Saturday, August 29, 2009

Kagen Love Fest 2

From the Chicago Trib. Talk about Atroturfing.
"Kagen schedules health care forum in Green Bay

GREEN BAY, Wis. - Wisconsin Congressman Steve Kagen is holding a health care reform rally in Green Bay on Saturday night.

AFL-CIO members are encouraging their members to show up at the rally to support reform. Emotions have run high at similar events in Wisconsin and around the country, with some degenerating into shouting matches.
" Kagen schedules health care forum in Green Bay -- chicagotribune.com
Where is it? I didn't hear about this one. What are they going to have the same people at another pro Kagen love fest.

No details as of now except it's Saturday night so it must be a mass email to union rank and file only. Super secret location.

This Won't Save Them

From The Green Bay Press.
"Post-Crescent of Appleton to switch to mornings

August 29, 2009

The Post-Crescent of Appleton will convert to morning delivery Sept. 28.
Advertisement

The move will make it a morning newspaper for the first time in its 156-year history in the Fox River Valley. The newspaper will be delivered to all home subscribers by 6:30 a.m." Post-Crescent of Appleton to switch to mornings | greenbaypressgazette.com | Green Bay Press-Gazette

If they could only be fair and balanced and report the news and not create good news for their buddies on the left they would be rolling in subscriptions and profits.

This is just another nail in the coffin for the MSM. What ever they do, they just don't understand their own demise.

Morning paper won't save them.


Kennedy PSA

"Live: Coverage of the Kennedy funeral mass

Live coverage of the funeral mass Sen. Edward Kennedy in Boston begins at 9:30 a.m. today. " | greenbaypressgazette.com | Green Bay Press-Gazette

Sorry, I can't live blog. can someone tell me what I missed.


Steve Kagen's $100,000 a Mile Bike Path


From the Steve Kagens Stimulus vote.
From The Green Bay Press
"Fox River Trail to get additional paving
Donations, grant, stimulus will pay for 3½ more miles south of De Pere

By Nathan Phelps • nphelps@greenbaypressgazette.com • August 29, 2009

The combination of a grant, fundraising and federal stimulus money is expected to add about 3½ miles of paved trail to the Fox River Trail south of De Pere by next summer.
Advertisement

The work, projected to cost about $350,000, will extend the trail south and move the project closer to the ultimate goal of a paved surface from Green Bay to Greenleaf." Fox River Trail to get additional paving | greenbaypressgazette.com | Green Bay Press-Gazette

What evil big construction company will get the bid on this or will the county do it ? Is this payback to the county union workers? You would think the PG would have those answers in the article. Congressman Kagen, how many jobs will this generate? How many people are out of work and we are paving a bike path? Fine, we need to stimulate the economy, but is there a better way to drop $350,000? And while I at it, who in heck would pay and who in heck would charge $100,000 a mile?

Excuse me, can't we build bike paths with all donations and take the $350,000 and lets say fix a main highway that moves commerce? Maybe give some money to Pulaski Wisconsin. They have more than one street that needs repair.

How many jobs will this generate?

This is CRAZY!!!!!!!!!!

Civics 101

A lesson in civics.

I read this letter to the editor in the Oshkosh Northwestern and think Why in Gods name would Dave Hansen not have the common sense to ban texting to all drivers and not just those under 18.

"Right now Senate Bill 103 is before the State Senate. This bill, as it stands, will ban texting while driving, but only for drivers under the age of 18.

Please write (State Sen. Dave) Hansen and encourage him to amend this bill to include all drivers when it comes to the senate floor. Besides cell phone companies (and maybe politicians who receive their contributions), who benefits from drivers who text?" Letters: Lawmakers should ban texting while driving | thenorthwestern.com | Oshkosh Northwestern

So before I take Mr. Hansen to task on this I say to my self, hey why not look up the bill.

Here's the bill if you want to read it.

