aspx?itemID=8897&catID=3752

As always, contact me anytime with questions!

-jef-

(Another) Republican DA (and eager Van Hollan defender/supporter) on trial for felony...

I guess it isn't just Winnebago County....

Bayfield Co. DA to stand trial on felony misconduct charges

Suspended Bayfield District Attorney H. Craig Haukaas will face arraignment in January on charges of felony misconduct in office and conspiracy to entice a defendant to commit bail jumping, a state judge ruled Wednesday.

Haukaas appeared in Bayfield County Circuit Court before Douglas County Circuit Court Judge George Glonek for a motion hearing and preliminary examination to determine whether there was enough probable cause for Haukaas to stand trial.

The two counts stem from an investigation by special prosecutor Guy T. Ludvigson into allegations that Haukaas conspired in a secret deal with public defender Joe Crawford between October and November 2003 on charges against Crawford's client, Joseph Soulier.

This is the weird part...

The criminal complaint, filed on Oct. 31, alleges that Haukaas and Crawford arranged for Soulier to leave Wisconsin for three years in exchange for dropping the three misdemeanor charges. After a Nov. 4, 2003 status conference, Soulier was released on bond and was supposed to return for a Dec. 9, 2003 court appearance.

Does this really happen? It sounds like a bad movie where the lawman takes you to the edge of town with a warning not to come back...

Is that really in society's best interest?

Anyway, it turns out that Haukaas was quite the Van Hollen cheerleader. There was the $500 donation, the quote defending Van Hollen from his own mistakes in the DA's office:

“This ad by the Falk team is a desperate display of politics. It further victimizes the surviving family members, something Van Hollen was able to avoid when he got Newago to agree to plea guilty without going to trial. The Falk team should be ashamed of themselves.”
Bayfield County District Attorney Craig Haukaas

Gerald Ford, James Brown and the History of Funk...

A witty aside from a review of a recent Fishbone show...

"James Brown got to go to heaven for Christmas," declared Fishbone singer/saxophonist Angelo Moore after the very first song at Harpers Ferry on Wednesday. The veteran funk/ska/punk band owes an obvious debt to the late Godfather of Soul and paid homage by quoting his songs and mimicking his showmanship throughout the night. No mention was made of Gerald Ford, whose impact on the development of funk was less profound.

Good to hear Fishbone is back out on the trail. I was supposed to see them in 2002 (Aug 9th - the day after my birthday) in Milwaukee. I didn't make the show, wouldn't you know I received $500 in needed car replacements for my birthday that year when the radiator of my Jeep died.

Anyway, here's one of my favorite Fishbone songs - I'm sure James Brown would approve. (I won't presume to speak for Pres. Ford.)

Another reason we will miss Peg...

AG releases opinion on domestic pratner benefits in Madison...

Click here.

The Consequenses of Poorly Funded and Managed Services:

I hope the investigations are thorough and the punishments complete. All the way to the chief executive of the county. It is time for him to take responsibility for his irresponsible management.

State inspectors declared all patients at the Milwaukee County Mental Health Complex to be in immediate jeopardy after discovering that a second person was starving and neglected at the facility last month, a new report shows.

The state inspection was prompted by a Journal Sentinel investigation detailing the starvation death of Cindy Anczak, 33, at the Wauwatosa complex.

When state inspectors arrived after the story appeared, they learned of a 65-year-old man who had lost 44 pounds in three months. The patient was suffering from dehydration and weakness when he was transferred to an acute medical care hospital. He also had been overmedicated.

Happy Birthday, Stan!

Marvel Comics' Stan Lee turns 84 today!

Edwards is in the Pool...

Something to look forward to tomorrow:

When Mr. Edwards announces, with a round of morning talk show interviews and a press conference in the Lower Ninth Ward in New Orleans, he will become the third Democrat to enter the race formally.
...
Understandably, candidates are going to do what it takes to get publicity. Mr. Edwards’s aides said they chose this slow-news time of year, and the backdrop of New Orleans neighborhoods ravaged by Hurricane Katrina, in part to command the maximum amount of attention. Camera crews will be permitted to film Mr. Edwards as he helps with the cleanup efforts.

I think that Edwards has done all the right things for a Presidential run in '08. He saw the return to economic populism that was building in '04 (and was maybe just a little too far in front of it).

Note - Just as he was just a little bit in front of the 'Daily Show' movement by announcing his '04 run on the show.

But, time and circumstance has caught up with Mr. Edwards. I think his message of two Americas becoming one is exactly what we need and want to hear in '08.

By announcing in New Orleans, the heart of the Republican failure in both economic and governmental mis-management and failure shows that he was right all along. There is no better fishbowl for his message of hope amid the ruins of our economy.

Go get 'em John!

A Sad Milestone...

The latest deaths also brought the number of U.S. military members killed since the beginning of the Iraq war in March 2003 to at least 2,978 — five more than the number killed in the Sept. 11 attacks in New York, Washington and Pennsylvania.

A little disappointed...

Colbert did not have the entire Decemberists, just the incredibly talented guitarist.

Framton was quite the surprise...

Well, here is the coolest Decemberists song, split in three:

Part 1:


Part 2:


Part 3:

A View from the Den...

Well, I received my email from the Mark Green campaign today.

The headline said:

From the desk of Mark Green

How's the view form the den, Mark?

Watch Colbert Tonight...

He will be doing a 'shred off' against the Decemberists!

On Pinochet

Remember the words of perhaps my favorite political thinker, Joe Strummer:

As every cell in Chile will tell
The cries of the tortured men
Remember Allende, and the days before,
Before the army came
Please remember Victor Jara,
In the Santiago Stadium,
Es verdad - those Washington Bullets again

The whole song is here.

John Nichols Sells Out Progressive Ideals, Calls for Petri to Join Dems

This kind of chaffes my hide.

I enjoy Nichols' writing for the most part, but I have seen him speak several times where he says that the Democratic Party is not pure enough, that we are the lesser evil and need to become more Progressive...

Yet, his new solution is to have Petri, who stands firmly against collective bargaining and overtime, for the PATRIOT Act, voted for all of Bush's tax cuts, called Medicare Part D the 'greatest domestic legislative accomplishment of 2003' and stands firmly with Bush on the war; join the Democratic Party.

Petri can go ahead and join the Greens with Mr. Nichols.

Newsweek CW Wraps Up 2006 For Bush in a Sentance...

Bush
Last year's CW said, "Nowhere to go but up." Once again, he confounded expectations.

John Gard is Trying Somethng Different in Retirement...

"I've had opportunities to go other places, but I really want to live in northeastern Wisconsin," he said.

2 Quick Lunch Hits

Eric Boehlert on the various conservative bloggers pushing more and more war:

the 101st Fighting Keyboardists

Here is a must read: American whistleblowers are subjected to torture conditions and detention in Iraq.

Former U.S. Detainee in Iraq Recalls Torment

American guards arrived at the man’s cell periodically over the next several days, shackled his hands and feet, blindfolded him and took him to a padded room for interrogation, the detainee said. After an hour or two, he was returned to his cell, fatigued but unable to sleep.

The fluorescent lights in his cell were never turned off, he said. At most hours, heavy metal or country music blared in the corridor. He said he was rousted at random times without explanation and made to stand in his cell. Even lying down, he said, he was kept from covering his face to block out the light, noise and cold. And when he was released after 97 days he was exhausted, depressed and scared.

Profound Thought of the Day:

From a NYTimes Article on why no one is defending Bush anymore...

But when a politician makes likability a substitute for authority, his opponents make hatred a substitute for opposition.