From the “Moderate” Side by Jim Blessing I read with amusement how our new congresswoman, Susan Brooks, was very proud to join her fellow Republicans in voting to repeal Obamacare (for the 38th time). Ms. Brooks, along with Sen. Dan Coats, also is standing firm against any form of gun limitations, resisting immigration reform and voting against the rights [...]
From the “Moderate” Side by Jim Blessing Although I tend to be a supporter of Democratic presidential candidates, I recognize there have also been strong Republican presidents including Presidents Lincoln, Teddy Roosevelt and Eisenhower. A more recent Republican president who deserves praise is President George H.W. Bush (the first President Bush). Although I certainly didn’t agree with all of [...]
Last month, I attended a meeting at the Carmel library about the proposed Indy Connect transit plan. Within Hamilton County, the plan includes rail transit, as well as rapid and express buses. There also are circulating buses that will move people from the outlying areas to the transportation centers. Judging from rush hour traffic, I’m sure you are aware that [...]
As the election has been over for several weeks now, it’s time for our two political parties to come together and derive a solution to the Fiscal Cliff. I think a balanced approach of raising tax rates, reducing defense and other spending, and adjusting entitlement programs is needed. It shouldn’t be that difficult if both parties compromise. Here in Hamilton [...]
Hi. There was an interesting article in the Indianapolis Star about Vigo County, Ind. (home of Terre Haute) voting for the winning presidential candidate in every election since 1956. In fact, other than picking the losers in the 1908 and 1952 elections, Vigo County has voted for every winning presidential candidate since 1892. It would sure be cheaper for Presidential [...]
Hi, how about some Presidential Trivia? In four elections the losing Presidential candidate received more votes. This includes Andrew Jackson in 1824, Samuel Tilden in 1876, Grover Cleveland in 1888 and Al Gore in 2000. They have one thing in common. All were Democrats. (Jackson and Cleveland later won elections.) Three of these elections were long ago and it’s difficult [...]
Fact: The US Congressional approval rate has fallen to historic lows ranking it below telemarketers (ugh)! Cause: Members engaging in partisan gridlock instead of working for the benefit of the American people. How can we reduce this partisan gridlock? Well, one thought is to vote AGAINST candidates who hold views totally in line with their party’s ideologue positions. Instead, doesn’t [...]
For the first time since 1983, there is an open seat in the 5th Congressional District due to Dan Burton’s retirement. As this is quite a competitive race, I’d like to discuss the three candidates. Susan Brooks won a very crowded Republican primary by a small margin. Brooks is an attorney and was appointed by George W Bush as US [...]
Hi, I’m just back from a short trip and fall has arrived. Thought I would touch on our choices in the governor’s race. Republican candidate, six–term US Congressman Mike Pence has been campaigning as a clone of Mitch Daniels. His campaign signs proclaim “Mike” instead of “Mitch!” In reality, his record is much different from Daniels and his views more [...]
When Mitt Romney announced his VP choice of Congressman Paul Ryan, Republicans immediately branded the selection as a “bold” choice. The term “bold” choice was used so often that, at first, I thought it was an advertisement for detergent. Since Romney has seemingly flip-flopped his positions on most issues between his candidacy for Senator and Governor of Massachusetts and his [...]