March 3, 2009 − Introduced by Senators A. LASEE, COWLES, LEHMAN, CARPENTER,
RISSER, LASSA, HARSDORF, TAYLOR, DARLING, SCHULTZ, OLSEN and HANSEN,
cosponsored by Representatives BARCA, TOWNSEND, VAN ROY, BIES, SPANBAUER,
LOTHIAN, PETROWSKI, A. OTT, FRISKE and STRACHOTA.

Referred to Committee on Transportation, Tourism, Forestry, and Natural Resources.
AN ACT to amend 346.02 (10) and (11); and to create 346.89 (3) and 346.95 (10)
of the statutes; relating to: restrictions on the operation of motor vehicles by
persons using electronic text messaging devices and providing a penalty.

Looks like the editorial is wrong and I have no reason to single out Dave Hansen on something that is incorrect. If there is an amended bill for those under 18 by Hansen, I have not seen it. I'll keep digging

Civics lesson for everyone. Before you jump the gun , read the bill. We are responsible for keeping our politicians honest so we need to make sure we know what we are talking about. Dave Hansen has this one right. 

Texting and driving should not be done to begin with. I am just surprised we have to enact laws to correct people stupidity. We don't need more nanny state laws to begin with.

Civics 101. to my sons and anyone else who will listen, do your homework before you jump the gun.

Friday, August 28, 2009

Wonder If Mrs Berry Laker Agrees

From NASCAR.com
"Martin, Hornaday proving age irrelevant in NASCAR
By Raygan Swan, NASCAR.COM
August 28, 2009
02:50 PM EDT

If 30 is the new 20 then what is 50?

Simply fabulous, that's what.

It's especially fabulous for a handful of racers proving the average life span of a NASCAR driver is no longer late 30s to early 40s.

These drivers are also proving NASCAR's "youth movement" isn't the only force driving the future of the sport. Sure, there will be a certain degree of attrition and the need for new talent, but older drivers will no longer be sent out to pasture before their time as was the case in years past." NASCAR.COM - Martin, Hornaday proving age irrelevant in NASCAR - Aug 28, 2009

Honey, is 50 something good?



Who Is Following The Law?



From CBS.
"NEW YORK, Aug. 26, 2009
Flags to Fly at Half-Staff for Kennedy
President Orders Flags Lowered Worldwide for Five Days in Honor of Late Senator"
 Flags to Fly at Half-Staff for Kennedy - CBS News

Took Mrs Berry Laker for PT appointment to Shawano this morning. We drove up and down Green Bay street and seen only one business with the flag at half mast. That's right only one, McDonald's.

I understand Ted was the liberal lion but if he was not a Kennedy and a republican would the President order people to fly flags at half mast?

I don't think so. Is McDonald's that liberal or are others just forgetting to do it?


Congressman Kagen, 9.3 Mil + And How Many Jobs


From The Green Bay Press.
"Green Bay schools set to receive $9.3 million in stimulus funds
August 28, 2009

The Green Bay School District will receive more than $9.3 million in stimulus funds, including more than $3.9 million for high-poverty schools and more than $5.4 million for students with disabilities." Green Bay schools set to receive $9.3 million in stimulus funds | greenbaypressgazette.com | Green Bay Press-Gazette

The announcement of the funding means Wisconsin schools have access to all funds provided through two elements of the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act, according to the office of Rep. Steve Kagen, D-Appleton. The money supports educational services and parent outreach in schools with high poverty rates, as well as special education and early interventions to keep students on track.
What the heck is he talking about? This must be generating millions of jobs!
Here is some more stimulus money for schools in thew area.
♦ Ashwaubenon School District: $780,081 total — $133,205 in Title I funds; $617,672 in IDEA K-12 funds and $29,204 in IDEA preschool funds.

♦ Denmark School District: $461,316 total — $108,358 in Title I funds; $337,024 in IDEA K-12 funds and $15,934 in IDEA Preschool funds.

♦ De Pere School District: $967,738 total — $126,302 in Title I funds, $803,448 in IDEA K-12 funds and $37,988 in IDEA Preschool funds.

♦ Howard-Suamico: $1,293,995 total — $176,687 in Title I funds, $1,066,866 in IDEA K-12 funds and $50,442 in IDEA Preschool funds.

♦ Pulaski School District: $919,138 total — $151,150 in Title I funds, $733,318 in IDEA K-12 funds and $34,670 in IDEA Preschool funds.

♦ West DePere School District: $779,962 total — $155,304 in Title I funds, $596,458 in IDEA K-12 funds and $28,200 in IDEA Preschool funds.

♦ Wrightstown School District: $367,945 total — $57,285 in Title I funds, $296,636 in IDEA K-12 funds and $14,024 in IDEA Preschool funds.

How many jobs did this generate ?

Union Members In 2009

This reminds me of the Kagen, Hansen health care rally and the members who voted on the Merc contact in Fond du Lac.

Can we not say union members are in a trance.

Union people are in GREY! Rank and file need someone to break them out of their coma that their leaders are holding them in.

From You Tube for MacIntosh.

Kagen, Hansen Say Good Bye To 3146 Jobs in Green Bay



From Marketplace who tells us about employment in the Green Bay area.
"Humana now tops the 30 largest private employers in the Green Bay area, nudging Schneider National, Inc., from its post as the largest private employer since 2005, according to Advance, the economic development arm of the Green Bay Area Chamber of Commerce.

Humana employs 3,146 people compared to the 3,094 at Schneider National." Marketplace Today Blog - Humana now Green Bay’s largest employer

With Steve Kagen, Dave Hansen and the unions blaming insurance companies for high health care costs this past Monday night, what will happen when Obamacare/ Kennedycare will shut down Humana and cost Green Bay over 3000 jobs.

Isn't Kagen and Hansen's claim, evil insurance companies have to be taught a lesson? What was the Monday night rally all about? EVIL INSURANCE COMPANIES!!!!!!!!

Will the unions find jobs for all these people that will be laid off from Obamacare in the Green Bay area?


Maybe the MSM will ask Kagen and Hansen how they can vote or agree to shut down medical insurance companies. Will they vote to shut down Humana in Green Bay.


I dare the MSM to ask! I won't hold my breath.
Maybe Mr Engebretson will find a story. I won't hold my breath.




It's Oconto County Fair Time

From the Shawano Leader.


Map link on directions to Gillett and the O C Fair
"Food, fun beckon as Oconto County Fair opens
By Cory Dellenbach, Leader reporter

GILLETT — The sweet smell of fair food was back in the air and screams were echoing throughout Zippel Park in Gillett as the Oconto County Fair opened Thursday.

“The food is the best, definitely the best,” said Amy Wachet of Oconto Falls. “You have to come to the fair for the food.”

While there were several people lined up at the various food stands and the fair food trailers, there is plenty of other stuff for folks to enjoy.

Grandstand entertainment kicked off on Thursday night with the first annual donkey race. On schedule for Friday at the grandstand is a 4x4 truck pull at 7 p.m.

A draft horse pull is set for 9:30 a.m. Saturday, while the farm tractor pull will be at 6 p.m. On Sunday, there will be a Catch A Pig Contest at 7:30 p.m.

“There is so much to do at the fair,” said John Bartow of Suring. “I don’t know if I have a favorite. I like the truck pulls and the horse pulls too, I guess.”

Non-animal youth exhibits were judged Thursday.

Dairy and beef cattle, swine, sheep, goats, and rabbit exhibits will be judged on Friday. Animal judging events on Saturday include the conclusion of the dairy cattle show and the poultry show. Saturday also features the 4-H Horse Project mounted drill team performance and parade of breeds at 2 p.m.

Friends Bethany Meyer and Samantha Pashouwer-Schwabu, both of Lena, were enjoying Thursday afternoon sitting in their goats’ pen, holding their animals and giggling.

“We come here for the animals,” Pashouwer-Schwabu said. “We love looking at them and showing them.”

Meyer agreed, adding that its the cheap part of the fair.

“The rides are too expensive,” Meyer said. “Looking at the animals is awesome and it’s free.”

While the rides may be a little steep for some, they weren’t for others like Grant Sexton of Gillett, who was riding the Spin Out ride for the third time.

“It’s awesome, very cool,” Sexton said. “You go upside down and you turn in different directions. It’s fun. There’s a lot of rides out here.”

Cousins Abby Keller and Ally Crandall came down from Coleman to enjoy the fair and were riding Catch-N-Air for a second time.

New this year is a Junior Fairest of the Fair contest, set for 4 p.m. Saturday in the Family Tent. The contest is open to girls 11 to 13 who are former or current exhibitors at the fair and residents of Oconto County. Each contestant will be asked to introduce herself and answer one question on stage.

Fairgoers can try their luck with the mechanical bull ride, 6 p.m. to midnight Saturday.

Ride specials will be offered by Mr. Ed’s Magical Midway, including $1 rides from 1 to 5 p.m. Thursday and $15 wristbands from 6 to 10 p.m. Thursday and 1 to 5 p.m. Friday and Sunday.

Live music will be featured on the Budweiser Stage each day. Brahma performs Friday night and Jess-Hav’n-Phun on Saturday night. Sunday afternoon and evening’s performances feature the Alvin Styczynski Polka Band and the Music Connection from 3:30 to 9:30 p.m.

Family tent stage shows and strolling magic will be performed by Jim Lenz on Friday and Saturday, with music provided by children’s entertainer Randy Peterson on Sunday in the Family Tent. Also offering free entertainment in the Family Tent are the Gillett-Suring Clergy Association and area libraries.

A dairy dessert contest, offering free samples of the entries, is set for 2 p.m. Saturday.

The fair continues until Sunday with exhibits, entertainment, contests and food."


I Thought It Was For Smokers


From JSOnline.
Doesn't the guy way in the back have a cig in his hand? , I can't tell.
"Patios take on style to attract stylish customers
Gary Porter
The Whiskey Bar's patio has been a hit during the first weeks of business. It offers a spot for people watching near Cathedral Square.

By Kathy Flanigan of the Journal Sentinel
Posted: Aug. 27, 2009

The bar opened last month, and Vitucci was vindicated in short order. On most nights, the patio facing Jackson St. fills up before the inside does, he said." Patios take on style to attract stylish customers - JSOnline


Rangeled Up

From the New York Post. You think good old Charlie is worried?

"RANGEL, AGAIN
Last updated: 4:08 am
August 28, 2009
Posted: 2:59 am
August 28, 2009

Rep. Charlie Rangel's multimillion-dol lar "oops" this month raises plenty of good questions, but this may be the best: How can Democrats continue to close their eyes to such sleaze?


Even stranger, city records show that Rangel still owns the building.

RANGEL, AGAIN - New York Post


16% Unemployment, Your Joking, Right

From Breitbart
"Real US unemployment rate at 16 pct: Fed official
Aug 26 02:25 PM US/Eastern

The real US unemployment rate is 16 percent if persons who have dropped out of the labor pool and those working less than they would like are counted, a Federal Reserve official said Wednesday. " Real US unemployment rate at 16 pct: Fed official

Obama-> Stimulus-> Jobs???????????

Thursday, August 27, 2009

Green Bay Astroturfing, Union Style

Went to the rally at UW Green Bay Wednesday night on health care put on by all the unions in the area. No order on pictures and comments. First let's start by something from Wikipedia.

"Astroturfing is a word in English describing formal political, advertising, or public relations campaigns seeking to create the impression of being spontaneous "grassroots" behavior, hence the reference to the artificial grass, AstroTurf.

The goal of such a campaign is to disguise the efforts of a political or commercial entity as an independent public reaction to some political entity—a politician, political group, product, service or event. Astroturfers attempt to orchestrate the actions of apparently diverse and geographically distributed individuals, by both overt ("outreach", "awareness", etc.) and covert (disinformation) means. Astroturfing may be undertaken by an individual pushing a personal agenda or highly organized professional groups with financial backing from large corporations, non-profits, or activist organizations. Very often the efforts are conducted by political consultants " Astroturfing - Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia

So if I wanted to create the impression of being spontaneous "grassroots" behavior concerning health care where would I hold a rally?


Nice evening on the UWGB campus.


Uh oh, looks like trouble here. Conservatives voicing their opinions.


Looks like Fox 11 getting an interview trying to be balanced.

Update from the Bader Blog a note from one of his listeners.

My wife and I drove down from Cecil to attend the Kagen Health Reform meeting, we parked the car and started walking up...I had a poster that I made. One side read "Fix Gov't" and the other side read "Leave Health Care Alone!". On our way to the building we came across a small group of people holding up there signs and I asked them if they were letting us bring signs in and they said they weren't. So I stood there with them for awhile holding my sign. Fox News 11 came up and wanted some filmage of us holding our signs and I agreed to say something, which they did air some of , you can see it here - http://www.fox11online.com/dpp/news/local_wluk_greenbay_health_care_reform_rally_draws_hundreds_082620092138_rev1
Here's the good part....my wife and I started walking toward the entrance and were stopped by 3 police officers. They said the posters weren't allowed and we'd have to take our "Free Speech" back to where we were standing. I asked, "so there's no Free Speech inside"? He replied, "No, the Free Speech is over there where you were standing, you need to talk your signs back there".



In the parking lot


Who are those people?


Green, blue where are the brown shirts around the sign up table. Don't see any planned event yet, do you?


On the door going into the hall. At least it wasn't free handed like at the Green Bay Library.


Looks like a packed house. Oh boy, music playing in room. Monkee's, I'm a believer. and I think Journey, don't stop believing. Hey, is that a sign in here? I thought no signs! See any astroturfing yet? I do have to say the libs do play some decent music before rallies. Somebody is turning up the volume on Tom petty, I won't back down.

As usual dems are always late. Steve Kagen and Dave Hansen
finally come in around 6;15.


Astroturfing? To disguise the efforts of a political or commercial entity as an independent public reaction. Here we see a member of Wisconsin Operating Engineers local 310. Because of the camera I used they sure stand out in the crowd. Why are they wearing a safety vest? If you look at various pictures, local 310 were either ushers for the event, security for Kagen or were there to squash any right wingers that might get out of hand at their rally. If you look at my pictures you can see they surrounded the room. One every 10 to 15 feet around the room. Seemed like intimidation to me!


Update from the Bader Blog from one of his listeners

1)My wife and I attended last night's health care rally and was amazed at the strong-armed tactics the union thugs in their blaze yellow vests displayed. I was sitting in the back row next to the bearded union thug in the yellow vest shown in the Fox 11 story, 00:37 into the clip. The yellow vest goon told anyone who spoke against Kagan to be quiet or leave. There was a group of five or six of us that were not exuberant in showing our support and he was just staring us down with his arms crossed. I leaned over to my wife to have her take a look at this guy and commented I couldn't imagine union employees having to face this type of intimidation every day. No wonder they all drink the Kool-Aid. This was coupled with the fact that Randy Christopherson, Chief of Police at UWGB, was shaking hands and patting people on the back with several of the attendees. When someone would boo Kagen's handlers would whisper in Randy's ear and he would have someone stand next to them to quiet them down.




From WBAY TV 2
One of the speakers who cannot get insurance. Health Care Reform Rally Turns Into Noisy Debate - WBAY-TV Green Bay-Fox Cities-Northeast Wisconsin News:


From the Appleton Post Crescent.
"GREEN BAY — A roomful of supportive signs and voices — plus a handful of opponents — gathered Wednesday at the University of Wisconsin-Green Bay to push for federal health care reform at a rally." U.S. Rep. Steve Kagen of Appleton meets friendlier crowd to discuss health care reform at University of Wisconsin-Green Bay | Postcrescent.com | Appleton Post-Crescent



Looks like half the people in this section did not want to stand up for health care. This section seated around 100 people. there were three sections of chairs and people standing in the back. I would estimate that there were around 400 people. From this picture multiply by three equals 200 pro protesters and 200 anti health care protesters. We were also told to be considerate of the speakers and please have respect for everyone there. So why did the left stand up and start chanting? The left can yell, you on the right, shut your mouth.


There's the security local 310 around the hall again. By the looks of them they were ready to break, sorry twist some arms in case the conservatives got out of hand.


There's local 310 again. The green shirt is from AFSCME.


Local 310, funny I didn't see pipes and bats. Maybe they had them ready in the back room.

Bad picture but I thought Kagen was the one on the left below the screen. I was wrong.


Meeting of the minds?


This poor guy got thrown out around 6:45. He got his hands on a sign and made his own anti health care sign.

Screaming and yelling from the left. You on the right, SHUT UP!

Huh, no signs allowed in hall?


I don't have this speakers name but she did say a prayer and had some silence for Ted Kennedy. I will paraphrase her prayer but I don't understand how can she pray for life in health care but had the nerve to be with all these liberals who are for abortion. Seems she is a little disingenuous with God here, hey what the heck, she's a lefty.




Someone from the AFLCIO telling us about his friend who didn't have insurance, struggled with his health care and passed away. We need to pass this health care plan to take care of people like his friend.


Security by the door.
Our friend right before he got thrown out.

It was 6:45 and that's all I could take. It was the left that called this rally so I thought they could enjoy their little love fest for Kagen and Hansen. Final thoughts.

If Nancy Pelosi and the left accuse the right of ASTROTURFING, what in sam hell do you call this UNION rally? If the unions were really behind this, to only get 200 to 250 people to attend this was a complete failure. The few in support of this were probably teachers and union reps. I think their rank and file are not happy going along with socialized health care. I think most rank and file were a lot smarter then those of their brethren who attended this love fest for Steve Kagen. By the way, what did I hear, 1700 people at a conservative health care rally in Madison. 1700 people against OBAMACARE Madison, 200, 250 at UWGB from the left, big whoop. Wonder if anyone from the Merc union showed up?
ASTROTURFING is only done by the left and the only ones that will back them on ASTROTURFING are unions.

PS, Dave Hansen attended and is now joined at the hip with Steve Kagen and Obamacare. Between the budget and now Obamacare, Hansen will have to explain a lot in his upcoming election.

Wednesday, August 26, 2009

Lakeshore Nails It, Dumb%$#

From Lakeshore Laments
"Dumbass of the Week

I don't condone college binge drinking, but I think there's a lot more out there in the world the Federal Trade Commission should be keeping us safe from than college-colored beer cans." Dumbass of the Week




Bring In A Rookie



Steve Kagen relates his bad health care proposal to baseball.

From the Green Bay Press.
"Kagen said the health- care debate is about halfway to its conclusion.

"We're about in the fourth inning of a nine-inning game," he said. "It's the most important conversation for Americans this century. It will tell us what kind of people we are. We cannot do nothing. That's not an option."" Kagen seeks health-care solutions | greenbaypressgazette.com | Green Bay Press-Gazette




I say the manager and owner (voters of the 8th district) needs to bench Steve Kagen and send him to the minors (Kagen's private practice) for a .020 batting average, 200 strikeouts and committing 200 errors. In baseball a player this bad should never had been given the chance anyway.

Better yet like bad baseball, Steve Kagen needs to be thrown out

The End Of An Era

From JSOnline.
"Mass. Sen. Edward M. Kennedy dies at age 77 after yearlong battle with brain cancer

By GLEN JOHNSON
Associated Press Writer

BOSTON (AP) -- Sen. Edward M. Kennedy of Massachusetts, the last surviving brother in a political dynasty and one of the most influential senators in history, died Tuesday night at his home on Cape Cod after a year-long struggle with brain cancer. He was 77." JSOnline.com AP News